Net Worth

 Net worth. What do you think of when that term is used? I recently found myself doing a google search on the net worth of Inky Johnson. I read an article about how Mr. Johnson was a star college athlete. How he was setup to be a first round draft pick - on his way to millions. And how a career ending injury ended that opportunity. The result of my search yielded a top result of $1 million, far lower than most successful NFL players.

Mr. Johnson went on to come an inspirational speaker. He has inspired many, including me. I couldn't name an NFL player (well... maybe Tom Brady) but I know Mr. Johnson because he has spoken to me. I believe his net worth is significantly more than anything a dollar value could represent.

We need to define 'net worth'. It can't simply be dollars and cents. It needs to be measured based on individual character, influence and community impact. A measure of an individual as he defines himself. Someone who inherits a sizeable nest egg, has a large net worth measured under the old definition. But what is their true net worth? What is the net worth of Jeff Bezos versus Mackenzie Scott? 

Random musings on November 9th

Stuff I read that stuck to me this week:

Democrats represent a majority of America’s voters, but Republicans dominate geographically. 

 In a country where one chamber of the legislature is based on population and the other on territory, this division is a recipe for gridlock, poor governance and, eventually, disenchantment with the political system itself.

https://www.economist.com/leaders/2018/11/10/the-mid-term-elections-produce-a-divided-government-for-a-divided-country

August 29th, 2018 - Articles of the Day

From the Foreign Affairs:

The Unconstrained Presidency

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/2018-08-13/unconstrained-presidency?cid=int-fls&pgtype=hpg

The well written piece on why congress is not providing checks over the presidents actions.  There are several theories presented that are thought provoking.  Some key snippets below:

"An inflection point in the long-term decline of congressional oversight came after 9/11, when Congress passed the Authorization for Use of Military Force, a measure intended to combat terrorism but that presidents ended up interpreting broadly. "

"But legislators have shown little appetite for seeking a new AUMF, which would constrain the president when it comes to the many counterterrorism missions the United States now conducts in places such as Somalia, Syria, and Yemen. That’s because the status quo actually suits many members of Congress. It lets them avoid voting on military operations—always risky, since they can be held accountable for their decision on the campaign trail—and it allows them to fixate on the legality of the operation without having to take a position on its wisdom."

The AUMF is presented as part of the reason the presidents actions remain unchecked.  The theory that congress has not done its part due to politically risky reactions by the public is interesting.

On checks over actions over foreign trade:

"Congress is equally reluctant to stand up to the president on trade. Despite misgivings over Trump’s protectionist measures, Democratic and Republican legislators have essentially given up on the issue. In June, Bob Corker, the Tennessee Republican who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, proposed a bill that would require the president to seek congressional approval for tariffs enacted in the name of national security. But he has not been able to gain sufficient support for the measure from fellow Republicans, who, with midterm elections looming, are reluctant to cross Trump."

"Can anything be done? The end of the Cold War unleashed the power of the American presidency. It may take the rise of China as a peer competitor for the American people and their leaders to realize that in order to make better foreign policy, the United States needs the wisdom and restraint offered by a Congress and a bureaucracy that have real power and serious expertise, as well as allies and international institutions whose utility is valued. The rising threat that China poses to U.S. interests could lead to a revival of congressional expertise in foreign policy, support for strengthening the United States’ diplomats, and a realization that allies and international institutions enhance U.S. power in managing the threat."

From the New Yorker 

The Wind Cave

This one is for my wife - short fiction piece written by one of her favorite authors 

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/09/03/the-wind-cave

The Office

Quaint and secluded, The Office is one of my favorite watering holes in Chicago.  The more modern and trendy Aviary which resides above ground is now my second favorite.

The Office is a small space, which can fit maybe 14 - 16 people at a time, and you need a reservation or invite to get past the locked door (it's not hard to find a way in with Google).  The decor is something that fits my personality and style perfectly.  Take a recipe of wood, brown leather with a hint of fine scotch and you have a fitting description of what The Office looks like.  It manages to make you feel like you are in your own basement having your own private party (with an magnificent mixologist, more on that below).

The drinks at The Office are custom made to the tastes of each individual.  Tell the mixologist what you are in the mood for and he will create a alcohol infused potion that will take you there.  Sweet, refreshing, savory, woodsy, campfirey, the list is endless.  I would recommend you read up on your cocktail tasting notes to get the most out of your experience there.  The more color you can add to your cocktail request, the better your end result will be.  The quote of the night when I went with my wife after a drink she described was "a warm winter cookie that makes you drunk."

Overall, I would highly recommend The Office for everyone to experience.  It is not a place you go to on a weekly basis, however, it is a place you wish you could.

Cantina Laredo - Restaurant review

Website:  http://www.cantinalaredo.com/

Cantina Laredo is a chain of restaurants that is in the business of serving their version of 'gourmet' mexican food.  The Chicago location is a great space with a unique 'out door / indoor' seating area.  The patio is open during the summer months which makes the space appear large and very open.

The restaurant features table side guacamole which was decent.  I ordered the cheese enchiladas with mole sauce which were excellent.  Their mole is comparable to some of the best I have ever had (the king of all moles' in my opinion is still at Red Iguana in Salt Lake City, Utah).

Overall, this restaurant is worth checking out if you are in the mood for some quality Mexican food and great outdoor seating.

Ghiradelli - Review

Website:  http://www.ghirardelli.com/

Ahh Ghiradelli.  I used to frequent the location in San Francisco, CA during my tenure there and would get excited as a child who had just won a ticket into Willy Wonka's chocolate factory at the prospect of visiting the store.  I have known about the existence of the Chicago location for a while, but never had the opportunity to visit it until recently.  The experience was nostalgic for me, as it transported me back to the times I used to visit the San Francisco location with my wife and share an Ice Cream Sunday there.

The Chicago location seems to have a similar menu to the San Fran location, and the product quality is consistent with what you would get at the original location.  The ambiance is lacking a bit, though that is probably because I am comparing it to my experiences in San Fran.  The San Fran location is located on a slight hill overlooking the bay.  The location cannot be compared to the Chicago location that overlooks a busy street.  Regardless, Ghirardelli - Chicago is worth the visit, just come hungry.  They offer a range of different sundaes and chilled drinks.  There is also an opportunity to purchase some of the Company's products at the adjoining store which are worth a try for any lover of chocolate.

Overall, well worth the visit and calories.  Don't be surprised if you find yourself coming here frequently after your first visit.

Quartino Ristorante & Wine Bar - Restaurant review

Dining date:  July 27th, 2013 & others
Website:  http://www.quartinochicago.com/

Quartino's has become my Italian restaurant of choice for the summer of 2013.  Quartino's has always delivered when I am in the mood to indulge in carbohydrates.  The menu is simple, yet highly effective for communal dining.  The service is attentive though not extraordinary.  Be forewarned, during the summer months the restaurant can get very crowded.  The restaurant has no problems fitting people into every corner of their restaurant.  Not all spots are comfortable, and I have found myself squeezed into an uncomfortable spot with very little room to maneuver myself.

The menu consists of traditional Italian fare, pizza's, pasta's etc.  The portions are small AND meant to be shared, so feel free to order extra entrees.  We typically order a pizza and a few different pasta's and share everything.  The food is of a decent quality, though falls far short of some other Italian restaurants in the city.  I find myself gravitated to the restaurant more for its ambiance and the ability to try a few different things over the quality of its food product.  I am not implying that it is bad, however, the food does taste like it has been mass produced to please their carbohydrate hungry patrons.

Overall, I would recommend this restaurant for its ambiance, and the ability to try a few different dishes without getting overwhelmed with large quantities of food like other traditional Italian restaurants.