What would happen if a solar storm of significance hit earth today?  It's thought that during previous extinctions, solar activity affected life on earth. This book offers a glimpse of what would happen to the build up of a solar activity. How our governments and individual groups respond. Interesting social investigation of a response to an extinction level event. Not sure what I'd do or even be able to do. I tend to like the genre wondering how things in our world may change radically and how they'd disrupt the trivial issues that consume us daily. 

This book covers Roman politics from around 240 BC to the time of Christ. The early part of the book lays out the ruling structure of ancient Rome, the social classes of Patricians and Plebs and the positions they may take in the governance of Rome. I was struck that the top tier were military leaders who were able to raise armies recruited on the promise of payment from their own fortunes and from the plunder they took from defeated lands. The military leaders used their armies to amass riches and for self-protection against enemies from inside and out of Rome. 

Roman rulers could seize power and claim dictatorship during times of crisis. Most were temporary but one one example of Sulla's was interesting to see the effects of his dictatorship and the brutality he incurred on his enemies and the fact that he didn't give up his dictatorship. But through his policies to change the political structure and the murder of his enemies he created a structure that allowed him to survive. There's a lesson in here that's been repeated through history.

Social tensions are discussed in the book as well. The role of Romans, Italians and other conquered people in the empire were discussed. Certainly another class structure in place. It was interesting how some could claim lineage through payments, adoption and claims to gain position and authority. The climax happens at 44 BC when Cesar is murdered in the Senate and the political fallout of that action to all the players. 

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Politics, power and institutional authority drove life in Rome and we can learn many things from this Republic but it seems we need to repeat the events because we're human and through history, obtaining and keeping power have remained. 

Tony’s blunt and to the point. Men should be men. I liked his description of what he does when he needs to take charge and provide confidence in his support and engagement. He puts up 3 fingers signaling to his wife one thing “I’ve Got It” providing her confidence in him doing his job. 

Hamilton joined the Washington administration and the secretary of Treasury joining a 3 person cabinet made up of Jefferson, secretary of State and Henry Knox, secretary of War. Hamilton’s department dwarfed State and War departments in size and scope. The largest challenge in our first administration was crushing debt to finance the Revolution and the need to establish revenue generation capability - taxes and commerce. Treasury included a central bank, establishment of currency, customs, immigration and the Coast Guard (for the purpose of regulating and protecting trade). By the end of his term, the US had established a credit rating on par with most of Europe. The work he led was incredible - dealing with a wild economy, tax revolts (Whisky Rebellion) and the rise of political parties. 

It didn’t take long for the new American’s to learn to exploit the economic markets and create deep divisions with political parties. Incredible how people were able to manipulate the first markets, buying and manipulating prices in the US “IPO”. And how divisions among our leaders blossomed during our first years - even within Washington’s administration. the disagreements between Jefferson and Hamilton were deep and foretold the American Civil War where disagreements abounded around State vs Federal control; Agrarian vs Industrial and underlying it all, was slavery. The Federalists looking to establish a central government vs “Republican’s” seeking more state control. Thinking about what could have been if the US hadn’t established the goal to expand and unify. Would we have become like South American, many nations sharing North America? Interesting to see the questions and doubts our leaders had during the formation of the US. 

Alexander Hamilton was a genius who contributed greatly to the establishment of our nation. He was a trusted advisor of George Washington, an enemy of John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and George Clinton (1st governor or NY, his adopted  home). Obviously, his biggest foe was Aaron Burr, who also wasn’t trusted by many. Imaging what it would be like for the Vice President to shoot and kill a prominent figure, have an arrest warrant out for him and then return to the Senate. The enmity among our founders then gives me hope that we can get through the current political opposition. But maybe it only tells me that I should get used to it. 

Our cat wanted out of the house sometimes and we got tired of opening and closing the door for him. We have other cats in the area who know how to use pet doors. So, I wanted to get one that ONLY Corky (our cat) could get in. 

Researching, I found the Sure Flap cat door out of the UK that unlocks when your cat gets near. It reads their chip when he enters the door. It seemed good and its been out for a few years, I thought I’d give it a try. 

The installation was pretty straightforward, most of the time they expect you to install in a door, since I wanted to go through the wall, I needed to purchase the tunnel extension, 3 of them for a 2x6 wall. It all worked as advertised. The locking mechanism was slick and Corky loves being able to come and go when he wants. 

The broadway play is coming to Denver next year, I wanted to be prepared knowing the back story. Hamilton sounds like a prodigy. I’m half way through now, covering his upbringing, his parents situation and his becoming an orphan in St. Croix at age 14. Becoming a clerk for a local accountant, he began to understand trade, smuggling and customs. The West Indies are a major sugar producer, called white gold, it was in high demand. The West Indies were also a port of entry for African Slaves necessary for the sugar production. Hamilton saw all this and likely formed his abolitionist stance early on. 

Beginning to write for local newspapers, he is noticed for his advanced ideas and offered a scholarship in a northeastern college. Choosing between Princeton and Kings college, he chose the later entering at the old age of 18. Most students entered at age 12 or 13. But Hamilton, smallish and delicate fudged his age to 15 and began his studies. Ambitious and seeking fame, he joins the Patriots as an infantry officer as part of the New York regiment. Distinguishing himself both as an officer and an intellectual knowing multiple languages. He is reassigned to Washington’s staff for 4 years. Not satisfied, he longs to further distinguish himself in combat and forces Washington to allow him to assume command as a Colonel leading an artillery commander earning fame in Yorktown establishing himself as a Revolutionary war hero at the age of 25. Pretty incredible. 

Following the war, he observes the elite are in the law profession, not taking the traditional route by clerking for an established lawyer, he’s self-educates himself and passes the bar establishing his own practice in New York City. Marrying into a leading New York family, the Schuyler’s. 

Incredible man with intellect and ambition. He was both lucky and opportunistic he rose to the top of American power and influence all by the time he was 32 years old. 

Home automation through the use of remotes, light timers and motion sensors has always been interesting to me. Combining this with some of the newest technologies from leading Tech companies, I wanted to jump in. While still early days IMO, we’re a long way from the complexity of X10 technologies. Wanting to step in with a system compatible with *most* technologies, I chose the Lutron Caseta system since it worked with both my security system and Apple’s HomeKit. Also supported by automation scripting capabilities like IFTTT, I figured I’d have a lot of options. 

Replacing four switches with Caseta dimmers, I can now remotely control and automate lighting in my home. I also added a couple more manual dimmers in locations that I didn’t think automation would be needed. I can imagine a day when its normal for entire houses are connected realizing that its already happening. Pretty incredible how fast this technology is maturing. The installation was easy, same as replacing any light switch. I needed new switch plates. Something we needed anyway since the existing ones are pretty basic. The manual controls allow you to use them immediately. But Caseta requires a smart hub to enable automation and remote control. My first hub worked with the luton app and my security system but wasn’t the version that worked with HomeKit even though the model # and box said it did. Returning and purchasing a new one corrected this. 

Behind the scenes view of the story focusing on its reflection of real life experiences of Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld at the beginning and then of the writers as it gained traction and was picked up. The book focused on the cultural impact its had, how it lasted 9 years. the decision to stop and the lasting affect its had 18 years since. The stories are well know since I also keep 7 episodes on my DVR to watch regularly. Though dated, its still funny and fun to watch. Finding the @Seinfeld2000 and @SeinfeldToday Twitter feed and learning the stories behind them is a great way to laugh about the show today imagining new stories that ring true to real life. 

Makes a lot of cases for American imperialism and unfair treatment of emerging countries. Johnson presents the American version of colonialism and the results we're experiencing in our relationships with other countries around the world. Johnson is specific interpreting American actions from our history from the perspective of the local domestic population.

Note: I did not complete the book, just half. The aggressive, argumentative tone of the book made it difficult to keep reading. 

Hamilton joined the Washington administration and the secretary of Treasury joining a 3 person cabinet made up of Jefferson, secretary of State and Henry Knox, secretary of War. Hamilton’s department dwarfed State and War departments in size and scope. The largest challenge in our first administration was crushing debt to finance the Revolution and the need to establish revenue generation capability - taxes and commerce. Treasury included a central bank, establishment of currency, customs, immigration and the Coast Guard (for the purpose of regulating and protecting trade). By the end of his term, the US had established a credit rating on par with most of Europe. The work he led was incredible - dealing with a wild economy, tax revolts (Whisky Rebellion) and the rise of political parties. 

It didn’t take long for the new American’s to learn to exploit the economic markets and create deep divisions with political parties. Incredible how people were able to manipulate the first markets, buying and manipulating prices in the US “IPO”. And how divisions among our leaders blossomed during our first years - even within Washington’s administration. the disagreements between Jefferson and Hamilton were deep and foretold the American Civil War where disagreements abounded around State vs Federal control; Agrarian vs Industrial and underlying it all, was slavery. The Federalists looking to establish a central government vs “Republican’s” seeking more state control. Thinking about what could have been if the US hadn’t established the goal to expand and unify. Would we have become like South American, many nations sharing North America? Interesting to see the questions and doubts our leaders had during the formation of the US. 

Alexander Hamilton was a genius who contributed greatly to the establishment of our nation. He was a trusted advisor of George Washington, an enemy of John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and George Clinton (1st governor or NY, his adopted  home). Obviously, his biggest foe was Aaron Burr, who also wasn’t trusted by many. Imaging what it would be like for the Vice President to shoot and kill a prominent figure, have an arrest warrant out for him and then return to the Senate. The enmity among our founders then gives me hope that we can get through the current political opposition. But maybe it only tells me that I should get used to it. 

Our cat wanted out of the house sometimes and we got tired of opening and closing the door for him. We have other cats in the area who know how to use pet doors. So, I wanted to get one that ONLY Corky (our cat) could get in. 

Researching, I found the Sure Flap cat door out of the UK that unlocks when your cat gets near. It reads their chip when he enters the door. It seemed good and its been out for a few years, I thought I’d give it a try. 

The installation was pretty straightforward, most of the time they expect you to install in a door, since I wanted to go through the wall, I needed to purchase the tunnel extension, 3 of them for a 2x6 wall. It all worked as advertised. The locking mechanism was slick and Corky loves being able to come and go when he wants.