How is the Military Like Goldman Sachs?

On November 15th, Michael de la Merced of the New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/15/business/15goldman.html?_r=1&oref=slogin), profiled investment house, Goldman Sachs and their success in creating today's most influential leaders. Everyone from Henry Paulson (current Treasury Secretary), Bob Rubin (former Treasury Secretary and current Chairman of Citigroup), Jon Corzine (former senator from New Jersey and now its governor) and Josh Bolton (White House Chief of Staff) all plied their trade at Goldman.

The crux of the article was that this ocurred because of the culture at Goldman. Everything from its roots as a partnership to its 360 degree executive reviews have to its management's choice of acquisitions have gone into building the "Goldman Model."

In yesterday's Washington Post, Anne Scott Tyson (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/16/AR2007111602258.html?nav=most_emailed_emailafriend) has noted a transformation ocurring within the United States Army; one which sounds surprisingly like the "Goldman Model." General David Patreus, commander of forces in Iraq, has been briefly called back stateside to assist in the promotion boards of Colonels to the rank of Brigadier General. Historically, this promotion has ocurred because the Colonel in question has caught the eye of his superior, who would nominate him for this promotion. Often, these colonels were politically experienced with significant Washington credentials on their resumes (read that as meaning staff positions instead of combat postings).

General Patreus, who re-wrote the counterinsurgency (COIN) manual for the army, is beginning to rewrite the promotion manual. It would appear that they have begun the 360 degree review process (or reviews not only by your superiors, but also by your subordinates and colleagues), they are valuing combat experience more and even paying extravagent (by Army, not Goldman, standards) retention bonuses to keep experienced officers in the service.

Will the US Army be as successful as Goldman Sachs? One can only hope.

Halloween with the Little Man

We were all pirates for Halloween. Kari made our costumes and Parker even got to go Trick-or-Treat'ing.

Arthritis Update

It has been about 5 days since I have even taken 1 pill of Alleve. Thus far, the Humira has made taking my pain killers/anti-inflammatories inconsequential. In fact the reason I took the Alleve was because I had a head ache.

I am hopeful that I can retain this progress. Of course, the drug could lose its effectiveness at any time, but in the meantime, I am very pleased.

Welcome Back, Cotter

I didn't think it had been this long, but it appears I haven't posted since August. Well, I will try not to take such a hiatus again.

The New York Times has run an article this morning, "The War on Poppy Succeeds, but Cannabis Thrives in an Afghan Province." ( http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/04/world/asia/04cannabis.html)

All I have to say about that is Hallelujah! The world could do with a few less heroin junkies and more people smoking weed. Or does the New York Times think this is a problem? Of course, I don't condone people do any drugs, but if you are going to do one, it is better that you use marijuana than opium or smack (or alcohol for that matter).