St. Bernard of Clairvaux, the great Cistercian Abbott and Doctor of the Church, was one of the most influential men in Christendom during his lifetime. It's no surprise, therefore, that his friend, Hughes de Paynes sought his help in promoting his fledgling Order of Knights Templar, and, since St. Bernard was an ardent supporter of the … Continue reading St. Bernard on the New Knighthood
Month: July 2016
“Would Jesus have Fought in a War?” Well…
The “Do you think Jesus…” question crops up sometimes. It’s a standard argument for certain issues, especially ones involving violence. Of course, it’s a fallacious argument: Jesus is the supreme example of how man ought to live, but He Himself pointed out that there are different callings for different men (most notably in Matt. 19: … Continue reading “Would Jesus have Fought in a War?” Well…
Classic Sitcoms and the Charlie Chan Syndrome
Any essay that prominently features the words “the way women (minorities, etc.) were portrayed” has a better than even chance of being complete nonsense. Not just because they tend, in my experience, to be largely inaccurate, though that is true (and that’s what I’m going to be focusing on today). More to the point, however, … Continue reading Classic Sitcoms and the Charlie Chan Syndrome
A Trip into the Past
If you have any turn for history, especially if, like me, you're interested in the Victorian/Edwardian eras, check out this eye-popping film from 1906. Called "A Trip Down Market Street," it's simply thirteen minutes' worth of footage shot from a cable car as it travels the length of San Francisco's market street, and it is fascinating. It's … Continue reading A Trip into the Past
A Race Riot is a Good Time to Have a Gun
Guns are tools for emergencies (among other things), much like fire extinguishers or portable generators. The particular emergencies they’re used for are any time when you need to defend yourself or your family against someone intent on causing them harm. Like, for instance, when a whole city is up in arms and rioting through the … Continue reading A Race Riot is a Good Time to Have a Gun
Small Gems: Sonic Boom
I have a weakness for video game adaptations. About 95% of them are terrible, but I tend to at least look into them, just out of curiosity. Personally, the best one I’ve seen is the first Mortal Kombat movie, which is just delightful. Recently, out of curiosity, I started watching Sonic Boom, the latest television … Continue reading Small Gems: Sonic Boom
Mrs. Washington Explains it All
You know, I have a number of thoughts regarding the Black Community in America that I typically don't voice publicly, mostly because I seriously doubt the benefits of doing so would outweigh the costs. Frankly I get so sick of race issues that the thought of having to actually argue about it online makes me physically ill. … Continue reading Mrs. Washington Explains it All
Theodore Roosevelt Addresses the Knights of Columbus
Another speech for the Fourth. On October 12, 1915 (Columbus Day), former President Theodore Roosevelt gave a speech to the Knights of Columbus in New York. His subject that day was the essential unity of all Americans, whatever their origin, and, of course, the glories of that great nation. Without further adieu, I present the … Continue reading Theodore Roosevelt Addresses the Knights of Columbus
Ladies and Gentlemen, This is What A Disarmed Society Looks Like
Sweden, I understand, has some of the worst rates of sexual assault of any nation in Europe. I’ll pass by speculating on why that might be, because at the moment the Swedish government’s response to the problem is more interesting. After sagely noting that “no one should have to accept sexual molestation,” Sweden’s national police … Continue reading Ladies and Gentlemen, This is What A Disarmed Society Looks Like
Serpent's Den 