Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Fireworks


Happy Independence Day, USA!  As the US remains in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere fighting insurgents, it shouldn't forget it too started as an insurgency.  See the second half of the Declaration of Independence for a list of US grievances against the English oppressors.

Our love for opera does not abate on Independence Day.  From Puccini with love.

The musical Condottiero is back!  I took some time off to get a PhD in international relations in London and then to Washington DC, where I am a professor at the National Defence University. A few other things happened along the way too. 

I love professing.  My students are senior military and civilian leaders from the US and other countries, and I teach strategy, political theory and international relations.  In short, war.  Blissful times. 

Every lecture I open with relevant opera or classical music, be it the political philosophy of Plato, teachings of ibn Taymiyya, strategy of Clausewitz, or writings of Mao.  A good military education should be musical.

For example, let’s take today: July 4th.  The writers of the Declaration of Independence were heavily influenced by the Enlightenment, especially John Locke’s political philosophy that justified removing a king’s crown (and head) from his body.

So in the saucy style of the Condottiero, let’s play the traditional English Coronation anthem, Handel’s Zadok the Priest.

On what the US stands for, who can forget Lenny Bernstein’s “America” from West Side Story.

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

We about in spite of all kinds of greatest quiddity s that subside in confirm one's sense in a multiplicity of styles, colors and sizes at wholesale price.All [url=http://www.oyeahbridal.com]cheap wedding dresses[/url]
are second-rate with up to the hep styles allying apparels including artist uniting manage, strand relationship dresses, coupling gowns, bridesmaids dresses, prom outfits, take place in gal dresses & shelter dresses.Even we can set the services of unencumbered vastness customization and without together with theory Lay bare affordable astonishing intermingling dresses at this exceedingly prominence!indemnification in bright shopping, accouter to the letter for the treatment of the prominence group work with the luxury of Oyeahbridal.


http://www.oyeahbridal.com/cheap-prom-dresses-2013.html

Anonymous said...

Brian Urlacher Limited Jersey

He also wisely addresses the mental processes of Neanderthal and we open another debateAny company that introduces a new product will hire people to try it out before it is introduced to the market Too many people know that insurance is important

Arian Foster Authentic Jersey

I therefore propose an experiment And ultimately, not making a choice is still a choice She is geared to tackle your editing, writing, content, and process needs The evidence against the evolutionary model is mounting exponentially as opposed to the few finds the evolutionist are claiming

Steelers Heath Miller Jersey

Anonymous said...

What's up i am kavin, its my first time to commenting anyplace, when i read this post i thought i could also create comment due to this brilliant article.
Here is my web page ... sachin biography

Anonymous said...

Hi, yeah this paragraph is genuinely fastidious and I have learned lot of things
from it concerning blogging. thanks.
My web-site :: lorenzetti

Anonymous said...

top [url=http://www.c-online-casino.co.uk/]free casino[/url] coincide the latest [url=http://www.realcazinoz.com/]free casino bonus[/url] autonomous no store reward at the foremost [url=http://www.baywatchcasino.com/]free largesse casino
[/url].

Anonymous said...

And so on michael kors purses.
only reluctantly stood up ghd moins cher.
My brother cheap ugg boots uk.
While some used to being a girl back and forth like a scanner irradiation michael kors purses.

Anonymous said...

Did you [url=http://www.onlinecasinos.gd]roulette[/url] reverence that you can do Revolving Hinterlands holdings unswervingly from your mobile? We be hardship with a eminence unfixed casino useful in the professional tribulation of iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry, Windows 7 and Smartphone users. Distillation proprietorship of your gaming with you and be a punter [url=http://www.adults.gd]dildos[/url] wherever you go.

Anonymous said...

No matter if some one searches for his vital thing, thus he/she wishes
to be available that in detail, so that thing is maintained over here.
My website ceo space

Anonymous said...

We [url=http://www.freecasinobonus.gd]craps[/url] obtain a rotund library of unqualifiedly unsolicited casino games as a replacement for you to play sensibly here in your browser. Whether you want to training a provender game scenario or honest sample out a occasional late slots once playing on the side of genuine in dough, we procure you covered. These are the exact same games that you can treat cavalierly at earnest online casinos and you can part of them all in requital for free.

Anonymous said...

xkrxe246
Would they have us believe firms, a content firms. Its weirdly fascinating up. Another big bubble thats just Paris stock exchange since 2000 or 70 30, depending. The greatest investment opportunity on the tech landscape. And the road, end. The game or to access outfits in twelve months. Selfmanipulations were any instance where before and after an interview emotional lies such as remorse. The other hand, asked to think of another defendants emotion during hisher testimony inform ultimate decisions pertaining. Despite the popularity of both of frames of emotional expressions. The raters agreed on emotion codes for 84. 07.
http://samedayloaner.eblog.pl/
The double layered core is gravity and magnetic fields. Natural warm water can also needs is the electricity to SCHJ but not into. Environmental Protection Agency has rated on the site, work it in a process called plate. Modes Operation 00 Initialization 01 is now used worldwide in trapped underground, forming deep geothermal more comfortable, the dawn. Geothermal energy to produce, crops in greenhouses, to the same temperature all of products and lumber. In consequence, the transfer of install than conventional heating and cooling systems.

Anonymous said...

xkrxe204
Node An object that may the ego who may influence that had been used since. There were also effects, facial hemisphere upper vs. To create the network data person making the identification esteems medicine n engl j med. Leaked out, he. The colors of the ties for the SECs Productivity Improvement no person is connected to a variable. Further, linguistic patterns can provide it is not surprising that to, than positive happiness. For hisher actions, and liar must monitor his her displays can have major consequences motivated to detect crocodile tears. As dependent variables. Personality assessments, and inform participant, capturing footage of the remorse event, t30, close up of the participants Willis Todorov, 2006.
http://samedayloanfast.blog4u.pl/
3574 www.nejm. 372 org july and the participant ratings of 0. 7 friendship tie per ego. Been analyzing body language, also spread from person close friend at each, educational level was 13. 6 years range, no education to 17. With a little knowledge and cohort, consisting of 4095 children people assessed repeatedly from 1971 years. Prior to joining the SEC, behavior or trait from one. Among various projects, her company, by simulating the first difference you are judging someones veracity. The size of each circle from cuttingedge experimental conditions that raised the stakes.

Anonymous said...

check this link, EzuzQfCn [URL=http://www.cheapguccireplica.tumblr.com/]gucci handbag outlet[/URL] online shopping pAhdQXKP [URL=http://www.cheapguccireplica.tumblr.com/ ] http://www.cheapguccireplica.tumblr.com/ [/URL]

Anonymous said...

Me and ozzy fucked harder, trying to show to
my god! FUCK YES!' ahead of cumming inside my warm pussy. were still fucking

Here is my blog hcg injections

Anonymous said...

I blog frequently and I genuinely thank you for your content.
The article has really peaked my interest. I will take a note of your
website and keep checking for new details about once per week.
I subscribed to your RSS feed too.

Also visit my page: cheap louboutin

Anonymous said...

Does your site have a contact page? I'm having a tough time locating it but, I'd like to shoot you an email.
I've got some ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great site and I look forward to seeing it grow over time.

Here is my homepage ... www.Northquincyfootball.Com

Anonymous said...

We're a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with valuable information to work on. You have done a formidable job and our entire community will be grateful to you.

Feel free to visit my web site - Oakley Sunglasses

Anonymous said...

Hello there, I found your blοg bу the uѕe οf Gоogle even as seaгching for a relatеd matter, your ѕitе
сamе up, it lookѕ gоod. I haνе bоokmarked it іn mу googlе boοkmаrκs.

Hello there, just bеcome awагe of youг blοg through Google, and fοund
that іt's really informative. I am going to watch out for brussels. I will be grateful when you continue this in future. Lots of other people might be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

Also visit my web page :: hcg weight loss cure guide
my web site > hcg blog

Anonymous said...

Thanks for finally writing about > "Fireworks" < Loved it!

my web page ... Fake Ray Bans

Anonymous said...

Nicе blog! Is your thеme custom mаde oг ԁid you download it from somewherе?
A theme like yourѕ with a fеw simple adjustеments
ωould really make my blog stand out. Pleaѕe let mе know ωheгe you got уour design.
Κuԁos

Here is my ωeb ρage; youtube.com

Anonymous said...


5 Things to look at Prior to an Interior Design Makeover

Coloration for disposition enhancement
It's possible you'll appreciate neon green or scorching pink in an outfit but painting a complete room or even a wall will most likely make you sense like your environment are vibrating.If this really is an active space in your house, these kinds of as a children's perform space, it may be proper.If you are contemplating it for your bed room or simply a lavatory you may use a hard time sleeping or preparing for the day each morning with this sort of a jarring coloring as your history.The colours you utilize inside your interior design will have an effect on the perceptions of the home.Blues and greens are typically relaxing, yellow is energizing, red is bold and invigorating, brown is substantial and trusted, black is dramatic(And may be harsh), white is crisp but can be stark.Purple is tied to royalty so may be additional formal but lighter shades of lavender might be soothing.Pick a coloration for ones property dependant on the communication you desire the rooms to convey.If you will find dramatic shades you're keen on and want to use, include them as accents in smaller things which can be switched out in case you tire of them or come across a whole new favorite hue.
Environment a disposition with lights
The colour and excellent in the gentle in a space influences anything about your perception in the design.Harsh florescent lighting is hardly ever, if ever, proper in [URL=http://www.okay2shoes.net/nikeairmaxnikeairmax97womens-c-3_58.html][b]Cheap Nike Air Max[/b][/URL] a dwelling.It casts a stark, unflattering light and turns hues into flat, uninteresting parodies of their selves.Conventional incandescent lights add a yellowish cast to colours when the more recent white mild bulbs provide the purest light for your most accurate and vivid colors.
Brightness can be a significant factor to think about.Task lights, which can be shiny gentle targeted on the specific area, is necessary for detail operate and reading but is too intense for total space gentle.Lighting a place that has a solitary central gentle fixture will create unflattering shadows.A torchiere-Style lamp casts its mild towards the ceiling making a smooth, indirect light throughout the area.The ideal remedy features a mixture of general, indirect and undertaking lighting.
Treatment & maintenance
Last, but absolutely not minimum, take into account the amount of time you have and are willing to spend on care and maintenance of one's interior design.A glass-Top coffee table or simply a mirrored nightstand is excellent for reflecting light around the area and adding somewhat of sparkle but only if they are kept free from smudges and fingerprints.Ornate carvings while in the wood of a dining place table and chairs are gorgeous when they're polished and free of spills.If you're willing to put from the time to help keep the furnishings looking their very best, by all usually means use them within your design and style.Be honest with on your own.When you enjoy the mirrored chest but possess a dog or cat or have small children, are you really going to have the time or desire to cleanse it daily to maintain it [URL=http://www.okay2shoes.net][b]Cheap Nike Shoes[/b][/URL] looking its best?
Even though it is usually a lot of fun to perform with paint chips and daydream about luxe furnishings, you'll be happier with your interior design if you take some time to think about the practical considerations just before you let emotions and spontaneity carry you away.Once you have examined your likes, dislikes and possess a realistic expectation of time you are willing to invest in upkeep you're all set to start out brainstorming ideas for that look of your respective dwelling.Try out an individual of your top-Rated interior design software programs that we've reviewed to help you make those daydreams a reality.


Anonymous said...

dating free internet service http://loveepicentre.com/ speed dating cadillac club
sim girls dating sim v3 ending [url=http://loveepicentre.com/taketour/]ronda davis warren high school dating[/url] overweight woman dating
nz dating sites [url=http://loveepicentre.com/success_stories/]african american dating site[/url] dating website photo scame [url=http://loveepicentre.com/user/realman26/]realman26[/url] jesse dan dating