Currently, I am the 23rd result on Google for the query “collapse of an empire lessons for modern russia.” I know this, because it drove a referral to this blog. Shows the power of Google.

I read No Country for Old Men on the plane ride(s) to Huntsville. Cormac McCarthy can write, but since when did it become a requirement that all books have no ending? The book just peters out. Add to that the ridiculous “can’t make a mistake or be killed” nature of the anti-hero of the book, and it just gets worse. This book is thoroughly unsatisfying. I was going to go see the movie, but I hear it is faithful to the book. Usually, that speaks well of a movie. In this case, it speaks ill. Should you want to waste your time reading it, here’s the Amazon link. I wish I had gone there and seen the review that began “Another McCarthy novel, another overstylized pretentiousness,” before I wasted my money on this book.

So, the Browns lost to Arizona. They should have tied the game on a last hail-mary, but the referees jobbed them. In the end, though, it was the turnovers that killed them. Since, it looks like the Bengals can’t beat the Steelers, the Browns will end up two games back in the division with four games to go. That’s not a good place to be. For more reaction see bitter fans

I finished reading Collapse of an Empire: Lessons for Modern Russia last night. It’s a fascinating look at the economic and budgetary problems that destroyed the USSR. Essentially, Gaidar blames the eventual collapse on Stalin’s decision to collectivize agriculture in 1929. The most striking thing, though, is how quickly the USSR unraveled once it’s economic underpinnings collapsed. There’s a lesson here for the USA. Once things start going bad, the end can come quickly. A reversal of foreign investment in the US could be just as dangerous for our future.

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.