A short film from France: "Can We Kiss?" Nicely done.
Commentary by management consultant Michael Wade on Leadership, Ethics, Management, and Life
Monday, June 30, 2014
Interesting Voices
- Jeremy Paxman, Charles Moore, and Martin Amis discussing Margaret Thatcher.
- Henry Kissinger on global risks (2013)
- Nat Hentoff on Che Guevara.
- William F. Buckley Jr. on Ayn Rand.
- Brigitte Bardot on Marilyn Monroe.
- Ronald Reagan and Robert F. Kennedy in a joint television appearance.
- Alfred Hitchcock on film making.
Don't Compromise Your Ethics
Tim Berry points to a brief video of Heidi Roizen in which she discusses how her start-up firm dealt with a strong temptation to be unethical.
Quick lesson: If you are going to be ethical, sometimes there is a price, but don't underestimate the price of being unethical.
Offense and Tolerance
Time was, Voegeli writes, a tolerant society was one with "a mutual non-aggression pact": If your beliefs and practices offend but do not otherwise affect me, I will not interfere with them if you will reciprocate regarding my beliefs and practices. Now, however, tolerance supposedly requires compulsory acknowledgment that certain people's beliefs and practices deserve, Voegeli says, "to be honored, respected, affirmed and validated" lest they suffer irreparable injury to their sense of worth. And it requires compelling conformity for the good of the compelled.
Read the rest of George Will's column here.
Read the rest of George Will's column here.
Only
He thought there were only three options but after freeing his mind he came up with eight and a friend gave him three more.
She believed there was only one way to do the job properly until she learned of others with fewer resources and less time who were doing it just as well.
They assumed he'd abandoned reality and yet when they learned the details behind his conclusion, which included a fact they'd overlooked, his view was reasonable.
An alarm bell should sound whenever we believe there is only one way. That may be true but we don't want to rush there.
Quote of the Day
Clutter is the disease of American writing. We are a society strangled by unnecessary words, circular constructions, pompous frills and meaningless jargon.
- William Zinsser
- William Zinsser
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Saturday, June 28, 2014
First Paragraph
Dr. Alexander Hoffmann sat by the fire in his study in Geneva, a half-smoked cigar lying cold in the ashtray beside him, an angle-poise lamp pulled low over his shoulder, turning the pages of a first edition of The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals by Charles Darwin. The Victorian grandfather clock in the hall was striking midnight but Hoffmann did not hear it. Nor did he notice that the fire was almost out. All of his formidable powers of attention were directed onto his book.
- From The Fear Index by Robert Harris
- From The Fear Index by Robert Harris
Best Tablet?
In-between practicing law and running to the mailbox for his next smartwatch, FutureLawyer marinates in technology.
Check out his take on the best tablet for the money.
Entertainment Break
This looks fascinating: The trailer for "Tim's Vermeer."
Great Moments in Political Commentary
Althouse has the award winner.
Interesting Voices
- Leonard Bernstein on teachers and teaching.
- John Updike on writing.
- Christopher Hitchens on the Axis of Evil.
- Tom Wolfe on his novel, Back to Blood.
- Howard Jacobson on boycotts of Israel.
- Bill George on authentic leadership.
The Victimization Game
In our politically correct society, however, there are two options when these stories surface: 1) Play it safe and avoid any aggravation by sharing the story along with an “Horrible. OMG, totally boycotting KFC! Prayers up!” Tweet, or 2) Be the voice of reason and nervously pipe up: “Well yeah, this sounds horrible but why do you automatically believe the family’s story?” Of course, that’s the point in the party where the music comes to a screeching halt and you’re suddenly a pariah for not buying the story hook, line, and sinker.
Read all of A. J. Delgado's essay on politically correct scams.
Scribble Time
Keeping a diary presents dangers and it can become tedious.
Keeping a journal, however, in which you note important items to remember and preserve various insights can create a valuable resource.
I'm starting one today.
No joke.
Quote of the Day
The goal of creating a nonhierarchical organization is nonsensical because there is no such thing as a nonhierarchical organization.
- Eileen C. Shapiro
- Eileen C. Shapiro
Friday, June 27, 2014
First Paragraph
One of the pictures hanging in my office in mid-Manhattan is a photograph of the writer E. B. White. It was taken by Jill Krementz when White was 77 years old, at his home in North Brooklin, Maine. A white-haired man is sitting on a plain wooden bench at a plain wooden table - three boards nailed to four legs - in a small boathouse. The window is open to a view across the water. White is typing on a manual typewriter, and the only other objects are an ashtray and a nail keg. The keg, I don't have to be told, is his wastebasket.
- From On Writing Well by William Zinsser
- From On Writing Well by William Zinsser
Favorite Living Composers - Continued
Several days ago I asked for the names of favorite living composers. Some people promptly stepped forward with nominees.
Due to my natural sloth I have been remiss in thanking them and in highlighting their submissions. My sincere thanks to each.
Here is the list:
Kurt Harden mentioned Philip Glass.
Eclecticity Light recommended Christopher Tin.
Steve sent links to Wim Mertens and Morten Lauridsen.
CincyCat likes Adele and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
[BTW, as for soundtracks, check out "Nowhere in Africa."]
A-R-G
Cultural Offering passes along a great observation about three items which produce happiness.
Three to remember.
Miscellaneous and Fast
Nicholas Bate: Life doesn't have to be this way.
David Kanigan is enjoying Joseph Epstein's latest book of essays.
The trailer for "Edge of Darkness."
Send that man a Timex: FutureLawyer's SmartWatch addiction continues.
Anderson Layman's Blog: What we shouldn't expect from Gary Trudeau.
Althouse: A bizarre EPA memo.
From 2006: Admissions and denials of media bias.
The Book Insider: A blog for book lovers.
Dwell: I'm uneasy about the price of the easy chair.
Jonathan Turley on the Supreme Court's decision on recess appointments.
Fortune: Water as a speculative commodity.
David Kanigan is enjoying Joseph Epstein's latest book of essays.
The trailer for "Edge of Darkness."
Send that man a Timex: FutureLawyer's SmartWatch addiction continues.
Anderson Layman's Blog: What we shouldn't expect from Gary Trudeau.
Althouse: A bizarre EPA memo.
From 2006: Admissions and denials of media bias.
The Book Insider: A blog for book lovers.
Dwell: I'm uneasy about the price of the easy chair.
Jonathan Turley on the Supreme Court's decision on recess appointments.
Fortune: Water as a speculative commodity.
Quote of the Day
The problem with television is that people must sit and keep their eyes glued to the screen. The average American family doesn't have time for it.
- The New York Times, 1939
- The New York Times, 1939
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Howard Baker, R.I.P.
Former Senator and White House Chief of Staff Howard Baker has died.
Highly competent and thoroughly decent, he was the person who first asked, "What did the president know and when did he know it?"
A question which is periodically revived.
Highly competent and thoroughly decent, he was the person who first asked, "What did the president know and when did he know it?"
A question which is periodically revived.
Quotes from Business Nightmares
"We would have hired you if we knew you did that sort of work."
"True, the RFP didn't stress that but it was what we were really after."
"Your proposal was the best but it was lower than the others and some people on the panel thought that was suspicious."
"We were already leaning heavily in favor of the firm we selected but we needed to get at least three bids before awarding the contract."
Philosophy
The manager, bright and highly experienced, gave his view of how managers should manage.
I made a note and put a star next to it. That view is far more important than how a particular issue was handled. It will be explored further in the next session.
We are boosted and restrained by our assumptions.
In Praise of the Index Card
Let us praise the lowly index card and its numerous uses:
- Table leveler
- Bookmark
- List maker
- Preserver of genius
- Security blanket for speakers
- Toothpick
- Wedge
- Label
It is said that some even use them for research purposes.
Quote of the Day
Communication The process of you receiving what I just said.
- Eileen C. Shapiro
- Eileen C. Shapiro
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Rose Tremain
One of the best novelists today talking about writing.
She mentions her latest novel, Merivel: A Man of His Time.
It continues the story of the fascinating protagonist in one of her earlier books, Restoration.
She mentions her latest novel, Merivel: A Man of His Time.
It continues the story of the fascinating protagonist in one of her earlier books, Restoration.
Same Bock. New Bottle.
Wally Bock's Three Star Leadership has a new location and a new look but the high quality of thought remains the same.
Unfinished
You begin the essay and then realize you are about to go down a rabbit hole because you know part but not all of what you want to say.
Stop.
Back away from the desk. Do something else.
Your thoughts are not ready.
Cultural Offering
Kurt Harden writing his blog
One of the joys of Cultural Offering is you can find Essential Mixes for Lyle Lovett close to an essay on a beloved grandfather as well as a thought experiment on the IRS. You may run across the daily routine of Samuel Johnson and manuscripts of the masters of classical music.
Check it out.
Boo
People who embrace a rationale for unethical behavior but never speak of it; those who think they know something really important when they really don't; the ones who question the motives of everyone but themselves; the legions who believe Utopia can be legislated or dictated; the zealots who push intolerance in the name of tolerance; the winners who never think of what it is like to be chosen last or not at all; the levelers, the cranks, the arrogant, the narrow-minded, and the empty-minded.
Who needs Halloween? Read the newspaper.
Quote of the Day
Our highest priority is to protect our ability to prioritize.
- Greg McKeown
- Greg McKeown
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Art Quiz
You know how you can hear a few bars of music and know the performer? Dan dos Santos at Muddy Colors gives snippets of various paintings and asks, "Whose brush stroke is that?"
The quiz is here.
The answers are here.
Reprise: The Career Manifesto
I wrote this several years ago and Hugh MacLeod at gapingvoid.com was kind enough to publish it as part of his manifesto series:
1. Unless you’re working in a coal mine, an emergency ward, or their equivalent, spare us the sad stories about your tough job. The biggest risk most of us face in the course of a day is a paper cut.
2. Yes, your boss is an idiot at times. So what? (Do you think your associates sit around and marvel at your deep thoughts?) If you cannot give your boss basic loyalty, either report the weasel to the proper authorities or be gone.
3. You are paid to take meaningful actions, not superficial ones. Don’t brag about that memo you sent out or how hard you work. Tell us what you achieved.
4. Although your title may be the same, the job that you were hired to do three years ago is probably not the job you have now. When you are just coasting and not thinking several steps ahead of your responsibilities, you are in dinosaur territory and a meteor is coming.
5. If you suspect that you’re working in a madhouse, you probably are. Even sociopaths have jobs. Don’t delude yourself by thinking you’ll change what the organization regards as a “turkey farm.” Flee.
6. Your technical skills may impress the other geeks, but if you can’t get along with your co-workers, you’re a litigation breeder. Don’t be surprised if management regards you as an expensive risk.
7. If you have a problem with co-workers, have the guts to tell them, preferably in words of one syllable.
8. Don’t believe what the organization says it does. Its practices are its real policies. Study what is rewarded and what is punished and you’ll have a better clue as to what’s going on.
9. Don’t expect to be perfect. Focus on doing right instead of being right. It will simplify the world enormously.
10.If you plan on showing them what you’re capable of only after you get promoted, you need to reverse your thinking.
1. Unless you’re working in a coal mine, an emergency ward, or their equivalent, spare us the sad stories about your tough job. The biggest risk most of us face in the course of a day is a paper cut.
2. Yes, your boss is an idiot at times. So what? (Do you think your associates sit around and marvel at your deep thoughts?) If you cannot give your boss basic loyalty, either report the weasel to the proper authorities or be gone.
3. You are paid to take meaningful actions, not superficial ones. Don’t brag about that memo you sent out or how hard you work. Tell us what you achieved.
4. Although your title may be the same, the job that you were hired to do three years ago is probably not the job you have now. When you are just coasting and not thinking several steps ahead of your responsibilities, you are in dinosaur territory and a meteor is coming.
5. If you suspect that you’re working in a madhouse, you probably are. Even sociopaths have jobs. Don’t delude yourself by thinking you’ll change what the organization regards as a “turkey farm.” Flee.
6. Your technical skills may impress the other geeks, but if you can’t get along with your co-workers, you’re a litigation breeder. Don’t be surprised if management regards you as an expensive risk.
7. If you have a problem with co-workers, have the guts to tell them, preferably in words of one syllable.
8. Don’t believe what the organization says it does. Its practices are its real policies. Study what is rewarded and what is punished and you’ll have a better clue as to what’s going on.
9. Don’t expect to be perfect. Focus on doing right instead of being right. It will simplify the world enormously.
10.If you plan on showing them what you’re capable of only after you get promoted, you need to reverse your thinking.
The Word Not Spoken
Hold your tongue. Count to ten. Breathe slowly. Buy some time. Take a walk. Sleep on it.
Pay heed whenever one of those messages arrives.
Usually, the sender is your better and wiser self.
Quote of the Day
A little nonsense now and then, is cherished by the wisest men.
- Roald Dahl
- Roald Dahl
Monday, June 23, 2014
The Day of Many Drafts
Is today.
And each one brings me closer to bringing order to the Universe.
And each one brings me closer to bringing order to the Universe.
Ad Hoc
When the regulation was adopted no one noticed that it conflicted with two other regulations or that those regulations conflicted with still another two. They thought it was good at the time and no one wondered whether the action helped the overall purpose of the organization or perhaps might even hurt it.
They didn't have time for such nonsense then but later on they became experts on all of those regulations.
It wasn't a pleasant experience.
IRS: Bad and Getting Worse
This is “the dog ate my hard drive, broke into another building, ate the backup of the hard drive, then broke into six other top officials’ offices and ate their hard drives also.”
Read the rest of Kyle Smith on the IRS scandal.
Read the rest of Kyle Smith on the IRS scandal.
[HT: Instapundit]
Sometimes Good
- Micromanagement
- Indecision
- Isolation
- Interruptions
- Impatience
- Indifference
- Inner circles
- Competition
- Limited funds
- Crisis
- Tight deadlines
- Complaints
- Bureaucracy
- Ignorance
- Turnover
Quote of the Day
To design is much more than simply to assemble, to order, or even to edit; it is to add value and meaning, to illuminate, to simplify, to clarify, to modify, to dignify, to dramatize, to persuade, and perhaps even to amuse.
- Paul Rand
- Paul Rand
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Saturday, June 21, 2014
More Timely Than Ever
I put this film on tonight and was reminded of just how chilling it is.
Having encountered people who think the Communist regimes weren't that bad, I think "The Lives of Others" should be mandatory viewing in high schools.
Having encountered people who think the Communist regimes weren't that bad, I think "The Lives of Others" should be mandatory viewing in high schools.
English as the World Language
In any event, Mandarin would be a very difficult language for the rest of the world to learn and master. Even if you put Chinese words into pinyin form (roman characters), there are four tones to each character (often monosyllabic) that clarify the meaning. Regardless, I don’t see the Chinese discarding their Mandarin characters and converting entirely to pinyin, as they are proud of their language, which has survived more than 5,000 years.
Read the rest of the article by Lee Kuan Yew here.
Read the rest of the article by Lee Kuan Yew here.
But What If You Have Three Middle Names?
David Kanigan reveals the problems encountered when you have NO MIDDLE NAME!
I can sympathize. That's why for years I simply used the name "Prince."
I can sympathize. That's why for years I simply used the name "Prince."
Back By Popular Demand
The main theme from "Cinema Paradiso."
60 Soundtracks to Consider
Kurt Harden of Cultural Offering recently asked me for a list of my favorite film soundtracks. A serious music fan, Kurt often lists Essential Mixes on his blog and so his request is somewhat daunting. I am certain that many great ones have been overlooked but here, in no particular order, is my list. [I've put asterisks next to the ones I find myself listening to the most.]
- Ben-Hur
- Lawrence of Arabia *
- The Thin Red Line *
- To Kill a Mockingbird *
- Cinema Paradiso *
- Nowhere in Africa *
- Gladiator *
- The Last of The Mohicans *
- The Cowboys *
- Sense and Sensibility *
- Jesus of Nazareth
- The Godfather
- My Fair Lady
- O Brother, Where Art Thou?
- El Cid
- DragonHeart *
- Ten Years in Tibet *
- Amelie *
- Chariots of Fire
- The Lion in Winter
- Get Shorty *
- Braveheart *
- Gone With The Wind
- Shakespeare in Love *
- Deep Impact *
- Sleepless in Seattle [More of a collection of great songs]
- Doctor Zhivago
- Jurassic Park *
- Mary Queen of Scots
- We Were Soldiers *
- The Big Country
- Star Wars
- Topsy-Turvy
- The Piano
- True Grit [new version] *
- The Cider House Rules
- The Magnificent Seven
- The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
- Finding Nemo
- Witness
- Saving Private Ryan
- Fiddler on the Roof
- Master and Commander *
- October Sky
- House of Sand and Fog
- Gettysburg
- Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows - Part Two *
- Is Paris Burning?
- Nicholas Nickleby *
- A Beautiful Mind
- Road to Perdition
- Michael Collins
- Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban
- Big Fish [Another collection of great songs]
- Batman Begins
- Father of the Bride
- West Side Story
- South Pacific
- Oklahoma!
- Midnight Express
Quote of the Day
I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.
- Michelangelo
- Michelangelo
Friday, June 20, 2014
Odd Errands
I'll bet few of you spent part of your day feeding chickens and frogs.
The excitement never ends.
The excitement never ends.
Why Read Dickens?
His books should be read slowly. Most of them are long and require some time. There isn't a thrill-a-moment although thrills and adventure are not absent. He was what we call a keen observer and his eye was on the bootblack and the lawyer, the wealthy businessman and the pickpocket. His minor characters will remain in your memory long after the major characters of other novels have vanished. I don't know how he was able to pull that off but he does, over and over again. There is a lot of humor but some anger as well and you can sense that he knew what it was like to be powerless, poor, and humiliated. He also knew a vivid assortment of villains.
Why read Dickens? Because he will assure you that many of today's problems have always been about and in the drama of life we all play roles which are at times foolish, fumbling, desperate, and noble.
[My favorites are A Tale of Two Cities, Bleak House, and The Pickwick Papers.]
The Disney Magic
Help Scout has a great review of how Disney creates magical experiences and a 70% return rate.
Walt viewed his theme parks almost as “factories” that produced delight and entertainment. His belief was that the backbone of Quality Service was built on designing perfect processes and then repeating them at scale.
Take some time today and read the entire post. It will be time well spent.
Walt viewed his theme parks almost as “factories” that produced delight and entertainment. His belief was that the backbone of Quality Service was built on designing perfect processes and then repeating them at scale.
Take some time today and read the entire post. It will be time well spent.
The New Job
Most likely, the new job will:
- Be harder than they described but easier than you imagined.
- Have little in common with the job description.
- Require longer hours than anticipated.
- Bring some unpleasant surprises.
- Be more interesting than any outsider would predict.
- Often cause you to "fake it til you make it."
- Give you many senseless worries.
- Pay less than you deserve.
- Teach you a great deal about people.
- Hone a particular skill.
- Be what you make it.
Miscellaneous and Fast
Wally Bock looks at shapeshifting at Apple.
Denmark: A freedom of speech issue is illustrated in a rather vivid manner.
Mark Perry: Automotive manufacturing and right to work states.
Joe Biden on the perils of making a prediction.
FutureLawyer reviews the Amazon Fire Smartphone.
Althouse on when a CEO tries to act hip.
CoolTools looks at an $8 Ikea tool set.
Peter Robinson interviews Mark Steyn.
The trailer for "Harvey."
Denmark: A freedom of speech issue is illustrated in a rather vivid manner.
Mark Perry: Automotive manufacturing and right to work states.
Joe Biden on the perils of making a prediction.
FutureLawyer reviews the Amazon Fire Smartphone.
Althouse on when a CEO tries to act hip.
CoolTools looks at an $8 Ikea tool set.
Peter Robinson interviews Mark Steyn.
The trailer for "Harvey."
Quote of the Day
Strategy is about making choices, trade-offs. It's about deliberately choosing to be different.
- Michael Porter
- Michael Porter
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Thursday Night
The soundtrack to "Seven Years in Tibet" is in the background.
I'm seeking tranquility.
Earlier I spoke with a friend about the agenda for the annual meeting of a community group. [He's the outgoing president and I served as president a few years back.] He had a bylaws question which was fairly easy but then matters got complicated because that group is also linked to another group with another arcane set of bylaws and we each had also served as president there and it soon became evident that one decision would affect the other and by the time the call was finished we were zealots for simplicity if not closet anarchists.
I assured him that he will be very happy in the role of past president. He readily agreed.
And now, some business reading beckons.
[I got to bed at midnight last night. As I shuffled past my dog - who does not like to sleep until everyone is in bed - she gave me a look which said, "Don't do this again."]
I'm seeking tranquility.
Earlier I spoke with a friend about the agenda for the annual meeting of a community group. [He's the outgoing president and I served as president a few years back.] He had a bylaws question which was fairly easy but then matters got complicated because that group is also linked to another group with another arcane set of bylaws and we each had also served as president there and it soon became evident that one decision would affect the other and by the time the call was finished we were zealots for simplicity if not closet anarchists.
I assured him that he will be very happy in the role of past president. He readily agreed.
And now, some business reading beckons.
[I got to bed at midnight last night. As I shuffled past my dog - who does not like to sleep until everyone is in bed - she gave me a look which said, "Don't do this again."]
The War on Christians
For at least three reasons, the contemporary persecution of Christians demands attention: It is occurring on a massive scale, it is underreported, and in many parts of the world it is rapidly growing.
Read the rest of Paul Marshall at the Hudson Institute site.
21 Thoughts on Office Politics
- Remember that the trick is to fight the weasels without becoming one.
- Don't be too clever by half.
- Recognize that getting a job and doing it well are two different things.
- Hone your skills. Constantly.
- Don't expect people to have long memories about good things.
- Don't expect fairness.
- Suffer fools gladly and realize that not all of them are fools.
- Listen to everyone but decide for yourself.
- Get an advisor who has been around the block.
- Avoid rash comments and sarcasm. They get repeated.
- Know your strengths and weaknesses, especially the latter.
- Associate with positive people.
- Read the minutes.
- Build a reputation for reliability.
- Know when and how to say no.
- Keep your word.
- Beware of dubious allies.
- Walk away from potentially embarrassing circumstances.
- Watch your ego.
- Learn what is really wanted for certain jobs. [It might not be excellence.]
- Notice more than you comment on and care more than you let on.
Health Food Update
David Kanigan has info on how to make Sea Salt and Honey Ice Cream without using an ice cream machine.
Repeat: Without using an ice cream machine.
Click to his site. Stare at the photo. You've just gained five pounds.
Repeat: Without using an ice cream machine.
Click to his site. Stare at the photo. You've just gained five pounds.
Favorite Living Composers?
The modern day version of classical music can be found in movie soundtracks. This is not to disparage those composers. Many of them are excellent and no doubt the film biz pays well.
I do, however, have a question for those of you who are classical music buffs.
Who are your favorite living composers outside of the movie soundtrack arena?
Thinking, Not Thinking, and Its Productive Alternative
You are not working on an item and yet it is on the outskirts of your mind. It shadows all of your other activities. You are thinking about the subject while avoiding it.
It is as if you realize that a direct focus will chase away possible answers and that inattention may attract a solution.
This odd approach is messy and counter-intuitive but it often works. That's why most of us use it.
Quote of the Day
The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of the non-essentials.
- Lin Yutang
- Lin Yutang
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
10 Most Corrupt States?
Fortune has the list and it may spark debate because of the measuring criteria and some notable omissions.
Sort of Amazing
At Anderson Layman's Blog:
Willie Nelson, Lorrie Morgan, and Tammy Wynette with The Beach Boys.
And somehow everything works.
Old Ways
There can be a charm to old ways.
Men opening car doors for women, children who respect elders, proper table manners, dancing where you hold the other person and move with grace instead of standing apart with some version of a seizure, poetry that rhymes, deals which are sealed with a handshake, hand-written thank-you notes, respect for the flag, knowing and taking care of your neighbors, being slow to criticize but willing to make ethical judgments, taking responsibility for your actions, not using profanity in public, not bragging, taking pride in your work, and acting like an adult.
You know the list and you are well aware that not all of the old ways were good ways. Many of the "good, old, days" were terrible. There was, however, a common theme of respect, both for yourself and for others, which ran through many of the practices.
The good ones should be honored and handed down.
Quote of the Day
Plan 'A' is what you do when serendipity doesn't work out.
- Madame Scherzo
- Madame Scherzo
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
OJ's Strange Ride
It was 20 years ago when millions of us were watching a white Bronco being pursued by a mass of squad cars on the freeways of Los Angeles.
I had to leave the television set in order to pick up my wife at the airport but when I got to Sky Harbor the chase was still on and every TV in the place was surrounded by people.
If a screenwriter had ever concocted such a scene prior to that national drama, people would have scoffed.
I had to leave the television set in order to pick up my wife at the airport but when I got to Sky Harbor the chase was still on and every TV in the place was surrounded by people.
If a screenwriter had ever concocted such a scene prior to that national drama, people would have scoffed.
First Paragraph
At his trial, Socrates famously said that 'the unexamined life is not worth living'. He had not, of course, met Margaret Thatcher. From childhood, through the whole of her life until the infirmities of old age prevented her, Mrs. Thatcher worked without cease. For her, work had a semi-religious significance, and it was the only way of life she knew. Even after she had left politics, she would always say 'There's so much to do!' She hated the fact that she no longer had the chance to do it.
- From Margaret Thatcher: From Grantham to The Falklands by Charles Moore
- From Margaret Thatcher: From Grantham to The Falklands by Charles Moore
A Whiff of Shark
You've seen them on television and in person. Well-dressed and well-spoken, they are attractive and bright. If you were to go down a checklist of favorable qualities, they would have most of the superficial ones but then . . . you sense . . . the aroma of shark.
Hard to define. Tough to pin down. Just why you feel this is a mystery but it may be produced by ancient survival skills. It is as if some long-ago ancestor is whispering, "Flee."
I follow that advice. Perhaps I've missed the chance to know some genuinely nice people but when it comes to warning systems, I suggest paying attention to the primal.
Quote of the Day
Nothing can be fine-tuned until it's first consistent.
- Gino Wickman
- Gino Wickman
Monday, June 16, 2014
100 Greatest
A bold man, Kurt Harden at Cultural Offering has listed the "100 Greatest Albums Ever."
I have owned around sixteen. [There is no truth to the cruel rumor that my music system is pictured above.]
Back By Popular Demand
Marc Cohn with "True Companion."
LGBT Executive Order
Monday, the White House announced Obama will sign an executive order that would prohibit federal contractors from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Read the rest of the Politico article here.
Read the rest of the Politico article here.
Aside from questions about powers under the Constitution, that is the sort of issue which is better handled politically via legislation than through an executive order.
Expect to hear much more on that aspect.
Expect to hear much more on that aspect.
Random Thoughts
Self-confidence and ignorance may ensure fame but they won't create long-term success. One of my goals is to be an ambitious 85-year-old. Life is a series of continuing education classes. People who rail against the rich are as repulsive as those who rail against poor people and racial groups. A person who expects the world to be logical is bound to be disappointed. The study of religion and philosophy - however informal - increases with age. I wish I'd taken Geology in college. Our muck-raking culture causes many to be surprised when they learn that previous generations did a lot of things right. Helping others to succeed may or may not help you succeed but you should do it anyway. Beware of leaders who love the mirror. Read at least two excellent biographies a year. I suspect that most of us draw greater pleasure from the moments when we said "No" and stuck to it than from the times when we gave a reluctant "Yes." A key skill is being able to walk out of a meeting and know exactly what just took place. Another important skill is knowing whether to attend in the first place. Have you ever noticed that when political candidates decide to "act like regular folks" they behave like buffoons? The country would improve if men started wearing fedoras instead of baseball caps. Whenever confirmation of my pathetic handwriting skills is needed I read a letter by an ancestor. If you think it takes too much treasure and blood to keep the thugs from running the world then look at the areas they do control. Some people and books should be read more than once. There are leaders who stop being effective long before their expiration dates. Leadership and management are mainly responsibilities, not roles, but the dramatic arts can be useful. Life is not composed of neat boxes. Productive and worthless activities like to mingle. Never forget how easy it is to disguise a time-bomb as an opportunity. Methodical requires movement.
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