My mother always taught me the value of honesty. I couldn't have been older than 11 when my mother started teaching me about the value of honesty and about how important it is for a person to keep their promises. Captain Jack Aubrey of the Royal Navy - who believes in keeping one's word but … Continue reading On parents & promises
Unia Lubelska (Union of Lublin) - (1869). This is the tercentennial anniversary painting of the Union of Lublin (1569), which united Poland and Lithuania. I cannot say this enough: Matejko is the master of historical painting. One has only to look at the range of emotions, costumes, ambiance, and light, which starts in the middle, … Continue reading Polish historical painters – the curious case of Jan Alojzy Matejko (1838-1893) – Part II
An American SBD dive bomber prepares to hit the Rising Sun on a Japanese carrier at Midway (4 June 1942) The Japanese Samurai concept of honour is not a singular occurrence in history. It is a shared trait the Romans, the Swiss, the Nepalese, and other peoples shared throughout history. Tonight, I was watching for … Continue reading On Honour and Sacrifice
My grandmother was a very intelligent, a very strong, and a fearless person. She taught me from an early age that we often need to rely on others, no matter how young, inexperienced or little they are. Her favourite phrase resonates with me still: On a souvent besoin d'un plus petit que soi. In my … Continue reading Family – the Foundation of Everything
Today we will talk about the curious case of Jan Alojzy Matejko, Poland’s oil on canvas historical painter. While recognized as a national artist in Poland, Matejko was subject to lifetime censure by the Russian empire due to his Polish revival themes. He was not just an artist. He was a true Polish patriot and … Continue reading Polish historical painters – the curious case of Jan Alojzy Matejko (1838-1893) – Part I
Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 B.C.) Not everything that’s old is bad and not everything new is good. Every day and age feels compelled to claim that it is a new, fresh start. That it did away with the ways of old. That it discarded it as if somehow broken. Our modern world is no different. … Continue reading Old Age Wisdom
The Swiss Reisläufer (meaning those who go to war) were the best soldiers for hire money could buy. In fact, their northern archenemies, the German landsknechte (knights of the land), started by emulating them. And we all know what they say about emulation: it is a high form of flattery. Swiss Reisläufer - sketch D … Continue reading Just how good were Swiss mercenaries?
The Banking Act of 1934 made Swiss banking secret unique by rendering any persons betraying it criminals. In short, it put Swiss bankers in the same category with doctors and lawyers who are all bound by law to keep their clients' secrets… well, secret. I could tell you all about the minimum $100,000 bank deposits. … Continue reading Swiss banking secret and taxation
A dear friend of mine just made me aware that it is a bit difficult for people to follow my blog. Turns out he is right. So, after careful investigation, I decided to post here the steps to follow for people to be able to follow this blog. Option 1 - Become email followers: People … Continue reading Followers versus subscribers
For the longest time I’ve hesitated writing about mental issues. So many people, educated professionals, have described it as the global priority it is. As every age follows the same sinful pattern of self-focus, people tend to believe that all their problems started when they were born. Mental illness, the bane of our day and … Continue reading Mental health – #1 self-inflicted crisis of our age
Götterdämmerung 