Literature to Movie Comparison

Here is an important lesson for movies.

The Knights of the Sky: Thoughts On World War I Myth and History

Growing up, most kids are introduced to the concept of the knight errant at a relatively young age. Before they know that Lancelot is an adulterous, murderous jerk, they know him as a fair-haired gallant. The image of two men galloping towards each other trying to unhorse each other is an image we all know and can associate with a specific period in history and myth. It doesn't take too imaginative a person to think of a similar situation – heroic dog fights with planes “jousting” against each other. The “Gallant Knights of the Air,” were immortalized during World War I.

Space Ships and Orbital Trips

As promised, here are some photos on the saga of space from the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum. I've written before about my love of space, so I don't see too much reason to rehash it here. We've come from barely be able to walk more than a few miles from our birthplaces to having a flag on the moon. It is on the moon. It takes a little bit to get that through your head, I think.

American Foodways at the National Archives

I was on the Metro on my way to the Pentagon last week to cover an event for my job. While on the way, I passed by an advertisement for a new temporary exhibit at the National Archives. If you've never been to the National Archives' museum and exhibits, there are a few things that remain there consistently. You can see these at the Rotunda and Public Vaults.

July 4, 2011 – Independence Day

“The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. ” – John Adams in a letter to his wife, Abigail Adams.