Rob Port of the Say Anything Blog interviewed me about my novel, Universal Coverage. Here’s a link to the audio file.
http://www.houndbite.com/?houndbite=21800
Rob read the book carefully, and it was a pleasure speaking with him about it.
Liars and Looters!
Geroge Will, who has been known to show amazing insight, penned a great column yesterday. Here is my favorite part:
“Before equating Harry Reid to Henry Clay, understand that buying 60 Senate votes is a process more protracted than difficult. Reid was buying the votes of senators whose understanding of the duties of representation does not rise above looting the nation for local benefits. And Reid had two advantages — the spending, taxing and borrowing powers of the federal leviathan, and an almost gorgeous absence of scruples or principles. Principles are general rules, such as: Nebraska should not be exempt from burdens imposed on the other 49 states.”
The emphasis in BOLD RED is mine.
Let there be no doubt. This so-called healthcare bill is as bogus as the day is long. And not many years from now Americans will be kicking and scratching each other for the FAVORS the government-run system (which will replace the private sector after Congress destroys it with their nonsense) meters out a pittance of the monies collected in taxes, fees, and other extortion-like practices.
Thus, read my novel, Universal Coverage, for a preview of what it’s going to be like. It won’t be pretty.
Universal Coverage, the cover
The cover design for my novel, Universal Coverage, has been finalized. Here is a look at the front:
A few cover blurbs came in at the last minute, which kept the designers working over time. I think it was worth it. I like the look, the message it sends, and the way it stands out among other books. Look for it online or at a bookstore near you on 15 December 2009. You can pre-order if you like, too.
Sloops of the Hudson River
The Sloops of the Hudson River is a fascinating work about these sailing craft that once plied the waters from New York City to Albany and beyond. The book is written by Paul E. Fontenoy and published by the Mystic Seaport Museum.
Those of you not interested in sailing vessels may want to pass. However, if you have a passing interest in how New York and its environs developed, you are well advised to consider this book. In the first place, Mr. Fontenoy tackles the details with a bit of flair, adding in personal contemporary accounts to bring life to a subject that would otherwise be too many facts and figures. Similarly, he has fold-out designs of various sloops which give the reader an opportunity to see their design from every angle. He goes all the way to produce financial records from various businesses to demonstrate the rise and fall of the traffic these vessels conducted.
After a bit of pondering, I propose that the development of trade, and in particular the efforts these owners and sailors invested into their operations, are demonstrable evidence to the evolution of the American Character. Here are people making their living on their own, without supreme guidance or central planning. They profited or failed much of their own accord, learning lessons from both experiences along the way. When their achievements of a more basic age are compared against those of today’s sophistication, I dare say modern progress seems a bit lacking.
If nothing else, those sailing types among my readers will enjoy the book for its technical excellence and readability. Enjoy it.
The Bent Page 
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