T.G.I.F. Friday: Volume 116

Welcome to “Thank God I’m FI” Friday, Volume #116!

Here are some things I really like and that you might too.

Financial Independence/Work Life/Retirement Articles

Missing out (Fi For The People) – “I thought I’d cap it all off by adding my thoughts on things I don’t miss about working full time in my former profession.“

You can put a price tag on the value of a personal finance education: $100,000 (CNBC) – “One recent report found a lifetime benefit of roughly $100,000 per student from taking a one-semester course in personal finance during high school.“

Video

Billy Joel just released his first new non-classical music song in 17 years.  I’m a huge fan, saw him live twice back in the 1990’s, and think the song is amazing, an instant classic. But the video….  AI is getting spooky.  And fast.  Watch below as older versions of Joel sing his new song.  I cannot tell it’s AI, but of course it has to be since it’s a song from 2024 being “sung” by versions of Joel from the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s.  As amazing as the technology is, I fear the myriad of ways it will be used to deceive. 

What I’m Grateful For

The amazing runners, cyclists, climbers, mountaineers, paddlers, and go-getters who make incredible films of their adventures and offer them free online.  Inspiration for my next trip is always just a click away.

Lyrically Speaking

With a little imagination
There’s nothing you can’t do
You’ve got the key to open any door
Right there inside of you

From “Simple Imagination” by Young Gun Silver Fox

Young Gun Silver Fox are a Brit/American duo who unapologetically play what’s known as yacht rock in music circles.  While I’m not always a fan of pigeon-holing music into genre’s, if I were in a band and you classified my sound along the likes of the Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, and Fleetwood Mac I’d consider it pretty high praise.  Young Gun Silver Fox play smooth stuff with the sweet falsetto of singer Andy Platts dancing on top of 70’s-inspired grooves.  You can practically hear Michal McDonald singing backups and harmonies on their songs. They’re not inventing anything new or breaking new musical boundaries, they’re paying homage to a classic sound, and doing it really well.  That classical pianist at the local philharmonic orchestra is doing the same, so there’s no shame in that. 

As for the lyrics above, I know it’s true. I would have never imagined in a million years I’d make a steady income producing art, but I do.  So take a long walk in the woods next time you get chance, and imagine what you can do.  

Miscellaneous

Drugs Like Ozempic, Wegovy Linked to Greater Risk of Severe Gastrointestinal Side Effects – “New research links weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy to a greater risk of pancreatitis, gastroparesis, and bowel obstruction.“

A study comparing the effects of vegan and omnivorous diets fails Science 101 – “A direct-to-docuseries twin study should not be mistaken for valid, knowledge-generating research.“

World’s Biggest Snake Found in Amazon – “Scientists have discovered the largest species of giant anaconda on Earth in the Amazon rainforest. It grows up to 7.5m (24.5ft) long and weighs an astonishing 500kg (1100lbs).“