Terry's Approach

Phelps from Baltimore Sun / Laughlin from totalimmersion.net

What can an "average" person learn from an elite swimmer like Michael Phelps? Terry Laughlin of totalimmersion.net has written two articles about this. He says that while you can't change your wingspan, and you can only make marginal changes in your strength and cardiovascular capacity, you can "through mindful and consistent practice" put yourself in swimming positions "just as sleek as the best swimmer in the world."

This approach reminds me of AA's Serenity Prayer: "God grant me the serenity to accept things I cannot change, courage to change things I can, and wisdom to know the difference." -Dr. Ronald Niebuhr

"Fast, fluid, effortless swimming depends far more on how cleverly you avoid drag and how sensitively you work with the water than on how long and how hard you swim."
-Terry Laughlin

Two More States Down

My summer business trips to New Orleans for UCET and Nashville for NSPRA mean I can add the states of Louisiana and Tennessee to my list of visited states. I enjoyed seeing the places where Garth Brooks, Elvis Presley and Tennessee Williams created some of their most famous work.

create your own map here

Welcome CodeFin to Blogosphere

The blogosphere just got a new source of light. Welcome Joe of CodeFin.net. I'm sure we'll enjoy reading your posts and getting your perspective on life as a computer science student and IT professional. Joe's a long time friend. I've known him a couple of decades. He's remarkably resourceful outdoors and in, from wilderness to the darkroom. I can vouch that he's got something to say and will be a welcome addition to the blogs I regularly read.

Quantico 1942

I've mentioned that my dad served as a Special Agent in J. Edgar Hoover's FBI. Here's the text of a letter sent to his father on February 6, 1942. He was 29 years old.

Dear Father,

Am writing this note from Quantico, Virginia at which place I have been the last few days.

Have been given some more responsibility and am doing some special training. Quanitco is about 50 miles south of Washington near the mouth of the Potomac river. This is a training center for sailors and Marines and I find it very interesting to see a little of what is going on. More and more I am impressed with what the FBI is doing for the welfare and security of the country.

I have been very busy and have had very little time to call my own. Expect to be back in Washington on Monday night and will then write you at greater length. Am looking forward to hearing from you again and trust that this finds you and Ruth and everyone at home well and happy.

Much love,

Joseph