{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"Micro.blog - Roger Wm. Bennett","home_page_url":"https://micro.blog","feed_url":"https://micro.blog/posts/ReaderJohn","_microblog":{"about":"https://micro.blog/about/api","id":"10256","username":"ReaderJohn","bio":"Retired lawyer, homo adorans (as an Orthodox Christian).\nFor better or worse, autodidact in much of what really matters in life (despite ample formal schooling).\nMy posts are pretty eclectic, but tend toward religion and cynicism about politics.","pronouns":"","is_following":false,"is_you":false,"following_count":212,"discover_count":0},"author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://micro.blog/ReaderJohn/avatar.jpg"},"items":[{"id":"98369178","content_html":"

@ayjay Sounds like OUP has some splainin’ to do. Prestige of the imprint aside, this leaves a sour taste.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/ReaderJohn/98369178","date_published":"2026-09-29T14:44:42+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"14:44","date_timestamp":1790693082,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"98367967","content_html":"

“In a world of Donalds, be a Dolly.” Wisdom picked up by my better half on Pinterest or somewhere.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://microblog.intellectualoid.com/2026/09/29/in-a-world-of-donalds.html","date_published":"2026-09-29T14:15:08+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-29 14:15","date_timestamp":1790691308,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"98361652","content_html":"

28th anniversary of my dad’s death combined with prep for a colonoscopy. Just how much fun can a guy have in one day?

\n","summary":"","url":"https://microblog.intellectualoid.com/2026/09/29/th-anniversary-of-my-dads.html","date_published":"2026-09-29T12:06:36+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-29 12:06","date_timestamp":1790683596,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"98361160","content_html":"

@canneddragons I tried to write a response, but I couldn’t beat @jasonekratz’s “People are so ridiculous” or the Bluesky response of Brian Goetz (dropping the word “tiny”).

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/ReaderJohn/98361160","date_published":"2026-09-29T11:52:04+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-29 11:52","date_timestamp":1790682724,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"98324128","content_html":"

@joshuapsteele Your summary speaks of “the church.” The linked piece speaks of evangelicalism, which at best is but part of the church.

\n

Evangelicalism is threatened more by inner rot than outside attack, but when the evil day comes, the church can assert its rights as did Paul when he demanded the process due to a Roman citizen.

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An “artifact” has been spotted in some shallow Pacific waters that’s a plausible candidate for Amelia Earhart’s plane. (I’ve seen images: sure looks like a plane.) An expedition is heading out from Purdue.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://microblog.intellectualoid.com/2026/09/28/an-artifact-has-been-spotted.html","date_published":"2026-09-28T11:37:40+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-28 11:37","date_timestamp":1790595460,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"98266929","content_html":"

@lukemperez You obviously don’t have a high school girl’s volleyball coach in your neighborhood.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/ReaderJohn/98266929","date_published":"2026-09-27T16:43:21+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-27 16:43","date_timestamp":1790527401,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"98254397","content_html":"

I’ve (temporarily) subscribed to National Review online. Most of the stories could be titled “Gotcha, sucka!”

\n","summary":"","url":"https://microblog.intellectualoid.com/2026/09/27/ive-temporarily-subscribed-to-national.html","date_published":"2026-09-27T11:23:28+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-27 11:23","date_timestamp":1790508208,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"98254237","content_html":"

@bbowman “His book would perhaps more accurately be titled ‘Why Leftism Doesn’t Conflict with Christianity (and Actually Can Be Shown to Be Quite Compatible With It).’ …” Thanks.

\n

As part of a personal detox, I have a private Amazon Wish List titled “Political Books I Probably Shouldn’t Buy.”

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I generally like Jonathan Rauch, but I can’t work up any enthusiasm for Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy.

\n\n

Democracy has no place treating religion as its handmaiden, grading its performance of a bargain it neither needed nor consented to.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://microblog.intellectualoid.com/2026/09/26/i-generally-like-jonathan-rauch.html","date_published":"2026-09-26T12:24:28+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-26 12:24","date_timestamp":1790425468,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"98206170","content_html":"

\"\"

\n","summary":"","url":"https://microblog.intellectualoid.com/2026/09/26/075214.html","date_published":"2026-09-26T11:52:14+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-26 11:52","date_timestamp":1790423534,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"98203192","content_html":"

@isaacgreene I feel so, so … so predictable.

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@therivertao Giving it up forever or for the season? It doesn’t appear to be a winter place.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/ReaderJohn/98203178","date_published":"2026-09-26T10:12:06+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-26 10:12","date_timestamp":1790417526,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"98203035","content_html":"

@JimRain There’s a lot of Republicans who fear for their lives if they oppose Trump publicly detesting him privately. But that threat may feel lower in “purple” districts/states – which are exactly, ISTM, the places where voting to convict would be an electoral plus.

\n

So yeah, I guess.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/ReaderJohn/98203035","date_published":"2026-09-26T10:10:16+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-26 10:10","date_timestamp":1790417416,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"98202693","content_html":"

@philipbrewer You’re not waiting for the cascade of last-minute disqualifying scandals!?

\n

I go my first attack postcard yesterday, from a PAC. It was 100% negative. I don’t even know who this “crazy socialist” is running against, though I’ve got a guess.

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@isaacgreene “The popular podcasts are just daytime TV at this point.” Interesting thought.

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@JohnBrady Concur. I listen to quite a few podcasts, typically subscribing to many but swiping episodes away unaudited if the topic isn’t interesting. I listen to the remaining ones while doing other things or while exercising/walking.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/ReaderJohn/98202476","date_published":"2026-09-26T09:51:29+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-26 09:51","date_timestamp":1790416289,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"98161355","content_html":"

@JohnBrady “Writing about music is like dancing about architecture .”

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Well, I guess that settles it. The Minnesota Lynx are more than just Olivia Miles. (And when the Fever breaks, it gets really cold.)

\n","summary":"","url":"https://microblog.intellectualoid.com/2026/09/25/well-i-guess-that-settles.html","date_published":"2026-09-25T11:16:21+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-25 11:16","date_timestamp":1790334981,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"98095991","content_html":"

I’m old enough to remember Fulton Sheen and that, somewhat remarkably, my Evangelical parents (who got their Christian formation in a frankly fundamentalist church after the War) enjoyed watching Bishop Sheen teaching on TV.

\n

I’m not quite old enough to remember any of his substance.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://microblog.intellectualoid.com/2026/09/24/im-old-enough-to-remember.html","date_published":"2026-09-24T14:23:44+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-24 14:23","date_timestamp":1790259824,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"98087932","content_html":"

@tinyroofnail You’ve assuaged my guilt.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/ReaderJohn/98087932","date_published":"2026-09-24T11:31:34+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-24 11:31","date_timestamp":1790249494,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"98054207","content_html":"

@bradleyandroos Contemporary synonym: “wheelhouse.” Both are figurative, but in different ways.

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@ayjay My decision not to listen is vindicated, it seems.

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@tinyroofnail “Let’s run the race marked out for us. Let’s fix our eyes on Old Glory and all she represents. Let’s fix our eyes on this land of heroes and let their courage inspire. And let’s fix our eyes on the author and perfecter of our faith and freedom and never forget that where the spirit of the Lord is there is freedom — and that means freedom always wins.” (Mike Pence, August 26, 2020)

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/ReaderJohn/98036654","date_published":"2026-09-23T14:44:53+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-23 14:44","date_timestamp":1790174693,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"98034525","content_html":"

I must have set aside for later perusal a dozen interesting-looking columns and longer articles this morning, but when the smoke cleared, this one was the only keeper: What If Studying Christianity Is Keeping Us From Following Christ?.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://microblog.intellectualoid.com/2026/09/23/i-must-have-set-aside.html","date_published":"2026-09-23T14:07:37+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-23 14:07","date_timestamp":1790172457,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"98028471","content_html":"

@dwalbert Point taken. My complete incompetence at concept maps may be related to my general failure at my one-time dream of becoming an architect.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/ReaderJohn/98028471","date_published":"2026-09-23T12:03:53+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-23 12:03","date_timestamp":1790165033,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"97983513","content_html":"

My fair city recently legalized possession of chickens within the city limits. Today, we found four in our lawn, partially eaten. Then turkey vultures when we didn’t clean up perfectly.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://microblog.intellectualoid.com/2026/09/22/my-fair-city-recently-legalized.html","date_published":"2026-09-22T16:58:13+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-22 16:58","date_timestamp":1790096293,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"97932076","content_html":"

I first saw it almost 6 months ago, but it’s a gut-punch every time I revisit it: America Is Watching the Rise of a Dual State - The Atlantic. There’s a “Normative State” and a “Prerogative State.”

\n","summary":"","url":"https://microblog.intellectualoid.com/2026/09/21/i-first-saw-it-almost.html","date_published":"2026-09-21T19:44:52+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-21 19:44","date_timestamp":1790019892,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"97926014","content_html":"

I listened to a novelty song (Title of the Song by Da Vinci’s Notebook) on Thursday and finally killed the earworm today by lunch at a smokehouse full of blues. Be warned.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://microblog.intellectualoid.com/2026/09/21/i-listened-to-a-novelty.html","date_published":"2026-09-21T17:18:42+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-21 17:18","date_timestamp":1790011122,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"97914059","content_html":"

@patrickrhone Jonathan Rauch and Peter Wehner, in Trump Has Finally Lost the Plot, give a well-deserved shout-out to Minneapolis.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/ReaderJohn/97914059","date_published":"2026-09-21T13:01:22+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-21 13:01","date_timestamp":1789995682,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"97755574","content_html":"

The New York Times is 175 years old today.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://microblog.intellectualoid.com/2026/09/18/the-new-york-times-is.html","date_published":"2026-09-18T12:14:36+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-18 12:14","date_timestamp":1789733676,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"97750832","content_html":"
\n

O when the world’s at peace
\nand every man is free
\nthen will I go down unto my love.
\nO and I may go down
\nseveral times before that.

\n
\n\n

Wendell Berry, The Mad Farmer’s Love Song, quoted in Mitchell, Mark; Schlueter, Nathan. The Humane Vision of Wendell Berry

\n","summary":"","url":"https://microblog.intellectualoid.com/2026/09/18/o-when-the-worlds-at.html","date_published":"2026-09-18T10:39:10+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-18 10:39","date_timestamp":1789727950,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"97716066","content_html":"

@dswanson by the time you get to my age, you may have read it three or four times yourself. 

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/ReaderJohn/97716066","date_published":"2026-09-17T19:57:44+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-17 19:57","date_timestamp":1789675064,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"97698633","content_html":"

Congress May Be Broken Beyond Repair. Lawmakers Told Us How It Happened (gift link) is a very long read, but boy is it good. (Though I object to saying Congress is supposed to be “co-equal;” it is supposed to be preeminent.)

\n","summary":"","url":"https://microblog.intellectualoid.com/2026/09/17/congress-may-be-broken-beyond.html","date_published":"2026-09-17T13:41:28+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-17 13:41","date_timestamp":1789652488,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"97691318","content_html":"
\n

Japanese convenience store chain Lawson announced it will begin selling products invented by artificial intelligence, including a pickle-flavored lemon tart. For years, experts have warned about the potential dangers of AI, but no one saw this coming.

\n
\n

The Morning Dispatch

\n","summary":"","url":"https://microblog.intellectualoid.com/2026/09/17/japanese-convenience-store-chain-lawson.html","date_published":"2026-09-17T11:15:49+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-17 11:15","date_timestamp":1789643749,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"97690182","content_html":"

@dswanson Oh, no! Third or fourth at least. But, new to audiobooks, I’m pleasantly surprised at how a good Audible book can bring chuckles and details I didn’t remember from print.

\n

We’re listening because of its timeliness, as some reptilian proponents of AI do not mean humanity well.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/ReaderJohn/97690182","date_published":"2026-09-17T10:48:29+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-17 10:48","date_timestamp":1789642109,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"97666196","content_html":"

@dswanson Currentlly (on vacation) listening to the audiobook of That Hideous Strength during long drives and evenings.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/ReaderJohn/97666196","date_published":"2026-09-17T01:03:11+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-17 01:03","date_timestamp":1789606991,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"97655866","content_html":"

@gregmoore But for that first line, “Profile Restriction Lifted,” it indeed felt like phishing (not necessarily sloppier than usual). But since I have zero interest in activating MAGA, it was misdirected.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/ReaderJohn/97655866","date_published":"2026-09-16T20:31:50+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-16 20:31","date_timestamp":1789590710,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"97640132","content_html":"

@ablerism Oddly, I seem to get to the NY Times obituaries too early for the new daily tranche. This just went up within the last hour or two (I checked because of your tip-off).

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/ReaderJohn/97640132","date_published":"2026-09-16T14:28:50+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-16 14:28","date_timestamp":1789568930,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"97639964","content_html":"

@adders Yes it is.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/ReaderJohn/97639964","date_published":"2026-09-16T14:24:27+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-16 14:24","date_timestamp":1789568667,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"97639937","content_html":"

@JohnBrady I have felt very reticent about speaking to general AI programs, as if it crossed some vague line. I’ll read Newport on this.

\n","url":"https://micro.blog/ReaderJohn/97639937","date_published":"2026-09-16T14:23:41+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-16 14:23","date_timestamp":1789568621,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"edit_url":null,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":true}},{"id":"97633764","content_html":"

I’m as pleased as punch to report that I’ve been banned from Truth Social. I’ve spent so little time there that I don’t know what I could have done to merit that distinction. Maybe the Panopticon knows the opinions I’ve expressed elsewhere?

\n","summary":"","url":"https://microblog.intellectualoid.com/2026/09/16/im-as-pleased-as-punch.html","date_published":"2026-09-16T12:26:27+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-16 12:26","date_timestamp":1789561587,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"97633369","content_html":"

Opinion | My Dumbphone Made My Life Better. It Made Everyone Else’s Worse. - The New York Times

\n","summary":"","url":"https://microblog.intellectualoid.com/2026/09/16/opinion-my-dumbphone-made-my.html","date_published":"2026-09-16T12:13:41+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-16 12:13","date_timestamp":1789560821,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"97599612","content_html":"

The Ardbeg 23 year is tempting, but it would need to be, oh, like maybe $80, to be irresistible.

\n\"\"\n","summary":"","url":"https://microblog.intellectualoid.com/2026/09/15/the-ardbeg-year-is-tempting.html","date_published":"2026-09-15T22:31:28+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-15 22:31","date_timestamp":1789511488,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"97508600","content_html":"

Continuing to listen to the audiobook of C.S. Lewis' That Hideous Strength colors my reading of news and commentary. I keep picturing Mark Studdock cranking out agitprop for his colleagues at N.I.C.E.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://microblog.intellectualoid.com/2026/09/14/continuing-to-listen-to-the.html","date_published":"2026-09-14T10:34:09+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-14 10:34","date_timestamp":1789382049,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"97462727","content_html":"

Our bad-faith INS: microblog.intellectualoid.com

","summary":"","url":"https://microblog.intellectualoid.com/2026/09/13/our-badfaith-ins.html","date_published":"2026-09-13T12:52:05+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-13 12:52","date_timestamp":1789303925,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":true,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"97413401","content_html":"

Vacationing in Traverse City, Michigan this week, I was pleased to see that most of the marijuana dispensaries have gone out of business.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://microblog.intellectualoid.com/2026/09/12/vacationing-in-traverse-city-michigan.html","date_published":"2026-09-12T12:22:54+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-12 12:22","date_timestamp":1789215774,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"97410049","content_html":"

Can Maryland’s Jews protect their synagogues by armed security? Religion Clause: Court Enjoins Enforcement Against Synagogue’s Voluntary Security Team of Ban on Firearms in Houses of Worship

\n

The Second Amendment is not my personal favorite, but I’m with the gun-carriers on this one.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://microblog.intellectualoid.com/2026/09/12/can-marylands-jews-protect-their.html","date_published":"2026-09-12T11:00:22+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-12 11:00","date_timestamp":1789210822,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"97387815","content_html":"

A 9/11 story I didn’t recall seeing before: Fighter pilot, a Purdue alumna, was prepared to sacrifice her life on 9/11. They took off unarmed. If they intercepted the third airliner, she would crash her F-16 into the cockpit, her fellow into the tail.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://microblog.intellectualoid.com/2026/09/11/a-story-i-didnt-recall.html","date_published":"2026-09-12T00:34:25+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-12 00:34","date_timestamp":1789173265,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":true,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}},{"id":"97386842","content_html":"

7 hours on the road today. I’ve never been into Audible or other spoken books, but the Audible version of C.S. Lewis That Hideous Strength is giving me fresh appreciation for this favorite.

\n","summary":"","url":"https://microblog.intellectualoid.com/2026/09/11/hours-on-the-road-today.html","date_published":"2026-09-12T00:17:07+00:00","author":{"name":"Roger Wm. Bennett","url":"http://intellectualoid.com","avatar":"https://cdn.micro.blog/photos/96/https%3A%2F%2Fmicro.blog%2FReaderJohn%2Favatar.jpg","_microblog":{"username":"ReaderJohn"}},"_microblog":{"date_relative":"2026-09-12 00:17","date_timestamp":1789172227,"is_favorite":false,"is_bookmark":false,"is_deletable":false,"is_conversation":false,"is_linkpost":false,"is_mention":false,"is_podcast":false,"note":"","syndication":[]}}]}