Book Reviewed: World Order by Henry Kissinger
Henry Kissinger makes a strong argument for world order
If we take a look around the globe; the future looks grim. Islamic terrorism, beheadings in Iraq and Syria; long and arduous engagement of American military in the Middle East; Russian aggression in Ukraine; China's domination in Asia; threat of Ebola in Africa; and the global economy that grew too fast; but economists worry that this is another big bubble which may burst at any time. Are we going to see a much bigger crash than 1929 or 2008? In the face of these threats, Americans are unsure about a peaceful and prosperous world ahead of them. In this book, Henry Kissinger, the Secretary of State in The Nixon and Ford administrations reflect on these global problems that are spinning out of control, and discusses passionately from the point of economics, national history, regional politics, geography and religion in trying to understand how we got here and where we can go next.
Different countries/regions had their own versions of world order. Islamic leaders are still oriented toward a division between the Dar al Islam (the Islamic world led by a caliph) and the Dar al Harb (or "house of war"), and the non-Islamic entities (non-believers, infidels) must be subjugated. This is particularly relevant with the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. There is a no effort to reform the faith; and its beliefs and practices are in direct conflict with Western civilization. But China, a communist super power, is highly bent on global domination economically and politically. Its domineering effect in Asian politics is highly visible.
Kissinger does not directly answer the question as how we bring world order, but suggest methods for organizing power-to-power relationships in the global arena. America alone cannot solve all problems of the world but it needs allies. This is clearly evident in Middle East where many Arab nations openly supported air campaign against ISIS to stop it and hopefully defeat it.
Secretary of State Hilary Clinton thinks United States is uniquely positioned to lead the world. The enduring strength of armed forces and the resilience of American economy and the leadership it showed in winning the cold war with Soviets is a great example of how we can bring some world order: The threat of nuclear war between United States and Soviet Union was averted by sheer diplomacy.
If the major players use different and largely incompatible methods for organizing the world, then we will continue to have problems. In presence of bipartisan politics in America and in the world of political correctness, it is a challenge to address real issues, but honest dialogue with all global leaders will help rebuild a political consensus to take on the perils.
John Micklethwait, reviewing for New York Times, suggest that "that every member of Congress should be locked in a room with - and forced to read (this book) before taking the oath of office." I am not sure he literally means that but he understands the depth and intensity of this book. I very much enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it to anyone who wants to understand the current state of affairs in the world.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Book Review: Image of America; Carmel-by-the-sea by Monica Hudson
Book Reviewed: Images of America; Carmel-by-the-sea by Monica Hudson
Title: A celebration of the history of Carmel-by-the-Sea
This book is a celebration of the history of beach community of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Some of the most picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean lies along the coastal region of this town and its surroundings that spread south towards Big Sur. Using the archival photographs, the book presents the distinctive stories from the past that shaped the character of the community today. There are many examples that one can cite from the book to makes an interesting comparison with the community today. I found the following photographs very interesting; A group of Carmel residents walking on the Carmel Beach on a foggy summer of 1915; the 1880 view of Carmel Bay and Santa Lucia Mountains; the Carmel mission as it stood on the day of Nov 4, 1879; a picture of Hotel Carmel in downtown taken in 1915; a 1908 picture of growing downtown at the Ocean Avenue. The 1914 photo of a cottage of Stanford Professor Stewart Young at the corner of Lincoln Street and Fourth Avenue; A 1913 picture of the community church at the corner of Lincoln and Seventh Avenue.
The first attempt to create the community at this location was made in 1771 by a Spanish born Franciscan priest. Later, a women's real estate investment company first coined the name Carmel-by-the-Sea. The village grew rapidly after 1906 San Francisco earthquake when refugees started arriving at the beach community of Carmel; construction grew in downtown area .The photograph of a post office in 1903 which expanded after the arrival of the refugees illustrates the effect of growth on the village.
There are some interesting pictures of Clint Eastwood during his 1986 campaign for the Mayor of Carmel. During this time, there was a general fear among long time residents that growth and tourism may change the community for ever. So protective measures were taken to prohibit glaring neon signs, no large hotels, shopping malls or major business constructions. The protective measures are still in force and the development is limited and it still retains the beauty and tranquility of a beach community. Traditionally the town attracted large number of artists, writers and academics from Stanford and Berkeley who made their homes here.
This is one of the great books of the Images of America Series published by Arcadia Publishers. I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in Carmel.
Title: A celebration of the history of Carmel-by-the-Sea
This book is a celebration of the history of beach community of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Some of the most picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean lies along the coastal region of this town and its surroundings that spread south towards Big Sur. Using the archival photographs, the book presents the distinctive stories from the past that shaped the character of the community today. There are many examples that one can cite from the book to makes an interesting comparison with the community today. I found the following photographs very interesting; A group of Carmel residents walking on the Carmel Beach on a foggy summer of 1915; the 1880 view of Carmel Bay and Santa Lucia Mountains; the Carmel mission as it stood on the day of Nov 4, 1879; a picture of Hotel Carmel in downtown taken in 1915; a 1908 picture of growing downtown at the Ocean Avenue. The 1914 photo of a cottage of Stanford Professor Stewart Young at the corner of Lincoln Street and Fourth Avenue; A 1913 picture of the community church at the corner of Lincoln and Seventh Avenue.
The first attempt to create the community at this location was made in 1771 by a Spanish born Franciscan priest. Later, a women's real estate investment company first coined the name Carmel-by-the-Sea. The village grew rapidly after 1906 San Francisco earthquake when refugees started arriving at the beach community of Carmel; construction grew in downtown area .The photograph of a post office in 1903 which expanded after the arrival of the refugees illustrates the effect of growth on the village.
There are some interesting pictures of Clint Eastwood during his 1986 campaign for the Mayor of Carmel. During this time, there was a general fear among long time residents that growth and tourism may change the community for ever. So protective measures were taken to prohibit glaring neon signs, no large hotels, shopping malls or major business constructions. The protective measures are still in force and the development is limited and it still retains the beauty and tranquility of a beach community. Traditionally the town attracted large number of artists, writers and academics from Stanford and Berkeley who made their homes here.
This is one of the great books of the Images of America Series published by Arcadia Publishers. I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in Carmel.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Book Review: Lupe Velez and lovers by Floyd Conner
Book Reviewed: Lupe Velez and lovers by Floyd Conner
The tumultuous life of Lupe Velez, a Mexican hot tamale
I very much enjoyed reading this book about the life and works of one of the most successful actresses from south of the border. The author has researched her life pretty well and discusses many features of her life that are not reported in other works. Lupe Velez is widely known as Mexican Spitfire because of her tremendous outbursts and fights with anyone she has problems with. Her well publicized relationship with actor Gary Cooper and fear of loosing him to another woman makes her so jealous that she goes far enough of taking a shot at him with a fire arm. Cooper was on his way to Europe for a much needed vacation. At one time Cooper was strongly interested in marrying her except that his mother was against that union.
She was constantly in the company of leading men. She collected men as easily as she collected gems and furs. Lupe Velez's reputation as being a nymphomaniac is the worst kept secrets; she lured pretty much everyone she worked with into her bed. Lupe was also vocal about the sexual prowess of her lovers which caused some hesitation on the part of Clark Gable. She had the reputation of throwing the wildest parties; in early thirties she use to rival with Clara Bow in throwing the wildest parties in Beverly Hills.
Lupe brought a new kind of sex appeal to films. Her love scenes with Douglas Fairbanks Sr., in the movie "Gaucho" caused a sensation that many thought it was a pugilistic encounter. The author claims that she had affair with him with the knowledge of his wife Mary Pickford.
After returning from her Broadway career, RKO Studios offered her starring role in "The Girl from Mexico" which established her as the box office attraction and she went on to make eight Mexican Spitfire movies between 1939-1943. It is a series about s hot tempered south of the border fire cracker. Yet for most fans she was adorable. She is best remembered for these films.
Her last lover was Harald Ramond and she announced that she will marry the father of her unborn baby on Nov 27, 1944 and when he turned her down, she went into a state of depression. Two weeks later she commits suicide. It was neatly thought and well planned exit from this world. She goes to Hollywood premiere of her movie "Nana" with her best friend Estelle Taylor and Benita Oakie. Critics said that it was her best drama. She returned home in Beverly Hills with her two friends and they feast on a big Mexican dinner and the guests leave at about 3 AM. They didn't know that was the last time they would see her alive. Her bedroom was filled with fragrant gardenias and tuberose, lots of candles, and an overdose of Seconal sleeping pills. That was a sad end of a glamorous life who entertained fans across the globe.
This book nicely written and reads effortlessly. I recommend this book to her fans and anyone interested in Hollywood history.
The tumultuous life of Lupe Velez, a Mexican hot tamale
I very much enjoyed reading this book about the life and works of one of the most successful actresses from south of the border. The author has researched her life pretty well and discusses many features of her life that are not reported in other works. Lupe Velez is widely known as Mexican Spitfire because of her tremendous outbursts and fights with anyone she has problems with. Her well publicized relationship with actor Gary Cooper and fear of loosing him to another woman makes her so jealous that she goes far enough of taking a shot at him with a fire arm. Cooper was on his way to Europe for a much needed vacation. At one time Cooper was strongly interested in marrying her except that his mother was against that union.
She was constantly in the company of leading men. She collected men as easily as she collected gems and furs. Lupe Velez's reputation as being a nymphomaniac is the worst kept secrets; she lured pretty much everyone she worked with into her bed. Lupe was also vocal about the sexual prowess of her lovers which caused some hesitation on the part of Clark Gable. She had the reputation of throwing the wildest parties; in early thirties she use to rival with Clara Bow in throwing the wildest parties in Beverly Hills.
Lupe brought a new kind of sex appeal to films. Her love scenes with Douglas Fairbanks Sr., in the movie "Gaucho" caused a sensation that many thought it was a pugilistic encounter. The author claims that she had affair with him with the knowledge of his wife Mary Pickford.
After returning from her Broadway career, RKO Studios offered her starring role in "The Girl from Mexico" which established her as the box office attraction and she went on to make eight Mexican Spitfire movies between 1939-1943. It is a series about s hot tempered south of the border fire cracker. Yet for most fans she was adorable. She is best remembered for these films.
Her last lover was Harald Ramond and she announced that she will marry the father of her unborn baby on Nov 27, 1944 and when he turned her down, she went into a state of depression. Two weeks later she commits suicide. It was neatly thought and well planned exit from this world. She goes to Hollywood premiere of her movie "Nana" with her best friend Estelle Taylor and Benita Oakie. Critics said that it was her best drama. She returned home in Beverly Hills with her two friends and they feast on a big Mexican dinner and the guests leave at about 3 AM. They didn't know that was the last time they would see her alive. Her bedroom was filled with fragrant gardenias and tuberose, lots of candles, and an overdose of Seconal sleeping pills. That was a sad end of a glamorous life who entertained fans across the globe.
This book nicely written and reads effortlessly. I recommend this book to her fans and anyone interested in Hollywood history.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Movie: Safe in hell (1931), starring Dorothy Mackaill
Movie Reviewed: Safe in hell (1931), starring Dorothy Mackaill
A young lady in distress
Dorothy Mackaill is one the most beautiful women at the dawn of Hollywood and once predicted be a strong competitor to legendry actresses Carol Lombard and Jean Harlow, but unfortunately her career was short lived for lack of good opportunities. This is one of the most controversial movies of the pre-code era that tackled difficult topics but managed to pass the scrutiny of the church and the public.
One of the iconic photograph of the beautiful MacKaill sitting in a scantily cladded negligée with legs spread is from this movie, and this has been re-printed in many books about pre-code films. In this 1931 movie, brilliantly directed by William Wellman, the story revolves around gorgeous Mackaill. With a string of bad lucks in her jobs, at the height of great depression, she is forced to practice the "oldest profession" to pay her bills. In addition, she had to face a false rap that she murdered her male customer. She runs with her boyfriend and lives in a remote Caribbean island. The motel is inhabited by a group of lecherous and criminal men who try to make all kinds of unwanted advances towards her when her sailor boyfriend is away. But she staves off all their advances, because she loved her boyfriend. She waits for him until he returns from his business. Unforeseen circumstances develop that puts her into much deeper trouble. This is an outstanding drama and one of the best performances of Dorothy Mackaill. A similar themed movie was made by another sensational actress Tallulah Bankhead in the 1932 movie "Faithless" starring Robert Montgomery. I very much enjoyed watching this movie and I highly recommend this to anyone interested in the films of Dorothy Mackaill, Hollywood history, early Hollywood and pre-code movies.
A young lady in distress
Dorothy Mackaill is one the most beautiful women at the dawn of Hollywood and once predicted be a strong competitor to legendry actresses Carol Lombard and Jean Harlow, but unfortunately her career was short lived for lack of good opportunities. This is one of the most controversial movies of the pre-code era that tackled difficult topics but managed to pass the scrutiny of the church and the public.
One of the iconic photograph of the beautiful MacKaill sitting in a scantily cladded negligée with legs spread is from this movie, and this has been re-printed in many books about pre-code films. In this 1931 movie, brilliantly directed by William Wellman, the story revolves around gorgeous Mackaill. With a string of bad lucks in her jobs, at the height of great depression, she is forced to practice the "oldest profession" to pay her bills. In addition, she had to face a false rap that she murdered her male customer. She runs with her boyfriend and lives in a remote Caribbean island. The motel is inhabited by a group of lecherous and criminal men who try to make all kinds of unwanted advances towards her when her sailor boyfriend is away. But she staves off all their advances, because she loved her boyfriend. She waits for him until he returns from his business. Unforeseen circumstances develop that puts her into much deeper trouble. This is an outstanding drama and one of the best performances of Dorothy Mackaill. A similar themed movie was made by another sensational actress Tallulah Bankhead in the 1932 movie "Faithless" starring Robert Montgomery. I very much enjoyed watching this movie and I highly recommend this to anyone interested in the films of Dorothy Mackaill, Hollywood history, early Hollywood and pre-code movies.
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