In The Dull, Old Summertime

This piece is probably a load of self-serving bullshit, but I am in the midst of preparing larger things (look for your homework assignment at the end) and just wanted to take stock of my life as a man of leisure.

I promise to keep all sentences punchy yet and at the same time pithy as I go over my May and June.

Books I've Read
(This does not include the many items from this reading list for one of my seminars)

• Jared Diamond, Guns, Germs and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies - engaging, well written, rigidly determinstic.
• James Burke and Robert Ornstein, The Axemaker's Gift: A Double-Edged History of Human Culture - entertaining, well-written, interesting views on technological change.
• Thomas Cahill, How The Irish Saved Civilization - suprisingly well done considering the puckish title.
• David Edmonds and John Eidinow, Wittgenstein's Poker - conflation of a ten minute argument between Ludwig Wittgenstein and Karl Popper (with Bertrand Russell in the room) that makes an interesting point concerning 20th century philosophy.
• W.C. Sellar and J.W. Yeatman, 1066 and All That - clever, funny, a real classic (if jokes about British history are your thing).

Books I'm Currently Reading

• Bertrand Russell, Why I Am Not A Christian
• Francis Fukuyama, The End of History and the Last Man
• Thomas Cahill, Sailing the Wine-Dark Sea: Why the Greeks Matter

Films I've Recently Seen/Rewatched

• The Fog of War - Excellent documentary. War is extremely complex as are the people who wage it and Robert McNamara is a perfect example of this. No, it does not let him off the hook.
• All The President's Men - Political/journalistic thriller at its best. No matter what you think of any of the players (my views on Richard Nixon are famously complex), it is a well-done film.
• Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room - Really informative, leaves the central question unanswered (was the collapse the fault of bad people or indicative of a bad system?)

Places I've Recently Visited (That Aren't The Grocery Store, Sleazy Dives, Etc.)

• The Capital Brewery, Middleton, WI - Great tour and beer. Fun all around.
• Warner Park/The Duck Pond (home of the Madison Mallards) - Great game and beer. Fun all around.

Things I've Regretted

• Not getting to Indiana to see my Puma bretheren. We shall meet on the good earth of the Hoosier State once again. I promise.
• Beer, refried beans and gyros in a single day. My colon has recalled its ambassador and closed the embassy.

Asses I've Kicked

• Those other bitches in the Pub Trivia League. Trey Junkins does not fuck around. So there.

Current Favorite People (You Readers Out There Are ALWAYS My Favorites)

• Fitchburg, WI mayor Thomas Clauder - He promised to veto any smoking ban that crosses his desk. Way to promote small business and freedom of choice and movement among your citizens! You could teach Mayor Dave a lesson.
• New Glarus Brewing Company Brewmaster Dan Carey - Yokel is one of my new favorite beers and I got a free bumper sticker out of the deal. It is my standard sixer before descending to other wonderful but less refined libations.

Well, that's about it. Oh, and I played host to my brother, my friend Eric and my parents in three weekends of fun and frolic here in beautiful south central Wisconsin. I love visitors and should ask Mayor Dave to put me on the payroll. I sell this place better than your whiny ass.

I also added a picture. Do you know who that is? I'm guessing Greg probably does.

Your Homework For The Evening (Or Whenever, I Guess)

• Read about the Levellers and the debates at Putney in 1647. Real democracy in action in the midst of the English Civil Wars. Don't worry, this will not be Hobbes redux. I learned my lesson.

Remember, more links make it more fun. Enjoy!