Being Inspired by Others

"Think of the magic of that foot, comparatively small, upon which your whole weight rests. It's a miracle, and the dance is a celebration of that miracle."

--Martha Graham

Being in Afghanistan

Bye bye General McChrystal. This is not his first act of insubordination. Hopefully, it will also be a bye bye to a war in Afghanistan where there is no end in sight. This war can't be won.

Being Inspired by Others

Being President Barack Obama

President Obama never ceases to amaze. His steadiness is extraordinary. Yesterday's speech left me quite disappointed. I wanted to hear him talk policy. He did not. But the BP announcement today has made me very happy. Carol Browner, White House Energy Adviser, impressively outlined the agreement with BP. There will be a $20 billion independent escrow account that isn't a "floor or ceiling" and a $100 million fund for the people of the Gulf which will expedite the claims process. This does not change or preclude any other future claims. "All rights of the claimants are preserved," said Browner. This a first in the history of a multi-national company. Bravo, Mr. President!

Being Timothy Geithner

Why is the Treasury Secretary, Timothy Geithner, out front talking about Iran's nuclear capability? Is this unusual? What are his expertise in this area? It seems as if he has enough on his hands with the economy alone I would think.

Being Mohammed Ali

In a conversation with my brother Haywood earlier today I asked him a simple question, "Is there anyone anywhere in any field that can't be bought today? Mohammed Ali is one of my heroes not only because of his extraordinary skill in the ring but because of his complete refusal to be bought and his fundamental sense of fairness. Where are those leaders today who would go to jail for their beliefs or even take a pay cut?

Being Inspired by Others

This aria from the movie "The Fifth Element" is what's commonly known as "The Mad Scene from the opera "Lucia di Lammermoor" by Gaetano Donizetti. The ending is not quite in the style of Donizetti in one way but is indeed in another. After all, this was the era of bel canto (beautiful singing) where singers included spontaneous elaborate rapid brilliant cadenzas which spanned more than a few octaves. The style of singing is know as coloratura. It's just that this version has a way cool techno beat. Do stay for the ending. It's awesome! Someone researched the period well in this movie. This is always good to see. Enjoy!