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
Thoughts
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
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
Friday Flotsam: The Annunciation, Profundity, and Rama
1. Today, of course, is the Solemnity of the Annunciation; the very day of Our Lord’s Incarnation, bringing with it a ‘weight of glory’ almost too great to bear. Certainly we tend to forget about it as often as may be, and I rather think many of us prefer it that way. Not only living … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: The Annunciation, Profundity, and Rama
Reflections on the Oscars
You may not know it, but apparently the Academy Awards are coming up. Personally, I forgot all about them because…well, they’re pretty much best forgotten at this point. Modern Hollywood giving itself awards for artistry and technical skill is like the Soviet Government announcing canonizations for Sainthood; it means nothing and everyone except maybe the … Continue reading Reflections on the Oscars
Reflections on St. Joseph’s Day
Today is the Feast of St. Joseph; the man who taught God to be a man. Wading into the theology and imagery here would be intense work, so I’m going to limit myself to one subject (well, kind of). More and more it seems to me that God works in fractals: patterns repeated all the … Continue reading Reflections on St. Joseph’s Day
Friday Flotsam: Being Sick, Pope, and More Thrawn
1. I caught a bad cold last weekend which knocked me out entirely for two days and now is settling into a general, lingering annoyance. This led me into some very bad days for depression as well, partly because I tried to use the time to write only to find that, one way or another, … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Being Sick, Pope, and More Thrawn
The Taming of St. Patrick
Wise tyrants don’t forbid: they tame. An oppressor with a surfeit of honesty or a deficit of cunning will proclaim that the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day is to be forbidden under pain of law in the hopes that the name of Patrick and the fruits of his labor shall eventually be forgotten and the … Continue reading The Taming of St. Patrick
The Power of Nerves
I found a few videos showing just how effective standing your ground can be. Against an Elephant: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8R50nvv5gc A gorilla: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KujmrcF0ZxU And a bear (the second video then provides a an explanation of what's going on): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atZqRbpb5gg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rb2skHOryJI I'd have more to say here, but I'm currently in a cold-induced haze that leaves very little … Continue reading The Power of Nerves
Serpent's Den 