DNC = Democratic National CIRCUS

If you've spent more than three minutes with me, you know I love politics. It's a hangover from living and working in DC, where gossip is almost indistinguishable from public affairs. I have RSS feeds from several blogs and am a junkie for "Heard on the Hill".

So, with the most interesting election (probably ever) upon us, one would think I would be in hog heaven. I have been. I was addicted to the primary battle, have read all of the analysis every step along the way, and see the poo-slinging, er...commercials, before most people do. However, the current stage of the election cycle makes me want to ignore electoral politics and plug my ears while screaming "LA LA LA LA! I DON'T HEAR YOU!" That's right; it's Convention season.

Conventions used to serve a purpose. They used to actually be where the nominee was decided and there have been some nailbiters. Even into the 20th Century, Conventions played a very important part in the electoral politics. But this was before the 24 hour news cycle, consultants, interest groups, and bottomless bags of cash. Now, the candidate is pretty much decided by March and the Conventions, especially the Democratic one, are elaborate revivals for the Church of American Political Extremism.

Anyone who has even passively watched coverage of this year's DNC knows what I'm talking about. I've only watched a few big speeches (Hillary's, Biden's, and Obama's), but even this tacit involvement was enough to really skeeve me out. Quick takes of the crowd throughout the speeches show old ladies with flat-top hats and enough plastic doo-dads to pay a Chinese factory payroll for a month, enormous fat men weeping like someone stole their pudding cups, and an ensemble that looked like an Equal Opportunity Employment poster . These people behave with such emotional fervor, they were indistinguishable from the people you see in Pentacostal mega-churches...or in a documentary of Jonestown.

I understand the tradition that accompanies the Conventions and the point that they should serve as a rallying cry for the post-Labor Day homestretch. But, the extremists are courted during the primary season and this is the time where the candidates need to be sprinting to the center, wooing independent voters like myself. After watching the DNC and hearing the populist red meat spewed once again even by respectable folks like Joe Biden, I feel alienated once again.

God only knows what the Republicans have in store for us next week.

Golf and Wild Boar

What do they have in common? Well, I enjoyed both of them immensely yesterday. I awoke early, walked Millie (we have her again), and off I went with my Starbuck's to Rockland Lakes to meet Scott for the first round of golf I've played this summer.

Upon meeting Scott, at the time much to my chagrin, he greeted me with "We can drive if you want to, but I always walk." Which I read as, "Let's hoof it, you pansy." So hoof it we did, down to the first tee. Now, let me explain that I haven't swung a club in almost a year and when I did last swing a club, I didn't really "connect" with the ball. Air and clumps of grass, yes, but not so much the ball.

So, you can pretty much ascertain that the first hole was a disaster. Earlier in my life, I probably would have been cursing, red-faced, and halfway through a pack of Parliament Lights by this point, but yesterday, I just laughed. Laughed at my pathetic tee shot, my equally pathetic second shot, et cetera, all the way down to hole where I was lying double par before I even putted. I just laughed.

Everybody who has played golf has been a beginner. They have experienced the frustration of trying to swing a club with all their might only to see the ball roll a piddling 10 feet in front of them. Like everything in life, you have to start somewhere and people, golfers especially, understand this.

So, having relaxed myself on the first hole and realizing that I was out to enjoy myself, I walked up to the tee on Hole 2 and just belted one straight down the fairway. It was perfect. Perfect because my grip was relaxed, I wasn't concerned with how far I wanted the ball to go, concerned with what other people were thinking, none of that. My mind was clear and I hit a beautiful tee shot. The rest of the day was a breeze.

Now, I don't know how long 18 holes is, but carrying a golf bag on your back through the Rockland foothills for six straight hours seems like an eternity. Especially with only a hot dog a Powerade at the turn (God bless New York State golfcourses and their prohibition of alcoholic beverages). Needless to say, I'm sore as hell today and was hungry as hell last night.

Fortunately, I joined the entire Lamm clan for a wonderful meal at Lanterna in Nyack. Lanterna is probably my favorite restaurant these days. It's a wonderful mix of nouveau and country cuisine which is distinctively Tuscan. Upon Scott's and my pillaging of two baskets of bread, we ordered a Zinfandel for the table which was robust, fruity, and spicy. I first had grilled calamari that was accompanied by grilled endive, grilled radicchio, and grilled tomato all drizzled with a pesto sauce. Then, the big mother: grilled Wild Boar chops over garlic mashed potatoes and cannellini beans. It was amazing and not at all what I expected; it wasn't gamey or "porky"; it actually tasted like veal. Needless to say, the chef's lemon-parsley-sage marinade softened it up nicely. There's never been a perfect meal, but this was damn close.

All in all, a wonderful Sunday. I hope everyone was as lucky as me and had a great weekend. Now, it's back to the grind and trying to coast to the long weekend.

Jerry, You Deserve Better

Those of you who know me also know Jerry. Jerry is my 2005 A4 (his name is from my old VA plates "JRE-5984") and we've been through a lot together. Three weeks after I got him, I crashed him into someone on the Roosevelt Bridge in DC, we've been back and forth between DC and New York many a time, and I've lost count of the blow-outs he's had.

For all that I have done to him (and it's been a lot), he has served me well. He might have an ugly, yellow-paint-crusted dent on his front fender and might leave a lingering gasoline odor, but he has been an steadfast horse and I hope when I put him out to stud he gets someone who treats him better than I have.

You see, I've been horrible to Jerry. It wasn't his fault he got me as his owner, it was his misfortune. I was brought up in an environment where the word "consequences" was usually followed by "schmonsequences" and when the stuff hit the fan, you could always just throw money at the problem and it would probably go away. I am not using it as an excuse, but this upbringing has left me with an incredibly impulsive side, which is one of the largest obstacles I am trying to overcome.

So, late in his career with me, Jerry needs a fair amount of work done that, of course, is not covered by warranty. I am paying the piper (literally) and, like with so many other occurrences throughout this period of self-reflection, I am looking at it as another form of penance for my hitherto blasé attitude toward responsibility and consequences. So, to all the car doors, walls, doors, door jambs, and bones (yes, I have even broken a bone or two in frustration and/or indifference), I apologize.

Another consequence of my upbringing is a complete and utter inability to admit when I make a mistake or do wrong. As such, I have been challenging myself to think through every decision I make and ask myself, "Did I do the right thing?" I realize the danger of doubting myself, but being over-confident can be just as dangerous. My hope is that asking myself this simple question will make me a better husband, friend, son, brother, son-in-law, and citizen.

I challenge everyone to take some serious time to self-reflect and identify areas for improvement. Constructive criticism is so important, especially when it comes to constructively criticizing yourself. Plus, it feels great to set goals for yourself and track your progress.

So, be nice to your car, your walls, your doors and door jambs. It might seem right at the time to kick, punch, or ram them, but paying for the damage is never right, literally or figuratively. Have a great weekend!

Bring in the Funk...But Don't Keep It Too Long

For months as the media has been all "doom and gloom" about this country, I've been looking around and scratching my head: I don't know anyone who has lost their job (even an acquaintance at Bear Stearns), house prices in my area haven't budged, and my grocery bill has stayed around the same amount each week. Yes, gasoline has skyrocketed, but that's it.

But, as I checked in with a friend today to whom I haven't spoken in awhile, I noticed an exasperated, "What-are-you-gonna-do?" tone to her words. But, then I subsequently noticed that I was speaking with the same tone; I told her my job had plateaued and that the company is in a holding pattern, that I'm OK with what I am doing, but that it doesn't excite me, and that the Burbs are "alright". I know it's not cause for alarm (after all, what are the Burbs if not "alright"?), but I had thought the national funk had skipped me and those I know.

As we are constantly barraged with bad news about everything, it is easy to let it pervade your psyche. But, if I stop and think seriously about my current station, yes, there is plenty to be desired, but if everything is perfect, where is the motivation to ascend and do better? I thrive on the challenges life throws my way. But, I also realize that while I do have a limited amount of control, things generally have a wonderful way of falling into place and working themselves out. Deloitte will probably start expanding again, I am sure that some curveballs are going to be thrown my way and make my job more interesting, and Becky and I will continue to meet interesting people and explore all the wonderful apsects of Lower New England.

There isn't any optimism out there right now, but it's easy to find if you look for it. So in the words of 80's hero Casey Kasem, keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.



*In the spirit of today's posting, I will leave you with an amazing 1980 video of the Jerry Garcia Band performing Bob Dylan's "Simple Twist of Fate". This song always helps me through the tough times.

Growing Into the Olympics

Is it just me or is everyone watching the Olympics this year? Maybe I just don't remember because a lot has happened in the last four years, but I feel like I and pretty much everyone I knew snoozed through the last two Olympics in Sydney and Athens, respectively.

But, Becky and I can't get enough of them this year. Since 8/8/2008, I have found it harder and harder to wake up in the morning, as we have been staying up later and later the nights before watching gymnastics, swimming, rowing, and pretty much any sport we would otherwise never watch. (Last night, for example, I found myself enthralled by trampoline)

I've been thinking about why we and so many people we know are so into them this year. First, I thought it had to do with NBC and how they spent three and a half of the four years since Athens hyping the Games. But, no; they always do that; probably to cover the ridiculous mortgage they put on their company to broadcast them.

Then, I figured it has to do with China because of how unique it is as a country; populous, communist, authoritarian, ancient, respected, feared, and controversial. I noticed that early in the Games everyone was obsessed with the prowess of China and how advanced it was portraying itself. People were actually in awe and even I, myself, felt a little intimidated. But, this very quickly disintegrated into a sort of jealous, mean-spirited mockery, whether it was regarding the questionable age of some of the gymnasts and/or the conditions to which the performers at the Opening Ceremonies may or may not have been exposed. But even this phenomenon doesn't totally explain why my close friends and I have a new-found obsession with these Olympic Games.

But, it dawned on me last night during the intense trampoline finals: we are all four years older. Since 2004, our responsibilities have increased at work and at home, our nights have gotten earlier, and our bartabs have gotten smaller. Keeping the Games on until midnight constitutes a late night, where in 2004 I might have caught 3am skeet shooting while drunkenly wolfing down a cheesesteak from Mario's. As we unwind from our chaotic days, we find it easy to sink into bed and into the spirit fuelled by a hefty dose of John Williams' kettle-drum-infused theme song. Whether it's by the water cooler or over gazpacho at a downtown Stamford restaurant, the Olympics makes for great conversation with friends who live by routines similar to your own.

I don't look at this as a bad thing, something to regret, or as a sign that my best days are behind me. I see this as simply another chapter in this great story called "Growing Up". So, enjoy the Olympics. Who knows what the story will be in 2012.

Going to Chicago and the Biggest Game of "Risk" Ever

Becky and I are heading to Chicago tomorrow and should return with some pretty good pics. I've been there once before, but it was for a wedding and I didn't have too much time to just take in the city. So, if anyone has any suggestions, please do share.

Also, I don't know if anyone knows this because it hasn't been getting very much play in the American media, but as part of the game of tic-tac-toe we are now playing with the Russians, the US has signed a preliminary deal with Poland to install 10 interceptor missiles in exchange for helping to strengthen Polish air defenses. And so it begins...again.

In any case, Happy Friday. If anyone is traveling this weekend, be safe. If you're staying home, be cool.

It's that time again

Time to fill up. While I try to schedule my fill-ups around when I'm at my inlaws' (who so conveniently live adjacent to New Jersey, where gas never goes above $4.00/gallon), there was just no avoiding it this time.

I tell everyone that this is good; we need more expensive gas; it's methadone for our proverbial heroine addiction to oil. But, as I watch my fellow fillees' faces crinkle into despair as the meter climbs higher and higher, I have to wonder why we continue to take it up the rear while ExxonMobil and the like take quarterly profits upward of $10 billion.

Anyway, look for me at the Shell station across from the Norwalk DMV. I'll be the one at a blue Audi crying.

The Whole Georgia Thing...and the American Left's Complete Misinterpretation of It

"Outraged" is such a dramatic word to which we have all be desensitized in the 2008 election cycle.

So, while I'm not outraged, I am pretty upset with left-leaning journalists in this country who flooded yesterday's Op-Ed pages and blogosphere with columns and posts titled such things as "Who Poked The Bear?"

According to Dan Froomkin in his "White House Watch" column in yesterday's WaPo, "hindsight suggests Bush has been playing with fire in that region for years now, and that an overpowering Russian response was a predictable outcome to continued provocation." Apparently, supporting democracy in the former Soviet Union and encouraging military cooperation with a former Russo-vassal justifies an over-aggressive military beat-down by a much larger Russian force who was spoiling for a fight.

Others further to the left sounded off on Josh Marshall's "Talking Points Memo". This gem from Monday is one of my favorites:

"Regardless of what happens next, it is worth asking what the Bush people were thinking when they egged on Mikheil Saakashvili, Georgia's young, Western-educated president, to apply for NATO membership, send 2,000 of his troops to Iraq as a full-fledged U.S. ally, and receive tactical training and weapons from our military. Did they really think Putin would sit by and see another border state (and former province of the Russian empire) slip away to the West? If they thought that Putin might not, what did they plan to do about it, and how firmly did they warn Saakashvili not to get too brash or provoke an outburst?"

I am by no means an expert, but for the American Left to place the brunt of the blame on Georgia and, by extension, a meddling, conspiratorial Bush Administration, seems entirely short-sighted. Putin's Russia (I don't care that Medvedev is president. We all know who's captain of that ship) has made it crystal-clear that their self-interest trumps all and routinely thumb their nose at international opinion. If the left is going to hold America's feet to the fire (as they rightly should) when we, contrary to international opinion and in brazen self-interest, invaded Iraq, they should call a spade a spade and blow the whistle on Russia when it does the same. But, their disdain for Bush is so potent that they are willing to forgive Russia for so egregious a violation of international law because Georgia likes the current Republican president. Talk about self-interest. But, I digress. Yes, Saakashvili did provoke an outburst from Russia. But not necessarily in the way our friend at TPM believes they did.

How did Saakashvili provoke this outburst? Well, number one, he was elected. The Russians don't like uppity democratic types who talk about "individual liberties" and the "power of free markets." They prefer good old Soviet-style-strongman-President-for-life types who keep their democratic movements brutally repressed. They continue to view these former satellite republics as their property, or in their Treaty-of-Versailles-speak, as their “near abroad”. In other words, how dare our subjects in Ukraine and Georgia act independently of their puppet-master, dear Mother Russia!

Number two is more strategic, geopolitically speaking. Georgia is the site of a very important oil and gas pipeline to Europe. By installing one of their puppets in Saakashvili's place, Russia has a near monopoly on energy supplies going to Europe. Notice they never sought to "liberate" South Ossetia and Abkhazia when their old chum Eduard Shevardnadze was president of Georgia.

I am not a Chicken-Little type by any means, but if Russia will so easily cross the line (literally) and invade a neighbor when this neighbor behaves in a manner contrary to Russia’s espoused authoritarian values, doesn't this set a dangerous precedent in a neighborhood that has come so far since the days of its repressive Communist chokehold? Who’s next? Ukraine and its “Orange Revolution”? EU/NATO Members like Poland (always a victim of the Russian bully’s proverbial wedgie)? As the T-72’s were rolling into Georgia, you could almost hear the former Eastern Bloc’s collective teeth chattering.

So, Godspeed to Georgia and the rest of Russia’s neighbors, whose misfortune it is to occupy territory adjacent to such a wretched country and people. And to the American left, please don’t lose sight of the forest for the trees.