1. Lance Henriksen as William Tecumseh Sherman Sherman’s a fascinating figure; repellent in many ways, yet certifiably brilliant and one of the few men on either side who went into the war knowing full well what it would mean. He’d be a good figure for a Patton-style biopic, or at the very least would have … Continue reading Five Great Casting Choices That Never Were
Poetry – “The Conquered Banner”
Furl that Banner, for 'tis weary;Round its staff 'tis drooping dreary;Furl it, fold it, it is best;For there's not a man to wave it,And there's not a sword to save it,And there's no one left to lave itIn the blood that heroes gave it;And its foes now scorn and brave it;Furl it, hide it—let it … Continue reading Poetry – “The Conquered Banner”
Words of the Saints – St. John Henry Newman on Literature
"A Literature, when it is formed, is a national and historical fact; it is a matter of the past and the present, and can be as little ignored as the present, as little undone as the past. We can deny, supersede, or change it, then only, when we can do the same towards the race … Continue reading Words of the Saints – St. John Henry Newman on Literature
More ‘What’s My Line’
I'm afraid I was too busy to get to writing the post I intended today (that's 'busy' spelled according to the Slavic style, where the 'b', the 'u', and the 's' are rendered 'l' 'a' and 'z', respectively). So here are two especially funny episodes of What's My Line? as compensation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPu7OouWsBM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caB0dZUGcq0
Friday Flotsam: The Emperor, the Director, and the Lexicographer
1. Today is the centenary of Bl. Karl of Austria’s death. Accordingly, I went to Mass before work to seek his intercession that God will send us good leaders (among other things). Those who aren't yet familiar with Emperor Karl are invited to learn more here. 2. A mild insomnia has been bothering me all … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: The Emperor, the Director, and the Lexicographer
Book Recommendation: Robert E. Lee on Leadership
Most recently I read through Robert E. Lee on Leadership, by H.W. Crocker III. Overall, I found it to be quite excellent: a fascinating and very useful insight into one of the preeminent figures of American history. Mr. Crocker’s focus is less to tell a complete biography of Lee (though we get a decent overview … Continue reading Book Recommendation: Robert E. Lee on Leadership
Low-Effort Blogging: ‘What’s My Line’
I'm a big fan of the show What's My Line, which ran from 1950-1967, which was all about a panel of contestants try to guess the occupations - the 'line' of a guest. Then the special 'mystery guest' round brought in a celebrity guest while the panel blindfolded themselves. This was often a highlight of … Continue reading Low-Effort Blogging: ‘What’s My Line’
Official Recommendation: Real Crusades History
Over the weekend I mentioned the channel Real Crusades History, but added that I hadn't watched enough to give it a full recommendation. In the intervening days I've watched a number of his videos, and from what I've seen I'm pretty comfortable recommending it. One major reason is the fact that he cites his sources, … Continue reading Official Recommendation: Real Crusades History
Poetry – “Hymn”
At morn- at noon- at twilight dim- Maria! thou hast heard my hymn! In joy and woe- in good and ill- Mother of God, be with me still! When the hours flew brightly by, And not a cloud obscured the sky, My soul, lest it should truant be, Thy grace did guide to thine and … Continue reading Poetry – “Hymn”
Words of the Saints: Saint Francis de Sales on Anxiety
Book IV, Chapter II of Introduction to the Devout Life (emph. mine): "Anxiety of mind is not so much an abstract temptation, as the source whence various temptations arise. Sadness, when defined, is the mental grief we feel because of our involuntary ailments;—whether the evil be exterior, such as poverty, sickness or contempt; or interior, … Continue reading Words of the Saints: Saint Francis de Sales on Anxiety
Serpent's Den 