back on the blog

I have not blogged in 3 years so I am not going to try to catch up. Let's just say I have been busy practicing the art of dilettantism and working on other stuff.  At the moment, I am getting ready for a one week trip to South America to discover who knows what.  The US general election is right around the corner, and Obama is gamely pushing his campaign.  The economy is in a difficult place, and it is hard to see a strong turnaround given the hole that we started in. I am optimistic however, with nothing to worry about compared to 99% of the rest of my fellow Americans. At this point, I just want my kids to kick ass and be successful according to their own standards. I like their chances!

Clinton Global Initiative

Yesterday I attended Bill Clinton's lecture at Trinity University. The subject of course was the Clinton Global Initiative, and President Clinton spoke about the many problems that his collaborative partners are working to solve, and his approach to bringing people together. He told the audience that he is focusing on the "how" and that all solutions must make economic sense. The house was full and left inspired. I think the college kids there really enjoyed it. Here is the video: "Commitment" Anybody interested in public service, especially those interested in climate change and helping the impoverished, should learn more about CGI.

Obama Interview Points to Future Debates

I just read President Obama's interview in today's NYT Magazine with David Leonhardt, economics columnist for The Times and a staff writer for the magazine. Here is the link: NYT Obama Interview

This is a must read, as the President foreshadows important future debates, including the one we will surely have on end of life health care.

President Obama is so competent and thoughtful. He is obviously a quick study who reaches out to a number of experts in order to understand issues. He thinks deeply about difficult problems, and he respects those who share his approach, such as Secretary Geithner. This interview is a terrific view of the President after his first 100 days.

The great series comes to an end

It was probably to be expected that the Celtics would win game 7. The young Bulls players fought hard. Next year Bulls!

Vinyl Verve

Last night was a Friday night to remember. We had some friends over, ate a healthy salad for dinner, and then pulled some old vinyl out of the collection for some turntable madness. Here are some of the albums we danced to:

Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen, Live From Deep in the Heart of Texas

Allman Brothers Band, Beginnings (Midnight Rider, In Memory of Elizabeth Reed, etc.) Did you know that Duane Allman was just 24 when he died in a motorcycle accident? This guy was an unreal guitar player.

Boz Scaggs This was Boz Scaggs's debut LP. "Loan Me a Dime" may be the best song he has ever done. Duane Allman plays lead guitar and some consider this to be his best studio performance. Don't confuse this music with Boz's later ventures in to pop music. It is amazing.

Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks This is hilarious and very cool.

It is fun breaking out the old albums. Have to do it again soon.

Perishable Gift: Bulls Celtics 2009 First Round Game 6

Sometimes one is handed a perishable gift that lasts just a little while, but while it does the gift is remarkable. You don't really want it to end, but you know it will, so you just savor it. A great bottle of wine falls in this category. The Bulls-Celtics playoff does too. Thursday's game was the best so far in a series that has been called the best ever played. See Bill Simmons story here. The NBA definitely got the slogan right this year. It really is where amazing happens.

Highlights here

I am not sure it will be the best series in history but whatever history decides, I fell in love with this young Bulls team Thursday night. After the Spurs lost on Tuesday, I was feeling pretty down, and then this game happened.

It had everything a fan could ask for. When the Bulls lost the big lead I felt terrible for the young players. Then the comeback and the 3OT's happened! Unless you are a diehard Celtics fan how could you not love the youthful enthusiasm and poised play of Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, John Salmons and Kirk Hinrich? They were incredible. Hinrich's feisty push back after Rondo's cheap shot. Noah's great play, called by TNT's Kevin Harlan: "The steal, the gallop, the sledgehammer!". Rose's crucial block of Rondo's jumper. Salmons consistent scoring.

However, I got special pleasure out of watching the "old guy" among all the youngsters, Brad Miller, the 10 year veteran who was traded by the Kings to the Bulls along with John Salmons in February in exchange for Nocioni and Drew Gooden. Miller was electrifying and I have to tell this story.

In December, I was in New Orleans and ran into Brad Miller in the lobby of the Ritz Carlton and we rode in the elevator together. He looked tired, but he was nice enough to chat with a fan. I asked him how the Kings could handle Chris Paul. He smiled, shook his head and said, "Nobody can guard CP3, he is just too tough." This seven footer looked beat before the game even started. The Hornets won of course. Their next game was in San Antonio, and I was there. Miller looked frustrated from the beginning, and the Spurs whipped the Kings.

Fast forward to Thursday night. Brad Miller was full of energy, he hit a late and important 3, he made two critical free throws, and TNT captured his ear to ear grin in a slow-mo shot before a commercial break. This was a newly revived Brad Miller. He was at play and having so much fun. When he was getting ready to shoot the key free throws, Doug Collins (who was world class behind the microphone) said something about the NBA which is so true: "This game will break your heart one minute and give you incredible joy the next." Yes, Doug, and I will savor the memories of this remarkable game for as long as I can.

What is a Modern Dilettante?

Here is a link to a great blog post on dilettantes:

In Defense of Dilettantes

Here is another point of view, which definitely has some merit:

The Alluring Danger of Dilettantism

At my age, I am not concerned about the dangers. At this point, it is about having fun, learning and creating happiness. One might call it self-actualization, but I don't think that would be accurate in my case, but others might differ.

My blog is really just a place to write down some of my thoughts and ideas about how to pursue my many interests. It is not meant to be much of anything else.

I intend to blog about politics, society, justice, literature, culture, business, technology, the economy, bicycles, NBA basketball, physical fitness, travel, relationships, human potential, food, cooking, wine, and whatever else I am interested in at the time.

All the best,

Alan