Well, it has been nearly exactlhy one year since I last posted on these pages. Hopefully, enough people have been discouraged from reading my drivel that I will be writing exclusively for myself.
Over the next couple of posts, I will address the current world, at least as I see things. In the meantime, I hope this post finds you well.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Sunday, November 18, 2007
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.
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.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
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.
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).
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).
Saturday, August 25, 2007
A New Chapter In My Life Revisted
Approximately 1 year ago, I wrote on this very blog that I was entering a new chapter in my life. Specifically, I was dealing with the treatment of my psoriatic arthritis. Well one year has passed and what has happened?
In all honesty, the disease has progressed to the point where I was seriously considering purchasing a cane to assist my walking. I was dealing with pain on a daily basis which literally felt as though I were 80 years old. Every time I stood up, I required the assistance of a table or a desk or a wall. Every time I lifted my left arm above shoulder level, I required assistance from my right arm.
Every day, I took 4 Alleve pills. This helped me cope, but I was unable to act like an ordinary 30-year old.
That is, until last Wednesday. Last Wednesday, I began a prescription of Humira. This is in addition to my Alleve, Folic Acid and Methotrexate (none of which were very effective in helping me cope with my pain). Within 3 hours, I was noticing a significant difference. On the first night, I chalked it up to painkillers and coffee. The next morning, however, I noticed less pain in my shoulder and my feet when I stepped out of bed. On Friday, I felt nearly no pain standing up.
It is safe to say that I feel better now than I have felt in months. This could certainly be a placebo effect (the medicine appears likely to require 3 months to be effective). It could be that I am eating nearly a dozen dried dates each day and am back on my water regiment. It could be any number of things, but one thing is for certain. I feel as though I am in my 30's and I thank God for that.
In all honesty, the disease has progressed to the point where I was seriously considering purchasing a cane to assist my walking. I was dealing with pain on a daily basis which literally felt as though I were 80 years old. Every time I stood up, I required the assistance of a table or a desk or a wall. Every time I lifted my left arm above shoulder level, I required assistance from my right arm.
Every day, I took 4 Alleve pills. This helped me cope, but I was unable to act like an ordinary 30-year old.
That is, until last Wednesday. Last Wednesday, I began a prescription of Humira. This is in addition to my Alleve, Folic Acid and Methotrexate (none of which were very effective in helping me cope with my pain). Within 3 hours, I was noticing a significant difference. On the first night, I chalked it up to painkillers and coffee. The next morning, however, I noticed less pain in my shoulder and my feet when I stepped out of bed. On Friday, I felt nearly no pain standing up.
It is safe to say that I feel better now than I have felt in months. This could certainly be a placebo effect (the medicine appears likely to require 3 months to be effective). It could be that I am eating nearly a dozen dried dates each day and am back on my water regiment. It could be any number of things, but one thing is for certain. I feel as though I am in my 30's and I thank God for that.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
"A CBS Reality Show Draws a Claim of Possible Child Abuse"
Edward Wyatt of the New York Times published a piece titled as above describing the fact that a parent has complained to CBS that their child may have been neglected and abused. My question is by whom? Is it CBS' fault that a parent let their child participate in a society of children or is it the parent's? I wonder if this could result in a lawsuit where the parent is sued for stupidity.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/arts/television/18kid.html?ei=5090&en=081d627066c74b98&ex=1345089600&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss&pagewanted=print
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/18/arts/television/18kid.html?ei=5090&en=081d627066c74b98&ex=1345089600&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss&pagewanted=print
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