But Warren Buffett remains a market cheerleader, but of course advocating his life-long beliefs in picking the right, well-researched stock-picking situations.

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"This droll-faced northern girl, who in the course of a long and happy life, took her place amongst the best we have, " said Bennett.

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You would, of course, have to wish a lot for a long life to choose to starve yourself to achieve it.

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My grandfather went to other adventures, including service in the Army in France during the First World War (where he was wounded by shrapnel), but went on to live a long life - in San Francisco, of course.

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Lately, when I tell stories of folks who have built great things over the course of a long career, or who have had remarkable success in a second (or third) career later in life, the reaction is often polite and a little bored.

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