Category: autodidacts
-
Sitting at the feet of : a Medievalist
When he asked his Franciscan Father, “When did you become a Franciscan?” Alex Giltner’s Father answered, “When I was born.” Alex feels the same about medievalism—he can’t trace back the source. However, like most young boys, he drew close to stories and films of dragons and swords. Then at fourteen, he read The Lord of…
-
Sitting at the feet of : a Ninja Warrior
Matthew Derouen is a name few friends back home knew until now. They know Matt D. Matt D was born on the Fourth of July according to his Facebook profile, a suitable date when you consider the consistent supply of fireworks in his trunk. Matt D grew up with A.D.D. like the rest of us…
-
Sitting at the feet of : Oppression and Propaganda
Senya Maximov came into my life through the Fulbright program at Missouri Southern. After I shared the only three Russian words I knew (da, spoceba, vodka), and after he shared perfect British English, shared language led to shared life. Joplin felt like Senya’s new home. Though he wanted to stay, his visa expired. I scheduled…
-
Penguin Anthology of 20th Century American Poetry
I used to be a poet. Of sorts. At least I used to think of myself in that way when I was young. Now as an adult I rarely find time for poetry, rarely make time to think high thoughts and enjoy language for its primary purpose: intimacy. We tend to favor language for persuasion…
-
Sitting at the feet of : a Gymnast
Editor’s note: we remain devastated over the news of Kip Johnson’s fall, but insist on keeping this article up and unchanged as a matter of historical record. We encourage families to come forward if further evidence exists and we willingly offer our service, voice, thoughts, and prayers — whatever is needed from these families who…
-
Cartography: Our Picture of Us
The Cartographer’s Guild encouraged me in my map making. Since then I noticed how maps disinter our understanding of the world. Maps do not show us where things are or where things were. They reveal who we are and how we think. Take Hecataeus: He’s missing a couple two or three continents. His world is…
-
Sitting at the feet of a Seller of Stock Options (finale!)
DISCLAIMER: This is an interview with a friend and should be read as such. For professional investing advice, please consult your personal financial advisor. This interview should in no way be construed as professional investing advice for your personal portfolio. You are responsible for your own money, not me or Greg Hull. Last time, Greg…
-
Sitting at the feet of a Seller of Stock Options (part 2 of 5)
DISCLAIMER: This is an interview with a friend and should be read as such. For professional investing advice, please consult your personal financial advisor. This interview should in no way be construed as professional investing advice for your personal portfolio. You are responsible for your own money, not me or Greg Hull. Last time, Greg…
-
Sitting at the Feet of a Film Analyst (part 6 ~ Fin)
In part five, we wrestled through the problems of interpreting symbolism in film. This shorter conclusion to the Film Analyst ATE works through the idea of the new American hero in film. (We also praise demolition engineers who get paid to blow $#!! up). Doug Welch: “See? You didn’t bring anything to the movie, did…