1. There are two possible readings for the American Revolution: either it was a matter of sincere, but politically incompetent idealists blundering their way into civil war or it was a matter of men who had settled on rebellion from the start taking every opportunity to deliberately escalate the situation (or, most likely, a combination … Continue reading Saturday Sundry: US History, Politics, Strategy
Author: DBreitenbeck
Poem – “The Sword of Robert Lee”
Forth from its scabbard, pure and bright, Flashed the sword of Lee!Far in the front of the deadly fight,High o'er the brave in the cause of RightIts stainless sheen, like a beacon light, Led us to Victory! Out of its scabbard, where, full long, It slumbered peacefully,Roused from its rest by the battle's song,Shielding the feeble, smiting the … Continue reading Poem – “The Sword of Robert Lee”
Friday Flotsam: Happy Halloween!
1. Happy Halloween! I love Halloween; the day of horror, macabre, the spooky and gothic. 2. For Halloween, I think it's healthy to have this particular day to contemplate the darkness, the evil, the veil of life and death (not too closely or too realistically, of course). It's the day of horror, the day of … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Happy Halloween!
Poem – “Some One”
Some one came knockingAt my wee, small door;Some one came knocking,I’m sure—sure—sure;I listened, I opened,I looked to left and right,But nought there was a-stirringIn the still dark night;Only the busy beetleTap-tapping on the wall,Only from the forestThe screech-owl’s call,Only the cricket whistlingWhile the dewdrops fall,So I know not who came knocking, At all, at all, … Continue reading Poem – “Some One”
Friday Flotsam: Last Week, Sabaton
1. Came down with a bad cold this week, leaving my classes as something of a Nyquil-fueled haze. 2. Legend Haven was mostly a success and a good time. My small talk was sparsely attended and even more sparsely participated in, but I was able to get some good industry information and hopefully spark a … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Last Week, Sabaton
Poem – “October”
Mellow-faced, with eyes of faery, wistful clad in tinted leaves,See the brown October tarry by the golden rows of sheaves;Oak & acorn in his garland, fruit & wineskin in his hands,Mystic pilgrim from a far land down the road to farther lands. Softly treading, gently breathing, casting spells on wood & wold,Vines with purple clusters … Continue reading Poem – “October”
Friday Flotsam: Legend Haven, More History, and Some Storycraft
1. Legend Haven, the friendliest fiction convention in the galaxy, is happening this weekend, and I will be there! The con runs from Saturday to Sunday, but all my stuff will be on Sunday, the 19th. I will be hosting an open booth, ask-me-anything from 12-3 MST (so, 3-6 EST), followed by a discussion / … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Legend Haven, More History, and Some Storycraft
Close Call
The Articles of Confederation, which served as the US Constitution from 1781 to 1789, were designed to give the Congress essentially the powers relative to the States that the Revolutionaries claimed they thought the British government should have relative to the colonies. Among these was that the Congress had no right to imposes taxes, only … Continue reading Close Call
Poem – “The Light of Stars”
The night is come, but not too soon; And sinking silently,All silently, the little moon Drops down behind the sky. There is no light in earth or heaven But the cold light of stars;And the first watch of night is given To the red planet Mars. Is it the tender star of love? The star of love and dreams?O no! … Continue reading Poem – “The Light of Stars”
Friday Flotsam: Washington, ‘Dorian Gray’ and ‘The Odyssey’
1. My judgment is that the American Revolution was one of the stupidest, most asinine and unnecessary revolts in history. And yet, the figure of Washington gilds this absurdity with such sublime heroism that it nearly outweighs every other consideration. I think that might be a good summation of the American character: objective absurdity overlaid … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Washington, ‘Dorian Gray’ and ‘The Odyssey’
Serpent's Den 