Each day that dawns begins anew, Brings light to what was dark. Dries morning dew and opens eyes, To see a morning lark. Yet daylight too must yield its way, Retreat as evening comes. Give place to swift encroaching dark, Though tasks lie still undone. We cannot stop this constant churn, Though fear or doubt cry out. The rolling tides of forcing change, Are deaf to human shouts.
Monthly Archives: August 2015
To Know, or Not To Know?
On what seem to be fairly regular occasions I find myself in a position where I wonder if Hamlet was wrong about his very famous question that surfaced while he reviewed his awful situation and contemplated terrible options for dealing with it. I occasionally have reason to wonder whether the real question is not “to be, or not to be,” but rather “to know, or not to know.” The existence and personal acknowledgement of this question is somewhat disturbing to me given that I have spent the vast majority of my life actively seeking for both knowledge and wisdom. At … Read the rest
Siege Weapons Part 2
Mangonel: a type of catapult. It’s name comes from a Greek-Latin word for war machine.
The mangonel was a siege weapon used to launch rocks, dung, bales of hay (set on fire), dead bodies, wooden spikes, and hostages (very few hostages survived) over or at a walled fortress. Hostages were launched from mangonels to scare the people inside the wall. The dead bodies and dung were launched to spread diseases to the people in the fortress or castle.
Mangonels work by a mechanism called torsion. Torsion is when you take ropes and twist them and stick the throwing arm in … Read the rest
Multi-polar
When in Rome, do as the Romans– St. Ambrose
I was pondering some on the nature of the “quote” above and decided to look up it’s history. Much to my surprise, it is attributed St. Ambrose, a devout Christian. Given the way this sentiment is used in modern society, I was thunderstruck at the idea it had originated from one of the most influential Christian thinkers of the early Church. On the surface, it would appear that St. Ambrose is advocating for a form of moral relativism and giving license to abandon morals and standards in order to “fit … Read the rest
Siege Weapons Part 1
The ancient Assyrians were one of the first civilizations to use the battering ram, although it’s more commonly known as a medieval weapon. Battering rams were made to knock down walls and gates; some even had real sheep heads on them. Others had spikes on them to pull down wooden gates. They are still being used today in smaller sizes to knock down doors.
In the Wind
Now this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith; nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them.– Alma 1:25
About twenty years ago I spent several weekends driving chase truck for my neighbor who owned and operated a hot air balloon. The deal was that if I drove long enough he would take me up on a ride. My friend Sean and I decided a balloon ride would make an awesome homecoming group date and both of … Read the rest