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Did Warren Buffett's Inability to Check Voice Mail Cause the Recession?

by Caleb Johnson on September 16, 2009 at 10:38 AM

Warren Buffett was smart enough to become one of the richest, most powerful men on Earth, but the septuagenarian just can't seem to work his cell phone. As Time magazine reporter Karen Tumulty tells the story, Buffett's inability to check his voice mail had some serious economic consequences.

In September of last year, Buffett received a phone call from Bob Diamond, head of Barclays Capital, asking for his help in purchasing the newly bankrupt financial firm Lehman Brothers. Buffett told him to fax over the details of the deal because he was rushed to make an appointment. Buffett never heard back, but did later notice a small symbol on his cell phone's screen. With his daughter's help, Buffett discovered a 10-month-old voice mail from Diamond that relayed details of the deal.

We wouldn't want dinner plans with our grandma to hinge on her ability to use a cell phone, much less the fate of a giant lending company. Maybe there could be a bailout package for tech-education? [From: Time, via Wall Street Journal]

Tags: cellphone, economy, lehman brothers, money, recession, top, voicemail, warren buffett

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