the trivial skirmish

Meeting wasn't that bad, and weather is frankly lovely at the moment. Apologies to all those for whom it isn't. If it makes you feel any better, the weather forecast predicts rain and a drop in temperature here later this week.

I've finished watching Firefly, including Serenity. Some splendid stuff there. I'm not sure whether to regret that it didn't go further, or be glad that it finished on a high note and with good work done, but in any case, very watchable. (Even if my English ear had occasional problems with drawling American accents.)

Bleach chapter tomorrow; Dresden Files episode in the evening; and four days till the new Doctor Who. Things are looking interesting.

---

The Persian Version

Truth-loving Persians do not dwell upon
The trivial skirmish fought near Marathon.
As for the Greek theatrical tradition
Which represents that summer's expedition
Not as a mere reconnaisance in force
By three brigades of foot and one of horse
(Their left flank covered by some obsolete
Light craft detached from the main Persian fleet)
But as a grandiose, ill-starred attempt
To conquer Greece - they treat it with contempt;
And only incidentally refute
Major Greek claims, by stressing what repute
The Persian monarch and the Persian nation
Won by this salutary demonstration:
Despite a strong defence and adverse weather
All arms combined magnificently together.

-- Robert Graves