Calligraphy Progress 4/23/18

Every few months I copy the text of a passage or a quote I like into the calligraphy hand I'm practicing at the time.

And since at the moment I'm practicing traditional gothic calligraphy, that's what I use.

I find that I can't just sit down and write down a dozen As then a dozen Bs, without getting distracted and doing other things. Very early on in my practicing I discovered that if I sit down for two hours or so, spending the first while getting my station set up, then a half hour getting warmed up, another half hour practicing, then the remaining time actually working on some kind of product on finer, heavier, paper that isn't lined, then I tend to focus more on each stroke and movement because this is something I put on my practice wall until I replace it with something better.

I believe this works for two reasons:

1. When I hang it up, it forces me to compare it with an older work I completed earlier, seeing where I was too quick, or where I improved. I notice the things that are hard to see when you don't hold it up to something older.

2. Working to produce a quote I like on paper that is expensive means I force myself to take my time and be careful. When I hammer out fifteen Gs on college-ruled paper, I ted to get more sloppy and less interested, and even discouraged. I know I can do the letters, so when I mess up I get even more frustrated. But when I am halfway through a passage on paper that costs more than usual, I am motivated to not mess up. I focus more on my posture, my arm movement, so that all the work I have done so far is not ruined.

Obviously it's not a masterpiece, ever, I'm not to that point yet. I see letters grouped too close, or the tails or the stems extending too far, or the lines of the words floating up or down toward the ends of the page. But that's what it is, practice. And the next time I try a new passage, I'll remember my mistakes and I'll improve.

Here is the latest example, taken from a quote of Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey, one of my favorite books, and (in my opinion) the greatest work of literature ever written.

First, a capital F.

You can tell I got too hasty in the ornamentation, as the line is not straight. But the letter itself is pretty good I think.




Second, a capital L. Again, the letter itself is solid, and the ornamentation is good this time. However the flourishes to the left I didn't begin pulling with the full contact of the nib, so it looks broken and shabby.



Finally, the full quote I used to practice:



"Yea and if some god shall wreck me in the wine-dark deep, even so will I endure... For already have I suffered full much, and much have I toiiled in perils of waves and war. Let those be added to the tale of those." Odyssey

Rich Millenial, Poor Millenial

A new study shows that nearly half of millennials in the USA have $0 in savings. The same report shows that the number of millennials who have significant savings put away has increased. What's going on? Who is to blame? Grab your pitchforks, people. Let's do this.

If you're active on LinkedIn or other financially-focused websites, you've probably seen this Bank of America report released today.

In short, almost 50% of the "millennial generation" have nothing in a savings account. While a growing number of the same demographic have large amounts of savings. The group in the middle is disappearing. So if you're a millennial, statistically you either have a lot put put away, or nothing at all.

What does this mean?

It means that the generalization that millennials are bad at saving is more true than before, but also more false. Sorry to say, but stereotypes exist for a reason. The generalization of twitch-streamers, YouTube millionaires, adults living in mom's basement, and avocado toast with a Starbucks latte seems to have some basis in fact.

A few charts to highlight the study:

Now, the discussion regarding causation and correlation is one we don't have time (or the word count limit) to address here. But the fact that two different banks found the same data in reputable studies shows that something is happening.

Granted this study doesn't compare the numbers with other generations. Or even other generations at the same point in their timeline. That data is easy to find, and I assume that it would be very different than these data.

So, the question:
Who do we blame for this growing disparity?

The answer:
Nobody. Sometimes life just sucks, that's guaranteed. Are some millennials just terrible at cash management, putting away savings, or self control? Definitely. Are some the victims of some financial disasters? Of course. Maybe it's just a reflection of the changing lifestyles of the generation. The fact that the number of those who have significant savings is also increasing shows that nobody is out to "get" the millennials. That there is no grand conspiracy to keep them poor forever.
I attended a devotional at which Mitt Romney spoke in 2014, at one point he mentioned: "The self-help guides that I read said I was doomed, because they claimed that in order to have a successful life, you had to have a clear goal in mind and then work relentlessly toward that goal. But that isn’t how life worked out for me. As a matter of fact, almost nothing I have done in my career was planned in advance."

(Cue the comments about "taking advice from a millionaire on how poor millenials should save money is stupid. 1% this and 99% that." That's not the point of the quote and you know it. Stay focused, people!)

Maybe we should stop looking for people to blame, and instead focus on ourselves and how to make our lives, and the lives of those around us, happier, better, and more prepared for the hard times in life. Life is unpredictable and we're all in this together.

What is Justice?

   From page 98 of the draft of Annals of an Empire:       

            A smoke trail was all that remained of the other ship Pharsalus had destroyed earlier.

            The cheer of battle-hungry soldiers went up from the bridge, but Marcus was lost in thought.

            “Berthier, a word.” And he motioned to the exit.

            Only when in his office, did Marcus speak again. “Chairman Tyke was the one who informed me of the insurrection on this planet.” He paced the office. “Obviously he was correct that something was happening here, but I’m not sure either of us understand what exactly it was. What do you think we just witnessed, was it rebellion?

            “No.” Was the terse reply.

            “Neither do I. That’s the problem. Something else was happening here, and exactly what it is eludes me.” He clicked a pen on the table in frustration. “Was it a diversion? Some kind of suicide pact?”

            “I’m afraid it’s impossible to determine without more data, sir.”

            “Indeed.” Marcus acceded. He paused. “Another thing, Berthier…”

            “Yes, Commander?” He still stood at attention.

            “I know you don’t approve of my methods, and you disagree with my handling of the situation.” Marcus waited for a response, but Berthier remained at attention. “You may speak freely, Berthier. As my XO I want to reach a level of understanding with you.”

            “Very good, sir.”

            “You joined the crew of Cannae about what, nine months ago?”

            “Yes sir, after six I was transferred here as your XO.” Berthier replied.

            Marcus nodded, “Did Captain Antonius tell you why you were being transferred?”

            “No, sir.”

            Marcus sat down behind his desk and motioned for Berthier to do the same, “It was because I noticed the way you managed your crew. You are efficient and effective. Your men look up to you and respect your decisions. The XO position requires someone I can rely on and trust. I felt you were a perfect replacement for the job.”

            “Thank you, sir.”

            “Which is why I respect what you have to say.” Marcus tried to make himself look relaxed, which was difficult in his chair which did not recline. “So please, tell me what’s on your mind.”

            “I don’t like it, sir.” Berthier’s voice was level. “In the Legionnaire Directive it states we are to uphold and enforce the values of the Empire and establish its order throughout the galaxy. I didn’t see any of that today.”

            Marcus nodded. “What are imperial values? Berthier?”

            “Pardon?”

            “You mentioned your duty as an Imperial Legionnaire is to uphold Imperial values. Well, what are those values?” It was a probing question, but also one Marcus had been wondering himself, so he was curious what Berthier’s answer would be.

            “The Directive doesn’t specify.”

            “Correct. But in your opinion?”

            “In my opinion? They would be liberty, equality, and fraternity. Definitely the virtues of the gods, and strength and justice.”

            “So, a nebulous grouping of all things good and praiseworthy?”

            “It would seem so.” Berthier nodded.

            “But why justice?” Marcus asked.

            “A modern society is built on justice. Without it, everything would be chaos.”

“I agree, but surely justice isn’t unique to the empire? I assume there is some form of justice in the free cities, and in the Republic.”

            “Well… yes, but I wouldn’t count being thrown into fighting pits and tortured by pirates as just.”

            “Why not? Justice is just punishing someone for a crime.”

            “I wouldn’t say that, sir. You would need laws in order to have crime. Those remote colonies don’t have any laws. Their punishments are random and arbitrary. Justice is the natural consequence of your actions, like a dropped ball will inevitably hit the floor.” Berthier paused, taking a breath before continuing. “The evil tortures in those places are above and beyond what the people deserve, justice doesn’t call for that.”

            “So, the death sentence is not just for petty theft?”

            “Right.”

            “And neither is a slap on the wrist for murder?”

            “I would have to agree, sir.”

            “But who decides what is an appropriate punishment?”

            Berthier thought for a moment, “I would say the government decides, which it does. But then you would ask by what authority they assign such punishments. And I would respond: the authority that there is nobody to argue with them.”

            “I knew you were smart for a reason.” Marcus couldn’t help a laugh. “We agree, then, that two different cultures could have two very different punishments for the same crime, and both are considered just.”

            Berthier thought for a moment, “I suppose that’s true.”

            Marcus nodded, “So justice isn’t really a specific law, or punishment for crime?”

            “No.” Berthier agreed. “I would have to agree with your implication that it’s simply the natural consequence of action. The form of justice depends on your situation.”

            “Well said!” Marcus was enjoying himself and it came out in his voice. “What is the natural consequence for murder, rebellion, and attacking imperial forces within the empire?”

            Berthier was silent for a moment. “Death.” He said.

            “So, using your own definition, was justice served today?”

            Berthier frowned, “You’re turning my words on me, sir.”

            “I’m an Imperial Commander, it’s my job to turn my enemies on each other.” That drew a smile from him, before Marcus continued. “According to The Directive which you quoted earlier, part of my responsibility is to make sure justice is served, no matter the consequence.”

            “No matter the consequence…” Berthier repeated almost whispering.

            “I don’t expect you to like it, Berthier. Indeed, I want to you speak out when you have something to say. As long as it’s not in front of the crew, I need your input, and your counsel. But I also need you to understand that consequences are something I deal with after I have served justice.”

            “Understood, sir.”

            “Thank you, XO. Inform the bridge to descend to bombard range, the facilities on the surface have been compromised. Proceed with the bombardment of insurrection strongholds.”

            Berthier stood and turned to the door. “Very good, sir.”