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To Be and Not to Be: Thanatotic Therapy

From First Thoughts

Reuters photographer Sheng Li reports on “death experience therapy” at Ruoshui Mental Health Clinic in Shenyang, China: Then I met 42-year-old Mr. Yang, who had booked his therapy appointment for that day. During the psychological preparation talk, I learned that Yang had lost his . . . . Continue Reading »

Old Calendarists in Appalachia

From First Thoughts

Kairos Quarterly , a new journal published by the Orthodox Hermitage of the Holy Cross in West Virginia, writes about the interesting phenomenon of Old Calendar Protestants: As a Russian Orthodox monastery which observes the Julian, or “old”, calendar, we were surprised to learn about . . . . Continue Reading »

Gloves for the dead hand of the past

From First Thoughts

While many, following Ross Douthat , may be worrying about future generations, ossuary expert Paul Koudounaris makes an interesting point about those that have come before in an interview with Molly Langmuir: How did the mummies in the Palermo catacombs end up with such nice outfits? For centuries . . . . Continue Reading »

Air Force Tears Down the Pinups

From First Thoughts

The Air Force Times reports : Commanders and supervisors in all corners of the Air Force will conduct a widespread sweep of all work spaces and public areas starting today, looking for pictures, calendars and other materials that objectify women. The order covers all active, reserve and Air . . . . Continue Reading »

Happy Repeal Day! [Updated]

From First Thoughts

Seventy-nine years ago today, the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, repealing old dry and dreadful, was ratified. What better way to celebrate than with this festive pomegranate cocktail ? Pomegranate Poinsettia 1 oz. Pomegranate Liqueur 1 oz. Cointreau 1 oz. Orange Juice 3 oz. Champagne . . . . Continue Reading »