Author Archives: Vasco Phillip de Sousa
To say Goodbye: Interview with documentary maker Izaskun Arandia
In 1937, a group of children came to Britain to flee Nazi bombs. Seventy five years later, their story is being told through an animated documentary.
Covered (a tale of Caracas in 1812)
Men will tell you that the Republic had no faith in God; but then, why were the churches in the Capital full that day? Some may have been there to display their gratitude (to their fellow atheists perhaps), or to … Continue reading
Ptara announces “brief speech” campaign
We have no problem with the kind of so-called “political correctness” that is designed to protect people’s feelings. The staff at Ptara see no reason to use offensive, vulgar or degrading language. What is annoying is when people chose to … Continue reading
The old man and the pillory
As Daniel Isaac Eaton was dragged to the pillory, he knew it would be useless to resist. Eaton saw a crowd gather, some estimates say as many 50,000 onlookers gathered round. There were too many people to determine what kinds … Continue reading
The sentence for the pamphlet
Daniel Isaac Eaton waited in Newgate prison to find out what his fate would be. Before Eaton could be convicted, a Mr. Prince Smith filed an affadavit in Eaton’s defense. In addition to other words of common sense, Mr. Prince … Continue reading
Politics imitates art: When slapstick becomes government policy
Should I sue Prime Minister David Cameron for stealing my idea? It was meant to be a dumb idea, one so far-fetched that no “real-life” politician would imitate it. Back in 1999, when I was a freshman (or fresher) at … Continue reading
20 December 1812: The Brothers Grimm publish their first book of fairy tales
I think I shall do something different this time, because I have more than one story waiting to be told. So, from this introduction, I shall link to those stories as they are ready. – The P.t.a.r.a. Cavy The Brothers … Continue reading
Dusseldorf’s Breidenbacher Hof is 200 years old, or is it?
In 1812, a luxurious hotel was opened in Dusseldorf by the name of Breidenbacher Hof. Once the most expensive hotel in Germany, it is still among the best known hotels in the world.
Daniel Isaac Eaton’s self defense
Just as the prosecution’s case was brilliant if simple, so Daniel Isaac Eaton’s defense was as inept as it was informative. First of all, Eaton was late for his trial.
When Saint Patrick’s Day was British
St Patrick’s day “a day always precious in the estimation of the Irishman, was celebrated yesterday at the Free Mason’s Tavern.” Reported the Morning Chronicle. So the famous playright Sheridan, the Mayor of London, and a few other notables celebrated … Continue reading
