Life is divided into the horrible and the miserable.
Woody Allen
Life is divided into those who make new year’s resolutions and those who do not. I am in the first group.
Some years I am very casual about the process. I ponder. I reflect. I think of a few changes that are due. Other years, I am more methodical. I try to disassemble the whole of my life into smaller parts, and examine them with care.
Some years I go so far as to put my resolutions or goals in writing. Like many, I keep these private. I would not want these secrets to fall into enemy hands. Introspection can be scary.
To me, resolutions are part of a healthy psychological balance. They reflect some measure of hope and confidence in the possibility of growth and improvement. My best days are still to come.
Here is to better days to all of you.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Man Up!
Every tough stretch is an opportunity to learn
and to display manhood. Charlie Munger
When my son and his friends seek to hold each other accountable, they use the phrase, Man up. What does it mean to man up?
As I have grown older, my notion of manliness has changed profoundly. When I think of a model for being a man, my father-in-law comes to mind. He has a sense of independence that is born out of not having to please others. He is passionate and compassionate. He listens without casting judgment and freely expresses his love.
Once, manliness was defined and shaped by physical strength, attractiveness, and financial success. Those qualities seem oddly disconnected from, and unrelated to, what it takes to man up.
When times get tough, and my son needs to display manhood, I will remind him of what it takes to man up by simply reminding him of his grandfather.
and to display manhood. Charlie Munger
When my son and his friends seek to hold each other accountable, they use the phrase, Man up. What does it mean to man up?
As I have grown older, my notion of manliness has changed profoundly. When I think of a model for being a man, my father-in-law comes to mind. He has a sense of independence that is born out of not having to please others. He is passionate and compassionate. He listens without casting judgment and freely expresses his love.
Once, manliness was defined and shaped by physical strength, attractiveness, and financial success. Those qualities seem oddly disconnected from, and unrelated to, what it takes to man up.
When times get tough, and my son needs to display manhood, I will remind him of what it takes to man up by simply reminding him of his grandfather.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Voting
Democracy must be more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner.
James Bovard
Once again, I feel like the sheep at dinner.
The armies of commentators will soon be discharged, and ordered to return to civilian life. We will all be better for it.
"Change," appears to be this year’s word that makes the focus groups tingle. Challengers and incumbents alike insist that they are the true agents of change. I see candidates dangling goodies before voters. I see candidates ducking blunt questions about who will pay for these wonderful goodies. I see plenty of petty sniping. In short, nothing’s changed.
Yet, I sense that the mighty are frightened by angry voters, and I like that. Every now and then, those in power ought to see the peasants grabbing their pitchforks. Politicians are not leaders, they are followers. Change will come from the bottom up. It will come from us.
My name is Doug Sandvig and I approve this message.
James Bovard
Once again, I feel like the sheep at dinner.
The armies of commentators will soon be discharged, and ordered to return to civilian life. We will all be better for it.
"Change," appears to be this year’s word that makes the focus groups tingle. Challengers and incumbents alike insist that they are the true agents of change. I see candidates dangling goodies before voters. I see candidates ducking blunt questions about who will pay for these wonderful goodies. I see plenty of petty sniping. In short, nothing’s changed.
Yet, I sense that the mighty are frightened by angry voters, and I like that. Every now and then, those in power ought to see the peasants grabbing their pitchforks. Politicians are not leaders, they are followers. Change will come from the bottom up. It will come from us.
My name is Doug Sandvig and I approve this message.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Hurricane Ike
What do we live for if not to make life less
difficult for each other. Roger Bannister
The forces of nature can be a harsh reminder of the many things we take for granted, and hurricane Ike was no different. I was reminded of three things in particular.
First, I like the convenience of electricity. Ice chests, candles, and not being able to charge my phone got old quickly. Second, a hot shower in the morning cures many ills. Cleanliness may not be next to Godliness, but it is in the same room. Third, neighbors are quick to help each other. Few things bind us together like a common disaster.
We shared chain saws, food, and, best of all, friendship. We plan to continue the spirit of friendship, and an "Ike Party," is already being scheduled for October.
The little boy across the street told my wife to make sure she comes to the Ike Party with bad hair. He has already learned that women like to know the appropriate dress code for any gathering.
difficult for each other. Roger Bannister
The forces of nature can be a harsh reminder of the many things we take for granted, and hurricane Ike was no different. I was reminded of three things in particular.
First, I like the convenience of electricity. Ice chests, candles, and not being able to charge my phone got old quickly. Second, a hot shower in the morning cures many ills. Cleanliness may not be next to Godliness, but it is in the same room. Third, neighbors are quick to help each other. Few things bind us together like a common disaster.
We shared chain saws, food, and, best of all, friendship. We plan to continue the spirit of friendship, and an "Ike Party," is already being scheduled for October.
The little boy across the street told my wife to make sure she comes to the Ike Party with bad hair. He has already learned that women like to know the appropriate dress code for any gathering.
99 Things To Do Before I Die
You don’t get to choose how you’re going to die, or when. You can decide how you’re going to live now. Joan Baez
On May 31, 2005, I made a written list of 99 things I want to do before I die. My list has nine categories and includes things from, "Places I want to go", to, "People I would like to meet. "
When I prepared the list, it was mostly a frivolous task of self indulgence. In hindsight, my list has provided a skeletal plan for life’s adventure, and has grown in importance to me. I am tempted to update my list (with a more serious sense of purpose), but have decided to let it stand.
I recently returned from mountain climbing in Russia. I checked one thing off my list (seeing St. Petersburg). Not on my list was being exposed to a Muslim culture, the climb itself, and leaving the area the day before Russian tanks went into Georgia.
Once again, my list has provided so much more than what appears on paper. It inspires me to consciously decide how I’m going to live now.
On May 31, 2005, I made a written list of 99 things I want to do before I die. My list has nine categories and includes things from, "Places I want to go", to, "People I would like to meet. "
When I prepared the list, it was mostly a frivolous task of self indulgence. In hindsight, my list has provided a skeletal plan for life’s adventure, and has grown in importance to me. I am tempted to update my list (with a more serious sense of purpose), but have decided to let it stand.
I recently returned from mountain climbing in Russia. I checked one thing off my list (seeing St. Petersburg). Not on my list was being exposed to a Muslim culture, the climb itself, and leaving the area the day before Russian tanks went into Georgia.
Once again, my list has provided so much more than what appears on paper. It inspires me to consciously decide how I’m going to live now.
The mountains
If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up
too much space. Jim Whitaker
Jim Whitaker was the first American to reach the summit of Mt. Everest. On July 26, I left for Russia to be part of an expedition to climb Mt. Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe.
Mountains have been places of majesty and mystery for peoples of all faiths and cultures. High on the mountain, you see the handiwork of the creator, largely untouched by human hands. It is profoundly humbling.
We have trained extensively, undertaken meticulous planning for gear, food, and logistics, and are convinced we have left nothing to chance. Yet, no matter how much we try to seize control, there is something inherently unscripted about adventure on the mountain.
The mountain reminds us that the beauty of life lies in the surprises, the tests, and overcoming challenges. If you always stay in that safe comfortable space, you will miss the exhilaration of the edge.
too much space. Jim Whitaker
Jim Whitaker was the first American to reach the summit of Mt. Everest. On July 26, I left for Russia to be part of an expedition to climb Mt. Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe.
Mountains have been places of majesty and mystery for peoples of all faiths and cultures. High on the mountain, you see the handiwork of the creator, largely untouched by human hands. It is profoundly humbling.
We have trained extensively, undertaken meticulous planning for gear, food, and logistics, and are convinced we have left nothing to chance. Yet, no matter how much we try to seize control, there is something inherently unscripted about adventure on the mountain.
The mountain reminds us that the beauty of life lies in the surprises, the tests, and overcoming challenges. If you always stay in that safe comfortable space, you will miss the exhilaration of the edge.
Travel
On another night, they’d have won 2-2.
Ron Atkinson, Manchester United Manager
My daughter returned from a summer session of studying in Italy. Her studies allowed her to travel to other countries on the weekends, and she added some "personal discovery time" to the end of the school session.
The Euro Cup Soccer competition was in full force. Her visits to each country seemed to coincide with that country having an important match. She got swept up in the frenzy.
She was in a wild street party in Munich when Germany played Turkey. Throats through which much beer had passed shouted cheers and sang songs. She became an honorary German citizen by pumping her fist in celebration and shouting "Deutschland!"
She had a great summer and made friends from all around the world. She learned about international economics, saw great museums, and discovered that you can make friends in Germany if you can shout, "Deutschland!"
Ron Atkinson, Manchester United Manager
My daughter returned from a summer session of studying in Italy. Her studies allowed her to travel to other countries on the weekends, and she added some "personal discovery time" to the end of the school session.
The Euro Cup Soccer competition was in full force. Her visits to each country seemed to coincide with that country having an important match. She got swept up in the frenzy.
She was in a wild street party in Munich when Germany played Turkey. Throats through which much beer had passed shouted cheers and sang songs. She became an honorary German citizen by pumping her fist in celebration and shouting "Deutschland!"
She had a great summer and made friends from all around the world. She learned about international economics, saw great museums, and discovered that you can make friends in Germany if you can shout, "Deutschland!"
Finances
A pin lies in wait for every bubble, and when the two eventually meet, a new wave of investors learn some very old lessons.
Warren Buffett
It seems like we never learn. The lessons are not complicated, but they just don’t seem to stick.
There has been calamity in the financial markets as a result of “the sub-prime crisis.” Lenders came up with very creative and unique financing programs to help people qualify for loans. But, Lenders forgot to ask some pretty basic questions. Can these people re-pay the money?
Our government spends more than it takes in. American households spend more than they earn. We know where that will lead. If we don’t demand more of our leaders, and ourselves, I fear we are about to learn some very old, and painful, lessons.
Warren Buffett
It seems like we never learn. The lessons are not complicated, but they just don’t seem to stick.
There has been calamity in the financial markets as a result of “the sub-prime crisis.” Lenders came up with very creative and unique financing programs to help people qualify for loans. But, Lenders forgot to ask some pretty basic questions. Can these people re-pay the money?
Our government spends more than it takes in. American households spend more than they earn. We know where that will lead. If we don’t demand more of our leaders, and ourselves, I fear we are about to learn some very old, and painful, lessons.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Children
Parents are the bones on which children sharpen their teeth.
Peter Ustinov
My wife and I were pleased when our 17 year old son signed up to ride in the MS 150 bicycle ride. We thought this would teach him the value of discipline and the importance of preparation.
Instead, he informed us that training was for the old people. He insisted he would complete the ride on the strength of his will.
We urged him to prepare, but he would hear nothing of it. We expressed our skepticism about his readiness, and he labeled us the “Haters.” He taunted us, and told us we would be sipping “Hateorade,” after the ride.
Naturally, the ride was a huge success. He not only finished, but he sang to other riders as he passed them. He mocked us throughout the ride with text messages.
My wife and I were reminded, again, of fundamental truths about parenthood. First, we are more likely to underestimate our children than overestimate them. Second, proving your parents wrong is a powerful motivator. Finally, Hateorade doesn’t taste all that bad
Peter Ustinov
My wife and I were pleased when our 17 year old son signed up to ride in the MS 150 bicycle ride. We thought this would teach him the value of discipline and the importance of preparation.
Instead, he informed us that training was for the old people. He insisted he would complete the ride on the strength of his will.
We urged him to prepare, but he would hear nothing of it. We expressed our skepticism about his readiness, and he labeled us the “Haters.” He taunted us, and told us we would be sipping “Hateorade,” after the ride.
Naturally, the ride was a huge success. He not only finished, but he sang to other riders as he passed them. He mocked us throughout the ride with text messages.
My wife and I were reminded, again, of fundamental truths about parenthood. First, we are more likely to underestimate our children than overestimate them. Second, proving your parents wrong is a powerful motivator. Finally, Hateorade doesn’t taste all that bad
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Ignorance
Against logic there is no armor like ignorance.
Laurence J. Peter
I have an opponent who is heavily fortified with a shield of ignorance. I know he thinks he is being a tough advocate, and perhaps he is. A lawsuit is about to be filed to solve a problem that has much better solutions outside of court.
I think many clients believe that lawyers deliberately complicate matters, or act the way they do, in order to run up the fees. Sadly, they may be right. Many lawyers love to project that they are tough. Clients want to feel like their lawyer is fighting for them.
Why exercise skill, judgment or creativity if the client will settle for toughness? Few things are easier than sending a nasty letter. Game on. Let the fee meter run.
There are many lawyers who have built handsome practices on this type of ignorance. Clients, and lawyers, ought to demand more. We ought to break out of the ignorance that allows toughness to substitute for common sense.
Laurence J. Peter
I have an opponent who is heavily fortified with a shield of ignorance. I know he thinks he is being a tough advocate, and perhaps he is. A lawsuit is about to be filed to solve a problem that has much better solutions outside of court.
I think many clients believe that lawyers deliberately complicate matters, or act the way they do, in order to run up the fees. Sadly, they may be right. Many lawyers love to project that they are tough. Clients want to feel like their lawyer is fighting for them.
Why exercise skill, judgment or creativity if the client will settle for toughness? Few things are easier than sending a nasty letter. Game on. Let the fee meter run.
There are many lawyers who have built handsome practices on this type of ignorance. Clients, and lawyers, ought to demand more. We ought to break out of the ignorance that allows toughness to substitute for common sense.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Villains
I told my psychiatrist that everyone hates me. He said I was being ridiculous- everyone hasn’t met me yet.
Rodney Dangerfield
Most wonderful lawsuits have a wonderful villain.
At the core of the human spirit resides a natural hunger for justice. Most people will readily forgive someone who makes an honest mistake, or who does something inadvertently.
Those who choose to do wrong are judged more harshly. Generally, the more outrageous one’s choices, the more severe the verdict. One’s actions are usually the key to determining what is going on in someone’s mind, and is a window into what lies within their soul.
Our sense of what is fair is heavily influenced by the offender’s conduct. Few things excite those of us who enjoy trying cases quite like a despicable liar or cheat. If they are mean to puppies, all the better!
Rodney Dangerfield
Most wonderful lawsuits have a wonderful villain.
At the core of the human spirit resides a natural hunger for justice. Most people will readily forgive someone who makes an honest mistake, or who does something inadvertently.
Those who choose to do wrong are judged more harshly. Generally, the more outrageous one’s choices, the more severe the verdict. One’s actions are usually the key to determining what is going on in someone’s mind, and is a window into what lies within their soul.
Our sense of what is fair is heavily influenced by the offender’s conduct. Few things excite those of us who enjoy trying cases quite like a despicable liar or cheat. If they are mean to puppies, all the better!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Love
Love seems the swiftest, but it is the slowest of growths. No man or woman really knows what perfect love is until they have been married a quarter of a century.
Mark Twain
Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and it seems fitting to turn our thoughts to love.
My wife and I passed the quarter century mark in our marriage a couple of years ago. While I am not yet ready to declare that I know what perfect love is, I do embrace Twain’s “slow growth” theory.
Romance flourishes, but our concept of romance has changed. We still surprise each other and make the other laugh. We have cultivated separate interests while remaining interested in each other. As we have grown, we have grown together, and every year we draw a little closer to perfect love.
I look at my wife and I feel quite certain that I got the better end of the deal in the marriage bargain. Yet, of all her outstanding traits, her best is that she loves me back. It is a good thing going through life knowing you are loved.
Mark Twain
Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and it seems fitting to turn our thoughts to love.
My wife and I passed the quarter century mark in our marriage a couple of years ago. While I am not yet ready to declare that I know what perfect love is, I do embrace Twain’s “slow growth” theory.
Romance flourishes, but our concept of romance has changed. We still surprise each other and make the other laugh. We have cultivated separate interests while remaining interested in each other. As we have grown, we have grown together, and every year we draw a little closer to perfect love.
I look at my wife and I feel quite certain that I got the better end of the deal in the marriage bargain. Yet, of all her outstanding traits, her best is that she loves me back. It is a good thing going through life knowing you are loved.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Politics and the media
Newspapers are unable, seemingly, to discriminate between a bicycle accident and the collapse of civilization.
George Bernard Shaw
Like me, you have probably noticed the frequency with which you hear people express disgust about the over-saturation of media coverage of the 2008 presidential election. The media generates a large volume of white noise that detracts from the political process.
I used to enjoy following politics, and presidential politics in particular. I don’t anymore. The decline in my interest is largely tied to the poor job the media does. Media outlets are businesses that depend on ratings or subscribers. They shamelessly appeal to constituencies. The saucy details of a candidate’s past, or a verbal gaffe, draw much more attention than these events deserve.
I see lots of commentary, and little reporting. Story lines and stories get manufactured, rather than reported. Sadly, our impressions about candidates are largely shaped by how the media portrays them. Be vigilant and, hopefully, a leader will percolate up to the top through all this sludge.
George Bernard Shaw
Like me, you have probably noticed the frequency with which you hear people express disgust about the over-saturation of media coverage of the 2008 presidential election. The media generates a large volume of white noise that detracts from the political process.
I used to enjoy following politics, and presidential politics in particular. I don’t anymore. The decline in my interest is largely tied to the poor job the media does. Media outlets are businesses that depend on ratings or subscribers. They shamelessly appeal to constituencies. The saucy details of a candidate’s past, or a verbal gaffe, draw much more attention than these events deserve.
I see lots of commentary, and little reporting. Story lines and stories get manufactured, rather than reported. Sadly, our impressions about candidates are largely shaped by how the media portrays them. Be vigilant and, hopefully, a leader will percolate up to the top through all this sludge.
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