New look

I screwed up the template I was using for Banal Minutiae, so I found this look that I kind of like. I may tweak it, I may not.

Why the Greeks matter...today

I have been enjoying reading Sailing the Wine Dark Sea: Why the Greeks Matter by Thomas Cahill. Gretchen is somewhat down on his writing style, but this book is a great survey of the contributions of the Greeks to Western society. Most of it was covered during my courses at UPS, but it's a great reminder of how interesting that period of time was.

I did come across an interesting parallel between our current situation here in modern America. Cahill quotes Thucydides, who wrote of the Peloponnesian war (between Athens and Sparta):

Practically the whole of the Hellenic world was convulsed, with rival parties in every state-- democratic leaders trying to bring in the Athenians, and oligarchs trying to bring in the Spartans.

To fit in with the change of events, words, too, had to change their usual meanings. What used to be described as thoughtless acts of aggression was now regarded as the courage one would expect to find in a party member; to think of the future and wait was merely another way of saying one was a coward; any idea of moderation was just an attempt to disguise one's unmanly character; ability to understand a question from all sides meant that one was totally unfitted for action.

Fanatical enthusiasm was the mark of a real man, and to plot against an enemy behind his back was perfectly legitimate self-defense. Any one who held violent opinions could always be trusted, and any one who objected to them became a suspect...As a result...there was a general deterioration of character throughout the Greek world. The plain way of looking at things, which is so much the mark of a noble nature, was regarded as a ridiculous quality and soon ceased to exist. Society became divided into camps in which no man trusted his fellow.

Sound familiar?

Is that a Walther PPK in your trousers, or are you happy to see me?

Here's a little bit of humorous (yes I spelled that right) reality for those of us who have delusions of looking good in the little blue swim trunks that Daniel Craig sported in Casino Royale. Gretchen - your fantasy is safe with me.

The James Bond Trunk Challenge - London Daily Mail

Time to lose some weight!

So I got hit with the double whammy. First, my loverly wife mentioned that she, "missed my jawline". Of course, so do I, so this was just a confirmation of what I've been feeling for a while. Secondly, while applying for some more life insurance, the company came back and told me that I didn't qualify for the "preferred" rate because I was overweight.

...so, I'll be updating this blog with my progress on my goals. I started last week at about 233 lbs (based on the scale at the gym). Today, I weigh 229, so I'm on my way.

Happy Birthday Grandpa

Had a great weekend up in Everett celebrating Steve's 60th birthday. A good time was had by all - especially Charlie, who came out of it with the stomach flu. He's surprisingly happy looking for a kid who was between projectile-vomits.

Sometimes you go to Washington with the congress you wish you had!

First the House, then Rumsfeld Resigns...then the Senate! Is it Christmas already?

Oh- and Santorum is gone!

Lazy Saturday

Claire is enjoying an unctuous lusciousItalian sausage and white bean soup while she peruses the latest broadsheet.

Halloween Costumes!

Charlie portrays a conflicted Republican Mascot

Claire's a spider, with a bootylicious abdomen.

Shelob?

Damn, I'm on a roll

Third post tonight....

Somebody posted a review of my dream car: The Audi RS4

Spoooooooky

O' how did we come up with such a ghoulish creation? Claire drew a picture of her "scary" pumpkin idea, and Daddy did his best to re-create it... in the flesh!!!!

Wind Power Cards?

To whomever reads this blog, (there are about 3 of you), Don't buy "wind power cards" at Whole Foods. They are a scam