The Da’ Vinci Code
9/28/03 (thoughts written on 1/24/04)
Poor job of note taking on a book that was worthy of it. I read it while driving from MD to WA with Liz.
A good story that exposes much of the symbology used by Da’Vinci to “combat” the catholic church.
The Holy Grail, Mary, was the center of the symbology. Many pieces of his work confront the theory that Jesus was married and the role of women throughout our age.
Facinating ideas, possible troughs about his work. Wish I would have taken more notes.
Sunday, September 28, 2003
Thursday, August 28, 2003
Book: The Alchemist
The Alchemist, Paulo Coeho
8/28/03
A book about following dreams. The hero, a boy, Santagio, gives up seminary to be a Shepard, to travel.
“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting”
“At a certainly point on our lives, we lose control of what’s happening to us and our lives become controlled by fate. That’s world’s greatest lie.”
In a plaza in Africa:
“This wasn’t a strange place, it was a new one”
The boy learns from each unexpected life event:
Shepherding, the language of omens
Crystal Sales
The Desert
The Englishman, who was looking the wrong way
The Alchemist
Fatima
The wind, sand, and sun
His journey takes him across the desert, to see the pyramids, but that is all. It was the means to the end that was the treasure.
Good vs. Evil, Love vs. Fear
And following a dream, a personal journey
Very good book, rec by Carolyne, a long time ago.
8/28/03
A book about following dreams. The hero, a boy, Santagio, gives up seminary to be a Shepard, to travel.
“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting”
“At a certainly point on our lives, we lose control of what’s happening to us and our lives become controlled by fate. That’s world’s greatest lie.”
In a plaza in Africa:
“This wasn’t a strange place, it was a new one”
The boy learns from each unexpected life event:
Shepherding, the language of omens
Crystal Sales
The Desert
The Englishman, who was looking the wrong way
The Alchemist
Fatima
The wind, sand, and sun
His journey takes him across the desert, to see the pyramids, but that is all. It was the means to the end that was the treasure.
Good vs. Evil, Love vs. Fear
And following a dream, a personal journey
Very good book, rec by Carolyne, a long time ago.
Friday, August 15, 2003
Book: For Whom the Bell Tolls
For Whom the Bell Tolls, Ernest Hemmingway
8/15/03
This is a story of an American in the “International Brigade,” kind of a special forces type organization, combat engineer type attached to an anti-fascist gorilla unit in the mountains of Spain. He is preparing to blow up a bridge to prevent the enemy from reinforcing in an upcoming battle. He meets a girl who he falls in love with. He must further teach the trade of guerilla war fighting.
Very simply written with much dialogue. I suppose that is the Hemmingway style.
A fair amount of time is spent discussing killing in war. It is ok to like it? To do it? It is the timeless struggle of a soldier.
Also discussed how appropriate a relationships during such conflicts. How time forces speed and “imformalneess” in the romance of Robert Jordan and Maria.
In the end, Pablo betrays, but comes back and they blow the bridge. Rob is injured while crossing the road during the escape and he is left to die and contemplate death.
The entertaining part of the book is the whole story. A soldier, behind enemy lines bring a bunch of locals together to blow a bridge. Throw in a girl and a Pablo. The greatness factor is in the contemplation that is given to each character, Pilar, Pablo’s wife, Maria Alamosa, the old man, and, of course, Robert. In the end, as Robert contemplates his death it is clear that Hemmingway has seen much of it and knows what passes before life completes itself.
While simply written in Hemmingway’s known style, the story and lessons and emotions are great.
8/15/03
This is a story of an American in the “International Brigade,” kind of a special forces type organization, combat engineer type attached to an anti-fascist gorilla unit in the mountains of Spain. He is preparing to blow up a bridge to prevent the enemy from reinforcing in an upcoming battle. He meets a girl who he falls in love with. He must further teach the trade of guerilla war fighting.
Very simply written with much dialogue. I suppose that is the Hemmingway style.
A fair amount of time is spent discussing killing in war. It is ok to like it? To do it? It is the timeless struggle of a soldier.
Also discussed how appropriate a relationships during such conflicts. How time forces speed and “imformalneess” in the romance of Robert Jordan and Maria.
In the end, Pablo betrays, but comes back and they blow the bridge. Rob is injured while crossing the road during the escape and he is left to die and contemplate death.
The entertaining part of the book is the whole story. A soldier, behind enemy lines bring a bunch of locals together to blow a bridge. Throw in a girl and a Pablo. The greatness factor is in the contemplation that is given to each character, Pilar, Pablo’s wife, Maria Alamosa, the old man, and, of course, Robert. In the end, as Robert contemplates his death it is clear that Hemmingway has seen much of it and knows what passes before life completes itself.
While simply written in Hemmingway’s known style, the story and lessons and emotions are great.
Thursday, July 10, 2003
Book: Leadership
Leadership, Rudy Giuliani
7/10/03
Notes:
Morning meeting is the cornerstone of the day
Cookies on NY’s Day
Look to have a clear decisive, victory early in an endeavor
Statistical accountability, why has this changed, what is working for one are of the city should probably be applied elsewhere
When transforming, get on board, or quit.
Disclose bad new quickly
Don’t decide just to end discomfort with indecision.
Altruism – unselfish interest in the welfare of others
“A leader must stick to decision even when unpopular, but be self confident enough to solicit opinions and change his mind without worrying he will appear weak.
Manage results and Expectations
Select your position, then make a case, not the other way around
People doing nothing encourage others to do the same
Allow subordinates to make decisions such that they do so in the best interests of the enterprise even if it goes against a supporter.
Judge MacMahen – Be able to communicate, explain, and simplify
Loyalty, the moral minister, be loyal
The optimism of leadership is essential once the leader gives up, everyone gives up.
Create an organizational structure and a way of subverting it
“Highest and best use” break a higher level person off for a special task. Managers will fight over reallocation but what is best for the company first. Say that and mean it. Show the manager you appreciate his way of finding a way to get by without a valued member of his group.
Stay on your level, CoS for Pres talks to the CoS Treasury, not the Secretary of Treasury.
As a chief of staff, make sure people have access to the boss, make double sure when you don’t agree with them.
My thoughts:
Great book by Giuliani
Keep reading this one. He uses his many experiences as an attorney, prosecutor, and mayor to share his many principals. Perhaps most notable is his commitment to integrity. He does what is right for the people, not himself. Further notable is his relentless preparation for everything then staying calm in all situations.
7/10/03
Notes:
Morning meeting is the cornerstone of the day
Cookies on NY’s Day
Look to have a clear decisive, victory early in an endeavor
Statistical accountability, why has this changed, what is working for one are of the city should probably be applied elsewhere
When transforming, get on board, or quit.
Disclose bad new quickly
Don’t decide just to end discomfort with indecision.
Altruism – unselfish interest in the welfare of others
“A leader must stick to decision even when unpopular, but be self confident enough to solicit opinions and change his mind without worrying he will appear weak.
Manage results and Expectations
Select your position, then make a case, not the other way around
People doing nothing encourage others to do the same
Allow subordinates to make decisions such that they do so in the best interests of the enterprise even if it goes against a supporter.
Judge MacMahen – Be able to communicate, explain, and simplify
Loyalty, the moral minister, be loyal
The optimism of leadership is essential once the leader gives up, everyone gives up.
Create an organizational structure and a way of subverting it
“Highest and best use” break a higher level person off for a special task. Managers will fight over reallocation but what is best for the company first. Say that and mean it. Show the manager you appreciate his way of finding a way to get by without a valued member of his group.
Stay on your level, CoS for Pres talks to the CoS Treasury, not the Secretary of Treasury.
As a chief of staff, make sure people have access to the boss, make double sure when you don’t agree with them.
My thoughts:
Great book by Giuliani
Keep reading this one. He uses his many experiences as an attorney, prosecutor, and mayor to share his many principals. Perhaps most notable is his commitment to integrity. He does what is right for the people, not himself. Further notable is his relentless preparation for everything then staying calm in all situations.
Friday, May 2, 2003
Book: Company Commander
Company Commander, James MacDonald
5/03
Tells of 3 phases of World War 2. Defense of Siegfried Line, Battle at the Bulge, and the final aftermath of the war.
Written from a first person perspective, we see all the issues the commander saw. He surely embodies mission, men, me.
Good solid account, rather dry though.
5/03
Tells of 3 phases of World War 2. Defense of Siegfried Line, Battle at the Bulge, and the final aftermath of the war.
Written from a first person perspective, we see all the issues the commander saw. He surely embodies mission, men, me.
Good solid account, rather dry though.
Saturday, March 15, 2003
Book: Fierce Invalids Home From Hot Climates
Fierce Invalids Home From Hot Climates, Tom Robbins
3/03
Switters is going to South America to put a bird into the wild.
On how the mind works, recalling things at odd times:
“That’s the way the mind works, the human brain is genetically disposed toward organization, yet if not tightly controlled, will link one imageral fragment to another on the flimsiest of pretense and in the most freewheeling manner, as if it takes a kind of organic pleasure in creative associations without regard for logic or chronologic sequence.”
On Lima, but would apply to anywhere:
“The sun dropped into the horizon line like a coin dropping into a slot. The Ocean bit it to make sure it wasn’t counterfeit. Twilight softened the city visually, but did not hush it.”
On Depression:
All depression has its roots in self pity, and all self pity is rotted in people taking themselves too seriously”
Meditation is Nothing
On Change:
Human beings were not well served by premaances or stasis. Obviously, if individuals were progressing, they were undergoing a series of presumably desirable alterations, but in a universe where flux is fundamental, it can be argued that even change for the worse is preferable to no change at all. Isn’t that fixivity the hallmark of the living dead?
Switters talking to a chimp in Bequichioes on Ethnographer (branch of anthropology that studies specific cultures”:
“Ain’t nothing to lose but our winnings and only the winners are lost”
Flapdoodle, codswallop, and balderdash are good words.
On Finnegan’s Wake, Stream of though writing to the max.
Look up “Unique”
Our words are limits, the syntax however is.
Switters discusses taboos with Bobby and suggests that taboos are society’s fears. The Greeks would break taboos to lose power but to “free” themselves.
Death eliminates options. Who knows what could come from a situation. What would be learned, etc?
Switters goes off on a great rand about Belief, Ho much the same idea as dogma.
Every on earth, unfortunately, is prepared for death, but a very damn few are prepared for life.
A both/and life instead of either/or. Perhaps both both/and and either/or, as Robbins mentions that may state a yin/yang complex.
Hermetic teaching, Corpus Hermetic, practical guide to a sane peaceful life of natural science, contemplation, and self refinement. And more, boarders on religion. Hermes, God of Transitions, runner of errands between world.
Hermetic logo (AMA)
“You only live twice: once after you’re born and once before you die” –Basho
The book flows as follows:
Switters gets Salon Boy and goes to Peru, meets today is tomorrow, cant touch the ground, moves back t Seattle, is depressed, goes on an Errand to Syria, enters Polomans Convent, stays, stays, much religious theory, goes to Vatican, can walk. The writing is fantastically eloquent. The story is good and the character, Switters, is fantastic. The books topic could best be described as describing yin and yang. Know the opposites and everything that is balanced on them, good vs. evil, light dark, funny serious. Perhaps Switters hopes to find the balance between the two and in that place he might find enlightenment.
Laughter is the key and one can find peace with anything if one can laugh. That’s perhaps the most important lesson, followed by Today is Tomorrow, that’s one to take to heart as well. Fantastic.
3/03
Switters is going to South America to put a bird into the wild.
On how the mind works, recalling things at odd times:
“That’s the way the mind works, the human brain is genetically disposed toward organization, yet if not tightly controlled, will link one imageral fragment to another on the flimsiest of pretense and in the most freewheeling manner, as if it takes a kind of organic pleasure in creative associations without regard for logic or chronologic sequence.”
On Lima, but would apply to anywhere:
“The sun dropped into the horizon line like a coin dropping into a slot. The Ocean bit it to make sure it wasn’t counterfeit. Twilight softened the city visually, but did not hush it.”
On Depression:
All depression has its roots in self pity, and all self pity is rotted in people taking themselves too seriously”
Meditation is Nothing
On Change:
Human beings were not well served by premaances or stasis. Obviously, if individuals were progressing, they were undergoing a series of presumably desirable alterations, but in a universe where flux is fundamental, it can be argued that even change for the worse is preferable to no change at all. Isn’t that fixivity the hallmark of the living dead?
Switters talking to a chimp in Bequichioes on Ethnographer (branch of anthropology that studies specific cultures”:
“Ain’t nothing to lose but our winnings and only the winners are lost”
Flapdoodle, codswallop, and balderdash are good words.
On Finnegan’s Wake, Stream of though writing to the max.
Look up “Unique”
Our words are limits, the syntax however is.
Switters discusses taboos with Bobby and suggests that taboos are society’s fears. The Greeks would break taboos to lose power but to “free” themselves.
Death eliminates options. Who knows what could come from a situation. What would be learned, etc?
Switters goes off on a great rand about Belief, Ho much the same idea as dogma.
Every on earth, unfortunately, is prepared for death, but a very damn few are prepared for life.
A both/and life instead of either/or. Perhaps both both/and and either/or, as Robbins mentions that may state a yin/yang complex.
Hermetic teaching, Corpus Hermetic, practical guide to a sane peaceful life of natural science, contemplation, and self refinement. And more, boarders on religion. Hermes, God of Transitions, runner of errands between world.
Hermetic logo (AMA)
“You only live twice: once after you’re born and once before you die” –Basho
The book flows as follows:
Switters gets Salon Boy and goes to Peru, meets today is tomorrow, cant touch the ground, moves back t Seattle, is depressed, goes on an Errand to Syria, enters Polomans Convent, stays, stays, much religious theory, goes to Vatican, can walk. The writing is fantastically eloquent. The story is good and the character, Switters, is fantastic. The books topic could best be described as describing yin and yang. Know the opposites and everything that is balanced on them, good vs. evil, light dark, funny serious. Perhaps Switters hopes to find the balance between the two and in that place he might find enlightenment.
Laughter is the key and one can find peace with anything if one can laugh. That’s perhaps the most important lesson, followed by Today is Tomorrow, that’s one to take to heart as well. Fantastic.
Saturday, March 1, 2003
Book: King of Torts
King of Torts, John Grisham
3/03
Classic Grisham, good one. Mojo, he screws diets early and gets it in the end. Greed, always a Gresham lesson, he does end up with the girl though.
3/03
Classic Grisham, good one. Mojo, he screws diets early and gets it in the end. Greed, always a Gresham lesson, he does end up with the girl though.
Friday, February 28, 2003
Book: Long Walk to Freedom
Long Walk to Freedom, Nelson Mandela
2/28/03
South African and Mandela’s history.
He’s from Transki, adopted, went to school at Clakeburry.
Lesotho was formerly Basutoland.
Protectorates are Lesotho, Swaziland, and Bechuanaland
On knowing who you lead:
“Without language, one cannot talk to people and understand them. One cannot share their hopes and aspirations, grasp their history, appreciate their poetry, or savor their songs.”
Books that that Mandela read while thinking about militancy:
Over China, Edgar Snow; On War, Karl von Clauwitz
On driving on:
“The human body has an enormous capacity for adjusting to trying circumstances. I found that one can bear the unbearable if one can keep one’s spirits strong when one’s body is being tested. Strong convictions are the secret of surviving deprivation; your spirit can be full even when you stomach is empty”
On leading:
“A leader must also tend hid garden: he, too, plants seeds, then watches, cultivates, and harvests the result. Like the gardener, a leader must take responsibility for what he cultivates, he must mind his work, try to repel enemies, and preserve what can be preserved and eliminated what cannot succeed”
This is taken to another step buy suggesting that this can relate to relationships.
On not knowing the future:
Mandela often finishes sessions by giving a fact: she lived at 806 Basutoland: then perceives the future…. “I had no idea how familiar this address would become” He does not take for granted what the future holds. We never really know where we will end up.
In closing:
“I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter. I have made missteps along the way. Bit I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me; to look back on the distance I have come. Bit I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended.” – Nelson Mandela
My take:
An outstanding recount of a man that was completely dedicate to a cause. Willing to sacrifice his life and even more so, liberty he was afforded however oppressed that may have been.
As a young boy Mandela feels free, grows, and realizes he is oppressed. As he matures, he further realizes that his people are oppressed. He seeks his own freedom then yearns for the freedom of his people.
It is later on Rabben Island where he realizes he can also free the oppression.
2/28/03
South African and Mandela’s history.
He’s from Transki, adopted, went to school at Clakeburry.
Lesotho was formerly Basutoland.
Protectorates are Lesotho, Swaziland, and Bechuanaland
On knowing who you lead:
“Without language, one cannot talk to people and understand them. One cannot share their hopes and aspirations, grasp their history, appreciate their poetry, or savor their songs.”
Books that that Mandela read while thinking about militancy:
Over China, Edgar Snow; On War, Karl von Clauwitz
On driving on:
“The human body has an enormous capacity for adjusting to trying circumstances. I found that one can bear the unbearable if one can keep one’s spirits strong when one’s body is being tested. Strong convictions are the secret of surviving deprivation; your spirit can be full even when you stomach is empty”
On leading:
“A leader must also tend hid garden: he, too, plants seeds, then watches, cultivates, and harvests the result. Like the gardener, a leader must take responsibility for what he cultivates, he must mind his work, try to repel enemies, and preserve what can be preserved and eliminated what cannot succeed”
This is taken to another step buy suggesting that this can relate to relationships.
On not knowing the future:
Mandela often finishes sessions by giving a fact: she lived at 806 Basutoland: then perceives the future…. “I had no idea how familiar this address would become” He does not take for granted what the future holds. We never really know where we will end up.
In closing:
“I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter. I have made missteps along the way. Bit I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me; to look back on the distance I have come. Bit I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended.” – Nelson Mandela
My take:
An outstanding recount of a man that was completely dedicate to a cause. Willing to sacrifice his life and even more so, liberty he was afforded however oppressed that may have been.
As a young boy Mandela feels free, grows, and realizes he is oppressed. As he matures, he further realizes that his people are oppressed. He seeks his own freedom then yearns for the freedom of his people.
It is later on Rabben Island where he realizes he can also free the oppression.
Thursday, February 20, 2003
Book: Bush at War
Bush at War, Bob Woodward
2/03
A great account of the NSC in the 100 days after 9/11. Interesting to see how Bush led his council. Politics among principals is fascinating. The National Security has such a major role to play.
2/03
A great account of the NSC in the 100 days after 9/11. Interesting to see how Bush led his council. Politics among principals is fascinating. The National Security has such a major role to play.
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