Shower thoughts: The Civil War and Christmas

Let’s jump in the shower for another edition of Shower Thoughts. Wait, that sounded weird.

On second thought, just stay where you are.

Shower Thoughts: Distracted walking, baseball and billionaires

Big Dark

Can you believe it’s November already? I thought we were supposed to be knee deep in the Big Dark by now. Whaaa happened? Last week was one of the most beautiful weeks we’ve had in years. I know that weather-people speak in terms of probabilities, but they were not even close on The Big Dark storm. Maybe I’ll eat my words and we’ll get slammed, but if that’s the Big Dark, I’ll take it.

The World Series

Speaking of probabilities, what are the chances that we’re seeing the best World Series of our lifetime? Pretty close to 100 percent. It’s the best two words in sports: game seven. It’s happening tonight. I’m pulling for the Astros, but whoever wins truly deserves it. Hey Mariners, you paying attention? This is how you play modern baseball.

The Civil War

From the modern to the historical. I’m still really bothered by General John Kelly’s take on the Civil War in a Fox News interview a few days ago. He said that the Civil War was about the inability to compromise, and that Robert E. Lee was an “honorable man.” How is it possible that a four star general doesn’t know the cause of the Civil War? How does he not know that Robert E. Lee was not only pro-slavery, but he would capture free northern blacks during the Civil War and ship them back to the South as property? This is the man in charge of advising the president.

Do me a favor and explore the work of Ta-Nehisi Coates. His book “Between the World and Me” should be required reading for every American. He was recently asked to speak about race and America including the Civil War to the cadets at West Point. He’s among the smartest people we have on these issues, and I encourage you to watch it.

Speaking of Civil War, you history buffs might want to check in on a modern secession happening right now. Catalonia is trying to break away from Spain peacefully, and Spain is crushing the move. It’s a fascinating drama to watch. Catalonia voted to become its own country, Spain has now threatened to jail their leaders for up to 30 years, causing the rebel leader to flee the country. This is not happening is some war torn country in Africa, this is a major European ally.

Christmas time

Wow, that got all serious for a minute. Let’s finish up on some lighter fare.

Here come the Christmas commercials. I know it’s going to be tempting to scratch your consumerism itch and covet all the new toys this year. iPhone X anyone?

But I’d encourage you to resist that urge. One of the most rewarding things I’ve done over the last 5-10 years is to gift myself an experience for the holidays. It’s so much more rewarding than unwrapping a new pair of socks. Go somewhere you’ve always wanted to go and do something you never thought you would. You’ll remember it more than any present you can fit under the tree.

I hope you had a good Halloween. If you have kids, send me the videos of your little monsters on their epic sugar rushes.

That’s it. Shower time is over.

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