MSI Press Blog

This book is written for people whom society labels as average and refuses to consider as elite. They have neither the family fortune nor the biological endowment that would enable them to achieve power as it is modernly defined. This group constitutes the overwhelming majority of any community. They may openly reject or suffer silently in a culture that values celebrity and materialism and therefore favors the few who can muster seemingly unlimited resources. Its aim is to promote a sense of respect to these individuals’ lives and affairs, allowing them to wield an authentic power that can lead to personal satisfaction. Although this book has been a lifetime in the making, its evolution gained momentum during a chance encounter. The experience would plant a seed of questioning that would preoccupy my mind and challenge what I had convinced myself to be true. This story begins modestly, save for an overwhelming heat. August in Missouri is a devastating formula of 100 de...

  Bob was born in Richmond, California and attended California State University Hayward. After college, he became a third-generation steel painter. He spent 20 years painting bridges in the Bay Area, the last 12 as a member of the Golden Gate Bridge paint crew. Bob retired in 2014 and is now a contributing author to local magazines. He lives with his wife in Northern California. Bob was born in Richmond, California and attended California State University Hayward. After college, he became a third-generation steel painter. He spent 20 years painting bridges in the Bay Area, the last 12 as a member of the Golden Gate Bridge paint crew. Bob retired in 2014 and is now a contributing writer at Bicoastal Digest Magazine , with his work also appearing in Marin Magazine , and The Argonaut, Journal of the San Francisco Historical Society . He now lives with his wife in Valley Springs, California. Bob's book, A View through the Fog , was recently released and is already near to top 10...

  As folks get ready to settle in to some great yelling, screaming, and cheering for today's Super Bowl, we offer readers a look at the everyday players, the kids who might grow up to be stars, and how their parents affect them and the game. Jonas is a long-term sports coach, and his insights and humor make for a wonderful, easy, and inspirational read in Soccer Is Fun without Parents .  I never played soccer growing up but my son, Kevin, latched onto it about the same time he learned how to walk. I have learned how to love the sport by watching kids play and being a high school referee. Apparently, Americans don’t find the sport exciting; not enough scoring, too many dives by players, slow action, etc.   Have you ever watched a baseball game? Come on. Any NFL game typically entails only 11 minutes of actual playing time compared to 18 minutes in baseball, and 90 minutes in soccer. Despite what many Americans say about the sport, there is only one thing that needs to be f...

  Bob McGee's book,  A View through the Fog , has received a number of reviews of Goodreads -- all outstanding ones. We will be sharing these over the next few weeks. If you want to get them all at once, here you go:  A View through the Fog by Bob McGee | Goodreads . Tamara Davis, awarding five stars, says,  A View Through the Fog  thoughtfully represents a period of time for the Golden Gate Bridge and its workers there then. The memoir reminds readers that every experience (and stage of something) is temporary: "While Bridge painters will continue to come and go, they will never do it like we did" (126). I really enjoyed reading this colorful book. Bob McGee is honest, humble, and reflective. The content is poetic and compelling. I learned a lot about the construction, components, and upkeep of the bridge, plus what is involved in getting a coveted painting job. The suicide details are startling, but the author bravely broaches the topic and handles it with com...

    Every once in a while, a book comes along that isn’t splashed across every headline — but quietly shines with rare insight, lasting impact, and the power to stay with you long after the last page. We call these  book jewels . Each month, we spotlight one remarkable publication—a book that deserves far more attention than it gets. Through short, punchy reviews (each just a 1–2 minute read), we share what makes this month's jewel worth your time. You’ll hear from reviewers whose voices matter — people whose words are thoughtful, sharp, and well worth listening to. In just a few minutes, you might discover more wisdom, beauty, and brilliance than you find in an hour elsewhere. We'll leave it to you to decide — but we think you'll agree: some treasures are too good to keep hidden. This month's book jewel is  A View through the Fog   by Bob McGee. Book Description A View through the Fog”  is a powerful memoir set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Gol...

    Every once in a while, a book comes along that isn’t splashed across every headline — but quietly shines with rare insight, lasting impact, and the power to stay with you long after the last page. We call these  book jewels . Each month, we spotlight one remarkable publication—a book that deserves far more attention than it gets. Through short, punchy reviews (each just a 1–2 minute read), we share what makes this month's jewel worth your time. You’ll hear from reviewers whose voices matter — people whose words are thoughtful, sharp, and well worth listening to. In just a few minutes, you might discover more wisdom, beauty, and brilliance than you find in an hour elsewhere. We'll leave it to you to decide — but we think you'll agree: some treasures are too good to keep hidden. This month's book jewel is  A View through the Fog   by Bob McGee. Book Description A View through the Fog”  is a powerful memoir set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Gol...