My nephew is serving in Iraq. Thus far he has not fallen victim to an improvised explosive device or been shot. To my knowledge he has not been the victim of any serious accident. I sincerely hope he will not be injured or killed and that he will soon return home unscathed and healthy, in [...]
Entries Tagged as 'excellence'
What Price a Hero?
July 3rd, 2010 · No Comments · Editorial, Politics and Social Issues, Uncategorized, media
Tags:dissent·dissent decree·excellence·Hero·Heroism·Meaning·military
A Conspiracy of Ignorance
January 30th, 2010 · No Comments · Editorial, Politics and Social Issues, media
As each new day unfolds it seems the United States of America becomes more disunited, impatient and uncivil. What passes for entertainment, education and political discourse, particularly in the media, is rarely more than sensationalism and the exchange of insults and shouting. And with the exception of few good newspapers, magazines and websites, along with [...]
Tags:conspiracy·dissent·dissent decree·dissentdecree·excellence·ignorance·Meaning·media·mediocrity·outrage·politics·television
Mutterings and Musings
August 7th, 2009 · 4 Comments · Politics and Social Issues
I frequent a coffee shop near the Michigan state capitol. Each day some mix of legislators, lawyers, lobbyists, law students, and state workers gather here.
As I sit reading and drinking coffee, I overhear some of their conversation. Puffery, earnest pleading, non-committal blather, misdirection, misperception, lies and the occasional truth—I hear it all. This is the [...]
Tags:American·dissent·dissent decree·dissentdecree·excellence·mediocrity·perception·politics
Place and the Photograph
May 2nd, 2009 · 1 Comment · Art, Design and Communication, Tony and Carmina, Uncategorized, photography
Carmina was waiting when Tony walked into the Supreme Bean. It was a slow day and other than themselves and the three baristas no one else was there. “Hey Tony,” she said as she waved.
Tony waved in return and then went to the counter. Amanda was at the register. Her dark red hair was pulled [...]
Tags:carmina·dissent·dissent decree·dissentdecree·excellence·Meaning·perception·photograph·photography·Tony
Mediocrity and Excellence
January 18th, 2009 · No Comments · Uncategorized
Mediocrity
Mediocrity is all-inclusive and indiscriminate. Its natural home is the committee.
Excellence
Excellence is exclusionary and discriminating. It can only result from the capacity to say no and the willingness to do so.
Michael Maurer Smith
© Michael Maurer Smith 2009
Tags:committee·discriminate·dissent·dissent decree·dissentdecree·excel·excellence·excellent·mediocre·mediocrity
