Last weekend I finished The Elementary Particles by Michel Houellebecq, a depressing commentary on contemporary society and sexuality. I saw the movie in Germany (in German) and as much as I understood of it seemed fairly sober and introspective, but I was unprepared for the all-encompassing and mood of the unrelenting decay, redeemed only by too-late and a powerless self-knowledge. I’m now reading A Distant Mirror by Barbara Tuchman, a excellently written history of the fourteenth century, with some conservative overtones.

Monday I had a free one-on-one dance lesson at Fred Astaire in Belmont. Tell me if you want one and I’ll hook you up. I’ll be taking occasional classes there for the next few months– which means I can also go and use the space anytime.

Tuesday I had the first meeting of my salon. We took a while to get going, but discussed late into the night: historical and global trends, postmodernism, cultural relativism, economic models and their cultural implications, and the considered life. Room for improvement (on my part, as a host), but a very enjoyable success. I let the group in on the first level of my ulterior visions for it. The next salon will be this Friday, July 7.

Wednesday was the last SCA dance practice of the season; I enjoyed a new height of suspending disbelief in the flirting game. Thursday I hung out with smurf24— including watching more “House”, a very clever medical/detective/genius-style show. Friday I had a great discussion with Diana of Olin, of Olin, travel, the Salon, my center ideas, and women. Saturday I went up to Lowell for my brother’s birthday (and kitchy Superman Returns and delicious sushi).