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It was a real surprise this morning to read the news of Charlton Heston’s death. I don’t mean this post to be an obituary, since Robert Berkvist has already written a fine one in the New York Times, and I am sure that others will follow in the coming days. If someone were to askContinue reading ““I’ve lost you, Judah””

Opening day 2008. My Toronto Blue Jays were rained out at Yankee Stadium, so I must wait one more day for the season to begin. Every spring the start of the baseball season is pretty significant for me, since it’s the only real professional sport that I follow consistently from beginning to end. It wasContinue reading ““It’s Iowa””

From March 6-9th I attended the annual Society for Cinema and Media Studies conference, which was held in Philadelphia. In many ways it turned out to be a reunion of friends and family. Not only is Philly the city of brotherly love, but it also happens to be the town where my mother grew up.Continue reading ““Did you feel that?””

One of the more satisfying aspects of Lost is the inter- and extra-textual nature of the drama. Combing through various websites devoted to unlocking the Lost mystery, you will find countless threads that point to the show’s cultural reflexivity. From characters who bear the names of Enlightenment philosophers and scientists to Biblical prophecies and parables,Continue reading ““Are we the first?””

Last week I had the good fortune of sharing my current research on Jewish humor with faculty, students, and other interested parties at a special lecture sponsored by the Max and Tessie Zelikovitz Centre for Jewish Studies at Carleton University. It’s always fun to share my ideas with others, and this event was no exception.Continue reading “Curb Appeal”