Deep Water
This documentary was on PBS last night, and it was fascinating. The whole story of Donald Crowhurst - and many of the others that competed in the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race in 1969 - is tragic.
Friday June 13, 2008 at 5:36am
Sometimes You Can Do A Small Thing
Because the person you're doing it for has been more than kind for somebody you love. And such is the case here. I have not read this book, but I will say that Bill Nebo is a man whose kindness deserves attention. And I should read this book.
Monday June 9, 2008 at 5:16am
Death of the Necktie
During the 1980s, neckties were a must to climb the corporate ladder, but now, many men have found less of a need for the formal wear. In fact, tie wearing is at an all-time low. Just 6 percent of men said they wear them to work daily, according to a Gallup poll.
Now I'm going to get on my high horse: if there was ever a product that deserved to die a complete and unrequited death, it is the necktie. What an imbecilic invention. I'm not sure what the point really was - something to wipe your mouth with, something to hide your buttons or your food stains, or whatever, but it's a ridiculous concept. I probably have about 20 ties, of which 19 I have owned since 1996 and of which only 4 or 5 ever get worn. I'm relatively lucky, I only have to wear them at most about ten or so times a year, whenever I have to visit a prospect or client that I get that "formal meeting" buzz from, or, of course, to weddings or funerals. But still, the whole idea of a necktie is pretty close to worthless to me.
There are dress codes in the workplace that are representative of statements of power - and only statements of power - from employers. The necktie is the shiny gold nugget of those codes. We all know that there is no reason for one to wear an uncomfortable fashion component without utility other than the reason that it is expected. It has taken generations for men to realize that for most of that time, we shouldn't care about that expectation, because nobody else much does, either. But at least, finally, it is being realized.
Saturday June 7, 2008 at 1:14pm
On A Day Like Today
Water balloon fights rock.
But you should clean up all the balloon parts afterwards.