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…
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…
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…
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…
Helvegen: An Analysis
Kalandra recently covered Wardruna's song "Helvegen," and damn near surpassed the original in quality. I had been planning on writing about this song for a while, but the discovery of…
Errant Thoughts on the Lord of the Rings
I would like to make the case that J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings series is one of the most masterful works of religious rhetoric composed in the last century. As…
Bookmarking Definitions for Future Reference
The following is a short list of functional definitions revolving around a developing economics of attention. I am no expert on economics (although I do have a few friends who…
Jesus Did Not Come to Bring a Sword, but Peace
I am getting a little tired of all of these "Christian nationalists" who think that their religion justifies nationalism and the violence necessary to defend their nations. The sentiment is…
Courtesy of Boris D. Ogñenovich
Living on Autopilot: Internet Use and Depersonalization-derealization Syndrome
"You know how you sometimes feel like you're on autopilot?" "Sure. If I'm really sleep-deprived anyway." "I feel like that a lot." Recently, my 28-year-old friend, whom I will call…
Mongolian Nazis?
Mongolian folk-metal band "The HU" has been rising in popularity, topping American rock charts before even releasing an album, and continuing to grow. Their unique throat singing and traditional instruments…