What NOT to read

Do you know those kinds of people that subscribe to things like the Wall Street Journal, even though they have no good reason to get that kind of daily paper? I think people get periodicals and papers like that just to feel good about themselves. I could be wrong, but I recently got a trial subscription to the Economist. The Economist is definitely one of those kinds of subscriptions.

When I had time in the past, I would read articles on Economist.com. Make no mistake, if you want to know what is going on everywhere in the world, the Economist is the magazine for you. It makes American weekly magazines look like amateurs or posers. It is a different kind of publication, articles do not cite an author, all articles are by the anonymous staff. It has an obvious, pro-business, capitalist stance.

There is no way anyone I know could read even fraction of one issue, let alone 52 issues are year. The "Help Wanted" advertisements in the back give you a clue about the kind of people who read the Economist, jobs like Managing Partner KPMG in Paupa New Guinea, Director of Policy and Programmes for the International AIDS Society, some position working with the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, and some non-governmental agency appointments in Tanzania and Kenya just to name a few from the most current issue. I didn't qualify for any of them.

If you really wanted to learn about what is going in the world, this is place to find it. Their recent double-issue was full of great, feature length articles. There are great articles on the honor code of the Pashtun in Afghanistan, small town economic recovery in the US, the resurgence of Pentecostalism, an interesting piece about the Maldives tourist based economy (and social strife for the real residents of the Maldives), a bunch of stuff about the European Union's next attempt at a constitution, a report on Russian Airports (!), neuroscience and the anatomy of the brain (like 10 pages worth), an article titled the Chattering Classes about the enduring rules of verbal exchanges, a history of cured meat, an article on the philosophy of shopping, the weekly Buttonwood column, the etiquette of corruption, an international guide to baby-making, larger telescopes for astronomy, meteorites, and at least a dozen briefs on stuff that I would be interested in reading. This excludes a list of articles I would just skip! Instead, I'm going to watch football and write this blog. Lucky you.

I won't be continuing the Economist after the free trial expires. It cost over $100 a year, and I would feel very guilty not reading it every week. I read a couple reasonable monthly magazines. If I could sit at work and read the Economist, I would subscribe. If you have reason to be informed, I strongly recommend. The truth is the Brits have a much more global focus than us provincial Americans, but they've been doing the empire thing much longer.

Another Topic

I do read the Washington Post editorial page almost every single day. Today there was a very compelling Op-Ed by Patricia Bauer about children with Down Syndrome (she is mother of Down Syndrome child herself). She is raising an interesting issues about eugenics in our modern society. More and more, doctors are testing women for Down Syndrome in utero, and these fetuses are being aborted when they test positive. Ms. Bauer is basically saying, hey wait a minute, these people have value. You should read it. Then tell me what you think.

I think this might be a logic problem. Nobody is saying people with Down Syndrome have no value. Rather, people are making individual reproductive choices. From biological/genetic standpoint, this makes perfect sense; a child with Down Syndrome is likely to be reproductively unsuccessful. This is hardly a concern in our preachy, moralistic society. However, I'm pretty certain Down Syndrome children are much more demanding than "normal" (whatever that is) child. So our self-centered, egocentric society doesn't have time for these children; people have been given choice, and they are making their own choices. This shouldn't diminish the value of a Down's child, nor should anyone ever judge someone who decides to have one. Besides, I don't believe abortion is ever a great choice, the mother will be negatively affected whatever her choice. But I could be full shit. Either way, it is interesting problem our civilization should approach with a clear head and without histrionics.

Talk of the Town

Some current events demand comment. The news has been full of them lately.

The Plan for Iraq and General Looney's Retirement Announcement

The President of our great country has unveiled his new plan for Iraq, and apparently the highest ranking general in Texas doesn't think much of it. Here is a link to the whole article, but General Looney, Commander Air Education and Training Command, peppered his blunt, colorful speech with expletives. He apparently said, "I'm not sure 20,000 will do anything. We need more than we have, that's for sure." Talking about some the administration's decisions early in the war, specifically debanding the Iraqi Army, "... political decision against military advice." He was very candid and didn't have many positive comments for the senior leadership of our country.

Thank you General Looney, the emperor really has no clothes. Everyone on Lackland is talking about this. The general consensus: enjoy your retirement General Looney. Whether or not anybody agrees with his comments in irrelevant, he'll be spending his days fishing and serving corporate boards very soon. By the way, everything General Looney says is exactly true.

I'm honestly surprised by this "surge" plan. When I served in Iraq last year, the whole military machine seemed to be waiting for the orders to begin the draw down in Iraq. When the chatter began after the November election, I couldn't believe my ears; the Republican's lost their ass, and decided the best course would be more troops? The real problem is the mission of the troops already in Iraq, and the inability of the Iraqi's to move against sectarian militia. Our troops are designed to kill people and break things. Their mission in Iraq against the insurgents is very difficult considering both cultural differences and tactics/resources available to our specific force structure. As for the Iraqi's, each side has reasons to keep fighting; both sides believe they can win. Additionally, different factions are vying for position when American forces do actually leave. Let's not add more inches of writing about the Iraqi War here, let move to more important issues.

My Neighbor is the Centerfold

What people in San Antonio are really talking about is the drill sergeant turned Playboy model. Yep, that's right, a drill instructor in charge of basic trainees brand new to the Air Force is gracing the pages of February's Playboy. Reporting in the local news says that she completely surprised to be in trouble with the Air Force. First let me say, I don't see a great big problem with her posing in Playboy, and normally, her position in the AF shouldn't exclude her posing for the magazine.

There are some problems with it though. First of all, she is drill sergeant. Her trainees probably read Playboy, and they would be likely to recognize her. It would be an unnecessary distraction. So she can't really do her regular job anymore. You can be discharged for inability to perform designated duties (even if she thinks she can, her supervisors may disagree). The military also requires notification before obtaining off-duty employment; this isn't exactly typical off-duty employment, but could be interpreting that way by her chain of command. Also a big problem for her: she gave Playboy pictures of herself on duty. I'm pretty sure she would need clearance to release those pictures; I'm positive she wouldn't get it. In short, I believe (I could be off base here) her specific duties will get her in trouble here.

Even if that didn't cause a problem, the very nature of military service makes this a bad idea. Our community is extremely tight knit; this is not the kind of thing that her peers are ever going to forget, and remember, her peers are an extremely conservative bunch. They will not approve. Spouse of Fourth best friend has met her, and she did have anything positive to say about her. Her kids go to my kids school; I've heard through vine that her 5th grader is mortified (but the kindergartner thinks it's pretty cool, his mom is famous, for 15 seconds). Unfortunately, the effects of the episode are likely to stick with her for more than her 15 seconds of fame.

I wish the AF would run the other way with this. Join the AF, all the women look like this. The Air Force won't. I'll give her this: I've seen the censored pictures, and she obviously has a great body. I also feel for a her little bit, after all, I was just in similar position myself. When I found out I was actually getting published in the Washington Post, I felt it was my duty let my boss know. Bosses don't like these kinds of surprises! I'm sure her boss was even more surprised than my boss!

Boise State and the Greatest Football Game Ever?

Editor's Note (again): I've had this one ready to go for a while too. Normally, when I have been blogging, it is because I'm very busy. Very busy playing Oblivion or Civilization or PS2 games and having miniture bouts of self-loothing. It is different this time. We've been working on some projects in the house; we painted the kitchen, organized the attic, and generally took care of some serious business. I've also been reading and learning to play the guitar (! Yeah, I know). And my wife and I took a trip to DC. By the way, sometimes my writing is completely selfish. This football story is one of those times. We men watch a lot games, but unlike other men, I don't remember the details. I wanted to remember this one!

We lived in Idaho near Boise for five years, so I’ve been following the success of the Boise State football program for some time now. Steadily over last decade, Boise State has put together a good football program. They routinely win nearly every game in their season, but unfortunately for them, they are in the Western Athletic Conference. It really is a weak conference, and Boise State’s opponents have been pretty weak. Still, I have rooting for Boise State, and I don’t like it when the experts and pundits (read Jim Rome and the callers) degenerate Boise State because it is in Idaho. They couldn’t possibly compete with the “big” college teams. This lack of respect made the game very compelling. Would Boise State compete, or go down in flames?

So I was looking forward to the Fiesta Bowl this year. Boise State (Ranked 9th I think) needed a win over Okalahoma (7th, I think) for a perfect season. I hoped Boise State would at least play well, and not embarrass themselves. They did not embarrass themself

To really enjoy a football game, I think you really have to be rooting for one of the teams. Needless to say, I was rooting for Boise State. When Boise State jumped out to an early lead, I thought I might not even need to watch. Okalahoma came back, and I went to bed. Fortunately, I wasn’t feeling well, so I got back up in time for the second half. What great half of football. The beginning of the second half was interesting, some fun, exciting trick plays, then it settled down till the end game.

When Okalahoma tied the game, I figured the game was going to overtime. Then Boise State made that tragic mistake, the easy interception for an Okalahoma touchdown. My heart sunk, but I was still happy that Boise State played a great game. After all, there is no way they score with barely a minute left. Soon, Boise State is looking at 4th down and 18 yards to go. I’m barely watching.

How many times have we watched ball games end this way? It’s very predictable. The quarterback drops back throws a long bomb, maybe your team gets lucky, probably not. I thought I’d seen enough game endings that I’d seen it all. Nope. The long pass up the middle was exciting enough, but I didn’t see the Hook and Ladder coming. The receiver caught the ball and turned up field for the first down. Except right before the defenders could get to him, he flipped to another receiver running the opposite direction. I knew it was a touchdown the second I saw it. I was on my feet, trying not to wake up the whole house. With an extra point, the game was tied.

Overtime, college football does it better than the pros, the teams basically take turns trying to score. Okalahoma got the first chance, and scored on the first play of the overtime. My heart sinks again. Boise State gets their chance. Their drive takes a little longer, but they get into the endzone for a touchdown.

Fans want the game to be exciting, but they also want their teams to win. Coaches play the statistics. They kick the extra point and try again. Not Boise State, they went for two. I was stunned. They decided win or lose the game right there. Regardless of the result, I will love that decision. It was riveting to watch a team go against convention, and have the temerity to go for the win. Then the play was a shocking trick play (Statue of Liberty?), a pump fake screen to the right side, the quarterback tucked the ball and handed it behind his back to the running back, who ran the opposite way. One Sooner sniffed it out, but he was easily blocked. Boise State wins. They displayed the heart and skill to play with any team. I’m not even going to get into the playoff/bowl game situation…

Addendum, a few days later, the Seattle/Dallas game was almost as compelling (only because I live in Texas, and have claimed Seattle as my adopted home town). The Seahawks forced a fumble and safety in one of the most improbable plays I’ve ever seen. When the officials reviewed, they needed to look for something like four different things. Was it a catch? Did the ball bounce out? Was the person who tossed it back into his teammates in bounds (no)? Did the person who recovered the fumble get both feet in bounds? It was interesting. Then the Cowboys young quarterback led his team quickly down the field for a possible field goal win at the one yard line. He fumbled the snap. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone! It’s fun for your team to win, but you don’t to see anyone lose like that!

Sometimes, sports is worth watching!

Crash, Michael Richards and a police shooting in San Antonio

Editor's Note: This sat on my desktop for a long time 7/8 finished. I couldn't get the end right without being preachy myself, and I'm still not, um, comfortable making a sweeping generalization about older people. Sort makes me a prejudice against older people, and you know, I'm getting to be one of those myself!

My first Netflix movie selection was Crash, last year’s academy award winner for best picture. Watching award winning movies is one of thing you do to tell yourself not a simpleton. You know, you can talk about watching a movie like that to feel like you’re in the sophisticated crowd. Unfortunately, chances are, most of your friends are busy watching Duece Bigalow movies, and don’t know about Academy awards. Anyway, after I watched (actually, during) Crash, I said, real people just aren’t racist like that anymore. Before you protest, hear me out. In my rose-colored world, racism really is highly unusual, so I keep hoping.

One of the things I love about the military; racism is seriously frowned upon and there are fairly equal opportunities for all races. We attend yearly training. More importantly, I’ve never heard a senior military leader say anything remotely racist. It doesn’t happen. Racist comments or behavior can end the career of the highest general down to the newest Airman. Sure, statistically, our promotion rates may have some discrepancies, and I’m not sure all races are equally represented in all positions (read fighter pilots, the only position that counts). But as an organization, prejudice and racism just aren’t part of service. Serving next to people of all races sort of dampens the fertile breeding ground of racism by replacing ignorance with experience and wisdom.

Some other reasons for my rose-colored view of racism in America have to do with living in San Antonio. In San Antonio, white people are out-numbered by the “minority” Hispanic population. If you started spouting racist epithets about Hispanics, you would offend someone pretty damn fast. Chances are, even if you are talking to an obviously “white” person, they could be married to a Hispanic person, or they work for one. Either way, it’s pointless, ignorant behavior. I just don’t see race. Like the man said, I prefer to judge people by the content of their character. While people certainly fit stereo types (I’m white and nerdy…), you can’t know anything about them until you meet them. Even more evidence of the folly of prejudice, genetic studies have show greater variability within races than between normalized, averaged genetic differences between the so-called races. Finally, one more thing, I’ve been around the Deep South a little, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi . I’m sure the old racism isn’t dead, but I’ve seen many mixed race couples greeted warmly by everyone else in the community. Nobody gives it a second thought anymore; it’s just a part of life. In my world, racism seems like dying issue.

So, this was my thesis, this old-school racism is just hold-out from the baby boomer generation. In other words, you have to be over the age of about 38-45 to spout stupid things about Jews like Mel Gibson or even stupider things at comedy clubs like Kramer. Younger people just don’t even think that way. Indeed, Kramer’s little episode was a step in bursting this little bubble of mine. He falls safely in that too old to really get it block. Of course, these generalizations can quickly lead you down the wrong road. Look all I’m really saying is that the younger generation isn’t going to have the same hang-ups. They were raised in a different environment.

Then I read a story that happened right here in San Antonio. Some policeman shot a man (black) because he “had something shiny in hands.” Apparently, there was a crime reported earlier in the evening, and this gentleman “matched” the description. I say matched, because he was black, close enough for the San Antonio Police, I guess. Look I know these guys have a tough job, but seriously, we don’t have many “black” gangs here in Texas, most of the gangsters here are Hispanic.

Then I watched Crash. Crash raises some excellent question about race I don’t disagree with. Prejudice is almost the natural state of human behavior. While Crash points our lingering prejudices, what was life like in pre-history? What are other countries and cultures like? I suspect that as a group, they are much more racist, prejudiced and small minded than most Americans (there I go again, get out your brooms for my generalizations). I really want Crash to be a caricature of our world, a typical preachy Hollywood version of America. Is it close to caricature or not? I guess I don’t know.

But I do I know love Netflix. Check out my Queue in the links.