1. Coming out of a long period of lethargy, depression, and illness that hit me hard as soon as I got home. I've heard from several friends that they've suffered similar bouts recently, so apparently the Other Side is making some moves. In any case, I'm feeling a good deal better, have been to Confession, … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Mostly James II
History
America’s Birthday at the Everyman
Happy Pentecost everyone! By an unexpected coincidence, on the Church's birthday I ended up with a post going up regarding America's birthday...though not the one you're probably thinking of: There is not space to explore all of these possibilities, so let us go straight to the official choice. The use of July 4th is really … Continue reading America’s Birthday at the Everyman
Friday Flotsam: Illness, History, and Poirot
1. I'm not sure, but I think I got a touch of food poisoning yesterday. This resulted in one of the more miserable night's I've experienced in recent memory as I was repeatedly up and, ah, clearing the pipes at both ends, so to speak. While I no longer feel like my internal organs are … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Illness, History, and Poirot
Two Days to Remember
Today's a confluence of two American celebrations which belong well together. First, as everyone knows, it is Mother's Day, which is why I have the Tiger's baseball game on as I write this. My Mom's a die-hard Tiger's fan and is at the game today (my brother got tickets through his work), and though I'm … Continue reading Two Days to Remember
The Invisible Fire
Part of the process of building the Brooklyn Bridge (as with other, similar structures) involved sinking pressurized caissons made of reinforced timber into the East River so that workers could dig the foundations into the river bottom. The caissons go to the bottom, are pressurized to the level of the surrounding water to keep them … Continue reading The Invisible Fire
Knight of Hope
Just found this short film and highly recommend it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vYFFx4whoE (Content warning: violence and a very heavy opening scene involving an off-screen rape) This one really shows just how formidable a knight in armor could be. He's not invincible by a long shot, but you've got basically a football player who has practiced close-quarters combat … Continue reading Knight of Hope
RIP Mr. B.I.G.
I just learned that Mr. Bert I. Gordon has passed away at the ripe age of 100. Those with even a passing knowledge of the sci-fi films of the 1950s do not need to be told about Mr. Gordon, nor those who grew up watching Mystery Science Theater 3000, of which he was a frequent … Continue reading RIP Mr. B.I.G.
Friday Flotsam: Lent and Reading
1. So another Lent begins. This year I'm focusing on purgation, clearing out habits that have been a drag on my mind and attention span. In particular I'm giving up most video media: no perusing YouTube, no movies, no shows, etc. I'll still work on my own videos some, and still use 'ambience' videos (which … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Lent and Reading
A Little ’80s Love
I happened across this video the other day; a well-made bit of nostalgia that really does capture a lot of the cultural tone of the era (apart from a severe lack of Jason Voorhees). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATFM5Oq_oCI Same guy also has one for the '90s. Also very good, though serious lack of Beast Wars. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93g_40atCgA
Friday Flotsam: Everyman, Top Gun, Bofuri, and Sabaton
1. First off, my latest piece is up on The Everyman, where I talk about how the world doesn't change (and slip in a little plug for Gentleman Instructed): Again and again, it was the same pattern, and rarely did I find a point that had been genuinely left behind since the 18th century (e.g. … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Everyman, Top Gun, Bofuri, and Sabaton
Serpent's Den 