The sky above the port was the color of television, tuned to a dead channel. William Gibson, Neuromancer Movies borrow from film noir more than any other genre. Whether it takes the form of a straightforward homage (L.A. Confidential) or … Continue reading Film Noir: An Introduction to the Genre
First Part of Stranger in a Strange Land In a previous article, I wrote about the history of stranger-friendship and hospitality in Greece and early America. In short, both cultures possessed strong traditions about hosting guests from the unknown. Honor … Continue reading Stranger in a Strange Land: Modern America
Our Flag Means Death’s Premise “Gentleman Pirate” Stede Bonnet was a real pirate, although he was not one of the most capable figures from piracy’s golden age. An aristocrat turned to crime, he sacked ships and slit throats across the … Continue reading Our Flag Means Death Works as a Retelling of Don Quixote
Theoxenia: The Divine Dinner Guest In Stranger in a Strange Land Part One: Greece and America, I discussed the Greek concept of xenia. In short, xenia refers to a host’s obligation to a stranger, namely food, lodging, and gifts. A form … Continue reading Mythology: Gods and Spirits in Disguise
An important measure of a culture is how it treats its strangers. Warmth toward outsiders reflects cooperation, a receptiveness to the outside world. Although they may seem insincere, guest rites like a Japanese chef shouting, “Irasshaimase!” (“Welcome in!”) speak to … Continue reading Stranger in a Strange Land: Xenia in Greece and Early America
Salem, Oregon Salem is the capital of Oregon, though it doesn’t look the part. The government and medical enterprises take up most of its trade. Few buildings exceed one story in height. The town opts for horizontal expansion, but if … Continue reading Travel Guide: The Small Town Charm of Salem, Oregon
The Strange Power of Autocrats When it comes to rising above, tyrants, rebels, and regime changes provide a thermal updraft. Power struggles swell the fortunes of revolutionaries and their cabinets. They challenge the status quo and loosen its grip. As a … Continue reading The Bootstrap and the Iron Crown: How Rapid Shifts in Power Gave Rise to Opportunity
The Problem with Our Critical Language The sitcom, or situational comedy, receives much scorn for its stale tropes, stock characters, and cliches. Nevertheless, it continues to be made. The genre, defined as a comedy with a fixed location and cast … Continue reading Big Bang Theory on Stage: The Debt Sitcoms Owe to Greek Comedy
Behold the Mighty Air Balloon! “Some [in the 18th century]considered that there might be an arms race in [hot air] balloon technology. . . . Much more menacing, however, especially for the British Isles, was the possibility that they could … Continue reading Ballooning, Aerostation, and the Tragedy of Newton’s First Law