To mark today’s solar eclipse, here is one of my favourite poems.
By one of my favourite poets.
Two Leading Lights, by Robert Frost.
Madoff on Netflix
Currently watching the Bernie Madoff documentary on Netflix.
I’m on the second episode, and, so far, I like the series.
It is well made, if a bit slow in the storytelling. Great video and camera footage, does a good job in complementing the narration. They’ve also included a lot of footage of Madoff’s testimony during his deposition. Astounding stuff.
Ridiculous how easy it was for Madoff to get away for many years with such a massive Ponzi scheme.
And it appears that lessons have not yet been learnt. Recent happenings at Theranos and FTX clearly prove that point. One wonders how (over and over again) it is possible for people to commit fraud on such a large scale, and go undetected for such a long time. And we can be sure that there are more cases, yet to come to light.
So what does this say about our regulatory agencies, about the robustness of our financial systems, about our willingness to suspend disbelief when something looks too good to be true?
So much damage caused by the greed of fraudsters. Sympathies for all who have suffered from this.
Quiet, by Susan Cain
Recently been re-reading Quiet.
I first read it several years ago. So many new insights I’m picking up this time.
Of course, re-reading a book often provides new revelations. In the case of Quiet, I think it’s due to increased self-awareness. Some things I glossed over in the past have now taken on much significance. Perhaps it’s because, thanks to increased self-knowledge, some things have become clearer. Or maybe new life experiences have sparked recognition in old places.
Whatever the reason, this book is coming alive in different ways. I still identify with much of what I read before, but these new revelations are precious as well.
I’m sure I will discover more insights when I re-read this book again, a few years down the road. To me, that’s the hallmark of a great book – new treasures every time, something new to marvel at, something new to learn.
