Diary
Unfortunately I am traveling and cannot watch the inauguration ceremonies on TV. All I can do is surf the web to get feeling for the mood in the country and around the world. It is a remarkable moment! Most people seem to share the deep feeling that Obama is the man we need to get us out of the big mess we are in. We all seem to share a sense of gratitude that stars were aligned for him to get elected. The Gods seem to endow a few individuals with talents that are far beyond what we typically see in human beings. Sakespeare’s as writer, Mozart as a composer, Michael Jordon as a basketball player, and Tiger Woods as a golfer are commonly recognized as in a class of their own. Barak Obama as politician may join this illustrious list. Over the holidays I read his two books and particularly the first one, Dreams From My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance written in 1995 long before his political campaign started is deeply revealing about Obama. This is the best political autobiography I have read. Obama’s first roommate at Columbia recently remarked that Obama toyed with the idea of becoming a novelists. He does write like one. Just like everyone else who has come in touch with Obama’s voice, I feel I can trust the man to do the best for us. Of course, I also fear that no individual can solve the pressing issues that are plaguing the world. But he is our best hope and that is why everyone is so excited. Watching video excerpts from the day I cannot help but notice that his smile is worth almost as much his rhetorical gift. What a moment! Tomorrow the hard day of implementing policies will start. But let’s enjoy the moment.The Moment: Reflections on the Inauguration
Diary, Must Know
I have been waiting for a piece on the origins of music for a long time. Read this interesting report in the Economist on the scientific debates on why most of us like music so much. Biologists are addressing one of humanity’s strangest attributes, its all-singing, all-dancing culture. “IF MUSIC be the food of love, play on, give me excess of it.” And if not? Well, what exactly is it for? The production and consumption of music is a big part of the economy. The first use to which commercial recording, in the form of Edison’s phonographs, was to bring music to the living rooms and picnic tables of those who could not afford to pay live musicians.Human evolution: Why we love Music?
Diary
I am getting ready to write a few words on the Obama inauguration. I don’t want to waste more words on George Bush, Jr. So I am letting Maureen Dowd write the final words on him. The Long, Lame Goodbye As W. was leaving town, one of the last things he did was explain why he never sought the counsel of his father on issues that his father knew intimately, like Iraq and Saddam.The Last Word on George Bush courtesy of MAUREEN DOWD & The Economist
As Barack Obama got to town, one of the first things he did was seek the counsel of past presidents, including George Bush senior.
Diary, Curious News
Look at this picture carefully. What distinguishes the current (Bush junior) and the future president (Obama) from the ex presidents? The little America pin on their jackets. Apparently the ex-presidents are not worried that anyone would question their patriotism.Five Living Presidents: What distinguishes them…
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