A lighthearted meld of Patrick O'Brian and Christopher Paolini   Read the rest of this entry »

It's ok to have opinions as long as you don't contradict the overlords of science!   Read the rest of this entry »

The following is excerpted from a paper written by Dorothy L. Sayers about Dante's Divine Comedy. The paper was written 60 years ago, but her description of the decay of Western Civilization is so poignant that reading it is painful and depressing.   Read the rest of this entry »

General Francis Marion, who became known as The Swamp Fox, is the character upon whom Mel Gibson's role in the movie The Patriot is loosely based.   Read the rest of this entry »

One man's exasperation with ladies' fashion.   Read the rest of this entry »

This is the story of my lathe acquisition a few years ago. Other options for the title of this post were: "I'll Learn to Turn", "Lathes and Gentleman, I Have a New Toy", "Yearnings and Turnings", and "Burning to Get Turning". I was tempted (and succumbed) once again by that evil temptress, the tool section on Craig's List. I bought a Jet 1236 lathe.   Read the rest of this entry »

Tipping Point seems to remind us that sometimes if we take care of the small things, the big things will take care of themselves.   Read the rest of this entry »

If one is looking for a book that summarizes the Second War of Independence, as to the War of 1812 has often been referred, this is the book. There is something in this book for the aficionado as well as for the uninitiated. When Washington Burned is beautifully bound and richly illustrated volume which takes the reader through the war, start to finish.   Read the rest of this entry »

If you're a Bonnie Raitt fan, especially her older stuff, and are in the mood for some fun, upbeat and energetic music, buy this CD.   Read the rest of this entry »

If you've got some chisels to sharpen, this is the tool for you!   Read the rest of this entry »