I read a number of English language historical novels when I was young. The English heroes were brave, honest, noble and kind. The villains, often French or Spanish, were shifty-eyed, cowardly dishonest and cruel. I accepted this as truth, and, being of English ancestry, it felt good to be able to identify with the good … Continue reading The problem of ethnic pride
history
Stamp collecting
I collected stamps when I was a boy. It was a fascinating and inexpensive hobby. Many stores sold packets of used stamps for less than a dollar, either mixed or sorted by country or theme. One could also buy from mail order stamp companies. If one had the money to spend there were more expensive … Continue reading Stamp collecting
How can we be sure that Christ arose?
There are people in our day who say that Jesus never existed. However, there are references to Jesus in first century writings by both Jewish scholars and Roman officials. No one from that era ever denied that Jesus was a real person. The gospels are eye witness accounts and the authenticity of their accounts on … Continue reading How can we be sure that Christ arose?
Is this why today’s society seems so childish?
To remain ignorant of things that happened before you were born is to remain a child. - Marcus Tullius Cicero Those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it. - George Santayana
Peace and joy in the subjunctive mood
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, is one of the oldest English Christmas carols, going back at least 500 years. Not many people sing it today because of scruples about “Ye Merry Gentlemen.” Those words conjure up a picture of old English gentlemen at their ease, their merriment fuelled by great flagons of wine. Except that … Continue reading Peace and joy in the subjunctive mood
Excuses
Faithful readers of this blog will have noticed that I was absent for almost a week. I want to sincerely thank everyone who continued to check out the posts on this blog, even while nothing new was being added. No, I did not leave home on an extended trip, but other things came up which … Continue reading Excuses
Cluttered desk = genius?
“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” - Albert EinsteinI have been finding comfort in this quote from Einstein for a whole lot of years. A clean desk is something to which I have never been able to attain, thus I grasp … Continue reading Cluttered desk = genius?
Flatlander Faith 