Hell Fire and Death Bed Cobblers September 26, 2012
Posted by Beachcombing in : Modern
***Thanks to Tom W*** Beach has lived through a couple of death bed scenes and what he remembers most from those dreadful occasions is the immense sense of peace. But in history, it seems, there is anything but peace in the final minutes of life. Indeed, the most extraordinary things are always happening to the dying. [...]
Cato’s Sword February 9, 2012
Posted by Beachcombing in : Ancient
Beachcombing usually plans about two days ahead with his posts. But every so often something emerges from out of the depths of the subconscious and will just not leave him in peace. This morning it was the death of Cato the Younger that tapped like a woodpecker on his inner skull. It had already been [...]
Rhyming with Death December 8, 2011
Posted by Beachcombing in : Contemporary, Medieval, Modern
***dedicated to Andy the Mad Monk, who sent Beach several notable examples*** Death concentrates the mind wonderfully and, at least in the east, a longstanding custom has been to pen a final poem: a last communiqué to the world. This custom stretches far back into the Middle Ages and perhaps the greatest thing to [...]
Beethoven and the fire from heaven January 20, 2011
Posted by Beachcombing in : Modern
Beachcombing recently offered three posts on the subject of lightning, trying to dig up some occasions when a bolt has changed, however modestly, the course of human history. Beachcombing must confess though to being slightly disappointed that lightning has not done more for (or against) humanity: any other lightning offers – drbeachcombing AT yahoo DOT [...]
