Black Swan: Diary

I am starting to read "Black Swan" by Nassim Nicholas Taleb.
After reading the preface, the only major conclusion I can draw is that he loves to brag about his accomplishments.
As I am going through the chapters it seems like he really bashes personal effort in the grand scheme of things when it comes to success in life. He puts so much emphasis on luck. Sure there are many many cases where luck is the predominate reason for success, but for the most part luck is more like the old saying goes when preparation meets opportunity.
I see it more as you have several smaller "lucky" that most people are exposed to and you have taken the opportunity to take advantage of them. Those build upon one another and that prepares you/puts in you the right environment for more opportunity.
He points to scale when it comes to income and says only a few can make "all of the money" quickly. Most people who have jobs that scale very well (say a BANK CEO) have made their fortune quickly. Most come up through the ranks. Yes it is true that some do very little and get paid in big scale, but it isn't overnight that his happens.
Where I think luck plays the biggest role is the genetics you inherit, because that determines so much; but from there it is up to the individual.
Some people create their own luck
3/12/2009:

Bally's Sucks

Everytime I have to go to lockeroom at a Bally's, I immediately remember why I hate that place.  Somewhere in the pamphlet (that I didn't get) it must be stated that you are to do the following things while butt naked:

1. Brush teeth

2. Shave

3. Wash hands

4. Clean ears with finger

5. put your socks on

6. Put your shoes on

7. Always pay close attention to try and strike up conversation with complete strangers while you are in your birthday suit.

I've been to several gyms including Cardinal Fitness in INDY, Cardinal Fitness in Chicago, 24 hour fitness San Diego, 24 Hour fitness Houston, the Wellness Center in Byram, Club 51 in Madison, but the Bally's in Chicago and the Bally's near Bunkerhill (Houston) Texas seem to suffer from this same affliction.

Obamanation

Obamanation: is the United States or a state we are all united in?