Tuesday, December 21, 2010
On Second Thought...
See, this is what happens when I decide to look on the bright side.
Although I still support the positions expressed in my previous post, my optimistic view has been hijacked because I read about our financial mess. The book is called Griftopia, by Matt Taibi. I have never read a more anger-inducing book.
Now, all those other issues seem like window dressing. Important, yes, but ultimately small compared to ridding our country of the kinds of habits that have turned our financial structure into a house of cards in a ceiling-fan store.
Griftopia takes a very detailed look at the financial crisis of 2008 and how financial institutions ruined so much (it will make you ill); explains the systematic dismantling of regulations designed to enforce responsible practices (it will make you mad); details the irresponsible habits of state and local government (it will make you so very sad); and generally and thoroughly documents what is going on every day (it will make you spit).
I literally had to go on an "angry walk" after every chapter. I coined that phrase for just this book. I read entire chapters to Jen out loud. You have never seen so much head shaking or heard so many pained sighs.
The people who had a hand in the outright theft performed by our financial institutions should be in jail. Still, we are left with a mess whether they are in jail or not. The damage is done, but I'm not sure we have learned anything. By all indications, they are back to financial trickery and used the bailout money to build a bigger house of cards.
I am no Tea Partier, but I get the anger over financial irresponsibility. The problem with that movement is that it over-simplifies solutions. The biggest problem with this mess as I see it is that there is no clear solution. A deep understanding of the root-causes of this mess only lead to a deep foreboding.
No, this is beyond cutting budgets. This is beyond earmarks or such other political shrapnel. This is a problem so ingrained that every proposed-solution seems unrealistic.
I have asked myself many times whether this is simply the knee-jerk reaction of reading an inflammatory book or whether my reaction is merit-based. My conclusion? The book isn't as inflammatory as the facts it gives. I even disagreed with many of the author's conclusions. I even disagree with some of his inferences. However, the facts are there. And, although I do not choose to draw an exact conclusion, my own conclusions are not pretty either.
Now, everywhere I look, there are only more signs of cracks. The 60 Minutes segment I posted above will make your blood go cold. The book describes even more desperate measures being taken by various cities that make them seem like junkies pawning a blender to score $5.00. The best example was the City of Chicago selling its rights to collect its 36,000 parking meters for the next 75 years. All for quick cash now. It fixed a budget hole for one year.
The amounts of unfunded obligations are astounding. I do not know a solution, but things are going to have to get very painful and our sense of entitlement will have to be tested to the limit. None of this is far off. I am starting to see 2008 as merely the initial reaction of hands without callous. The next few years will beat those callouses into us, whether we like it or not.
I am not going to blame this on any one administration or any particular point in our history. Greed, irresponsibility and foolishness like this runs very deep. This isn't political at this point. It's bigger than that.
I really wonder what things will look like in 10 years. Hope may not be lost, but I think the status quo is about to leave permanently. Leaders will have to step up and do things that are VERY unpopular.
Oh yeah... one more thing for those who just have to have an overly-simple catch phrase: we cannot cut taxes every election cycle and also have nice things.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Why Everything is Just Fine
I am starting to feel like the only content citizen these days. I'm certain that I'm not, but like-minded folks are either hard to find or stay quiet at home.
I'm very happy that the 2010 election is over. I'm not overly upset with the results, but I am annoyed by all the chatter, as usual. Of course, none of it surprises me. It's just part of the cycle. I'm hearing apocalyptic rantings from the right, incessant whining from the left and "disappointment" from the middle. But, here's the rub: I have received pretty much exactly what I hoped for when I cast my vote for Barrack Obama and his agenda. Below, I explain why.
To steal a quote from Louis C.K., "Everything is amazing, and no one is happy."
While things aren't "amazing" with the economy, things are better and the man who won the 2008 election has been working through his list just as promised. I know the rhetoric was sweeping, but I certainly hope I wasn't the only one who expected the results to be merely realistic.
HEALTH CARE
It has been reformed in a major way. Was it the wholesale changes the left wanted? No. Did it constitute a literal non-action as desired by the right? No. Was it a compromise? Yes. Was it watered down? Yes. Did it go far enough? No. It never does. our system does not allow it to.
Did it pass? YES. By THREE votes in the House on a reconciliation vote.
That should tell us something. That should tell us that it was not a slam dunk and no one had the power to force the magic number of votes. This wasn't imposed, it wasn't shoved down any throats and it wasn't a shuffling of deck chairs. It was reform born of compromise. Unfortunately, the best settlements leave both sides upset. That's life.
It's also exactly how the system was designed to work. So spare me the talk of our "broken" system. It functions exactly how it was meant to: Slowly, maddeningly, deliberately and with all the runaway momentum of a milkshake through a stirring straw.
Does that make reform either a tyrannical abomination or a weak cop-out and betrayal to legitimate reform? No.
I am as annoyed by those who bitch that it didn't have a public option as those who call it socialist. Why? Because neither sides seems able to understand that IT NEVER WORKS ANY OTHER WAY. A public option would have failed by 100 votes. So, stop it.
Republicans chose not to participate, which made this whole process less satisfying, but that was their choice and success followed anyway. We can't pretend Republicans don't exist any more than we can pretend all Dems would have voted for a public option.
IRAQ
Did everyone forget that this war is over? It's done now. We're staying, yes. But we've stayed everywhere we've ever fought. We don't build "temporary bases." That's life in a geopolitical world, but the war part of it is over and we can move on.
Thank you, Mr. President, for ending the war responsibly. Why does no one talk about this? Big accomplishment.
ECONOMY
We have job growth. Is it enough? No, but tell me what would have done it quicker (and don't say tax cuts alone). Reforms were added for Wall Street and banking. Was it enough? No. But, again, it never is. Remember when I explained how the system works above. This should no longer surprise anyone.
But, this slow process seems to shock people to outrage every single year, with every administration and every election. The minority thanks it for slowing "the march to socialism/aristocracy" and then rails against it when it slows that party's march toward its goals.
The economy still stinks, but I think we all knew this wasn't going to be easy and I support the measures that were taken to stop a deeper fall and get things on the road to improvement. We have less actual control than we think and are, to a degree, along for the ride. Reforms are like steering a runaway car away from obstacles... it doesn't actually stop the car. Still, its worth swerving even if we have to weather the storm.
AFGHANISTAN
This war is now in its 10th year or so. Afghanistan seems to be one of the most difficult and complicated scenarios we have faced since Vietnam. There are very few satisfying options for ending this conflict.
I supported this war when it was started because it involved a direct response to a direct attack. It led to the removal of a regime that openly sheltered, supported and strengthened organizations that have attacked our nation multiple times. Removal was justified.
President Obama was charged with the responsibility to help end this most difficult of conflicts now that we are faced with ending it responsibly. Much like Iraq, this is not a simple task. I'm not willing to express too strong a position one way or the other, but I trust the President's thinking, philosophy and judgment to do what is right in a difficult situation.
I wish him and our troops the best. I try not to spout too many platitudes or proclamations that might over-simplify this mess.
PIE IN THE SKY
I was disappointed when Jon Stewart started taking shots at the President and comparing his phrases in speeches as a candidate to his words as President. For one, I did not think there was a disconnect. Hopeful language about what we can do if we work together is not the same as saying it will be easy.
In politics, and in life really, disappointment is a constant companion. The only tactic to take is to manage it by balancing anything against the possible.
I am happy. I am content. I trust the judgment of our President. I agree philosophically with his solutions.
Just because I am happy, however, does not mean I necessarily mourn the recent Republican victory in the House. All progress is met with backlash and resistance. It has political consequences. If you need any further proof that Health Care Reform was sweeping, look no further than the political fallout of 2010. This is not necessarily a bad thing. I hope it yields cooperation, but I will not be surprised if it merely bogs everything down. This is the equivalent of getting a piece of ice stuck in that stirring straw I mentioned.
My only concern is that the Republicans will now resort to endless investigations and subpoenas rather than taking this opportunity to be a part of the solution. That is that party's problem. I hope for the best.
FINAL THOUGHT
Have you ever noticed how a politician's job seems to be heavy on TV appearances, campaigning, making speeches and supporting other candidates? Well, if you think about it, when exactly do they read these laws, contemplate votes or otherwise actually investigate the right thing to do?
Because they spend so much time in the campaign/political realm of the job, that's what we hear. The scary scenarios, the talking points and over-simplification. It happens every time.
It's possible the reason no one considers the actual merit of things is that no one talks about it.
I'm trying to give it some voice. One person's effort to admit being content.
I'm very happy that the 2010 election is over. I'm not overly upset with the results, but I am annoyed by all the chatter, as usual. Of course, none of it surprises me. It's just part of the cycle. I'm hearing apocalyptic rantings from the right, incessant whining from the left and "disappointment" from the middle. But, here's the rub: I have received pretty much exactly what I hoped for when I cast my vote for Barrack Obama and his agenda. Below, I explain why.
To steal a quote from Louis C.K., "Everything is amazing, and no one is happy."
While things aren't "amazing" with the economy, things are better and the man who won the 2008 election has been working through his list just as promised. I know the rhetoric was sweeping, but I certainly hope I wasn't the only one who expected the results to be merely realistic.
HEALTH CARE
It has been reformed in a major way. Was it the wholesale changes the left wanted? No. Did it constitute a literal non-action as desired by the right? No. Was it a compromise? Yes. Was it watered down? Yes. Did it go far enough? No. It never does. our system does not allow it to.
Did it pass? YES. By THREE votes in the House on a reconciliation vote.
That should tell us something. That should tell us that it was not a slam dunk and no one had the power to force the magic number of votes. This wasn't imposed, it wasn't shoved down any throats and it wasn't a shuffling of deck chairs. It was reform born of compromise. Unfortunately, the best settlements leave both sides upset. That's life.
It's also exactly how the system was designed to work. So spare me the talk of our "broken" system. It functions exactly how it was meant to: Slowly, maddeningly, deliberately and with all the runaway momentum of a milkshake through a stirring straw.
Does that make reform either a tyrannical abomination or a weak cop-out and betrayal to legitimate reform? No.
I am as annoyed by those who bitch that it didn't have a public option as those who call it socialist. Why? Because neither sides seems able to understand that IT NEVER WORKS ANY OTHER WAY. A public option would have failed by 100 votes. So, stop it.
Republicans chose not to participate, which made this whole process less satisfying, but that was their choice and success followed anyway. We can't pretend Republicans don't exist any more than we can pretend all Dems would have voted for a public option.
IRAQ
Did everyone forget that this war is over? It's done now. We're staying, yes. But we've stayed everywhere we've ever fought. We don't build "temporary bases." That's life in a geopolitical world, but the war part of it is over and we can move on.
Thank you, Mr. President, for ending the war responsibly. Why does no one talk about this? Big accomplishment.
ECONOMY
We have job growth. Is it enough? No, but tell me what would have done it quicker (and don't say tax cuts alone). Reforms were added for Wall Street and banking. Was it enough? No. But, again, it never is. Remember when I explained how the system works above. This should no longer surprise anyone.
But, this slow process seems to shock people to outrage every single year, with every administration and every election. The minority thanks it for slowing "the march to socialism/aristocracy" and then rails against it when it slows that party's march toward its goals.
The economy still stinks, but I think we all knew this wasn't going to be easy and I support the measures that were taken to stop a deeper fall and get things on the road to improvement. We have less actual control than we think and are, to a degree, along for the ride. Reforms are like steering a runaway car away from obstacles... it doesn't actually stop the car. Still, its worth swerving even if we have to weather the storm.
AFGHANISTAN
This war is now in its 10th year or so. Afghanistan seems to be one of the most difficult and complicated scenarios we have faced since Vietnam. There are very few satisfying options for ending this conflict.
I supported this war when it was started because it involved a direct response to a direct attack. It led to the removal of a regime that openly sheltered, supported and strengthened organizations that have attacked our nation multiple times. Removal was justified.
President Obama was charged with the responsibility to help end this most difficult of conflicts now that we are faced with ending it responsibly. Much like Iraq, this is not a simple task. I'm not willing to express too strong a position one way or the other, but I trust the President's thinking, philosophy and judgment to do what is right in a difficult situation.
I wish him and our troops the best. I try not to spout too many platitudes or proclamations that might over-simplify this mess.
PIE IN THE SKY
I was disappointed when Jon Stewart started taking shots at the President and comparing his phrases in speeches as a candidate to his words as President. For one, I did not think there was a disconnect. Hopeful language about what we can do if we work together is not the same as saying it will be easy.
In politics, and in life really, disappointment is a constant companion. The only tactic to take is to manage it by balancing anything against the possible.
I am happy. I am content. I trust the judgment of our President. I agree philosophically with his solutions.
Just because I am happy, however, does not mean I necessarily mourn the recent Republican victory in the House. All progress is met with backlash and resistance. It has political consequences. If you need any further proof that Health Care Reform was sweeping, look no further than the political fallout of 2010. This is not necessarily a bad thing. I hope it yields cooperation, but I will not be surprised if it merely bogs everything down. This is the equivalent of getting a piece of ice stuck in that stirring straw I mentioned.
My only concern is that the Republicans will now resort to endless investigations and subpoenas rather than taking this opportunity to be a part of the solution. That is that party's problem. I hope for the best.
FINAL THOUGHT
Have you ever noticed how a politician's job seems to be heavy on TV appearances, campaigning, making speeches and supporting other candidates? Well, if you think about it, when exactly do they read these laws, contemplate votes or otherwise actually investigate the right thing to do?
Because they spend so much time in the campaign/political realm of the job, that's what we hear. The scary scenarios, the talking points and over-simplification. It happens every time.
It's possible the reason no one considers the actual merit of things is that no one talks about it.
I'm trying to give it some voice. One person's effort to admit being content.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
A Sorting of Books
I now unveil my rankings to determine "Joe's top five books of the year for 2010." Much like the Bowl Championship Series and its crowning of the college football champion, not all books are eligible for top-5 status and the playing field is as even as a spice rack made by a toddler.
I will rank my top-5 for the year and then lump most of the others in various categories. I'll try to comment at least briefly on each. I may yet finish another handful of books, so this list is subject to my final update at the end of the year. Unlike last year, I enjoyed almost every book I read. I think the overall quality of the books I read contributed to my new personal best.
So far, I have read 33 books this year, both obliterating my previous record and being destroyed by Book, who read approximately 582 books this year. Without further ado...
** Denotes a top-5 overall within its individual category.
MY BEHAVIOR SCIENCE KICK
I went on a real behavior science kick this year. I have changed how I operate on a daily basis because of these books.
** Predictably Irrational, by Dan Ariely (Kindle). This book set the standard. I loved this book. As you can see, it landed in the top-5. More on this book later.
Mistakes Were Made (but not by me), by Carol Tavris (Kindle). The next best book I read under this category, and a candidate for top-5. A phenomenal look at irrational behavior within the context of human interactions.
Sway, the Irresistible Pull of Irrational Behavior, by Ori Brafman and Rom Brafman (Kindle). This book offered much less and repeated much of what I have read from Malcolm Gladwell and other behavior science books. This seemed like the "Cliffs Notes" version of the above-referenced books.
Voodoo Histories, by David Aaronovitch. (Kindle). Many people believe all sorts of conspiracies and take on leaps of logic with an "Evel Knievel" determination. The winner for most delusional? Those who dismiss "car accident" as entirely to simplistic an explanation for Princess Diana's death in a car while being chased by photographers. In short: The suspension-of-logic Olympics.
Freakonomics, by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen Dubner (Kindle). A very good illumination of the counter-intuitive elements of life.
Super-Freakonomics, by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen Dubner (Kindle). A forced and inferior follow up.
SPORTS
I enjoy sports books. I was also desperate to fill my football gap with books. What else could I do? All my teams sucked this year. Every one of them have disappointed. I needed a crutch.
Loose Balls, by Terry Pluto. I covered this book in a previous post. Fun and hilarious.
The Book of Basketball, by Bill Simmons. I read it again this year because this book rocks!
The Jordan Rules, by Sam Smith. Great insight into Jordan's Bulls and their first championship season. I always enjoy books that track an entire season. I am always interested in the day-to-day grind of an NBA season. I remember this season vividly because I was emotionally invested in MJ's first title that year. I loved this team and appreciate how much goes on in a given season. I especially loved learning that Adrian Dantley (who ruined Denver's playoff run last year) was a cancer as a player as well! (I'm a bitter fan).
Blood, Sweat and Chalk, by Tim Layden (Kindle). I good history of the NFL and how offenses and defenses have evolved. I actually watch football with a better eye for having read this book.
Seven Games That Changed the Game, by Ron Jaworski (Kindle). Every bit as good as Layden's book. There was some overlap, but Jaworski's book included more back stories and snapshots in time. My only complaint? You can literally hear Jaws shout this book in your head while reading it. That gets old.
BadAsses, by Peter Richmond (Kindle). I still feel guilty for reading this while listening to Denver lose 59-14 at home to the Raiders. The book satisfied my need for a football book during a disaster season all around and my need to read about crazy people. Win-win.
If You Can't Join 'em Beat 'em, by Sal Maiorana (Kindle). A short oral history of the AFL. Formulaic, but informative.
WIDE RANGING NON-FICTION
** Memoirs of the Second World War, by Winston Churchill. Epic.
Last Words, by George Carlin. This book was in the works as an autobiography. It was published after Carlin's death. It was an interesting history of an all-time great comedian.
Mozart: A Life, by Peter Gay (Kindle). I posted on this book earlier. This was yet another book that satisfied my thirst for knowledge of emotionally-unstable people.
Live From New York, by Tom Shales and James Miller (Kindle). An oral history of SNL. A decent book, but mostly just a guilty-pleasure read about dirty laundry. The biggest problem was the number of key cast members who did not participate. Honestly, this book needed Eddie Murphy. Without him, it was fun. With him, it would have been amazing (I can only assume, but I think this is a safe bet). Oh, yeah... and Lorne Michaels needed a cigarette after this book was published.
Into Thin Air, by John Krakauer. (Kindle). Heather assigned this one to me. It was interesting to find out what thin air does to a person.
** Hellhound on His Trail, by Hampton Sides (Kindle). A gripping account. More below.
Game Change, by Mark Halperin and John Heilemann (Kindle). The inside story of the 2008 election. I blogged about this below.
Killing yourself to live, by Chuck Klosterman (Kindle). Klosterman travels to various locations where musicians met their end, but the book is really more about the journey and his musings. A fun read about a road trip.
Hitman, by Bret Hart (Kindle). I blogged about this one as well. A fun read about the train-wreck world of pro wrestling. Debauchery, etc.
**Guns, Germs and Steele, by J. Diamond (Kindle). A staggering work. More below.
TOKEN FICTION
The Girl With A Dragon Tattoo, by Stieg Larson (Kindle). Just a great read. I can see why this book was an international phenomenon. Throw in European sensibilities and its a unique fiction. I called the end, but the rest of the story was worth it.
The Forever War, by Joe Haldeman. Book assigned this one to me. It was interesting. This book was nothing like I expected, which isn't necessarily bad.
V for Vendetta, by Alan Moore and David Lloyd. Gotta love V. For once, the movie was better. Still, a fun read.
**Animal Farm, by George Orwell. (Kindle).
PURE ENJOYMENT
Sh*t My Dad Says, by Justin Halpern. I laughed until I cried. I read this book at the exact right time. It was a perfectly-timed injection of comedy.
Earth (the book), by Jon Stewart. I laughed until I cried with this one as well. I am looking for a loophole to name this a top-5. Somehow, this book eclipsed America (the book). I cannot get enough Daily Show humor.
MISCELLANEOUS
Montessori at Home, by Heidi Spietz. Jen and I are reading up on Montessori so that Jacob will not miss out on the philosophy while at home.
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, by Dave Eggers. I loved this book at times and struggled with it at times. By the midpoint, I was certain it was a top-5. It is described as "fierce," which it was at times. This was a late scratch from top-5. Had I read it later in the year, it may have been on the list. A unique style and a compelling story. It hit a little close to home a few times. I'll just call this book the "Boise State" of my BCS. Too bad Eggers wasn't part of the establishment or he would have been given a title shot.
Fargo Rock City, by Chuck Klosterman (Kindle). An entire book about 80s hair bands. I remembered so many of the bands and music videos, which was equal parts awesome and sad. Entirely too much analysis of canned music for my taste, but a fun read about music from a true fan. Although I never put more than 5 minutes of thought into the music described, it was strangely interesting to read about Klosterman's deep thoughts thereon.
IV, by Chuck Klosterman (Kindle). A collection of essays by one of my favorite essayists. As always, fun to read.
TOP FIVE (INCLUDING THE PREDETERMINED WINNER)
5. Animal Farm, by George Orwell. (Kindle).
I loved this book. In short, the animals at one farm rise up and take control. Everything is fine until the "new" leaders become the "old" oppressors. I loved how the pigs try to become human. This work was a great illustration of how things don't always improve when people get their way. I can't believe I waited so long to read this book.
4. Predictably Irrational, by Dan Ariely (Kindle).
After reading a lot of train-wreck accounts, I finally decided to look into irrationality as a whole. I tend to be more rational than the average bear and I genuinely do not understand why so many people are so comfortable making terrible decisions over and over. Through experiments, illustrations and study, Ariely proves that we are consistently and predictably irrational. Countless companies take advantage of our hyper-strong desire to get something for free. We will pay a lot of money to get even insignificant items so long as they are "free." He looks at how the mind consistently tricks itself and utilizes rationalization. One of the most helpful books I have ever read.
3. Hellhound on His Trail, by Hampton Sides (Kindle)
I blogged about this below. This book read like a thriller and takes the reader into the hunt for MLK by the FBI; then MLK by James Earl Ray; and finally, into the hunt for Ray after the murder. I love non-fiction, and if every non-fiction read like this one, everyone else would, too.
2. Guns, Germs and Steele, by J. Diamond (Kindle)
Diamond asks one of the boldest and most uncomfortable questions about human history: Why did certain societies and people progress faster than others? He answers that question definitively. Although his book was very, very detailed and thick with information, I think his conclusion is simple. The mass of information proves his simple conclusion conclusively in my mind. The difference? Chance. Geography. I am convinced that any group of people, if they began civilization at the Fertile Crescent, would have been the ones to thrive rather than suffer. This book was not always easy to read (and sometimes downright difficult), but it earned the Pulitzer it won.
1. Memoirs of the Second World War, by Winston Churchill.
What can I say. I felt like a fly on the wall during the planet's most destructive war. To read Churchill's first-hand account of the most seismic global war was a thrill. I read the abridged version of Churchill's six volumes, but the level of detail was extraordinary. He does not hide his version of events, but he makes no apologies for attempting to write history. I learned so much about events, emotions, day-to-day fears, setbacks lost in the greater story, politics at the breaking point when nations were at stake, and difficulty of making decisions of a magnitude I will never experience. Churchill maintained humor, wrote thoughtfully about amazing events, and did so with dignity and honor. This was the first book I read in 2010, and I knew even then that it was going to finish right here.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Weekend update
... Football is back. In light of results from the weekend, I don't have much more to say on that. Go Saints. Everyone else I root for provided varying degrees of frustration (Broncos), close calls (UVA) or flat out embarrassment (CU... and oh boy do the Buffs stink).
... I'm starting to get the itch to write my story again, which probably has something to do with the end of summer. So, I'm finally going to push for a finish to my story.
... I finally watched an episode of "Hoarders." In a related note, I am now looking for more ways to get rid of stuff. We have done a pretty good job of cutting down on junk, but I'm starting to think sentimental things also need to go. Obviously not family heirlooms, but in looking around, I've kept some pretty weird stuff for "sentimental" reasons. So, I'm going to start getting rid of them. For example, I kept the game program to every Bronco home game I went to from 1991 through about 1998, and I'm thinking there is no logical reason to keep that stuff. I may have to get an e-bay account and go for it.
... Jacob continues to show amazing focus and goal-orientation. He recently made a wonderful little project at school that was completely self-driven. His teacher explained that Jacob, who had begun to discuss the planets, was so interested in astronomy that she created a project just for him. He worked a solid week on a booklet about the planets. It includes lyrics to a little song (and a lot of big words he copied) and pictures of the planets. Jen and I were very proud of him. The teacher spoke about how dedicated he became to the project and how amazed she was at his focus. We are biased, but it really impressed us. He continues to be the biggest joy of our lives.
... I'm up to 26 books this year. I increased my percentage of good to very-good books. I learned much from last year, when I read more than a few books I wish I had not chosen. I will have a difficult time choosing my top five this year. Early leaders are:
VIRTUAL LOCKS: Churchill's memoir, "Hellhound on this Trail," by Hampton Sides and "Predictably Irrational."
STRONG CANDIDATES: Dave Eggers' "Heartbreaking Work;" "Loose Balls," by Terry Pluto; "Animal Farm," by George Orwell; "Guns, Germs and Steele," by Jerod Diamond; and "Game Change."
I am also looking forward to the books I have yet to read this year, so the Top 5 is not yet settled.
... Have a great week.
... I'm starting to get the itch to write my story again, which probably has something to do with the end of summer. So, I'm finally going to push for a finish to my story.
... I finally watched an episode of "Hoarders." In a related note, I am now looking for more ways to get rid of stuff. We have done a pretty good job of cutting down on junk, but I'm starting to think sentimental things also need to go. Obviously not family heirlooms, but in looking around, I've kept some pretty weird stuff for "sentimental" reasons. So, I'm going to start getting rid of them. For example, I kept the game program to every Bronco home game I went to from 1991 through about 1998, and I'm thinking there is no logical reason to keep that stuff. I may have to get an e-bay account and go for it.
... Jacob continues to show amazing focus and goal-orientation. He recently made a wonderful little project at school that was completely self-driven. His teacher explained that Jacob, who had begun to discuss the planets, was so interested in astronomy that she created a project just for him. He worked a solid week on a booklet about the planets. It includes lyrics to a little song (and a lot of big words he copied) and pictures of the planets. Jen and I were very proud of him. The teacher spoke about how dedicated he became to the project and how amazed she was at his focus. We are biased, but it really impressed us. He continues to be the biggest joy of our lives.
... I'm up to 26 books this year. I increased my percentage of good to very-good books. I learned much from last year, when I read more than a few books I wish I had not chosen. I will have a difficult time choosing my top five this year. Early leaders are:
VIRTUAL LOCKS: Churchill's memoir, "Hellhound on this Trail," by Hampton Sides and "Predictably Irrational."
STRONG CANDIDATES: Dave Eggers' "Heartbreaking Work;" "Loose Balls," by Terry Pluto; "Animal Farm," by George Orwell; "Guns, Germs and Steele," by Jerod Diamond; and "Game Change."
I am also looking forward to the books I have yet to read this year, so the Top 5 is not yet settled.
... Have a great week.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Hellhound on His Trail
"It seemed like he reached down and pulled everything out of his heart." ..."I was full of joy and determination. Wherever King was, I wanted to be there. It seemed to me from where I was sitting, his eyes glowed." -- Witnesses to MLK's last speech, featured above.
I very much enjoyed reading Hellhound on His Trail, by Hampton Sides. The book details seemingly every fact known about the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The clip I embedded above is footage of a speech Dr. King gave less than 24 hours before he was murdered. He gave this speech without notes during a heavy storm. His mood had been depressed and he was searching for a second wind. The prospect of assassination seemed ever present.
Hampton Sides explores first the stalking of Dr. King by J. Edgar Hoover and the FBI, then the stalking of Dr. King by James Earl Ray and, finally, the stalking of James Earl Ray by the FBI. The story is one of intrigue, and is written in a novel-style. The hunt for James Earl Ray is a lesson in police investigation and in evasion.
The following elements (among others) led authorities to Ray: Dry cleaning tags, fingerprints, receipts, eye-witness accounts, an oil-change sticker, a bar tending school photo, Royal Mounted Police, Scotland Yard, hair samples and more man hours than you can imagine considering all this was done without computers.
Some highlights from the book:
-- Dr. King: "Each of us is two selves. The great burden of life is to always try to keep that higher self in command." This quote just rocks.
-- Dr. King (again): "We must learn to live together as brothers or we will perish together as fools."
-- Jesse Jackson embellished his involvement at the moment King was shot. He hired a public relations agent and was on the Today Show the next day. To be polite, I'll just say other Civil Rights leaders "disagreed" with his story. I'll let James Bevel tell the other side of the story:
"To prostitute and lie about the crucifixion of a prophet within a race for the sake of one's own self-aggrandizement is the most gruesome crime a man can commit." James Bevel. Lets just say Rev. Jackson isn't a hero in the book.
-- From President Lyndon B. Johnson on the rioting in response to the murder: "What did you expect? I don't know why we're so surprised. When you put your foot on a man's neck and hold him down for three hundred years, and they you let him up, what's he going to do? He's going to knock your block off."
-- James Earl Ray: "I should have pulled a holdup in Canada. That's where I made my mistake. I let myself get on that plane to London without enough money to get where I intended to go."
-- James Earl Ray, who was an escapee from prison before he killed King, told other inmates that killing Dr. King was his "retirement plan." If I ever get to the streets, I'm going to kill him." This statement didn't do a thing to stop conspiracy talk.
-- James Earl Ray made some very foolish mistakes. Those include these two gems: 1) While trying to rob a jewelry store in London to supplement his dwindling cash supply, the owner's wife, a lady in her late fifties, jumped on his back. Her husband then wrestled him to the ground and struck him several times. Ray fled. 2) He robbed a bank in London only to trade a perfect thumb-print matching the one found at the crime scene and on the weapon for 95 pounds cash. Oops.
-- Wait, that isn't close to the dumbest thing Ray did. While in custody awaiting extradition to the US, "Ramon George Sneyd" ranted about how he never met "this guy Ray" and how they absolutely had the wrong guy. After Ray calmed down and the British officer asked if they could do anything for him while he awaited extradition, he asked that his brother be notified. The agent said he would do that and asked for contact information. Ray's response?
"Oh, he lives in Chicago. His name is Jerry Ray."
D'oh!
Conspiracies
Obviously, people don't need much help concocting conspiracies. But, if you read this book and care about evidence, you really would have a hard time concluding anything other than that Ray worked alone. Conspiracy theories ranged from the FBI to militant black groups to communists to the mafia and to Southern racists.
My theory? People just don't like it that one nut can do so much damage by doing something rash. Based on the physical evidence presented in this book, you'd have to be looking for a conspiracy and determined to find one to conclude otherwise.
Overall, this book reads like a crime thriller, but it also maintains credibility as a legitimate work of non-fiction. The PBS documentary "American Experience: Roads to Memphis" is featured below and follows much of the book. I recommend this book highly.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Weekend Musings
I have no excuse beyond laziness. I haven't been posting much, which is obvious, but summer is my favorite time and I tend to find things to do.
... I'm on a good book pace (for me anyway), but once again I keep being taken away to do things during the best season of the year. I've read 21 so far, but Book is running away with the title this year. See, I told you an e-reader would speed things up!
... I am also currently not working on my short story because there's just too many options. Oh well. That's what cold months are made for.
... World Cup was amazing. I love the World Cup and root hard for the USA. But, the US is usually out fairly early and I eventually get 100% behind Germany. This led to one of the most gut-wrenching sports losses I've had in 2006. The US choked in 2006, and Germany was the host, so I was all in. I had not been roped into sports in a deep emotional way for a long time, but that 2006 German team roped me in. After a brief career in sports journalism, I had become detached from sports. I thought that would protect me and foolishly let my guard down.
That's when this happened:
My friends who were there with me when this happened will attest that this loss hit me like a ton of bricks. So much for being able to leave the emotion out. I think the circumstances made it the worst possible sports storm because I truly didn't see this stomach punch coming. (Although it is possible I have blocked out much of the 3 horrible Bronco Super Bowl losses for fear of heart failure were I to access those memories).
So, in 2010, I was all in for the US team and loved embarrassing the Brits with a tie, and lost my mind when this happened:
As great as a moment as that goal was, the Ghana game in the knockout round was crushing. Not a stomach punch because they really didn't play well, but a jolt nonetheless. I was bummed, but I don't think I knew exactly how bummed I was. I hated that the US lost like they did, but I was ready to let Germany fill the void.
I took a few hours from work and watched as Spain took Germany down and the combination of the two losses gave me thoughts of 2006 and the pain as that Italian goal went in in extra time. I now know it was the combination because I was not as sold that this 2010 Germany team was as good as the 2006 team. These last two world cups have been brutal to me, but I still love the event and can't wait until 2014!
... Once again into music. Thanks to my bro, I've been introduced to a bunch of new bands with potential. My complete lack of connection to whatever a person needs to connect to for band information renders me completely dependent on others. Between friends and family, I tend to find just enough to keep my I-pod full.
Current bands I'm listening to include Muse, Metric and the White Stripes. Just learned about a few new ones from Jon, too (like "She Wants Revenge"). I continue to go through a grunge phase, too, though. A couple of videos (both new school and old school) for your consideration:
... I'm on a good book pace (for me anyway), but once again I keep being taken away to do things during the best season of the year. I've read 21 so far, but Book is running away with the title this year. See, I told you an e-reader would speed things up!
... I am also currently not working on my short story because there's just too many options. Oh well. That's what cold months are made for.
... World Cup was amazing. I love the World Cup and root hard for the USA. But, the US is usually out fairly early and I eventually get 100% behind Germany. This led to one of the most gut-wrenching sports losses I've had in 2006. The US choked in 2006, and Germany was the host, so I was all in. I had not been roped into sports in a deep emotional way for a long time, but that 2006 German team roped me in. After a brief career in sports journalism, I had become detached from sports. I thought that would protect me and foolishly let my guard down.
That's when this happened:
My friends who were there with me when this happened will attest that this loss hit me like a ton of bricks. So much for being able to leave the emotion out. I think the circumstances made it the worst possible sports storm because I truly didn't see this stomach punch coming. (Although it is possible I have blocked out much of the 3 horrible Bronco Super Bowl losses for fear of heart failure were I to access those memories).
So, in 2010, I was all in for the US team and loved embarrassing the Brits with a tie, and lost my mind when this happened:
As great as a moment as that goal was, the Ghana game in the knockout round was crushing. Not a stomach punch because they really didn't play well, but a jolt nonetheless. I was bummed, but I don't think I knew exactly how bummed I was. I hated that the US lost like they did, but I was ready to let Germany fill the void.
I took a few hours from work and watched as Spain took Germany down and the combination of the two losses gave me thoughts of 2006 and the pain as that Italian goal went in in extra time. I now know it was the combination because I was not as sold that this 2010 Germany team was as good as the 2006 team. These last two world cups have been brutal to me, but I still love the event and can't wait until 2014!
... Once again into music. Thanks to my bro, I've been introduced to a bunch of new bands with potential. My complete lack of connection to whatever a person needs to connect to for band information renders me completely dependent on others. Between friends and family, I tend to find just enough to keep my I-pod full.
Current bands I'm listening to include Muse, Metric and the White Stripes. Just learned about a few new ones from Jon, too (like "She Wants Revenge"). I continue to go through a grunge phase, too, though. A couple of videos (both new school and old school) for your consideration:
Monday, June 7, 2010
Our Blame Society
I know that BP sucks, I really do. Just bear with me.
I'm just not yet ready to start the crucifixion. Don't worry, they'll have to pay. I know this horrific spill will lead to them paying a steep price and may render BP bankrupt. I'm fine with all that.
There's just one problem: None of that will help the legitimate disaster unfolding as oil continues to gush into the ocean. I mean, oil is gushing into the ocean like a fire hose and has been for more than a month.
I am literally only concerned/hopeful/desperately-anxious for the spout to be plugged. I don't care who fixes the problem. If BP is the best positioned entity to make that happen, so be it. I will never understand how so many can say we should keep the perpetrator from being involved with the cleanup. The message appears to be that if you screw up, your punishment is to let others clean up the mess.
So, why all the attention on vengeance? Why are we SO concerned about seizing assets NOW of all times?
Maybe I'm too jaded right now, but we seem to wash down outrage with pounds of flesh and goblets of blood. It seems to make people feel better that 50 million gallons of oil just became part of our ocean by demanding the immediate surrender of ... well... MONEY. Money and humiliation, really. Many people yelled at BP executives who probably couldn't patch a leak unless it involved accounting practices. Yeah, they took advantage of lax regulations, but do we really think this was done on purpose?
Some are blaming environmentalists for "causing" this to prove a point. That's so dumb it needs no comment. Some accuse the President of inaction (apparently they think he's Aqua Man... or that he cut the pipe with his fake birth-certificate... birthers are idiots.). Both sides blame the other and the scoreboard moves only with podium appearances on oil-soaked beaches.
As sick as I feel watching the carnage, the salve we seek is almost as putrid.
Dolphins, birds, fish, and every kind of living thing in a very large chunk of the ocean is being wiped out. A lot of that sea life helps feed us, by the way.
Like everyone, I feel helpless because there is a pipe injecting tons of oil into our oceans and I can't do one thing about it. The same dynamic happens in our everyday lives.
I'm beginning to think it's that we use blame to make ourselves feel in control. After all, we blame the media, we blame a car mechanic, a teacher, other people's parents and even bystanders for the misfortunes that are a part of life.
Maybe that's why I'm now reading almost exclusively basketball books. Of course, even a basketball coach made more sense than all the indignant talking heads lecturing those actually trying to solve a problem.
"And life," said Phil Jackson to his bench players, "just isn't meant to be fair."
We're all on the bench, and life isn't fair. So, no more talk of who or what to blame. It's time for us all to just deal with life head-on.
We can start with the little things in our own lives. I just wish that would help plug this hole in the earth.
I'm just not yet ready to start the crucifixion. Don't worry, they'll have to pay. I know this horrific spill will lead to them paying a steep price and may render BP bankrupt. I'm fine with all that.
There's just one problem: None of that will help the legitimate disaster unfolding as oil continues to gush into the ocean. I mean, oil is gushing into the ocean like a fire hose and has been for more than a month.
I am literally only concerned/hopeful/desperately-anxious for the spout to be plugged. I don't care who fixes the problem. If BP is the best positioned entity to make that happen, so be it. I will never understand how so many can say we should keep the perpetrator from being involved with the cleanup. The message appears to be that if you screw up, your punishment is to let others clean up the mess.
So, why all the attention on vengeance? Why are we SO concerned about seizing assets NOW of all times?
Maybe I'm too jaded right now, but we seem to wash down outrage with pounds of flesh and goblets of blood. It seems to make people feel better that 50 million gallons of oil just became part of our ocean by demanding the immediate surrender of ... well... MONEY. Money and humiliation, really. Many people yelled at BP executives who probably couldn't patch a leak unless it involved accounting practices. Yeah, they took advantage of lax regulations, but do we really think this was done on purpose?
Some are blaming environmentalists for "causing" this to prove a point. That's so dumb it needs no comment. Some accuse the President of inaction (apparently they think he's Aqua Man... or that he cut the pipe with his fake birth-certificate... birthers are idiots.). Both sides blame the other and the scoreboard moves only with podium appearances on oil-soaked beaches.
As sick as I feel watching the carnage, the salve we seek is almost as putrid.
Dolphins, birds, fish, and every kind of living thing in a very large chunk of the ocean is being wiped out. A lot of that sea life helps feed us, by the way.
Like everyone, I feel helpless because there is a pipe injecting tons of oil into our oceans and I can't do one thing about it. The same dynamic happens in our everyday lives.
I'm beginning to think it's that we use blame to make ourselves feel in control. After all, we blame the media, we blame a car mechanic, a teacher, other people's parents and even bystanders for the misfortunes that are a part of life.
Maybe that's why I'm now reading almost exclusively basketball books. Of course, even a basketball coach made more sense than all the indignant talking heads lecturing those actually trying to solve a problem.
"And life," said Phil Jackson to his bench players, "just isn't meant to be fair."
We're all on the bench, and life isn't fair. So, no more talk of who or what to blame. It's time for us all to just deal with life head-on.
We can start with the little things in our own lives. I just wish that would help plug this hole in the earth.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Update and pictures
It's been a busy time, so here's a brief update and some pictures.
... I went to the Nuggets' playoff game five last week and sat three rows from the court with Book. We watched the Nuggets scrap for a victory, but unfortunately they succumbed to the Jazz in game 6. I hate early ends to an NBA playoff run.
I was not, however, surprised that they lost game 6. That's because I got to see up close just how banged up that team was. Birdman could barely walk up and down the court and K-Mart was favoring a knee pretty significantly. We also got to watch Nene go down with a sprain.
We also got to watch acting-zombie-coach Adrian Dantley prove you can actually sleepwalk through a playoff series. It's true!
So bitter.
... My cousin Anna's wedding was a lot of fun, and Jacob danced like a kid possessed in front of everyone. He was even sliding on his knees like Tom Cruise in Risky Business. Of course, he had just come from a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheeses, so he had sugar to burn.
... I've read 16 books so far and have 8 more to go. My pace will slow because I'm going to tackle some really long ones.
... I've been sick with a cough for about two weeks, meaning no exercycle for me, which stinks. I can't hardly go up stairs without coughing and I'm tired of it.
... I hit a bit of a lag on my short story, but I have gotten feedback from several folks, so I have no excuse. I will try hard to get that draft done soon.
... Mad Men is an awesome show and I'm tearing through it.
... I was reminded tonight just how many people love to rain on parades. The trick is to not let them ruin it. I think a show of joy in spite of rain is the perfect way to get back at them.
Pictures!
... I went to the Nuggets' playoff game five last week and sat three rows from the court with Book. We watched the Nuggets scrap for a victory, but unfortunately they succumbed to the Jazz in game 6. I hate early ends to an NBA playoff run.
I was not, however, surprised that they lost game 6. That's because I got to see up close just how banged up that team was. Birdman could barely walk up and down the court and K-Mart was favoring a knee pretty significantly. We also got to watch Nene go down with a sprain.
We also got to watch acting-zombie-coach Adrian Dantley prove you can actually sleepwalk through a playoff series. It's true!
So bitter.
... My cousin Anna's wedding was a lot of fun, and Jacob danced like a kid possessed in front of everyone. He was even sliding on his knees like Tom Cruise in Risky Business. Of course, he had just come from a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheeses, so he had sugar to burn.
... I've read 16 books so far and have 8 more to go. My pace will slow because I'm going to tackle some really long ones.
... I've been sick with a cough for about two weeks, meaning no exercycle for me, which stinks. I can't hardly go up stairs without coughing and I'm tired of it.
... I hit a bit of a lag on my short story, but I have gotten feedback from several folks, so I have no excuse. I will try hard to get that draft done soon.
... Mad Men is an awesome show and I'm tearing through it.
... I was reminded tonight just how many people love to rain on parades. The trick is to not let them ruin it. I think a show of joy in spite of rain is the perfect way to get back at them.
Pictures!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Lost Cause and Hitler signs
Sometimes I think history has already changed.
I don't know when it may have happened officially, but there must have been a meeting (probably several), and some of us were left out.
Tomorrow marks tax day as well as the middle of Confederate History Month in Virginia, my former home. Tomorrow I will have to drive past people angry about doing their share, ignore their Hitler signs and continue to hold the line on the history I was taught.
Maybe I was too busy to notice, but somehow history has become debatable. Somewhere along the line, the notion that slavery was the central issue of the Civil War now inspires eye rolling. It's become bleeding heart to mention it. Somehow, FDR's New Deal now apparently made the Depression worse. To suggest otherwise is apparently "socialist."
I don't mean to sound elite (and I do like an occasional latte), but such notions are foolish. And, if anyone wants to wave the stars and bars (and it has nothing to do with the Dukes of Hazard), I cannot take that person seriously.
I understand that facts create dissonance and that the natural human response is to create consonance through rationalization, but this is getting ridiculous. Rationalization isn't supposed to take the form of revisionist history.
The Civil War was absolutely about states rights... to own slaves. The second part of the sentence matters. There were other states rights issues to be sure, but the slavery issue more than any other inspired war. It was one of the few actual manifestations of a domino effect. The Dred Scott case, debate about whether new states could allow slavery, the drawing of a line in the sand and the threat of the destruction of Southern economies without free labor all piled up. Loss of slavery meant loss of their way of life and economy and they chose to fight for that and not for morality.
But, we often forget that the Civil War clearly proved that the whole is greater than separate parts. Union trumps bickering factions every time. Any Civil War book will explain how keeping Southern "independent" states marching together was like herding cats. As a result, they lost the war, and, yes, that is a good thing.
All that aside, the South was against morality by attempting to preserve bondage for an entire race. Whatever conservative ideology people today may wish to bestow upon that part of history, it cannot be separated from slavery. It just can't.
Slavery is our nation's original sin. It is forever marked on our country by a scar that even appears on our Constitution, which specifically forbade any discussion of the slavery question until 1808.
The scar is still so fresh that there are people still active in the workforce today who went to segregated schools. A speaker at the March on Washington, where MLK described his dream, still serves in Congress. His name is John Lewis and he was beaten to within an inch of his life in Selma, Alabama. He still serves in Congress and the man who beat him still lives.
Here is a taste of Mr. Lewis at the DNC in 2008 (I was there).
The scar is still so fresh that a regional section of a generation still in the workforce went to segregated schools and drank from segregated water fountains. Its time to stop trying to minimize race when we talk about our nation.
The same rationalization of ideology led to the denigration of the New Deal even though my great-grandfather and great-grandmother praised FDR for saving their family until the day each died. Now that they aren't here anymore, people convince themselves of whatever is convenient.
The same rationalization caused Texas to change its school history books to exclude Thomas Jefferson from "enlightened thinkers" (!!!) and to flip-flop the amount of coverage given to FDR and Ronald Reagan despite the obvious difference in level of influence.
Never more has the following phrase seemed more timely: "You are entitled to your own opinion, but not to your own facts."
I don't know when it may have happened officially, but there must have been a meeting (probably several), and some of us were left out.
Tomorrow marks tax day as well as the middle of Confederate History Month in Virginia, my former home. Tomorrow I will have to drive past people angry about doing their share, ignore their Hitler signs and continue to hold the line on the history I was taught.
Maybe I was too busy to notice, but somehow history has become debatable. Somewhere along the line, the notion that slavery was the central issue of the Civil War now inspires eye rolling. It's become bleeding heart to mention it. Somehow, FDR's New Deal now apparently made the Depression worse. To suggest otherwise is apparently "socialist."
I don't mean to sound elite (and I do like an occasional latte), but such notions are foolish. And, if anyone wants to wave the stars and bars (and it has nothing to do with the Dukes of Hazard), I cannot take that person seriously.
I understand that facts create dissonance and that the natural human response is to create consonance through rationalization, but this is getting ridiculous. Rationalization isn't supposed to take the form of revisionist history.
The Civil War was absolutely about states rights... to own slaves. The second part of the sentence matters. There were other states rights issues to be sure, but the slavery issue more than any other inspired war. It was one of the few actual manifestations of a domino effect. The Dred Scott case, debate about whether new states could allow slavery, the drawing of a line in the sand and the threat of the destruction of Southern economies without free labor all piled up. Loss of slavery meant loss of their way of life and economy and they chose to fight for that and not for morality.
But, we often forget that the Civil War clearly proved that the whole is greater than separate parts. Union trumps bickering factions every time. Any Civil War book will explain how keeping Southern "independent" states marching together was like herding cats. As a result, they lost the war, and, yes, that is a good thing.
All that aside, the South was against morality by attempting to preserve bondage for an entire race. Whatever conservative ideology people today may wish to bestow upon that part of history, it cannot be separated from slavery. It just can't.
Slavery is our nation's original sin. It is forever marked on our country by a scar that even appears on our Constitution, which specifically forbade any discussion of the slavery question until 1808.
The scar is still so fresh that there are people still active in the workforce today who went to segregated schools. A speaker at the March on Washington, where MLK described his dream, still serves in Congress. His name is John Lewis and he was beaten to within an inch of his life in Selma, Alabama. He still serves in Congress and the man who beat him still lives.
Here is a taste of Mr. Lewis at the DNC in 2008 (I was there).
The scar is still so fresh that a regional section of a generation still in the workforce went to segregated schools and drank from segregated water fountains. Its time to stop trying to minimize race when we talk about our nation.
The same rationalization of ideology led to the denigration of the New Deal even though my great-grandfather and great-grandmother praised FDR for saving their family until the day each died. Now that they aren't here anymore, people convince themselves of whatever is convenient.
The same rationalization caused Texas to change its school history books to exclude Thomas Jefferson from "enlightened thinkers" (!!!) and to flip-flop the amount of coverage given to FDR and Ronald Reagan despite the obvious difference in level of influence.
Never more has the following phrase seemed more timely: "You are entitled to your own opinion, but not to your own facts."
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Birthday Present
On what would have been my father's 61st birthday, health care reform (by all appearances) plunged past the tipping point on its journey to reality.
Let the complaining begin, but I'll be too busy celebrating to notice.
I started thinking about the magic number 61 last night, and it was my short break from obsessing over the health care vote tally. And, just as I was starting to get tired of being sad on March 18, the yes votes started to trickle home. Some might take such timing as a sign, but I'll be glad to accept it as a happy coincidence.
I will also begin preparations to halt worry that my high blood pressure will always prevent me from obtaining any kind of meaningful insurance. But, alas, I will always have to check the box about a parent who died on or before the age of 55. Just one more year would have been nice.
Dad talked about health care reform in his typical far-ranging ways back in the day. By that, I mean I had heard him at times concern himself with the fear of "socialized medicine," but I also heard him absolutely fume over insurance companies that found ways to not cover his patients.
As usual, I really couldn't pin his position down. But, I know my position, and I will celebrate when the vote comes down on Sunday. I can't prove it, but I think dad would be happy about this as well.
Dad would have liked it that children could remain on their parents' insurance until the age 26. I know this because of how intensely he worried about any of us going a single day without coverage. When I transitioned from his insurance to my own as a student, he was adament that I not even risk one day of non-coverage. He said something to the effect of, "what if that's the day you learn the wrong thing and it becomes pre-existing?So, he knew the insurance game.
Obviously, he would like that pre-existing conditions will no longer stop people from being covered. The prohibition against removing coverage when a patient is sick? Only a jackass would be against that. Or someone in the video below:
I think dad would have frowned on anyone who would treat one of his patients like the man in this video was treated. I know that because he cared about his patients. And because he was not an asshole.
I could never imagine dad being against providing coverage to 30 million more people.
Despite clear signs that the Democratic Party strongly considered making a back-breaking, goal-line fumble in its march to the end game, health care reform (appears) a done deal. Apparently, the powers that be realized that failure to bring this bill home for want of a better one would lead to either never having reform or having the kind of free-market based reform that leads to the exact problems plaguing the whole industry today.
Somehow, cats managed to march in unison behind what I can only imagine to be otherworldly forces... or political catnip, I guess. Really, this is a two-pronged miracle. First, it's a miracle the vote was this close a call considering the huge numerical advantage held by the Democratic party. Second, it was a major miracle that they still didn't screw this up.
I would like to thank the President for his leadership on this issue and his steely-resolve (almost Republican-like in its Machiavellian qualities). I would also like to thank Betsy Markey for her (announced) vote in favor of reform. If you remember, I blogged about my conversation with her about this. True to her word, she was there when it mattered.
Nothing is perfect, and neither is this bill. But time matters, and we just couldn't wait any longer. Afterall, with death as permanent as it is and all, why not act now?
Happy Birthday, dad. I hope you liked your present.
*** UPDATE TO THIS POST.
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the coming of age of our President. Barack Obama has been in office for over a year, but this victory has cemented him as THE PRESIDENT. He's made the leap. The wide eyes have narrowed. The brow has furrowed. He's got this! Watch this video and see for yourself what leadership can look like.
Let the complaining begin, but I'll be too busy celebrating to notice.
I started thinking about the magic number 61 last night, and it was my short break from obsessing over the health care vote tally. And, just as I was starting to get tired of being sad on March 18, the yes votes started to trickle home. Some might take such timing as a sign, but I'll be glad to accept it as a happy coincidence.
I will also begin preparations to halt worry that my high blood pressure will always prevent me from obtaining any kind of meaningful insurance. But, alas, I will always have to check the box about a parent who died on or before the age of 55. Just one more year would have been nice.
Dad talked about health care reform in his typical far-ranging ways back in the day. By that, I mean I had heard him at times concern himself with the fear of "socialized medicine," but I also heard him absolutely fume over insurance companies that found ways to not cover his patients.
As usual, I really couldn't pin his position down. But, I know my position, and I will celebrate when the vote comes down on Sunday. I can't prove it, but I think dad would be happy about this as well.
Dad would have liked it that children could remain on their parents' insurance until the age 26. I know this because of how intensely he worried about any of us going a single day without coverage. When I transitioned from his insurance to my own as a student, he was adament that I not even risk one day of non-coverage. He said something to the effect of, "what if that's the day you learn the wrong thing and it becomes pre-existing?So, he knew the insurance game.
Obviously, he would like that pre-existing conditions will no longer stop people from being covered. The prohibition against removing coverage when a patient is sick? Only a jackass would be against that. Or someone in the video below:
I think dad would have frowned on anyone who would treat one of his patients like the man in this video was treated. I know that because he cared about his patients. And because he was not an asshole.
I could never imagine dad being against providing coverage to 30 million more people.
Despite clear signs that the Democratic Party strongly considered making a back-breaking, goal-line fumble in its march to the end game, health care reform (appears) a done deal. Apparently, the powers that be realized that failure to bring this bill home for want of a better one would lead to either never having reform or having the kind of free-market based reform that leads to the exact problems plaguing the whole industry today.
Somehow, cats managed to march in unison behind what I can only imagine to be otherworldly forces... or political catnip, I guess. Really, this is a two-pronged miracle. First, it's a miracle the vote was this close a call considering the huge numerical advantage held by the Democratic party. Second, it was a major miracle that they still didn't screw this up.
I would like to thank the President for his leadership on this issue and his steely-resolve (almost Republican-like in its Machiavellian qualities). I would also like to thank Betsy Markey for her (announced) vote in favor of reform. If you remember, I blogged about my conversation with her about this. True to her word, she was there when it mattered.
Nothing is perfect, and neither is this bill. But time matters, and we just couldn't wait any longer. Afterall, with death as permanent as it is and all, why not act now?
Happy Birthday, dad. I hope you liked your present.
*** UPDATE TO THIS POST.
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the coming of age of our President. Barack Obama has been in office for over a year, but this victory has cemented him as THE PRESIDENT. He's made the leap. The wide eyes have narrowed. The brow has furrowed. He's got this! Watch this video and see for yourself what leadership can look like.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Of Politics and Wrestling
I just finished reading Game Change about the 2008 Presidential election and I was struck by how similar the world of politics is to the world of professional wrestling. And soap operas. I loved every page of the book, but felt mildly dirty for enjoying it.
A majority of the book deals with the Democratic primaries for obvious reasons. The Democrats had a much longer and more intense fight for the party's nomination. The book focuses on the three top candidates: Obama, Clinton and John Edwards. It also breaks down the Republican primary and the general, but the Democratic primary took the majority.
The reason this book made me think of professional wrestling is not simply my recent reading of Hitman. I thought of wrestling because of how much of campaigning is BS and how both sides of a given story KNOW it's BS, yet turn the political knife anyway. For example, in the general election between Obama and McCain, the book stated unequivocally that the McCain campaign knew darn well that Obama's famous "lipstick on a pig" comment had nothing to do with Sarah Palin. They demanded an apology to court Hillary supporters and women in general and to put the Obama campaign on the defensive. I single this story out because of how explicitly the book stated that no one in the McCain camp actually thought Obama meant Palin. I must mention, that Republicans certainly were not alone in this tactic.
Each campaign would be both embarrassed and flattered by its portrayal in this book. There were tales of opportunism, brilliance and underhandedness everywhere and no campaign was spared. The Obama campaign looked the best, but was clearly not immune from playing in the mud.
Some observations:
-- I was shocked that the title of "craziest person" in any campaign was not won by the odds-on favorites (Hillary Clinton or Sarah Palin in whatever order), but rather by Elizabeth Edwards. This shocked me because I never saw Mrs. Edwards as a candidate in the race for nut-job of the campaign season. Trust me when I say it took a cancer diagnosis for anyone associated with the Edwards campaign to feel a twinge of sympathy for her. Of course, it's not every day that a multi-millionaire angrily threatens to suspend the health insurance of all campaign workers until hers is secured. Even less predictable would be someone doing so on a national call attended by many of the lowest paid / hardest working organizers hitting the pavement. Multi-millionaires also do not often expose themselves while in an argument. Like I said, it wasn't even close.
(Just a few more Elizabeth stories because I can't resist: She called John a "hick" in front of other people and derided his parents as rednecks; and She laughed at the idea that John would read a book and claimed to be the smart one.)
-- Bill Clinton is a hothead, but he appreciates evil genius even when he's the victim. When the Obama campaign called him on his reference to Jesse Jackson winning South Carolina, clearly implying something, Clinton was now portrayed as a racist, at least by implication. The book says that "though it infuriated (Clinton), he could not help but respect the artfulness of the play... I wish our people were more like that, Bill said." He's an angry, bitter man, but he appreciates a good move. Of course Bill also said the Ted Kennedy: "the only reason you're endorsing him is because he's black. Let's just be clear." So, it's not like Bill didn't give the Obama camp any openings.
-- With whom did Clinton counsel about being essentially called a racist? George W. Bush. Clinton bitched to W about the betrayals he suffered for 15 minutes and W said "I know you aren't a racist." This was like seeing King Kong Bundy and Hulk Hogan laughing over a few beers at a local pub in the mid 80s or something. This is why wrestling is more like politics than we'd like to admit. They play up the hatred in public, but they're all just colleagues behind the scenes. W and Bill apparently talked "more often than almost anyone knew" during W's reign. THE CURTAIN HAS BEEN LIFTED! I mean... what can I possibly add? Talk about breaking the fourth wall. We are all being had.
-- Obama is absolutely as cool as the other side of the pillow, just as commonly perceived. His best quote was before his 2004 keynote address at the DNC nominating Kerry. "I'm LeBron, baby. I can play on this level. I got some game." Another was before his first debate with McCain when he calmed one nervous aid by putting his hand on her shoulder and saying calmly one-hour before go-time "Don't worry. I got this." Obama seemed to never let anger rattle him, but he was portrayed as whiny regarding the rigorous schedule and could be passive-aggressive. Still, he is the only one who seemed genuinely loved by his staff.
-- Hillary avoids conflict like the plague when dealing with individuals and yet is prone to fits of anger at her staff as a whole. She also does nothing to diffuse internal problems and tends to let them simmer. Her and Bill held a deep belief that the press was in the tank for Obama (which is probably true) and a never-ending suspicion of foul play. Even after it was all over they were both convinced Obama bused people into Iowa from Illinois.
-- The second-place finisher for crazy person of the campaign is actually Judi Giuliani, and she was only second because she was mentioned so infrequently. But, stories of her instability were potent, if brief. She had worked for a medical supply firm that exterminated puppies as part of its sales demonstration. That's right, she somehow was linked to puppy murder. You can't make this stuff up. Her only response was that it was a long time ago and she couldn't remember her involvement. I would think one would know if one was or was not involved in the murder of puppies. Had Rudy been a bigger threat to win, her stories would have been the highlight of the book.
(Giuliani had to answer her cell phone calls EVEN IF IN THE MIDDLE OF A SPEECH - and he did - because, in his words "it's a lot better that way." I am not kidding, she finishes second.)
-- Sarah Palin's lack of preparation, absence of mental curiosity and basic inability to grasp ground-level concepts actually and literally frightened McCain's staff. Preparing her for the debate took on the kind of prep work normally reserved for moon landings and her "success" at parroting the talking points they made her memorize (and calling Biden "Joe" because she could NOT stop calling him Obiden in rehearsal) was celebrated as a major accomplishment. The fact she may be third on the crazy chart is a testament to Elizabeth and Judi and should not be seen as a vindication of Sarahcuda. McCain advisers actually surreptitiously had her monitored by a doctor to see if she was "mentally unstable."
(It should be noted that Bill Clinton is easily the third-craziest spouse and gives Palin a run for her money. His clear edge in brain power puts him fourth behind Palin, but it's closer than one would think).
-- Huckabee actually questioned whether Romney had a soul. Coming from a former pastor, that made me chuckle.
-- Lindsay Graham, John McCain and Joe Lieberman could not stop watching the Youtube video of John Edwards fixing his hair. They watched it over and over and laughed until they had tears in their eyes. "Let's look at it again!" McCain would command. Again, this made me chuckle.
-- Obama's amazing ability to put the bitterness of the primary campaign was awe-inspiring. He was literally the only one of his entire staff (including Michelle) who was willing to give Hillary a position in the administration. His reasoning? "She's going to be really good at this job." He would not take "No" for an answer and made a compelling case to Hillary. He told her that the economy was going to command his focus and he would require someone to hold down the foreign policy part of things. He said she was the only one he could really trust to do this. After reading all the amazing battles their campaigns fought, this is nothing short of amazing and made me think of Team of Rivals and how Lincoln kept back-stabbing rival Soloman Chase around because he was such a good Treasury Secretary. All he cared is that she would be the best person for the job. Same with Biden for VP.
So, there you have it. Campaigning is a business, it is entertaining, it involves steel chairs upon the heads of unsuspecting victims and they all end up having beers together in the end. It's like I read the Hitman book all over again. And, just like a wrestling book, it feels like a guilty pleasure or like I got caught watching a soap opera. I loved this book, and that makes me feel dirty.
A majority of the book deals with the Democratic primaries for obvious reasons. The Democrats had a much longer and more intense fight for the party's nomination. The book focuses on the three top candidates: Obama, Clinton and John Edwards. It also breaks down the Republican primary and the general, but the Democratic primary took the majority.
The reason this book made me think of professional wrestling is not simply my recent reading of Hitman. I thought of wrestling because of how much of campaigning is BS and how both sides of a given story KNOW it's BS, yet turn the political knife anyway. For example, in the general election between Obama and McCain, the book stated unequivocally that the McCain campaign knew darn well that Obama's famous "lipstick on a pig" comment had nothing to do with Sarah Palin. They demanded an apology to court Hillary supporters and women in general and to put the Obama campaign on the defensive. I single this story out because of how explicitly the book stated that no one in the McCain camp actually thought Obama meant Palin. I must mention, that Republicans certainly were not alone in this tactic.
Each campaign would be both embarrassed and flattered by its portrayal in this book. There were tales of opportunism, brilliance and underhandedness everywhere and no campaign was spared. The Obama campaign looked the best, but was clearly not immune from playing in the mud.
Some observations:
-- I was shocked that the title of "craziest person" in any campaign was not won by the odds-on favorites (Hillary Clinton or Sarah Palin in whatever order), but rather by Elizabeth Edwards. This shocked me because I never saw Mrs. Edwards as a candidate in the race for nut-job of the campaign season. Trust me when I say it took a cancer diagnosis for anyone associated with the Edwards campaign to feel a twinge of sympathy for her. Of course, it's not every day that a multi-millionaire angrily threatens to suspend the health insurance of all campaign workers until hers is secured. Even less predictable would be someone doing so on a national call attended by many of the lowest paid / hardest working organizers hitting the pavement. Multi-millionaires also do not often expose themselves while in an argument. Like I said, it wasn't even close.
(Just a few more Elizabeth stories because I can't resist: She called John a "hick" in front of other people and derided his parents as rednecks; and She laughed at the idea that John would read a book and claimed to be the smart one.)
-- Bill Clinton is a hothead, but he appreciates evil genius even when he's the victim. When the Obama campaign called him on his reference to Jesse Jackson winning South Carolina, clearly implying something, Clinton was now portrayed as a racist, at least by implication. The book says that "though it infuriated (Clinton), he could not help but respect the artfulness of the play... I wish our people were more like that, Bill said." He's an angry, bitter man, but he appreciates a good move. Of course Bill also said the Ted Kennedy: "the only reason you're endorsing him is because he's black. Let's just be clear." So, it's not like Bill didn't give the Obama camp any openings.
-- With whom did Clinton counsel about being essentially called a racist? George W. Bush. Clinton bitched to W about the betrayals he suffered for 15 minutes and W said "I know you aren't a racist." This was like seeing King Kong Bundy and Hulk Hogan laughing over a few beers at a local pub in the mid 80s or something. This is why wrestling is more like politics than we'd like to admit. They play up the hatred in public, but they're all just colleagues behind the scenes. W and Bill apparently talked "more often than almost anyone knew" during W's reign. THE CURTAIN HAS BEEN LIFTED! I mean... what can I possibly add? Talk about breaking the fourth wall. We are all being had.
-- Obama is absolutely as cool as the other side of the pillow, just as commonly perceived. His best quote was before his 2004 keynote address at the DNC nominating Kerry. "I'm LeBron, baby. I can play on this level. I got some game." Another was before his first debate with McCain when he calmed one nervous aid by putting his hand on her shoulder and saying calmly one-hour before go-time "Don't worry. I got this." Obama seemed to never let anger rattle him, but he was portrayed as whiny regarding the rigorous schedule and could be passive-aggressive. Still, he is the only one who seemed genuinely loved by his staff.
-- Hillary avoids conflict like the plague when dealing with individuals and yet is prone to fits of anger at her staff as a whole. She also does nothing to diffuse internal problems and tends to let them simmer. Her and Bill held a deep belief that the press was in the tank for Obama (which is probably true) and a never-ending suspicion of foul play. Even after it was all over they were both convinced Obama bused people into Iowa from Illinois.
-- The second-place finisher for crazy person of the campaign is actually Judi Giuliani, and she was only second because she was mentioned so infrequently. But, stories of her instability were potent, if brief. She had worked for a medical supply firm that exterminated puppies as part of its sales demonstration. That's right, she somehow was linked to puppy murder. You can't make this stuff up. Her only response was that it was a long time ago and she couldn't remember her involvement. I would think one would know if one was or was not involved in the murder of puppies. Had Rudy been a bigger threat to win, her stories would have been the highlight of the book.
(Giuliani had to answer her cell phone calls EVEN IF IN THE MIDDLE OF A SPEECH - and he did - because, in his words "it's a lot better that way." I am not kidding, she finishes second.)
-- Sarah Palin's lack of preparation, absence of mental curiosity and basic inability to grasp ground-level concepts actually and literally frightened McCain's staff. Preparing her for the debate took on the kind of prep work normally reserved for moon landings and her "success" at parroting the talking points they made her memorize (and calling Biden "Joe" because she could NOT stop calling him Obiden in rehearsal) was celebrated as a major accomplishment. The fact she may be third on the crazy chart is a testament to Elizabeth and Judi and should not be seen as a vindication of Sarahcuda. McCain advisers actually surreptitiously had her monitored by a doctor to see if she was "mentally unstable."
(It should be noted that Bill Clinton is easily the third-craziest spouse and gives Palin a run for her money. His clear edge in brain power puts him fourth behind Palin, but it's closer than one would think).
-- Huckabee actually questioned whether Romney had a soul. Coming from a former pastor, that made me chuckle.
-- Lindsay Graham, John McCain and Joe Lieberman could not stop watching the Youtube video of John Edwards fixing his hair. They watched it over and over and laughed until they had tears in their eyes. "Let's look at it again!" McCain would command. Again, this made me chuckle.
-- Obama's amazing ability to put the bitterness of the primary campaign was awe-inspiring. He was literally the only one of his entire staff (including Michelle) who was willing to give Hillary a position in the administration. His reasoning? "She's going to be really good at this job." He would not take "No" for an answer and made a compelling case to Hillary. He told her that the economy was going to command his focus and he would require someone to hold down the foreign policy part of things. He said she was the only one he could really trust to do this. After reading all the amazing battles their campaigns fought, this is nothing short of amazing and made me think of Team of Rivals and how Lincoln kept back-stabbing rival Soloman Chase around because he was such a good Treasury Secretary. All he cared is that she would be the best person for the job. Same with Biden for VP.
So, there you have it. Campaigning is a business, it is entertaining, it involves steel chairs upon the heads of unsuspecting victims and they all end up having beers together in the end. It's like I read the Hitman book all over again. And, just like a wrestling book, it feels like a guilty pleasure or like I got caught watching a soap opera. I loved this book, and that makes me feel dirty.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
A Heartbreaking Work
I just finished Dave Eggers' book, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius. It's one heck of a book, and heartbreaking is certainly a good description of it.
The book is a biopic about the author and his little brother. Their parents both die within a short time and Eggers has to raise his much younger brother. They are 21 and 9, which leads to exactly the kinds of house rules one would imagine.
This book was very well written and, most unique, the story was creatively told. The book hit home a bit, and will do so for anyone who has lived through a traumatic family death.
Eggers used a unique voice throughout, and he really made the story interesting even when fairly mundane events were taking place. Sometimes, the story is the feeling, rather than the events. This book is an early favorite for top-5 of the year. This year may be my toughest decision yet as to top five.
I feel obligated to put Churchill #1 if for no other reason that it was like living history and because it is the only first hand account I will read this year about probably the most important time in modern history. Yet, from pure enjoyment (Eggers' work) to life lessons (Predictably Irrational), I could put any number of those at number 1. Eggers will have to strive for number two, and its a dead heat. From pure joy of reading, Eggers wins. Time to let the decision simmer for awhile.
OTHER UPDATES
... I am working diligently on my story and am up to 12 pages or so. I have mapped much of the story and feel like I it will probably be about 30 pages when done. I have completed the back stories of three characters, and need to complete two more as well as the "event" at the end.
... We went sledding last week, and I have some pictures below. Jacob went down the hill about three times before deciding he would rather just run down the hill. I also threw in some more pictures that we have taken since Christmas. Enjoy.
The book is a biopic about the author and his little brother. Their parents both die within a short time and Eggers has to raise his much younger brother. They are 21 and 9, which leads to exactly the kinds of house rules one would imagine.
This book was very well written and, most unique, the story was creatively told. The book hit home a bit, and will do so for anyone who has lived through a traumatic family death.
Eggers used a unique voice throughout, and he really made the story interesting even when fairly mundane events were taking place. Sometimes, the story is the feeling, rather than the events. This book is an early favorite for top-5 of the year. This year may be my toughest decision yet as to top five.
I feel obligated to put Churchill #1 if for no other reason that it was like living history and because it is the only first hand account I will read this year about probably the most important time in modern history. Yet, from pure enjoyment (Eggers' work) to life lessons (Predictably Irrational), I could put any number of those at number 1. Eggers will have to strive for number two, and its a dead heat. From pure joy of reading, Eggers wins. Time to let the decision simmer for awhile.
OTHER UPDATES
... I am working diligently on my story and am up to 12 pages or so. I have mapped much of the story and feel like I it will probably be about 30 pages when done. I have completed the back stories of three characters, and need to complete two more as well as the "event" at the end.
... We went sledding last week, and I have some pictures below. Jacob went down the hill about three times before deciding he would rather just run down the hill. I also threw in some more pictures that we have taken since Christmas. Enjoy.
Playing with Mom's Clarinet
Jacob and Maerron
Running down the hill
Posing in the cold
All bundled up
My Jen
Helping Dad Shovel
Mom and Jacob
Shoveling
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Ego Maniac
As I write this, I'm keeping tabs on the Nuggets vs. Cleveland game. It just went into overtime. I am also awaiting Jacob's bedtime so I can relax with a blu-ray movie. Maybe Dark Knight... maybe Star Trek. It's a nice relaxing evening.
Anyway, I just finished book number six on the year, and it again pushed my interest in behavioral science (specifically dissonance theory) to new heights. We have all taken an introductory course in psychology or sociology that mentioned the "ego" and the "super ego," and we have all mocked such things incessantly. I know I have.
I'm not real big into Freud or anything of that nature, but I am quickly taking a liking to cognitive dissonance. The two books that set my fire most recently are "Mistakes were Made (but not by me)" and "Predictably Irrational."
Although neither book expresses ideas of the Super ego, they do illustrate that our perceptions of ourselves justify our actions. At times, even irrationally.
The theory, in short, is that we have an opinion of ourselves; actions happen that challenge that view of ourselves (we appear to have been less than honest, as an example); this creates discomfort to us; we use justifications to restore our notion of who we are; and, this rarely leads to admissions of mistakes. This can also explain why person already standing in a deep hole can somehow manage to dig deeper. This is done with what I'll call the "self-justification Shovel."
I love books that help me on a daily basis, and both of these titles do just that.
This may sound like a justification for manipulation, but it also taught me how to better recognize dissonance in myself and others and how to "influence" a person to feeling consonance (comfort), which lessens the need for self-justification.
(Carmelo Anthony just hit the game winner in the face of LeBron James. I am now pumped. Justify that LeBron!!).
OTHER UPDATES
.... Now that my reading pace has taken me through March, I have created the space necessary to make a real push for a first draft of my story. I have pushed forward and written another 5 or 6 pages, and I have done a lot more mapping. Now is my big writing push.
.... Jacob has been doing well. He's as playful as ever. We have decided to take more pictures and I will try to post some soon.
.... I am tired of this winter.
Anyway, I just finished book number six on the year, and it again pushed my interest in behavioral science (specifically dissonance theory) to new heights. We have all taken an introductory course in psychology or sociology that mentioned the "ego" and the "super ego," and we have all mocked such things incessantly. I know I have.
I'm not real big into Freud or anything of that nature, but I am quickly taking a liking to cognitive dissonance. The two books that set my fire most recently are "Mistakes were Made (but not by me)" and "Predictably Irrational."
Although neither book expresses ideas of the Super ego, they do illustrate that our perceptions of ourselves justify our actions. At times, even irrationally.
The theory, in short, is that we have an opinion of ourselves; actions happen that challenge that view of ourselves (we appear to have been less than honest, as an example); this creates discomfort to us; we use justifications to restore our notion of who we are; and, this rarely leads to admissions of mistakes. This can also explain why person already standing in a deep hole can somehow manage to dig deeper. This is done with what I'll call the "self-justification Shovel."
I love books that help me on a daily basis, and both of these titles do just that.
This may sound like a justification for manipulation, but it also taught me how to better recognize dissonance in myself and others and how to "influence" a person to feeling consonance (comfort), which lessens the need for self-justification.
(Carmelo Anthony just hit the game winner in the face of LeBron James. I am now pumped. Justify that LeBron!!).
OTHER UPDATES
.... Now that my reading pace has taken me through March, I have created the space necessary to make a real push for a first draft of my story. I have pushed forward and written another 5 or 6 pages, and I have done a lot more mapping. Now is my big writing push.
.... Jacob has been doing well. He's as playful as ever. We have decided to take more pictures and I will try to post some soon.
.... I am tired of this winter.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Book Report
I posted this at my book blog, but I'll repost it here since I've been too busy trying to write my story to blog as must as usual. I just finished book 4 on the year and am currently reading two more while I plod through my story.
This one is about pro wrestling:
Approximately once a year, I have a weird craving to relive the old days when I watched pro wrestling as a kid. We even once organized "viewings" of Wrestlemanias I through III at rotating locations within the last few years. (I will spare naming all involved in this delicious travesty of taste.)
This makes me neither proud nor ashamed. It really just amuses me.
I don't watch wrestling today. I don't enjoy what it has become. Hell, I laugh at 80s wrestling today and enjoy it now for very different (mostly mocking and nostalgic) reasons. But, for the second year in a row, I read a book about old-school wrestling from the days of my youth. This year, I read "Hitman," by Bret "The Hitman" Hart.
Ironically, I used to hate Bret Hart and his evil Hart Foundation. I loved the British Bulldogs, who were arch rivals with the Hart Foundation.
"Hitman" is a great book. It takes you into the "cartoon" world of pro wrestling. I learned a lot about the history of wrestling, and, most interesting, how it works behind the scenes. Hart takes the position that the wrestling business grinds its workers up and spits them out. I think there is some truth to that, but that there is also a tendency for unstable people to explore such a career. There is definitely truth in both perspectives.
The stories are funny, depressing, strange and just odd at times. I recommend reading this book near a computer so you can youtube the various matches he describes in detail. For example, I watched Hart take the kick to the head that ended his career. I also watched the online footage of the "Montreal Screwjob," complete with Vince McMahon wobbling out of the locker room after being knocked silly by Hart.
Although the "Montreal Screwjob" has been a source of great sympathy for Hart, I actually began to think of how Hart may have put himself over a little too well in the book. My take: A promoter has to deal with moody, roided up alpha-males on a regular basis. He has a business to run and didn't get rich by letting wrestlers who decided to go to his rival (WCW) while champion keep the belt and march out triumphant. Promoter lies (not OK, but also... well, Hart makes it clear wrestlers are a bit moody and difficult) and screws over his champion. In the process he damages the goods being received by the rival and collects enough checks to more than pay for the broken jaw.
Pardon my sarcasm, but being "screwed" out of a title defense while 1) leaving the company and 2) ITS STAGED didn't garner as much sympathy from me as I know others feel about this incident. Sorry, but he was 5 time champ because that got ratings. He was a good "wrestler" in that he preformed well, but popularity is what mattered. Stuff happens.
Most interesting to me were the stories of what some of my favorites were like behind the scenes. Andre the Giant, Hulk Hogan, Macho Man, Dynamite Kid, etc. I also loved the stories of the road and all the ribbing. Just kinda guy stories. It was a fun book, but I can't get all broken up about losing a belt that changes hands based on projected ratings draws. Shoot me.
As for steroids, Hart basically makes the strong case that a career would be over without them for someone of his stature (he wasn't exactly a giant). I took this to mean he simply used the "recommended" dosage. It was that or a different career... he rolled the dice and got rich. He only mentions it once when he decided to do it and never again brings it up, although its implied he was on them his whole career (never explicitly says so, though). He later confuses his own use by suggesting he was a desired champ because he wasn't a roided up freak like so many others at a time when people were angry about steroids. I guess its appropriate my next book is about self-justification.
Overall, a fun read. Much longer than expected, and he has some points to make. Much like actual wrestling shows, it's like reading 500 pages of one long description of a train wreck. You see all the twisted metal and all the carnage vividly after reading this book.
This one is about pro wrestling:
Approximately once a year, I have a weird craving to relive the old days when I watched pro wrestling as a kid. We even once organized "viewings" of Wrestlemanias I through III at rotating locations within the last few years. (I will spare naming all involved in this delicious travesty of taste.)
This makes me neither proud nor ashamed. It really just amuses me.
I don't watch wrestling today. I don't enjoy what it has become. Hell, I laugh at 80s wrestling today and enjoy it now for very different (mostly mocking and nostalgic) reasons. But, for the second year in a row, I read a book about old-school wrestling from the days of my youth. This year, I read "Hitman," by Bret "The Hitman" Hart.
Ironically, I used to hate Bret Hart and his evil Hart Foundation. I loved the British Bulldogs, who were arch rivals with the Hart Foundation.
"Hitman" is a great book. It takes you into the "cartoon" world of pro wrestling. I learned a lot about the history of wrestling, and, most interesting, how it works behind the scenes. Hart takes the position that the wrestling business grinds its workers up and spits them out. I think there is some truth to that, but that there is also a tendency for unstable people to explore such a career. There is definitely truth in both perspectives.
The stories are funny, depressing, strange and just odd at times. I recommend reading this book near a computer so you can youtube the various matches he describes in detail. For example, I watched Hart take the kick to the head that ended his career. I also watched the online footage of the "Montreal Screwjob," complete with Vince McMahon wobbling out of the locker room after being knocked silly by Hart.
Although the "Montreal Screwjob" has been a source of great sympathy for Hart, I actually began to think of how Hart may have put himself over a little too well in the book. My take: A promoter has to deal with moody, roided up alpha-males on a regular basis. He has a business to run and didn't get rich by letting wrestlers who decided to go to his rival (WCW) while champion keep the belt and march out triumphant. Promoter lies (not OK, but also... well, Hart makes it clear wrestlers are a bit moody and difficult) and screws over his champion. In the process he damages the goods being received by the rival and collects enough checks to more than pay for the broken jaw.
Pardon my sarcasm, but being "screwed" out of a title defense while 1) leaving the company and 2) ITS STAGED didn't garner as much sympathy from me as I know others feel about this incident. Sorry, but he was 5 time champ because that got ratings. He was a good "wrestler" in that he preformed well, but popularity is what mattered. Stuff happens.
Most interesting to me were the stories of what some of my favorites were like behind the scenes. Andre the Giant, Hulk Hogan, Macho Man, Dynamite Kid, etc. I also loved the stories of the road and all the ribbing. Just kinda guy stories. It was a fun book, but I can't get all broken up about losing a belt that changes hands based on projected ratings draws. Shoot me.
As for steroids, Hart basically makes the strong case that a career would be over without them for someone of his stature (he wasn't exactly a giant). I took this to mean he simply used the "recommended" dosage. It was that or a different career... he rolled the dice and got rich. He only mentions it once when he decided to do it and never again brings it up, although its implied he was on them his whole career (never explicitly says so, though). He later confuses his own use by suggesting he was a desired champ because he wasn't a roided up freak like so many others at a time when people were angry about steroids. I guess its appropriate my next book is about self-justification.
Overall, a fun read. Much longer than expected, and he has some points to make. Much like actual wrestling shows, it's like reading 500 pages of one long description of a train wreck. You see all the twisted metal and all the carnage vividly after reading this book.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Churchill
I am reposting what I posted on my reading blog (25booksayear.blogspot.com) here. I am doing this because I am lazy.
I have enjoyed reading Winston Churchill. Not only because he is one of the greatest leaders of all time, but because he is simply a fun author to read. He keeps a sense of humor, makes grand proclamations and tells the tale through anecdotes. What more would you expect from a man who took great pride in urinating on the Siegfried line along with some of his generals? These are a few memorable quotes from Winston Churchill:
-- FINAL THOUGHTS: "The broadening of thought is a process which acquires momentum by seeking opportunity for all who claim it. And it may well be if wisdom and patience are practiced that Opportunity-for-all will conquer the minds and restrain the passions of mankind."
-- ON FRUSTRATIONS AT THE END -- "As war waged by a coalition draws to its end political aspects have a mounting importance. It is true that American thought is at least disinterested in matters which seem to relate to territorial acquisitions, but when wolves are about the shepherd must guard his flock, even if he does not himself care for mutton."
-- ON AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGY -- "But we never succeeded in deflecting the Americans from their purpose. Their national psychology is such that the bigger the Idea the more wholeheartedly and obstinately do they throw themselves into making it a success. It is an admirable characteristic, provided the Idea is good."
-- ON A FORMAL DECLARATION OF WAR -- "Some people did not like this ceremonial style (of declaring war on Japan). But after all when you have to kill a man it costs nothing to be polite."
-- ON THE PEARL HARBOR ATTACK -- "Silly people, and there were many, not only in enemy countries, might discount the force of the United States. Some said they were soft, others that they would never be united. They would fool around at a distance. They would never come to grips. They would never stand blood-letting. Their democracy and system of recurrent elections would paralyse their war effort. They would be just a vague blur on the horizon to friend or foe. Now we should see the weakness of this numerous but remote, wealthy, and talkative people. But I had studied the American Civil War, fought out to the last desperate inch. American blood flowed in my veins. I thought of a remark which Edward Gray had made to me more than thirty years before - that the United States is like "a gigantic boiler. Once the fire is lighted under it there is no limit to the power it can generate." Being saturated and satiated with emotion and sensation, I went to bed and slept the sleep of the saved and thankful."
-- TO THE CANADIAN PARLIAMENT WHILE VISITING ROOSEVELT -- "When I warned (French leaders) that Britain would fight on alone whatever they did, their generals told their Prime Minister and his divided Cabinet, "In three weeks England will have her neck wrung like a chicken." Some chicken! Some neck!"
I have enjoyed reading Winston Churchill. Not only because he is one of the greatest leaders of all time, but because he is simply a fun author to read. He keeps a sense of humor, makes grand proclamations and tells the tale through anecdotes. What more would you expect from a man who took great pride in urinating on the Siegfried line along with some of his generals? These are a few memorable quotes from Winston Churchill:
-- FINAL THOUGHTS: "The broadening of thought is a process which acquires momentum by seeking opportunity for all who claim it. And it may well be if wisdom and patience are practiced that Opportunity-for-all will conquer the minds and restrain the passions of mankind."
-- ON FRUSTRATIONS AT THE END -- "As war waged by a coalition draws to its end political aspects have a mounting importance. It is true that American thought is at least disinterested in matters which seem to relate to territorial acquisitions, but when wolves are about the shepherd must guard his flock, even if he does not himself care for mutton."
-- ON AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGY -- "But we never succeeded in deflecting the Americans from their purpose. Their national psychology is such that the bigger the Idea the more wholeheartedly and obstinately do they throw themselves into making it a success. It is an admirable characteristic, provided the Idea is good."
-- ON A FORMAL DECLARATION OF WAR -- "Some people did not like this ceremonial style (of declaring war on Japan). But after all when you have to kill a man it costs nothing to be polite."
-- ON THE PEARL HARBOR ATTACK -- "Silly people, and there were many, not only in enemy countries, might discount the force of the United States. Some said they were soft, others that they would never be united. They would fool around at a distance. They would never come to grips. They would never stand blood-letting. Their democracy and system of recurrent elections would paralyse their war effort. They would be just a vague blur on the horizon to friend or foe. Now we should see the weakness of this numerous but remote, wealthy, and talkative people. But I had studied the American Civil War, fought out to the last desperate inch. American blood flowed in my veins. I thought of a remark which Edward Gray had made to me more than thirty years before - that the United States is like "a gigantic boiler. Once the fire is lighted under it there is no limit to the power it can generate." Being saturated and satiated with emotion and sensation, I went to bed and slept the sleep of the saved and thankful."
-- TO THE CANADIAN PARLIAMENT WHILE VISITING ROOSEVELT -- "When I warned (French leaders) that Britain would fight on alone whatever they did, their generals told their Prime Minister and his divided Cabinet, "In three weeks England will have her neck wrung like a chicken." Some chicken! Some neck!"
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Never Surrender
A funny thing happened when I started reading the abridged Memoirs of the Second World War by Winston S. Churchill.
This book takes the six books written by Churchill about the war and combines them into one abridged work. Churchill won the Nobel Prize for Literature for his epic work documenting the earth's most destructive war.
But the part that made me stop was his description on pages 20 and 21 of events that led to the Great Depression. Mr. Churchill reminded me that there are not many things in the world that are truly unique. And, during this time of uncertainty for many, the tried-and-true methods will help get us through. For starters, remember to extend a helping hand, stave off surrender and band together.
In 1959, Churchill wrote the following about the 1920s (complete with British spelling):
Sound familiar? Eerily familiar?
I am not predicting a depression, but I certainly was not comforted by reading the above passage. It made me recall the main theme from the new TV series Battlestar Galactica, which is "All of this has happened before and all of it will happen again."
The economy is bigger than politics, so I am not going to use this post to assign blame or to prescribe some sort of solution. I will even resist the temptation to badger over the glut of non-regulators manning the positions of regulators. The fact remains that our foundational financial institutions found ways to over-indulge and would have found a way in any event.
What matters is that many people are really hurting out there. We all know people who are being ground to dust by circumstances. It's a scary time and unemployment has been rampant.
I am not sure where we go from here, but I hope our populace will resist the usual mud slinging and band together. I hope our leaders can find the strength to tell us what the truth is and not try to sugarcoat it. I hope we can embrace real solutions even if they are difficult or non-compliant with our ideological beliefs.
In any case, such things will take time and no solution will work quickly.
In the meantime, its time for all hands on deck. While bigger solutions are sought to the extent possible in Washington, it's time to help each other. None of us are in this alone and today's hard luck neighbors may end up being the ones who pull you out of the abyss if or when fate changes hands.
I always talk about bootstraps. We can control events to a point. We can make opportunities into successes by our efforts, but we never do anything alone. And, now more than ever, we need each other.
Another lesson we can take from Mr. Churchill is that no matter how bad things get, we must persevere to the end. No one can say that with more authority than the man who rescued England from perils we cannot understand today. His favorite term was "KBO," which means "keep buggering on."
We may not be fighting on the beaches or in the air, but we can fight for homes and for each other. The message is the same in war as in economic turmoil: Never Surrender. And hang in there.
This book takes the six books written by Churchill about the war and combines them into one abridged work. Churchill won the Nobel Prize for Literature for his epic work documenting the earth's most destructive war.
But the part that made me stop was his description on pages 20 and 21 of events that led to the Great Depression. Mr. Churchill reminded me that there are not many things in the world that are truly unique. And, during this time of uncertainty for many, the tried-and-true methods will help get us through. For starters, remember to extend a helping hand, stave off surrender and band together.
In 1959, Churchill wrote the following about the 1920s (complete with British spelling):
"The year 1929 reached almost the end of its third quarter under the promise and appearance of increasing prosperity, particularly in the United States. Extraordinary optimism sustained an orgy of speculation. Books were written to prove that economic crisis was a phase which expanding business organisation and science had at last mastered. "We are apparently finished and done with economic cycles as we have known them," said the President of the New York Stock Exchange in September. But in October a sudden and violent tempest swept over Wall Street. The intervention of the most powerful agencies failed to stem the tide of panic sales. A group of leading banks constituted a milliard-dollar pool to maintain and stabilise the market. All was vain.
"The whole wealth so swiftly gathered in the paper values of previous years vanished. <The prosperity of millions of American homes had grown upon a gigantic structure of inflated credit now suddenly proved phantom. Apart from the nation-wide speculation in shares which even the most famous banks had encouraged by easy loans, a vast system of purchase by instalment of houses, furniture, cars, and numberless kinds of household conveniences and indulgences had grown up. All now fell together. The mighty production plants were thrown into confusion and paralysis. But yesterday there had been the urgent question of parking the motorcars in which thousands of artisans and craftsmen were beginning to travel to their daily work. Today, the grievous pangs of falling wages and rising unemployment afflicted the whole community, engaged till this moment in the most active creation of all kinds of desirable articles for the enjoyment of millions. The American banking system was far less concentrated and solidly based than the British. Twenty thousand local banks suspended payment. The means of exchange of goods and services between man and man was smitten to the ground, and the crash on Wall Street reverberated in modest and rich households alike.
"It should not however be supposed that the fair vision of far greater wealth and comfort ever more widely shared which had entranced the people of the United States had nothing behind it but delusion and market frenzy. Never before had such immense quantities of goods of all kinds been produced, shared, and exchanged in any society. There is in fact no limit to the benefits which human being may bestow upon one another by the highest exertion of their diligence and skill. This splendid manifestation had been shattered and cast down by vain imaginative processes and greed of gain which far outstripped the great achievement itself. In the wake of the collapse of the stock market came during the years between 1929 and 1932 an unrelenting fall in prices and consequent cuts in production causing widespread unemployment."
-- Memoirs of the Second World War, an abridgment of the six volumes of The Second World War, by Winston S. Churchill, pp. 20-21. Mariner Books.(emphasis added)
Sound familiar? Eerily familiar?
I am not predicting a depression, but I certainly was not comforted by reading the above passage. It made me recall the main theme from the new TV series Battlestar Galactica, which is "All of this has happened before and all of it will happen again."
The economy is bigger than politics, so I am not going to use this post to assign blame or to prescribe some sort of solution. I will even resist the temptation to badger over the glut of non-regulators manning the positions of regulators. The fact remains that our foundational financial institutions found ways to over-indulge and would have found a way in any event.
What matters is that many people are really hurting out there. We all know people who are being ground to dust by circumstances. It's a scary time and unemployment has been rampant.
I am not sure where we go from here, but I hope our populace will resist the usual mud slinging and band together. I hope our leaders can find the strength to tell us what the truth is and not try to sugarcoat it. I hope we can embrace real solutions even if they are difficult or non-compliant with our ideological beliefs.
In any case, such things will take time and no solution will work quickly.
In the meantime, its time for all hands on deck. While bigger solutions are sought to the extent possible in Washington, it's time to help each other. None of us are in this alone and today's hard luck neighbors may end up being the ones who pull you out of the abyss if or when fate changes hands.
I always talk about bootstraps. We can control events to a point. We can make opportunities into successes by our efforts, but we never do anything alone. And, now more than ever, we need each other.
Another lesson we can take from Mr. Churchill is that no matter how bad things get, we must persevere to the end. No one can say that with more authority than the man who rescued England from perils we cannot understand today. His favorite term was "KBO," which means "keep buggering on."
We may not be fighting on the beaches or in the air, but we can fight for homes and for each other. The message is the same in war as in economic turmoil: Never Surrender. And hang in there.
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