I’m thankful for a two car garage on a very wet morning. So nice to load/unload the kids under shelter.
I’m thankful for a two car garage on a very wet morning. So nice to load/unload the kids under shelter.
It’s pretty unprofessional for a news website to not have an RSS feed.
Relaxing on the couch, reading a good book, while enjoying a symphony in the background of rainwater and Ólafur Arnalds.
Done By Lunch
Got started early,
First load of laundry at 5.
Done by lunch, not bad!
Driving is a joy and a pleasure, a skill to be honed and practiced. Maybe it’s just the pilot in me, but autonomous vehicles aren’t appealing. I prefer safety systems to augment my driving and to serve as a redundancy.
Currently reading: Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen 📚
Microcasting is one of the best parts of Micro.blog.
Earlier this year, I read A Spy Among Friends, the story of KGB mole Kim Philby and his espionage against his native Britain and the MI6. As a Westerner, I approached Philby’s betrayal with a great sense of indignation.
Reading Macintyre’s latest book, I met the man Oleg Gordievsky, a KGB Colonel who did the same, only he spied for Britain. I found myself liking the man, and admiring his courage. He hated the Soviet Union because he saw it for what it was: a massive prison that enforced a cultural ghetto upon its people.
I see my own double standard, but, alas, I am for freedom.
Macintyre’s writing style continues to impress me, with another historical figure’s story being told in the mold of a thriller. Sometimes the truth is the most exciting story.
Oleg was born into a KGB family, living in a KGB neighborhood. He followed his brother into the service, being posted abroad after his brother’s untimely death. While serving at the Soviet embassy/KGB station in Copenhagen, Oleg’s eyes were opened to the riches of Western culture, forbidden within the borders of the Soviet Union. He watched with horror as the Soviet government put down popular uprisings in the Soviet bloc.
Inspired to join the fight for freedom, Oleg signs on as an agent for MI6. His case is a closely guarded secret, and over the next several years, he uses his KGB training to pass intelligence and analysis to the Brits. The analysis aspect was unique in the world of spying, which usually trades in raw data.
Oleg is returned to the Soviet Union at the end of his tour and his career takes a hit when he divorces and remarries. The case goes dormant until he’s posted to the KGB station in London. There he works his way up to be promoted to station chief, when he falls under suspicion after being betrayed by Aldrich Ames.
Of all of the spies that have been disclosed to the public, Oleg holds the distinction of being the most valuable MI6 agent and the only known agent who was able to be smuggled out of the Soviet Union.
From start to finish, Macintyre delivers another great story, bringing to light the stories of people who have had a profound impact on the last century. Oleg Gordivesky is one of those men, and this book does not disappoint.
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
ISBN: 9781101904190
The Book of Wisdom was written in a confusing time for the people of Israel. They had come into contact with the Greek culture for the first time, which brought a groundswell of new ideas. Among them, was a dependence on the human intellect and language. Why need god when we can reason our way to truth?
King Solomon was offered any gift, and he asked for wisdom and understanding, that he might better govern his people.
The writer of Wisdom today asks for prudence, in the midst of confusing times. Maybe I should pray for the same gift.
First Reading: Wisdom 7:7-11
Second Reading: Hebrews 4:12-13
Gospel: Mark 10:17-30
LEGO Kit
His first LEGO kit,
“My dream came true,” he exclaimed.
So much Dad winning.
Autocorrect gets more wrong than right.
Finished reading: The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War by Ben Macintyre 📚
About to build Benedict’s first LEGO set with him. He’s very excited!
I’m not okay with the new Mandy. She’s trying way too hard. Wish she’d make the role her own.
Having the Home app on macOS is so nice.
Hand Wax
Hand wax twice a year,
To keep your car in top shape.
Nothing can beat it!
What crime against humanity was not committed under the banner of progress? What great human achievement was not brought to completion under the same banner? Progress is a poor moral guide. Believing itself to be supreme, it seeks to enslave the human person to whatever ends it currently is trying to attain.
Too Sleepy
Too hard to stay up,
Spent most the day asleep.
Now time to repeat.
The essential ingredient to the formation of a human person is answering the question: who is man? Too few of us even bother to spend a moment pondering.
Baby Crawls
A sudden lurch fore,
Mechanical-like movements.
Never be the same.
I bought Nicomachean Ethics on Apple Books today. That great work of Aristotle commands a list price of $.99. You know that ain’t right.
I’m very concerned about the Google+ data breach now that all of this personal information may now be compromised.
Building A Tent
Built a lovely tent,
For the boy and I to hide.
We surprised Mommy.
Nice park.
Hello, my favorite pair of jeans.