One of my Favorite Essays by Vaclav Havel

This essay appeared in Esquire magazine in October 1993. The title is “Never Hope Against Hope”. Here is a link to a PDF of it: vaclav-havel-hope-essay

Tour de France 2008

Update: As we know, Sastre won. Better luck next year Cadel! Maybe Vandevelde? We’ll see.

American Christian Vandevelde is rising in the overall standings (as of 7-14-08). I was really glad to see Cadel Evans fight every minute un the Tourmalet and Hautacam after his crash the day before. His acceptance of the yellow jersey on the podium was so emotionally charged. I like the High Road – Columbia team, but Kim Kirchen almost seemed bored on the podium.

I really like Oscar Freire, but he didn’t seem to excited to pull on the green jersey on stage either. Maybe he wanted the stage win that Mark Cavendish sped off with. I understand that. I’d love to see Freire win the stage, and one for Eric Zabel. Zabel is strong! He is up there at the finishing line.

I wonder what’s going on with Alejandro Valverde. I thought he’d do better on the slopes of the mountains. He still has more stages to show what he can do. The Col de Agnel in stage 15 looks wicked as does the Cime de la Bonette-Restefond in 16, and of course epic L’Alpe d’Huez. The time trial the day before Paris will be exciting too. I’m glued to the Versus channel!

Tom Petty and Steve Winwood Concert – Fantastic!

What a great show. I have always liked Steve Winwood and admired his skill and talent. I was glad to hear that he would be on stage with Tom Petty, my absolute favorite rock and roll band.

Now that I’ve heard Steve Winwood live, I have more than respect, I have fervor! What a fantastic performance. It was the difference between always living off a tributary and now getting to The Source. The music he played was a direct channel to the wellspring of music, reaching back into the history of rock and roll, carried on the river of sheer natural talent. It was like the experience I had when I finally saw a Paul Cezanne painting in real life. I’d see them in book, but books do not do them justice. When I saw in the flesh, I understood why Cezanne is considered a master. The paintings have light in them. They emanate it and are almost abuzz. That’s the experience of Steve Winwood live. The first time I heard Tom Petty I became an instant devotee; now I am a believer in Steve Winwood.

When he played “Dear Mr. Fantasy” it was like casting a spell, like the sounds from the beginnings of the Earth.

When he was on stage with Tom Petty and played “Can’t Find My Way Home” and “Giime Some Lovin’ ” it was as if Tom Petty’s band became guests to this great visitor. The audience was charged. The place was one big party, people unified, singing along.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers jammed with such energy and power! “Honeybee” poured out of their guitars like a machine churning. Mick Campbell’s guitar was splitting granite. “Mystic Eyes” was like a message from space. “Don’t Come Around Here No More” took you on a trip. “Saving Grace” turned into a jam. It’s one of those songs you think might not jam live, but it does with that grinding roadhouse beat. I didn’t realize “It’s Good to be King” would be great live, but it jams. The band can take any song and expand it to make it a unique live experience.

What a great show. The songs are still ringing in my head.