Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

I enjoyed Gladwell's The Tipping Point, but Blink not so much. I think Outliers is more interesting than either of those two best-selling books. In it, he talks about opportunities enabling 'geniuses' instead of the typical story of a self-made success who appears to start from nothing. How is it that some Asian cultures seem to value hard work more and benefit from it in non-obvious ways? How is that so many Jewish families produced doctors and lawyers in their second or third generations in the US? Why do the children of wealthy parents seem to get a better education even though they go to the same schools as the less wealthy? There are several other interesting observations that might change your view of what makes success.

Shelter (2007)

At was a trip to see the familiar San Pedro views of the Vincent Thomas Bridge from Park Western & Channel, and of Catalina and St Clemente Island probably from the public space near Trump's golf course in RPV. The story is well written and acted. It's a nice beach cities surfing movie with a laid back feel, making me recall the high school language and attitudes of almost enforced cool from back home.

The guys in the love story are good looking too. What's not to like about this film? I think it's one of my favorites this year.

This is the third and by far the best film Jonah Markowitz has directed.

Robert Gates on PBS Charlie Rose

Is it because Charlie Rose is a bit of a softball interviewer that he gets some of his high profile guests to show up on his program?

It was informative to see how SECDEF sees the world and how highly he places diplomacy in his toolkit. (Link)

Earlier this week, I caught British Secretary of State David Miliband on the show. The guy somehow looks like a little punk kid despite being 43, I think. Perhaps it's the slim suit. Amazing. (Link)

4:13 Dream: the Cure

There are a number of excellent tracks on this new album from the mainly 80s band, the Cure. I liked Underneath the Stars, The Only One and The Hungry Ghost.

Dec GQ article on David Petraeus

Interesting little piece on the guy who salvaged (along with Robert Gates) the situation after the invasion of Iraq. It's worth reading to get an idea of the basic pragmatism and discipline of the guy. http://www.gq.com/news-politics/newsmakers/200811/leader-of-the-year-general-david-petraeus-war

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[2011 Update]
Here's a recent Wired article:  http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2011/08/petraeus-legacy