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An irregular round-up of interesting reads. Most of these made me go "hmmmmm," none of them imply concurrence:
Quote of the day: "In all affairs it's a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted." - Bertrand Russell
An irregular round-up of interesting reads. Most of these made me go "hmmmmm," none of them imply concurrence:
Quote of the Day: "With everything that attracts you, that you like, or find useful, remember to tell yourself what it is, beginning with the simplest things. If you like a pot, say, ‘I like this pot,’ so that if it breaks, you will not be disturbed. When you kiss your child or your wife, say, ‘I kiss a human being,’ so that if they die, you will not feel disturbed." - Epictetus
An irregular round-up of interesting reads. Most of these made me go "hmmmmm," none of them imply concurrence:
"Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement. ....get up in the morning and look at the world in a way that takes nothing for granted. Everything is phenomenal; everything is incredible; never treat life casually. To be spiritual is to be amazed." - Abraham Joshua Heschel 
An irregular round-up of interesting reads. Most of these made me go "hmmmmm," none of them imply concurrence:
Quote of the Day: "Idolatry is committed, not merely by setting up false gods, but also by setting up false devils; by making men afraid of war or alcohol, or economic law, when they should be afraid of spiritual corruption and cowardice." - G.K. Chesterton
An irregular round-up of interesting reads. Most of these made me go "hmmmmm," none of them imply concurrence:
Quip of Note “The whole connection between work and the output we live on is being lost in many people’s minds. To many, the country somehow has wealth, which we should all share – and “fairly.” The most basic fairness of contributing to the efforts that produced what you want to share escapes them completely.” – Thomas Sowell
An irregular round-up of interesting reads. Most of these made me go "hmmmmm," none of them imply concurrence:
"Three secrets to success: Be willing to learn new things. Be able to assimilate new information quickly. Be able to get along with and work with other people." - Sally Ride
An irregular round-up of interesting reads. Most of these made me go "hmmmmm," none of them imply concurrence:
Quote of the Day: "The first principle is that you must not fool yourself—and you are the easiest person to fool." -Richard Feynman An irregular round-up of interesting reads. Most of these made me go "hmmmmm," none of them imply concurrence:
Quote of the Day: "In short, there’s nothing inherently corrupting about market forces determining prices. In fact, paying your way is dignifying." - Deirdre McCloskey
Adapted from Red, White & Verse, my poem about the Great Lakes, "The Five Sisters," is my first musical release. Enjoy the lyrics adapted from my poem, with the score and vocals rendered by software.
It was an honor to join Jim Holcomb and the Michigan Chamber's podcast, MI Business Matters, to discuss Red, White & Verse.
What is this ancient impulse gifts impart,
To crowds, currying favor, hearts to sway? Did not the Gracchi brother’s wealth depart, Spreading it wide to gain power’s bright array? Did Cleopatra not her rivals thwart, Robbing the few, the many’s needs to lay? Such deeds of old, how echoes still remain, In time’s vast stretch, this urge we can’t restrain. What is this timeless urge, these rallying cries, Against the elites, the masses to incite? Did Cleisthenes not from high ranks arise, Bringing down nobles, wielding his own might? Did Jan Žižka, with peasant voices wise, Challenge the enterprising, stir the fight? So Socrates might ask, with wisdom keen, Are these not truths we’ve ever plainly seen? Red, White & Verse - Our Myths, Legends, & Stories Greg McNeilly Ballast Books, LLC www.ballastbooks.com 9781962202220, $24.99 PB, $9.99 Kindle, 279 pages https://www.amazon.com/Red-White-Verse-Legends-Stories/dp/1962202224 Synopsis: Step into a world where the essence of America shines brightly in the poetry collection Red, White & Verse by the talented author Greg McNeilly. Through captivating verses, this collection brings to life the inspiring figures, iconic landmarks, and pivotal events that have shaped the American narrative. It's more than just poetry; it's a journey that invites you to rekindle our connection to each other and our shared history, making you an integral part of the narrative. Whether it's the bravery of Pocahontas, the resilience of Frederick Douglass, or the unity seen in the aftermath of tragic events like Pearl Harbor and September 11, each poem in this collection vividly portrays the historical significance of American heroism, inspiring a deep sense of respect and admiration. Critique: From the allure of natural wonders like the Grand Canyon to the glamour of Hollywood, Red, White & Verse beautifully captures the diverse tapestry of the American experience. Accompanied by historical facts and intricate hand-drawn illustrations, this collection is a testament to the enduring spirit of the United States. Dive into the pages of Red, White & Verse and let the poetry awaken your patriotism and pride in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Enter the American pride and patriotism world with Greg McNeilly's awe-inspiring collection of verse. His words resonate with the true heart of American values and ignite a sense of belonging and unity. Prepare to embark on a literary journey that will make you proud to be an American! (Reprinted from Midwest Book Review) 
An irregular round-up of interesting reads. Most of these made me go "hmmmmm," none of them imply concurrence:
Quote of the Day: “The conception of freedom under the law … rests on the contention that when we obey laws, in the sense of general abstract rules laid down irrespective of their application to us, we are not subject to another man’s will and are therefore free. It is because the lawgiver does not know the particular cases to which his rules will apply, and it is because the judge who applies them has no choice in drawing the conclusions that follow from the existing body of rules and the particular facts of the case, that it can be said that laws and not men rule.” – F.A. Hayek
 Graphic generated by DALL*E Remember the BraveA poem from Red, White & Verse.
Unfurl the flags, O Michigan! First of all states to remember, To mark the day of those who’ve gone, in the glow of late May’s ember. From Decoration to Memorial, the name, it has evolved, Yet the essence of its purpose, in our hearts remains resolved. Once upon the thirtieth day, now the last Monday we find, The calendar bows to the rhythm of the nation, the rhythm of mankind. In the pleasant early summer, when the air is warm and light, We pause to remember those who gave their all in the fight. Interview with RWV MBSClick To Add TextMichigan's Big Show with Michael Patrick Shiels - May 8, 2024  KNIFE: Meditations After an Attempted Murder | Salman Rushdie, Random House (2024) 224pSalman Rushdie’s "KNIFE" emerges not merely as a memoir following a profound personal crisis but as a meditative, philosophical exploration of violence, survival, and the indomitable spirit of the word against the sword. With "KNIFE," Rushdie again demonstrates why he remains one of our most crucial voices against the fascism of certainty.
Rushdie’s self-reflections are neither deep nor profound. He is a much better writer than he is a thinker. His orthodox critical theory genuflections grow tiresome. But as a survivor on the front lines in the battle for free minds, he’s a hero. The book’s 224 pages are not just a recounting of the horrific attack on Rushdie but introspection and interrogation of the forces that continue to shape our discourse around freedom of speech and extremism.
An irregular round-up of interesting reads. Most of these made me go "hmmmmm," none of them imply concurrence:
Quote of the Day: "Above all, do not lie to yourself. A man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point where he does not discern any truth either in himself or anywhere around him and thus falls into disrespect towards himself and others. Not respecting anyone, he ceases to love, and having no love, he gives himself up to passions and coarse pleasures, in order to occupy and amuse himself, and in his vices reaches complete bestiality, and it all comes from lying continually to others and to himself. A man who lies to himself is often the first to take offense. It sometimes feels very good to take offense, doesn't it? And surely he knows that no one has offended him, and that he himself has invented the offense and told lies just for the beauty of it, that he has exaggerated for the sake of effect, that he has picked on a word and made a mountain out of a pea--he knows all of that, and still he is the first to take offense, he likes feeling offended, it gives him great pleasure, and thus he reaches the point of real hostility" - Fydor Dostoevsky
“The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it.” ― Albert Einstein |
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