Sunday Walk

Well, I finally did it--I accompanied (albeit walking) JSP on the route he runs 2-3 times a week, ending up in Battery Park. 5 miles in all! Prince came along too, but I think he was surprised by how long we were gone. I bet he sleeps well tonight!

Stigma, Luck and Public Assistance

I'm reading one of Tony Judt's last books, Ill Fares the Land, and it has gotten me to thinking: why is accepting public assistance--to the extent it still exists--a source of shame? Why is it so difficult to acknowledge that all of us may need a little help from others from time to time? Of course, I suspect that the answer lies in the age-old conflict between individualism and communitarianism, a conflict that appears to define American culture to a greater extent than is the case, say, in Europe.

Founding Fathers Wisdom

A mind always employed is always happy - Thomas Jefferson

How to Listen

Fascinating new video from TEDGlobal 2011: Julian Treasure on listening:

Listening, well after 11:00 pm on a Sunday evening, to Ich will nur dir zu Ehren leben from Bach's Weihnachtsoratorium as sung by the divine Fritz Wunderlich, taken from us too soon. Ah, to have the singleness of purpose to live only zu Ehren! I would probably get bored, but just think of how simple everything would be.

I retreat into Bach when I'm desperately trying to escape the stink of our politics and the despair of our "compromises."

Adults in Washington?

I really wish that our elected leaders would grow up, compromise and get a deal done that will address the serious underlying problems facing the United States. Instead, too many are wedded to dogma and unthinking principle that bear no relationship to our economic and fiscal challenges.

Reengaging

A new post. Finally. Expect more, but then again, I've said that before.