Septième étage, se il vous plaît, la première partie

2LT Eugene J. Bullard, as a Corporal in the French Army, WWI, photo credit Wikipedia, full source below, fair use claimed

Greetings All:

First off, an admission:  I'm a big fan of Facebook.  I enjoy reading what is going on with my friends, taking those gimmicky quizzes and adding my two-cents (more like a fistful of change) on various topics.  It was while I was engaged in this pursuit that I learned about Eugene Bullard from a friend of mine.

For someone who considers myself a "hobby historian" I am disappointed in myself that I did not know about this man.  He is a true hero.  He also sounds like the kind of guy I'd want to show me around Paris.  

I mention Paris because Monsieur Bullard is a national hero of France.  Born in America in the late 19th Century, guilty of no crime, save being African-American.  And in the deep south, well, depending on who was in charge, was a felony.  His Dad almost was lynched and after witnessing this crime, he'd had enough.  So he stowed away on a ship to Scotland and a few years later he was in Paris.  

Ah Paris, le ville des lumières,  Or those of you (like me) who have to look up French, the city of lights.  It must have been a glorious time to be in Paris, or France for that matter.  

Right up until the time the Arch Duke's shirt got stained...by his own blood...arranged by Princip's controlled trigger squeeze.

Then everything went to hell as the world plunged into war.  

Bullard joined up with the French forces, was severely wounded and eventually became a pilot a damn good one at that.  When America got into the war, all the American pilots were invited to join the newly-formed American Army Air Force.  All except one.  Any guesses who wasn't invited?

Yup, Bullard.  Now, the bonus question:  Why?

If you guessed because he was African-America, you'd be correct.  What a farce.  

After the war, he stuck around in Paris.  Who could blame him?  Go back to Jim Crow?  He ended up running a jazz bar.  While his marriage did not work out, he had two daughters.  He life was in many ways mirroring the Jimmy Buffett lyrics, "He Went To Paris."

Then that untalented artist and Austrian Corporal took over in Germany.  Again, France was at war.  Except this time, Paris fell.  Bullard, who spoke German, found his jazz club a popular place with the Nazis.  He used these facts to spy on behalf of the Free French.  However, he realized that for the sake of his kids, he should get out if he could.  

That opportunity came and he did, making his way to New York.

This man's story is amazing and I could write about it at length.  If your curious about him, I've got some links to his story in the sources.

Let me fast-forward to his life in America.  Here was this brave man, a hero.  You would think someone like him would be treated as such.  Nope. 

What was his fate?  His reward?

He became an elevator operator.  Instead of being escorted to the top floor, he was subjected to the menial task of running others there.  Others whose accomplishments pale to his likely sneered at him.  

Ignorance's limits are only exceeded by arrogance.

There is more, much more I want to see about this man.  However, due to other obligations, I need to stop here.  A second part to this story will follow soon.  Please stand by, thanks.

Be well my friends,
Jeno

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugene_Bullard 

http://www.airpower.maxwell.af.mil/apjinternational/apj-s/2005/3tri05/chivaletteeng.html

Day is Done

The music to "Taps," from Wikipedia, fair use claimed, full cite below

Greetings All:

I'm aware that I owe you a post on the home improvement project (full of self-deprecating humor) and it's coming.  However, a couple of recent current events compel me to offer this post.

The first is the incredibly tragic tale of the murder of Peter Kassig.  Kassig, an American combat veteran was beheaded at the hands of the cowards that are ISIS.  Kassig, an Army Veteran and Ranger, was delivering medical supplies when he was kidnapped.  His murder was reported by ISIS.  Unlike other videos, Kassig is not shown prior to his death.  My guess is he fought back, and hard.  It was a final act of defiance.  If any soul suffered a more undeserving death, it was Peter Kassig.  As for those responsible, well, I firmly believe justice is coming...in this world or the next. 

Photo of Peter Kassig, in front of a vehicle loaded with medical supplies, photo credit to the Kassig family and AP, public domain/fair use claimed, full cite listed below.

How we honor those we've lost is something that matters to us.  One of the reasons I thought the Supreme Court decision in the Westboro Baptist Church (Synder v. Phelps) case was flat-out terrible wrong is that funerals should be a special place where the rights of the dead's family trump others. I have the link to the decision below and encourage you to read it.  Feel free to start with Justice Alito's dissent.  I did.

But enough about this, I do not want to tarnish the memory of such a fine man as Peter Kassig with my rants.  So let's move on.

Earlier this week,  I was driving  to meet a friend for coffee.  It was about 6:15 and the sun was flirting with rising.  It was the time of early day I'll call, "clouded light."  As I was heading up a side road, a deer darted across my car, like right in front of it.  It was a young buck, with horns not yet fully grown.  It scampered away and I counted my good fortune that I was not eating an air bag for breakfast.

This was the second time I've had a surprise encounter with a deer.  More on that in a moment. 

But first- I began this post with the sheet music to "Taps."  There is something wonderfully, uniquely and yes, hauntingly American about this song.  It is played by a solitary bugle.  I was surprised to learn a few years back that there even were lyrics to it.  Here they are:


"Day is done, gone the sun
From the lakes, from the hills, from the sky All is well, safely rest God is nigh.
Fading light dims the sight And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright From afar, drawing near Falls the night.
Thanks and praise for our days Neath the sun, neath the stars, neath the sky As we go, this we know
God is nigh."

Taps is played at funerals and remembrance ceremonies.  I was at a Dining In (military dinner) a few years back and when "Taps" was played, a chill ran up my spine.  Taps also makes a daily appearance.  If you're ever been near a military base at 10:00 p.m. (or 2200 in military time) you've heard it.  Where I live there are times I can catch the faint sounds of the notes being played from across the way at the Rock Island Arsenal.  The fact you have to focus on the sound makes it that more meaningful, at least to me.


"Taps" acknowledges an ending.  It could be for a life lived or a day over.  It is up to us to do with what remains.  In the case of Peter Kassig, let us all endeavor to continue his work in our own way on our own terms.  By doing so, we not only honor the life of a courageous, gentle man but defy those who wronged him.  Peter's days are done but not ours.

As I've mentioned in previous blog posts, I am a fan of Tim Ferriss.  He, in turn, is a fan of Lucius Annaeus Seneca.  Seneca, arguably the world's most famous stoic, lived thousands of years ago.  

"On The Shortness of Life,”  (or for you Latin purists out there, "De Brevitate Vitae." is one of Seneca's better known works.  Ferriss recently profiled it on his blog (the link is below) and here's one passage that stuck with me:

"They lose the day in expectation of the night and the night in the fear of the dawn." 

I'm no philosophy major, but I take from that the importance of neither squandering nor fearing the opportunities of the day.  After all, we've only got so many left.

So back to the deer.  (I almost forgot :))  When it ran in front of my car (and after uttering a few choice words) I recalled another encounter with a deer.  It was about a decade ago.

I spent some time at Ft. Dix and during the week, lived on post.  One evening, I had some work to do back at the office and for some inexplicable reason, I thought it would be a good idea to walk to the office.  It was winter and it was cold.  Dumb, dumb move, or so I thought at the time on the way back.

So I'm walking back, tromping through the snow, cursing the pathetically bad decision to "enjoy" a solitary walk in the cold and really, really wanting to get back inside.  Still, there was a unique beauty to the night.  Because I had putzed around at the office on other stuff, I left later than planned.  So I was surprised when I heard "Taps" played.  Keep in mind, I was cold and I don't like cold (or most discomforts, for that matter.)  Yet, I stopped.  I stopped and stood there, listening to it.  It was played over the PA system and it was clear, yet not overly loud.  The notes hung in the air, like my breath.  I didn't remember being cold anymore.

Then I looked up.

Not more than fifteen feet from me was a deer.  She must have wandered out from the nearby woods.  We looked at each other, equally surprised at what we saw.  Under other circumstances, the deer might have shortly been dead and dinner.  But not this night.  We were simply two creatures contemplating seeing each other on that cold winter night.  

And yes, the contemplation of yet another day being done.

R.I.P. Peter, thanks for your service.  All of it.
 
Be well my friends,
Jeno

Sources:

http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/10pdf/09-751.pdf

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taps 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/16/peter-kassig-syria_n_6015706.html?flv=1 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seneca_the_Younger

http://fourhourworkweek.com/2009/04/24/on-the-shortness-of-life-an-introduction-to-seneca/ 

"Welcome Home"

Our flag in front of our house on Veterans' Day, 2014.  Photo by J. Berta

Greetings All:

Today is Veterans' Day.  Here's a poem I put together.  I'd like to dedicate this to all the Veterans out there who came home and still coming to grips with their service and especially our Veterans of the Vietnam War.  You did what was asked of you and a whole lot more.  The poor treatment you received was wrong, plain and simple.  If your one of these Veterans, please accept this small, yet sincere gesture of gratitude for your service.   

Very respectfully,
Jeno Berta

Welcome Home

It might have been a few years back,

Or perhaps a lifetime ago.

You found yourself under attack,

From bullets above or IED blasts below.

You made a pledge, raised your hand,

To selflessly serve the homeland. 

You kept word, did your part.

Returning home for a new start.

But for some there was no joyful return.

The flag you wore, others did burn.

Screams from those of your own age,

Were in your face, this misplaced rage.

You took no vote in a great hall,

To start a war (and they are never small).

You did not profit or achieve fame,

From serving in places few can name.

For others you fired no rounds,

Yet you were on duty, securing the grounds.

You did your duty all that was asked and more,

Maintaining the oath to defend you freely swore.

Today is called Veterans’ Day.

A time to honor those who kept tyranny at bay.

If we seek to honor, and I know we do,

Then let us clearly measure the price paid by some hitherto.

An unending war in their heads,

No rest or peace comes in their beds.

From crowds and fireworks they stay away,

And make frequent trips to the VA.

For those who fought,

For those who served,

For those who bled,

Today is yours, well deserved.

Forgetting not those who fought in Vietnam,

Who endured the filth, leaches, mines and bombs.

Your names are written in valor’s tome.

It’s long overdue,“ Welcome home.

 

We're All Alright

The Cheep Trick album for the single, "Surrender," Wikipedia, fair use claimed, full cite below.

Greetings All:

Sunday night, November 9th (Edited for publication November 10th)

This has been a week of highs and lows.  The obvious lows for me were the election and the Iowa shellacking yesterday at the hands of Minnesota.  Both were brutal for me to watch.  

One might think that comparing a college football game to the midterm elections as woefully inappropriate.  I have friends who would agree, with the significance of the football game clearly outweighing the elections.  While I an a die-hard Iowa fan, the elections will have more long-term consequences.  As I've written before, I had a dog in this fight and was profoundly disappointed with the outcome.

So I was hoping yesterday for a bit of entertainment when Iowa kicked off against Minnesota.  I went to law school in St. Paul and have fond memories of the Twin Cities.  However, when it comes to Iowa football, I don't care who they are playing, I just want them to win.

Also, this game had some significance as the traveling trophy, "Floyd of Rosedale" was at stake.  It is a bronze (I think, definitely metal of some sort) pig that is (IMHO) the best rivalry trophy in sports.  When we got beat (severely) yesterday, Floyd went back to the Gophers of Minnesota.  It will be a long year and hopefully we can bring him home next year.  The words of former Hawkeye coach Hayden Fry echo in my mind:  "Poor Floyd is cold and hungry up there."

I have friends I have not heard from in a while (including a former employer) who made sure I was aware of the outcome.  It was so nice of them to check in with me.  
 

"Floyd of Rosedale" the rivalry trophy between my beloved Iowa Hawkeyes and the University of Minnesota football teams, now (sadly) residing in Minnesota for the next year.  (Sigh.) Wikipedia, fair use, full cite below.

Yet the week had some great things happen.  Without question, seeing Cassie, my daughter and her friends bring the unfinished work of Charles Dickens' The Mystery of Edwin Drood to life was the highlight.  This show is based on Dickens' unfinished work and the audience gets to pick the killer and the love interests.  We were thrilled that Cassie's character, Princess Puffer, was picked as the murderer the last night as we got to hear her sing one final time.  

The Program from Pleasant Valley High School's production this past week of The Mystery of Edwin Drood based on the works of Charles Dickens.  Photo by J. Berta.

 After the show, we stuck around to see if our bids held up at the silent auction.  The time-honored tradition of striking the set took place and music was playing over the sound system.  I was amused at the music being played, 70s and 80s stuff, recorded long before these kids were born.  

Then my favorite Cheep Trick song came over the speakers, "Surrender."  This is a goofy song that does not make a whole lot of sense but is fun to listen to.  It's been covered by a number of artists and I found on YouTube a great version by Bob Mould with Peter Buck of R.E.M. fame backing him up.  I've got a link to it in the sources.

Here's a quote from Ric Nielsen, lead guitarist of Cheep Trick:

"When I wrote the song, the 'we're all alright' was originally only intended to refer to the four of us; that's why it comes right after the 'Bun-E/Tom/Robin/Rick's alright' section. After we started playing it live however, I came to realize that, to our audience, it was inclusive of all of us - our generation; that we're ALL alright, we survived the 60s & Vietnam & Nixon & everything, and we're all still here, playing music and having fun. That's when we started playing with it a little in concert; I'll tell ya, you get 50 - 60 thousand people screaming 'WE'RE ALL ALRIGHT!' in unison, that's a pretty positive affirmation!" 

That it is Rick, that it is.

As I'm writing this, it is the anniversary of the passing of one of the greatest poets of the 20th Century, Dylan Thomas.  He died November 9, 1953 and I'll add, w-a-y too young.

Dylan Thomas, 1952, Wikipedia, fair use claimed, full cite below.

Dylan Thomas wrote some amazing stuff.  He also battled various health issues, aggravated by excessive alcohol consumption.  One wonders what other great works would have sprung from his pen had he been able to stick around.  

Thomas' best known work is "Do Not Go Gently Into That Goodnight."  The last two lines of this poem sum up the essence of the poem:

"Do not go gentle into the goodnight.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light."

In other words, fight back.   This poem was featured in the 1986 movie, Back to School with Rodney Dangerfield.  This movie, not unlike the song, is silly, fun, yet also with a bit of truth in it.  I recall that at one point in the movie, Dangerfield's character recites this poem and adds his own (ahem) editorial meaning to it. 

So how does this all tie together?  I'd suggest the following:  Life is  full of both disappointments and accomplishments.  There will be times when things will go well and then, not so much.  As Thomas advocates, there are times to fight back, to fight until the last cartridge.  Then there are times to accept the facts for what they are and move forward with your life.  Accept the losses, acknowledge the hurt and them let it go.  Dare I say it, surrender.
 
 Just remember, the end of the day, we're all alright.  And that's enough.

Be well my friends,

Jeno

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surrender_%28Cheap_Trick_song%29 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iowa%E2%80%93Minnesota_football_rivalry#Floyd_of_Rosedale_Era

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RMJwwl0h0U 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dylan_Thomas 

http://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/do-not-go-gentle-good-night 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Back_to_School



 

My Walk-On Role With The Ground Game

The list that was my part of "the ground game" yesterday.  Photo by J. Berta

 Greetings All:

Tomorrow is election day.  If you're a Republican, likely you're feeling pretty good.  (Me, well, not so much.)  I haven't gotten into politics a whole lot in this blog for several reasons.  However, I'll make an exception here as tomorrow is simply too big a day to ignore.  

Before I get into the main topic, I want to say one thing about politics.  It's broken.  The amount of money in it is obscene and both sides are equally to blame.  If I ever run myself, one issue that will be a priority for me will be to amend the U.S. Constitution to empower our legislative and executive branches to limit campaign contributions.  Perhaps I'll elaborate on this point more down the road.  For now, let me say this:  There's way too much anger out there and the "open tap of cash" is NOT helping.  

One of the reasons I feel strongly about this is the fact I consider myself fortunate to have many friends and colleagues who are more conservative that I am.  I value their friendship.  From sharing a meal in a less than hospitable place to tailgating before an Iowa game, I've gotten to know them as people.  Not as a Republican/Conservative/Libertarian but as a person.  They love this country as much as I do and many have done a ton more to defend it than I ever will.  With all the money in politics and the toxic ads poured into the ground water of our political system, no wonder we're all getting sick.  The practical danger is we stop connecting as people and simply reduce the debate to sound bites.  Not good folks, not good.

I'm a fan of Mark Twain and particularly certain quotes.  One of my favorites is:  "Everyone talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it."  That's another way of saying:  "If you don't like something, either figure out a solution or (in the gentle words of a certain East coast governor) 'sit down and shut up.'"

So I decided last week I would do something I have not done in a l-o-n-g time.  I knocked on doors for the Iowa Democratic Party.

The sign on the door to the Steelworkers' Hall where I picked up my packet.  Photo by J. Berta.

Door knocking or "canvassing" is a traditional political activity.  At this point in the campaign, the focus is getting "the base" out to vote.  Thanks to the ability to data-mine information, it's pretty easy to figure out who is most likely to back your candidate and vote this election.  I like to think the race for the U.S. Senate in Iowa is closer than The Des Moines Register's poll released Saturday night.  (Oh, please, please let all those calls to have been only to landlines.)  Therefore, turnout could decide the election.

In politics, "the ground game" is often a reference to getting voters out to the polls.  This is one aspect of politics that cannot be done from a lobbying/consulting firm in DC.  You have to do in face-to-face.  There is no app to download, no "page" to "like."  You have to literally put people on the pavement.  It reminds me of the line from Full Metal Jacket when Animal Mother says to Joker:  "You talk the talk.  Do you walk the walk?"

At this point in the campaign, you gotta walk the walk if you want to win.  Here's a Fox News story that tells what was going on in Iowa a couple of weeks' ago:

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/10/21/operation-ground-game-parties-drive-to-get-out-vote-in-final-stretch/

On Saturday and Sunday afternoon, I walked around neighborhoods in my town, knocking on various doors.  Most people were not home.  In a few cases, I suspected they were and "declined" to answer the door.  Perhaps door-knocking during the undisputed best half of Iowa football this season was not the best course of action.  

In a few cases, I got the, "...if this is political, I'm not interested."  Fair enough, election fatigue is as apparent as bags of raked leaves by the curb.  No one was rude to me and a couple even seemed appreciate to see someone engaging in politics without a TV ad.

My "boots on the ground" this weekend.  Photo by J. Berta

I don't know how this election will turn out.  Regardless of the outcome, I am glad to got out and added my "boots on the ground" for a few hours.  I know across this city, state and nation others are doing the same thing.  I want to give a shout out to those who are supporting their cause knowing in their heart they ain't gonna win.  To the Republican knocking doors in New York to the Democrat in Alabama, here's to you.  Your commitment to your cause is admirable and if you get one, just one person to vote who otherwise would have stayed home, you're a winner.  Here's to your role in the ground game this year.  You're truly the All-Americans.  I was just a walk-on.

Be well my friends (and PLEASE VOTE TOMORROW!),
Jeno

Vote Early (and Often!)

My sticker from the primary election, photo by J. Berta

Greetings All:

I've got a blog post in the works about a recent (ahem) home improvement project I took on that ended, well, not as originally intended.  Although there were no power tools involved, no blood spilled and the "end result" is not that terrible, it was a not a fun day.  Later that evening, Dawn said to me, "Next time, let's hire someone."  Oh yes, next time and every (expletive-deleted) time.

I want to do that blog post justice (and be sure to poke ample fun at myself, 'cause I deserve it) so y'all will have to wait a bit.  In the meantime, here's a more serious topic:  Election Day.

Here in the U.S., November 4th is a "general election."  While we will not be electing a President, a third of the U.S. Senate, all the U.S. House of Representatives, Governors in many states, as well as other significant offices.  Folks, this is a big deal.

And unless you've been living completely off the grid, you've likely run across the dreaded "campaign ad."  It's not just on television, it's on the internet, in our mailboxes and simply put- it our faces.  It's ugly and as the Supreme Court has ruled, it's sticking around. Sigh.

There are ample reasons to be cynical about elections in general and particularly this one.  It's as if politics is this open bar of attack ads where the liquor being poured is cheep but they keep coming.  

One could raise the opinion that not a damn thing is going to change regardless of who wins this election.  The politics of gridlock resemble the trench warfare of WWI and each side's position is hardened.  No Man's Land in this case is policy creation and neither side dares venture there for long. 

However, with all that being said, please do get out and vote this election.  There are incredibly important issues at stake.  Sitting this one out may be tempting for some but please, do not.  

There are ample opportunities to vote prior to election day through early voting and voting by absentee ballot.  It's how Dawn and I voted.  We did it weeks ago and it was fast and painless.  If you're someone who likes to go to the polls on election day, then by all means, continue that tradition.  I would suggest having a plan for election day and if possible, vote early in the day.  That avoids any number of things that could come up and jinx getting to the polls.

If you do go vote in person, bring your kids.  I am aware of no prohibition of a child appearing at the polls.  I cannot think of a better civics lesson.  If you want to be completely sure it is OK, check with your Secretary of State or elections commissioner.  If you want the best of both worlds, find an early voting location and bring your kid(s) there.  You get the full election experience and can do it on your time.

Dawn and I voted absentee ballot.  It is my preferred way to vote as I am assured that whatever occurs on Election Day, my ballot is cast.  However, I also go to the polls, especially for the shall we say say, lesser-publicized elections.  The photo above is from the primary in June.

If you're reading this blog and you're in America and a registered voter, please, please vote this election.  There's the old saying, "If you don't vote, you better not complain."  That's BS, people will always complain and like that's even an enforceable threat.  No, no my friends, I'd suggest this instead:  

Vote because it's your chance to have your say.  Vote because the vile 30-second attack ads that are slowing poisoning the groundwater of our body politic cannot vote.  But you can.  Vote because it is both your right and duty.  Vote because there are so many people who wish they could.

OK, thus ends the sermon about voting this election.  Some of you might be saying, "Hey Jeno, in the title, you talk about voting early, you're not supporting voter fraud, are you?"  

To this I'll reply, "Of course not, gentle readers."  (I've always wanted to use that line.)  What I am referencing is the importance of voting in ALL elections.  My Dad has been a citizen since 1962 and in those fifty plus years, he's missed voting in one school board election.  One.  He's made all the other ones.  I wish I had that streak.  Actually, I have no streak.  I missed the park board election last month.  I wasn't alone.  I recall that there was less than 1000 votes cast in total.  Not sure what that turnout percentage was but my guess is...tiny.

And that is not surprising.  Considering that in a Presidential Election you don't get much further north of 60% in "good" year, the further down the ballot you go, the less interest there usually is. 

http://bipartisanpolicy.org/news/press-releases/2012/11/2012-election-turnout-dips-below-2008-and-2004-levels-number-eligible

That my friends, is an explanation, not an excuse.  I could have voted and and chose not to.  Oh sure, I can rationalize it by saying, "The park board is in good hands and I trust whomever serves."  Even if true, it's still a cop-out.  A small one in the big scheme of things but a cop-out nonetheless.  I run (albeit slowly) on the bike path and my youngest daughter loves going to several of them in my town.  I pay taxes and like to think of myself as an involved citizen.  Yet not so much for this race.  

So when I make the quip about "voting early and often," it's not about fraud but voting often in all levels of elections.  School board, municipal elections and yes, park board.  Oh sure, the national media will not cover these more provincial elections, yet they matter all the same.  Come to think of it, the more local the race, the more direct impact it has on your daily life.  From taxes to services to local ordinances, it all matters.  

Elections matter.  This one upcoming and all the future ones.

Here's to seeing you at the polls.  Unless one of us votes by mail.  

Be well my friends,
Jeno  

Deadlines and Commitments

The notice on my library book, photo by J. Berta

Greetings All:

I recently partially read What I Learned Losing a Million Dollars by Jim Paul and Brendan Moynihan.  This is a book I learned about via the Tim Ferriss show (episode 29) and it was great, of what I read of it.

See, it was due back earlier this week at the library and (as the photo above indicates) there were no renewals on it.  Due to some other obligations (like work) I ran out of time on Monday to finish it.

Now I suppose had I kept it out an extra day or so, I highly doubt the Bettendorf Public Library would have dispatched Vince and Rocco to "collect" my fine.  If anything, because this was a "special request" book, I could have kept it for a few days, returned it and likely there would have been no fines.  To quote Jesus, "Go forth and sin no more."

One of the reasons I made it a point to return this book on time is that I love the Bettendorf Public Library.  They are able to find me books from far and near and I value being a patron of this fine institution.  I like to think that if Ben Franklin (founder of the Philadelphia library) were to walk into this library, my library, he would be more than impressed.  I've not always been the best (ahem) "rule-follower."  However, when an institution like this library has treated me so well, I want to reciprocate by respecting their rules.

So the book was returned, un-read, yet on-time.

Here is the other reason I returned it is it gave me the chance to do that ever important, yet challenging concept of, "practicing what you preach."  I have read a bunch of stuff in the area of what I'll informally call, "peak performance."  One of the things they discuss is developing the ability to say no. 

Saying "no," is one of those skillsets that many successful people credit with their, well, success.  James Altucher, along with his wife, Claudia Azula Altucher, wrote a book entitled, The Power of No:  Because One Little Word Can Bring Health, Abundance and Happiness.  I have not read this book.  However, I am working through another of his books, Choose Yourself.  Altucher is also someone who Tim Ferriss has interviewed and I listened to that podcast.  His message is something like this:  "Saying no allows you to say yes to the stuff that really matters to you.  It is a skill that has to be learned, but it can be learned."  I've got the Amazon link to his book below if you'd like to check it out for yourself.  Here is a blurb from the promo page:

"...that you have the right to say no: To anything that is hurting you. To standards that no longer serve you. To people who drain you of your creativity and expression. To beliefs that are not true to the real you. When you do, you’ll be freed to say a truly powerful “Yes” in your life—one that opens the door to opportunities, abundance, and love."

Sounds good to me.

A few months back I was turned onto a book, Virtuous Leadership by Alexandre Havard.  I have read this one.  His book states that leadership is a choice and that anyone can develop the skills of being a "virtuous" leader.  His third chapter is entitled, "Just Say No."  He comments:  "Get used to saying no."  

Full disclosure about Professor Havard's work- it is quite conservative.  (Some of you will like it just fine, others, not so much.)   The reason I point this quote out is Havard's underlying message is one of being able to decide for yourself what is important and what is not.  You may reject some of Havard's priorities, yet there is value in his (and the Altuchers') message of deciding what is important and jettisoning the other stuff.

So back to my library book.  I said "no" to keeping the book.  I said "no" to reading it beyond the time allowed.  I did this not because I couldn't handle the fine but because it was a way to practice the discipline of deadlines.  I knew how long I had to read the book and if I had really wanted to read it, I would have gotten it done in time.

Life is about making choices with what to do with our time.  Although I reject the concept that time is so damn valuable that you have to have some monk-like concentration on your activities.  If you happen to be channel surfing on a Saturday and Road House comes on Spike TV, then by all means, watch it.  Just do the math ahead of time and understand that you're done with the next 90 minutes.  

If you've got something you feel is a priority, then perhaps the best course of action is to say "no" to channel surfing in the first place.  After all, you can't be sucked into watching Road House, (a movie that I consider the best/worst movie ever and Mr. Robert Brumm happens to agree with me, please see the link below) if you're not in front of the TV in the first place.

Road House promo poster, United Artists, from Wikipedia's page, fair use, full cite listed below.

Sometimes, popular music offers a great way to sum up long-winded thoughts (like, ahem, this blog post).  I think about the Bob Seger's song, Against the Wind, and a couple lines of lyrics:

"Well those drifter days are past me now.  

I've got so much more to think about.  

Deadlines and commitments,

What to leave in, what to leave out."

I remember when I first starting paying attention to this song.  I was somewhere in high school and thought that these lines must have been written about someone so old and ancient to be, well, middle-aged.  I remember laughing to myself thinking, "Thank God that's not me." 

Fast-forward a few years/decades and that might just be me.  Hold on for a second, let me get my mirror app on my iPhone.  I'll be right back...

I'm back.

Yup (after the checking the mirror) that's now me.   

So if you're in my age group, you might be able to relate to the phrase, "deadlines and commitments."  I wonder if the trick is to limit the number of commitments you make and in turn, that will reduce decisions about, "...what to leave in, what to leave out."

And who knows, that might also just free up time to do a bit of channel surfing...or finish a book that is due back at the best library around.

Be well my friends,
Jeno

sources:

http://www.amazon.com/Learned-Million-Columbia-Business-Publishing/dp/0231164688

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tim-ferriss-show/id863897795?mt=2

http://www.librarycompany.org/ 

http://www.amazon.com/The-Power-No-Abundance-Happiness/dp/1401945872 

http://hvli.org/product/virtuous-leadership-epub-english-2/

http://www.robertbrumm.com/my-blog/44-reasons-why-road-house-is-the-best-worst-movie-of-all-time

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Road_House_%281989_film%29#mediaviewer/File:Road-house-poster.jpg

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/bobseger/againstthewind.html