This political cycle has been especially frustrating: the general sense of hope from one candidate, the tired political machinations of another, and the wary realization that a once good politician hasn't made one too many compromises to finally win. Lately, too much of the discourse is all about how the candidates talk, not what they talk about. Fallows has an interesting post about this at his blog:
The more heartfelt and bitter complaint is about the way press coverage seems biased not against any particular candidate but against the entire process of politics, in the sense that politics includes the public effort to resolve difficult issues. (Medical care, climate change, banking crises, military priorities, etc.) For twenty ...
Restaurant Tallent
Here in Indiana, the weather can’t seem to make up its mind (81˚ Friday, 35˚ Monday) … go figure. Among the casualties of this uneven start to spring has been the early harvest of local vegetables. Indiana asparagus recently became available, as did some local greens like spinach; but otherwise, it’s been a little thin. Knowing this, it could have been a less than ideal time to explore an Indiana restaurant that has been getting great reviews for its use of local seasonal produce: Restaurant Tallent in Bloomington. It was an incredible meal, and it was a magnificent example of the opportunities when we cook (& eat!) closer to home. Tallent is located ...Integral Summary
Robb Smith's recent blog posting summarizing Integral Life Practices was a wonderful overview (and reminder) of what it means to embrace Integral thinking. Frankly, these are more hope than actuality for me, but I have found that reviewing his list is a good test of where I am with respect to the positions and practices they embody and which I deeply admire. Additionally, Robb's blog postings from TED were really provocative, thoughtful and resonated clearly with the unique perspective of Integral living.China’s Brand
In advance of Beijing hosting the Olympic Games this summer, a lot of people are working to capture how China's brand will be changing. A new book from Harvard University Press, Brand New China quotes one of my early articles at Asia Times. The book looks to emphasize brand development within China, which given the increasingly complicated and difficult trade relationship the country is likely to experience with its existing trade partners in the mid-term, is an important realignment. An interesting review of the book can be read here.Lidia’s
This week, one of my rapidly becoming good friends introduced me to his wife at one of their favorite restaurants - Lidia's. The restaurant is well-executed Italian with an emphasis on hand made pastas (ravioli w/ Wagyu beef cheeks and rosemary sauce was my choice) and succulent chicken (olive oil, whole olives, lemons sauteed - this was my friend's selection) and many things in-between (the wine made by the proprietor - Bastianich - was really pleasing); but what made the evening special was sharing time with some of the most magnificent soulful and spiritually enlightened people I have ever broken bread with. Was the food great? Yep. But the company was so extraordinary it demands ...Best Grilled Cheese Ever
While in NYC, my sister took me to Resto. She - being the good vegetarian - ate something healthy. I - being married to a hog farmer's daughter and having an overall amorous feeling about all things bacon & cheesy - went for their grilled cheese sandwich. Think you can't do much to a grilled cheese sandwich? Well, Resto just won the Best of New York in the grilled cheese category. Click here to read why. Paired w/ one of the Belgian beers on-tap ... so very good!The New Atheist Crusaders
My friend Rich over @ Theocentric.com told me that a quote from one of my essays from SoMA found its way to Becky Garrison's book The New Atheist Crusaders and Their Unholy Grail: the Misguided Quest to Destroy Your Faith. Look for it on page 59. I have not read the book yet, so no comments on my side about context or ultimate conclusions of Garrison's analysis; however, Rich's always insightful review can be read here.Gramercy Tavern
I ran off last weekend to spend some time with my sister in New York City which means what it usually means when I make the trip: some great food, fantastic beverages, fun company, and unique shopping. On Saturday evening she was able to get us a table at Gramercy Tavern – the restaurant Danny Meyer made famous for its style, service and cuisine. This is also where Tom Colicchio broke out and earned the prestige that led to his ultimate opening of Craft. In a city that certainly has its own unspoken caste system, pretense can easily creep into how a restaurant imagines itself and how it delivers its product. Among what ...Kiva MicroLoans
If you haven't already heard of Kiva, do yourself a favor and click on the link for the organization. They are one of the early stage pioneers advancing real microloans in economically disadvantaged areas. My own account information and who I support can be seen here. Feel free, click, explore, then see how easy it is to take what makes capitalism great and get those strengths to help the disadvantaged who might otherwise get lost in a rapidly modernizing world.Traveling Through North Carolina
And took the time to sake some pictures on a beautiful day. You can see them all here. « Previous EntriesAbout MysteriousFaith
“If anyone can show me, and prove to me, that I am wrong in thought or deed, I will gladly change. I seek the truth, which never yet hurt anybody. It is only persistence in self-delusion and ignorance which does harm.”
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