Quote of the Day

Wild animals run from the dangers they actually see, and once they have escaped them worry no more. We however are tormented alike by what is past and what is to come. 

- Seneca

Bock's List: Biz Books

Wally Bock lists the five best business books he read in 2014.

Dictator Update

The Telegraph: Is there nothing the man can't do?

Your 2015 Word

Nicholas Bate asks you to pick one and be it for 2015.

"Economy Minus"

Are you ready for less legroom on a flight if you get a lower rate? Kottke has the story.

Celebrations

The New Year's celebration at the Crazy Horse in Paris. 

[I love the quasi-intellectual analysis of the cabaret show. It sounds like the sort of thing I might try if caught by a camera.]

The BBC looks at more conventional celebrations around the world.

Expectations

The day Althouse linked to a post and many of her commenters were not amused. 

I think they need to lighten up.

Wilderness

Soundtrack to "Gladiator" cranked up in background. Letters by Seneca and an Eric Hoffer book nearby. Above my desk is a giant photograph of Churchill. Next to it is a citation which my great-uncle's Marine regiment received from the French during World War One. The top shutters of my home office are opened so the room will get more light when the sun appears. 

All of that sounds civilized but behind my desk chair is a card table stacked with books and papers and beyond that is a wilderness of files and project boxes. The scene cries out for order. That in itself is a sign because I normally enjoy a high level of clutter.

This is an organization day. The wilderness must be tamed.

First Day of the Year

My family is noted for its exciting New Year's Eve celebrations. 

Then again, perhaps not. 

We did have a very nice New Year's Eve lunch with our son. In the evening, my wife and I watched a couple of episodes of "Justified." She then read newspapers and did crossword puzzles while I worked on an online management class, read some material on demographics, and the dog begged to go on a walk. [I had difficulty explaining to the dog that if it was so cold that she didn't want to go in the backyard then it would be too cold for a walk. Try putting that in dog lingo.]

Anyway, we were in bed long before the magic hour. We used to have neighbors who would pound pots and pans at midnight but they moved so our New Year's alarm is gone.

There are monks who have more extravagant celebrations.

But we did turn to one another this morning and say, "Happy New Year."

And to me, that is as good as it gets.

Quote of the Day

Always listen to experts. They'll tell you what can't be done and why. Then do it. 

- Robert Heinlein