Union Spelling Dispute

Some local union came by the office and had a labordispute.

Funny thing is, directly out of view, on the building, is a huge NG logo with the correct spelling. Work union, spell worse.

Steve Blank

Heard Steve Blank talk at SD Tech Founders meetup.

Weekend Activites

* Replaced broken water heater. The old one was leaking and finally croaked when a short cause a small conflagration.
* Got sick.

The Pacific Book

After watching the mini-series (most episodes, at least) I read the companion book to "The Pacific". I prefer the book. The show is great, with good acting and chilling action scenes. But the scope is narrow: marine enlisted infantry. The book covers aviators, officers, et. al. Not meant to be a definitive narrative (which it isn't) it gives a great feel for the war and the different emotions swirling around during that period.

Consolidated Plant

The UT had a nice article on the Consolidated/Convair/General Dynamics plant I visit quite often.

Abacus

Bengt passed his 9 kyu level abacus exam! The next level has more complicated multiplication and starts division.

Traffic Jam

Here is a snap of a local freeway cam during the storms a few weeks ago.


I would hate to be in traffic like that.

Howard Lindzon

Howard Lindzon gave a great (and funny) talk at SD Tech Founders meetup.

Weekend Activities

* Dog hikes at Cardiff and San Elijo Lagoon.

Weekend Activities

* Visited the zoo to see the Elephant Odyssey exhibit which was very nice. I liked the comparison of prehistoric animals to present day ones.
* Spent time at the beach to take advantage of the nice weather.

Books

More Books:

• Geek Dad by Ken Denmead - has some interesting projects but not as good as Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction.


• Throwing the Elephant: The Art of Managing Up by Stanley Bing - a goofy book about managing executives; only common sense advice; more satire than real advice.


• Victory and Deceit: Dirty Tricks at War by James F. Dunnigan and Albert A. Nofi - An ok book on deception tactics over the years. The most interesting items were the late 20th century deceptions like Bosnia and the Gulf War.


• Iwo Jima: Portrait of a Battle by Eric Hammel - A truly outstanding book. The pictures should be mandatory viewing. The narrative is well written but a bit tough on the brass.

X-Com

Thanks to Three Moves Ahead #92 and Steam, I am playing X-Com again. Time-waster supreme.

IBD Wonk

I started a new blog about investing the CANSLIM way, IBD Wonk.

1955 on Kickstarter

I just become an official backer of "1955: The War of Espionage" board game on Kickstarter. Can't wait for it to be produced. They only need $132 in the next 5 days.

Busy Weekend

* Bengt tested for his orange belt and passed!
* Jaya finished up her performances in the Star Theater production of Annie.
* Tried to stay dry.

More Books

• Hell Is Upon Us: D-Day in the Pacific--Saipan to Guam, June-August 1944 by Victor Brooks - There aren't many books on the Marianas Campaign (except for the naval Battle of the Phillipine Sea) so I had high hopes for this one. Unfortunately this is one of the most poorly-edited books I have read. The author has some good material and you do get a good feel for the invasions of Saipan, Tinian and Guam, but the errors and never-ending references to the Civil War are bothersome in the least.


• Persian Gulf War (America At War Series) by Rodney P. Carlisle and John Stewart Bowman - A decent basic history of the 1991 Gulf War.

Why I Like Board Games

Here are some good reasons why I love board games and play them with my family.

Book Potpourri

Knocked out a few more books:
* Kingmakers: The Inventions of the Modern Middle East by Shareen Blair Brysac and Karl Meyer - a very rich inspection of the history of middle east beginning at the end of the 19th century through the middle of the Iraq War. Very well done, but a bit British-centric (it helps to know English titles and government).
* The Vietnam War: A History of US Involvement by John Dunn - read this basic narrative in preparation for more detailed books on the Vietnam War.
* The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle - a somewhat interesting book on how talent can be cultivated using different methods of practice; it could have been condensed into 5 pages.
* One Square Mile of Hell: The Battle for Tarawa by John Wukovits - a ground level view of the harrowing battle of Tarawa, one of the Marine Corps' finest moments.

November in Herndon

I just finished a month-long stint in Herndon, VA for a work assignment. Its good to be back.

Weekend Activites

* Attended the last of the three Gold boy Bar Mitvah's.