This is one of those shorts that's as fascinating as a window into the past as it is amusing. In this case, a look at air travel in the 1940s. I do not recommend watching this short just before taking a trip, as thinking of the roomy seating, tasty-looking four-course meals, and sleeper berths of … Continue reading It Came From Rifftrax: ‘Flying Stewardess’
Thoughts
Talking Strength at Catholic Match
Here's one that was percolating in my mind for a while before I was able to put it up; discussing the concept of strength, some reasons men should seek to acquire it, and, as a byproduct, the contemporary tendency to prioritize comfortably ambiguous ideas of 'inner strength' over, you know, the kind you can't fake. … Continue reading Talking Strength at Catholic Match
It Came From Rifftrax: ‘Courtesy: A Good Eggsample’
So, let's do one from the 'completely insane' school of educational shorts. This one is well-summed up by Kevin right out of the gate as "Batman villain Egghead's brief foray into educational films." That actually would make a lot more sense than the idea that this was seriously intended as an educational film. Basically, it's … Continue reading It Came From Rifftrax: ‘Courtesy: A Good Eggsample’
New Catholic Match Post
I saw some people discussing this on the Catholic Match forums a while back and gave the question some thought. The results are now up: The basic version is that men are more physically oriented, women more relationally oriented. A woman typically wants to learn more about a man’s character, personality, and capabilities. Thus, what … Continue reading New Catholic Match Post
It Came From Rifftrax: ‘Understanding Your Ideals’
One of the hundreds of educational films made by Coronet (not an exaggeration, by the way), this is kind of a special case. Typically, these '50s educational shorts are centered around basically ordinary, blandly decent kids dealing with a single, common problem (how to ask a girl out, being shy, etc.). Not this one! This … Continue reading It Came From Rifftrax: ‘Understanding Your Ideals’
It Came From Rifftrax: You’re the Judge
I would call this one ‘charming;’ vintage 60s high school romance used to promote Crisco shortening (seriously). The plot has two high school girls trying to tempt the objects of their affections to a party by goading them into a cooking contest. The girls use Crisco and produce a sumptuous meal, while the boys use … Continue reading It Came From Rifftrax: You’re the Judge
Thoughts on ‘One Punch Man’
One of the most common complaints about Superman is that he's boring because he's too powerful. I don't buy into this at all; I think that, if you know what you're doing, you can make Supes's power level into the very thing that makes him compelling. One Punch Man is an illustration of that principle. Meet … Continue reading Thoughts on ‘One Punch Man’
The Paper Chase
Prominent among my most recent television diet has been the show The Paper Chase, a four-season drama that ran from 1978 to 1986 (the show was cancelled after the first season due to low ratings – which is what happens when you schedule it opposite Happy Days: the Fonz brooked no challengers - but revived … Continue reading The Paper Chase
Some Thoughts on ‘Silver Spoon’
I have recently begun to seriously explore the wonderful world of anime and manga. And one of my favorites so far has been Silver Spoon, which I am currently in the process of reading after having finished the anime (which, unfortunately, only covers about the first half to two-thirds … Continue reading Some Thoughts on ‘Silver Spoon’
Qui Bono, Everyman?
My latest piece is up at The Everyman discussing the always essential question, "Who Benefits?" For instance, take the issue of marijuana. I have heard many things from both sides of the argument whether it should or should not be legalized, and I don’t personally know what the truth is in regards to whether it is … Continue reading Qui Bono, Everyman?
Serpent's Den 