Mao Zedong and the Koch Brothers: Best Friends Forever One hundred sixty years Chinese history, summarized I am having my breakfast of pork baozi across the terminal from Burberry, Tumi, Gucci and Ferragamo, at Shanghai Hongqiao Feiji Chang. Like a small rodent, I nibble the pork from inside the bao, trying to avoid refined carbs. … [read more]
Writing
That Time of the Year
Late December, 2013 Boulder County, Colorado, USA Dear Friends, Despite what may follow here, I do sincerely wish you happiness, good health, and the kinds of fulfillment you desire, today, tomorrow, next month, and in the coming year. The nature or complexion of that fulfillment is not for me to decide or prescribe. One of … [read more]
Apple is not so genius after all
Please enjoy Guest Editor Barbara Jackson’s piece on Apple’s choice of logo for their undeniably excellent technical help desk they tagged as “Genius Bar”. Let it be said that if Microsoft tried this, the “bar” would close unexpectedly, reopen then close again while you wait, and gradually begin to overtake the Applebee’s, Victoria’s Secret and … [read more]
A Few Words In Defense of Anger
A Few Words In Defense of Anger -Geoff O’Keeffe As children we are taught to be nice. Not to be angry. “Use your inside voice, please!” What our parents and teachers and the police really meant to say was, “Do not express your anger in an unacceptable way.” “Why did you hit him?” “Because he … [read more]
Intellectual Atrophy
One of my favorite fictional characters is Will McAvoy, anchor on HBO’s brilliant Aaron Sorkin drama series, “The Newsroom”. Will is complex, honest and a traditional Republican. I like him. He answered a challenge from a colleague to his “red cred” with this response: “No, I call myself a Republican because I am one. I … [read more]
OXFAM’s Position on a “Punitive” Attack on Syria
Today, OXFAM mailed a plea to its members and supporters to contact our Congresspeople with a message opposing a military strike on Syria. Their message consisted mainly of a few questions they have been consistently asked, with answers. I found I was in complete agreement with their position, and I welcomed it as a bell … [read more]
