Thinking about International Talk Like a Pirate Day reminded me of seeing the Niña and Pinta when they came through my area a couple years ago. They are faithful replicas of Columbus's originals. Below is a video of the ships when they visited Dubuque, Iowa:The diminutive stature of these two ships destroyed my perception of Columbus' crossing … Continue reading Columbus might not have been a pirate, but..
Remembering 9/11
Every generation has moments seared into their memories. For me, there are three: the Challenger explosion, the fall of the Berlin wall, and 11 September, 2001. The first two are just fuzzy recollections, but I still remember 9/11 well.On 11 September 2001, I was working for a company that rented trade show exhibit equipment, and … Continue reading Remembering 9/11
Napoleon’s Fax Machine
Being a geek and working with other like-minded individuals, sometimes we have some pretty great discussions on ancient history, technologies, and such. Today we were bouncing between the the lethality of Comanche and Mongolian bow skills and how ancient (and not so ancient) cultures had technology that was far more advanced than we often give … Continue reading Napoleon’s Fax Machine
The Trojan connection?
Posted on Slashdot today is the article below that I intend to shanghai for a slightly different purpose:Birthplace of Indoeuropean Languages Found: phantomfive writes "Language geeks might be interested in a recent study that suggests Turkey as the birthplace of the Indo-European language family. The Indo-European family is the largest, and includes languages as diverse … Continue reading The Trojan connection?
Be Overdressed
I wish I'd seen this advice years ago:Be Overdressed:Forget the old saying that it is wrong to be overdressed. That adage was promulgated before sweats and trainers became the lowest common denominator and denim the trouser for better occasions.Now it would be too much to wear a suit when everyone else is in cut-offs and … Continue reading Be Overdressed
How and why do myths arise?
Thoughts on myths from a true academian:How and why do myths arise?:Myth: A Very Short IntroductionBy Robert A. SegalIt is trite to say that one’s pet subject is interdisciplinary. These days what subject isn’t? The prostate? But myth really is interdisciplinary. For there is no study of myth as myth, the way, by contrast, there … Continue reading How and why do myths arise?
Does Character Matter?
Another article older article from Truth Magazine:Does Character Matter?: By Harry OsborneDoes character matter anymore? Do you care whether one tells the truth, exemplifies fidelity, avoids intoxication or exhibits other factors consistent with good character? Some polls in recent weeks have suggested that many are willing to excuse a President with significant character flaws because they … Continue reading Does Character Matter?
Jeremy B. Blevins 