Tuesday, August 21, 2007

11th Hour

From the documentary movie about the impending environmental crisis and methods for sustainable design and living 11th hour...

"Things are the thieves of time."

- Nathan Gardels, Editor, New Perspectives Quarterly

Monday, August 13, 2007

The Decline of David Beckham

Latest assessment of David Beckham: "I'm not a soccer player, but I play one on TV." ;-)

Saturday, June 02, 2007

The Return of David Beckham

I know that David Beckham has been enjoying a resurgence, one that has propelled Real Madrid into the title race in La Liga. But there's no doubt that the most anticipated milestone in his comeback occurred yesterday when he wore the English national colors in the match against Brazil. Even after a few minutes of play, it was evident that this not Sven Goran-Eriksson's David Beckham.

There were still the precise, even magical, passes, crosses and free kicks, including one that missed the goal barely and the one that met John Terry perfectly for England's goal. But here was someone going back on defense, chasing 50/50 balls, running at defenders, intercepting passes. He even got his uniform dirty. And his hair was a modest buzz cut. Apparently, after the last English national team practice session, Beckham stayed on the pitch to practice another hour. While there have been rumors that the media circus that accompanied Beckham was one of the reasons Steve McClaren opted to drop him, there was no such disruption on this day. His teammates embraced after Beckham after the goal, and the fans applauded him when he was substituted. He played with an intensity that I haven't seen from Beckham in many years. Come to think of it, I don't know if I've ever seen that kind of intensity from David Beckham.

Whatever you think of Beckham, there's no doubt he is considerably gifted as a footballer. The Brazilians apparently believe that he is the one non-Brazilian player most capable of playing with them (OK, maybe Cristiano Ronaldo comes to mind as well). It was encouraging to see this resurgence. Perhaps it took the somewhat absurd series of events that landed him with the LA Galaxy--and off the field for both Real Madrid and England--to energize Beckham. Regardless of what motivated him, it was heartening to see him play this way. I think every soccer fan has to appreciate seeing Beckham playing this way (well, maybe not LA Galaxy fans who not end up seeing much of Beckham).

At the end of the day, literally, England still has its concerns. The defensive lapse that allowed Brazil to score was not terribly disconcerting given that it was a friendly match, and both teams had substituted liberally by this point (I doubt John Terry would have missed marking Diego). But, as much the English might have enjoyed Beckham's performance, England still faces an uphill march for Euro 2008 qualification. The injuries and lapses on defense, and the lack of goals are still problems for the English team.

But you can't blame David Beckham for them anymore.

Saturday, April 21, 2007

FlexCar

I am a member of the Johns Hopkins University Sustainability Committee. The Chair of this Committee has led an effort to bring Flexcar to our neighborhood. A local publication describes Flexcar as "a planet-friendly car-sharing program designed with cost savings, convenience, and conservation in mind."

There are four cars within the campus area. For the period when I wanted a car, three of the four cars were reserved, so I had to rent the most remote car, with "remote" meaning a fifteen minute walk (interesting mindset, eh?). It was a beautiful, warm, sunny, breezy day, so I welcomed the walk. I doubt I'll feel this way when it's cold and blustery (breeze seems to become bluster on cold days).

I was surprised--and disappointed--to note a Mini Cooper upon my arrival. It was my understanding that all of the Flexcars in our neighborhood were hybrid vehicles. One of the reasons I find Flexcar so appealing is the "sustainability" aspect of the program. The Flexcar instructions for activating the car, finding the key, initiating the session, etc. were excellent. Within no time, I had the car started. Getting moving was another matter...

I've rented cars dozens of times. I'm completely comfortable with a range of vehicles, but I found the Mini Cooper unusually disorienting. Why was the tachometer in front of me while the speedometer was in the center of the dashboard? At one point, I tried to raise the volume on the radio, but ended up downshifting while I was driving. After hearing the engine rev up, and noting the tachometer rise sharply (good thing it was in front of me), I quickly shifted up again. After some trial and error, I figured out the radio, and other features of the car. When I thought about why this particular car was disorienting, I realized that the Mini Cooper is a car aimed at the young and hip...I let go of that thought pretty quickly. I was pleased to note that a Flexcar email newsletter included a section on how to start the Mini Cooper, and how to navigate its instrument panel and dashboard. Maybe a lot of older folks are using Flexcars :-)

I drove the Flexcar to the pet store, the mall, and a local Trader Joe's. At the mall, I noted a sign about extended hours and a statement "Defining You." Before I sat down to eat, I returned two of the sauce packets that were given to me, only to receive a strange look. After I finished eating, I returned one of the sauce packets, only to receive an even stranger look. While I was eating, I saw another sign about "Defining You" through "Fabulous stores, great food." I left the mall after eating because, as much as I enjoy their food, I'm not sure I want to be defined by Chick-fil-a.

I parked the Flexcar in prominent locations so that the logo was easily visible. I wondered if anyone would ask me about it. No such luck. Given the ongoing attention to the price of gas, I was surprised that no one asked about this alternative, community-based approach to driving. On subsequent occasions using Flexcar when driving a hybrid vehicle (the Mini Cooper must have been there temporarily), there was still no reaction. I've rented FlexCars several times, but no one has ever said anything to me. Putting aside the sustainability aspects of Flexcar, I thought someone might ask out of sheer curiosity. Maybe Flexcar should make its logo larger on the side doors.

But then again, as I notice the typical range of cars on the road, the way people keep driving around the mall parking lot looking for that spot 30 feet closer to the entrance, or the fact that almost every car has one occupant, I realize that gas prices will have to be much higher before people in the US change their behavior. And gas prices will go up, and there will be a need for adjustment in behavior, and Flexcar will probably become much more popular.

I guess it's not surprising that people don't see the writing on the doors of the Flexcar given that they don't seem to see the writing on the wall.

Sunday, March 18, 2007

Cheese Flavored Coke

I've returned from a business trip and brief vacation in Europe. I'm struck by how people in Europe gather in common spaces such as parks for conversation or walks, rather than in shopping malls for consumption. There are more bicycles than people in the Netherlands. People in Europe don't seem to be out to prove something. In the song, What About Everything? the group Carbon Leaf sings about being "in search of some rest, in search of a break. From a life of tests where something's always at stake." Granted, it took Europe a long time to reach this point, and there's quite a bit of damage to others in their history, but even throughout their heyday, there was always the need to learn another language, observe another culture, and experience someone else's food. Someone else's real food.

The US is beginning to actively engage in reflection and conversation about food. Michael Pollan has written The Omnivore's Dilemma, which examines the "lineage" of four meals. It's disturbing, but not surprising, that it's almost impossible to determine the natural history of a happy meal from McDonald's. I'm sure the cows processed in the industrial production chain of McDonald's aren't too happy about those meals. The single point of failure with industrial food production has also resulted in a vulnerability or dependency that can affect large numbers of people or our furry friends. Think of the fast food restaurant problems with vegetables, or the pet food recall that's taking place right now.

Pollan recently wrote an article in the New York Times Magazine ("Unhappy Meals"). He describes an interesting journey in the US of the fascination, even obsession, with micro-nutrients. This view has culminated in the belief that if one can manage to eat the ideal combination and proportion of vitamins, minerals, and avoid the bad stuff like saturated fat, then, voila, one can become healthy. He offers a persuasive argument to eat real food, focusing on natural ingredients because, well, perhaps nature does know best. Or perhaps our adaption to nature over time has resulted in cuisines that actually acknowledge the best balance of local ingredients and our nutritional needs. Pollan begins his article with the following advice: "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants."

Our (and I include myself in this) reluctance to follow this simple, yet powerful, advice has been fueled by the industrialization of food. As we have moved away from real food, we have correspondingly missed the taste of real food. There's an entire industry associated with artificial flavors. I find it disconcerting that I can close my eyes, smell something from a test tube, and imagine a bacon cheeseburger. Artificial flavors seem to found their true calling with sodas (or soft drinks or pop if you prefer). Just think about the number of variants of Coke. What started out as "new Coke" has now resulted in so many varieties of Coke that perhaps we've overwhelmed ourselves with choices (why is it that there are so many close associations of the words "choice" and "dilemma"?).

My wife has also noted that cheesification of food. There seems to be cheese generously applied to all types of food. Perhaps this happened during the Atkins Diet craze, or perhaps it's an attempt to surpass corn-based derivatives as the "natural" food flavoring additive. I'm sure if cheese can be added to enough food products, the dairy industry will be very happy. So it's occurred to me that there's an obvious conclusion: the happy convergence of high fructose corn syrup and cheese.

Cheese flavored Coke.

Ask for it the next time you supersize your meal at McDonalds.

Saturday, January 13, 2007

David Beckham Saga

There are still numerous news stories about Beckham's "$250 million" contract with the LA Galaxy. It's clear that it isn't clear how much of this contract comprises payment for services potentially rendered versus payment for Beckham striking a pose, or launching a dubious acting career. It's also clear that this move marks the end of Beckham's serious soccer career. Perhaps it just puts the last nail on the coffin.

Beckham's current manager at Real Madrid, Fabio Capello, has stated that Beckham will not play again for Real Madrid. Capello seems determined to dampen the Beckham media spotlight's effect on a team that is easily distracted. I can't imagine Beckham's ego-laden teammates are taking too kindly to this madness. Capello seems keen on getting Beckham out the door as soon as possible, indicating that a loan would be a viable option. As reported in the news:

Asked whether Beckham might leave the Bernabeu before the end of his contract, Capello insisted: 'You will have to ask Beckham that question.'

Translation: Beckham, I'm begging you to get the hell out NOW!

I think Beckham actually prefers not playing soccer at this point. He'd rather spend more time building up his marketing profile.

There's abundant conversation about whether Beckham's arrival will transform US soccer, or raise the interest and awareness to the magical level such that someone with LeBron James' athleticism and talent will choose professional soccer instead of basketball, baseball or (US) football. There are comparisons with Pele's move to the Cosmos during the NASL days, noting that it was simply a flash in the pan. Not as much discussion about the fact that Pele was an infinitely superior soccer player, and that Beckham surpasses Pele only in marketability.

Perhaps it's more important to note another transfer related to the MLS--in the other direction. One of the US's most promising younger players, Clint Dempsey, is leaving the MLS to join Fulham in the Premier League. Who can blame him? If he succeeds in the Premier League, he will almost certainly raise his game, both in terms of understanding and skill.

Brazil and Italy demonstrate two extremes of soccer development. Typically, almost none of the Brazilians on the national team play club soccer in Brazil; typically, all of the Italians on the national team play in Serie A. They are the most successful teams in the World Cup. One might assume that there's no correlation between a strong domestic league and World Cup success. However, it's clear that having a critical mass of players who play regularly at the highest club level is essential. A domestic league bolsters the prospects for this critical mass, but Brazil shows it can be done through "outsourcing." Even in Brazil's case, the domestic league serves an important role, that of introducing young, talented players for the European clubs to consider.

If the US wishes to strengthen its international standing in soccer, it needs to figure out what role the MLS might offer. Will the MLS serve the role of a "farm system" for European soccer leagues? Or will the MLS ever rise to the level of a Serie A or Premier League? The outflow from the MLS, with players like Clint Dempsey leaving for Europe, reflects the former model. Does the inflow into the MLS through flashy signings like Beckham really bolster the prospects for the latter model?

I seriously doubt it.

Friday, December 22, 2006

Pilgrimage to Biloxi

It might seem strange to consider a journey to Biloxi as a pilgrimage. It isn't the town most people would choose for spiritual exploration. But then again most towns haven't gone through the type of devastation that resulted from Hurricane Katrina. There's no doubt that New Orleans ultimately suffered greater damage, especially after the levees broke, but Gulfport-Biloxi suffered a great deal. There's really not much point in trying to compare the relative effects. But it is worthwhile to think about how far--or I should say how little--things have progressed since Katrina changed the social, geographical, and political landscape of this country.

In Biloxi, the casinos and the resorts are back in business. More than one person pointed out that these businesses provide tax revenue, bring in tourists, generate jobs, and so on. True. Still, there's something perverse about seeing broken homes, a University that looked like a ghost town, a closed down beach (too much debris in the water for people to swim), and debris from gutted homes on the street, all within plain sight of luxurious condos, hotels and resorts.

Smaller, locally owned businesses have come back as well. We made more than one trip to the wonderful Electrik Maid Bakery. I met an incredibly sweet (pardon the pun) woman at this bakery who would refer to everyone as "sweetie-pie" or "darling." When my friend (see his blog post) mentioned this about her, she simply stated that she treats everyone the way she expects to be treated. It was really touching to experience the Golden Rule in action. Her spirit, warmth and kindness brightened everyone's mood. And the butter cream certainly satisfied everyone's sweet tooth. We also ate at Le Bakery, a place that has managed a unique form of fusion cuisine--Vietnamese style po' boy sandwiches. My wife, our friend and I were taken to Le Bakery by one of the kind souls who volunteer at Hands On Gulf Coast. He is one of the "long termers" who have spent months in Biloxi on the rebuilding and reconstruction efforts.

I had the great fortune of spending a few days with these volunteers at their facility in Biloxi--the "sacred place" for my pilgrimage. If you have watched the TV show "Jeremiah" you're familiar with Iron Mountain. The Hands On "base camp" in Biloxi reminded me of Iron Mountain as a place where kind, thoughtful, generous, dedicated, humble, beautiful (in every sense) were rebuilding their world with irrepressible spirit and courage. Even within a few days, I felt a deep sense of respect for and bonding with these people. Everyone participated eagerly in the chores in the base camp, and everyone volunteered for a range of activities from building to serving meals to petting cats and dogs at the Humane Society. I found myself happily carrying a box full of rotting vegetables to the compost heap in the garden. I've stayed at some of the finest hotels in the world, but I can honestly say that I've never slept as peacefully and deeply as I did in the backyard tent at the base camp.

President Bush visited Hands On Gulf Coast in April 2006. At the Hands On base camp in Biloxi, there's a picture of him "horsing around" with one of the volunteers. It was interesting to note that I didn't have a single conversation about politics while I volunteered in Biloxi. I think that Hands On is pragmatic in the sense that they focus on rebuilding lives and they understand that resources and support can come from a variety of places. I admire their compassion for others, especially when combined with this dispassionate approach to garnering support and attention for their goals.

My pilgrimage to Biloxi was an important step in my journey of self-actualization, but it also made me realize I have a long way to go. Hats off to the Hands On folks in Biloxi.
 
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