Category Archives: Useless Nexus
Fighting the Flying Circus by Rickenbacker
I’ve just finished listening to the World War I memoires of Edward “Eddie” Rickenbacker, the American fighter ace and Medal of Honor recipient.
The book is a relatively light-hearted and adventurous romp over the skys of France and Germany. He goes into detail about the feelings and experiences of learning aerial combat and the technical aspects as they developed. The narrator of this audio version does an excellant job and is a joy to listen to. On more than a few occasions I had to turn off the audio, as I usually listen and work and I couldn’t work while listening with baited breathe to find out how a particular dog fight turned out. Or else I stopped everything and pay close attention to the wonderful details of the action. Continue reading
Whoopie Pie Maine State Treat
Everyone is talking about the Associated Press article today announcing that the Whoopie Pie is now the Official Maine State Treat. Which bothers me in all kinds of ways!
First, the LD71, An Act To Designate the Official State Treat and the Official State Dessert, was enacted on April 6, 2011 when it was passed by the state’s legislature. Our normally mouthy Governor, in a wise move, decided not to sign it on the grounds that there are more important things to do. Unsigned by the Governor for ten days is the same as if he accepted it. It will take effect 90 days after the 125th Legislature is adjourned. My point is this is week old news!
The Leatherstocking Tales
I’ve been listening to The Leatherstocking Tales by James Fenimore Cooper as read by the volunteers at Librivox.org. Audiobooks and podcasts fill my 45 minute commute twice a day. And I’ve greatly enjoyed listening to the four tales so far.
The main character is known by many names. Born as Nathaniel Bumppo, he is often referred to as Natty Bumppo by those Christian enough to insist upon a Christian name. His best friend, Chingachgook, often calls him “Hawkeye” after the name given by the Delaware tribe for his keen eyesight. In his youth, the frontiersmen and army that hired him to supply food to the outposts called him “The Deerslayer” for his exceptional ability with the rifle. His enemies amongst the Six Nations of the Iroquois called him “La Longue Carabine” for the French description of his fine weapon. The rifle is longer than most and has earned a reputation of its own before Natty gains possession of it and is known as “Kill Deer”. Later, after the American Revolution, as more civilized people start new settlements and move into western New York, the new comers refer to him as “Leatherstocking” for the deer skins he continues to wears into his old age.
“True Grit” Review
I saw the new “True Grit” this afternoon. It’s a great movie, already done.
This new remake by the Coen Brothers of Charles Portis‘ novel by the same name is a wonderful western. The landscapes and scenery is beautiful and has a very authentic feel. Jeff Bridges as Marshall ‘Rooster’ Cogburn is delicious and satisfying. A portrayal that exceeds the portrayal by John Wayne, who won an Academy Award for Best Actor in 1970 for this role. Bridges is darker and filthier than the Wayne version. Continue reading