Listen to Elon

On By Rick McIn climate change, economics, ethics, Facebook, GOP USA, government, internet, product complaints, Twitter1 Comment

I’m often critical of Elon Musk. Turned off by his egomania.

Disappointed in his juvenile comments from the bully pulpit of Twitter. One of the richest and most powerful men in the world attacking and mocking people who are unable to fight back.

I’m disappointed that a guy who claims he doesn’t care about money is so reluctant to pay more in taxes though his businesses have received billions of dollars in tax subsidies.

That said, I admire almost everything else. His work ethic. His companies, especially Boring and Starlink.

Elon Musk does much more good for the world than bad. He’s scientific and well aware of the risks of climate change. He calls for a carbon tax. Musk endorsed Andrew Yang and expressed support for his proposed universal basic income.

Though the headlines shout that Elon is a “free speech absolutist”, Musk himself says Twitter must abide by the laws of each nation. I doubt much will change in terms of Twitter policy in Canada or the USA.

In fact, I’m guessing Twitter will be better for me with Musk as owner.

Warren had me watch this recent interview. Elon defends his life and ethics quite well.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Mercy Falls by William Kent Krueger

On By Rick McIn booksLeave a comment

Each book in the Cork O’Connor series has gotten better, so far.

Mercy Falls is #5.

Back in the saddle as sheriff of Tamarack County, Cork O’Connor is lured to the nearby Ojibwe reservation on what appears to be a routine call — only to become the target of sniper fire.

Soon after, he’s called to investigate a mutilated body found perched above the raging waters of Mercy Falls. The victim is Eddie Jacoby, a Chicago businessman negotiating an unpopular contract between his management firm and the local Indian casino. …

Amazon

The two incidents are somehow connected. But how?

NO WARS – And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda

On By Rick McIn ethics, government, musicLeave a comment

And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda is the best anti-war song I know. Pete Seeger called it “one of the world’s greatest songs.”

Remind yourself that old men of privilege and power like Putin send young men to needless deaths.

Click PLAY or watch the Pogue’s version on YouTube.

It was written by Scottish-Australian Eric Bogle in 1969.

Cold Wind by C.J. Box

On By Rick McIn booksLeave a comment

Very entertaining.

Book #11 in the series about Wyoming Game Warden Joe Pickett.

Each book is based around one big issue in Wyoming. This time it’s wind turbines.

When Earl Alden is found dead, dangling from a wind turbine, it’s his wife, Missy, who is arrested.

Unfortunately for Joe Pickett, Missy is his mother-in-law, a woman he dislikes heartily, and now he doesn’t know what to do—especially when the early signs point to her being guilty as sin.

But then things happen to make Joe wonder: Is Earl’s death what it appears to be? Is Missy being set up? He has the county DA and sheriff on one side, his wife on the other, his estranged friend Nate on a lethal mission of his own, and some powerful interests breathing down his neck. …

CJBox.net

Entry Island by Peter May

On By Rick McIn uncategorizedLeave a comment

An award winning Crime Book of the Year, Entry Island is excellent.

Detective Sime Mackenzie travels as part of an eight-officer investigation team. Sime’s destination lies in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Only two kilometres wide and three long, Entry Island is home to a population of around 130 inhabitants – the wealthiest of which has just been discovered murdered in his home.

The investigation itself appears little more than a formality. The evidence points to a crime of passion: the victim’s wife the vengeful culprit. But for Sime the investigation is turned on its head when he comes face to face with the prime suspect, and is convinced that he knows her – even though they have never met. …

MayPeter.com

The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz

On By Rick McIn books2 Comments

One of the hottest books of 2021 is great.

Though the writing is average … AND the book could have been shorter … the PLOT is excellent. It kept me going. I didn’t see the twist coming until close to the end.

… “The Plot” is her gutsiest, most consequential book yet. It keeps you guessing and wondering, and also keeps you thinking: about ambition, fame and the nature of intellectual property (the analog kind). Are there a finite number of stories? Is there a statute of limitations on ownership of unused ideas? These weighty questions mingle with a love story, a mystery and a striver’s journey — three of the most satisfying flavors of fiction out there.”

— The New York Times

Jacob Finch Bonner was once a promising young novelist with a respectably published first book.

Today, he’s teaching in a third-rate MFA program and struggling to maintain what’s left of his self-respect; he hasn’t written―let alone published―anything decent in years.

When Evan Parker, his most arrogant student, announces he doesn’t need Jake’s help because the plot of his book in progress is a sure thing, Jake is prepared to dismiss the boast as typical amateur narcissism. But then…he hears the plot.

… When he discovers that his former student has died, presumably without ever completing his book, Jake does what any self-respecting writer would do with a story like that―a story that absolutely needs to be told. …

BookBrowse

My Electronics Bag for Travel

On By Rick McIn product endorsements, travelLeave a comment

I stumbled upon the HIGHPASS HYBRID BRIEFCASE BACKPACK in an electronics store. And was instantly impressed with the look, feel and weight (762 grams or 29 ounces).

I discarded the shoulder strap, further dropping the weight.

On the road, I frequently need to day trip with my laptop and a just a few extra items. Jacket. Snacks.

Read a review.

Purgatory Ridge by William Kent Krueger

On By Rick McIn booksLeave a comment

Another excellent murder mystery in the Cork O’Connor series.

The author was inspired by the true story of Dennis Hale, sole survivor of the wreck of a ship called the Daniel J. Morrell on Lake Superior in 1966.

In the novel, a similar ship wreck survivor plots revenge on who he thinks was responsible the disaster — wealthy industrialist Karl Lindstrom.

At the same time in Aurora, Minnesota (population 3,752), there is brewing controversy between Lindstrom’s logging company and the Anishinaabe tribe who consider the old growth trees sacred.