Randy | January 12, 2014
Once Wendell Phillips and a young friend were sitting by the fire. It was a memorable evening. Recollections had flushed the cheeks of the veteran campaigner. Memories of former heroic days had loosened his tongue. He had completely lost himself in the thrilling recital of the past. The young visitor sat enthralled. At last, when […]
Randy | January 5, 2014
“I will not stand for trivializing the sacrifices made by those who fought and often died so I can sit hear speaking the truth as I see it, and to my mind the title of “Hero” is thrown around entirely too easily these days. There are times and situations in history that few of us […]
Randy | December 29, 2013
“I am a product […of] endless books. My father bought all the books he read and never got rid of any of them. There were books in the study, books in the drawing room, books in the cloakroom, books (two deep) in the great bookcase on the landing, books in a bedroom, books piled as […]
Randy | December 28, 2013
I’m of the generation that grew up watching Rankin-Bass Christmas specials. I remember them and their characters with fondness, bless their dead little eyes, with the notable exception of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer that came out in December of 1964 and fanned my hatred of bullies. Yes, it was thoroughly entrenched even back then, and […]
Randy | December 26, 2013
Nova Scotians complaining about the state of the province’s roads in the wake of Sunday’s winter storm should be careful how much they grumble. An old law still on the province’s books can order “all physically fit male persons” between 16 and 60 years of age to shovel out highways made impassable by snow. At […]
Randy | December 25, 2013
I first introduced you to Katy Towell back on Day 22 of this year’s season of Dark Sentiments. Today she’s back with a wonderful ditty you can sing for yourself, and sally forth with to serenade the neighbourhood! Her original art is here and here. Also, courtesy of a fellow fan, there’s music and lyrics […]
Randy | December 22, 2013
Written words are visual guides to the making of sounds that, when uttered aloud, convey meaning. An example is the word “label”. A label can be a physical object that, when applied to another object, conveys important information about it. What it’s made of, how to use it, how long it may be kept, and […]
Randy | December 21, 2013
Winter begins today, and those of us who understand the joys of travelling dark forest trails can walk slower tonight, for there is more darkness to enjoy. As I recall, the last time we all gathered here for A Long Winter’s Night, we were staring down the barrel of yet another ending of the world. […]
Randy | December 17, 2013
Today was beautifully clear and cold, and tonight’s full moon will cast its radiance upon the pre-Solstice snow of a significant date, for it was on this day a year ago, as I sat writing in exactly the same place, at the same desk, and sitting in the same chair I am now, that I […]
Randy | December 7, 2013
In the wake of my 5 December 2013 reminder of Krampusnacht, I dedicate today’s ever so timely homage to my Esteemed forensic investigator Friend Martin. He, and you, will understand why when you get to the end of the poem, and I’m sure he, of all people, will consider this good advice indeed. Krampusnacht By […]