Wisdom From Ricky Gervais
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““Just because you’re offended, doesn’t mean you’re right.””
This Day In History
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A short four weeks after the election of Adolf Hitler as Chancellor of Germany, the home of the German parliament, the Reichstag, burst into flames. This may be seen as a metaphor for what was to become of the whole German state under Hitler’s rule over the next fifteen years, but at the time it was a pivotal event in putting him and the Nazis into the positions of power they craved. The Reichstag fire is typically interpreted as a false flag action, as the fire was blamed on Communist party members who the Nazis accused of beginning a planned overthrow of the Nazi government.
This event is important to understand for many reasons, not only just due to its importance in history as a pivotal moment in the rise of Hitler and the Nazi party in Germany. But in the 21st century, knowing the consequences of the Reichstag fire helps put into context what the term ‘Nazi’ really means, and how far the United States is from living under anything resembling a Nazi-like rule. Using the fear of the Communist involvement in the fire, Hitler and the Nazis immediately suspended basic rights such as freedom of the press, freedom of expression and public assembly.
What I Am Reading
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There are few 800 page books that can be described as thrilling from end to end, but Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov certainly is one. Having read several works already by Dostoevsky, and some of them multiple times, I had a pretty good idea what to expect when I began Brothers. It certainly is filled with characters used by the author to explore his ideas on religion, Christianity, and philosophy. Tied into a narrative about a family, a mystery, broken relationships and failed expectations, the book never lets the reader stop being surprised or challenged. There are several sections I could go back and read on their own, such as the famous Grand Inquisitor chapter, which can be explored and examined both within the context of the book and as statements on life’s meaning and purpose.
If you have never read Dostoevsky, Brothers is a good introduction to his style and may be more accessible than Crime and Punishment, though the latter is one of my favorite novels and one I have read more than once. Though it is long, the journey is worth it, and it is a journey I look forward to taking again.
What I Am Listening To
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I have always enjoyed listening to The Rubin Report, the podcast hosted by comedian and political commentator Dave Rubin. I always learn something new or hear a new perspective, something which is all too uncommon in today’s world of echo chambers and supposed ‘journalism’. The recent episode with Peter Boghossian and James Lindsay is especially enlightening, as it focuses on their (along with Helen Pluckrose) work to expose the ridiculous world of social justice academia. Dave, as always, is inquisitive and does not shy away from challenging any guest he hosts. Again, another episode where I came away better for listening. If you have not heard The Rubin Report before give it a try. If you want to really be educated in a short time start with his episode with Thomas Sowell from early in 2018. Sowell is a tour de force and Rubin lets him shine.
Wisdom From Winston Churchill
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“I hope you have all mastered the official Socialist jargon which our masters, as they call themselves, wish us to learn. You must not use the word “poor”; they are the “lower income group”. When it comes to freezing a workmans wages (it is to be called) “arresting increases in personal income”. I hope to live to see the British democracy spit all this rubbish from their lips. ”
This Day In Music
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On February 23, 1940, while staying in a hotel in New York City, Woody Guthrie wrote his lyrics to This Land Is Your Land. What started out as a protest song in keeping with Guthrie’s feelings about America’s social justice inequalities, took on a more patriotic symbolism later in the twentieth century. I can recall singing this in elementary school, when children still pledged allegiance to the flag every morning, and regularly learned songs identified with the great history of the United States. America the Beautiful, God Bless America, and This Land is Your Land are just a few of the songs we were proud to sing and memorize. This Land Is Your Land still had a life of protest however, with versions by Dylan and Springsteen reigniting the message Guthrie intended about the social disparities embedded in the country that was “made for you and me”.
If you are interested in Guthrie, the Joe Klein biography Woodie Guthrie: A Life is a captivating look at the artist and also exposes the reader to the harsh life many Americans experienced in the early part of the twentieth century.
This Day In History
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February 22, 1980 is the date of one of the most astounding feats in sport, and over forty years later serves as a sentimental reminder of simple times, unifying events, and unashamed patriotism.
We all probably know the story. Brash, amateur Americans beating the odds by even making it to the medal round in the 1980 Olympics. Cold War drama as if from a movie, with the US team facing the Soviets for the chance to play for the gold medal. What many forget is that just two weeks earlier the same US team was destroyed 10-3 by the Soviets in the final pre-Olympic exhibition. Regardless, the cliche ‘team of destiny’ applied to these young men (the youngest team at those Olympics), and after they dispatched the Soviets they moved on to beat Finland (another come from behind victory!) to win the gold medal.
Those two Olympic weeks serve as the only time I’ve been captivated by the sport of hockey, though I’ve tried unsuccessfully on many occasions to ‘get into’ the sport. I recall watching the USA-Soviet game, and then running outside to relive it with my plastic hockey stick on our frozen New Hampshire driveway. It still brings up feelings of pride.
This Day In Music
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On February 20, 1991 the Grammys honored Bob Dylan with its Lifetime Achievement Award.
Since 1991, he has recorded 10 studio albums, written his acclaimed memoir Chronicles: Volume One, and essentially been continually touring throughout the world.
Is there such a thing as a second Lifetime Achievement Award?
Wisdom From Nissim Taleb
/“Your reputation is harmed the most by what you say to defend it”
Wisdom From Christopher Hitchens
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“What can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence”
What I Am Listening To
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It was little over a year ago that I started listening to this album, and it still is in my rotating playlist. Who Built The Moon? is the third album from Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, the band fronted by the former Oasis lead guitarist and songwriter. The album shows all of Gallagher’s talents, with beautifully crafted songs such as She Taught Me How To Fly and powerhouse tracks like Holy Mountain. The real gift on this album however comes with the bonus track Dead In The Water. In keeping with typical Gallagher songwriting legend, he wrote this song in two hours and recorded it live during a radio session in Ireland. This is the version included on the album, a masterpiece of writing and performing recorded as an afterthought which exemplifies Gallagher’s gift, which he thankfully continues to share with us.
What I Am Reading
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When I was recommended this book I admittedly had my doubts. SodaPop from The Outsiders has written a book worth my time? I reluctantly dove in and proved the old cliche that you do not know someone from their exterior personality, a message Lowe delivers repeatedly during Stories I Only Tell My Friends. His honesty is brutal, which strengthens the stories he tells about the importance of believing in yourself and your family, and that falling down is an essential part of growth for everyone. And the stories! Hard to believe one person could have so many interesting and almost unbelievable experiences. An interesting, enlightening read that I now enjoy telling others to read so they can experience the surprise I felt when I first introduced myself to this unique autobiography.
What I Am Listening To
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I am a regular listener of the podcast The Joe Rogan Experience, often enjoying the varied discussions he facilitates and the diverse group of people he features. I was not sure I would listen to his recently featured “Pot Debate”, as I do not use marijuana or CBD, and I was not interested in hearing what I assumed was going to be a stoner discussion about how smoking pot is a cure all. Well, I was wrong about what the discussion would be and I am better for listening to it. My only previous exposure to Berenson was his recent article in the Wall Street Journal, outlining his position on the negative consequences of pot use. While I respect his opinion (and in transparency I have not read his book) I believe he comes across as not appreciating the importance of scientific study versus anecdote, and this leads him to draw too many conclusions from associative data. Dr Hart appears as rational and reasoned, and even Rogan who is a vocal pot supporter gives ground on the dangers of inappropriate THC use. No matter your opinion, its worth a listen.
This Day In History
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February 15 1564 is the birthdate of Galileo Galilei, Italian physicist and astronomer.
His achievements in science are inspiring, but so is his strength in standing for his beliefs against the Roman Inquisition.
Read more about this great man, and you will realize how much one person can do with simple strength of inquiry, and strength of character.
What I Am Listening To
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Unforgettable Fire, U2’s fourth studio album, was released in 1984 and marks its 35th anniversary later this year. It remains my favorite U2 album, and also what I consider their best. This is the peak of songwriting, musicianship, and fortunately not the peak of their ego. They have just enough ego to create songs such as Pride (In The Name of Love) and Bad that are legendary with their power and of course Bono’s vocal performances. They do not have the excessive ego that scars some of their work that comes after 1984. Supported by what I consider the experimentalism of songs like Wire (remember it was 1984) and the beauty of MLK makes this album special. It remains one of the very few albums I can listen to at anytime, one I never tire of, and one that brings me something new every time.
Spoiler alert - look for this to appear somewhere on my upcoming countdown of the greatest albums released in 1984.
Wisdom From Winston Churchill
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“The price of greatness is responsibility.”
How to Be A Good Physician
/Listen. Just listen. Listen to the patient. Listen to the nurses. Listen to your peers. Listen to the voice in your head urging you to check that lab again, look at that xray again, take a second look at the patient before you leave for the day. Just listen.
Do Not Fire Your Doctor
/Lot of buzz about a recent WSJ article titled It’s Time To Fire Your Doctor https://www.wsj.com/articles/its-time-to-fire-your-doctor-11549829009 . Here are my thoughts, and in complete transparency, I am a practicing pulmonary critical care physician. Spoiler alert - I dont agree with the article.
Honestly though, I agree with the premise that the tech world has a lot to offer the practice of medicine, and as an industry we lag behind in the day to day innovation seen in most other professions. I am not referring to the latest medical device or minimally invasive procedure. I mean the interaction most patient have with medical care, the physician visit to either report a problem or get feedback on how to fix a problem. That is where we are lacking, but more on that another time. Lets examine the WSJ piece.
The opening salvo of the inflated physician charges are to be expected, to grab the uneducated reader much like an embellished link on a web site looking for screen grabs. Do I really need explain the overhead cost of running a practice, or that authorizations are typically required by insurance companies? Didn’t think so.
While I sympathize with Mr Kessler’s mention of misdiagnoses, I am not sure that the rational response is, not seeking out a better physician, but turning to apps and gadgets for medical answers. While most of the tech mentioned can provide some useful lifestyle information, I am not sure they should be counted on for reliable and meaningful medical insight.
Then we move on to the nirvana of the walk-in clinics, on-line or app based doctor ‘visits’. Again, while a role may exist for these outlets, they have not yet proven themselves to be reliable methods of solving real acute issues.
As a last point, and maybe what I disagree with most, is his final claim on the glory of more information. With the statement “Data, data, data - the more the better” he shows the ignorance shared by most non-physicians. It is not more data that is meaningful. It is the correct data, obtained after deciding what is most appropriate for that specific patients problem, something that can be only achieved with a personal interaction with a trained physician. This is the whole basis for accurate cancer screening, in addition to the basic thinking that should support every test ordered on a patient. More data means more irrelevant data, which can lead to more testing, driving up cost, inconvenience and in a worse case scenario, unintentional harm.
Doctors need to equip their daily activities with better technology, which will certainly help with smarter more efficient care. But leave the practice of medicine to the physicians.
What I Am Reading
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A lighter example of what I have been reading. I have always enjoyed reading David Sedaris, and Calypso is another example of why. It has his humor, unique take on how to tell a story, and of course his family as central characters. While often questioned and criticized for how he has represented his family in previous book, I sensed a change after reading Calypso. Sedaris comes across more reflective in his use of his family, especially involving his father. I read a sensitive approach in the way his father was described, even with the humorous descriptions of his dad’s politics, habits and opinions. It is not surprising, and almost expected in a work by an author now in his sixties, but in the skilled hands of Sedaris the maturity and wit make Calypso worth reading every page.
This Day In Music
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A secret wish of mine, and maybe of every music fan, is to be a witness to a unique performance that becomes legend. The special musical guest, the impromptu set never played again are easy examples of what I pray for as the lights dim before the start of every concert I attend.
On February 10 1972 about 60 people got that experience, being the first David Bowie fans to see his first performance as Ziggy Stardust. Just three months (!) after the release of his genius album Hunky Dory, these fans saw this new incarnation perform new songs such as Suffragette City, among other soon pieces that would soon cement the legend of Ziggy. And two hours after the lights went down to open the show, those sixty fans could be certain they witnessed the detonation of a legendary music explosion.