The Edge of Greatness

Yiftach Spektor became known to the Israeli public after signing the famous “Pilots Letter” where several former Israeli fighter pilots declared their disapproval of the unrestrained use of the air force which has lead to civilian casualties.

Himself a former fighter pilot with a long and respectable career in the Israeli Air Force as a pilot and a commanding officer, Spektor shares much of his trials and tribulations in serving the most active air force in modern times. He passionately describes his role in three Israeli wars and dozens of missions against Russian Mig’s and SAM sites as well as the bombing of the Iraqi new clear reactor.

Almost the entire book is dedicated to Spektor’s memoirs in his concluding chapter, Spektor lay’s his political stance and explains what he believes needs to happen in order for Israel to move forward nationally and internationally. Overall, this is a deeply thought memoir that offers a unique insight into the life of a professional fighter pilot who has dedicated his life to building one of the finest air force programs in the world. The book offers a great insight into the decision making process as well as career and academic choices that Spektor has made throughout his life and reveals how a overly worked, highly committed professional manages to raise a family during times of great tribulations.

Ever since 9/11, a plethora of books have been written about the diplomatic, geopolitical and international relations between America, the west and the rest of the world. This book offers a unique perspective from an author who was born in a Hindu poor household surrounded by Muslim families in Singapore who eventually became Singapore’s Ambassador to the United Nations.

Muhabubni claims to write this book out of concern for America in part and for the rest of the world at large. He claims that much of the 21st century will be shaped by the relationship America develops with the world, a claim that is far from original yet certainly has much merit considering the current position America plays in geopolitical affairs.

Mahbubani examines America’s relationship with the world by first explaining how America benefited, as well as harmed the world. Then, he investigates the relationship between America and Islam, and America and China followed by his view of the nature of American power and what it takes to manage such power.

In, how America benefited the World, Mahubabi is careful to list many positive forces America has introduced to world in terms of cultural export, humanitarian assistance, and as catalyst for progressive equality and economic well being (Marshall plan and other economic stimulation strategies). When examining how America has harmed the world, Mahbubani is convinced that the greatest mistake America has made was to step down from the role of “world leader” at the end of the cold war. Many countries, both in Eastern Europe and Asia, were in dire need for reconstruction and assistance at the end of the Cold War, Mahbuabni explains. And when they needed America most, it wasn’t there for them.

While this point sounds compelling in explaining the growing resentment towards the US, it is largely based on the author’s analogy of political relationship on a global scale to family relationships on a minor scale where, the older and much fortunate brother (the US) refuses to help younger brother (rest of the world) to get back on his feet after a devastating trauma. From this analogy, it is easy to see how one would harbor anger and resentment towards America. But I’m afraid that real world geopolitics are infinitely more complex.

Mahbubani does make a strong point about American leadership when he states that in order to have the world’s trust, America cannot be dealing in double standards. In other words, America should not initiate the use of military force in Iraq without the approval of the U.N. Security Council, which it did. America should also not be engaged in practices of torture and unlawful arrests in defiance of the Geneva convention which it proudly accepted in 1977 and 2005.

Double standard indeed harms American world leadership as it differentiates between the powerful and powerless. It also diminishes America’s moral authority and distorts the exemplary view many people used to have for America. But trust, Mahbubani proclaims, can be regained through sound, responsible leadership that deeply cares not only for domestic issues but also for global affairs. If America will not be the first to behave as if the world is indeed a village, not other country will. America has to go there first.

Close to the end of the book, Mahbubani offers America several strategic decisions it should make in order to regain trust and leadership legitimacy from the rest of the world. First, he proclaims, America should decide that a stable world is a primary American interest. Second, America should consider the impacts of its on the world, before they are made. Third, America should change its policies towards multilateral institutions and diminish the use of its overwhelming power within these organizations (U.N., IMF etc.,). The fourth strategic decision Mahbuabni recommends is for America to continue to develop the best and freest human society it can possibly develop.

One of the key points in the book, one the author keeps hammering with scrupulous repetition, is America’s lack of awareness of its power and the consequences of its action.  While this point carries a certain immeasurable validity that can be easily noticed by any mass media consumer, the cases the author seems to state appear a somewhat weak. Sure, the Ghanaian cotton farmer may be angry about American cotton import tariffs and domestic subsidies but this, we would have to assume, is not enough to drive him into the inviting hands of radical nationalists.

It’s important to note that Mahbubani’s work does not claim or aspires to be an academic surgery into the precise causes of current world affairs. The author can be at times shallow in his tracing of historical events which leads to analysis that may prove satisfactory to the common reader but insufficient to the seasoned political professional.

Well, after 2 seasons and 22 episodes, the best series ever broadcasted on HBO has finally lowered its curtain. What a shame. It’s been such a joy to see history come alive so vividly and with such attention to detail. Simply tremendous. From plebian life to nobility, a vicious mix of politics, sexuality, honor, lies and deceit, this one had it all and in much abundance. But the high pleasure had a steep price tag. 

At $100 million a season (about $8 million an episode) the producers claim that they simply could no support the extravaganza and therefore had to pull the plug. That’s a fair claim. “Rome’s” production is visually impressive and is sure to set a new standard in the industry. Were the producers would have compromised on season 1 and 2 for the sake of season 3, I’m afraid much of the impact would have been lost since the attention to detail is really what gives “Rome” it’s edge and prestige. 

I really believe this series has made a huge impact by increasing historical awareness to new heights. Scores of people who never had much interest or fascination with Roman history are seeing the past in a new light. This series was a great effort, a marvelously and timeless achievement. 10/10

Even though Mr. marketing’s  latest  book, “Small is the New Big” literally features no new material, it has been doing very well (2,000 sales rank on Amazon and 22, 5-star review strick) since it came out in August, 2006. Definetly great results.

I haven’t read “Big is Small” yet but I’ve researched it well enough to know that what it’s a 352 page book made up of Godin’s blog posts, magazine columns, and e-book excerpts. Kind of brilliant. A “best of” book. Just sort through everything you’ve done, pack it nicely and there you go: a $17 product ready to be sold!

Don’t get me wrong. I’m definetly a Seth Godin fan and think he has a very insightful business mind even though he can get a bit shallow at times and produce catch phrases with no real substance. Nevertheless, as a student of greatness, this book is worth a look even if just to see how Godin applies what he teaches.

Here’s a short synopsis from audible.com:

“It’s an entertaining snapshot of Godin’s fiercely original brain. Who else would argue that Fluffernutter was a brilliant business model? That we need a service that charges to send e-mail? That you can learn more about design at Hershey Park than at an Apple store, and more about marketing at summer camp than at b-school?

All of these riffs add up to a few essential themes:

It’s hard to find a Sabra (native Israeli) who isn’t interested in politics. Very hard. And I’mcertainly no different. Part of one’s political involvement comes from the quick media, T.V, news, radio and newspapers. Those vehicles carry the everyday gossip of politics with updates and instant analysis. And then, there’s the published press. At it’s best, lengthy, interview driven and heavily researched and minimally biased. At its worst, it’s a propaganda tool. Boomerang by Ofer Shelach and Raviv Druker confidently ranks in the first group. For any (Hebrew reading) person that would like to understand Israeli politics between the years 1999-2005, this is the book to read. Boomerang outlines the government and leadership of both Israel and the Palestinian Authority from the day the Oslo agreements were signed to 2005, just after the death of Yasser Araft. All the political upheavals, the terror attacks, retaliations, blockages, and American involvement are carefully explained as well as how different individuals have influenced key decisions that were made. The book gives a deep insight into Israeli politics and internal security by surveying the complicated relationship between the Minister of defense, the commander in chief, the Shabaq (Israeli general security service) and the different intelligence agencies that vie restlessly to shape and color the leaders perception. A strong and sobering read. 10/10

This weekend I had the peculiar privilege of watching both Borat and Jesus Camp. The first, a hit docu-comedy about a Kazach journalist (played by Sasha Baron-Cohen) who’s traveling through the US and clashes with the local culture while the later is a documentary about a pentocostal teen preacher who’s taking her roll much too seriously.

While Borat was a smash hit in the movie theraters, I found it to be cheap, dirty and low. Very low. Sasha Baron Cohen has decided to film himself while he embaraces every possible ethnic minority and majority social group, pretending to journalists who’s trying to get accustomed to American culture. Some scenes are indeed amusing and humuros (like the one of Borat trying to learn to tell jokes or trying to kiss bystanders on the NYC subway) but others are simply grotesque (Borat nude wrestling with his obese manager, Azamat Bogdanov).

Jesus Camp also has it’s fair share of disturbing scenes (10 and 11 year-olds speaking in tongues trying to communicate with the holy spirit, crying, screaming and contorting in the traditional pentecostal worship style). The movies collide when Borat, destitute and lonely, finds a pentecostal church and joins in the hopla only to find himself being brought on stage and being “touched” by the holy spirit and then falling down to his knees screaming “Jesus, Jesus.”

Even though both movies are radically different, I had the same bitter after taste once I was done watching. Maybe it was the behemot behavior of Borat or the fanatical, blindly obedient conviction of the home schooled children that rattled me. I’m not sure yet. But what I do know that I feel a bit uncomfortable sharing the planet with some of the people I saw on the screen. And to think that they made a serious buck from this…. means that some people actually liked it. That’s even more disturbing.

 published 1987, 235 pages

Donald is known for his macho bravado headline character that graces front pages and news flashes. His confrontational and stylistic persona is a love it-hate it issue but as far as his business and deal asking abilities, he is definitely unique. His ability to get leverage, prey for the right opportunity and the right timing and his ability to assemble a strong team around him has made him a celebrity businessman. The art of the deal is written in an autobiographical fashion. It’s not a self help book but rather, a collection of stories about Trump’s escapades in real estate, gambling, professional sports and New York politics. Besides being entertaining, one can learn a plenty fro Trumps approach to business. He is meticulous, tenacious and extremely persistent. His stand with the USFAL alone is an impressive bravado story that exposes Trumps’ sophistication (winning the anti trust case against the NFL) and his uncanny ability to exploit questionable opportunities (asking USFAL commissionaire to share his quarterback’s salary because the latter looked good on camera). But on a serious note, there are some serious lessons to be found in Trump’s tale. What touched e most was the issue of leverage and lending. The ability to go beyond one’s own motivation for deal making and finding ways to benefit others in the process were an eye opener. A good solid business book that is entertaining, fun and educational. 9/10

 360 pages, published in 2005.

Welch has written several books since he stepped down from the CEO position at GE. Naturally, his books have focused on leadership, management and CEOing one of the biggest and most complex corporations in the world. In Winning, Welch talks about his formula for successful management on all it’s aspects: hiring, firing, prioritization, mergers and acquisitions, dealing with change, work life balance, budgeting, six sigma, and dealing with a bad boss.  Much of his advice is pretty common sense and mundane but on several instances, he does have some good arguments regarding differentiation and rewards. According to Welch, every working environment has 10% stars, 70% grunt workers and 20% sub par performers. He advocates pampering the stars lavishly, and developing a very clear performance-reward relationship in order to motivate and incentives workers to move from one performance bracket to another. His “differentiation” method is a discrimination system based on performance where people move up or down strictly according to their performance.  Overall, I must say that there’s no new gospel in this book. It’s simply a solid, common-sense management book from a very credible and authoritative character with a rich life long experience in corporate management. If nothing else, you will find here a reminder of what it takes to be a good manager in a time and age where good managers are hard to come by. Read and apply. 7/10.

NYC marathon is coming up. Wish I could participate but I’m horribly out of shape. People come from all over the world for this particular marathon and half of Manhatan is blocked for almost a week because of it. Some event. Well, to do well on this one I’ll probobly need about 4-6 months of preparation. Maybe next year?

Started my half marathon training plan today with an early wieght lifting session. Tomorow I have 3 miles to run in the morning. and 2 miles the day after. Will balance performance with a liquid diet and base my main meals on soups and salads.