Posted 1:18 PM by Andy
I’ll start off with capsule summaries of books I’ve imbibed over the last few weeks.

Phantoms in the Brain. This is an interesting survey on the weird cases of patients who suffer neurological disorders. The title refers to those people who have lost their limbs but still retain a mental map of their missing tendrils with its accompanying side-effects. There are people who do not notice things on one side of their field of vision. The neuroscience practitioner needs to create ingenious ways to remedy these defects, as the author aptly demonstrates with mirrors and other common items.

Law 101. Like the title suggests, this is an overview of the legal field of inquiry covering constitutional law, procedure, criminal law, property, and torts. It provides a good sampler for those who are considering law school.

Ambling into History. Bio of the sitting president George W. Bush. The portrait painted is not a flattering one and caricaturizes him as a mirthful child of privilege lacking substance.

The Kennedy Men. This is the saga of the Kennedy clan and traces the family’s history from JFK’s grandparents to his assassination in 1963. History, intrigue, scandal, this tale has it all. The interesting thing about this is how JFK’s father Joe Kennedy plotted from before he was born to have his son in the White House. Joe Jr., his first son was eminently qualified and excelled in athletics, academics, and as a fighter pilot. He was the first to fall to tragedy among the family. There is great detail about JFK’s life, including his perennially poor health, sexual exploits, and personal foibles. He projected an aura of charisma and youth that belied his true physical condition. The policies behind the handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis are chronicled. The rest of the family is also given lengthy treatment, from the attack-dog minded Robert to the playful but oratorical Teddy. The Kennedy women were also discussed. Overall, this is an incredible read that sheds light as much on the family as the development of America up to 1963.

First in His Class. Bio of Bill Clinton, the most intellectual and determined president of the USA. It charts his path from the backwaters of Arkansas to Georgetown, where his political instincts were honed, to Oxford, to Yale Law School. There is substantial coverage of his campaigns for governor and then for the presidency. He was on a mission from the time he jostled his way up ahead of his peers to meet JFK months before his death and embodied the permanent campaign. Every time he lost, he wondered and performed a self-evaluation on where he went wrong. Then he would go out and meet more people and explain himself and what he stood for.

The Last Romantic. Bio of Teddy Roosevelt. From his youth he was inspired by visions of courage which naturally led to his distinctive war service. He advocated a fierce military engagement throughout his life which colored his relationships with others who preferred a more pacifist approach, like Woodrow Wilson. The only 3 term president, he nearly served a fourth before bowing to public pressure and removing himself from the race. There is some worthwhile historical narrative from the turn of the century to World War I.

Memoirs, David Rockefeller. The life and times of the sole survivor of the Rockefeller family. Traces his grandfather’s rise to head the oil industry and the subsequent generational tales that issued forth from that success. He touched upon relationships to his brothers including the former governor of New York Nelson Rockefeller. Interspersed throughout the narrative are key passages about his career at Chase Manhattan Bank and his role in its international expansion. He also engaged in diplomacy with heads of state by being a liasion between the U.S. administration and foreign leaders, some of which were only beginning to explore democracy and market reforms. One anecdote that I remember is he has 100,000 contacts in his address book at about 90. At last count, I have about 100 at 27.

David Blaine. The autobiography of the street magician. He develops the history of magic and its practitioners. His greatest influence is Houdini. He loves the instant visceral connection with people that magic tricks create, which erase distinctions of race or class. His latest 3 stunts have involved being buried alive six feet under earth, standing in a large cube of ice for a day and a half, and standing on top of a pole for 18 hours at skyscraper level height and then jumping into some cardboard at the end of the ordeal. Someone asked him how he kept from falling from the pole. His response was, “It’s easy. If I lose my balance, I die.” This guy exudes charisma and is exceptionally well-read, but the thing I love about him is his sheer will power. The way he practiced for the burial and ice encasement stunts show how he basically conditioned his body to stay still without human contact and withstand extreme temperatures. I respect him for his temerity.

The Punch. History of an encounter between Rudy Tomjanovich and Kermit Washington that changed their lives and the NBA forever. In the late seventies a fight erupted during a game between Washington, a power forward for the Lakers and a forward for the Rockets. In rushing to his teammate’s defense, Tomjanovich walked into a punch that knocked him out for the rest of the season and sent shockwaves through the league. Rudy’s face was permanently altered, Washington’s life would never be the same as he was haunted by the aftermath of that punch, and the league quickly reinforced its no-tolerance policy towards player violence. There is some great history of early league play for the diehard fan, but this is a tale of human psychology and the ways people adapt to a pivotal moment in time. Tomjanovich thrived from the incident that permanently altered his face, enjoying a stellar pro career and winning two championships with the Rockets in the nineties. Washington would drift out of the league, dogged by his reputation from a solo act of vicious violence, relegated to the peripheries of the sports entertainment world.

In the Arena. Autobiography of Caspar Weinberger, former Secretary of State under Reagan and Defense under George P. Bush. Once again the reader is privy to the rise of a simple man who served the US in combat after studying at Harvard, returns to law practice and is drawn into the world of public affairs. There is some interesting commentary on defense buildup in light of the Soviet threat in the eighties and the terrorist threat currently.

Forbidden Films. Annotates the top 125 films that were banned at one time with censorship history attached. Films as divergent as Birth of a Nation to Lolita to Natural Born Killers are represented. Beyond the usual suspects of sexual obscenity and violence, films are banned many times due to its political content. Governments fear the incendiary effects of dissident voices, and rightly so, because their existence is premised on the removal of opposition.

Special Providence. US foreign policy primer presents a framework to examine US foreign policy schools of thought. The Hamiltonian philosophy prizes free trade and economic empowerment of US interests above all other principles. The Jeffersonian school espouses democracy and seeks to propagate institutions and ideas towards building democratic society. The Wilsonian camp preaches moral rectitude and the promulgation of human rights. The Jacksonian school is suspicious of the other three and is isolationist by nature but will engage in full-fledged war in national self-defense.

Bad Elements. History of Chinese rebels recounted in a documentary style. There are biographies of famous and lesser known dissidents from China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. Great attention is paid to individual lives and the motivations behind people clamoring for change when the outcome is clearly ostracism at best and extermination at worst. A couple years ago I read From Third World to First, Lee Kuan Yew’s account of his role in consolidating power and creating the modern nation state of Singapore, becoming prime minister in the process. There are certainly accomplishments he has engineered that are laudatory but this book tells a darker and more disturbing tale. Basically any time an opposition party tries to establish itself, it is squashed by legal and illegal means, with loss of property, status, and life often meted out. Chilling.

Conspiracy to Treason. Bio of Aaron Burr. Most people remember Burr as a traitor and the mere mention of his name invokes disgust and invites calumny. On closer examination, he was a statesman perhaps more brilliant that his contemporaries like Hamilton, John Adams, and Jefferson. History proved he was more adept at marksmanship when he killed Hamilton in a duel. There is great coverage about his political leanings and motivations for wanting to create a separate republic tied to Spain west of the Mississippi. The whole thrust of his machinations to effect the split of the Union is captured and as well as the subsequent trial for treason he endured. He was a complex and ambitious man, but by no means the apotheosis of evil he is tagged with in the public consciousness.

George Bush, the Life of a Lone Star Yankee. Biography of the 41st president of the United States. The history of the patrician man who grew up in New England loving baseball, made his fortune in the oil business in Texas, served under Reagan as VP, then won the presidential seat in 1988. There are ample details of his maturation from the years as a UN ambassador in China to his handling of the Gulf War crisis.

The Life of Thomas More. Reconstruction of the life and imagination of one of the most remarkable figures of history, and arguably the most brilliant lawyer in the English speaking world. More was a statesman and author of a political fantasy that spawned a literary genre and a worldview (Utopia), and also a Catholic martyr and saint. Bio describes his training in classical studies, his temperament that was spiritual in outlook but also intimately concerned with the affairs of the world, and his role in the major controversy of the times between religion and the state. His friendship with Erasmus and his confrontations with Luther are documented. He suffered a beheading when he refused to follow his sovereign, King Henry VIII, in severing England’s ties from the Catholic Church.

Robert Maxwell, Israel’s Superspy. The extraordinary tale of a media baron who became much more than a business mogul. It traces his humble origins in Czechoslovia to his deals to buy into a couple of Canadian newspapers to his increasing empire and growing influence with foreign governments. That would be enough for a great story. A parallel story also develops of his role as Israel’s top agent to the world. Intelligence, software, money laundering, organized crime, and shadow diplomacy are elements of any good book. Add to that the involvement of Mossad, Israel’s covert intelligence agency and their relationship and eventual assassination of Maxwell, and you have a riveting account where truth is stranger than fiction. There are fascinating accounts of dealings with the Bulgarian government and his service of the country’s foreign debt. Besieged by creditors and watched by the CIA, MI6, and Mossad, Maxwell is murdered on his yacht and tossed into the ocean in the Carribean. Forensic pathologists fail to conclude definitively the cause of death although there is credible evidence that points to a Mossad hit. Incredible.

Twelve Ordinary Men. The lives of twelve men who were called by Jesus and change the world forever with His message. The character of each disciple is dissected by John MacArthur. The most dominant disciple and most lasting image with me is Simon Peter. He is brash and extreme both in his belief and his failures of faith. After denying Jesus 3 times and preaching at Pentecost, at the end of his life he was led to a crucifixion. He pleaded to be hung on the cross upside down because he felt unworthy to die as Jesus did. Tears welled up as I read about that because here was a man who had been so intimate with Jesus and knew the extent of His love who counted death as a worthy honor but didn’t want to desecrate the legacy of Christ even as he approached the glory of heaven. Only Christ can inspire such adoration and devotion. The other disciples are also profiled, ending with Judas Iscariot, who serves as a warning to those who hold a hypocritical view of Christ and an example of a hardened and warped heart. The general theme of the study is God takes the most common of people and uses them to accomplish extraordinary things, so that the “foolish things of the world will shame the wise, and the lowly things will supplant the exalted, that no one may boast, but all may give glory to God.”

Burgeoning interest in politics. As you can probably surmise from my reading list, my interest in statesmanship has increased dramatically over the last month. I was curious about how men become leaders on the world stage. Once they are there, how do they wield power and practice statecraft? How do they cater to the needs of the populace and not be decimated by the press? Diplomacy is in my mind one of the highest callings available because it requires a subtlety and finesse combined with steely resolve and resolution of purpose in the same person to achieve national goals.

Meeting Senator McCain. When I heard the Arizona senator and presidential candidate is coming to town I marked my calendar. On the designated Friday, I went to Torrance Borders, bought his book Faith of My Fathers. The story is a familiar one with most people. His lineage is one of war heroes, and he followed in his father’s steps and entered Vietnam War as a fighter pilot. Shot down over the Pacific, he refused an early release and chose to stay with his men. He endured five years of solitary confinement for that choice. After an hour and a half, I was face to face with McCain. He sat at the table and I stood next to him. We shook hands as I uttered, “Senator McCain, thanks for your service for our country.” We posed for a picture, he signed my book, and as we were about to part, I wanted to say something obnoxious like, “See you in Washington,” projecting a future career on Capitol Hill for myself. However, the moment passed and I held my tongue lest my braggadocio be my downfall. Instinctively I know that wasn’t the last time I will see him.

Birthday. When the 7th rolled around, I took my mom out to dinner with Dad and my cousin EW. I always strive to be a contrarian, so when the usual protocol calls for other people to treat you to a meal or lavish you with gifts, I do the opposite and distribute grace outwards. Last year I cooked for my roommate AL on my birthday.

Family dynamics. I believe every family has issues that have accumulated over the years and sit festering without being really resolved as children grow older and move out from under the parents’ auspices. Lately though I have begun to wonder whether conflicts between same-gender members of the household are more intense. Whenever I see my sister and Mom clash over something, I try to cast an objective eye on the situation. Then I realize both sides have merit in their viewpoints and the conflict arises over self-determination. In other words, it’s the battle of wills as one mind tries to coerce or convince the other to its way of thinking and the opposing mind vehemently resists domination. The fun part for me is having the opportunity to practice diplomacy at home. I talk to both parties and try to tease out the real underlying causes of concern and attempt to broker a resolution. I’m not always successful but in the process I have become a better listener.

BOL small group. After 6 weeks of waffling between NewSong and Bread of Life as a church to commit to, I’ve decided on BOL for a number of reasons. The practical reason is it’s extremely close, located less than 2 miles and five minutes away from my house. Although initially I was attracted to NewSong’s revolutionary theme and young congregation, those are just the sheen and covering to the substance beneath. BOL has substance in a traditional family package. After joining a small group and studying the Transfiguration and the casting out of a demon from Mark, I can say I have found a spiritual home. I’ve also gotten to know a few more people through the young adult fellowship that meets on Friday nights.
New protégé JH. The first time I attended BOL small group was the same day that JH first decided to join. Immediately we hit it off. I have found my long-lost brother. We are kindred spirits. We share similar interests and passions. He is a UNC alum (Tarheel), studied political science, is teaching third grade in a city close to Compton with Teach for America, and is interested in law and theology. The first time we talked he mentioned casually his aspiration to be a Congressman someday. We went to the Getty Museum since he is a new LA resident and hasn’t been there. After three days I know more about him and vice versa than I know some other people after years of acquaintance. I felt comfortable enough with him to share some spiritual struggles. He dropped some relationship wisdom. At 22, he is polished, much more so than I was at that age. This was a gift from God because recently I’ve felt I have lost a friend JW. Our paths have diverged for some time now, but after my China trip he hasn’t returned my calls. I believe it’s the strong language in some of my missions emails that have turned him away. Naturally I am sad to see a friendship die and so was pleasantly surprised when JH appeared on the scene. Their names are so similar that it’s uncanny.

Accountability. I’m thankful that although at times I’m coasting spiritually, God always speaks a providential word at the right time to jolt me back to Truth, namely Himself. Over the last few weeks, JC has asked me point blank, “What has God been teaching you?”, AL has asked about my walk, and JH and I have connected soul to soul.

I’m going to be an Orangeman. On November 15th, my nine-month sojourn in the wilderness officially came to an end. I received an email from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs notifying me of acceptance into their masters program in international relations, spring term. I agonized over the decision for 10 days, knowing this will determine my life for the next 18 months. The deadline to accept their offer is December 1st so I didn’t have much time to perform my due diligence. I tried to find a Maxwell alum who is familiar with the program to give me some individual feedback on his experiences. I talked to DL, a Syracuse alum now in seminary in Boston. PL forwarded some info from a SAIS alum. I’m awaiting a call from JC about his contacts in the field. The consensus seems to be it’s a good program, with the Maxwell School ranked first in public affairs in the country in some polls. The main drawback is the cold weather, as the snow has a depressing effect on the locals. The advantages are it’s a relatively short program so I will be done in spring 2004, a year ahead of the other programs, it provides opportunities to work in Geneva and study in Washington D.C., and it’s the only school that I was examining with a Division I basketball team ranked in the top 25. BL told me the NCAA tournament may be held there again as it has been in the past. The community is small with my entering class totaling 85, so the spiritual landscape is barren. On the flip side of that, it means I have an opportunity to be a minister in this group because the small class size breeds familiarity. Taking this all into account, even though I don’t have a complete picture of all the facts, I have decided to enroll and become an Orangeman. I have submitted my housing preference (single room), meal plan choice (14 meals a week), and am gathering up my health records. Tonight after I mail everything out indicating my intent to register, I will have completed the first phase of the next stage of my life. After 3 b-school and 1 masters in finance rejection in the spring, I feel gratified and believe that this is the path God has opened up for me. Now it’s a matter of execution and being faithful.

Next time: Thanksgiving, preparations for grad school, mapping out my life for the next 18 months and 4 ½ years.

On the Shelf: Jimmy Carter. Nehru. Dragon Syndicates. Havel.