 |
|
« Abortion Blogging Addendum | Main | He Liked Long Walks on the Beach, Foosball and Homoerotic Torture » May 07, 2004
As Noted by Herodotus at the Battle of Teflon
Posted by Bill Victor Davis Hanson makes an omelette: But only in Europe did the concept of the omelette gain traction. This can be attributed to two phenomena: The Frankish culture's precision in matters of cuisine and the spirit of inquisition handed down to the Europeans from the Hellenistic societies of classical antiquity. In choosing an omelette, the chef is faced with the same paradox that confronted Hannibal after the victory at Cannae - to rely on his own culinary genius or accept that it is a free society's ability to produce delicious breakfasts in quantity that will ultimately rule the day. The obvious choice? The natural product of a culture that values the rights of the citizen; the Western Omelette. Posted by Bill at May 7, 2004 09:25 AM | TrackBack (3) CommentsI am stunned by the parallel between this decision and the first tactical application of 'throwed rolls' on the American Civil War's lesser-known Missouri front, in the Battle of Kirksville (06 AUG 1862). In the latter case, COL John McNeil [US] was pursuing the Missouri Brigade [CS] with a combined force of cavalry and artillery. His dilemma was this: the combined force was not mobile enough to maneuver the Missourians into a decisive battle; his cavalry alone was, but did not have sufficient combat power to ensure victory. During dinner at Lambert's Cafe in nearby Sikeston, McNeil observed the waitresses pitching cannonball-sized dinner rolls to (or more correctly, 'at') the customers, and he was seized with an idea. Armed with all the rolls they could carry, McNeil sent his cav ahead to lie in wait for the Missouri Brigade in Kirksville. When the Confederates entered the town, the Federals unleased volley after volley of these 'throwed rolls,' disorienting the Missourians to the point where they were unable to determine whether to counterattack, retreat, or eat. When the Union artillery arrived in town, thus lending dignity to what otherwise would have been a vulgar brawl including boardinghouse reaches and arguments over who would get the last piece of salt pork, the Union victory was complete. Posted by: Chris at May 7, 2004 05:17 PM Er, thanks for your detailed historical insight! Posted by: Bill from INDC at May 7, 2004 05:49 PM |
