• Naming the Unnamable: A Commentary on 9/11 (Part II)

    In an attempt to keep the open dimension of language indeed open (à la Foucault), I offer this late, preliminary, and provisional commentary on “9/11.“ 9/11 is an American quasi-logo denoting the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, which becomes… more ›

  • Naming the Unnamable: A Commentary on 9/11 (Part I)

    The quintessential moment in the history of names, at least insofar as the Western/Judeo-Christian tradition goes, is perhaps the account in Genesis 2 of Adam giving names to the various animals. However, the name “Adam” itself is just as, if… more ›

  • A Sense of Community: Political Implications of Nietzsche’s Aesthetics

    “State is the name of the coldest of all cold monsters. Coldly it lies; and this lie slips from its mouth: ‘I, the state, am the people.’” – Zarathustra Most readings of Nietzsche’s The Birth of Tragedy concentrate on his… more ›

  • Nothing To Say

    Two strangers hired to stomp around my attic in hopes of repairing the AC circuit board that was fried by lightning three weeks ago. The cost of the replacement board: $550. Too bad they have to shut the AC off… more ›

  • Urlaub 2009

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  • die Anreise

    I arrived in Wiesbaden yesterday morning after what was perhaps the most pleasant flight of my entire life. The difference a friendly and competent flight attendant, a wonderful travel partner, a new airplane, and a challenging book make! The seat,… more ›

  • Rainy Season

    I have finished lecturing. I have graded all final exams, essays, and late assignments. I have computed and fudged and inflated all course grades. I have submitted course grades. I have ignored all student emails asking me, “What did I… more ›

  • May Day

    May Day, or May 1, is the traditional celebration of springtime in the Northern Hemisphere and more recently the international public holiday to commemorate the achievements of labor and to honor working people. Outside the United States, it is commonly… more ›

  • There’s nothing gradual about graduation

    This is what tries to pass itself off as advising in my program: After our meeting, I went carefully through your file and have made an unfortunate discovery. Because of your many hours within the program, you will hit 97… more ›

  • Europe Calling

    I’ve recently discovered outrageously inexpensive airfare to Europe, and you might as well think I’ve discovered a cure for erotodromomania as well: $139 one-way from DFW to Frankfurt, Germany. I could get there and back for under $390, including tax… more ›