The Journals of Lewis and Clark

The Journals of Lewis and Clark, ed. by Bernard DeVoto

In his foreword to the book, Stephen E. Ambrose notes that "these journals are a national literary treasure...." I think I would be inclined to agree with that statement. While at times the journals can be difficult to read, as well as somewhat monotonous (and keep in mind that DeVoto's edition does not contain the entire journals by any means), they provide an amazing description of one of the greatest journeys in history, and perhaps the greatest in the short history of the United States. The most fascinating parts to me are their accounts while in the Rocky Mountains. It is interesting to imagine these men being the first whites to see many of these areas that I have grown up around and take for granted. Their physical descriptions of Native Americans as well as their accounts of their interactions with them are also priceless. They provide a detailed look at many different tribes, some of which have likely nearly disappeared. There is an innocence in the air, both of the explorers and the natives, that lends a glimmer of hope that the white men and the natives will co-exist peacefully. Unfortunately, we know this was not to be the case, but at this point in time it seems that both sides sincerely believed it could and would happen. While the journals are primarily kept as scientific records, etc., occasionally the explorers would convey their own personal feelings. One entry that really impressed me was from Lewis, dated August 18, 1805, where he writes: "This day I completed my thirty first year, and conceived that I had in all human probability now existed about half the period which I am to remain in this Sublunary world. I reflected that I had as yet done but little, very little, indeed, to further the hapiness of the human race or to advance the information of the succeeding generation. I viewed with regret the many hours I have spent in indolence, and now soarly feel the want of that information which those hours would have given me had they been judiciously expended. but since they are past and cannot be recalled, I dash from me the gloomy thought, and resolved in future, to redouble my exertions and at least indeavour to promote those two primary objects of human existence, by giving them the aid of that portion of talents which nature and fortune have bestoed on me; or in future, to live for mankind, as I have heretofore lived for myself." This passage really stuck out to me, especially coming from a man leading one of history's great expeditions. Perhaps he did not realize at the time the significance? However, it also seems he is not only referring to great things, but also to the little things he could do to better other people's lives. In this day and age, where it seems like everyone is so self-absorbed, this passage could teach us a valuable lesson. I'm glad I took the time to read this book, it has broadened my understanding of the expedition and given me insight into the thoughts and feelings of these men.

The entire journals can be viewed online through the University of Nebraska: http://lewisandclarkjournals.unl.edu/index.html

San Albino Church - Mesilla, New Mexico

Barn near Heise, Idaho

Some Family History

I just thought I would share this photo, it's a little bit of my family history mixed in with a famous American's history. I've heard this is a picture of a hunting party with William F. Cody, aka "Buffalo Bill." The significance of this photo for my family is that the man on the far right, in the lighter clothing, is my great-grandfather, Eben Brown. It's been said that Eben was one of the best cowboys around, which is probably why he was associated with the famous "Wild West" showman. I just find this picture very cool and would someday like to research it and find out more about it. (Click on it to get a full-screen look.)

Band of Brothers

"From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered, -
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile..."
- William Shakespeare, Henry V

I was on my mission when this series ran, and although I had seen bits and pieces of it on the History Channel, I had not seen the whole series; the amount of time one needs to watch the whole thing also restrained me. This past Christmas, however, I decided it was time and I purchased the set. Well worth the money. It has taken me four months, watching an episode when I get a free hour or so, but I finally finished it. In my opinion, this is some of the finest filmmaking in existence. It is an absolute masterpiece, from start to finish. It puts you in the action. You go through the same ups and downs as the soldiers. We've been a country that has glorified war; that can be seen in war movies through the years. It is refreshing to watch a movie that reflects the realities of war. William Tecumseh Sherman once said that "war is hell," and this movie portrays that hell. It's hard for me to imagine how they made it through. I think the main thing that kept them going was their brotherhood. I've read and heard many times that war is not about fighting for your country; it's about fighting for the guy next to you. It's about surviving. Not just you, but all of your buddies around you; and this movie shows the anguish these guys go through every time they lose one of their own. I imagine some become numb to all the death and destruction, I don't know, but when it comes down to it, we're all still human and losing our friends takes its toll. That was seen with one of the soldiers, who simply loses it after seeing two of his best friends, and men he felt responsible for, have their legs blown off. In some war movies, he might be depicted as a coward. This man was no coward, he is simply a human being, and sometimes a man can only take so much. That's the reality of war. Some portions of this series literally brought tears to my eyes. One part I had a particularly hard time with was when Easy Company entered the concentration camp. It's beyond my comprehension how human beings can be so cruel to each other. And not just Nazis, everyone has their dark sides, including the United States. But what Hitler and his cronies devised for the "Final Solution" to the Jewish Question (as well as any other ethnic minority the Fuhrer deemed impure), absolutely blows my mind. And they went about it with such a businesslike manner, which is the real creepy part of it. Their business was destroying lives; destroying entire races of people. But what I also liked about the movie was in the final episode, where it shows a German general addressing his men before they surrender. These were men just like the Americans, and the British, and all others that fought in the war. They weren't all Jew-hating Nazis; they were just doing what they felt was their duty, just like the rest of them. Many times we forget that the ones fighting on the other side are humans too, with the same feelings and emotions. All in all, this is quite possibly the best miniseries ever made, although Lonesome Dove definitely ranks up there in my opinion. Either way, it's an absolute masterpiece and one that I'm sure I will have to watch again and again to truly appreciate it and what those men did.

There Will Be Blood

"I drink your milkshake! I drink it up!"

I had been wanting to see this movie for some time, especially with all the critical acclaim and awards it has been nominated for (and won). The movie starts out with no speaking for the first 14:30, but the music does a great job of setting the mood for the movie. (The score continued to be good throughout the movie). The movie was somewhat slow, but still enjoyable. If you're looking for an action-packed, "bloody" movie, you will be disappointed. However, if you're looking for a great piece of film-making that exposes a dark part of our past (and perhaps present), then this a good movie to watch. The movie is based on Upton Sinclair's book Oil (which I will have to read now), and does a great job of showing how the love of money can corrupt a human's soul (although in this case Daniel Plainview's soul may have already been corrupted). I don't know which character is creepier in this movie; Plainview (played by Daniel Day-Lewis), or the preacher, Eli Sunday (played by Paul Dano). Dano's "sermons" were just downright scary; Day-Lewis's performance bordered on the maniacal as well. Of course, Day-Lewis won an Oscar for this role, which was well deserved; he was amazing. The scene near the end with Plainview and his adopted son H.W. shows just how corrupted and twisted he has become. I did enjoy this movie, but I probably wouldn't watch it again. However, it does make one think about what is important in life, and which path one's life is headed down. I would recommend it to anyone who likes movies that show the realities of human nature and who also likes movies that make them think.

Marie and I have a blog for the whole family, but I thought I would start up my own. I think I will mainly use this to review movies, books, and music, and maybe post my thoughts on different subjects, namely history, as I prepare to go to grad school this fall.....