The Propeller - July 2, 2023 - Fireworks, Hot Dogs, and Freedom from Boring Emails!

July 4th

As a tech guy, July 4th holds an important significance for me. Beyond the traditional celebrations of barbecues, fireworks, and patriotic fervor, this day reminds me of the power and impact of technology in shaping our world. July 4th symbolizes the birth of a nation that values freedom, independence, and innovation—the very principles that drive the tech industry. It represents the revolutionary spirit that propels us forward, pushing boundaries, and fostering creativity. On this day, I reflect on the role of technology in democratizing information, connecting people across borders, and empowering individuals to express themselves. It serves as a reminder to use technology as a force for positive change, promoting progress. July 4th embodies the pursuit of knowledge, the relentless pursuit of innovation, and the boundless possibilities that technology brings to our lives.

Hopefully, however, most of you aren’t sitting in front of a computer on the 4th. Hope you are able to celebrate with family and friends. What are you favorite things to do to celebrate Independence Day?

Play Ball!

I’m a big nerd when it comes to looking at data and using it to enhance the decision-making process. I help businesses make informed decisions based on actual metrics every day. Here’s a great example of Data-Driven Decision Making and how it improved the customer experience for a great American pastime.

Major League Baseball (MLB) was facing an existential crisis.  Youth attention spans have dropped 70% since the introduction of the iPhone, and baseball went from being America’s most popular sport to its 3rd most popular sport — behind football, basketball, and soon-to-be soccer.

So MLB executives analyzed the data.  They discovered that MLB games had drastically increased in length, and fans wanted shorter games, more action, and a better ballpark experience.

Average Length Of MLB Game
1975: 2 hours and 25 minutes
2021: 3 hours and 10 minutes

So Major League Baseball took a controversial stance.  They implemented several new rule changes, including a pitch clock, larger bases, shift banning, and more.

And the diehard baseball fans HATED this.  They said it ruined America’s pastime and would only accelerate MLB’s decline.  But the early numbers are in, and they look good!

MLB games are now 30 minutes shorter on average. And there is more action, too, with batting average, stolen bases, and runs per game all up year-over-year.

Pace of Play
2022: 3:07
2023: 2:37

Batting Average
2022: .230
2023: .250

Runs per game
2022: 8.0
2023: 9.4

Stolen Base Success Rate
2022: 74%
2023: 80%

And this has a direct impact on fan engagement.

For example, attendance is up for 20 out of 30 teams, and MLB says this past Saturday was the league’s most well-attended Saturday in 8 years, with eight different games bringing in crowds of 40,000+ fans.

So shoutout to Major League Baseball for analyzing the data and having the courage to make drastic changes.  The numbers are undeniable!

Can you Spot a Scam? Five Red Flags to Watch Out For

When it comes to helping you and your family avoid scams, it starts with awareness. Here are a few consistent red flags you can watch for so you can stop a scammer in their tracks.

1. Unexpected contact
A person or company contacts you out of the blue by phone, text, or email about an invoice, order, delivery, or charge you didn’t know about.

2. Everything is urgent
Scammers will create a false sense of urgency and use pressure tactics like rude or pushy language to get you to act immediately.

3. Very specific or unusual way to pay
Someone is asking you to pay or send money using gift cards, cryptocurrency, a payment app, or even an online wire — to pay for something, resolve an “issue,” get sweepstakes “winnings,” or secure a high return on your “investment.”

4. Threatening language
Scammers may tell you that you owe money and then threaten to call the police if you don’t pay immediately. They may also coach you on what to tell the bank to withdraw or transfer money, or ask you to keep a secret.

5. The romantic “emergency”
A new online love interest bombards you with “sweet talk” but doesn’t seem to want to meet in person. Suddenly a hardship or emergency strikes and they want you to send them money.

What to do if you suspect a scam: Slow down. Pause, take a breath, and think it through.

Someone you don’t know is asking you for your money? Remember, it’s your right to confirm things no matter how urgent anyone says it is. You’re in charge when it comes to your money. Contact the company they claim to be, call your bank, or call the police if it doesn’t seem right. Consult with a friend or family member you trust.

Finance: Do this – Cancel EVERYTHING!

I know many of you have quite a few recurring charges for various subscriptions on your credit card. It is easy to become a victim of subscription creep. There are music subscriptions, video streaming subscriptions, gym memberships, online storage, Cell phone services, mobile game fees, etc. Companies make it simple to sign up for their services and automatically charge your credit card each month – hoping you will “forget” about it and just continue to pay, even when you no longer use the service.

Think of your financial portfolio as a boat. All the recurring payments that get charged to your credit card are like leaks in your boat.

You don’t want 100 small leaks wasting the money that could be invested into things that grow your net worth.

So try this:

Cancel everything. Cancel all your subscriptions. Right now.

Then, just sign up for the stuff you need. Being forced to make that purchase decision initiates a small dose of healthy friction when you decide, “Do I actually need this?”.

Chances are you’ll only be paying for a fraction of what you had before.

Another trick I know many people do is rather than subscribing to multiple video streaming services, just sign up for one, watch most of the things you want to watch, then cancel that and sign up for another one and watch everything from that one. They don’t make you commit to a long-term period, so you can subscribe for a month, and then cancel. I know several people that pay $100+ a month on video streaming services, but by employing this method, they can cut it down to about $15/month! $85/month in savings might not be much to many of you, but if you invest that in an index fund instead, it won’t be long before that index fund will be paying you enough every month to subscribe to whatever video services with its passive income! I like it when someone else pays my bills!

What I’m Reading/Listening To This Week

My goal of reading one book a week in 2023 is still underway. I am on book number 27 this week!

What I read Last week:

Flight of Passage is a captivating memoir written by Rinker Buck. This exhilarating and heartwarming book takes readers on an unforgettable journey as the author recounts his incredible adventure of flying a small plane across America with his younger brother, Kern.

The story begins in the early 1960s when Rinker and Kern, both teenagers at the time, totally re-build a Piper Cub bought for $300 and then fly it from New Jersey to California. Inspired by their father’s love for aviation and the tales of barnstorming in the 1930s, the brothers hatch an audacious plan to embark on a daring cross-country flight from New Jersey to California. Determined to fulfill their dream, they restore the dilapidated aircraft and make it flight-worthy.

With little flying experience and a limited budget, Rinker and Kern face numerous challenges along the way. They encounter mechanical setbacks, bad weather, and navigational obstacles that test their skills and resilience. Through their shared passion for aviation, the brothers learn valuable lessons about perseverance, self-reliance, and the bonds of brotherhood. One of the best and funniest parts of the book that I really enjoyed is the story of the box of Avacdo’s they got as a gift in California and had to start throwing them out of the plane as they flew over the mountains to shed weight and gain enough altitude to make it over the mountains!

Throughout Flight of Passage, Rinker skillfully intertwines the story of their cross-country journey with personal anecdotes, reflections on their shared childhood, and insights into the history of aviation. He captures the spirit of adventure and the allure of the open skies, transporting readers to a time when the world was viewed from a different perspective. While reading this, it also allowed me to reflect and remember all the flying adventures I have had and are to come.

Ultimately, “Flight of Passage” is more than just a tale of aviation. It is a poignant coming-of-age story, a testament to the power of dreams, and a celebration of the unbreakable bond between two brothers. Rinker Buck’s storytelling and his ability to blend humor, nostalgia, and excitement make this memoir a truly captivating read.

Pick up your own copy of the print or audio book here: https://amzn.to/3r0qVC0

What I am reading this week:

Recommended by a popular podcaster I listen to, this should be a beneficial read. From the Amazon description: “A popular book that outlines a way of thinking and a way of processing information that enables you to make the daily choices that will lead you to the success and happiness you desire.”

Read or listen along by picking up your copy here: https://amzn.to/3XyxF6q

Have a wonderful and successful week!

This is re-published from the weekly email sent by Leonard Mack entitled The Propeller. To subscribe, visit https://www.LeonardMack.com/subscribe and read it every Sunday evening.

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