Stories Within Stories
I recently re-watched The Phantom of the Opera (2004). The film was excellent in many dimensions, and may warrant a more in-depth analysis for itself down the road. But what…
Legislating the Body
In 1990, Congress passed the first Anabolic Steroid Control Act (H.R.4658). This bill defined steroids as: ...any drug or hormonal substance that promotes muscle growth in a manner pharmacologically similar…
The Classical Paradox
As of late, I have spent considerable time with Gregory Nagy's The Ancient Greek Hero in 24 Hours. It is a phenomenal work of scholarship, a must-read on par with…
A Bailey-approved book
Review: The Spirit of Yule
I had originally purchased Thomas "Survive the Jive" Rowsell's The Spirit of Yule for my daughter, as the size and illustration-style suggested that the title was a children's book. Upon…
On the Origins of Truth-Telling
In Holy Nihilism, I posited that the origins of truth-telling as a value originated in the piratical militarism of steppe-based warrior cults: The origins of true testimonialism appear to lie…
Patrokles Wasn’t Gay
And neither was Achilles. I have heard several times now someone assert that Patrokles and Achilles were not merely good friends, or cousins, as depicted in Troy (2004). It has…
Christian Pacifism in History
Contra the scripture itself, many Christians seem convinced that their faith is not pacifistic -- that it is a "warrior's religion." These people (correctly) point out that the current ecumenical direction…
The Linguistic Case for Mysticism
It is like a finger pointing away to the moon. Don't concentrate on the finger or you will miss all the heavenly glory. - Bruce Lee All of Western philosophy…
Meditations on the Theological Significance of Crowns in Musical Contemplation of Heaven
And it came to pass that on my journey homeward from labors in the city, I became trapped by fellow travelers moving likewise in a slow and crowded manner. This…
Education and Language-Learning
When I was in high school, all students were required to take at least two years of a foreign language. There were three options on offer: Spanish, French, and Japanese…