Showing posts with label darling Dion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label darling Dion. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

My nephew hits a home run

Bernard Malamud (1914-86) was an author of novels and short stories, and arguably one of the great American Jewish writers of the 20th century [1]. When I think of Malamud, lots of things come to my mind. But baseball’s not one of them. Despite this he wrote a baseball novel [2] that was adapted into a 1984 film starring Robert Redford, Glenn Close and Kim Basinger [3] Its name? The Natural. My oldest nephew, darling Dion (pictured) isn’t a baseball player (to my knowledge, anyway). But when it comes to the media he’s a natural. Most definitely. So cool, unfazed, articulate, empathic, interesting, interested, concise and relevant. And, of course, handsome. ‘Yes, but you’re his uncle’, I hear you say. I am indeed. But don’t take my word for it. Have a look at this recent interview [4] and make up your own mind. I’ve no clue where Dion’s media savvy came from: there aren’t too many media stars – if any – in the family. Maybe he’s read books on the subject. Or been coached. But perhaps he is, before and after all, just a natural. I hope to see lots more media appearances in the future from my nephew the Future Maker and Young Entrepreneur [5]. And I hope he continues to hit lots of metaphorical home runs – in his career, and in his broader life. Well done, mate!

Saturday, May 8, 2010

This week's compendium

Here’s this week’s compendium. This week…

1. I watched this video clip about a makeover the world’s most famous office building – the Empire State [1]. It’ll reduce its energy use by 40%. Wow!

2. the BBC posted this article about llamas protecting bird eggs and chicks [2]. If they can’t use a Maremma dog then why not a llama.

3. planetgreen urged us to ‘Ditch Big Fish and Eat Sardines’ [3]. I’m unsurprised.

4. due to emerging but not yet totally conclusive evidence that chronic fatigue syndrome’s caused by a newly discovered virus called XMRV, the Red Cross Blood Service placed a 2-year moratorium on blood donations from people with CFS [4]. If XMRV causation of CFS becomes conclusive, hopefully an anti-viral medication will be produced.

5. the play Seven Jewish Children which I wrote about here [5a] received a scathing review in the Wall Street Journal [5b]. Apparently the play deserves it.

6. F1 driver Mark Webber who last March called Victoria a ‘Nanny State’ [6a], offered his services to spearhead a local road safety campaign [6b]. Derrrrrrr.

7. my darling nephew Dion was a nominee for Australia’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year [7]. The public voting system means the winner’s not selected on merit. Dion doesn’t look like winning this award, but to me he’ll always be a winner.

8. this wonderful interview with Sweetheart Vivienne was posted on the Mornington Peninsula Library’s blog [8]. To me she too will always be a winner.

Finally, I wish you, dear Farmdoc’s Blog readers a wonderful week.