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What This Fourth of July Is Really About

An unfinished ode from 1876 offers a lesson for America’s 250th. Open this link in incognito or private mode: What This Fourth of July Is Really About

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George Washington’s Rules of Civility (and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation)

George Washington’s “Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation” is a collection of 110 maxims that emphasize proper conduct and etiquette in social interactions. Originally derived from a set of French rules, Washington adopted and translated them in his youth. The rules cover various aspects of behavior, including:

  1. Respect for Others: Treating people with kindness and dignity, acknowledging their presence, and showing proper deference in conversation.
  2. Politeness and Modesty: Maintaining humility and refraining from boasting, as well as speaking appropriately according to the situation.
  3. Listening and Understanding: The importance of listening attentively and allowing others to express their thoughts without interruption.
  4. Avoiding Controversy: Steering clear of topics that could lead to disagreements or discord, particularly in mixed company.
  5. Good Manners: Practicing etiquette during meals and gatherings, sharing space amicably, and being gracious in both victories and losses.

Collectively, these maxims provide insight into the social expectations of Washington’s time and reflect timeless principles of civility that are still relevant today.

Could you imagine what our current president’s book would look like?

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What’s really in a hotdog? Nutrition experts explain

Americans eat 20bn hotdogs every year, but experts say they’re also among the most highly processed foods…

Source: What’s really in a hotdog? Nutrition experts explain

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Media, Technology, and Stress At America’s 250th

“The United States is in a strange position. Even as we prepare to celebrate our 250th anniversary we are dissatisfied with how things stand. A recent Pew Poll indicated that 69% of Americans don’t like the way things are going right now but that may have always been true in this country; historians believe that only 30-40% of American Colonists actively supported the Revolutionary War, with 20% remaining loyal to the crown, and the remainder being neutral or disengaged.”

Go to the source and read the whole article if you’re interested: Media, Technology, and Stress At America’s 250th

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Listen Like You Might Be Wrong

Six graduates in caps and gowns standing on a mountaintop at sunset overlooking a valley and river.

The speaker delivers a powerful message urging graduates to reject rigid binary thinking and move past a culture that values winning arguments over understanding people. He challenges the audience to engage in genuine dialogue, especially with those they deeply disagree with.

Continue reading “Listen Like You Might Be Wrong” →
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How to Be a Living Unison: D. H. Lawrence on Harmonizing the Conflicting Parts We Live With

“The great paradox of personhood is that the sum is simpler than its parts. We move through the world as a totality, fragmentary but indivisible, clothed in a costume of personality beneath which roil parts perpetually fighting for power, perpetually yearning for harmony. The person making the choices, the person bearing their consequences, and the person taking responsibility for them are rarely the same person.”

If this resonates wiht you, go to the source and read the entire article by Maria Popova: How to Be a Living Unison: D. H. Lawrence on Harmonizing the Conflicting Parts We Live With

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AI Cadences

In the latest Anthropic Economic Index report, we look at when people come to Claude, what they produce with it, and how they perceive AI’s impact on their work.

Go to the source and read the whole article: Anthropic Economic Index report: Cadences

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Writer Ian Bogost Says ‘the Small Stuff’ Can Help Us Reclaim Our Lives from Too Much Convenience

Has Silicon Valley been building the wrong things?

Source: Writer Ian Bogost says ‘The Small Stuff’ can help us reclaim our lives from too much convenience | TechCrunch

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Who Does it Serve?

Armored knight in glowing high-tech suit carrying an ornate glowing chalice in a neon digital forest environment

In this keynote address from ARC 2026, artist and public speaker Jonathan Pageau delivers a profound philosophical warning about the unchecked trajectory of artificial intelligence, framing our current technological race through the lens of ancient myths and legends.

Here is a summary of the core themes and arguments from the video:

Continue reading “Who Does it Serve?” →
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Ex-Google Exec: How to Position Yourself Now Before the Next AI Phase (2026–2027)

In this episode of the Silicon Valley Girl Podcast, host Marina Mogilko interviews Mo Gawdat, author and former Chief Business Officer at Google X. Gawdat outlines what he views as a highly disruptive “12 to 15 years of hell before heaven” caused by rapid AI progression, peaking around 2027 01:02 Opens in a new window …

Continue reading “Ex-Google Exec: How to Position Yourself Now Before the Next AI Phase (2026–2027)” →
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David Brooks: America Has a Moral Problem, Not a Political One

In this episode of Prof G Conversations, host Scott Galloway interviews author, New York Times veteran, and Atlantic writer David Brooks. The discussion centers around what Brooks views as a deep-seated human and moral crisis in modern America, rather than a purely political one…

Continue reading “David Brooks: America Has a Moral Problem, Not a Political One” →
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The Arc of Justice

“And on the road, you’ll read words from some of America’s greatest leaders, including a quote that inspired that arch that you see right there at the south end of the plaza by Theodore Parker. “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.” It’s a quote that was often invoked by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but it originally comes from a Boston minister’s sermon more than 170 years ago. And at the time, the abolitionist cause seemed lost, the compromise of 1850 had made harboring fugitive slaves a crime under federal law, even in those states that had abolished slavery. And in a case that garnered national attention, a young fugitive in Boston had been seized and tried and marched to the wharf by hundreds of armed officers, where he was summarily put on a ship bound for the south, where he would remain in shackles and chains. It was a moment of profound uncertainty and despair, a moment the minister called darker than any New England had witnessed. “We do not see, Reverend Theodore Parker observed, “that justice is always done on earth. Many a knave is rich, sleek, and honored, while the just man is poor, hated, and in torment. I do not pretend,” the preacher said, “to understand the moral universe. The arc is a long one. My eye reaches but little ways. I cannot calculate the curve and complete the figure by the experience of sight. I can divine it by conscience, but from what I see, I am sure it bends towards justice.”“

Source: President Obama and Mrs. Obama’s Remarks at the Opening of the Obama Presidential Center | by Barack Obama | Jun, 2026 | Medium

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Barack Obama’s Speech at Grand Opening of New Presidential Center

“I hope this center will serve as an affirmation of just how special, how precious our democracy truly is and remind us what we can achieve when we embrace our shared responsibilities as citizens,” Obama told the crowd.

In this NBC Chicago video, former President Barack Obama delivers a heartfelt and stirring keynote address at the grand opening ceremony of the new Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park on the South Side of Chicago.

Key Themes & Highlights

  • A Homecoming to Chicago: Obama reflects deeply on his roots, recalling his arrival in Chicago in 1985 as a 23-year-old community organizer 02:06 Opens in a new window . He notes that the city is where he found his purpose, met Michelle Obama, raised his children, and launched his political career 06:22 Opens in a new window . Because of this, he emphasizes that the center could not have been built anywhere else 07:17 Opens in a new window .
  • A Living Community Hub: He highlights that the center was purposely designed not to be a “lifeless mausoleum” or merely a collection of past speeches, but rather a vibrant, active civic space intended to build community trust and strengthen democratic values 07:55 Opens in a new window .
  • The Power of Everyday Citizens: Obama stresses that the exhibits explicitly focus on the stories of ordinary citizens—such as healthcare advocates, small business owners, and military families—whose voices drove his administration’s major policy successes 18:01 Opens in a new window .
  • Upholding American Democracy: Nearing America’s 250th birthday, Obama calls democracy a radical and precious experiment that requires constant effort 11:51 Opens in a new window . He highlights fundamental American values—such as the rule of law, checks and balances, a free press, and the peaceful transfer of power 15:21 Opens in a new window —noting these are non-partisan principles that bind the nation together.
  • Rejecting Cynicism: Acknowledging the turbulent political climate, technological disruptions, and cultural exhaustion of the last decade, he strongly warns against giving in to despair 20:59 Opens in a new window . He urges people not to give away their power by losing faith in the impact of voting and civic participation 23:39 Opens in a new window .
  • The Next Chapter: The speech closes with an emphasis on the future. Referencing Theodore Parker’s famous quote that “the arc of the moral universe… bends towards justice” 30:00 Opens in a new window , Obama calls on a new generation of leaders to keep organizing and writing the next chapters of the American story 33:50 Opens in a new window .

Barack Obama explains that despite the current feelings of uncertainty and division in the country, the majority of Americans are not seeking perpetual anger or conflict. Instead, he states that people are looking for:

  • Fairness
  • Common sense
  • Mutual respect

He emphasizes that, deep down, citizens want to find a way to turn toward one another rather than pulling further apart (25:10 – 25:30).

You can read the entire transcript here.

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Michelle Obama at Opening of Barack Obama Presidential Center

The video you are currently watching features Former First Lady Michelle Obama delivering a deeply moving and inspirational speech at the grand opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center on the South Side of Chicago.

Here is a concise summary of the key themes from her address:

  • A Personal Tribute to Barack Obama: She takes the opportunity to loudly sing her husband’s praises, reflecting on his calm, unflappable nature and “stubborn optimism” during his eight years in office. She highlights major administration milestones, including expanding healthcare, rescuing the economy, ending a war, and advocating for marriage equality.
  • A Monument to Everyday Americans: Michelle emphasizes that the center is a testament to shared values like equality, empathy, honesty, and inclusion. She notes that these qualities are not unique to her husband, but are shown every day by working-class Americans, teachers, and community volunteers.
  • The Power of Choice over Cynicism: She speaks passionately about hope being a daily choice, asserting that voting, using one’s voice, and choosing to be a decent human being are essential actions, warning that failing to see the humanity in others puts democracy at risk.
  • A Vibrant Hub for the South Side: Rather than a stagnant monument, she describes the center as a living, breathing community space. She explicitly invites neighbors to use the public park and library, make music in the recording studio, shoot hoops on the basketball court, and treat it as a joyful home.

She concludes by reminding the audience that the center is grounded in their stories, but it has never been about them—it belongs to the community and the future generations who will continue the steady march of change.

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American pride has fallen off a cliff

The big picture: 51% of Americans say they are extremely or very proud of being American, down sharply from 82% in 2013.

Source: American pride has fallen off a cliff

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Do Yourself a Favor: Don’t Read the News This Week

Constant news consumption may feel responsible, but research suggests it distorts perception and elevates stress. Try a slow week off headlines and reclaim your attention.

The article from Psychology Today emphasizes that constant consumption of news, despite the feeling of responsibility it may bring, can skew our perception and increase stress levels. It suggests taking a break from news headlines for a week to help restore focus and mental clarity, allowing individuals to reclaim their attention and better manage stress.

Read the source article here: Do Yourself a Favor: Don’t Read the News This Week

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A Little Slice of Michiana Heaven

Lori and I took our bikes up to Union Pier, Michigan last weekend. It’s just north of the nuthouse that New Buffalo has become and it was a delightful place to take a short bike ride, have a beer and dip our toes in the sand on a quiet beach. Highly recommended. Click an image to enlarge…

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My dad’s eulogy

15 years ago, I wrote this post on Father’s Day. Last Saturday, these were my remarks as we celebrated his life and legacy…

“There is something really powerful in the words of Friedrich Schiller, the Austrian poet, which I shared with my dad for Father’s Day back in 1983: “Nicht Fleisch und Blut; das Herz macht uns zu Vätern und Söhnen.”—“Not flesh and blood but hearts make us fathers and sons.” Nobody lived that out more than my dad. Looking back, he didn’t just become my father by chance; he chose to be my dad through a simple, huge act of love. That choice changed my whole path in life and taught me what being a man and a father is really about.

Fifteen years ago on Father’s Day, right here in this church, it finally hit me. Watching him read the Epistle, I realized that everything I like about myself had his fingerprints all over it. Dad taught me that a Lohenry belongs at the front of the room. When they asked for readers for daily mass in 4th grade, my reaction was basically the 4th grade version of ‘hold my beer’—it was my job on Monday because it was his job on Sunday. By watching him lead with such confidence, I learned to love speaking, teaching, and a good pun among other things. To try and understand his world, I took a programming course in 1983. That Father’s Day, I gave him my final project and told him he could keep it because I was done with computers. The irony is that thirteen years later, I ended up at Apple. Today, with tech and communication as my daily work, he definitely got the last laugh.

He filled our home with books, passing on a love of reading that we shared even during his time in the hospital. He filled our lives with music; even now, I can’t listen to Dave Brubeck without picturing him tapping his wedding ring on the car roof to the beat of an FM jazz station. He taught me the necessity of a good laugh, and he showed me that real men aren’t afraid to feel deeply.

Talking with my mom recently, I realized something else: my father had an incredible spark and a constant drive to keep moving forward. When a stroke in 1963 left him without a job, he didn’t quit; he went door-to-door as a Fuller Brush salesman and eventually worked his way up to leading a company. Years later I could relate when I spent three years pushing carts and packing groceries at Costco to rebuild my own future. He showed me that no job is beneath you if you have character and that you can always start over as long as you keep trying.

To my sons who are here today: I want you to really feel the bond we have—not just being related, but that connection of the heart that makes us who we are. Let my recent accident be a reminder to all of us not to take the time we take for granted.

To finish, I’ll look to Schiller one more time: “Es lebt ein Stück von mir in dir”—”A piece of me lives on in you.” Because we were so close, my words and my work are his legacy. I’m so proud to say that I am my father’s son. Rest easy, Dad, knowing you gave me everything I needed for love and life. I love you.”

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This Is how Close I Live to the University of Notre Dame

Can you see the Golden Dome off in the distance?

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Sam Altman asked what problem people most hope AI will solve

Sam Altman posed the question regarding what issues people most hope artificial intelligence will address, and the responses consistently highlight a yearning for AI to improve quality of life and alleviate everyday challenges rather than focusing solely on major global issues like cancer or climate change. The source article underscores a collective desire for AI to create practical solutions that enhance personal experiences and interactions, suggesting a shift in priorities for the potential of AI technology.

Source: Sam Altman asked what problem people most hope AI will solve — and the answer that keeps coming up isn’t cancer or climate change

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The Girandoni Air Rifle: The Lewis and Clark Expedition’s Secret Weapon

Have you ever wondered how the Lewis and Clark Expedition managed to travel through over 4,000 miles of hostile territory basically unmolested? This rifle and how they used it is one of the reasons why.

“The article discusses the Girandoni air rifle, highlighting its significance during the Lewis and Clark expedition. Although this advanced firearm was nearly obsolete by 1810, it played a crucial role in the expedition, providing the explorers with an edge in both protection and hunting. The rifle’s innovative design allowed for rapid firing and a considerable range, contributing to its status as a secret weapon for the expedition team.” Source: The Girandoni Air Rifle: The Lewis and Clark Expedition’s Secret Weapon

I learned this and many other things reading this new book…

“A major revisionist history of the Lewis and Clark expedition: For the first time in a generation, This Vast Enterprise offers a fresh and more accurate account of one of the most important episodes in American history, humanizing forgotten figures and shattering long-held myths.” Amazon.com

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