Some Seasonal Ditties

| March 17, 2014

It’s another St. Patrick’s Day, and before too much time has elapsed, all the Public Houses in the land will be decanting an assortment of green libations, if they haven’t started already. Whether you imbibe or no, here are a couple of spirited performances from Celtic Woman that you will find hard to put down. […]

From the Mouths of Babes

| February 22, 2014

I’ve mentioned my Esteemed Friend and Fellow Fiend Jim Keating more than a few times here, and no doubt will again because he persists in provoking me. His daily updated MAAJAK World (pronounced “MAGIC World”) ezine (MAAJAK = Master At Arms James Albert Keating) has been a daily morning stopping point for me since I […]

In Ferro Veritas – Swordsmanship Meets Revisionist History

| February 5, 2014

To many a modern fencer, the “weapon” in hand is no weapon at all, but an instrument of athleticism no different and more deserving of noble regard  than a tennis racquet. In discussion with one who openly brings concepts of martial artistry into fencing practice, even accomplished fencers routinely ridicule any such idea as archaic […]

Telling Stories

| January 28, 2014

“Storytelling has a special place in indigenous culture.  It’s a cultural torch passed from one generation to another, and from it flows teachings, lessons, and continuity.  Storytelling is a powerful force for cultural survival and it can be many things – funny, profound, educational, a force of resistance, and a tool of reconciliation.” ~ Shelagh’s […]

Sam’ Dee, Dif’rent Haggis

| January 25, 2014

On the subject of that famous Christmas confection called fruitcake, Johnny Carson once said, “The worst gift is fruitcake. There is only one fruitcake in the entire world, and people keep sending it to each other.” He appears to have had little of the sort to say of The Haggis, and that was wise of […]

Fresh is Good! Adventures in Dining.

| January 14, 2014

Mrs. LFM and I are fans of the Old Triangle Irish Alehouse in Halifax and have enjoyed their food and drink many times. On one visit a while back, an item on the menu caught my eye that apparently came served with their celebrated “shillelagh sauce”. Now I couldn’t let that pass me by, so […]

I’m Not a Sheepdog – I Have Sheepdogs for That (Part 2 of 2)

| 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 […]

I’m Not a Sheepdog – I Have Sheepdogs for That (Part 1 of 2)

| 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 […]

A Long Winter’s Night 2013 – Day 9: Books and the Art of Socialization

| 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 […]

A Long Winter’s Night 2013 – Day 7: What’s on YOUR Lips?

| December 27, 2013

“First off, to assume someone is actually happy is obscenely offensive. Secondly, to speculate that a person is on holiday is equivalent to slapping them in the face.” ~ Sharon Coyle, Canadian Association Alliance Back on the eleventh of this month, CBC radio show This is That interviewed Sharon Coyle (photo and quote above), of […]