Babeled

I started surfing about a year ago, which is a shame really because I’ve lived at the beach for 28 years. Surfing is something I have always dreamed of doing, but never had the resources to do. So now I make up for lost time. I surf as much as my schedule will allow. You know the saying, “practice makes perfect”. Well I’m doing just that. “50 times”,  fellow Babeler Greg Molyneux said.

Sports like surfing and golf take a lot of practice before you can even preform the core functions. 50 attempts is an average of what one would need to reach that level of basic technique. You gotta learn fundamentals.  Even from there the learning never stops…

I agreed. So I said to myself…

Self, more dedication and education is required. I’ve paddled out about 30 times now (only 30 because of the cold water in Jersey and my lack of a wetsuit until recently). Not only do I need to get out there and do it more, I need to read about it. I need to learn from others. Professionals would be good to hear from…

And wouldn’t you know just such a professional was to visit my town. His name was and is Shaun Tomson. In tow was his book, Surfer’s Code: 12 Simple Lessons For Riding Through Life. Quite fortuitous I would say… Hmm? Hmm?

I was not able to make it to the book signing at Pine, the local surf shop/ art gallery.  Half because i was engaged in other activities and half because who the hell is Shaun Tomson? I was however able to procure a signed copy of the book. I read the 191 pages over a period of 5 days so that the lessons would sink in. It was a very captivating read. Especially learning about the big wave rider himself. From his childhood in South Africa during apartheid to his 14 years on the world surfing tour and his record six year winning streak in the Gunston 500 in South Africa (1972-77), Shaun Tomson told of his enriching experiences. That’s when I understood the folly of my ways and my intellect. I missed out on meeting one of surfing’s’ greats.

The lessons/chapters in the book were awesome, both for my life in the water and on the land. From changing how I wait for waves to my thoughts of being some thing’s “lunch”. He really has a way of putting things into perspective. He brought a whole new mindset to what I was doing and how I was thinking. I wanted to catch a wave, but I wasn’t dedicated to it. I was too worried with all the details and wasn’t seeing the bigger picture. I was leaving my dominating “safe” life on land and actively joining the “food-chain”, as he so delicately put. I was joining a community in the wild.

Basically the book was great, it totally helped and even the dude at the surf shop who’s been surfing all his life said the lessons were “right on”. There are 12 lessons in the book and each one is fantastic for the soul. The lesson that agreed with me the most was lesson 8, “I Will Always Ride into Shore”, because you should always finish what you start. Now I’m not saying that because of this book I can now surf because I can’t. I’m still working on the turn after the drop. Who the hell am I kidding, I’m still working on the drop. Actually I’m still working on everything. Practice makes perfect… and “I Will Paddle Back Out” (lesson5). I’m only 20 away from 50 times and so close to putting the “fun” in fundamentals.

A huge thank you goes out to Shaun Tomson with Patrick Moser authors of this book. Their book has brought this Jersey boy much enjoyment both in and out of the ocean. And I will forever ” Honor the Sport of Kings” (lesson 12).

Check out Shaun Tomson discussing The Wave at Jefferey’s Bay.

Popularity: 12% [?]

But before I go down, Can I get another chance to make the world a better place?

The world politics and current events forced me to take a look into the past.  A good book and some spring romance gave birth to my peaceful mood.

The First World War began because many sovereign super-powers had to protect their foreign interests, mainly in colonies or other occupied land (rather than their own). In the magnificent new book by Niall Ferguson, a Harvard distinguished history professor, entitled “War of the World”; historical events are given a different perspective. The main idea is that, the 50 years from 1905 to 1955 were actually one global war. These first five decades of the twentieth century were the bloodiest ever; “The Second World War was the greatest man-made catastrophe of all time”. The main conclusion to be drawn is that it could repeat itself, if we would not change our beliefs, thoughts and actions.

Ferguson claimed that although a magnitude increase in average GDP occurred around the world’s nations during the early 20^th century, it was the most violent time, stemming from war and terror inspired by humanity. None predicted this war. From a financial standpoint, even the capital market in late July of 1914 “were caught sleep, in awaken of a global war” according to Ferguson.

Was the war of 1914 a complete surprise? The history tells us that it all geared up into a great conflict, involving many powerful head of states exchanging diplomatic messages about the navigation of armed forces. The Russians threatened the Austrian-Hungary alliance by defending Serbia sovereignty, while the Germans had to interfere because of the Austria-Germany alliance. Meanwhile, France attacked South Germany in it attempt to re-capture Alsace territory. The English had to follow, which meant that the Balkan War of 1914 escalated into global war.

While reading the book, it amazed me how many things are relevant today. I just can’t stop thinking of these same patterns that developed on the international stage, on daily basis. Financially, we are better off, GDP rises in many areas which does not compensate for poor populations in other areas. More then half of the world population earns less then $2 per day. Yet, in those countries defense budget and army spending increases every year.

The West against East conflict is culminating in front of us. Globalization has had a second-round revival, but differences between these two societies are hard to overpass. Conflicts all over the world threaten many lives daily, and similarly to the bloodiest times of the early 20^th century, these conflicts share the same characteristics. Moreover, it holds the risk where it might group together into a one global conflict.

We can’t stop the world, but we can make it abetter place; or try to. Stop the War; Talk.

Popularity: 16% [?]

The French, the Nazis & the Battle for France’s Greatest Treasure By; Don and Petie Kladstrup.

This book describes a specific part of the greatest catastrophe of the 20^th century; the Nazis and their campaign of pillaging France’s greatest asset. The Germans occupied parts of France during WWII, but they didn’t succeed in invading the French spirit. In very detailed short stories about the wine regions in France, the co-authors Mr. & Ms. Kladstrup reveal a unique part of the history.

For some of us who are not into heavy history writings, this is a very special, light book. For those of us who are very interested in wine, and wine regions, it is a great piece of documentary essays, most of them being tales passed down through the generations.

The Germans had moved amazingly fast. By June 12 (1940) they had overrun Champagne. Two days later, they entered Paris. Other troops were rolling down the highway past the vineyards of Burgundy…their primary destination, however was the port city of Bordeaux on the Atlantic coast, the commercial center of France’s wine trade.

When I started to read “Wine and War”, I never previously realized how so much information could be so narrow, but yet so interesting. The terminology used in the book is easy to read, and well explained. Thus, you can easily learn a great deal of the subject. For instance, Hitler’s hidden resort house at the town of Berchtesgaden in the Bavarian Alps, infamously known as the “Eagle Nest” (Adlershorst). It was here where the Fuehrer gathered an inventory of more than half-a-million bottles of French wine (all was stolen from the best French vineries during the war). The finest one, including Chateau Lafiate-Rothschild, Chateau Mouton-Rothschild, Chateau Latour, Chateau d’Yquem and more were store in a cave. Nevertheless, Hitler himself knew nothing about wine, and in fact, he put in charge his assistant Marshal Gorig as one who had wine knowledge.

The Germans initiated a regional government system to control wine production during the war. With cooperation from the French Vichy government, representatives from the Nazi government had arrived to a specified region in south France, i.e. Bordeaux, Champagne, where he negotiated wine prices. The Nazis had a set price which they were willing to pay for French wine production, and shipped all the wine to Germany. From there, it was delivered to other parts of the world. The great stories in the book describe courageous French wine producing families who succeeded to keep their land and wine production under such tough conditions. Some families for instance, built a secret wall inside their personal caves to hide the better wine behind those bricks. Other wines were intently labeled as poor, non-refined wine even though they were full bodied, great wine labels.

On June 6, 1944 D-Day, the long-awaited invasion of Europe was underway. The Nazis pulled out their troops from the Loire Valley and other areas of south France. Region after region, winery after vinery, were finally librated when the American tanks made their move in the fields. Church bells began ringing, and celebrations were taking place. Looking forward to a better, more peaceful wine season, the French peasants were filled with romance and had their own philosophy about wine making, love and romance.

The peasants who worked the vines believed there was a special relation between war and grapes; they said that Good Lord sends a poor wine crop when war starts and a fine, festive one to mark its end.

And they were right. The author tells us about the awful vintage of 1939, whereas the 1945 crop was one of the finest ever.

Popularity: 19% [?]

NEXT by Michael Crichton is an eye opening novel about gene therapy and stem cell research. Over recent years with all the technological advances in DNA, genes, and stem cells there has been a lot of controversy circulating around ethical implications. Are doctors playing God? What kind of consequences will there be in a world where your DNA and genes are intertwined with other humans and different species? This novel addresses all of these concerns and paints an interesting dynamic world where nothing is as it seems.

There are many subplots and sub-subplots to the book. For one you have a legal battle involving a renowned university, UCLA, and a construction worker. There is a talking chimp and orangutan. There is a major shift occurring amongst scientists about what is ethical and not, involving a scientist/pastor. There is even bone and tissue theft throughout the book reminding the reader that in the NEXT world, things aren’t as sacred as you would like to think. Oh, I almost forgot there’s even an African Grey parrot that can do simple math, as well as recite famous movie lines. Nevertheless, throughout all this mayhem, the single motif of the book is that gene therapy and stem cell research can create wonderful answers to everyday problems and incurable diseases, but just like with any new invention there are sure to be repercussions.

The length of the book is typical for a novel, however the chapters are no longer than 5 pages, so the reader can easily sit and blow through 100 pages in one sitting. There are strategically placed ‘fake’ newspaper articles and advertisements throughout the book to break up the serious tone, like an article titled “Blondes Becoming Extinct”. The storyline can be hard to follow in the beginning due to constant new character development and issues, but Crichton brings everything together towards the end of his novel. The greatest thing to keep in mind while reading this book is that is fictional, however with the advances in gene therapy surrounding the medical field, this book portrays a somewhat realistic vision of how the world will be in the coming years.

Popularity: 14% [?]

In the year 1776, the world witnessed the 13 colonies of America raise up their arms and fight against the tyranny of Britain. The book, 1776, written by David McCullough portrays a brilliant story of the hardships and successes the fledgling United States government experienced in the year that was the nation’s “Declaration of Independence”.

The book begins in Britain 1775 where the King and Parliament are expressing their concerns about engaging in a war across the sea with their colonies. In this particular instance and all throughout the book, McCullough provides the reader with insightful speeches. In the 1st chapter, the precedent is set as McCullough incorporates actual speeches when King George III addresses Parliament.

As expected, the King’s address would be one of the most important delivered by an English monarch. He had a good voice that carried well. “The present situation of America, and my constant desire to have your advice, concurrence, and assistance on every important occasion, have determined me to call thus early together.” America was in open revolt, he declared, and he denounced as traitors those who, by “gross misrepresentation,” labored to inflame his people in America. Theirs was a “desperate conspiracy.” All the time they had been professing loyalty to the parent state, “and the strongest protestations of loyalty to me,” they were preparing for rebellion.

They have raised troops, and are collecting a naval force. They have seized the public revenue, and assumed to themselves legislative, executive, and judicial powers, which they already exercise in the most arbitrary manner. . . And although many of these unhappy people may still retain their loyalty . . . the torrent of violence has been strong enough to compel their acquiescence till a sufficient force shall appear to support them. (McCullough 11)

McCullough then divulges a detailed debate that occurred among the members of Parliament revealing those that support and oppose the venture of war. Several members were adamant in opposition, including Edmund Burke and John Wilkes. McCullough presents John Wilkes argument within the turmoil that was the House of Commons and why England should not engage in war.

“I speak, Sir, as a firm friend to England and America, but still more to universal liberty and the rights of all mankind. I trust no part of the subjects of this vast empire will ever submit to be slaves.” Never had England been engaged in a contest of such import to her own best interests and possessions, Wilkes said.

We are fighting for the subjugation, the unconditional submission of a country infinitely more extended than our own, of which every day increases the wealth, the natural strength, the population. Should we not succeed . . . we shall be considered as their most implacable enemies, an eternal separation will follow, and the grandeur of the British empire pass away.

The war with “our brethren” in America was “unjust . . . fatal and ruinous to our own country,” he declared. (McCullough 15)

Within the first twenty pages, the reader experiences the turmoil that ensued in the House of Commons, whereas members would speak out in support or opposition to the war. The book illustrates that the decision to engage in a war with America was not brought about easily and that “By the time the vote in the Commons had concluded, it was four in the morning.”

The book really grabs the reader’s attention once the setting switches over to the American side, where you meet the personalities of George Washington, Nathanael Greene, and Henry Knox. McCullough offers a detailed look at the challenges that faced George Washington and his ‘ragtag army’. We first meet Washington outside of Boston following the Battle of Bunker Hill, where he has just been appointed to command the Continental Army.

. . . Washington had been warned not to expect “regularity and discipline” among the men. The youth of the army had little or no experience with military life. Nor were they “possessed of the absolute necessity of cleanliness.” Beyond that Washington found them to be men of a decidedly different sort than he had expected, and he was not at all pleased. (McCullough 25)

McCullough doesn’t portray George Washington in a deifying, awe-inspiring light. Instead, he shows that Washington in the beginning of 1776, had serious doubts about his ability to lead a nation through a war. Things were so dubious for Washington, he did not even know if he could handle the responsibility. In a letter to Joseph Reed, Washington’s most trusted confidant, General Washington resembles a broken and downtrodden man.

He was downcast and feeling quite sorry for himself. Had he known what he was getting into, he told Reed, he would never have accepted the command.

I have often though how much happier I should have been if, instead of accepting of a command under such circumstances, I had taken my musket upon my shoulders and entered the ranks, or, if I could have justified the measure to posterity, and my own conscience, had retired to the back country, and lived in a wigwam. (McCullough 79)

McCullough illustrates that 1776, the beginning of the Revolutionary War, was not as great as the American mythos portrays. The year more closely resembled a ‘roller coaster’ ride, with drastic twists and turns. However, with the challenges that Washington and his army faced, the downward trend seemed to never end. Following the defeat to the British in New York, Washington wrote to Congress regarding his ‘contemptible’ army.

The militia, instead of calling forth their utmost efforts to a brave and manly opposition, in order to repair our losses, are dismayed, intractable, and impatient to return. Great numbers of them have gone off, in some instances almost by whole regiments. (McCullough 203)

In what McCullough considers to be the ‘Darkest Hour’ of the Revolutionary War, morale throughout the army and the ‘fledgling’ nation was low. The army was quickly diminishing and they were in a long retreat backwards through New Jersey and then to Pennsylvania. All seemed to be lost and all the great leaders, such as Washington, Greene, and Knox were in despair and hadn’t a clue how to emerge victorious.

To place any dependence on militia is, assuredly, resting upon a broken staff. Men just dragged from the tender scenes of domestic life - unaccustomed to the din of arms - totally unacquainted with every kind of military skill, which being followed by a want of confidence in themselves when opposed to troops regularly trained, disciplined, and appointed, superior in knowledge, and superior in arms, makes them timid and read to fly from their own shadows. (McCullough 226)

The year 1776, along with McCullough’s book, end on a high note when finally George Washington and his army were able to make a push back against the British at the Battle of Trenton. Using the element of surprise, the Hessians were defeated on Christmas Day. The surprise attack proved to be such a success that John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, praised George Washington and his army.

From Baltimore, addressing Washington on behalf of the entire Congress, John Hancock said that the victory at Trenton was all the more “extraordinary” given that it had been achieved by men “broken by fatigue and ill-fortune.”

But troops properly inspired, and animated by a just confidence in their leader will often exceed expectation, or the limits of probability. As it is entirely to your wisdom and conduct, the United States are indebted for the late success of your arms. (McCullough 284)

1776 by David McCullough is a literary masterpiece and should be read by any history buff. As the first objective, non-fictional novel of the Revolutionary War that I have ever read, I am extremely impressed with his writing style and logical prowess. His use of factual speeches, letters, and journal entries as primary sources throughout the book was brilliant. He unobtrusively incorporated historical non-fiction into this book, giving the reader a substantial understanding of who the characters were and the motivations behind their actions. To complete the picture he tactfully defines the early successes and failures of the Revolutionary War.

Popularity: 95% [?]