Are the Dark Ages Back?

Victor Davis Hanson writes "The Dark Ages--Live from the Middle East!" over at Jewish World Review. He discusses how easily civilization can slip away--through fear or indifference, it can "be forfeited with a whimper (not a bang)." Something to contemplate--how thin is the veneer of civilization?

There are so many trouble spots in the world today that it is difficult to keep track of them all. North Korea, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan. And so forth. And so on. However, the last thing we need in any case is to be publishing classified documents in newspapers, or setting timetables for withdrawing from Iraq (and publishing the dates for all the world--including the enemy--to see). A little common sense and a little patriotic feeling, plus some loyalty and integrity, would go along way here, right about now.

Jabberwocky

Time for a little foolishness!


Jabberwocky

By Lewis Carroll (Charles Lutwidge Dodgson)

'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.


"Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious Bandersnatch!"


He took his vorpal sword in hand:
Long time the manxome foe he sought--
So rested he by the Tumtum tree,
And stood awhile in thought.


And, as in uffish thought he stood,
The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,
Came whiffling through the tulgey wood,
And burbled as it came!


One two! One two! And through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back.


"And hast thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!"
He chortled in his joy.


'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.


For translations, parodies, and explanations of this poem, go visit here.

A History Lesson for This Year's Voters

Over at Human Events there is a most interesting article by John O'Neill entitled "Don't Repeat Mistake of 1974". He looks back 32 years to see what happened when disillusioned Republicans and conservatives let the Democrats and liberals take over Congress. Pretty depressing stuff. And a good lesson for us today to not let negative publicity from Mainstream Media convince us to not vote or to vote for Democrats and other liberals. We are on the right track now, in spite of occasional setbacks. We must not throw up our hands and throw in the towel. If we do, there is a strong possibility of some real disasters at home and abroad.

Thanks again to Pop. He keeps me informed when I can't keep up with everything myself!!!

Where are the Headlines on This?

My friend, Pop, sent me a link to an Assyrian International News Agency story titled "Islamic Group Beheads Assyrian Priest, Crucifies 14 year old Boy in North Iraq". We don't hear much about this sort of thing, do we? It's all about how awful the United States is.

Caroline B. Glick also writes about this at Jewish World Review in a piece called "Practitioners of that 'Religion of Peace' Turn Blood-Thirsty on Jewish Celebratory Holy Day. Where's the Media's Outrage?" She discusses a number of recent incidents that we aren't hearing much about, but should.

There are some dangerous people out there. In addition to asking where the media's outrage is, I would ask where is the outrage of moderate Muslims and Arabs?

Are Republicans/Conservatives Planning to Stay Home on Election Day? I Don't Think So!

What's up with all the news stories about how Republicans/Conservatives plan to stay home in November and not vote because they are disgusted with their own party, but do not want to vote for Democrats/Liberals? Are the Democrats hoping that by spreading these rumors, Republicans actually will stay home?

Hugh Hewitt has something to say about this in his article at Townhall.com. His piece is called "Now is Not the Time for Doom and Gloom." He asks:

So why are "conservatives" bad mouthing Republican prospects? Why not instead spend time and effort identifying those races which everyone agrees are close and in need of effort, attention and money?

He goes on to say:

Shock of shock, it is in the self-interest of some of the prophets to cast the alleged dire situation as the result of their not having been listened to, a very transparent ploy to position themselves and their agendas as the experts and the answers when the dust clears after the election.

He has an interesting piece--go read it and see what you think about it.

National Security Issues

John Boehner writes an article for Townhall.com that brings attention to an important issue--the leaks of classified information to the press. His piece is called "The Democrats' Dangerous Record of Undermining America's Intelligence Community."

My friend, Pop, first alerted me to this particular situation by emailing a link to an AP story, which you can read here.

Is attempting to discredit President Bush and the Republicans in some way so important to Democrats that they will put our nation at risk to do so? It looks that way. Whatever happened to loyalty, integrity, patriotism?

There is another problem to worry about--illegal efforts to conduct foreign affairs by those not representing the government in their actions. Pop also gave me a heads up with a link to this CNN article.

Former President Jimmy Carter is also known for independently meeting with foreign heads of state in what are apparently illegal attempts to conduct foreign affairs on his own. Why does no one question this? Why is this not a major news story?

Do those indulging in such activities independently of the government think they are smarter than the rest of us? Do they think that we the people are helplessly, hopelessly ignorant and need their "brilliant leadership" to save us? Do they not realize that what they are doing is illegal, immoral, unpatriotic, and perhaps treasonous?

The last thing we need is to have rogue individuals running around leaking stories to the press and meeting or corresponding with foreign heads of state, undermining our national security.

"Op-Eds Now More Central in War Than Bullets"

Daniel Pipes has an interesting column about the role that the media plays in this latest war. His piece at Jewish World Review is called "Op-Eds Now More Central in War than Bullets." He discusses how public relations once had little or no role to play in wars and how it is now central. What are the implications of this? Will wars now be won or lost based on which side has the best PR?

Have a read and see what you think.

Halloween Meme

1. What's the scariest movie you've ever seen?

The scariest movie I've ever seen wasn't even a Halloween movie or a horror movie. It was a western--"Ulzana's Raid". I couldn't even finish watching it. For horror--I like subtle stuff like Alfred Hitchcock. "Psycho" was nice and scary.

2. What was your favorite Halloween Costume from childhood, and adulthood?

I'm not one to dress up myself, but I enjoy other's costumes. We have a guy at work who is great--last year he was Dog, the Bounty Hunter. A few years ago, he was the Joker. Excellent costumes. I also get a kick out of people dressing up as things like tacos or other ordinary things. And a dachshund dressed up as a hot dog always makes me smile.

3. If you had an unlimited budget, what would your Fantasy Costume be for this Halloween?

I would love to do a really good medieval costume--perhaps a squire's wife. Not too fancy and not too plain.

4. When was the last time you went Trick Or Treating?

When I was a little kid.

5. What's your favorite Halloween Candy?

I guess Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. That's my favorite anytime candy.

6. Tell us about a scary nightmare you had.

I will pass on this one--I've had nightmares since I was a small child. I can even still remember parts of some of them. I am not about to talk about them

7. What is your Supernatural Fear?

I'm not sure what this question is asking for, but I would say something like what happened in Stephen King's Pet Sematery. That was the book that scared me too much to ever read Stephen King again, even though I think he is a good writer.

8. What is your Creepy-Crawlie Fear?

I'm not overly afraid of creepy crawlies, but I don't like to have bugs crawl on me and I wouldn't want to be alone in a room with a rat.

9. Tell us about a time when you saw a ghost, or heard something go Bump in the night.

It hasn't been often and I don't want to talk about it.

10. Would you ever stay in a real Haunted House overnight?

No. I have a vivid imagination and even if nothing happened, I'd be scared silly.

11. Are you a traditionalist (just a face) Jack O'Lantern Carver, or do you get really creative with your pumpkins?

I don't carve pumpkins, but if I did, I would want to get some of those fancy stencils you see these days and do something beautiful.

12. How much do you decorate your home for Halloween?

I don't decorate for holidays as a rule. Nothing against it, but I live by myself so it really isn't important to me.

13. What do you want on your Tombstone?

Sausage, Peppers, and Onions. (I couldn't resist!)

Now I'm off to find someone to tag.

Film Noir

There is an excellent post on the film noir genre over at Kulturblog. Its title is "8 Essential Films: A Film Noir Primer" and I believe you will enjoy it--photos, brief reviews, and a discussion of what film noir is.

I'm no expert on this film genre, but it is a type of film that can capture the attention and the imagination. Some of the films I have seen, but do not remember well, and others I have not seen. Add them to your "rent" or "buy" lists!

Gode Cookery

I've mentioned before my love of things medieval. There is a website called Gode Cookery that has tons of pictures and recipes that are adapted to the modern kitchen. Even if you don't try any of those recipes, you'll have fun exploring the site if you are at all interested in medieval times--or perhaps you will become interested in medieval times! Enjoy!

World Opinion Means...What?

In a column published at Jewish World Review on 1 August 2006, Dennis Prager writes that "'World Opinion' Is Worthless." Since there are those who seem to think we Americans and the Israelis should dance to the tune of "world opinion," I recommend that everyone read this essay. That's right. Stop reading my post and click on the link I have so thoughtfully provided for you. Read Dennis Prager's column and think about it. Seriously.

Over at The Heritage Foundation, there is a short article called "The Dangerous Consequences of Cutting and Running in Iraq" which summarizes five likely consequences of the USA pulling out of Iraq without finishing the job there. More food for thought.

I know that we would really like to see peace in the world, but as long as there are those who try to take away liberty (among other things), there won't be. We cannot stand by and let evil triumph over good. And, yes, it is just that serious. Moral relativism takes its toll when people say that all ideologies are equal. They are not. And appeasement will accomplish nothing.

I must sound like a warmonger, but I really am not. However, if we do not stand up for what is right and true and honorable, we will be in a far worse situation than if we go to war to fight for those things.

So What Has Russia Been Up To Lately?

One of my favorite political writers, Caroline B. Glick, described by Jewish World Review as "the senior Middle East Fellow at the Center for Security Policy in Washington, DC and the deputy managing editor of The Jerusalem Post" has written an eye-opening article titled "As The Storm of War Approaches" and it is worth a read.

Russia has not been on my radar screen lately, and apparently it should be. It is difficult to keep track of all that is going on in the global unrest these days. This is one reason I like to refer to websites such as Jewish World Review and Townhall.com, as well as blogs like Right Truth to help me keep up-to-date. Of course, some days I don't read them as faithfully as other days, but I recommend these sites and I am sure you have your own favorites. I can't stress enough how much we need to keep ourselves informed at all levels: globally, nationally, and locally. If our votes are going to be meaningful, if our personal preparations for what might happen are to be effective, we need to keep an eye on what is going on in our world today.

Caroline B. Glick's article referenced above not only displays Russia's involvement in the Middle East, but also discusses what Israel's leadership should be doing, but isn't, to meet this threat. Good insights for us all.

The Lessons of History

I have been listening to an audio book on CD called The Lessons of History by Will & Ariel Durant. The version I found actually has 5 CD's and is billed as an expanded unabridged edition. It contains two essays not in the book, plus excerpts from recorded interviews with Will & Ariel Durant. Very interesting.

Will Durant speaks of the past as the present unrolled for study and the present as the past rolled up for action. He has some interesting insights about what we can learn from history in various areas, such as religion, socialism, and economics.

Dr. Durant and his wife wrote a number of books on philosophy and history, such as The Story of Philosophy and The History of Civilization. If you have an interest in either or both of those subjects, I recommend giving the Durants a read.