A Short Presidential History Lesson

Based on my need to read on every topic possible, it should be no surprise that I chose to read Presidential Command by Peter W. Rodman. This book discussed the presidency from Nixon to W., and how foreign policy changed. It was an interesting read, especially in the sense that I learned many details that were ignored in my high school history classes.

I think the biggest lesson I got from this book was what makes a good Secretary of State. Rodman mentions that "Naming a strong individual...requires a considerable self-confident on the part of a president" (p.60). This really explains why Barack chose Hillary.

Overall, I would recommend this book to my friends who enjoy political science, but I'm very much looking forward to a different book.

A "Crash Course" on the Auto Industry

Before reading Crash Course, I had no clue what car was made by General Motors. Okay, I'll be honest, I'm not sure if I know after finishing the book. I decided at the beginning of this year I would read more business literature. As an aspiring marketer, business publications would serve as an extra educational experience while I continue my long and draining job search.

I was excited to read this book because I felt I missed the big picture of what happened in the automobile industry in 2009. Cars are not a hobby of mine, so I understood the government provided some aide, but I didn't understand the logistics behind it all. While this book was a bit dry at times, it was helpful in understanding the full picture of the auto industry and how it collapsed.

Oddly enough, my favorite part has nothing to do with cars. On page 49, Ingrassia recalls a meeting that a few junior GM executives had with chairman Thomas A. Murphy. This meeting fell on Ash Wednesday. Murphy was a devout Catholic and was wearing the ritual ashes on his forehead. One of the young executives "dipped his finger into a nearby ashtray, dabbed a smudge on his own forehead, and...walked in to meet the boss. Years later he would be come an executive vice president of the company." Just genius.