My intention to blog more is off to a slow start. Part of that is that I had a freelance job to complete this week, which occupied a lot of my writing time, and part of it is that I still haven’t quite worked out how best to schedule my time to get done everything … Continue reading Seven Quick Takes Vol. 55
On the Extinction of the Venetian Republic
In recent years, I've often found myself returning to this poem by William Wordsworth, especially the last two lines. "Once did she hold the gorgeous east in fee; And was the safeguard of the west: the worth Of Venice did not fall below her birth, Venice, the eldest Child of Liberty. She was a maiden … Continue reading On the Extinction of the Venetian Republic
The Last Plane Out
So, I stumbled on this song earlier this week by a music group from the 1990s called 'Toy Matinee,' whom I've never heard of, but that's not a surprise, since I'm no expert on 1990s rock groups. Anyway, I really liked it; I thought it was a catchy tune, with actually really good lyrics and … Continue reading The Last Plane Out
7 Quick Takes vol. 54
I hope everyone had a blessed Easter! I have now been self-employed for two weeks. During that time I’ve written quite a bit, read rather more, and made some adjustments to my daily schedule. I completed one Freelancing job, picked up another, and received invitations for two more. So, so far, so good. Still settling … Continue reading 7 Quick Takes vol. 54
“Thy Power Throughout the Universe Displayed”
Below is a video that purports to show a 3D model of a small portion of the entire Universe. Now, I don’t know enough about astronomy to know how well this jives with the current data, and I know enough about the history of science to suspect that this is largely speculative, since I highly … Continue reading “Thy Power Throughout the Universe Displayed”
7 Quick Takes Vol. 53
1. Today was my last day of working in a regular company! As of today, I am officially and completely self-employed. I’m as excited, nervous, and happy about that as I can be! 2. Everyone at work was very kind and supportive of the change: most said they’d miss having me around, and a few … Continue reading 7 Quick Takes Vol. 53
Princess Porn and the Assault on Innocence
I’ve been on a bit of a Nintendo/Disney kick lately, basking in fun, wholesome, princess-y goodness (lingering effects of Cinderella, I think). Then last night I made the mistake of searching Deviant Art for cute pictures of Princess Daisy (Luigi’s implied love-interest from the Super Mario games), and the very first items to come up … Continue reading Princess Porn and the Assault on Innocence
“My Way:” A Frank Sinatra Tribute
Violinist Andre Rieu performs a moving tribute to the great Frank Sinatra by playing his signature song. Interestingly, Mr. Sinatra apparently didn't care much for the song himself, but it so perfectly encapsulated his life and work that he ended every concert with it. His recording of it is below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6E2hYDIFDIU
7 Quick Takes Vol. 52
One week to go! I’m excited, nervous, and, more than anything, thankful that I won’t have to deal with my work computer anymore. Really, that thing is a wonder to behold. About every couple hours or so it locks up tight and refuses to budge for several minutes, then runs fitfully for about a quarter … Continue reading 7 Quick Takes Vol. 52
St. Patrick’s Breastplate Prayer
I bind unto myself today The strong Name of the Trinity, By invocation of the same, The Three in One and One in Three. I bind this day to me for ever. By power of faith, Christ's incarnation; His baptism in the Jordan river; His death on Cross for my salvation; His bursting from the … Continue reading St. Patrick’s Breastplate Prayer
Serpent's Den 