Author Archives: Michael Spence

Reflecting on Hurricane Katrina

Posted on 12 September 2005 by Michael Spence

My boss returned yesterday from Shreveport, Louisiana, where he helped to organize relief operations in Hurricane Katrina’s wake. Like other experiences of extreme conditions, the aftermath of the hurricane has shown us humanity at its best and at its worst.

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A weak moment

Posted on 21 August 2005 by Michael Spence

I can, therefore I am. — Simone Weil I once knew a woman like that. Man, the amount of zucchini, mincemeat, and rhubarb preserves she had stashed away in her cellar … What? Oh. Never mind.

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Bad reasons not to write

Posted on 12 August 2005 by Michael Spence

Those who do not want to imitate anything, produce nothing. — Salvador Dali Would that I knew the context of this line, found in many quotation lists. In isolation it’s a good thought, enough so that I’m willing to risk … Continue reading →

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Vintage literature

Posted on 20 May 2005 by Michael Spence

Placemats at local diners contain all kinds of strange and wonderful tidbits. Consider the following quotation found beneath the plates at The Nook in downtown Charlottesville, Virginia, in an ad for the nearby Market Street Wineshop: Wine is, above all, … Continue reading →

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Waiting for SERENITY

Posted on 22 April 2005 by Michael Spence

What you care about is the ships — and mine’s the nicest.— Kaywinnit Lee “Kaylee” Frye . . . and it was to have hit the screen today at A Theater Near You. But ’twas not to be, alas; the … Continue reading →

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Valuing persons 3

Posted on 18 April 2005 by Michael Spence

Observation on the preceding article: What I’ve called “assigned value” shows up all the time in the pricing of merchandise. How much is commodity X worth? Answer: Not what the maker thinks it’s worth, not the cost of the materials … Continue reading →

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Valuing persons 2

Posted on 12 April 2005 by Michael Spence

At what point,” you say? Simple: The instant supply outstripped demand.

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This one’s for you, Dad

Posted on 3 April 2005 by Michael Spence

UVa board discusses brand possibilities The University of Virginia Board of Visitors discussed the possibility of establishing a brand for the school. — Charlottesville Daily Progress, 3 April 2005 Man, that’s harsh. Even at the University of Texas they just … Continue reading →

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Valuing persons

Posted on 3 April 2005 by Michael Spence

At what point did human life become so cheap that we could afford to argue about its quality? Just asking.

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George David Spence, 1922–2005: Requiescat in gaudio

Posted on 27 March 2005 by Michael Spence

When from my dying bed My ransomed soul shall rise, “Jesus died my soul to save!” Shall rend the vaulted skies. — E. M. Hall My father, George Spence, passed away early Saturday morning, March 19, in Charlottesville, Virginia. Because … Continue reading →

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