If you live in Chicago, how many people at your work were late this morning due to the traffic?

That's because we tend to makes plans based on the best-case scenario. If I have a 9:00 appointment and I know that I can get there in 20 minutes, I'm not leaving until just before 8:40.

And that is why we often run late for things, because snow happens, among other things.

When our current administration was playing around with the idea of an Iraq War, the best-case scenario thrown around was probably something like this: 1) remove one of the most evil and savage dictators in the world 2) secure a near-eternal supply of oil at an amazing price that will allow the U.S. to indefinitely remain the global economic leader 3) catapult Iraq into a thriving democracy which domino effects to bring peace throughout the Middle East 4) which ends Islamo-facism and makes the world a much safer place for everyone.

Perhaps we need to start planning for the worst.

This honor is typically given to the President of the United States. But, why? Our President definitely has the widest sphere of influence in the world. But, take Kim Jong-il for example. While his sphere of influence is fairly limited to North Korea, his dictatorial position has led to the absolute control of the entire country, socially and economically. Another example. Let's say I write a TV comedy show that the entire world watches. My scope is huge. But, the President of Zimbabwe slaughters 10s of thousand Zimbabweans. Smaller scope, but much more powerful. So, while the President of the United States's sphere of influence gives him/her the most potential power, as long as they're at the head of a relatively free state, I don't think they're going to win the contest.