Sold Gafisa

Amidst the market carnage, I have sold one of my longest held securities, Gafisa. Following a successful proxy contest by a dissident shareholder, new management has taken a lot of steps to cut costs. As such, the stock has done well. Well enough that it's time I said goodbye.

Changing How The World Does Business

Some business moats get built by accident. Fedex was no such accident. Its founder, Fred Smith, knew exactly what he was doing when he created the most reliable business in the world for overnight delivery. Roger Frock ran the numbers for Smith as a consultant before Fedex was launched, and then became one of the company's earliest executives, as he too saw the potential for this business. He writes about the company in his book Changing How the World Does Business: FedEx's Incredible Journey to Success The Inside Story

You've Got RAIL

One of my favourite types of purchases is a stock that I've already owned and sold for a profit. A lot of brain damage is saved from the fact that I already know the company. This is the case with FreightCar America (RAIL), shares of which I have previously purchased and sold as discussed here and here.

Spy The Lie

Wouldn't it be nice to know if someone was being dishonest with you? In Spy the Lie, former CIA officers teach you how to detect deception.

Hidden Colours

I plan to read more novels. I used to think they were a waste of time, but I've changed my mind about that. I now believe I can learn as much or more from a novel than I can from a non-fiction book. One such example is Hidden Colours by Nillu Nasser.

The Scarlet Pimpernel

I wish I knew more about the French Revolution. This 100 year old plus novel, The Scarlet Pimpernel, put me there. The crowds have gone mad; their only satiety is the blood of aristocrats or those suspected of coming to their aid.

EURN or You're Out

I think Paddy Rodgers is doing a tremendous job running crude oil shipper Euronav, but I've decided to sell my shares.