It's a Hip Life

At Unhappy Hipsters: "And somewhere, an architect got his smug-wings."

The Smooth Operator

Many years ago I knew a man who was reputed to be a smooth operator. People would say that he always had the right words, was too friendly, and that he tried to impress others with his expensive wardrobe. There was a regular gossip network against the fellow and yet I cannot recall a specific instance being cited in which he had truly done wrong to anyone. He had a cadre of enemies that became hazy when asked to provide the particulars for their animosity. In fact, the nicer he was, the more his critics suspected some ulterior motive.

Since then, I've grown wary of such reputations. In my every dealing with him, he was honest, kind, and thoughtful. I can't say the same for his critics.

First Paragraph

There was commotion in Roaring Camp. It could not have been a fight, for in 1850 that was not novel enough to have called together the entire settlement. The ditches and claims were not only deserted, but "Tuttle's grocery" had contributed its gamblers, who, it will be remembered, calmly continued their game the day that French Pete and Kanaka Joe shot each other to death over the bar in the front room.

- From The Luck of the Roaring Camp by Bret Harte

Quote of the Day

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.

- Martin Luther King Jr.

Some Music for Sunday

Pure greatness: Beethoven's 7th Symphony, second movement.

Book Review: The Venice Experiment

Many of us have wondered what it would be like to pack it all in and move to an exotic locale. Coping with the daily routine could turn into a grand adventure or a long series of regrets.

Barry Frangipane took the leap. He and his wife Debbie sold their home in Florida and moved to Venice for a year. The Venice Experiment: A Year of Trial and Error Living Abroad is a funny and informative account of their encounters with a place that could both charm and frustrate. Barry's account, written with co-author Ben Robbins, is an illustration of relocation culture shock. When you are moving to a tourist magnet with no streets, masses of tourists, and routine floods, you'd better be flexible.

Frangipane, who had the advantage of Italian relatives as well as a computer business that could be handled online - many of his clients didn't know he was in Venice - frequently found himself caught in the gaps between American assumptions and Italian realities. You can't get the required visa without presenting a signed lease that has been registered with the City of Venice and yet no landlord wants to register with the City? Well, rest assured that there is a little way around that requirement. There are 300 people backed up at the Italian passport control? Don't worry. The customs officers will unhook the ropes and wave everyone through. You are looking for an electric blanket? Don't try the department store. Go to the electric store but not on Wednesday morning because that's when they are closed.

Given the challenges, I was impressed with how quickly Frangipane and his wife were able to adapt. They kept their sense of humor, studied conversational Italian, expanded their circle of friends, and met many kind and supportive people.

A thoroughly pleasant book. Don't move to Venice without it. Even if you aren't planning a move, this is a great way to experience the fantasy.

No Show

I had a luncheon appointment yesterday with an old friend, a retired attorney who is known for his wit and insight. We'd had lunch three weeks ago after a long lapse and vowed to do a better job of keeping in touch.

Yesterday morning, I learned that he'd been zapped with an e coli infection, was rushed to the hospital where he'd barely survived but was now making a remarkable recovery. His wife called me with the news. She said he asked her to call me and that he didn't want me to think he was a "no show" for lunch.

I think I'll forgive him this time. It seems like a reasonable excuse.

Wild Thing

Cultural Offering has a nifty post on "Wild Thing" by The Troggs. He also has a video of them performing so click over there and crank up the volume. He will be posting a great rock song every day in October.

With the Troggs pick, two films immediately come to mind:

"Major League"

"Something Wild."

Reminders for Decision Makers

1. Intending is not doing.




2. The ultimate result of planning should not be another plan.




3. If you are waiting for all of the information then you'd better have a pillow.




4. Never be seduced by your own eloquence.




5. Give careful thought to identification of the problem.




6. Don't gloss over logistics.




7. Give full attention to those who dissent.




8. If something vague is bothering you, find out what it is.




9. A speech is never enough.




10. Pay heed to the tangibles and the intangibles.

Quote of the Day

When you build bridges you can keep crossing them.

- Rick Pitino