MSI Press Blog

  From: An Afternoon's Dictation: Inclusive Revelation for the 21st Century (Greenebaum) As An Afternoon’s Dictation is published, however deep the hole in which we find ourselves, we face a basic truth. We can accept living in that deep hole or not. And if we reject living in this emotional and spiritual hole, we are going to need each other to climb out. However difficult and long that climb, I believe we owe the effort to our children and to children yet to come. And as we make that climb, may we free our souls of the fear of “them” that has so crippled our efforts to this moment.  Book Description In 1999 Steven Greenebaum felt he'd hit the wall. Fifty years old, he could not make sense of his life or the world around him. For several months he angrily demanded answers from God, if God were there. One afternoon, an inner voice told him to get a pen and paper and write. Steven then took dictation - three pages, not of commandments but guidance for leading a meaningful lif...

  For most of human history, intelligence seemed simple. Humans possessed it. Animals perhaps possessed lesser forms of it. Machines possessed none at all. The boundaries appeared clear. A mind could reason, imagine, create, choose, and understand. Intelligence belonged to living beings, and humanity stood at its summit. Today those assumptions are becoming increasingly difficult to sustain. Artificial intelligence can generate essays, compose music, write software, recognize patterns, translate languages, and engage in conversations that appear remarkably human. At the same time, research continues to reveal unexpected cognitive abilities in animals, from tool use and planning to communication and social learning. The result is not merely technological disruption. It is a philosophical disruption. We are being pushed back toward questions that once occupied only philosophers, theologians, and cognitive scientists. What is a mind? What is understanding? What is creativity? What is ...

One of the most interesting findings in research on midlife physical activity is that people are often motivated less by fitness itself and more by the opportunity for social connection. Studies have found that a sense of community belonging is significantly associated with the intention to begin and maintain physical activity. This makes intuitive sense. In early adulthood, exercise is often tied to competition, appearance, athletic achievement, or performance goals. By midlife, priorities begin to shift. People may still value health and fitness, but they increasingly seek activities that provide meaning, friendship, and a sense of shared experience. Walking groups, pickleball courts, martial arts dojos, cycling clubs, hiking groups, dance classes, and recreational sports leagues offer something that treadmills and home gyms often cannot: connection. These environments create opportunities for regular interaction, mutual encouragement, and the simple pleasure of being part of somethi...

  When many people hear the word Poodle , they picture an elegantly groomed show dog prancing around a competition ring. Yet beneath the distinctive appearance lies one of the world's most intelligent, athletic, and versatile dog breeds. The Standard Poodle is much more than a fashionable companion. It is a working dog, an athlete, a family member, and an exceptionally capable partner. Not Just a Fancy Dog The Standard Poodle is the largest of the three Poodle varieties, standing over 15 inches at the shoulder and often much taller. Despite its refined appearance, the breed was originally developed as a water retriever. In fact, the name "Poodle" comes from the German word Pudel , meaning "to splash in water." These dogs were bred to retrieve waterfowl for hunters, requiring intelligence, endurance, and strong swimming ability. Many of the traditional Poodle grooming styles originated for practical reasons. Hunters clipped parts of the coat to improve mobility i...