With accompanying illustrations by Gustave Dore. https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=MyxsPHWSxlY
The Good
On Enjoying the Classics
There's a particular sensation to enjoying the classics (I'm not specifically talking about the classics in the sense of ancient literature, but in the sense of great works with a strong reputation). It isn't just the enjoyment of a good piece of work; though that is obviously part of it, it is a separate, component … Continue reading On Enjoying the Classics
The Coronation of His Imperial Majesty
Supplementing the previous post, below is the full footage of the Coronation of Emperor Naruhito from October 2019. It's quite long, very quiet, and it's entirely raw footage; no subtitles, no commentary, which is frankly how I'd prefer it. The full beauty and austerity of the ceremony can come through without some hack trying to … Continue reading The Coronation of His Imperial Majesty
“Say Not the Struggle Nought Availeth”
Say not the struggle nought availeth, The labor and the wounds are vain, The enemy faints not, nor faileth, And as things have been they remain. If hopes were dupes, fears may be liars; It may be, in yon smoke concealed, Your comrades chase e'en now the fliers, And, but for you, possess the field. … Continue reading “Say Not the Struggle Nought Availeth”
Thoughts on ‘The Wind in the Willows’
Recently I had the great joy of reading The Wind in the Willows, if not quite for the first time (I had read it at least once before when I was much younger) then for the first time since I became able to fully appreciate it. You all probably know the story, such as it is, … Continue reading Thoughts on ‘The Wind in the Willows’
Stan Lee on His Fans
So, I got out to see 'Captain Marvel' today. Full thoughts will come in their proper sequence in the Marvel recap series, but all I'll say now is that it is the first Marvel film since Iron Man 3 that legitimately made me angry. It was terrible in so many different ways. As a positive pallet … Continue reading Stan Lee on His Fans
REPOST: Why I Love ‘Independence Day’
Posted this last year, but since I watch the film every year, I might as well post this every year as well. When Independence Day came out, it was a huge hit, but ever since then it’s kind of become the poster-child for the big, dumb, CGI-fueled blockbusters of the late 90s. And, yes, … Continue reading REPOST: Why I Love ‘Independence Day’
Why ‘Phineas and Ferb Star Wars’ is the Best Disney Star Wars
It is kind of a sad commentary on the state of the once-venerable franchise that the best and most satisfying work to come out of Star Wars’s move to Disney is a Phineas and Ferb special. Granted, Rogue One was pretty good, though it wasn’t well paced and the characters were mostly pretty bland. And … Continue reading Why ‘Phineas and Ferb Star Wars’ is the Best Disney Star Wars
Mission Marvel and Legit Heroes
On the subject of genuine heroics, allow me to present Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel, a crossover special where the Phineas and Ferb cast meet a bunch of Marvel characters. Now, this sounds like it wouldn’t work; goofy surreal kid’s show meets semi-serious comic book heroes. And it’s not perfect, or even one of the … Continue reading Mission Marvel and Legit Heroes
Legit Heroes
Every so often, while watching a show or movie, I'll think to myself 'yeah, this character's a really legit hero.' The concept seems worth expanding on. Of course, there are a lot of heroes running around in fiction one way or another. But a lot of stories seem to think that 'hero' simply means 'opposes … Continue reading Legit Heroes
Serpent's Den 