Carl A. Gallozzi

Thorough, nuanced portrayal - relevant today

Revisado: 08-11-23

Thorough, balanced and nuanced narrative concerning J. Robert Oppenheimer - from his early years; his triumph with the "Bomb" and his political and personal downfall.

Several scenes have been better represented in other works (meeting with Secretary Stimson and etc. - in Rhodes' "The Making of the Atomic Bomb" and other sources) - yet overall balanced description of Oppenheimer as a complex, brilliant individual and charismatic leader.

As I write this - there are still stories concerning the appropriateness/wisdom of dropping either the one or the two bombs on Japan during WW2 - with 'new' evidence forthcoming.

I find it interesting that the United States is in a similar social mood to the 1950's with people unsure if they should support the U.S. Government or oppose it vehemently. In some more autocratic portions of the U S - individuals who 'go against the party line' within Government - are punished by Government. History doesn't repeat itself - but it rhymes - McCarthyism updated so as to include a Red and Blue lens. He who is not (totally) 'with me' (either red or blue) is against me and should be punished.

A balanced view of a complex man under enormous pressure - the tradeoffs he had to make and the 'cost' to him and his family.

A worthwhile read to those who follow WW2 history and technology.

Carl Gallozzi

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Lust and "acting a part" ends badly.

Revisado: 06-27-23

Lust and "acting a part" - ends badly.

Therese and Camille are in a loveless marriage - with Therese having married a (distant)? cousin - her Aunt's son as a venue 'out of the provinces'.

Enter Laurent Camille's best friend - and the eternal triangle takes shape. Laurent and Therese begin a torrid affair and in a "The Postman Always Rings Twice" manner decide to murder Camille and have a life together.

They do murder Camille drawing him in the Seine.

Afterwards they each play 'roles' of devoted wife and best friend with appropriateness for two plus years. After this period they convince others of the idea that they (Therese and Laurent) should be married so as to care for Camille's aging Mother - initially they refuse then they Therese and Laurent are married.

The marriage goes poorly - although externally they keep the 'act' ongoing of external happiness they are both torn and miserable - haunted by the specter of Camille's corpse.

Both take to degenerate living - it makes the situation worse.

In the end - they both contemplate killing each other - they do not. In the end they both take a poison and die in each others' arms.

Excellent character development and narrative - detailing the innermost thoughts of each character. The main characters each have the will and fortitude to keep the 'act' going for two plus years.

Similar in style to Honore de Balzac and "Cousin Bette".

Great read - should be of interest to those who follow classic novels.

Carl Gallozzi

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Myth - a widely held but FALSE belief or idea.

Revisado: 01-22-23

Definition of Myth - a widely held but FALSE belief or idea.

There are some twenty essays in this book - some 'stronger' than others. Some very memorable.
My take away was that some constituencies have "Weaponized" the Myth for the benefit of their constituency so as to enact laws and policy to 'serve' their constituency at the expense of a 'truth' governing with the consent of a governing majority.

Some of the more resonant essays:

The Myth of the "Vanishing Indian" - the Native American didn't "Vanish" he/she was pushed out from Massachusetts westward so as to provide land for a growing nation. Treaties were continually broken. Some thought that this myth was created so the Americans could continue to "feel good about themselves" as they settled a new nation across a continent (Manifest Destiny?).

The Myth that the Americans were always hospitable to Immigrants - not true - immigrants were solicited to come to the U.S. to provide cheap labor - then after they were not needed as much - were excluded - see the Chinese Exclusion Act of the late 1800's and the Immigration Quotas against Southern Europeans in 1924.

The Myth of the Magic of the Marketplace - Adam Smith was a Scottish preacher - who wrote a companion book "The Theory of Moral Sentiment". In "The Wealth of Nations" he recognizes the need for some regulation for Government. The myth is that the Government can't do anything - only the marketplace can do things. Please see the US' participation in WW 2 as an absolute refutation of this. The "Magic of the Marketplace" didn't organize U S War Production to be the envy of the world - producing 50% of GDP - Government did. It is absolutely true that Ford Motor Company as an example is better run by Ford Executives than by Government Bureaucrats - however the marketplace with price/risk signals and delays did not organize the U.S. for war; The marketplace did not respond to economic risk - see the Great Depression.

The Myth that Jan 6th was conducted by 'lone wolfs' - as opposed to a white power network to create a full blown insurrection. The lone wolf myth hides the underground network - that Christopher Wray FBI Director says domestic terrorists are a major challenge - that because of politics is going under the radar until the next time.

Certain policial parties downplay actual history (There were no significant numbers of voting irregularities found in 2016 or 2020 election) - yet the Myth of the "Stolen Election" continues and is believed by a majority of Republicans - because it is what they want to believe after they've been acculturate to high emotion/low logic themes. Myth makers wish to 'win' their political points at all costs - they have created, and 'n' millions of Americans have embraced their versions of "Alternative Reality" devoid of facts, and content - however it is believed because it 'is a story - with a simple beginning, middle and end' - usually no more than 4 or 5 words" (Stop the Steal).

Carl Gallozzi
Cgallozzi@comcast.net

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Energy; Central Banks and Geo Politics - linkages

Revisado: 12-13-22

Listened via Audible.

Three threads - Geo Politics around the world; Energy; Power of the Central Banks (U.S. Federal Reserve in particular) - are discussed in great detail with extraordinary insight. The biggest 'take-away' is that we've traditionally looked at each of these three threads - as separate 'silos' to be studied. Thompson makes the point that these three threads are interrelated - and should be thought of as impacting one another.

Empires have been; now are; and will be made by their access to energy. Thompson mentions Winston Churchill's (then controversial) decision to move the U.K. Navy from Coal-fired to Oil-fired warships - giving the U.K. Navy an advantage over their principal adversary (Germany) - but also inheriting some responsibility about maintaining supplies of Oil within the Middle East (Countries and protection of the Suez Canal; protection of their Empire).

Likewise if and when there is another Energy transition - to renewables - the U.S. and China will contest for dominance in that age - Geo politics/alliances will change as appropriate.

Rise of Central Banks - U.S. Fed's Rate decisions impact the entire world - with the U.S. Dollar as the World's Reserve Currency. The U.S. Fed is now the 'lender of last resort' - for COVID related payments and other stimulus. The U.S. Fed's low borrowing rates for such a long time - has made the U.S. dollar stronger - and caused some issues with our allies.

Geo Politics - much discussion about Europe - the difference between the European Union (a political alignment) - and the Euro Zone countries that have adopted the Euro as the currency. Thompson indicates that this will be an ongoing Economic Problem for this region - citing the difference between the Nationalist viewpoint and the European wide viewpoint on who pays what level of tax to whom.

Back to Energy - Thompson feels that the upcoming decade will continue to be one of disorder - with an 'expensive' transition to a new Energy System which may keep inflation high; with the Central Banks trying to eliminate inflation - but perhaps may switch to jump starting Economic Growth (lower rates rather than higher interest rates) - and finally the U.S.- China competition - with the extension of the Belt & Road Initiative - and the 'West' not totally sure of its strategy versus China - much less towards Russia and then Iran.

Interesting - complex writing - but 'worth it'.
Should be of interest to those who read current affairs.

Carl Gallozzi
Cgallozzi@comcast.net

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InterWar Years details of reporters' notebook

Revisado: 11-21-22

A story of the reporters and 'foreign correspondents' who came to prominence in the late 1920'- applied their trade in the 1930's and reported on the 2nd World War in the 1940's.

John Gunther, Dorothy Thompson, Jimmie Sheehan and H. Knickerbocker (and some others) - became America's "eyes and ears" concerning the rising threat of Fascism (Franco, Mussolini, Hitler) and Totalitarianism (Stalin).

Cohen tells their story at both a personal and professional level - how they 'bagged' interviews with Dictators and etc.

I was more interested in how the reporters thought about covering the Dictators, got their interviews and argued with their Editors about the correct nature/slant/objectivism of their reporting. I think the idea of how to report events - outside the United States, back to people within the United States in a way that 'tells them what is happening' - but without 'blatant advocacy' - is a relevant problem today.

Some of these people were 'larger than life' - with bouts of drinking, affairs, ruined marriages yet insight on what was happening and projections about what was going to happen.

All things must pass though - the crew depicted was outshone by others during the later stages of the War (Ed Murrow, Harry Reasoner, Eric Sevaried) - then later in a new medium Walter Cronkite.

Interesting perspectives of reporters who saw history; reported it and made some history themselves.

Should be of interest to those who have an interest in the inter-war years 1919-1939 in Europe.

Carl Gallozzi

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God and man at Yale; Fitzgerald at Princeton

Revisado: 11-01-22

F. Scott Fitzgerald's first published novel - published in 1920 - published so as to impress his girlfriend (later wife) Zelda. Fitzgerald wanted to be a famous writer - Zelda wanted to be associated with someone famous.

Good, not great novel - tells the story of an elite Princetonian (lightly disguised story of Fitzgerald himself) - who tries 'n' things - education, a Second Lieutenant in WWI - writing copy in an Advertising firm. The main character flirts with Religion; flirts with revenge against the Capitalist System (not quite Socialism)- and flirts with women (*4) - and then becomes 'disillusioned'.

Narratives are especially interesting and show very great promise. The character's relationship with women (....almost flappers) - indicates the soon-to-upon-them change in 'what becomes acceptable' behavior concerning single women. The rules of acceptability are about to change with the emergence of the 'flapper', Charleston Dance (after 1923), shortening of skirts, Jazz Age, etc. It has already been observed that this novel documents ..."how a flapper thinks...." The underlying theme of oncoming social change is relevant today.

Additionally, some snippets of the narrative about disillusionment is relevant today - something like:

...."All of life is a muddle.
It is like a football game where both sides are simultaneously offside
It is like a football game where they've done away with referees...."

A snapshot of the then contemporary society - where elites went to Princeton - and then 'found themselves' - made a good marriage and proceeded into the downstream of their lives, accumulating wealth and friends. Fitzgerald's character Amory Blaine lives this life - becomes 'disillusioned' and 'thinks his way' [at very great cost] out of this situation - after having had bad relationships with women, work and other things - and in the end - becomes 'graced' with self-knowledge.

Good, not great introduction to Fitzgerald.

Should be of interest to those who read U S 20th Century Contemporary Novels..

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Tracing 20 year buildup of Anger/Fury

Revisado: 09-17-22

Very "listenable" if disturbing book. Well researched. Detailing the viewpoint of the 'buildup of America's fury' from several geographies and vantage points.

My basic understanding relates to a series of incidents 09/11/2001, wars that weren't successes in the Mid-East, The Bailouts during the 2008-2009 challenges - which saw the rise of the Tea Party; the widespread use of social media - the casting of the opposition as 'vile/evil/satan worshiping pedophiles' (and an existential threat - deserving to be eliminated)- the distribution of political statement each with its more outrageous claims that either go unchallenged or just get believed by 'the side'. The maximalist extremists dominate the conversation. This has taken approximately twenty years for this "poison" to flow through the body politic; unsure how the American Body Politic recovers.

Osnos paints a picture of where we were/are relating to Tribalism, Cynicism and the increase in the belief (by some) that "violence may be justified" in furtherance of a political cause.

He ends this after Jan 6, 2022 attack.

Osnos describes the problem - I didn't read many proposed solutions (in truth he never indicated he would advance them). But that seems to be where "Political America" is win at all costs; by any means necessary including violence.

I would recommend this book - as it describes a very major problem the United States has today - the absolute 'take away' from me is one fact.......roughly paraphrasing...."During the recent election approximately 160 families gave approximately 50% of the contribution funds given....." Osnos' interpretation of that is that the United States, by validating this campaign financing model, has become a ...."Banana Republic...." . My own opinion is that we have the best U.S. Congress that "money can buy" - and we're reaping the rewards of that system.

Perhaps change - but just short of a blood revolution [see French and Russian Revolutions and what really happened versus the stated goals when they began] might be either appropriate or might be 'in the cards'.

Should be of interest to those who follow current events, politics.

Carl Gallozzi

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The future, its history, challenges and benefits.

Revisado: 08-14-22

Listened Via Audible

An 'introduction (plus)' into the MetaVerse.
Three sections - What is it/is it supposed to be; how will 'we' get there; and finally implications when it arrives.

Pretty balanced narrative - of what's known; what's projected - projections are notoriously wrong.

There are major players (gaming companies software companies and others) that currently dominate - (era of mobile computing - phone based) - but who will dominate. Learning for me is the impact of gaming - a major major force in the construction of the MetaVerse - more so than Pornography.

The concept of a 'virtual world' is explained - in the context of gaming; then broadened so as to include - training (Medical Students with Headsets in a virtual world doing practice surgery). Think of pilots in flight simulators as a crude example.

The technology is 'neutral' - may be used for good or ill. Ball makes this statement many times - Misinformation and Disinformation should 'get worse' (deep video and voice fakes) before it may 'get better'.

Ball winds up on the hopeful side - because as he explains in the introduction - the MetaVerse is taking to other major changes how we communicate - printing press and etc., each of these led to major major changes in society and power shifts. This is what is happening now.

Interesting, a little technically detailed for the technically challenged but worth the listen.

As a veteran of the Mini-Computer and PC wars - where the dominant players in the previous cycle did not master the future cycle - this is of interest.

Should be of interest to those who follow technology and its broader implications on society.

Carl Gallozzi

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Backstage Fathers-Daughters at Yalta

Revisado: 08-04-22

Interesting narrative and (sometimes too) much detail about the preparations for, Yalta itself and the Yalta aftermath relative to the principals and WW 2 history in general.

The father-daughter relationship is described - the geopolitical and war strategy described and then much detail about the days go to; within and leaving the conference at Yalta.

Narrative is at its strongest when it focused upon the actions that three daughters took - not just hostesses - but organizing and 'running interference' for their fathers - and being 'back stage help' in soothing the many egos on the Allied side.

Roosevelt was a 'sick man' - and Anna knew this and became his protector to the best of her ability - using her own and her 'moral' authority she attempted to reduce her father's workload.

Narrative also tells the tale of the shift in relative world power at the end of WW2 - England's capabilities and world standing being diminished and the U.S.' and Soviet Union's capabilities and world standing being increased. This was a source of friction. There is something here for those who study U.S.- China relations in the current time frame.

Narrative is weaker when it drifts out into GeoPolitics and War Strategy.

Narrative has much detail within it - representing the most important discussion/decision areas - and some less important decision areas - I would think much like the conference itself.

There was mention of the cottage industry of 'second guessing' the West's capabilities and outcomes at Yalta....."Roosevelt was outfoxed at Yalta...." A clearer perspective might be that Roosevelt's main goals involved the Peace Organization (U.N.) and getting the Soviets to declare war against the Japanese - both of these things happened. He, Roosevelt had to make concessions in other areas to obtain his goals. Additionally I'm not sure what the U.S. could have done short of going to war - so as to evict the Red Army from boots on the ground in Poland (?) which is what the critics think could have been negotiated away from the Soviets.

An interesting perspective on an important conference; and important time - shift from hot War; to Cold War; shift in balance of power away from United Kingdom to the United States.

Should be of interest to those who read history, WW2 and foreign policy.

Carl Gallozzi

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Book on Cycles - an intro to other books.....

Revisado: 07-03-22

A good book about 'large and long' cycles. Rated 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Dalio borrow heavily from those who wrote in this area. My first introduction was the Paul Kennedy's "The Rise and Fall of Great Powers" in the 1980's. On the early edition the art cover showed an Olympic Podium with avatars representing Great Britain stepping 'off the stand'; an avatar representing the U.S. taking its place at the top of the stand; and an avatar representing Japan coming onto the Podium.

Dalio talks about cycles within cycles within cycles - making some serious points about the U.S.' relative debt position versus competitive countries. Dalio makes no reference to Nikolai Dmitriyevich Kondratiev who developed concepts of the "long cycle' during the 1930's in the Soviet Union.

Dalio has 'n' (18 I think) metrics by which he evaluates countries and their place in the cycles-within-cycles [perpetual motion machine].

This is a good overview/survey course - but it is framed about investing to make money - as opposed to an historical perspective (see Paul Kennedy; Toynbee).

Lots of data; lots of charts; good information - but a 'hand wave' about a computer and algorithms and etc., and more generally why the 'computer says what it says.

His predictions for the future come with all the usual caveats and 'lawyers' choruses' - but it generally is a clear eyed perspective that the U.S.' - by all current metrics 'is on top'; but China is 'rising fast' - and it won't be long - (ten years?) until China surpasses the U.S. on several key key metrics. And while this analysis may be slightly wrong it is absolutely DIRECTIONALLY CORRECT.Although he mentions China's problems - I don't think they are appropriately weighted. China has a demographic problem - they've already surpassed the largest number of workers they can provide within the country; they have an aging culture. It is not coincidental in my mind that the China 2025/Belt and Road Initiative are relatively short term programs 10 years - because that is the length of a 'closing window'.

A good book; should be read - as a guide to this type of study and narrative. There are others who rely less on computers, charts and ..'how I made money"....that also deserve to be read.

Carl Gallozzi
Cgallozzi@comcast.net

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