Mr. Finegan was probably the most captivating speaker I have ever had the pleasure to see. It reminded me of readings I read about before the time of TV and movies. People would go and hear an Emerson or Whitman read from their works and that was the entertainment. Mr. Finnegan's presentation far exceeded anything on TV, it was just an absolute pleasure. I know when my imagination is captured because my forehead is strained from my eyes being wide open in anticipation of what is coming next. I became aware of this on more than one occasion as I was listening to him.
At times you think a low moment is coming when he may be at a loss for words, but then it is only a pause before he binges on the most exquisite arrangement of words and sentences that thrill you and also give you relief that this man is up to any challenge. I hate to call it entertainment because what he has to say has such weight and importance, but he does it in such an entertaining way, I mean I have not been to any event, music, movie, etc. in recent memory that was more entertaining than his presentation.
He read from his book throughout the presentation which in the beginning concerned me, but it was magnificent because his prose is so good that it just explodes when he reads it because of his style and manner and grace, and he blends the reading with improvisation that is so well managed.
I hope Pat Mucci reads this thread because Mr. Finnegan would be a magnificent addition to the winter gathering...in fact if he agreed they should just clear the decks and let him talk all day. Everybody wants power point and slides and such, well no collection of phtographs could entertain you as compared to just sitting and listening to him. I told Tony L. I would come by everyday at 5:00 after work if they had him their to talk.