1. It's Bastille Day, commemorating that great day in the cause of liberty when an urban mob stormed a mostly-empty prison that was already slated for demolition, freed a handful of criminals and lunatics, then burned it to the ground. Sure, why not? 2. Speaking of which, Ridley Scott is apparently coming out with a … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: From Napoleon to Puss in Boots to Writing Advice
History
Friday Flotsam: Depression and Loyalism
1. Had a big depression attack yesterday, though thanks to the progress I've made with a new counselor, it wasn't nearly as bad as attacks in the past. Previously, I would have been freaking out and in constant pain. This time it was just a heavy unhappiness and listlessness that made doing any kind of … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Depression and Loyalism
Friday Flotsam: New Job and Some Other Stuff
1. The first news is that as of this week I have a new job. Come August I'll be teaching with Regina Caeli Academy: a classical-education homeschool-hybrid where kids learn at home three days a week then come in for Socratic discussion two days. I'm taking on high school-level American History, US Government and Economics, … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: New Job and Some Other Stuff
The Horrors of Imperialism
A pattern for lovers of freedom in every day and age. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qc7HmhrgTuQ
The White Champion
This week's bit of fiction is up over at Noble Cobra Magazine. It's my alternate take on Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Grey Champion (which is highly recommended since, come on, it's Hawthorne), presented from the other side and with an extra two hundred years' perspective: There was once a time when New England roiled and churned … Continue reading The White Champion
Friday Flotsam: Mostly James II
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
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
Serpent's Den 