It’s been a long, long time since a proper post on this blog, so I thought I’d put up a recap of recent events as a sort of explanation:
- Mele’s father, a great man I wish I had the chance to know better, passed last Saturday. At (Mele’s sister) Maile’s suggestion, we helped put an obituary in this week’s Times, which I hope can go some small way towards recognizing his body of work and extraordinary character.
- The new job has been exciting and challenging, taking up more of my time and focus.
- Played paintball with the Viget team last Wednesday, was awesome.
- Still dealing with the New Cat On The Block, and Karen’s distaste for him.
- Saw what was hands-down the best movie of the year a few weeks ago.
While new music, more complaints, and whining about the fact that I don’t own a Kindle yet will recommence soon, I’d also like to note that I’m committing to post one new thing that I learn, every day, on this blog. Until I’m bored with it, or I run out of time.
Today thing:
The rebuilding of Rome’s army after defeats like Hannibal’s massacre at Cannae has been attributed to the open-citizenship policy: Rome (for a time) encouraged new citizens of all race and religion to join, granting them the rights of protection as civilians and the responsibility of service in Rome’s military. In the end, this may have been what sent Hannibal back to Carthage: over a decade, Hannibal (only 31 when he led the victory at Cannae) wandered Rome occasional battles, but his army of hired mercenaries couldn’t outmatch the flexibility and replenishability of a citizen-army devoted to defending its home. (noted from Carnage And Culture, by Victor David Hanson.)
Recent Comments