Reflecting on the Occupiers

They are a new kind of movement. They call themselves the 99%. They started out by occupying Wall Street, and now, Occupy movements are springing up in every city and nearly every major college campus.

I applaud them for wanting to bring change to something that they see as being wrong. After all, we live in a country that was founded on that (and related) principle.

However, what is it that they want to change and what do they want to change it to? They seem to be against capitalism. Yet, most of them carry items routinely that you just don't see people carrying in countries that are not based on capitalism. Where else but the United States would you see the unemployed carrying the latest iPhone, a Kindle, an Eddie Bauer backpack? And, where else but the United States would you see an unemployed worker driving to a demonstration in a new BMW? Surely, this has come from capitalism, the very thing that the Occupy-ers want to see go away.

They also appear to be very communal, as compared to individual, in nature. In fact, in their occupation in Atlanta, they are not allowing outside speakers. Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) made an effort this morning to speak to them, and he is a supporter of theirs. They turned him down saying that would make him look more important than the movement. And, when people within the movement speak, no applause is allowed as this would interrupt the speaker. Instead, they hold their index fingers in the air and wiggle them.

Interesting.

While I don't think I agree with the Occupy movement, I think they could make a positive difference. But, they need a plan. They need to identify what needs to be changed and what it needs to be changed to. And, then they need to work within the system to change it. I'm sorry. We are a country with a Constitution and we have laws. You don't get to just take up space and effect change.

Perhaps we shall see. In the meantime, I remain mystified. I just can't see the point of camping out forever to protest something, and not even present a potential solution.

Maybe I've gotten old.

When Humanity Overtakes Politics

Yesterday, I witnessed a stirring event. It happened to be at a political event, but it wasn't about the politics. Personally, I think that regardless of your politics, you will find something more important in this one.

If you are reading this, there is a reasonable chance that you know that I am the father of an autistic son. Jimmy is 26 now, and while he does have political views, the issues that matter to him are probably not the issues that matter to you, or to me. That doesn't matter.

In any event, there were four of us having a family lunch at The Olde Blind Dog in a town called Milton in north Fulton County, GA. Outside, there were people gathered, a lot of people. They were there to see Herman Cain, a candidate for the Republican nomination for President of the United States. Right around the time he began to speak, we went outside to hear him as well. We were there among probably 1500-2000 people (guessing, but I know that he was signing 500 books for attendees and there were plenty who were after number 500 in line, as well as the many who chose not to buy his book).

After his speech ended, we moved to a shady area around the side of the building. Mr. Cain was signing books. From where we were standing, we had a pretty good view of him, albeit from behind.

To fully understand this, consider the day. Mr. Cain was at The Olde Blind Dog from 3:00 until 4:30. He had a 6:00 commitment at Peachtree-Dekalb Airport, a good distance away. Said differently, he was on a very tight schedule.

It doesn't matter how it happened, but let me assure you that no money was involved. Mr. Cain was on his way to his car after finishing the book signings. He stopped off to speak with Jimmy. They shook hands. Herman Cain asked Jimmy if there was anything he wanted to ask him. Jimmy told him his two priorities.

During that time, there were a few things that I noticed. Herman never took his eyes of Jimmy. He never let go of his hand. He listened carefully and he responded to both points. Then he shook Jimmy's hand again, got in his car and headed to Peachtree-Dekalb.

You may love Herman Cain's politics. You may despise Herman Cain's politics. You know what, this is a free country and I support your right to have your feelings, whatever they may be. But, regardless of political leanings, I was truly impressed with the man. This was an exhibition of true human kindness that you just don't see every day.

Vote as you see fit. If you think that the President has been doing a good job, then please get to the polls next November and support his re-election. If you think that a Republican could do a better job, then show your support in the primaries and hope that you can vote for your candidate of choice in November. This is all part of what makes the United States the greatest country in the world.

But, no matter how you vote, do not disparage this man.

Do not disparage this man!

A True Friend

You never know it when they happen. I certainly didn't. I didn't know that August 21, 2004 was going to be a particularly meaningful day.

What happened? It was the first time that I was picking Lisa up for a date (we had met at the date place before then). I arrived at the door and was greeted by a ferocious almost-black creature making loud noises and bearing his oh so sharp teeth held in place by massively strong jaws. He could have torn me to bits and at the time, I think I knew that.

Upon placing my heart back in my chest, I learned that his name was Shep and his much smaller (at the time) little 'sister' was Duckie. Shep was about 7 1/2 at the time while Duckie was just a puppy. I had never had a dog in my life. I didn't know what to do, but as my relationship with Lisa progressed, I knew I would have to learn.

By Christmas (probably much earlier) of that year, Shep was no longer ferocious to me. In fact, I learned that while those jaws and those teeth could tear me to bits, they never would. He was playful and he was loyal. I found out that he and Duckie were special creatures indeed.

I don't know exactly when they became my four-legged children, but there was a time when that happened. I could say pretty much all of the same things about Duckie, but today is about Shep.

He is a rescue dog --part Doberman, part Shepherd. He suffered a severe hip injury during his first year of life. When you see him, you could always tell that it bothers him, but rarely has he shown it in his spirit. He is lovable. He adopted me as his Papa as much as I adopted him as my four-legged child. And, he is loyal.

As Shep is in what may sadly be his last days, he remains oh so loyal. Today he has trouble moving. He is suffering with a number of ailments, difficult to diagnose because his version of English has a limited vocabulary, But, there is one thing that I know for sure. If someone out there were stupid enough to threaten Lisa and me in our home during these days, they would still have to deal with Shep. He would be there for us, and while I don't know what would happen to him, he would make sure that we were safe.

Unconditional loyalty ...

Unconditional love ...

A true friend ...

You've given me 7 good years and I know the end is near, but if you can sense what I am writing, I want you to know before you leave us what you have meant to me.

I love you Shep.

10 Pleasant Wine Surprises Year to Date

I haven't been blogging much about wine lately and when I do, it's usually critical of people not branching out. We try our fair share of different wines here and I thought I would share a few that I've been happier with this year than I would have expected. So, in no particular order, here it goes.

1. 2008 Juan Gil Jumilla. This is a $10-$15 bottle of wine depending on where and how much you buy. It's made primarily of Monastrell, the same grape that most of the world calls Mourvedre and some of the Aussies call Mataro. It drinks now and is a very flexible food wine. I give it about 90 points.
2. 2008 Achaval Ferrer Finca Bella Vista Perdriel Malbec. If I hadn't had it at a tasting, I wouldn't be able to comment on it. This wine from grapes grown at about 3,000 feet in Argentina, may be the new standard for Malbec. It has all the characteristic malbec flavors -- violet, tobacco, garlic, raisin. The finish goes on forever, with layer upon layer and each flavor and aroma blending effortlessly into the next. Drink now through 2030, at least. Pricey in the vicinity of $100, but the 99 points that I give it may justify it.
3. 2010 Barnett Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc. At $25, this is not an inexpensive Sauvignon Blanc, but the reasons it is here are these: first, I think of Barnett as a Cabernet vineyard, not a place for white wines. Second, it's flavors were fairly unique and well-defined. The wine is clean and crisp, and only slightly citrusy on the nose. When it hits the palate, you immediately detect some ripe, juicy honeydew melon, followed by kiwi and some hints of thyme. Drink with brie or other similar cheeses, or get my wife's recipe for cold cilantro cucumber soup. 91 points.
4. 2008 Tait The Ball Buster. I saw the name and had to own a bottle or two, especially at $15. Then, we opened a bottle on a night when we weren't expecting anything much. Wow, were we surprised. Characteristic flavors of Aussie Shiraz, but a bit less jammy. Quite chewy (stay away from it if you don't like mouth feel, but if you do, look out) and another long, layered finish. Would be great with lamb chops. 92 points. Drink now through 2019.
5. 2009 Page Springs Cellars Vino de Familia Arizona Table Wine. Yes, Arizona. Grown on the estate in Page Springs, Arizona (near Sedona), this is a blend of grapes of many styles. There are Bordeaux grapes, Rhone grapes and Arizona grapes. It drinks young, but at $10 or so, what would you expect. It's light, fruity and very pleasant. 87 points and good memories.
6. 2008 Andrew Will Meadow. This is a Washington winery, but I'm not sure if the grapes in this case are Washington or Oregon. In any event, it's a Pinot Blanc, fresh, fruity, crisp, and not oaky. It's in the $14 range, and is great for a summer wine, with some soft cheese. Do you have some friends who are not wine drinkers, but you want to introduce them? Well, this is a great starter wine, but it's a very good serious wine drinker wine as well. 88 points.
7. 2006 Sawyer Petit Verdot. OK, I cheated. I had this wine at the winery well before 2011. But, this year we opened a bottle. Most people don't think of Petit Verdot as a single varietal, but more of a grape to add structure to a Meritage or other Bordeaux-style blend. I believe this wine is in the $40-$50 range. It's not cheap, but it's character is very unique. Are you a hunter? Then, kill your dinner and when you have something gamey, drink this one now, or for the next 15 years or so. 92 points.
8. 2007 Van Duzer Pinot Noir. I had never heard of this wine. My wife liked the label. We tasted it. We liked it. We liked the price, too, at $19.99. Nicely crafted with wonderful floral and spice notes. Refined enough to drink with baked chicken or trout with lemon and butter, but powerful enough to handle beef. It's ready to drink now, and we have chosen to drink a lot of it. 89 points and a great label.
9. 2009 Avanti Mencia. What is Mencia? I thought Avanti Mencia was a long lost car, cousin to the Studebaker Avanti. How wrong I was! So, what is it? It's dark, it's peppery. It's loaded with anise, mint, rosemary, thyme, black cherry. That's a lot for a $9 wine. To the mouth, it actually tastes like it will age, but at that price, we are not going to find out. Buy a case (<$100 with case discount) and get about 1056 points. That's 88 points per bottle.
10. 2004 Armida Poizin Reserve Zinfandel. The bottle will frighten you. The bottom of the bottle is quite narrow and as it flares upward, you see the red skull and crossbones glazed deeply in the black bottle. Working your way up, you see that the bottle is tightly sealed in what appears to dripping blood (actually, it's bright red wax, I think). Open the bottle if you can. The aromas explode. It's plum, cherry, peppercorn, cranberry, and high-end brandy. Pour some. Chocaholic? Right up front you'll be satisfied. Like freshly picked strawberries. It won't take long till you get them. How about rhubarb pie? It will finish and finish and finish and finish. At $80, this wine is not cheap. Why is it here? It's simply the best zinfandel I have ever had. 98 points, but perhaps more as the years go by.

Whiskey Foxtrot Tango: Government Now Required to Write in New Language -- English

Last year, both houses of Congress passed, and President Obama Signed into law the Plain Writing Act of 2010. You can read it for yourself, all three pages of it, here. Sadly, it's not written very plainly.

Under the law, beginning sometime in October (roughly coinciding with the end of the world according to the people who say that the Rapture begins in two days), the government will be required to put all new or substantially revised documents in plain written English. The requirements include these:

• clear
• concise
• well-organized
• follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience

Wow! The federal government is going to conform to this? What will be paying them for? Don't they spend virtually every waking hour writing crap that is murky, wordy, haphazard, and written for nobody on this planet? 

The law gives them an out though. It does not include regulations. So, the Feds will still have regulations with which to boggle the senses. And, over time, they have come up with some beauties.My favorite, because I am a benefits person were the retirement plan nondiscrimination regulations. To move into the technical realm for a second, they are there to regulate Internal Revenue Code Section 401(a)(4), all one sentence of it. 

When final regulations were initially released, do you know how many pages it took to regulate on sentence? Come on, take a guess. I'll make it multiple choice for you.

a. 11

b. 609

c. 1

d. 2,716

e. 84

What was your guess? Did you get it right? I'm not going to give you the answer just yet. But I will tell you that this regulation was neither clear nor concise nor well-organized, and many practitioners still don't understand it some twenty years later, so I don't think it was written for its intended audience.

Did you get the multiple choice question correct? Did you answer "b. 609"? No? You didn't believe that even our government could do that? Think again.

Perhaps better yet, there was the Pentagon brownie recipe reference in a regulation. I swear, I'm not making this stuff up. I'm an actuary, I couldn't possibly be this creative. It included these lovely terms:

• Regulations promulgated thereunder
• Flow rates of thermoplastics by extrusion plastometer
• Shall be examined organoleptically (that last word means by smell touch or taste)

Whiskey Foxtrot Tango?

So, there is this requirement coming up. But, there is a problem. Violators of the law will not lose their genitalia or other equally important body parts. So, I guess the government shall continue to pollute our eyes with gibberish.

Diversify Your Wine Tastes -- You'll be Glad You Did

If you are reading this, there is a good chance that you live in the United States. If you do, and if you are a wine drinker, there is a pretty reasonable chance that when you look at a wine list in a restaurant, you go immediately to either the Chardonnay section if you like white wines, or to the Merlot section if you like red wines.

Shame on you.

They are both nice grapes, but don't you get bored sometimes. Isn't it about time you branched out a little bit. Try something different. Experience something new.

For starters, there are about a gazillion wine varietals in the world. A gazillion is a big number, or at least for the purposes of this post, I am claiming it is. In some cases, the grapes that you see listed on a bottle, while different, are really the same grape (for example, Zinfandel and Primitivo, or Mourvedre and Monastrell). But, most of them are different and have their own unique characteristics.

Here are some examples (by no means an exhaustive list), off the top of my head, with some of their common characteristic flavors or aromas. Do you know which ones you like? Which ones have you tried?

White Wine Varietals

• Chardonnay (green apple, citrus, melon, quince, honey) ... if it has too much butter or too much oak, you lose the real flavor
• Sauvignon Blanc (tropical fruit, mango, peach, honeysuckle, light citrus) ... well made, it should have a very clean, refreshing taste
• Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio (Grapefruit, bigger citrus, lichee, apricot, nectarine) ... the mass produced usually have somewhat overbearing citrus, look for the ones with subtler fruit
• Semillon (Lemongrass, lemon, key lime pie, pear, honey, smoke, cut grass, gooseberry) ... not grown much in the US, but one of the two staples of Sauternes
• Riesling (White flowers and light fruits, white peaches, jasmine, honeysuckle, passion fruit) ... the reputation is that Riesling is a sweet wine and some rieslings are, but the combination of its natural sweetness and its minerality make it perfect with spicy foods (Thai, etc.)
• Gewurtzraminer (Think of the baskets of potpourri that women like to adorn powder rooms with, lavender, rose petals, mango, guava, another grape that cuts through asian spices well)
• Viognier (often a bit effervescent and refreshing, think violets, irises, and apricot marmalade)

Red Wine Varietals

• Cabernet Sauvignon (the king of all red grapes, often big and bold, craving flavorful meats and stinky cheeses, chewy, think dark berries, tobacco, eucalyptus)
• Shiraz/Syrah/Sirah (very different depending on where it comes from, in Australia tendency toward jammy wines with the very best having cocoa and chocolatey notes, American wines tend more toward licorice and fennel or even leather and tar, in France they are more refined with red berries and currants)
• Pinot Noir (Spice, red berries, red and purple flowers, difficult to produce well, a classic food wine)
• Merlot (the grape that tried to give a bad reputation to American red wine when at its worst, at its best it is a melange of red blue and black fruits and goes with most any meats)
• Zinfandel (the American grape, pepper, spice, dark fruit, earth tones and raisins)
• Tempranillo (the noble grape of Spain, many characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon, but typically less tannic, dark berries earth tones and leather galore)
• Cabernet Franc (along with Sauvignon Blanc, one of the two genetic parents of Cabernet Sauvignon, more often a blending grape, think black fruit, mint, graphite and dust)
• Gamay (the grape of Beaujolais, refreshing, youthful, strawberry, raspberry and cherry)
• Malbec (to the nose and palate a blend of Cabernet and Merlot, think blackberry, plum and chocolate)
• Sangiovese (the king of Tuscany, nothing describes it better to me than rhubarb pie with a hint of tobacco)
• Nebbiolo (the northern Italian grape, with chestnut, mocha, tobacco, tar, earth notes)
• Grenache/Garnacha (earthy, meaty, peppery and spicy, take a sensory trip through a briar patch)
• Petit Verdot (the Bordeaux grape rarely used as a single varietal that hits the mid-palate hard, perfect with wild game, earthy, yet bold, do not drink it young)
• Mourvedre/Monastrell (the nose is gamey, but the fruit is much softer red, it's a versatile food wine young and a great blending grape for a winter wine in front of the fireplace)
• Touriga Nacional (the key grape of vintage Port, very intense raisiny flavors, very tannic, give it time, give it time, give it time)

I'm sorry if I've left out your favorite grape, but like I said, this was all off the top of my head. 

In any event, whatever you do, try some diversity in your wine drinking, you'll thank me later.

The Gang of Six -- They Might Just Get a Following

You may have heard of the Gang of Six, six US senators with somewhat disparate backgrounds and voting records with a common goal. They all want to get the US economy back in shape. And, if there is any one thing that perhaps all Americans agree on these days, it's that the economy isn't where it needs to be.

The blame is placed virtually everywhere. Lyndon Johnson's Great Society gave us lots of social programs that surely are the reason for our current fiscal disaster. You don't believe that? Jimmy Carter's economic policy for recovery that gave us double digit inflation is surely to blame. You don't believe that either? Ronald Reagan and his Tax Reform Act of 1986, as well as trickle-down economics and deficit spending must be the curse of all economic curses? You don't think that's the reason? How about the great bailouts under George W. Bush and Barack Obama, were they the reason? Surely, you think that at least one of these contributed to the morass that we find ourselves in, and if not one of those, then find a way to blame one of our recent White House denizens. Surely, you can do it.

The Gang of Six (hereinafter, G6) wants to fix it all. That's really cool, methinks. Here is what they have going for them. There are 3 Democrats and 3 Republicans, so whatever they come up with will be bipartisan. They say that all Americans will hate some part of their plan. Perhaps that means it is good. They say that it is important that they worry about doing what is right for the country, not worrying about getting re-elected.

Bravo!

Let's consider what the G6 have in common. Not much. Republicans would tell you that these are 3 liberal Democrats. Democrats would tell you that these are 3 conservative Republicans.

Now, I'm going to reproduce the current G6 plan in its entirety. It should be a long read, but you can do it. It will start in the next two lines immediately following this one and end before the following paragraph.




That sure was a good read, wasn't it? A few lines of blank space. But, there are some fairly smart people among the G6. All are popular in their home states, so they may not need to worry about re-election. Maybe, they'll come out with something useful, maybe not. It can't be worse than where we are now.