Review: Cultish
Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell explores the linguistic capacities and repercussions of cult group ideologies through a [...]
Epstein and bunga-bunga world
Am I alone in remembering that Italy already gave us a preview of the Epstein scandal? Remember former Italian Prime [...]
The denial of death
Mortality and death were not acceptable topics of discussion in the household of my elementary-school years. Had Bosch or Bruegel [...]
Beyond the Fountain of Youth
They say money can’t buy love, health, or happiness and you cannot take it with you when you die. Now, [...]
New Year’s lessons
Some years ago, I wrote a line that has recently re-emerged in my mind: Maybe I should go back to [...]
The last storyteller
In the painful final days of his life, my father, usually the most private and discreet of men regarding his [...]
New country, new goals
By this time the last crumbs of panettone (a sweet bread served during the New Year) have finally disappeared from [...]
Ancient wisdom for a high-tech age
I have always been intrigued by how the ancients created their gods and goddesses to interact with humans and the [...]
Recapturing a childhood Christmas
For many people, the Christmas season is one of melancholy rather than the expected joy. There are people who feel [...]
The best Christmas classics (and some campiness) on film
Christmas is right around the corner! And what better way to get into the spirit of the yuletide season than [...]
God, help me
In August 1988, my mother died in Washington, D.C. — her second home after Rome — and made a very [...]