Short List
Depths of a Norwegian Fjord
My background is in business but my interests are quite varied. After a long stint in the airline industry, I launched Osprey (2002) to help clients improve their customer experiences. My business takes me to some interesting regions, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Beyond my CV, here’s a ‘Short List’ of things that make life interesting.
Books on Africa
When I was a kid, I devoured Joseph Conrad’s stories about Africa and I never got my fill. I can’t count the times I’ve read John Reader’s exhaustive and masterful work, Africa – A Biography of a Continent. He 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.
I also like 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 meets as Africa lurches into post-colonialism.
During my last trip to Africa in March, 2010, I had the pleasure of reading Richard Dowden’s remarkable book, Africa – Alterned States, Ordinary Miracles. Dowden manages to weave together stories of people he’s encountered while working in Africa that illuminate the continent’s haunting beauty and promise, but also its darkness.
TED and Charlie
For those, like me, 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 classics come to mind. One is Clay Shirky’s talk on how social media can make history. The other is psychologist Jonathon Haidt’s entertaining talk, on the moral roots of conservatives and liberals.
Rose’s nightly show airs late in my market but thanks to time -shifting (DVR), I sometimes enjoy the programs with my morning espresso. 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
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. I recently discovered Malian chanteuse, Rokia Traoure whose haunting voice evokes West Africa’s sensual spirit. I heartily recommend her ‘09 album, Tchamantché.
Exotic destinations with rich cultures are alluring. My favorite destinations include the Norwegian fjords — love the lighting — 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 and my recent (Spring ‘10) adventure to the Volta River region near Ghana’s border with Togo.
My favorite cities are Vienna, Paris and Istanbul. I’m drawn to the Pacific Northwest, especially British Columbia. And 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
P.S. Some of my oil paintings and photographs are on a Posterous site, Open to Discovery.
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