This is, by some reckoning, the “Pagan New Year”, and new years are a good time for new beginnings. So this week I’m starting what I intend to be a more-or-less regular feature here on The Zen Pagan, “Random Wednesday” — a collection of random thoughts, observations, news, links, and comments.
For those who have been reading about my mom’s medical emergency the past few weeks, she is much improved the past few days. She’s oriented and responsive, has started speaking a little bit, and is moving with coordination.
My comic book geekdom is more DC than Marvel, and I haven’t gotten into the Marvel cinematic ‘verse. But I recently watched the first season of Luke Cage on Netflix and enjoyed it. Watch for a piece on Luke Cage and the Hero’s Journey coming soon here on TZP.
Erika Christakis, who ignited a firestorm last year when she sent an e-mail critical of a set of Halloween costume guidelines Yale issued to students, has an interesting reflection on harms caused by the “culture of protection” and campus censorship.
In related news, as a University of Maryland graduate I felt some pride when I read about a free speech rally held at UMCP by a collation of campus groups ranging from the Black Student Union to the College Republicans.
Radly Balko has a great piece on how “breed specific laws” targeted at dogs who have a certain appearance — usually, “pit bulls” — are actually a manifestation of people’s “suspicions about the race, class and ethnicity of the people who own those dogs.”
I’ve just renewed my massage therapy license here in Maryland. If you’re local and would like to set up a shiatsu, acupressure, or massage appointment, I’m offering $10 off your first appointment through November 30 to anyone who mentions this post.
By the time our next Random Wednesday rolls around, we’ll be through the elections and one way or another will have a truly awful President-elect. If like me you are considering self-medicating with large amounts of bourbon for the next four years, this article on bourbon bargains may be helpful.
Drink responsibly and Hail Dionysus, and we’ll be back next week with another random selection.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In