Short List
Depths of a Norwegian Fjord
My background is in business but my interests are varied. After a lengthy stint in the airline industry, I’ve concentrated on helping clients around the world to improve the way they interact with customers. But, I bring more to assignments than my work experience. Instead of offering a bio, here’s a Short List of things that make life more interesting.
Books about Africa
I love all kinds of adventure and “cultural” travel books, but lately I’m reading more about Africa. I’m soaking up John Reader’s exhaustive and masterful work, Africa – A Biography of a Continent. Reader writes, “Where Africa meets the ocean at its southernmost point, the sea has a tumbling, disorganized aspect….” When I’m in Africa, I often feel dwarfed by the enormity of the land — a quality which this book explores and explicates.
On my last trip to Africa, I read Ryszard Kapuscinski’s stunning book about the continent, The Shadow of the Sun. He was described in a Washington Post review as a character right out of a Graham Greene novel. His first chapter deals with Ghana in 1958: “More than anything, one is struck by the light. Light everywhere. Brightness everywhere. Everywhere, the sun.” He delves into the lives of the people he encounters when the continent is lurching into post-colonialism.
TED and Charlie
For those who love to hear smart, fascinating people describing their passions, there’s nothing like TED and Charlie. I’m referring to TED talks and Charlie Rose’s TV show. The TED speakers have not only informed my views on a dizzying array of subjects, they’ve helped me become a better keynoter and presenter.
It’s tough to short-list TED talks, but two come to mind. One is Clay Shirky’s talk on how social media can make history. The other is psychologist Jonathon Haidt’s scintillating talk, on the moral roots of conservatives and liberals.
Charlie Rose’s nightly show airs late in my market but, via time shifting (DVR), I enjoy them with my morning espresso. Shows are also posted on web. Among my favorites is Charlie’s interview of MOMA’s design curator Paola Antonelli on her ‘08 exhibition, Design and the Elastic Mind.
Another is Rose’s conversation with the amazing Spanish chef, Ferran Adria, owner of El Bulli. Both shows inspired new ways of thinking about elemental subjects — design and food.
Music and Travel
My taste in music runs the gamut from rock and 50’s jazz to world music. Lately, I’ve been listening to singer/song-writer Teddy Thompson. His CD, Piece feels like a timeless classic, and I liked his appearance on the Leonard Cohen 
tribute film, I’m Your Man.
There’s so much amazing music from Mali and Senegal that I could write a separate piece about it. One of my favorite sounds is from the Senegalese band, Orchestra Baobab — particularly their Pirates Choice CD.
My soul is always restless. Exotic, far-flung place are alluring. My favorite destinations include the Norwegian fjords and Kastelorizo, a tiny Greek island where my folks were born. Egypt and Jordan are captivating, and so are parts of the sub-Sahara. Here are my photos of the diverse people of Ghana’s Cape Coast region — one of my favorite trips.
My favorite cities are Vienna, Paris and Istanbul. There’s a special place in my heart for NYC where I lived for years and which I hanker for these days…
I hope you’ll share your short list of the art and experiences that enrich your life. I’d love to hear from you!
Steve
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