Swan Peak by James Lee Burke

James Lee Burke gives poetic voice to the wounded and flawed heroes of his latest novel, Swan Peak. Clete Purcel and Dave Robicheaux, seeking respite from scars Katrina inflicted upon their beloved New Orleans, are visiting a friend in northwestern Montana. They become embroiled in multiple mysteries and personal tragedies that involve a serial killer, star-crossed lovers, religious charlatans, mobsters, and surprising redemption. 

The conflict between good and evil often taking place within the same person is a strong undercurrent in all the Burke novels I've read. Dave Robicheaux's soul is troubled by the small and terrible cruelties individuals inflict upon one another. As much as he may try to remove himself from the pain of others, he is inevitably drawn into the fracas surrounding their lives. Dave reflects that all he can do is, "to somehow leave behind a gesture, a cipher carved on a rock, a good deed, some visible scratch on history that will tell others you were here and that you tried to make the world a better place."

"The great joke is that any wisdom most of us acquire can seldom be passed on to others. I suspect this reality is at the heart of most old people's anger." - Dave Robicheaux

Financial Crisis 2008

At my age I have seen plenty of financial crises over the years, but the political posturing during this current crisis is more disgusting than usual. The Democrats have sunk to an all time low in demonizing Bush and his financial advisors and I have no idea what the Republicans are doing.

What do we know - bad loans were made and people defaulted - now the institutions who made the loans want to be bailed out. Do we let these financial institutions find a free market solution or hand over 700 billion dollars to buy up those bad loans, hoping to make a small profit sometime in the future?

The commercial paper market has essentially shut down in fear, but the GDP is up over last year. What would happen if Congress stayed out of the picture and let business handle their own mess? There are much wiser minds than mine and I hope that they prevail.

Three Presidents - Two Democrats & One Republican

Bush - 2nd inaugural address - "The survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands.  The best hope for peace in our world is the expansion of freedom in all the world."

Kennedy's inaugural address - "Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty."

Truman Doctrine, March 12, 1947 - Includes these words - "The free peoples of the world look to us for support in maintaining their freedoms.  If we falter in our leadership, we may endanger the peace of the world -- and we shall surely endanger the welfare of our own nation."

I'm Almost Pursuaded

AnandTech's review has almost convinced me to order the new $349 Dell Inspiron Mini.  The author says the Mini 9 feels like it's worth more than you're paying for it, because of material choices on the inside making it look more expensive that also hide fingerprints on the keyboard. The overall style brings to mind MacBook Air meets Eee PC.

What I want to know is why do I have to pay $25 more for the white case? Apple has the white case as standard and the black version is pricier. I don't get these companies - why is one color case more expensive than another? If I really had a color choice - I'd prefer that glossy red case that I've been seeing all summer.

Invitation to Pray for the Election

Both major party conventions are over and two new sets of presidential candidates have been selected.  Now what?  We've been promised change by both sides.  There are many things that all Americans are concerned about - wars abroad and the fear of domestic terrorism, the price of fuel for our homes and cars, and the wise stewardship of our planet are parts of the big picture.  We really do care that all Americans have the opportunity to support themselves and have the ways and means of obtaining a good education and health care.

We are a nation of immigrants.  Most of our forefathers came to this country looking for opportunities that they could not receive any where else.  Some were drawn by false promises or in chains, but they all remained and blended together to create the American dream.  

I believe that I am very fortunate to live in this country at this time in history.  I've seen so many great things over the past sixty-four years and I have seen some things I have driven me to my knees in prayer.  

The potential that I see for this country makes this an exciting time. Yes, I'm listening to what the candidates have to say, reading commentary by political pundits, and reflecting on past achievements by both parties, but I need more.  I believe that we need guidance from God to pick the best person to serve as president of the United States.

I decided to set aside about 15-20 minutes everyday until the election is over to pray that we make the best decision possible.  I'm using the rosary to focus my prayers for this intention and invite others to do the same.  You may pray the traditional rosary, divine mercy chaplet, or any other series of prayers that would take a minimum of fifteen minutes every day. 

Please share this idea - pray fifteen minutes every day for the best outcome of our upcoming election.

Dell netbook release this week?

Wall Street Journal says Dell's mini netbook is finally going to be released this week. Some say Thursday and others Friday. Rumor has it that the price is under $400 to compete favorably with the eeePC, but that is higher than the $299 price that was previously hinted. There probably will be a range of prices based on operating system installed, drive size, webcam, etc. - will just have to wait until announcement is official.

Acer lowered the Aspire One to $329 (Linux version) almost in anticipation of Dell's release, but I keep reading about Wi-fi problems with the Aspire and Wi-fi is really the whole point of my buying a netbook. I hope my expectations for this new product are realized this week.