Well, this is a find: it isn't often you encounter two of your favorite writers meeting face to face, especially when the one (supposedly) was born over a century after the other died. A Reminiscence of Dr. Samuel Johnson is one of Mr. Lovecraft's earlier works (published in 1917, the same year as Dagon), in … Continue reading When H.P. Lovecraft Met Samuel Johnson
A Quick Primer on the British Aristocracy
So, you're reading a classic regency novel and wondering why the slimy cousin is due to inherit the estate. Or you're writing an imitation regency-romance and are wondering how the plucky, impoverished heroine ought to address the darkly handsome, yet trouble count (hint: if he's a an English peer, he isn't a count). Or you're … Continue reading A Quick Primer on the British Aristocracy
Low-Effort Blogging: A Breakdown of ’12 Angry Men’
12 Angry Men is one of the great American dramatic films and an absolute master-class in writing: an enthralling story set almost entirely in one room and consisting of nothing but, well, twelve very different men debating back and forth. It's what happens when you have a first-class director (Sydney Lumet) leading a first-class cast … Continue reading Low-Effort Blogging: A Breakdown of ’12 Angry Men’
Poetry – “The Charge of the Light Brigade”
Half a league, half a league,Half a league onward,All in the valley of Death Rode the six hundred.“Forward, the Light Brigade!Charge for the guns!” he said.Into the valley of Death Rode the six hundred. “Forward, the Light Brigade!”Was there a man dismayed?Not though the soldier knew Someone had blundered. Theirs not to make reply, Theirs not to reason why, Theirs but … Continue reading Poetry – “The Charge of the Light Brigade”
Sunday Thoughts: On Humility
I think one of the biggest challenges in religion that we face today is getting into the subordinate mindset. At least I find it so. Between science and liberalism, we're used to standing in an ostensibly superior position, where our judgment and our opinions are what really matter. We expect to be able to 'see … Continue reading Sunday Thoughts: On Humility
Thoughts on ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2’
2020’s Sonic the Hedgehog was a lot better than it really had any right to be, borne along on a tide of audience good-will, easy-going charm, and a fun throw-back performance by Jim Carrey. I was pleased with it and looking forward to the promised sequel. Well, now I’ve seen the sequel (actually, I saw … Continue reading Thoughts on ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2’
Friday Flotsam: Crashes, Consolations, and Memorial Day
1. Had a car accident last weekend. No one hurt, thank God, and really not more than a fender-bender. Only, my fenders ended up much less bent than the other guy’s (he hit me, but no one really at fault; just a bad situation involving merging and unexpectedly stopped traffic), so I felt bad about … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Crashes, Consolations, and Memorial Day
Standard of Living
"The standard of living has never been higher." You hear this a lot, especially from conservatives. The average person has never been wealthier, never has lived longer, never has had so many conveniences and so few dangers. His jobs and homes are more comfortable. He has access to high-quality medical care. The poorest of the … Continue reading Standard of Living
Low-Effort Blogging: David Stewart
This week I'm outsourcing to author / YouTuber David Stewart, whom I find to be one of the more interesting and helpful creators on the platform, especially where writing advice is concerned, though his social / economic commentary is generally excellent as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqFiUzCe3nA&list=PLrcjHcKc8BLiI28WyqwJK3ChsZT3pSMGL&index=133&ab_channel=DavidStewart https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyHsxkUgu2c&list=PLrcjHcKc8BLjrnN9DpFJC4tqj98XZPlEO&index=4&t=392s&ab_channel=DavidStewart https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzaqSf_I9qg&ab_channel=DavidStewart https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFkF0ozf8yM&t=2s&ab_channel=DavidStewart https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR3cRQEQGs4&t=2s
Reflections: First Principles
Note: I've been toying with the idea of putting together a series of essays of my worldview and thoughts on different subjects. Partly as a way of working them out myself, and partly just for the interest. Below is a draft of the first installment. No one starts from first principles when developing a worldview; … Continue reading Reflections: First Principles
Serpent's Den 