Imperial Ambitions: Conversations on the Post 9/11 World by Noam Chomsky

A friend of mine suggested that I should read the books of Chomsky. She showed me one that she was reading but was not willing to give it up so I could borrow it. She just could not part with that book and I simply could not understand it when she had lent me numerous book before. That is, until I finally got a copy of this and another of Chomsky's books (Failed States: The Abuse of Power and the Assault on Democracy) for myself and started reading them.

True, Chomsky's perspective is rather from the left side of the spectrum and the conversations (with David Barsamian) documented in this book are quite choppy both in topic and in depth of coverage, but his analysis of the US government's policies are well proven in the facts of history and the daily news. Even if the population at large is spoon-fed some saviour-like efforts from the high ranks of power, and grand visions of democratizing (whatever that means nowadays) the world. All this while the world's despise for US foreign policy is at an all-time high.

I found Chomsky's points very strong and thought provoking, albeit inconsistent on occasion. The book is an interesting read, difficult to put down, while one really would have to filter the statements with some healthy common sense and caution.

"His caustic denunciations of American 'war crimes'-comparisons to Nazi Germany are never far from hand-serve up plenty of red meat for his legions of fans on the disaffected left, but the discursive, unsystematic format is not the best introduction for readers unfamiliar with his nonconformist views" - writes the Publishers Weekly. Interesting to note in this criticism that its base-line problem with Chomsky is "his nonconformist views". Since when is conformism a virtue and lack of it fallacy?

STOP WORKING: Here's How You Can Using the Strategy of Canada's Youngest Retiree by Derek Foster

A welcome introductory work into the thinking of the investor who has a long-term vision in mind, that of retiring early and comfortably. Way too many investors jump into the market with the assumption of quick bucks. Way too many seminars, books, etc. promote the mentality of the day trader, and try to attract novice investors with practically no theoretical background or financial staying power to the world of options and futures.

The Derek Foster book, in contrast, proposes a much more cautios and well-reasoned approach for those who are willing to start early and do not expect to meet the retirement nest egg objective within the first year or so. The proposed strategy works in a remarkably simple manner. Don't go for the promise of quick gain. Go with investment that involves:
- companies whose business you understand
- companies that are recession proof
- companies that have a long and positive dividend track record

I like the STOP WORKING approach for its simplicity.

One caution: the stocks listed in the book (and its follow-up The Lazy Investor: Start with $50...and no Investment Knowledge) may refer to stock that may not be offered or may not match the above criteria any longer.

A day at the Gallery

Yesterday was the opening of the exhibition of my wife's ceramic art at the Toronto Cedar Ridge Gallery. There were two other talented artists showing their pieces creating a very supportive environment with good energy. It was a great success! Lots of friends and their friends came. Here are some pictures. More to come.

The gallery is at:
225 Confederation Drive,
Scarborough, ON M1G 1B2
Phone: 416-396-4026