steinharterm

Humility

Does it exist any more? In this day and age it almost seems like it has gone out of fashion. The President of the United States demonstrates none, and surrounds himself with similars. His role model behavior has inspired others around the world…or others have inspired him. Who cares. It’s definitely not gone. It isContinue reading “Humility”

The Best Dog in the World

I picked up this book recently and admit I’ve only just started it, but it already speaks to me. I find myself meandering through all the dogs who have shaped my life. I love my kids a lot but the dogs I’ve loved a lot too, and when it comes to unconditional love there’s nothingContinue reading “The Best Dog in the World”

Are we in decline?

Don’t read this further looking for data to support my thesis. I readily admit that this post is anecdotal in nature and am sure that some MAGA types will argue it. Nonetheless…. As I watch and travel and listen and read, I see only evidence that the USA is in decline. Decline from what? TheContinue reading “Are we in decline?”

Why I prefer non-fiction

The short answer is: because I learn something. I read novels, and I enjoy them; mostly they are either escapist (Baldacci, Michael Connolly) or moving, thought-provoking and admirable (Theo of Golden, Julian Barnes, Fredrik Backman, Dickens). I am usually reading at least two books, one of which is fiction and the other is non-fiction. I’mContinue reading “Why I prefer non-fiction”

My time with Robert Reich and Naomi Klein

Over the last couple of weeks I read these two books. Robert Reich’s book “Coming Up Short” and Naomi Klein’s book “Doppelganger.” Reich’s title is a play on the fact that he is extraordinarily short (just under 5 feet tall) and the fact that our democracy has come up way short in recent years. IContinue reading “My time with Robert Reich and Naomi Klein”

New Zealand

I haven’t been everywhere, but based on the 40+ countries I have visited in the last 40+ years, I am quite sure that New Zealand is the most beautiful place on earth. We’ve just returned from a 10-day visit to the south island of New Zealand. It wasn’t our first visit, as we did liveContinue reading “New Zealand”

All the Presidents (Are) Men

I realize that it’s obvious – all of the US Presidents have been men, and all but one have been white men. (tall white men.) I’m not sure that’s served us well. I think back on the Presidents who have been in office that I can recall having an opinion about. Nixon was clearly aContinue reading “All the Presidents (Are) Men”

Like two colors

I just finished Frederick Backman’s latest book, My Friends. Its as much fun as he always is, but more than fun – also clever and thought provoking. At one point, he says (or his character says) that “we’re not like two magnets. We’re like two colors. Once they were mixed together there was no wayContinue reading “Like two colors”

Surrey

We said goodby to Surrey on February 3, 2026. She had been with us – as my son Will’s dog – since 2/11/12. She was a little over 14 years old. It has taken me several weeks to get up the courage to write this post. We have had many pets over the years. IContinue reading “Surrey”

Are we a heartless nation?

I have never thought so. I was brought up to believe that we – the USA – are not only the most powerful nation on earth, but also the one that takes care of the world. We spent billions in Africa, we ran to the defense of a multitude of peoples who we thought wereContinue reading “Are we a heartless nation?”