I just started reading Collapse of an Empire: Lessons for Modern Russia. I first read about the book on Marc Andreesen’s blog in June, and I immediately ordered it. It finally arrived today after months of waiting. So far, it’s great.

I spent the last two days at an off-site at Indian Springs. It’s a nice spa, and I’d love to come back sometime when I’m not working. The giant, hot-water pool is great.

Stupid Dolphins lost to the Steelers 3-0. So, Cleveland remains a game back in the North.

Just finished reading The Year of Living Biblically. It’s a mildly amusing, superficial look at the difficulties inherent in actually following all the biblical commandments. Can’t really recommend it, but here’s the Amazon link.

Alabama lost to Auburn in the Iron Bowl for the sixth straight time. That’s a new record for Auburn, and an unprecedented streak of badness for Alabama. Apparently, Nick Saban is not a genius after all.

Just finished reading Ceasar: Life of a Colussus by Adrian Goldsworthy. It’s a good summary of Caesar’s life, although it concentrates on military events more than political. The worst thing I can say about it is that it doesn’t really give you a good idea of why the Roman Republic fell. Here’s the Amazon link.

John F. Potter, Co. A – Potter wrote a number of columns as a “regular correspondent” to the Cortland Gazette and Banner, under the pseudonym “JFP”. His columns for December 1861, January, February, March, April and May 1862 are available on this website.

I love twitter (see my twitter), but I’d love it more if it was easier to pull out the old posts. While thinking about this, I’ve registered tweetvault.com until I come up with a business plan.

I went to the Coliseum to see the Raiders play the Bears yesterday. This was my first time at the Coliseum, and the club seats were really nice. However, the game was terrible. The Raiders have absolutely the worst offense I have ever seen.

Finished reading Sgt. Piggy’s last night while stuck on the train. His introduction on how he got into writing a comic strip is worth reading.