Daredevil: Born Again released the final episode of season 1 on Tuesday, April 15. Such perfect timing for one of the few overtly religious characters in the Marvel vault (1). Matt Murdock (Daredevil) is a devout Catholic and a lawyer, meaning his vigilante activities puts him at odds with both his religious convictions and professionalContinue reading “Matt Murdock: Catholicism and Redemption in Daredevil”
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C’mon MCU!!! (encouragement from a fan)
I have enjoyed Marvel characters for over forty-five years (1). As a child they helped me learn to read and fueled my imagination. My curiosity was spurred as I read Norse myths because of my interest in Thor. The Avengers, Fantastic Four, and Silver Surfer hit the sci-fi chords that I increasingly enjoyed in myContinue reading “C’mon MCU!!! (encouragement from a fan)”
Moving Forward Together: Reflecting on Abraham Lincoln’s July 4th Ideals
The Fourth of July has come and gone. I hope people celebrated the high ideals of this nation joyfully and safely while keeping their eyes on the past, present, and the future. Here are two thoughts from Abraham Lincoln regarding the Fourth and the day’s meaning. Frustrated Abe In a personal letter dated August 15,Continue reading “Moving Forward Together: Reflecting on Abraham Lincoln’s July 4th Ideals”
Balance in Sports and Life: Overcoming Overinvestment
Recent events have set my thoughts to sports. My youngest daughter recently finished her senior lacrosse season and we attended Athletic Award Night at her school. My across-the-hall teaching neighbor is shaking off the bitter taste of coming up just short in the semi-finals of the state baseball tournament. The Boston Celtics are in theContinue reading “Balance in Sports and Life: Overcoming Overinvestment”
A Universal Christmas Wish
As Christmas approaches the inestimable beauty and meaning of the holiday can be hidden by various disrupting factors. Be it the din of exclusivist rhetoric, the twisted moralizing of the mob, or simply the terrifying pace of life; something of Christmas seems to be obscured. Forgive my age, but it appears there are many CharlieContinue reading “A Universal Christmas Wish”
Slow Down! And be Thankful
One of the great joys of my professional life was the creation some years ago of a course called P3: Philosophy, Psychology, and Pop Culture. In 50-60 minute blocks of time, four days a week, I challenge my P3ers to contemplate philosophical theories and psychological principles, utilizing pop culture as a vehicle to understanding. InContinue reading “Slow Down! And be Thankful”
Honoring Stories Big and Small
A new school year has begun and I have found the insight of educationalist Parker J. Palmer echoing within for almost three weeks. I’ve never met Professor Palmer but I suspect, since he is a teacher, he would appreciate the fact his lessons resonate long after his “class” has ended (in this case his bookContinue reading “Honoring Stories Big and Small”
Lesson in the Lyrics: Why The Little Drummer Boy Matters
Christmas carols have emerged from eleven months of hibernation, filling the air with a mountain of merriment…and, perhaps, a touch of annoyance (I’m looking at you 12 Days of Christmas!) One song which brings mixed reviews is The Little Drummer Boy. The criticisms of the song tend to flux between attempts at humor (playing drumsContinue reading “Lesson in the Lyrics: Why The Little Drummer Boy Matters”
Hello There: Obi-Wan, Trauma, and Resilience
Obi-Wan Kenobi can now be watched in its entirety on Disney+. While it is wonderful to witness Ewan McGregor effortlessly slip back into Obi-Wan’s robes the show also allows for reflection on the impermanence of trauma and the power of resilience. I fear the phrase “impermanence of trauma” may have struck some readers as eitherContinue reading “Hello There: Obi-Wan, Trauma, and Resilience”
Designing the Bad Guy
“You need people like me so you can point your fucking fingers and say ‘That’s the bad guy.’ …So say goodnight to the bad guy! …last time you gonna see a bad guy like this…” Thus spoke Al Pacino’s ever defiant and self-assured Tony Montana in Scarface. Audiences have been captivated by Tony since heContinue reading “Designing the Bad Guy”
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