This morning during my drive to the office (in Salt Lake City) I spoke at length with one of our Client Managers in New Jersey about the introduction and testing of a new product at one of his retail clients. It was a very hopeful, upbeat conversation - not gloom and doom as you might expect from a Product Manager and a Client Manager in the current economy.
Frank (the Client Manager) and I spoke of opportunities and possibilities, and of course, as all responsible product managers and client managers must, we spoke briefly of the possible downside and the risks.
My product is not recession proof, but honestly, does that really matter? We aren't really having a recession and since these things are more related to emotion than reason, we might not if Mr. Greenspan would go away and stop chattering. (Honestly, the man has used more new words in two months than he did the whole time he was at the Fed. Time for this old boy to go quietly away!)
Then we talked about what really matters. Since we last had a business reason to talk, Frank's wife brought twin boys into the world and their home. There hasn't been a lot of sleep around there, but that is changing and the spring like weather has finally arrived in New Jersey. He noted that being able to get the boys out into the fresh air for walks was helping them sleep.
Then I spoke of two of my beautiful daughters, one graduating from High School and going on to prepare to accomplish her dreams in college in the Fall, and the other marrying a fine young man in July. We parted on a very hopeful note.
And as I hung up (figuratively - I actually pushed the little blue flashing button on what one of my friends calls the new "man earring,") I thought, "It was never about the economy, Mr. Carville. It was always about hope - stupid!"
And it always is, whether it is religion, economies, work, vacations, or digging out earthquake rubble - we hope! And even this morning, with what my sister calls our "schizophrenic Utah weather" (it was a beautiful 70+ yesterday - looks like rain today) I find myself hopefully thinking of Spring, graduations and weddings, new product placement and economic recovery.
I even dare to hope that they will figure out the big things in Washington; things like immigration, and health care, and sustainable fuels. Well, maybe that is more a dream than a hope ...
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Brothers
Last week I had lunch with two men I much appreciate and admire. I met them both because of my fairly recent involvement with the Free and Accepted Masons of Utah. For the record, I am a member of Wasatch Lodge No 1 in Salt Lake City, Utah, having been raised a Master Mason in 2007. I am also a member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, having received the 32 degree in mid-November 2007.
Lunch last week was an opportunity to introduce my friend Patrick, who is a recently initiated Entered Apprentice, to my friend John, who has a Masonic pedigree as long as my arm. Though John is younger than me, his Masonic experience and his willingness to answer the stupid questions of new guys has led me to refer to him as my "big brother," and while I have been very willing to answer Patrick's questions, I felt that he could benefit from some of John's insights. Lunch was very satisfying.
I spent the weekend reflecting on the nature of the young men coming in to Masonry these days. Freemasonry is experiencing something of a Renaissance these days. After WWII, returning vets came into the Fraternity in droves. There were more men involved in Masonry in the post WWII period than at any other time in US History.
Then along came my pretty useless generation with their rebellion against anything their parents held dear, and Masonic membership began to shrink as Masons died. In recent years, just as it appeared that Masonry would go the way of the Dodo, the interest of men in things fraternal has been rekindled to some degree. And along with some members of my generation (later in life), the rising generation has embraced the Fraternity too.
At our last Scottish Rite Business Meeting, a lecturer noted that we had men in the room from the age of 21 to 94. And so we did. And all of the younger Masons in the room were well known to me, being from my home Lodge of Wasatch. And Patrick, who is a little older and different than most of them, being in his late twenties and married, is very much like these new and young Masons. They are bright, and well-educated, and serious about life, and desirous of making a difference.
Many of these young Masons possess three or four college degrees. Many who were raised in 2007 went off, or are going off to Law School or Medical School. Some have political ambitions. Some are already in their professions and have great responsibility for young men. All of them are thinking men. And their conversation is intelligent and interesting.
As I watch these young men; Patrick, Kim Jr., Rob, Andrew, Jeff, Brian, and those of other Lodges too, I am struck by two things. The first is my own regret that I didn't become a member earlier in my life - mostly because I needed to be exposed to the culture of service to society. The second of these is that our Fraternity is in good hands in the near future, for these young men are the kind of men who came home from WWII: patriotic, thinking men who built things - and make things better.
I'm fortunate, humbled and honored to call them my brothers.
Lunch last week was an opportunity to introduce my friend Patrick, who is a recently initiated Entered Apprentice, to my friend John, who has a Masonic pedigree as long as my arm. Though John is younger than me, his Masonic experience and his willingness to answer the stupid questions of new guys has led me to refer to him as my "big brother," and while I have been very willing to answer Patrick's questions, I felt that he could benefit from some of John's insights. Lunch was very satisfying.
I spent the weekend reflecting on the nature of the young men coming in to Masonry these days. Freemasonry is experiencing something of a Renaissance these days. After WWII, returning vets came into the Fraternity in droves. There were more men involved in Masonry in the post WWII period than at any other time in US History.
Then along came my pretty useless generation with their rebellion against anything their parents held dear, and Masonic membership began to shrink as Masons died. In recent years, just as it appeared that Masonry would go the way of the Dodo, the interest of men in things fraternal has been rekindled to some degree. And along with some members of my generation (later in life), the rising generation has embraced the Fraternity too.
At our last Scottish Rite Business Meeting, a lecturer noted that we had men in the room from the age of 21 to 94. And so we did. And all of the younger Masons in the room were well known to me, being from my home Lodge of Wasatch. And Patrick, who is a little older and different than most of them, being in his late twenties and married, is very much like these new and young Masons. They are bright, and well-educated, and serious about life, and desirous of making a difference.
Many of these young Masons possess three or four college degrees. Many who were raised in 2007 went off, or are going off to Law School or Medical School. Some have political ambitions. Some are already in their professions and have great responsibility for young men. All of them are thinking men. And their conversation is intelligent and interesting.
As I watch these young men; Patrick, Kim Jr., Rob, Andrew, Jeff, Brian, and those of other Lodges too, I am struck by two things. The first is my own regret that I didn't become a member earlier in my life - mostly because I needed to be exposed to the culture of service to society. The second of these is that our Fraternity is in good hands in the near future, for these young men are the kind of men who came home from WWII: patriotic, thinking men who built things - and make things better.
I'm fortunate, humbled and honored to call them my brothers.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Nanny State - "Click it or Ticket"
I apprehensively take keyboard in hand to ask if the use of highly-trained peace officers to ensure seat belt use is the best option. I'm apprehensive because I know that one of my regular readers is a Deputy Sheriff Sergeant and another is the wife of a Deputy Sheriff officer in Salt Lake County.
So hear me out before you reply in all caps ...
This isn't about cops. It is about legislators and their values, and their need to impose those values on all the people they rule, er, I mean serve. (Freudian slip, I'm sure.) And more importantly, their lack of real break-through thinking.
To set the record straight, I wear my seat belt religiously. It is a well ingrained habit. You see, I grew up in the "Nanny State" with the highest level of sophistication and development ever. No, it was not Communist Russia, or Communist China, or even Socialist Europe - it was a US Military Base. I literally cut my teeth on socialized medicine.
And there were laws, rules and regulations stacked on rules and regulations. The most restrictive speed limits, and don't think of sitting on a motorcycle without a helmet, long pants and closed toe shoes. And seat belts will be worn, and often at the front gate as you entered this world apart, after dark, the "two-striper" on the gate would stop you and shine a light into the car to ascertain that each passenger was in a fastened belt prior to driving down that 25 mile an hour thoroughfare that was the equivalent of Main Street USA.
I know that millions of dollars are spent on injuries that could have been avoided "if only they would have used the seat belts that were standard equipment on the vehicle." And I'm always a bit uncomfortable at where the line between personal freedom ends and the protection of others begins.
So why am I concerned. Well, because I know for a fact that our biggest highway problems have more to do with drowsy and/or drunk drivers, and while the officers do a pretty good job arresting them, the courts do a very poor job prosecuting and punishing them - and they get back out there way too easily.
Our legislature, which can't get the drinking - driving thing right, decided to protect the rest of us with seat belts. And to further burden our overworked peace officers because they are the Nanny State - and that is what they do.
I'm betting there is a market-driven solution that would have been more effective - oh, and cost effective. (I can think of two all by myself and I only occasionally have an intelligent thought.) But a market-driven solution would require some imagination, and frankly, Nanny States have zero imagination. They invented the box out of which none of us can seem to think.
So hear me out before you reply in all caps ...
This isn't about cops. It is about legislators and their values, and their need to impose those values on all the people they rule, er, I mean serve. (Freudian slip, I'm sure.) And more importantly, their lack of real break-through thinking.
To set the record straight, I wear my seat belt religiously. It is a well ingrained habit. You see, I grew up in the "Nanny State" with the highest level of sophistication and development ever. No, it was not Communist Russia, or Communist China, or even Socialist Europe - it was a US Military Base. I literally cut my teeth on socialized medicine.
And there were laws, rules and regulations stacked on rules and regulations. The most restrictive speed limits, and don't think of sitting on a motorcycle without a helmet, long pants and closed toe shoes. And seat belts will be worn, and often at the front gate as you entered this world apart, after dark, the "two-striper" on the gate would stop you and shine a light into the car to ascertain that each passenger was in a fastened belt prior to driving down that 25 mile an hour thoroughfare that was the equivalent of Main Street USA.
I know that millions of dollars are spent on injuries that could have been avoided "if only they would have used the seat belts that were standard equipment on the vehicle." And I'm always a bit uncomfortable at where the line between personal freedom ends and the protection of others begins.
So why am I concerned. Well, because I know for a fact that our biggest highway problems have more to do with drowsy and/or drunk drivers, and while the officers do a pretty good job arresting them, the courts do a very poor job prosecuting and punishing them - and they get back out there way too easily.
Our legislature, which can't get the drinking - driving thing right, decided to protect the rest of us with seat belts. And to further burden our overworked peace officers because they are the Nanny State - and that is what they do.
I'm betting there is a market-driven solution that would have been more effective - oh, and cost effective. (I can think of two all by myself and I only occasionally have an intelligent thought.) But a market-driven solution would require some imagination, and frankly, Nanny States have zero imagination. They invented the box out of which none of us can seem to think.
Speaking of Reason ... Intelligent Design?
While working yesterday with a reporting analyst on the design of a query for a huge sub-set of data I need, my colleague told me about an experience with her teen-aged son. She recently attended a substance abuse class with him and the instructor taught them a little about that amazing human cortex I wrote about in my last entry. While this instructor noted that the reasoning function of the cortex is last to fully develop, he mentioned that independence is fully developed prior to the final development of reason.
Now this may seems to be a “duh” piece of information. Of course independence precedes reason. Reason is last! Still, it was an "AHA" moment for my analyst colleague - and for me too.
Our 17, 18 and 19-year old "children" can't wait to be out on their own. The desire for independence is fully functional by about 17-years, and their reason does not really catch up until they are, on average, roughly 19-years. Suddenly, while my colleague spoke, I had a deeper insight into what Bill Cosby calls the “brain-damaged kids.”
I know my youngest daughter, who graduates from High School in a little more than a week, thinks that I just can’t let go – but it is so much more than that. We’re not rich people. In fact, we make just enough to be comfortable and to disqualify our children for any financial aid at institutions of higher learning. We do have enough to help, but Dartmouth is just not in our reach. And neither are 4-years at an out of town university or college if we have to pay the room and board.
That means that my young student (with her almost developed reasoning center) would have to work harder and longer to cover the costs of life while she attends college. And there are some really fine local colleges and universities that would allow us, with our limited resources, to give her time to focus on her education while we fund tuition, books, and lab fees, and room and board (at home.) She can work part-time for the car payment, the gas, insurance, and the little extras (Can you say, “Jimmy Choo boots?”)
And it also means that even if my youngest reads this, she may miss the absolute logic of such a position – because independence is fully formed but her reason is still cooking. Now who says the Design was Intelligent?
Now this may seems to be a “duh” piece of information. Of course independence precedes reason. Reason is last! Still, it was an "AHA" moment for my analyst colleague - and for me too.
Our 17, 18 and 19-year old "children" can't wait to be out on their own. The desire for independence is fully functional by about 17-years, and their reason does not really catch up until they are, on average, roughly 19-years. Suddenly, while my colleague spoke, I had a deeper insight into what Bill Cosby calls the “brain-damaged kids.”
I know my youngest daughter, who graduates from High School in a little more than a week, thinks that I just can’t let go – but it is so much more than that. We’re not rich people. In fact, we make just enough to be comfortable and to disqualify our children for any financial aid at institutions of higher learning. We do have enough to help, but Dartmouth is just not in our reach. And neither are 4-years at an out of town university or college if we have to pay the room and board.
That means that my young student (with her almost developed reasoning center) would have to work harder and longer to cover the costs of life while she attends college. And there are some really fine local colleges and universities that would allow us, with our limited resources, to give her time to focus on her education while we fund tuition, books, and lab fees, and room and board (at home.) She can work part-time for the car payment, the gas, insurance, and the little extras (Can you say, “Jimmy Choo boots?”)
And it also means that even if my youngest reads this, she may miss the absolute logic of such a position – because independence is fully formed but her reason is still cooking. Now who says the Design was Intelligent?
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Gorillas in (the Mists of) Texas
Every once in a while I say something intelligent. I know this only because someone intelligent says the same thing or something quite like it, after I do, in a respected forum.
In this case, a little more than a week ago I said the FLDS men in Texas (and Utah, Colorado, Arizona and Nevada) were behaving just like a Band of Gorillas and not like evolved, reasoning, and civilized people. I went on (as I always do) to say that the FLDS Prophet was quite convincing in the role of dominant silverback and the other mature and favored males were obviously playing the role of lesser but still significant silverbacks.
And in the Wall Street Journal yesterday (May 21, 2008), Lionel Tiger, the Charles Darwin Professor of Anthropology at Rutgers and the author of Men in Groups, The Decline of Males, Women in the Kibbutz, and The Imperial Animal (among other titles) said the same thing only better. I recommend the article to you. You can find it here: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121132858677808907.html (Subscription required)
I was a young man when I came to believe that people are basically animals with a twist, and that twist is our amazing cortex. The cortex is what really separates us from the rest of the animal world, and along with such wonderful gifts as language and speech, we are also endowed with reason. And it is really this dual nature of man – both reasoning and an animal, which cause us to see such large discrepancies in human behavior.
While living in Great Britain, I learned that the word devolution is defined as “the statutory granting of powers from the central government of a state to government at national, regional, or local level.” (Wikipedia - Devolution) I always thought that it was too bad this word had already been defined, however, because it would be a natural for what I think happens when evolved humans return to their natural roots.
As a reasoning being, we can think outside our nature. As animals, we can return to that nature – if I had my way, I’d call this devolution - any time we give up on reason. And the FLDS compound is simply a community of humans acting like a Band of Gorillas. They have their alpha-males (the silverbacks.) And like a Band of Gorillas, the young men who are competitors for the marriageable women of the community are reported to be found guilty of some infraction and banished from the community (in Utah, these young men are referred to as “Lost Boys”), thus leaving these women available for marriage and childbearing with the silverbacks.
There is one thing, upon which Professor Tiger and I do not agree, however. He calls this FLDS community and others like it “deranged cults.” I think we ought to start calling them what they really are, that is a Band of Gorillas. They left reason behind and hide behind religion as they act the part of gorillas.
There is nothing new here. Just what I like to call "devolution."
In this case, a little more than a week ago I said the FLDS men in Texas (and Utah, Colorado, Arizona and Nevada) were behaving just like a Band of Gorillas and not like evolved, reasoning, and civilized people. I went on (as I always do) to say that the FLDS Prophet was quite convincing in the role of dominant silverback and the other mature and favored males were obviously playing the role of lesser but still significant silverbacks.
And in the Wall Street Journal yesterday (May 21, 2008), Lionel Tiger, the Charles Darwin Professor of Anthropology at Rutgers and the author of Men in Groups, The Decline of Males, Women in the Kibbutz, and The Imperial Animal (among other titles) said the same thing only better. I recommend the article to you. You can find it here: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121132858677808907.html (Subscription required)
I was a young man when I came to believe that people are basically animals with a twist, and that twist is our amazing cortex. The cortex is what really separates us from the rest of the animal world, and along with such wonderful gifts as language and speech, we are also endowed with reason. And it is really this dual nature of man – both reasoning and an animal, which cause us to see such large discrepancies in human behavior.
While living in Great Britain, I learned that the word devolution is defined as “the statutory granting of powers from the central government of a state to government at national, regional, or local level.” (Wikipedia - Devolution) I always thought that it was too bad this word had already been defined, however, because it would be a natural for what I think happens when evolved humans return to their natural roots.
As a reasoning being, we can think outside our nature. As animals, we can return to that nature – if I had my way, I’d call this devolution - any time we give up on reason. And the FLDS compound is simply a community of humans acting like a Band of Gorillas. They have their alpha-males (the silverbacks.) And like a Band of Gorillas, the young men who are competitors for the marriageable women of the community are reported to be found guilty of some infraction and banished from the community (in Utah, these young men are referred to as “Lost Boys”), thus leaving these women available for marriage and childbearing with the silverbacks.
There is one thing, upon which Professor Tiger and I do not agree, however. He calls this FLDS community and others like it “deranged cults.” I think we ought to start calling them what they really are, that is a Band of Gorillas. They left reason behind and hide behind religion as they act the part of gorillas.
There is nothing new here. Just what I like to call "devolution."
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Swine? Swine Not?
Can I just say that I am not enjoying Jimmy Buffet's latest written offering? I keep reading, perhaps for the same reason I cannot turn my eyes away from a car wreck, hoping it will improve.
I've said many times, "Maybe I am not his targeted age group," but each time conclude that I'm not sure what age group would fit. This is an expansion of a manuscript someone else wrote (the illustrator) and maybe he just isn't connected enough to it to do it justice.
I'm not a big fan of the non-cartoon attribution of human intellect to animals, but that isn't it. It isn't compelling. Or weighty. It trivializes the pains and struggles of the human characters.
I wouldn't have picked it up and purchased it if it hadn't been for the Buffet name on the cover, and I expect not only to be entertained but also to feel something for the characters he develops. And that may be it - the characters are just there. They just don't seem to develop.
I doubt this will be my final word on the subject. I'm going to grit my teeth and complete it. Maybe it will all come together in the last half of the book and I will eat my words, perhaps even kill this post and write a glowing review that begins with, "It took a while to set up, but Swine Not? A Novel Pigs Tale is well worth the read!"
I wouldn't put any money on that though.
I've said many times, "Maybe I am not his targeted age group," but each time conclude that I'm not sure what age group would fit. This is an expansion of a manuscript someone else wrote (the illustrator) and maybe he just isn't connected enough to it to do it justice.
I'm not a big fan of the non-cartoon attribution of human intellect to animals, but that isn't it. It isn't compelling. Or weighty. It trivializes the pains and struggles of the human characters.
I wouldn't have picked it up and purchased it if it hadn't been for the Buffet name on the cover, and I expect not only to be entertained but also to feel something for the characters he develops. And that may be it - the characters are just there. They just don't seem to develop.
I doubt this will be my final word on the subject. I'm going to grit my teeth and complete it. Maybe it will all come together in the last half of the book and I will eat my words, perhaps even kill this post and write a glowing review that begins with, "It took a while to set up, but Swine Not? A Novel Pigs Tale is well worth the read!"
I wouldn't put any money on that though.
Monday, May 19, 2008
On What Constitutes "Good Men"
I’ve had the good fortune of having the same best friend since the middle of high school. This is despite now living in different states, having different religious backgrounds and practices, very different professions, and even falling out of touch for several years. Russ has been my closest male friend since 1972 and we regularly “correspond.” We also stay up on family events and try to see one another at least annually.
Most of the rest of my close male friends come (and go) with a particular professional experience, community organization, church congregation, or neighborhood. They are more like very close acquaintances. We work together, are neighborly, and may even golf together, but once our reason for meeting disappears, we are friendly when we see one another, but aren’t really “there” for one another – except at a funeral or wedding reception.
In recent years, I joined a fraternal organization and discovered many more close acquaintances and a couple of other men that I will probably remain close with wherever they may go or whatever they may do. The friendship seems to be mutually reciprocal. It has been very satisfying, for I have discovered as I have matured, that men need the company of good men in order to become better men.
I’ve known for a long time that boys need good men to model their behavior, and I suppose at some level I knew that young men who enter the military or go off to college can be led from traditional values by the wrong crowd. But it is also true that long after you have become the man you are, the company of good men can make a difference in your personal growth.
Russ continues to influence my life for good, as does Todd. And so do Robert and Kim (the new friends.) They do so not only because they would deem it important to be a close friend to a character like me, but also because they are “good men.”
After my experience at the Highland High Jr. Air Force ROTC Awards Assembly last week, I spent the whole weekend working in the yard, sitting in church, or visiting with my children and grandchildren and reflecting on what makes a “good man.”
We hear someone described as a “good man” at funerals, in recommendations for positions or honors, and sometimes just wistfully in a discussion. Sometimes it is a defense made by another for the actions of that man when he has been a complete dolt and we’re trying to say that the action was out of character, as in, “Yes, I know he was a complete dolt, but you know, deep down, he’s a good man.”
So what constitutes a “good man?” Hardworking? I’ve known lots of hardworking men who I didn’t think were good men. A donkey is hardworking, and we wouldn’t for a moment think of calling it a good man. Religious? There are very religious men who are unpleasant and uncaring. They save all their goodness for an unseen God and treat His creations like unworthy sinners. Dependable? Well, now we are just describing a paper diaper. Brilliant? Hardly. Handsome? Now that is just silly.
What is it then? First, I am quite sure what constitutes a good man is as variable as there are people describing them. Second, understanding this variable nature of the definition, there must be some characteristics which are recognized by a majority of people, because we see a lot of people nodding their heads in agreement when some men are so described.
I remember people saying of my own Grandfather, he’d give you “the shirt off his back.” I think that this trait, generosity, is a trait most would agree is a characteristic of a good man.
General classes of men that we consider good include firemen. They are willing to set themselves aside and run into a burning building for others – and for very little money. This selflessness would have to be a characteristic of good men. Boy Scout leaders are often said to be good men. So giving time, energy and even money to the development of youth would qualify as a characteristic of a good man.
Men who give of themselves to their employers and customers, their families, their neighbors, their friends, and their community can be good men, although I’m not sure how good they are if they only give of themselves to those they like. It isn’t the giving. It is connected to how freely they give what they have in time, talents, and resources. If they feel like they have to give, and give grumbling all the way then we probably wouldn’t think of them as good men. We might not even think they really gave.
If a man gives when he sees a need; quickly, voluntarily, cheerfully, unselfishly, without recrimination, then he is probably a good man. And frankly, my closest friends are constantly giving of themselves quickly, voluntarily, cheerfully, and unselfishly. They really are good men. And associating with them makes me better.
Most of the rest of my close male friends come (and go) with a particular professional experience, community organization, church congregation, or neighborhood. They are more like very close acquaintances. We work together, are neighborly, and may even golf together, but once our reason for meeting disappears, we are friendly when we see one another, but aren’t really “there” for one another – except at a funeral or wedding reception.
In recent years, I joined a fraternal organization and discovered many more close acquaintances and a couple of other men that I will probably remain close with wherever they may go or whatever they may do. The friendship seems to be mutually reciprocal. It has been very satisfying, for I have discovered as I have matured, that men need the company of good men in order to become better men.
I’ve known for a long time that boys need good men to model their behavior, and I suppose at some level I knew that young men who enter the military or go off to college can be led from traditional values by the wrong crowd. But it is also true that long after you have become the man you are, the company of good men can make a difference in your personal growth.
Russ continues to influence my life for good, as does Todd. And so do Robert and Kim (the new friends.) They do so not only because they would deem it important to be a close friend to a character like me, but also because they are “good men.”
After my experience at the Highland High Jr. Air Force ROTC Awards Assembly last week, I spent the whole weekend working in the yard, sitting in church, or visiting with my children and grandchildren and reflecting on what makes a “good man.”
We hear someone described as a “good man” at funerals, in recommendations for positions or honors, and sometimes just wistfully in a discussion. Sometimes it is a defense made by another for the actions of that man when he has been a complete dolt and we’re trying to say that the action was out of character, as in, “Yes, I know he was a complete dolt, but you know, deep down, he’s a good man.”
So what constitutes a “good man?” Hardworking? I’ve known lots of hardworking men who I didn’t think were good men. A donkey is hardworking, and we wouldn’t for a moment think of calling it a good man. Religious? There are very religious men who are unpleasant and uncaring. They save all their goodness for an unseen God and treat His creations like unworthy sinners. Dependable? Well, now we are just describing a paper diaper. Brilliant? Hardly. Handsome? Now that is just silly.
What is it then? First, I am quite sure what constitutes a good man is as variable as there are people describing them. Second, understanding this variable nature of the definition, there must be some characteristics which are recognized by a majority of people, because we see a lot of people nodding their heads in agreement when some men are so described.
I remember people saying of my own Grandfather, he’d give you “the shirt off his back.” I think that this trait, generosity, is a trait most would agree is a characteristic of a good man.
General classes of men that we consider good include firemen. They are willing to set themselves aside and run into a burning building for others – and for very little money. This selflessness would have to be a characteristic of good men. Boy Scout leaders are often said to be good men. So giving time, energy and even money to the development of youth would qualify as a characteristic of a good man.
Men who give of themselves to their employers and customers, their families, their neighbors, their friends, and their community can be good men, although I’m not sure how good they are if they only give of themselves to those they like. It isn’t the giving. It is connected to how freely they give what they have in time, talents, and resources. If they feel like they have to give, and give grumbling all the way then we probably wouldn’t think of them as good men. We might not even think they really gave.
If a man gives when he sees a need; quickly, voluntarily, cheerfully, unselfishly, without recrimination, then he is probably a good man. And frankly, my closest friends are constantly giving of themselves quickly, voluntarily, cheerfully, and unselfishly. They really are good men. And associating with them makes me better.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Highland High Jr ROTC
Last evening I had the privilege of presenting awards for patriotism, devotion and performance of duty and potential from the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite to two very fine High School students who are members of the Air Force Jr. ROTC at Highland High.
It was inspiring to sit there and listen to Major Andy Clark, USAF Retired - their instructor and mentor and as good an officer as I ever met - talk about these fine young men and women. The Honor Guard was as good as any I have seen, and their Pass and Review was polished and well-practiced.
But it was the young men and women that were most inspiring. They wore their uniforms with pride. They spoke with confidence. They were obviously fond of one another. They appeared to sincerely cheer for the accomplishments of their peers. They were unabashedly patriotic.
Some will go into the military as enlisted members and perhaps have an opportunity to go to college as a result. Others will go to college and go on to the military as officers. Many will do other things, but it was obvious that all of them were enriched by the experience.
And they have such promise - such potential. I hope that in all their vicissitudes of life, the challenges of every day living, they will hang on to the dreams they have today and that they will continue to place duty to something bigger, something which will outlast them, in the fore front of their lives. I hope that they will go on to do great things with their promise and potential.
My own generation was one of great promise and potential and they continue to be a huge disappointment. It seems we only know how to protest and talk. We faced the first fuel shortages of the 70s and were determined to develop sustainable fuel alternatives. We protested the large impersonal government that stepped on the little guy and were going to reform government so that every one's rights were protected and enjoyed. We protested what we saw as the rapacious nature of business and were going to balance business with the needs of people.
Well, it turns out that my generation brought you no new sustainable fuel alternatives. We have enlarged government and eroded individual freedoms! (Flown lately?) We have recently been involved in the biggest business scandals - prompting more government oversight of business than this country has ever seen. Our promise has largely been nothing but protest and talk.
So as I see these young people of promise at Highland High, I hope they will not be selfishly seduced like my generation. I hope that they will remember all they have learned in the Air Force Jr ROTC, and place Duty, Honor and Country right along with God, Family and Community and do something worthwhile with their lives.
We don't need any more overnight dot.com or real estate millionaires. And we don't need any more protesting. We need these young men and women of promise to do what we did not: shut up, prepare well, forget yourself, and make some idealistic dreams come true!
It was inspiring to sit there and listen to Major Andy Clark, USAF Retired - their instructor and mentor and as good an officer as I ever met - talk about these fine young men and women. The Honor Guard was as good as any I have seen, and their Pass and Review was polished and well-practiced.
But it was the young men and women that were most inspiring. They wore their uniforms with pride. They spoke with confidence. They were obviously fond of one another. They appeared to sincerely cheer for the accomplishments of their peers. They were unabashedly patriotic.
Some will go into the military as enlisted members and perhaps have an opportunity to go to college as a result. Others will go to college and go on to the military as officers. Many will do other things, but it was obvious that all of them were enriched by the experience.
And they have such promise - such potential. I hope that in all their vicissitudes of life, the challenges of every day living, they will hang on to the dreams they have today and that they will continue to place duty to something bigger, something which will outlast them, in the fore front of their lives. I hope that they will go on to do great things with their promise and potential.
My own generation was one of great promise and potential and they continue to be a huge disappointment. It seems we only know how to protest and talk. We faced the first fuel shortages of the 70s and were determined to develop sustainable fuel alternatives. We protested the large impersonal government that stepped on the little guy and were going to reform government so that every one's rights were protected and enjoyed. We protested what we saw as the rapacious nature of business and were going to balance business with the needs of people.
Well, it turns out that my generation brought you no new sustainable fuel alternatives. We have enlarged government and eroded individual freedoms! (Flown lately?) We have recently been involved in the biggest business scandals - prompting more government oversight of business than this country has ever seen. Our promise has largely been nothing but protest and talk.
So as I see these young people of promise at Highland High, I hope they will not be selfishly seduced like my generation. I hope that they will remember all they have learned in the Air Force Jr ROTC, and place Duty, Honor and Country right along with God, Family and Community and do something worthwhile with their lives.
We don't need any more overnight dot.com or real estate millionaires. And we don't need any more protesting. We need these young men and women of promise to do what we did not: shut up, prepare well, forget yourself, and make some idealistic dreams come true!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
State of Mind
Not always, but often, my work is extremely interesting and I cannot wait to get into the office in the morning and even when I am elsewhere, my mind turns over the challenges, questions and information related to my current initiatives. This has been my state of mind since our most recent reorganization in my division at American Express. The work is interesting, the challenge is inspiring, the people I work for and with are smart, direct, and high-quality.
The stuff I am doing is interesting. My boss has enabled me and my peers to own our product and make decisions. For only the second time in roughly four years, I am doing the job (Product Manager) I signed on to do. I'm proud to be doing the work I am doing for a company like American Express. I work with ethical managers. From the inside I can see a company full of people who want to do the right thing. Our systems, infrastructure and traditions don't stop us from doing what is right for shareholders, customers, employees, and our communities. I don't have to fight with my conscience on any issue. It is such a pleasure.
This is not a commercial though. I just wanted to note that while the economy is a mess, the state of politics in the 2008 Presidential Election is a clear disappointment (to think that here we are in 2008 and the Primary has been all about race and religion makes me physically ill), and I am clearly on the outside of all the special and sometimes stressful moments my wife and daughters are having preparing for a wedding, I am enjoying the challenge of my job immensely. And I am proud to work for a firm that allows me to do it right.
Does that mean that I am here for life? Hardly. How can one even make that kind of commitment any more? It is a very competitive environment. The "kids" coming into the organization - any organization - these days are so very bright and well-educated and those of us classified as "mature" have got to run long and hard to keep up with them. I believe there is a mix of the new technology knowlege, energy and fresh eyes of youth and the seasoning, experience and understanding of mature people that every company needs if it is to survive.
Right now, I just hope that when the time comes to do something different I can find the kind of organization I work for right now. And that the challenge will be just as satisfying. Unless, of course, I make the "transfer" I thought about last year while in Maui and become "Snorkel Boat Dude Guy."
If you've been to the islands, you know this guy. He's at the boat around 5 AM, cleaning it and preparing it for 30 - 40 tourists who will be snorkeling in some of the most beautiful places in the world. He doesn't own the boat. That would be too much pressure. He works for a wage. He loads passengers, gets them coffee, "issues" them snorkel gear, teaches them how to use it, gives a speech about safety, sets the anchor, off-loads passengers into the water, watches to ensure they are safe, reloads them, gets them lunch, and tells them funny stories. After they return, he disembarks the passengers, cleans the boat and is off for a nap around 1 PM. After the nap, he checks the computer for the best waves on the island and heads out for a little evening surf.
So, much as I love what I am doing, I think I'd still trade the very satisfying challenge for the "monotony" of Snorkel Boat Dude Guy in Maui if I get half a chance to slow down that much! Truth be told, though, I'd probably end up letting ambition get in the way and buy the boat ...
The stuff I am doing is interesting. My boss has enabled me and my peers to own our product and make decisions. For only the second time in roughly four years, I am doing the job (Product Manager) I signed on to do. I'm proud to be doing the work I am doing for a company like American Express. I work with ethical managers. From the inside I can see a company full of people who want to do the right thing. Our systems, infrastructure and traditions don't stop us from doing what is right for shareholders, customers, employees, and our communities. I don't have to fight with my conscience on any issue. It is such a pleasure.
This is not a commercial though. I just wanted to note that while the economy is a mess, the state of politics in the 2008 Presidential Election is a clear disappointment (to think that here we are in 2008 and the Primary has been all about race and religion makes me physically ill), and I am clearly on the outside of all the special and sometimes stressful moments my wife and daughters are having preparing for a wedding, I am enjoying the challenge of my job immensely. And I am proud to work for a firm that allows me to do it right.
Does that mean that I am here for life? Hardly. How can one even make that kind of commitment any more? It is a very competitive environment. The "kids" coming into the organization - any organization - these days are so very bright and well-educated and those of us classified as "mature" have got to run long and hard to keep up with them. I believe there is a mix of the new technology knowlege, energy and fresh eyes of youth and the seasoning, experience and understanding of mature people that every company needs if it is to survive.
Right now, I just hope that when the time comes to do something different I can find the kind of organization I work for right now. And that the challenge will be just as satisfying. Unless, of course, I make the "transfer" I thought about last year while in Maui and become "Snorkel Boat Dude Guy."
If you've been to the islands, you know this guy. He's at the boat around 5 AM, cleaning it and preparing it for 30 - 40 tourists who will be snorkeling in some of the most beautiful places in the world. He doesn't own the boat. That would be too much pressure. He works for a wage. He loads passengers, gets them coffee, "issues" them snorkel gear, teaches them how to use it, gives a speech about safety, sets the anchor, off-loads passengers into the water, watches to ensure they are safe, reloads them, gets them lunch, and tells them funny stories. After they return, he disembarks the passengers, cleans the boat and is off for a nap around 1 PM. After the nap, he checks the computer for the best waves on the island and heads out for a little evening surf.
So, much as I love what I am doing, I think I'd still trade the very satisfying challenge for the "monotony" of Snorkel Boat Dude Guy in Maui if I get half a chance to slow down that much! Truth be told, though, I'd probably end up letting ambition get in the way and buy the boat ...
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Our first Opera - hooray for supertitles!
It was a wonderful evening out with my youngest daughter last night. I really enjoy these one-on- one social opportunities with my children, perhaps now even more than when they were younger. We both agreed, our first Opera was worth the effort!
Don Giovanni is the Mozart Opera about the hedonistic life and predictable end of an 18th Century Spanish womanizer (Don Juan) who actually sings the words, "to be faithful to one woman is to cause all others to suffer," or some facsimile of that phrase.
The Utah Opera will open Don Giovanni at the Capitol Theater this Saturday (May 10.)
The performance which Nat and I saw last night was the first dress rehearsal, and we both agreed that it would be unfair to critique the performance itself because; 1) it was the first rehearsal with the Symphony in attendance, 2) at a dress rehearsal the performers are not expected to be completely in sync, and 3) most importantly, we are new to Opera.
As we drove home last night, we spoke of the experience itself. We decided that supertitles are very cool. While we both noticed that you can begin to get a feel for the story and words without them, they added the detail to allow it to be more than pretty sets, beautiful music, and great costumes.
Nat is sure she knows Don Giovanni. She believes she met him at work. Don Giovanni infuriated her, a good sign that Christopher Schaldenbrand did a nice job portraying him. But she also thought that Elvira was quite a whiner and needed to get over it.
I loved the music - after all I have always been a fan of Mozart, and it was beautifully performed under the direction of Robert Tweten. We both thought the sets were very well done. And we didn't see any very large women in viking hats and decided that we ought to try this again.
All told, we spent about 3-hours in our seats, and parts of our bodies numbed and ached by the time we stood at the intermission and again at the end of the performance. At one time the Capitol Theater was state of the art in theaters, but we now find modern cinema theaters more comfortable and less restrictive. Now, if you moved the Opera to the Larry Miller Theaters at Jordan Commons or The District ... well, perhaps a new generation of Opera lovers would find the way to embrace it.
During Intermission, Nat noted that the chandelier is attached to what appears to be half of a large golf ball. We decided that when you look at the ceiling from the balcony you could be seeing what an ant might see looking up from the grass of a Tee box at a golf ball on a tee (Nat and I both golf.) We also commented on the curtain graphics, the aforementioned discomfort of the seats, the way one patron was wearing his headset and how one performer went down during the first act. (We wondered if they would shorten her dress - which obviously tripped her up.)
But none of this dimmed the performance for us. We decided that Mozart was brilliant, Opera is a unique and worthwhile experience, and supertitles are not at all annoying, nor did they cause us to miss the action while reading them (which we had feared might be the case.)
Salt Lake City is a small market and we felt pretty lucky to have the very professional Utah Opera company performing so close to our home. Seats at the Capitol Theater don't bring near the discomfort that Airport security, airline seats and taxi drivers do.
Don Giovanni is the Mozart Opera about the hedonistic life and predictable end of an 18th Century Spanish womanizer (Don Juan) who actually sings the words, "to be faithful to one woman is to cause all others to suffer," or some facsimile of that phrase.
The Utah Opera will open Don Giovanni at the Capitol Theater this Saturday (May 10.)
The performance which Nat and I saw last night was the first dress rehearsal, and we both agreed that it would be unfair to critique the performance itself because; 1) it was the first rehearsal with the Symphony in attendance, 2) at a dress rehearsal the performers are not expected to be completely in sync, and 3) most importantly, we are new to Opera.
As we drove home last night, we spoke of the experience itself. We decided that supertitles are very cool. While we both noticed that you can begin to get a feel for the story and words without them, they added the detail to allow it to be more than pretty sets, beautiful music, and great costumes.
Nat is sure she knows Don Giovanni. She believes she met him at work. Don Giovanni infuriated her, a good sign that Christopher Schaldenbrand did a nice job portraying him. But she also thought that Elvira was quite a whiner and needed to get over it.
I loved the music - after all I have always been a fan of Mozart, and it was beautifully performed under the direction of Robert Tweten. We both thought the sets were very well done. And we didn't see any very large women in viking hats and decided that we ought to try this again.
All told, we spent about 3-hours in our seats, and parts of our bodies numbed and ached by the time we stood at the intermission and again at the end of the performance. At one time the Capitol Theater was state of the art in theaters, but we now find modern cinema theaters more comfortable and less restrictive. Now, if you moved the Opera to the Larry Miller Theaters at Jordan Commons or The District ... well, perhaps a new generation of Opera lovers would find the way to embrace it.
During Intermission, Nat noted that the chandelier is attached to what appears to be half of a large golf ball. We decided that when you look at the ceiling from the balcony you could be seeing what an ant might see looking up from the grass of a Tee box at a golf ball on a tee (Nat and I both golf.) We also commented on the curtain graphics, the aforementioned discomfort of the seats, the way one patron was wearing his headset and how one performer went down during the first act. (We wondered if they would shorten her dress - which obviously tripped her up.)
But none of this dimmed the performance for us. We decided that Mozart was brilliant, Opera is a unique and worthwhile experience, and supertitles are not at all annoying, nor did they cause us to miss the action while reading them (which we had feared might be the case.)
Salt Lake City is a small market and we felt pretty lucky to have the very professional Utah Opera company performing so close to our home. Seats at the Capitol Theater don't bring near the discomfort that Airport security, airline seats and taxi drivers do.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Opera and Rental Cars
My youngest daughter and I will be taking the rental car and heading off to the dress rehearsal for Don Giovanni (the Mozart Opera) tonight at the Capitol Theater. She is sore from her unexpected collision with the airbag Monday night, but is generally doing quite well.
My youngest is my usual "date" to cultural events - as she seems to have those of my genes that possess an appreciation for all things symphonic and theatrical. (The one exception to this seems to be the coming of the play Wicked, which all of my daughters want to attend and which will probably set me back a fortune just taking them all to dinner and the show in just a few months. Can I afford that and a wedding this summer?)
Of course, part of the fun will be the looks that we always get when people wonder if I am out with my "niece" (wink, wink.) My youngest is gorgeous, bright and very poised. I'm am, of course, aging, paunchy, and what little hair I have is silver. We get a chuckle from the ocassional side-ways glance.
We sure enjoy ourselves, and in the telling afterward, most of our relatives eyes glaze over or they politely put their hands to their mouths to stifle a yawn. Well, here is the deal - we'll critique the Opera (our first) on the ride home in the rented Chevy Aveo and then I'll post our comments tomorrow and you can decide whether to read, yawn, or skip it.
My youngest is my usual "date" to cultural events - as she seems to have those of my genes that possess an appreciation for all things symphonic and theatrical. (The one exception to this seems to be the coming of the play Wicked, which all of my daughters want to attend and which will probably set me back a fortune just taking them all to dinner and the show in just a few months. Can I afford that and a wedding this summer?)
Of course, part of the fun will be the looks that we always get when people wonder if I am out with my "niece" (wink, wink.) My youngest is gorgeous, bright and very poised. I'm am, of course, aging, paunchy, and what little hair I have is silver. We get a chuckle from the ocassional side-ways glance.
We sure enjoy ourselves, and in the telling afterward, most of our relatives eyes glaze over or they politely put their hands to their mouths to stifle a yawn. Well, here is the deal - we'll critique the Opera (our first) on the ride home in the rented Chevy Aveo and then I'll post our comments tomorrow and you can decide whether to read, yawn, or skip it.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Ejection Seats and Airbags
My youngest daughter was in her little blue Saturn and on her way home last night when she was hit in an intersection by a driver in a Dodge Caravan who apparently ran a red light at a pretty high speed. The damage to both vehicles was pretty extensive, but my daughter managed to walk away from it despite being hit on the driver side. The Dodge hit her on the front of her car rather than a "T-Bone" (in the middle,) and this and the Airbag are largely to credit for her safety.
Our visit with the paramedics and subsequent visit to the Emergency Room taught us something new. Airbags deploy and cause some damage of their own, but the damage caused by an Airbag is manageable and a good trade-off. I was strangely reminded of Jet Fighter Ejection Seats.
When I was a crew chief in the Air Force many, many years ago (when I still had black hair!) I met several men who had "punched out" of their fighter jets over the years. I never met one who wasn't in some way injured. Now that does not mean that uninjured ejection seat users don't exist. It just means that in my less than scientific sample (those I met or knew) they were all injured to some degree or another. These pilots and former pilots are alive and have a good quality of life. They just live with some kind of pain.
And so, my youngest daughter was friction burned and her nose was bloodied, and she has some real stiffness today because of the speed and impact of an Airbag. And we hope there will be no lingering pain to manage over a lifetime. But we are so grateful she is alive.
Our visit with the paramedics and subsequent visit to the Emergency Room taught us something new. Airbags deploy and cause some damage of their own, but the damage caused by an Airbag is manageable and a good trade-off. I was strangely reminded of Jet Fighter Ejection Seats.
When I was a crew chief in the Air Force many, many years ago (when I still had black hair!) I met several men who had "punched out" of their fighter jets over the years. I never met one who wasn't in some way injured. Now that does not mean that uninjured ejection seat users don't exist. It just means that in my less than scientific sample (those I met or knew) they were all injured to some degree or another. These pilots and former pilots are alive and have a good quality of life. They just live with some kind of pain.
And so, my youngest daughter was friction burned and her nose was bloodied, and she has some real stiffness today because of the speed and impact of an Airbag. And we hope there will be no lingering pain to manage over a lifetime. But we are so grateful she is alive.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Cinco de Mayo
There are four of us who regularly drive to the southeast parking lot at Sears in Salt Lake City for Tacos ($1.50 for two tacos) from the sidewalk vendor! We went today because it seemed like a wonderful way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo! Frankly, we don't need much of an excuse as the food is wonderful and the sidewalk vendor does a pretty good job with customer service.
For those of you who may think that Cinco de Mayo is some kind of celebration of Mexican food, this holiday commemorates the slaughter of Napolean III's Army by General Zaragosa and Colonel Porfirio Diaz (two true heroes) on this day in 1862 outside of Mexico City. This ensured the continued rule of Benito Juarez (another true hero) in Mexico and saved the Mexican people from exorbitant European taxes (without representation) and perhaps having to replace tacos with cheese and crackers! (It may also have saved the Northern Army then involved in the United States Civil War as the French were just too busy with their own problems to be of assistance to the South - but that is another story for another day!)
At any rate, while you are trying the super-hot green stuff on your restaurant style chips at the work party try to remember that this is a day when a much abused people turned back their would-be oppressors and maintained their freedom.
Happy Cinco de Mayo! (Hint: the water just spreads the heat around - milk will put the fire out!)
For those of you who may think that Cinco de Mayo is some kind of celebration of Mexican food, this holiday commemorates the slaughter of Napolean III's Army by General Zaragosa and Colonel Porfirio Diaz (two true heroes) on this day in 1862 outside of Mexico City. This ensured the continued rule of Benito Juarez (another true hero) in Mexico and saved the Mexican people from exorbitant European taxes (without representation) and perhaps having to replace tacos with cheese and crackers! (It may also have saved the Northern Army then involved in the United States Civil War as the French were just too busy with their own problems to be of assistance to the South - but that is another story for another day!)
At any rate, while you are trying the super-hot green stuff on your restaurant style chips at the work party try to remember that this is a day when a much abused people turned back their would-be oppressors and maintained their freedom.
Happy Cinco de Mayo! (Hint: the water just spreads the heat around - milk will put the fire out!)
Friday, May 2, 2008
The Dress
My beautiful and talented 21-year old daughter is engaged to be married in mid-July. We're delighted and the whole family is involved in activities that will prepare us. This is the most independent of my children - she has been in charge of her life and environment seemingly since the day she was born. We are watching her plan and organize this event just like anything else in her life; decisively and confidently.
This wasn't the guy we expected her to marry. She dated pretty much one guy all through high-school years and hung on with him until earlier this year. We love him. We'd accepted him as a member of the family, and it felt somewhat like a divorce when she made a different choice. We've had to get to know this new guy. We've had to deal with the fallout from the broken relationship. It hasn't been easy for anyone. And yet we have come to love the new guy and we hope he will be around forever. We're happy with her choice. He's a great guy. We think he'll be a good husband (whatever that is!)
So yesterday, while it snowed, my daughter was buying a wedding dress. And saying it that way makes it sound quite simple, but "Buying a Wedding Dress" is not an event. It is a process. And it is not a simple process (1-go to store, 2-look at dresses , 3-pick one, 4-slap down the plastic.)
To prepare for this, she has determined wedding colors, found a reception hall, determined the level of formality for the wedding, sought input from such a variety of family and friends, and determined price range. It may not be rocket science, but let us just say it is closer to rocket science than it is to my 4-step process previously listed parenthetically.
Since I am not the groom, I got an on-line glimpse of the dress and a full verbal description of the dress and decision process last night. She managed to stay within her self-determined budget (of course.) And the dress is gorgeous.
When it was my turn to talk, all I could say without falling apart was, "That is very nice honey, just beautiful." That may seem a poor translation of "it is gorgeous, you will be beautiful and I am so proud," but since she is my little girl and knows me all too well, she knew exactly what I meant. Did I mention she has always been extremely bright?
This wasn't the guy we expected her to marry. She dated pretty much one guy all through high-school years and hung on with him until earlier this year. We love him. We'd accepted him as a member of the family, and it felt somewhat like a divorce when she made a different choice. We've had to get to know this new guy. We've had to deal with the fallout from the broken relationship. It hasn't been easy for anyone. And yet we have come to love the new guy and we hope he will be around forever. We're happy with her choice. He's a great guy. We think he'll be a good husband (whatever that is!)
So yesterday, while it snowed, my daughter was buying a wedding dress. And saying it that way makes it sound quite simple, but "Buying a Wedding Dress" is not an event. It is a process. And it is not a simple process (1-go to store, 2-look at dresses , 3-pick one, 4-slap down the plastic.)
To prepare for this, she has determined wedding colors, found a reception hall, determined the level of formality for the wedding, sought input from such a variety of family and friends, and determined price range. It may not be rocket science, but let us just say it is closer to rocket science than it is to my 4-step process previously listed parenthetically.
Since I am not the groom, I got an on-line glimpse of the dress and a full verbal description of the dress and decision process last night. She managed to stay within her self-determined budget (of course.) And the dress is gorgeous.
When it was my turn to talk, all I could say without falling apart was, "That is very nice honey, just beautiful." That may seem a poor translation of "it is gorgeous, you will be beautiful and I am so proud," but since she is my little girl and knows me all too well, she knew exactly what I meant. Did I mention she has always been extremely bright?
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Seems like a good day for a first blog
It is May 1st and snowing here on the Wasatch Front! Seems like a good day for a first blog. I've toyed with the idea for ages, but always wondered if I would be able to consistently post my thoughts (worthwhile and otherwise) on a daily, bi-weekly, or weekly basis.
I've seen so many friends send a starting post only to wait for weeks for all the good stuff they promised to deliver in their blogs. I have thought that I'd rather not subject others to such.
And of course, one always hears that there are pitfalls to commenting in the public space. Why, a prospective employer may plug in and decide you are far too controversial - or worse, you may appear to be quite an idiot. Well, I guess today I decided that if it can snow on May 1st, I can make a concerted effort at recording my thoughts for me and that curious potential employer.
Enjoy!
I've seen so many friends send a starting post only to wait for weeks for all the good stuff they promised to deliver in their blogs. I have thought that I'd rather not subject others to such.
And of course, one always hears that there are pitfalls to commenting in the public space. Why, a prospective employer may plug in and decide you are far too controversial - or worse, you may appear to be quite an idiot. Well, I guess today I decided that if it can snow on May 1st, I can make a concerted effort at recording my thoughts for me and that curious potential employer.
Enjoy!
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