Idiot America

Idiot America: How Stupidity Became a Virtue in the Land of the Free by Charles P. Pierce

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

When I saw the title and read the book description, I had high hope that it will demonstrate the general decline of the American intelligence. But, the book barely had enough logic linking one chapter to another. The author used James Madison as the vehicle to link one American idiocy to another. I guess I'm not familiar enough with President Madison to understand why he was a good choice for the author. Also, Mr. Pierce made many references in his dissertation that I didn't understand. Maybe I am another indicator of the decline of America.

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Shanghai Girls

Shanghai Girls by Lisa See

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a book that solidifies the reason I enjoy historical fictions. I learn about events that are normally not written or discussed in the typical history classes. And the lessons are surrounded by characters that I truly cared about. Lisa See painted beautiful pictures of Shanghai pre-WWII and the stark reality of what Chinese-Americans encountered when arriving in a new promising country (Gold Mountain).

The story reminded me of Amy Tan's Joy Luck Club because the setting shares the similar time period in Chinese history. The main characters are women who have to overcome adversity. But, Lisa See's book has unique enough storyline to make it a worthwhile read.


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Pottie Training - Nah

There are certain milestones that every child will reach; solid foods, first word, first steps, saying bye-bye to diapers. My little girl is at the stage where pottie training is the next milestone on the agenda. So far, she still prefer the Pampers. She knows what a toilet is. She tells me that "brown poop going down there". But, she's not using it.

I don't blame her, it's me. I'm not very enthusiastic about getting her pottie trained. I kinda like the convenience of the diaper. Case in point. Our little family took a long weekend trip to Washington DC. The drive was about 5 hours each way. We only had to stop once because I needed to go to the bathroom. My girl was content sitting in her seat looking at the passing scenery or playing with her iPhone. We didn't have to succumb to her nature-call requests. And, on our hours long tours of the museums and monuments in DC, we didn't have to hunt for bathrooms or worry that she will wet herself. It is just so easy.

I know, I know. She and I will have to transition out of the diaper. I am not in too much of a rush. I promise that she will not be wearing a diaper when she starts high school.

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