1. Somehow, I forgot all about the Flotsam yesterday until late, so we're doing it today instead. Albeit still kinda late. 2. An idea that came to me that I haven't quite fleshed out. There is today what might be called 'pseudo-heroic' fiction. This is framed as a heroic tale, but has this crucial difference. … Continue reading Saturday Flotsam: Heroic and Pseudo-Heroic
Anime
Friday Flotsam: Grammar, Super-Heroes, and Socio-Political Stuff
1. I'm learning grammar at the moment. I figured after five books, a few short stories, and dozens of articles published, it was probably time. Don't want to rush into these things. Obviously, I already knew a fair bit of grammar, but I knew it either instinctively, simply out of use, or from distant recollections … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Grammar, Super-Heroes, and Socio-Political Stuff
Friday Flotsam: Traveling, Pollution, and ‘My Hero Academia’
1. I'm currently on the road visiting my sister and brother-in-law in Alabama. 2. On the way we've been listening to A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson, about the author's attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail, which alternates between oft-hilarious anecdotes of him and his degenerate, but strangely lovable friend struggling along the … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Traveling, Pollution, and ‘My Hero Academia’
Friday Flotsam: Post Lent Crash, John Wick, and More
1. This week has been largely consumed by the post-Lent crash; where you've spent weeks holding off from various temptations, denying yourself certain pleasures, then have a few days of intense emotional energy and effort in reaching the pinnacle of the liturgical year...and all at once, you're done, and you can do all the things … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Post Lent Crash, John Wick, and More
Friday Flotsam: Mostly More ‘Death Note’ and a Few Videos
1. Another difficult week for me. Work feels like a slow-motion train wreck at the moment. But on the plus side I reviewed my financial situation and realized that I'm not really very worried about losing my job, so that took some of the edge off. 2. One of the things that really stood out … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Mostly More ‘Death Note’ and a Few Videos
‘Death Note’ Quick Thoughts
I finally finished Death Note the other night. Overall, it's very good, and definitely a part of the modern canon, and the protagonist is the one of the more hateful, soulless characters I've encountered. However, I do think the first third-to-half of the show is by far the best part, and that it definitely falters … Continue reading ‘Death Note’ Quick Thoughts
Friday Flotsam: Everyman, Top Gun, Bofuri, and Sabaton
1. First off, my latest piece is up on The Everyman, where I talk about how the world doesn't change (and slip in a little plug for Gentleman Instructed): Again and again, it was the same pattern, and rarely did I find a point that had been genuinely left behind since the 18th century (e.g. … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Everyman, Top Gun, Bofuri, and Sabaton
Friday Flotsam: New Year Reflections and Goals, New Medievalism, and Death Note
1. Another year older, not an hour richer, as the saying goes. Okay, that’s a bit much. Let’s see, in 2022 I put out three new publications, including a full-length novel that been receiving quite a bit of positive feedback. Also set up a website for my publishing label, got a new job, and had … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: New Year Reflections and Goals, New Medievalism, and Death Note
Friday Flotsam: On Retreat, More Anime, and Making History
1. Going on a silent retreat this weekend, which I really feel the need for. I've been experiencing what feels like some personal growth lately, and with it's come another sort of existential disappointment over where I am at the moment. 2. I'm taking a break from My Hero Academia for a bit, since it's … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: On Retreat, More Anime, and Making History
Friday Flotsam: Bl. Karl, Lasik, Tolkien, and Anime
1. First and foremost; today’s the feast of Bl. Karl of Austria, whose prayers we desperately need today as the wreckage of Christendom spirals ever more wildly out of control. Just learned of a quote of his that has immediately become one of my favorites: “We are bearers of culture even in the land of … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Bl. Karl, Lasik, Tolkien, and Anime