I am a retired hospital director in the American Mid West.I have taught History at high school and college level.My wife and I are constant gardeners, with many rose varieties.I am current with world affairs and routinely read national papers and magazines like The Economist and Atlantic.I am also very interested in Classical music (Wagner to mid twentieth century).Last books read were Roger Scruton's Confessions of a Heretic and some Jacques Barzun titles.Keen interest in current state of civilization in the West and the struggle with declining literacy in many countries.