Reading: Barker [New World]

It's ironic that on a day where the US Government cut interest rates 75 points that we come to the chapter in Barker about capitalism and the rise of the western economy. With our country headed towards a likely recession [thanks to the Bush administrations overall fiscal irresponsibility], we are reminded of a post-industrial society that lead to shifts in the economy and culture towards postmodern consumption and accelerated globalization. Todays move by the US Federal Reserve was the largest single cut since August 1982.

And on an even sadder note, I'd like to lower the Left Coast Culture flag to half-mast today as actor Heath Ledger was found dead today from an apparent overdose [Ed: as of the writing of this post, an autopsy has not been completed]. It's disappointing to see anyone die young, but Ledger passing away is especially disturbing after seeing his career turn a corner from barely-watchable chick and teen flicks to heady drama and more challenging roles.

Death has been on my mind the past couple of months for a variety of personal reasons. Last night I was watching old clips on YouTube and came across Jimmy V on the ESPY Awards in 1993, speaking just before his death and delivering one of the greatest speeches ever. Cancer is such an ugly disease and he brought much needed attention to the importance of research.