25 April 2007

Just for kicks

The Roving Medievalist has posted a picture of a cannon, but I thought I could do better:
Cannons are really rather boring when compared to real weapons like this.
Curiously enough, those in charge at Castel San'Angelo have placed what appear to me to be cannon balls next to this ballista which launches not cannon balls but rather large arrows or crossbow bolts. Even so, most tourists and visitors won't know the difference, though I was rather intrigued standing near them.

26 comments:

  1. Anonymous2:26 PM

    I'm more interested in the fact that you're wearing a cassock. You go!

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  2. I agree fully.
    Jeron: I agree with you, too. That really scares me.

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  3. Some how I picture you traveling with that that weapon in tow on your way to some Renaissance Faire. Although the cassock might not work in battle!

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  4. I`d personally prefer a big honkin` trebuchet, but this does look a bit more mobile,

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  5. Jeron: I wear the cassock about half of the time simply because I find it far more comfortable than a suit. Ties are horrible, but suit jackets aren't much better.

    That particular morning my fellow seminarian pilgrims where on our way to a meeting with Cardinal Arinze. We stopped at the castle on our way.

    Ellen: Ah, yes, I could see it, too... That would be fun!

    Brad: I, too, would prefer a trebuchet, but, sadly, I never did find one in Rome.

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  6. I remember the cannon balls from when I was there in `80. The ballista might be a more recent addition. An arms buildup?

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  7. We'll know for sure if the Swiss Guard take up residence there.

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  8. You look young now, but you look about 12 in that picture. When was it taken?

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  9. I was wondering the same thing.

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  10. Ummm...that would have been Winter of...2004? I think that's right.

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  11. I'm a trebuchet man, Father. Nothing compares with a good trebuchet and a goodly sized rock that it can hurl.
    Like the ones shown in Lord of the Rings in the siege of Gondor. Cool.

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  12. A nice battering ram like Grond wouldn't hurt either...

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  13. Oh, so you were only 12! LOL Enjoy it now, because when you start to look you age, it isn't as much fun.

    Since you like things Medieval, I would recommend seeing Spamalot. It is a wonderful spoof on Monty Python's Holy Grail.

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  14. Oh, Ellen, I simply despise Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

    It seems to me that attempted humor can go one of two ways: it can be so dumb it's funny, or it can be so dumb it's just plain stupid. The latter is my take on Monty Python, but I seem to be one of few who see it this way.

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  15. Anonymous12:23 PM

    I like the Holy Grail for absurdity purposes but the idea of Spamalot (no offense to Ellen) turns me off, too. Not sure why that is.

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  16. Boy, did I get that wrong. I pegged you for a Python fan since they are so medevial. Don't worry, no offense taken. We all have our likes and dislikes and we should respect them.

    Have you ever attended a Renaissance Faire? I always thought it would be cool to go, but I haven't made it yet. Of course, I would like to be the queen on the human chess board! My husband would certainly attest to that (although I am in no way a princess!)

    Have a good evening.

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  17. I, too, have always wanted to attend a Renaissance Faire but never have because, well, many of the people who frequent these gatherings are... a little odd?

    Maybe one day I'll go. I would love to be a piece on a giant chess board. I'll take the king's knight!

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  18. Anonymous12:56 PM

    Fr. Zehnle, don't worry about the "odd" people. That's most of the fun!!! Wear civvies for a day & let your hair down.

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  19. I often wander around the office without shoes on - does that count?

    If it doesn't I often for walks around the track at our high school in a t-shirt (often with a DrPepper logo), shorts and sandals to pray the rosary.

    Surely that'll count :)

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  20. To most of the RenFaire sort, that wouldn't even come close to being odd.

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  21. How right you are!

    What if I showed up with a war elephant?

    I've often wondered - well, alright, not too often - just what does one do if a war elephant comes at you? Horses are big enough, but an elephant?

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  22. If one has an ounce of sense, one gets out of the way. War elephants always had a bad reputation, though. They were intimidating, but if they weren't very well controlled, they were just as likely to panic and start acting like "friendly fire".
    It would make a big splash at a RenFaire, though. After all, historical accuracy isn't their forte anyway.
    It's a good thing you're not closer to the lakes. It'd be a trireme next.

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  23. Actually, we have several lakes right around Effingham. A trireme would be a lot of fun! I wonder where you get one...

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  24. Anonymous11:34 AM

    You guys are really weird. Just the sort that fit in a rennfaire.

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  25. LOL!

    I've always said: "Normal is boring and boring's no fun."

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  26. Which reminds me. I have to figure out a new form of mischief. Things are getting too quiet.

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