racingmeridian.com

GRID IRON..an impressive collection of New England Patriots came to the defence of receiver Randy Moss after a couple of Carolina Panther defenders boasted that Moss had quit during their game on Sunday. Now, it should be noted the bragging was rather odd given the Panthers lost.  But, of more interest, were the forceful comments from Coach Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. The Pats love to feel aggrieved or hard done by. Remember the stolen signals kerfuffle with the New York Jets that launched the Pats to eighteen consecutive wins? I think New England will use this insult as very powerful motivation. The team, at odds of 10-1 to win the Superbowl, is creaking on defence but could still enter the postseason at 11-5 and loom a very dangerous challenge…Oakland Raider QB Bruce Gradkowski tore ligaments in both legs on Sunday. The Raiders are considering starting Charlie Frye on Sunday, not JaMarcus Russell. The team seems to have finally had enough of Russell’s antics, which have included accusing receivers of playing harder for Gradkowski than they did for him, and ruling out a pay cut on his 9 million dollar 2010 payout. Russell oozes talent but has never shown a proper commitment to conditioning and understanding a professional offense. Ultimately, the failure is his own…Josh “The Milkshake Man” Freeman has eight interceptions in his last two games quarterbacking the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs continue to claim that Freeman is the answer to their prayers at the crucial position…

ICE..strange night in the NHL with Nathan Horton and Steve Sullivan both picking up hat-tricks…Daniel Sedin ripped five goals and two assists in his past three games. Still makes him the second hottest Sedin in hockey…after another great effort from the Toronto Maple Leafs last night it’s a tad depressing to count the teams below them in the standings (one). The Leafs have moved to 23^rd on the Sporting News Power Poll and are given mad props by the publication given their superb recent play after a dozy start. Still a lot of work to be done, however…

 INVESTING..I finished Peter Schiff’s new book, “You’re All Doomed Unless You Do What I Say”, or something, and I found the whole experience discomforting and unsettling. You’re like me, you hate being taken advantage of or acting like the proverbial “square”. I avoid Pro Line and Woodbine triactors because a 27-40% takeout is unbeatable over the long haul, and I like to invest in areas where I can see solid long term growth. A few years back I researched the investing world diligently and came to a number of conclusions. A gamblers instinct allows one to develop, without even knowing it, an almost innate ability to see a “con”.  The investing industry would like you dumb and compliant, in order for them to continue extracting various commissions and fees.

Okay, so I plough through Schiff’s book and at the end I’m allowed to glean the best manner to protect myself in the upcoming depression; invest in one of Schiff’s companies. Seriously. I tossed the book aside after realizing I had essentially just devoured an infomercial. My mind began to think dark and dangerous thoughts. How come every dodgy writer or broadcaster I engage with today is advising gold or diamonds, and invariably they have a relationship with just the company to steer you through the associated minefields. Minerals and jewels, here, we’ll show you how, just pay these associated costs. Con. It’s always about lining their pockets.

Brothers and sisters, I have the solution to your woes, and I’m handing it out gratis. The key is “cost free investing”. Can I get an amen? The way to really grow your money, to build sustainable wealth, is to invest directly with companies. Cut out the middleman. When you invest directly with a company, you are even usually provided with a discount on the stock price, anywhere from 1-3%, numbers that equal big savings over the long haul. You simply sign up with companies that have Dividend Re-Investment Plans and Stock Purchase Plans (DRIP’s and SPP’s). You can Google the words to find a plethora of websites that will tell you how to get started. I am currently enrolled with banks, energy and real estate companies (Enbridge, Fortis, Rio-Can, Bank of Nova Scotia and Imperial Oil), and my direct relationship with the company means I am paying no commissions, fees or hidden costs. It is a pain to start the enrolment process, but once you’re in, you’re in, and you just send a cheque when financial circumstances (after a big score? anyone else have a perfect weekend in the NFL on Sunday?) dictate it is the prudent thing to do. The DRIP means dividends are automatically ploughed back into your holdings.

I’m appalled at the way the average investor is treated and wanted to mention an alternative. The DRIP approach will likely lead to both a fascination with investing and the ability to create the best possible portfolio for your particular needs. I recognize the approach is only one component of a rich and diversified portfolio, but it certainly is the best place to start…

PONIES..you’d think Irish jockey Kieran Fallon would have learned to shut-up and go about his business. Instead the cantankerous little bugger has levelled a series of unsubstantiated charges against English racing and Newmarket in particular. In a BBC interview, Fallon alluded to widespread drug use in the industry and claims the town of Newmarket is infested with drug abusers. Why Fallon would spout such nonsense is beyond me but Fallon, one suspension away from a permanent ban, seems unable to cope with a lifelong battle with his own demons. After his desultory efforts at the Breeders Cup I think the once great, now average, jock should focus on his own life and no one else’s….the best jocks I ever observed were Fallon, Walter Swinburn, Gary Stevens and Jerry Bailey. Corey Nakatani was ferocious in a sprint and Sandy Hawley ruled the Great White North. But, of them all, Fallon was the best…yep, that’s past tense…

PUG LIFE..heavyweight David Tua, fresh off a one round knockout win over Shane Cameron, has announced a March date in New Zealand against Friday Ahunanya. Tua, if he commits to the sport and fights on a regular basis, will streak up the rankings. Who, outside of the Klitschkos, would be favoured against a fit and busy TuaMan? The drums are already beating for David to return to the U S with ESPN columnist Dan Rafael pimping for a showdown with bloated Chris Arreola…Thomas Hauser has released his annual “Holiday Reading” list. It can be found on the Seconds Out website and comprises the very best works on boxing. My favourite books, “The Sweet Science” by A J Leibling and “In This Corner” by Peter Heller, have permanent spots on the list, but Hauser also incorporates newer works, including the raucous Teddy Atlas autobiography, the fantastic “Two Ton” (on Tony Galento and his fight with Joe Louis) and George Kimball’s seminal “Four Kings”…