Ron Blake > Recent Status Updates

The Introduction is a powerful and compelling overview of Tutu’s deeply held belief that forgiveness is possible in all situations.

An excellent read setting the Babe in the context of his times. The book is not a debunking of the Ruthian mythology as much as an understanding of how the age of communication, specifically radio and newspapers, rapidly changed Americans awareness of national events and identify. With the Babe, we see the birth and flowering of Celebrity Culture.

Stopped listening at 42%, about a month ago, because chapters seemed to be about 10-20% new material with the remaining Garry’s same repetitive rank. Might come back and finish. Might call this finished.

Structured in an A-Z format, I’m selectively reading and listening to ailments in the order encountered. I skipped over Abandonment and Adolescence and jumped into Ageing. With Apple Music, I was able to find composer Elliot Carter (1908-2012) and the piece referenced: ‘Dialogues II’, written when the composer was 103. It was filled with fresh and unique interplay of piano with percussion and strings. At 103!

While I have a great deal of respect for Garry Kasparov, he is a consummate iconoclast. His opinions are bold with no holds barred. When it comes to world leaders on foreign policy, none measure up, neither Soviet, Russian, American or others with the exception of Ronald Reagan. NATO an the UN fare no better in Kasparov’s worldview. While I may disagree, I’m learning a lot by listening to this excellent book.