journal features

guys night

the journal of Michael Werneburg

twenty-seven years and one million words

Toronto, 2011.07.14

I had dinner and drinks with my old boss from EDS, who's now at a firm that makes software that my employer sells.

He and I and another of his current colleagues, with whom I'd met recently before cycling in the rain for more than fifteen kilometers, chatted about work and wives and children and -- for two of us, anyway, how we'd never regained interest in professional hockey since the strike. Guy stuff to be sure. But being good dads we all three of us were making for home before nine. It's sure not 1996 any more!

rand()m quote

Naturally the common people don't want war: Neither in Russia, nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.

—Hermann Goering