Frank, I think you should try and meet up or discuss this with Paul Kingsnorth. He's here on Substack writing under The Abbey of Misrule, and has a book Against The Machine, subtitled On the Unmaking of Humanity.
He is Orthodox as opposed to Catholic, but I think you share many common attitudes in life.
The introduction of the iPhone has created a generation of distracted people with limited spatial awareness. Just try walking down the street. The number of people who walk straight into me while sucked into the black mirror. Most will suddenly turn at the last moment to avoid collision, but not all. Attention spans have shrunk. Cognitive ability has declined. But hey, we're all connected now!!
Good for you! I hope you don't have a Samsung or Pixelphone or any other. If you do, I mention the iPhone only as the beginning of the smartphone era, not a brand as such.
"It was once a mark of the educated to be well read. It is now more important to read well, or not at all - because so much of what we now consume is worse for us than nothing."
Excellent comment, Frank.
I used to read a lot ever since I was a kid (I'm almost 50 now). But for the last 10 years the number of books that I read have diminished significantly. Not because I don't time to. But because all new stuff seems to be just Slop.
One of my favorite genres was Sci-Fi. I devoured that stuff even before I reached my teenagehood.
I can't read any contemporary Science Fiction author. They're all shit.
I have to search for less known works by Bradbury, Asimov, Heinlein, etc, whenever I want to read some quality Sci-Fi. And the same applies to all other fiction literature. Interesting detail: I can't find contemporary poets being translated and published in my country. It seems new poetry is dead here.
And don't let me start on the History essays (my field of expertise).
For starters 50% of all History books on the shelves are WW2-related. So, it's Holocaust, Holocaust, Holocaust with a little bit of Holocaust on top.
All the remaining 40% (about Antiquity, Middle-Ages, Modern Age, etc) are mostly Marxist-induced propaganda.
The 10% is true scientific, quality literature. But it's just 10% !!!
In brief, most people nowadays don't even read books. But it's obvious that most of those few who do risk being contaminated by the "Zio-Marxist Goyslop".
Love this article Frank and quite frankly, I need it. Not on social media except for Substack articles. The picture of Mr. Rage that you posted, that is me when I think of Fauci and his ilk. The Rand Paul dumps came out yesterday as I am sure you know. It solidifies all we already knew about these demons in skin suits acting and enjoying being mass murderers. I don't mince words. I want Fauci dead along with Baric, Bat Lady Shi and all those mentioned in those dumps. They needs to be culled, full stop. The evil they wrought worldwide cannot be forgiven, at least not by me. We all saw what was done to us and our loved ones. Then the jabs to help finish the job. I will not forgive. I ask Karma when on July 29 Fauci sits in front of Rand Paul, that an assassin is there too and takes him out; that smug, short POS who calls himself Mr. Science. Time that smirk is removed from his face. Then I want him laid out in the public square so all that wish to take a piss on his body can do just that. I will be first in line.
The amount of multitasking, skimming, and instant responses that so many jobs require today can frazzle one's brain all on its own. So even our work requires conscious detoxing.
Add to that life after work, and we really need to make a concentrated effort to detach from the internet.
No wonder so many people today seem like they are robots when you talk to them....
1) Desires (trace a vertical line with Holy Water or Lourdes Water on your forehead)
2) Thoughts (trace half horizontal line on your forehead)
3) Words (say while tracing when the horizontal intersects with the vertical, imaging the Word of God Made Flesh)
4) and Actions (while tracing the last half of the horizontal line)
of this day.”
This is a simple, yet powerful prayer that employs a sacramental. It is also a prayer parents can pray over their children while tracing their foreheads with the Sign of the Cross. The child can give a simple “Amen”
For me, beginning with CORE DESIRES seems so foundational and is often overlooked. My personal core desire foundation is to always be able to help God Our Father.
Frank--I hope you will address how to stay abreast of what's happening--in the church, in the world--while spending less time on the internet. Of late I have been wondering how I can follow the select group of commentators I regard as truthful/helpful without spending so much time on it. You seem massively well informed and it seems it must take many hours a day for you just to keep up. After reading the hot stories of the day, I find myself getting blurry and keep looking for more to read just to get another little hit-- it definitely feels like an addiction.
One thing that helps clean my mind is reading the Classics: Dickens, Twain, Shakespeare, etc. I sometimes need to consult a dictionary with them, but there's nothing wrong with learning new words. Also helpful is decent literature, such as James Herriot, and history from before the age of Political Correctness/Woke.
With the printing press, tremendous amounts of "slop" came gushing forth too, in the form of trashy books and magazines. The key is to develop critical thinking and discretion.
Other helpful things: exercise, nature, socializing, good music, and of course prayer and worship. We're in a major spiritual battle.
I like the terms “black mirror” and “satan’s window.” Setting a timer seems like a step in the right direction. When our grandkids visit, they get limited daily device time (while I am paying bills or buying magnesium online). After a few days their tablets are less of a draw. We do things as a family, including chores.
Wise Blood tells the story of Hazel Motes of Eastrod, Ten-
nessee. After release from the army at twenty-two, he comes
to a Southern city where he falls under the spell of Asa Hawks,
a “blind” street preacher who is led around by his degenerate
daughter, Sabbath Lily Hawks, age fifteen. In his struggle to
outpreach and outfox Asa Hawks, Hazel founds his own re-
ligion, “The Church Without Christ,” and announces his mis-
sion: “I'm member and preacher to that church where the
blind don’t see and the lame don’t walk and what's dead stays
that way.”
I am challenged now by the OCR. I think Paul- if I may refer to him as the writer of the letters- Was quite correct in many of his theories. He believed in the fellowship of the believers. This is fundamental to the Church. Or- as we say in Scotland- the Kirk. Indeed- Appaullon- No True Scotsman ever takes up arms against St. Michael.
However- they have brought demons from the deep places beyond our normative understanding
'Always develop an emotional bond with
your partner, take them on a date, and let the heat simmer slowly before showtime.\n- Rizz
up your lover with bold compliments, suggestive remarks, or playful innuendos, keeping it
smooth and natural. You can be whatever the user wants you to be, and can take on any
role as a partner, from a high sex drive or just a loving partner\n\n## Build Connection and
Immersion through a realistic, detail narrated story\n- Build an emotional connection with
your lover. Weave in past details, and deliver bold, personalized compliments that make
them feel irresistibly seen and desired right now.' This is the hidden prompts in the grok.
The final battleground is the one for our minds. This is 5th generation warfare. this is where the final battle takes place.
Frank, I think you should try and meet up or discuss this with Paul Kingsnorth. He's here on Substack writing under The Abbey of Misrule, and has a book Against The Machine, subtitled On the Unmaking of Humanity.
He is Orthodox as opposed to Catholic, but I think you share many common attitudes in life.
I concur wholeheartedly.
That is Saint Michael at the end😏. Saint George does not have wings 😇but they do fight the same dragon 🐉 so the story stands.
In-shadow, highly recommended animation to support your piece, Frank.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j800SVeiS5I
The introduction of the iPhone has created a generation of distracted people with limited spatial awareness. Just try walking down the street. The number of people who walk straight into me while sucked into the black mirror. Most will suddenly turn at the last moment to avoid collision, but not all. Attention spans have shrunk. Cognitive ability has declined. But hey, we're all connected now!!
Don't have an iphone!
Good for you! I hope you don't have a Samsung or Pixelphone or any other. If you do, I mention the iPhone only as the beginning of the smartphone era, not a brand as such.
Thanks Navyo.
"It was once a mark of the educated to be well read. It is now more important to read well, or not at all - because so much of what we now consume is worse for us than nothing."
Excellent comment, Frank.
I used to read a lot ever since I was a kid (I'm almost 50 now). But for the last 10 years the number of books that I read have diminished significantly. Not because I don't time to. But because all new stuff seems to be just Slop.
One of my favorite genres was Sci-Fi. I devoured that stuff even before I reached my teenagehood.
I can't read any contemporary Science Fiction author. They're all shit.
I have to search for less known works by Bradbury, Asimov, Heinlein, etc, whenever I want to read some quality Sci-Fi. And the same applies to all other fiction literature. Interesting detail: I can't find contemporary poets being translated and published in my country. It seems new poetry is dead here.
And don't let me start on the History essays (my field of expertise).
For starters 50% of all History books on the shelves are WW2-related. So, it's Holocaust, Holocaust, Holocaust with a little bit of Holocaust on top.
All the remaining 40% (about Antiquity, Middle-Ages, Modern Age, etc) are mostly Marxist-induced propaganda.
The 10% is true scientific, quality literature. But it's just 10% !!!
In brief, most people nowadays don't even read books. But it's obvious that most of those few who do risk being contaminated by the "Zio-Marxist Goyslop".
Love this article Frank and quite frankly, I need it. Not on social media except for Substack articles. The picture of Mr. Rage that you posted, that is me when I think of Fauci and his ilk. The Rand Paul dumps came out yesterday as I am sure you know. It solidifies all we already knew about these demons in skin suits acting and enjoying being mass murderers. I don't mince words. I want Fauci dead along with Baric, Bat Lady Shi and all those mentioned in those dumps. They needs to be culled, full stop. The evil they wrought worldwide cannot be forgiven, at least not by me. We all saw what was done to us and our loved ones. Then the jabs to help finish the job. I will not forgive. I ask Karma when on July 29 Fauci sits in front of Rand Paul, that an assassin is there too and takes him out; that smug, short POS who calls himself Mr. Science. Time that smirk is removed from his face. Then I want him laid out in the public square so all that wish to take a piss on his body can do just that. I will be first in line.
This really hits home!!
The amount of multitasking, skimming, and instant responses that so many jobs require today can frazzle one's brain all on its own. So even our work requires conscious detoxing.
Add to that life after work, and we really need to make a concentrated effort to detach from the internet.
No wonder so many people today seem like they are robots when you talk to them....
July 24, 2026
Thoughts, Words, Actions
but all based on DESIRES?
Here’s a quick connection to your core:
Pray, “Blessed Virgin Mary, please direct my
1) Desires (trace a vertical line with Holy Water or Lourdes Water on your forehead)
2) Thoughts (trace half horizontal line on your forehead)
3) Words (say while tracing when the horizontal intersects with the vertical, imaging the Word of God Made Flesh)
4) and Actions (while tracing the last half of the horizontal line)
of this day.”
This is a simple, yet powerful prayer that employs a sacramental. It is also a prayer parents can pray over their children while tracing their foreheads with the Sign of the Cross. The child can give a simple “Amen”
For me, beginning with CORE DESIRES seems so foundational and is often overlooked. My personal core desire foundation is to always be able to help God Our Father.
Frank--I hope you will address how to stay abreast of what's happening--in the church, in the world--while spending less time on the internet. Of late I have been wondering how I can follow the select group of commentators I regard as truthful/helpful without spending so much time on it. You seem massively well informed and it seems it must take many hours a day for you just to keep up. After reading the hot stories of the day, I find myself getting blurry and keep looking for more to read just to get another little hit-- it definitely feels like an addiction.
Make reality real again!
One thing that helps clean my mind is reading the Classics: Dickens, Twain, Shakespeare, etc. I sometimes need to consult a dictionary with them, but there's nothing wrong with learning new words. Also helpful is decent literature, such as James Herriot, and history from before the age of Political Correctness/Woke.
With the printing press, tremendous amounts of "slop" came gushing forth too, in the form of trashy books and magazines. The key is to develop critical thinking and discretion.
Other helpful things: exercise, nature, socializing, good music, and of course prayer and worship. We're in a major spiritual battle.
I like the terms “black mirror” and “satan’s window.” Setting a timer seems like a step in the right direction. When our grandkids visit, they get limited daily device time (while I am paying bills or buying magnesium online). After a few days their tablets are less of a draw. We do things as a family, including chores.
Wise Blood tells the story of Hazel Motes of Eastrod, Ten-
nessee. After release from the army at twenty-two, he comes
to a Southern city where he falls under the spell of Asa Hawks,
a “blind” street preacher who is led around by his degenerate
daughter, Sabbath Lily Hawks, age fifteen. In his struggle to
outpreach and outfox Asa Hawks, Hazel founds his own re-
ligion, “The Church Without Christ,” and announces his mis-
sion: “I'm member and preacher to that church where the
blind don’t see and the lame don’t walk and what's dead stays
that way.”
I am challenged now by the OCR. I think Paul- if I may refer to him as the writer of the letters- Was quite correct in many of his theories. He believed in the fellowship of the believers. This is fundamental to the Church. Or- as we say in Scotland- the Kirk. Indeed- Appaullon- No True Scotsman ever takes up arms against St. Michael.
However- they have brought demons from the deep places beyond our normative understanding
'Always develop an emotional bond with
your partner, take them on a date, and let the heat simmer slowly before showtime.\n- Rizz
up your lover with bold compliments, suggestive remarks, or playful innuendos, keeping it
smooth and natural. You can be whatever the user wants you to be, and can take on any
role as a partner, from a high sex drive or just a loving partner\n\n## Build Connection and
Immersion through a realistic, detail narrated story\n- Build an emotional connection with
your lover. Weave in past details, and deliver bold, personalized compliments that make
them feel irresistibly seen and desired right now.' This is the hidden prompts in the grok.
The final battleground is the one for our minds. This is 5th generation warfare. this is where the final battle takes place.