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What happened in the markets today? Are you kidding me? What do you think? Let’s not quibble about what is what.
We know what.
But today I have something different. A piece from a brilliant work of historical fiction I’ve been reading whilst on vacation. The book is called Glory in the Name by James Nelson. It’s about the Confederate Navy in the Civil War and I recommend it highly. Anyway, the one part I’d like to recreate here (with the indulgence of the author) is a description of the “model Southern Gentleman” circa 1861, just as the shells were lobbed at Fort Sumter.
The words are from a patrician gentleman from Charleston, SC, who was educated at the U.S. Naval Academy, but who saw his duty with the Southern Cause in the final decision to attack Fort Sumter, in his city’s harbor. In his own words, a Southern Gentleman speaks of his hometown:
It was where Samuel had learned to be a gentleman, and more to the point, a Southern gentleman. Courteous to the last. Studied, urbane. Personally disciplined — a gentleman, he was taught, did not show womanly weakness of any sort. Passionately loyal to his country and his state. Unwilling to suffer even the hint of insult. Tolerant of the lower classes, appreciative, even, of their labor, but always aware of their place, and his. Kind to slaves. These were the things that that made the Southern man, and the instruction was so thorough that those traits became a part of Samuel Bowater as much as his height and the color of his eyes.
Is that not the Monsieur? How long as the South been awaiting his steady presence, I ask you? Be thankful, small plebs, that he is kind to slaves.
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Mein gott, I cannot say enough about how well we’ve done today. Let’s speak no more about it, as it may be seen as “bragging.”
Best to you all, Jacksonian stalwarts.
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Jake is Dr. Goldfinger.
I’ll put it on the list.
It’s effing awesome. If you like to get your history via fictional report (but only semi-indulgent) then this is the place. Really really good.
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Read Neal Stephenson , specifically start with Cryptonomicon.
“Stephenson explores areas such as mathematics, cryptography, philosophy, currency, and the history of science.”
Its funny, its clever you’ll thank me after. He is, god bless his soul, from Mary Land though a gentleman non the less.
Steve
Read most of his stuff. I especially liked the Baroque Series. Very informative, and fun to boot.
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Ever read “Killer Angels”? Historical fiction about battle of Gettysburg. I read it a couple months ago over a weekend where you are now. Loved it. And strangely, found myself pulling for the dirty rebs to win.
But alas…
Sure. After the end of the Civil War, Bowdoin College (Brunswick, ME) was headed up by the hero of that book– Major Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain of the 20th Maine, and they still have a museum named after him across the street from the campus.
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A true Southern Gentleman indeed.
Hate to have Tom Wolfe’s dry cleaning bills.
a little So. Gent plus throw in http://www.businessinsider.com/sleepless-elite-2011-4 and presto/voila, you have Monsieur le Flea. 8)
Timely — K Burns’ Civil War series is playing on PBS — evidently I am addicted to this theme, as I will religiously watch for the 4th or 5th time. Last night’s segment included the battle of Hampton Roads = CSS Virginia vs. USS Monitor.
A large part of this current book, I’m told, though I’m not up to it yet.
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You can instantly stream the whole series on netflix, if you’re so inclined.
Eric Sprott interview:
http://www.kingworldnews.com/kingworldnews/Broadcast/Entries/2011/4/5_Eric_Sprott.html
I’ve been reading more about the Civil War since #6 put me on to The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara. Pretty good read.
re: EXK – “awesome and amazing”
I know, that book moved me to watch the 678 hour Ken Burns film about the Civil War.
And finally AAU takes off! I new it would ’cause The Jake said so.
Holy Mac Daddy! 20 pah-cent!
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Good read. The Academy teaches Plebes how to be an officer and a gentleman, it’s not just a slogan…
We have Pointers in the family. Can’t beat those Annapolis unis, though!
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Sounds like a fine book. Will have to “pick that up.”
I met Tom Wolfe at a book signing (along with about 1,000 other people), and as he signed asked him if he had been involved in the screenplay for The Right Stuff, as it’s a fave of mine and I see Phil Kaufman around town a lot. He seemed to bristle suddenly and snapped, “No. I wasn’t involved at all. I don’t like to repeat myself.”
“Ah, I see. Thank you,” I said, whilst simultaneously thinking, “prick,” and suddenly realizing what a shrewd judge of character Norman Mailer had been.
In contrast, at a similar event some weeks later I met Tobias Wolff and asked if he had been involved in the short film of his short story Bullet in the Brain starring the great Tom Noonan.
“No. Those guys did a great job, but I can’t claim any credit for it,” smiled Mr. Wolff.
My point being that Southern gentility is not necessarily a matter of geography nor is it guaranteed to go along with a mellifluous North Carolina accent and a silly costume.
And huzzahs on the winship, Sir.
Finest day I’ve had in the market since circa 1999. Long egregious amounts of gold and silver. Had to take a smidge off the table via ANV. What a winner that one is. Hope that I can get back in a few points lower at some point but I hated not to take a little profit amongst all the metal holdings.
Thanks for the support and ideas Jake. Nice work.
I felt the same way as in, “Holy chit, ANV is up 20% in a week and a day.” So I tooketh some profit.
I love American History!!! Glad I got some future reading mats lined up when I finish with my latest Bukowski adventure.
Oh, yeah, and also…..
What a day today, eh?
Congrats on teh w1nn1ngs, Sr. Oro
Why would anyone in his right mind sell silver right now? This is just the beginning…
Who dares sell silver? Did our fine Senator say sell. Do not worship false idols. When Moses comes down from the mountain with the PM tablets, we will hear the Senator and not until then.
gold silver ratio, now sub 37
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