Roger Corman, the King of the B-Movies, has passed away on May 9, 2024 at the ripe age of 98, and with him has died an entire epoch of film making. It would take a book - a multi-volume book - to fully describe Corman's career and impact on the film industry. He produced his … Continue reading The End of an Era
Poem – “The Female of the Species”
When the Himalayan peasant meets the he-bear in his pride, He shouts to scare the monster, who will often turn aside. But the she-bear thus accosted rends the peasant tooth and nail. For the female of the species is more deadly than the male. When Nag the basking cobra hears … Continue reading Poem – “The Female of the Species”
Ascension Thought
Today is the transplanted Feast of the Ascension: scooped up out of its place in the week and stashed away on a Sunday where it won't trouble anyone. This is rather the opposite of the meaning of the event itself. Christ's bodily Ascension into Heaven is far from His 'removal' from the world; the obnoxious … Continue reading Ascension Thought
Saturday Flotsam: Hodge Podge and Northern Lights
1. My first school year is almost done; just one more day of classes, then field day and a few odds and ends. It was certainly a learning experience, and I'm glad to have at last found a job that I feel I could make an actual career out of. The big test, of course, … Continue reading Saturday Flotsam: Hodge Podge and Northern Lights
Pilgrim’s Pass on Musashi
Fascinating video by the ever-entertaining Pilgrim's Pass about Miyamoto Musashi and the figure of the holy warrior and the potentially redemptive role of violence in society. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTqyQq09Wo4
Poem – “Invictus”
Out of the night that covers meBlack as the pit from pole to pole,I thank whatever gods may beFor my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance,I have not winced nor cried aloud.Under the bludgeonings of chanceMy head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tearsLooms but the Horror of the … Continue reading Poem – “Invictus”
Friday Flotsam: Legal Rebellion and Written Law, and ‘Monkey Man’ Impressions
1. Among the many absurdities of the American mind is the notion that a revolution can be legal. Consider the incessant quibbling over whether, say, Southern secession was 'legal' or not under the Constitution. In the first place, the question of whether leaving the Constitution is or is not permitted under the Constitution you are … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Legal Rebellion and Written Law, and ‘Monkey Man’ Impressions
Poetry – “Eclogue IV”
Muses of Sicily! on nobler themesI now will sing. Not all of us admireDense woods and groves; if sylvan joys we singLet them be fit for a great Consul's ear.Now dawns the last age of Cumæan song!Once more the circling centuries beg in—The Virgin reappears and Saturn reigns:From heav'n descends a novel progeny;Now to this … Continue reading Poetry – “Eclogue IV”
Friday Flotsam: Various and Sundry
1. The weather is warming up, which means my middle schoolers were extra rowdy this week. I am increasingly convinced that children are, in truth, reptiles. 2. For recreation I started re-reading The Ball and the Cross for the first time in quite a while. Chesterton's way with words is of the sort that is … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Various and Sundry
Poem – “Paul Revere’s Ride”
Listen, my children, and you shall hearOf the midnight ride of Paul Revere,On the eighteenth of April, in Seventy-Five:Hardly a man is now aliveWho remembers that famous day and year. He said to his friend,—"If the British marchBy land or sea from the town to-night,Hang a lantern aloft in the belfry-archOf the North-Church-tower, as a … Continue reading Poem – “Paul Revere’s Ride”
Serpent's Den 