Tag Archives: folklore and myth

Space Aliens: Perceptions, Assumptions

Throughout the ages, Saints and sages have pondered the big questions. Who are we? What are we? Why are our lives so messed up? Storytellers and movie makers — these groups overlap — also reflect on human nature from time … Continue reading →

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St. Patrick’s Day: Prickly Problems, Shamrocks and Saints

March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day. It’s a public holiday in Ireland, Newfoundland and Labrador. Chicago plumbers celebrate by turning the city’s river green. It’s a day when folks wear something green, and I’ve heard that some even drink green … Continue reading →

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Pentheus, Pwyll and Pan Twardowski: Fairly Faustian

(Marguerite’s garden in Gounod’s “Faust,” set design by Édouard Desplechin. (1859)) Christopher Marlowe based his “Dr. Faustus” on Germany’s Faust legend, which was in turn inspired by Johann Georg Faust’s reputation. And on J. G. Faust’s abrupt death in 1520, … Continue reading →

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“One Small Step” in a Long Journey

“A journey of a thousand li starts with a single step.” (“Tao Te Ching,” Laozi) “That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.” (Neil Armstrong) I figure the journey to Earth’s moon began when someone looked … Continue reading →

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World Day of Peace, 2019

For two dozen centuries, at least, a few folks have said that peace is a good idea. Many others have agreed. Making peace a practical reality has remained an elusive goal. But I think we’re closer to it than when … Continue reading →

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