On a Poe Quotation for the Day

“They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape the dreamers by night. In their gray visions they obtain glimpses of eternity, and thrill, in awaking, to find that they have been upon the verge of the great secret. In snatches they learn something of the wisdom which is of good, andContinue reading “On a Poe Quotation for the Day”

On the True Tale of St. Patrick’s Day

A year ago, I sent my niece a St. Patrick’s Day card. She was just four months old, so it wasn’t as though she could read it, but she’s my niece, I only have the one, and she should get cards from people who are related to her but who don’t feel avuncular. I wroteContinue reading “On the True Tale of St. Patrick’s Day”

On Reflections on My Writing

Of late, I’ve felt that writing has been like trying to pound blood from a stone. A strange metaphor, that. Obviously, I can write. I wrote some articles for work today. One presented a major challenge; I just couldn’t find anything to say. One flowed quite well, and it was done in ten minutes. Yesterday,Continue reading “On Reflections on My Writing”

On the Conquest of Patagonia

Queen Isabella of Spain has long been a dangerous enemy. Her forces are strong, her will indomitable. Among the wilds of Patagonia, I thought, she would prove to be a formidable ally. Patagonia is an interesting land. Legend has it that the Dread Pirate Roberts retired there and raises sheep among its hills to thisContinue reading “On the Conquest of Patagonia”

On Senator Judd Gregg’s Ahistory Lesson

Dear Senator Judd Gregg: I read with some interest your recent comments on the Founding Fathers and the need for supermajority votes in the United States Senate. I believe you said: The Founding Fathers realized when they structured this they wanted checks and balances. They didn’t want things rushed through. They saw the parliamentary system.Continue reading “On Senator Judd Gregg’s Ahistory Lesson”

On Non-Who TARDIS Companions

Years ago, my friend Michael had a game. Take a movie or television show. Then imagine the TARDIS materializing. There are some stories you can look at and say, “This is a Doctor Who story; all it needs is the Doctor.” The game works best with a “base under siege”-type structure, so common to theContinue reading “On Non-Who TARDIS Companions”

On More Heritage Foundation Tomfoolery

For reasons that pass beyond my understanding, the Heritage Foundation has sent me another survey. This makes… what? The fourth in the past six months? Who do they think I am? This one is called “the official 2010 Taxpayer Ballot of Fiscal Responsibility.” Let us quote. Ms. Gibson, unchecked spending was bad enough in aContinue reading “On More Heritage Foundation Tomfoolery”

On My Steampunk-Style

Seen on others’ blogs… If I were to dress in a steampunk-style, what would I be? Hmm… Your result for The Steampunk Style Test… The Ragamuffin 25% Elegant, 41% Technological, 30% Historical, 24% Adventurous and 46% Playful! You are the Ragamuffin, the embodiment of steampunk playfulness.  Chances are, you approach the genre from a muchContinue reading “On My Steampunk-Style”