Monday, June 05, 2017

Bury my heart at Wounded Knee: 111

Poetry is a mixture of common sense, which not all have, with an uncommon sense, which very few have
  — John Masefield, born around this date in 1878

After Mark Colvin Memorial service I received an SMS that matched the eulogy of great characters who showed us how to act with class:

Emily Smith at cnn.com offers a piece on the late Sir Roger Moore that is but one example of what a class act he was.



It's the touching tale being shared across social media following Roger Moore's death. Londoner Marc Hayes recalled a story about the actor, who was best known for his portrayal of James Bond in the '70s and '80s, on Facebook. The post is a poignant reminder of why we idolize television and movie stars.
James Bond: The story everyone's sharing about Roger Moore - Nick and Sue 



Getting things right often requires that the writer know much more than what fits on the page. Ask any great writer. Novelist Molly Gloss, known for her science fiction and historical novels, noted recently that she researches a thousand facts in order to locate the one telling detail that lends authenticity to a scene. Writers of nonfiction and poetry might do well to follow her example.

Too often details in poetry and nonfiction can be traced directly to Wikipedia, and the writing is both limited and flawed because the writer has failed to pursue the richness of fact beyond the abbreviated online version. Painting the Snake: Ambient Accuracy in Creative Nonfiction | BREVITY's Nonfiction Blog - WordPress.com

At age 111, America’s oldest veteran is still smoking cigars, drinking whiskey and loving life Dallas Morning News


Jacobin


The CIO of a $114 billion firm explains why all investors should read Shakespeare:

"Read Shakespeare. There's more in Shakespeare about power, decision-making, ambition, and how people are blinded by their own needs that's so incredibly applicable to the investment process. To see it in that context is something that makes it real."

And here is the rest of the very brief (too brief?) article.

Well, even if you are not an investor (but aren't we all in many ways?), you should find in the brief article good reasons to read Shakespeare. Perhaps you have your own reasons.Would you please share your thoughts?


Why agonise over things that will never happen? | Coffee House

The Idler | Why modern Stoicism misses the point


Stoicism proper is about aligning your life to the Logos. The all-powerful God has its way anyway. Only the divine knows best. So give up your desire and desire what God determines. Then you will begin to perceive God in all things, in every tree, in every mountain, in other souls.

The Icelandic publisher that only prints books during a full moon – then burns them

 Instapundit — GARY TAUBES FANS WILL NOT BE SHOCKED: Eat fat to lose weight? Scientists say it’s the smart thing…