The Most Benign of Vices delves into his transition from being an occasional coffee drinker to a compulsive reader, narrating his journey from children's books to complex adult literature. He discusses the nature and impact of his reading habit, focusing on his affinity for mystery thrillers and their exploration of universal human behaviors.
This paper, titled "The New Corporate Heroes" by David B. Norman discusses the evolving role of human resource management within corporate organizations, highlighting the shift from traditional personnel management to a more strategic, influential position in companies. It references a 1976 Fortune article, emphasizing the profitability of appointing high-caliber executives to oversee human resources. The paper notes the increasing prestige and power of chief personnel executives, often reporting directly to the CEO and, in some cases, ascending to CEO themselves. It underscores the growing recognition of the personnel function's importance to organizational profitability, evidenced by rising salaries for top HR positions and the impact of changing economic conditions, legislation, and the acknowledgment of the value of people to an organization.
Judge Norman K. Moon began his presentation by saying "James C. McReynolds is commonly judged one of the worst Justices ever to have sat on the United States Supreme Court." Moon then explains why McReynolds possibly “turned out to be the most conservative justice ever to serve on the court.” Moon describes the intriguing personality and prejudices of McReynolds.
This academic paper outlines the historical partnership between Julius Rosenwald and Booker T. Washington, focusing on their work to improve African American education in the early 20th century. It details how Rosenwald, influenced by his philanthropic ethos and Washington's educational vision, funded the construction of thousands of schools for black children in the South. The paper discusses the architecture and community impact of these "Rosenwald Schools," highlighting their significance in the context of segregation and the fight for equality. It also touches on the eventual decline of these schools with desegregation but notes their legacy and efforts to preserve them as important cultural and historical sites. Schewel reported on efforts to restore and repurpose the Campbell County Training School Assembly Building in Rustburg, a former Rosenwald School.
James D. Paxton's "The Philosophy of Allowance" humorously proposes a life philosophy focused on moderation rather than strict avoidance, as traditionally dictated by societal and religious norms. Paxton critiques the prohibitive nature of historical codes like the Ten Commandments and the Code of Hammurabi, suggesting a daily "allowance" for minor transgressions such as a cuss word, a kick, and even a lie, arguing this method may lead to greater overall adherence to good behavior. By allowing ourselves a controlled indulgence in these small vices, Paxton theorizes we may actually find it easier to live virtuously, injecting a fresh zest into daily life while maintaining a balance between restriction and freedom.
Dr. Thomas Moody Campbell's paper "The Poetry of Shelley" presents a detailed analysis of Percy Bysshe Shelley's lyric poetry through motif analysis. Focusing on the integration of experience and expression, Campbell explores Shelley's themes of liberty, life, and the intertwining of nature and spirituality. He highlights the uniqueness of Shelley's poetic motifs, emphasizing the poet's passionate disdain for tyranny and his identification with nature, using examples like "Ode to the West Wind" and "Mont Blanc" to illustrate Shelley's method of embodying philosophical and emotional depth within his work.
The Points of Osler's Compass by Carroll H. Lippard is a reflective and instructive exploration of William Osler's profound impact on medicine, focusing on his ethical, educational, and personal principles. Lippard discusses Osler's dedication to the physician-patient relationship, continuous medical education, and the balance of professional and personal life, advocating for these values in modern medical practice. The paper underscores Osler's humanistic approach to medicine, emphasizing the importance of compassion, lifelong learning, and ethical practice for contemporary physicians.
Dr. John T. T. Hundley's paper, titled "The Poverty Problem," explores the global and national issues of poverty, emphasizing the insensitivity of the wealthy to the needs of the underprivileged. It critiques the federal Poverty Program's execution, citing mismanagement and insufficient planning, particularly in Laredo, Texas. The paper also addresses broader causes of poverty, such as the economic challenges facing small farmers and migration to urban slums, proposing a comprehensive national program to combat these issues. It concludes with the author's philosophical perspective on addressing poverty, highlighting the importance of motivation over mere financial aid.
Dr. Edwards' presentation "The Power of Three Little Letters," examined her lifelong journey with the acronym CRT, from its simple beginnings in childhood letter tracing to its complex roles in education, technology, and social justice. The talk delved into the various interpretations and impacts of CRT, including its use in STEM, culturally responsive teaching, critical race theory debates, and the adaptation to COVID-19 challenges in schools.
The paper discusses the complex and often politically charged process of nominating justices to the Supreme Court, highlighting the significant influence such nominations have on the judicial and political landscape of the United States. It delves into the historical development of the Supreme Court, the evolving role of justices, and the contentious nature of recent nominations. The paper emphasizes the balance between judicial independence and the ideological leanings of nominees, reflecting on how past justices have sometimes defied the expectations of the presidents who appointed them. It also explores the concepts of judicial activism and conservatism, examining how these philosophies impact the Court's decisions and its interaction with broader societal and constitutional issues.
Joan F. Foster's paper "The Promise" discusses the transformative impact of "Promise Communities" in America over the past decade. These communities, including cities like Kalamazoo, El Dorado, Denver, Pittsburgh, and Lynchburg, have implemented place-based scholarship programs to enhance educational attainment and economic development. The paper examines the historical context, implementation, and positive outcomes of these initiatives, emphasizing improvements in graduation rates, college enrollment, and local economic growth.
This paper, delivered by Joe B. Linker, Jr., explores the ancient game of GO, highlighting its historical origins, strategic depth, and significance beyond mere entertainment. Linker draws parallels between GO's principles and the strategic maneuvers in the Communist Revolution in China, emphasizing how the game serves as a model for understanding military and political strategies in the Far East. The paper underscores GO's status as the greatest strategic game, its influence on military tactics, and its role in intellectual culture, particularly in China and Japan. By analyzing the Communist Revolution through the lens of GO, Linker suggests that Western misunderstandings of Eastern strategies could be mitigated by studying this game.
Julie Doyle's paper, "The Pursuit of Champagne, Faïence and a Renoir Madame," explores her family history and connections to Henriot Champagne, Quimper pottery, and Renoir's portrait of Madame Henriot. Doyle undertakes a trip to France with family members to investigate these ties, discovering historical details about her ancestors and the Henriot namesakes. Despite finding no direct familial connection, she uncovers enriching stories and deepens her appreciation for her heritage.
The paper delves into the ethical, legal, and personal aspects of medically assisted suicide, leveraging the philosophical and cultural backdrop of Hamlet's soliloquy to explore the complexity of choosing death over life in the face of unbearable suffering. It provides a comprehensive overview of the topic, including terminological clarifications, historical and current legal statuses, and various perspectives on euthanasia and assisted suicide. The author critically examines arguments for and against the legalization of physician-assisted suicide, reflecting on the implications for society, the medical profession, and individual autonomy. The paper concludes by contemplating the profound moral and existential questions surrounding the right to die, suggesting that these issues transcend institutional answers and resonate deeply with personal conscience and humanity's quest for dignity in death.
Marc Schewel's "The Quiet Way," critically examines the cultural bias towards extroversion in American society, juxtaposing it with the value of introversion. Schewel argues against the pervasive belief in the superiority of teamwork and extroversion for creativity and success, using historical and contemporary examples, including Roger Bannister's sub-four-minute mile and Steve Wozniak's creation of the Apple computer. The paper highlights the contributions of introverts to innovation and leadership, supported by research suggesting that solitude and deep work foster greater creativity and problem-solving than group work.
This follows up the 2001 Sphex presentation called “The Second California Gold Rush.” After reviewing the story of a ship filled with gold and people fatally sinking in 1857, a follow up tells the unusual if not bizarre ending of the adventure or “the rest of the story.”
A history of the building and financing of Virginia's highway system, with attention to effort to complete a north-south highway through the central portion of the state.
The Rocky Road to Fame by Joan Jones chronicles the extraordinary life and pioneering work of William Smith, who created the world's first geological map of England and Wales in 1815. This detailed narrative explores Smith's humble beginnings, his innate curiosity about the natural world, and his monumental solo effort in producing a geological map that laid the foundations for the science of geology. Despite facing numerous challenges, including financial ruin and lack of recognition from the scientific community of his time, Smith's work eventually earned him acclaim and the prestigious Wollaston Medal. His story is a testament to the impact of individual dedication and vision in advancing scientific knowledge.
A ship filled with gold and people leaves California but sinks in 1857. In the 1980s a search began and resulted in the largest salvage award in admiralty history.
This paper explores Lynchburg's 1972 annexation plan, highlighting the city's ambition to expand by nearly 50 square miles. It discusses Lynchburg's socio-economic context in the early 1970s, motivations behind the annexation, and the ensuing public resistance. The paper details the legal process, the trial's outcome, and the long-term implications for regional growth. It also examines the divisive personal and cultural impacts on residents.
This paper by Cranston Williams details the history and development of Southern Pine newsprint, beginning with its origins and significant milestones. It covers the establishment of mills, the impact on the newspaper industry, and the economic implications for the Southern United States. Key historical figures and events, such as the first Southern Pine mill at Lufkin and the involvement of Dr. Charles H. Herty, are highlighted.
