Author: Rob

The University of Notre Dame

Tomorrow marks the beginning of the college football season—for us Spartans at least—a time of great excitement, pageantry, and yes, even life lessons, as Guest Blogger Jack W. pointed out in his piece The Great Metaphor.

I have written in this space about the scandal at Penn State and hoped not to have to write about another low point in college sports. Alas, yesterday’s comments by Allan Pinkett, former All-American at Notre Dame, sadly compel comment.

Now before any of you Golden Domer’s go nuts, I will admit that his comments do not even remotely approach the level of scandal at PSU, so calm down. But I do hope you take a moment to reflect on what his comments say about college football, college athletics, and more importantly, what they say about Notre Dame and what she stands for.

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Online Book Signing Scheduled!

The Good Thief - A Tale of Mercy
The Good Thief – A Tale of Mercy

The date is set, so please come to my Online Book Signing!

Wednesday, September 26th, 2012, at 5:00 PM US EDT.

What is an Online Book Signing, you might ask? Well, it’s like a regular book signing—only no long lines!

All you need to do is register at https://student.gototraining.com/rt/2780481632803386880 to receive log-in information to attend the event.

This event is a great way to meet me and other authors from the comfort of your home, office or wherever the day finds you. I will be speaking about my new book and taking you behind the story. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask me questions, which I will answer during the show.

For attending the online event, you will get a free digital copy of each author’s book, including mine!

So sign up today and I’ll see you there!

Monastic Cell or Prison Cell?

I enter into my heart to find you,

But I can’t see you.
Instead I see bars on the windows,
Casting long shadows across the floor.
You promised you would be here.
You told me that if I opened the door,
You would enter and sup with me.
 

It wasn’t always like this;
When did you leave?
When did I enter this prison?
The one I carry in my breast.
No, I never entered willingly;
I built it around myself.
Will you come again and open the door?

A True American Hero

Neil Armstrong, R.I.P.

A statement from the Armstrong family:

We are heartbroken to share the news that Neil Armstrong has passed away following complications resulting from cardiovascular procedures. Neil was our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

Neil Armstrong was also a reluctant American hero who always believed he was just doing his job. He served his Nation proudly, as a navy fighter pilot, test pilot, and astronaut. He also found success back home in his native Ohio in business and academia, and became a community leader in Cincinnati. He remained an advocate of aviation and exploration throughout his life and never lost his boyhood wonder of these pursuits.

As much as Neil cherished his privacy, he always appreciated the expressions of good will from people around the world and from all walks of life. While we mourn the loss of a very good man, we also celebrate his remarkable life and hope that it serves as an example to young people around the world to work hard to make their dreams come true, to be willing to explore and push the limits, and to selflessly serve a cause greater than themselves.

For those who may ask what they can do to honor Neil, we have a simple request. Honor his example of service, accomplishment and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink.

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The Great Metaphor – by Jack W.

Fall has always been my favorite time of the year.  Growing up in the Midwest, the first hint of cool, damp air during a late August evening would send my heart a flutter with memories and expectations.  The most cherished bloom in this bouquet of lifelong flashbacks is FOOTBALL!

Now, no reasonable human being could begin to dispute that football has clearly supplanted baseball as our national past time.  Over the generations much weight has been given to the life lessons taught by the playing of the game.  While being part of a team and bonding through adversity benefit even the most casual participant, the reason for it isn’t often articulated.  I’ll take a stab at it.  Football is our culture’s greatest metaphor for life.

Continue reading “The Great Metaphor – by Jack W.”