Old Rag Mountain

Waging War Through the Rearview Mirror

It is true that if we do not learn from history we are doomed to repeat it. In today's article we learn that we can draw the incorrect lesson from history and make matters even worse. Shankar Vedantamb applies Yuen Foong Khong's "Analogies at War" to the present situation in Iraq.

We see how the public utilizes analog analysis to try to gain an understanding of new case studies. It takes a keen eye and understanding to recognize when our politicians are doing this. The High Ground is to individually analyze a case study for what it is. If you have an opportunity to read "Analogies at War", it is essential reading for anybody in the policy arena. Click Here

Video of the Day - Sailor Comes Home

This one might make you cry. Click here

Video of the Week - Sunday's Comin'

I posted this last year but it is a favorite. It is that time of year again to remember that when it feels like Friday, it is important to know that Sunday's Comin'.

NCAA Tournament

You may have noticed that I have not been blogging. I have been too busy watching my UCLA Bruins' run to the Final Four. Once again Ben Howland beat a Kansas team that many considered to be far superior in talent. The Bruins did it with grit, hustle, discipline, and defense. You cannot accuse these guys of being soft. It also helped that Aaron Aflallo snapped out of his slump. Ben Howland is proving to be the best thing to happen to Westwood since the Wizard left. Hopefully we will hang on to this guy for a long time as I would not be surprised if several NBA teams come knocking on his door.

Article of the Day - Genius or the Gut?

Lou Piniella is considered one of the best managers in baseball. Today's article analyzes the intellect of great baseball managers and reveals a few secrets. Communication is more important than tactics. A sense of humor makes communication easier. Strategic gains in the long run require a willingness to accept a strong likelihood of tactical losses in the short run. Click Here

Quote of the Day - Seth Davis

SI.com: Well, we have a Final Four now. What do you think?

Seth Davis: Powerhouses, big time. You can't ask for anything more. We've been talking about Cinderellas being nice, but what we have left is nothing but the big, ugly stepsisters.

State Department hires Eliot Cohen

Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice just named my old professor as her top advisor.

Article for the Day - Mike Scioscia

Angels Manager Mike Scioscia has a unique leadership and managerial style. He notes that team chemistry is important and is initiated from the top down. His methods for building team chemistry have little do with baseball. Click here.

Article of the Day - British abolition's faith-based roots

British abolition's faith-based roots

William Wilberforce relied on his deeply held religious beliefs for inspiration in fighting the slave trade.

By Joseph Loconte

Video of the Week - The Colbert Report

Steven Colbert interviewed Tony Campolo on the Colbert Report. You may or may not agree with Tony Campolo but you cannot ignore what he has to say.

Video of the Week - That's my King!

Do you know him?

Quote of the Day - Billy Graham

“Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are stiffened.”

Billy Graham

Random Thought

I think more people care about who wins at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show than the Miss America pageant.

Video of the Week - International Justice Mission

Today's video is about the work of the International Justice Mission. Gary Haugen shows how his organization cooperates with the Cambodian government to crack down on sex slavery. I also recommend Haugen's book, The Good News About Injustice. Click Here

Quote of the Day - Vince Lombardi

Coaches who can outline plays on a black board are a dime a dozen. The ones who win get inside their player and motivate.

Vince Lombardi

Quote of the Day - Vince Lombardi

But I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, his greatest fulfillment of all he holds dear, is the moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious.

Vince Lombardi

Petraeus selects team of warrior-intellectuals

Here is the interesting article of the day. Is this the future of the military?

The U.S. military is pretty good at learning from its own mistakes. It is really bad at learning from the mistakes of others. During the early stages of the conflict in Iraq, the U.S. military performed marvelously on the tactical and operational level. Unfortunately, the United States devotes much less in resources and energy towards understanding strategic and political goals. The U.S. military and civilian leadership need to improve on selecting talented generals who understand how the operational and tactical contribute to strategic and political goals. This is was very clear as General Casey was evaluated for Chief of Staff of the Army last week.

Petraeus selects team of warrior-intellectuals
Army turning Iraq war over to its dissidents
by Thomas Ricks

Facts about the U.S. Capitol Building

U.S. Capitol Building

• Of the eight pictures on the inside walls of the Capitol Rotunda, 2 are a prayer meeting, 1 a Bible Study and 1 a Baptism.
• 1/4 of the Statues in the Capitol are Evangelical Ministers 24 of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence held Seminary Degrees.
• That our Declaration of Independence states that our inalienable rights come from the creator and they are first life, then liberty and then pursuit of happiness. Without life the other two are meaningless.
• Church Services were held in the Capitol for decades soon after it opened.
• The first English-language Bible in America was printed and endorsed by the United States Congress.

Thanks to John for the tidbits

Quote of the Day - Vince Lombardi

The leader can never close the gap between himself and the group. If he does, he is no longer what he must be. He must walk a tightrope between the consent he must win and the control he must exert.

Vince Lombardi