Sunday, December 05, 2004
Last night I read part of Gladiators and Caesars (one of the required texts for my ancient sports class) for entertainment purposes. I learned things, such as: prior to the imperial period of Rome (which began with Augustus), gladiatorial contests could only be held as part of funeral rituals. The deceased person, if he left a will, often included instructions for his funeral procession. However, the gladiatorial contests provided entertainment for the populace and were manipulated, eventually, for political means. Julius Caesar withheld his deceased father's memorial service for twenty years, as he established himself politically and sought popular support for his elections to official positions. People remembered gladiator fights (in part because Roman citizens also received grain alotments).
If for some reason I become executor, I would withhold The Father's memorial service for twenty years, out of spite. And I would include naked men fighting each other (Roman gladiators did not fight nude, but I feel some modernizing would be in order).
Rachel took me to the mall, where I bought a couple of over-priced gifts for people who need them. Right now I am reflecting on the fact that I do not have the money to buy more. Last year I had some extra cash and went bananas with the gifts, but this year I am penny-pinching as a result of the AfterThoughts episode. That wasted my time.
However, my stepbrother and the two blood-related brothers will accept and be grateful for candy or chocolates, which is what I intend to get them and which will not be terribly expensive. That leaves The Father and April, plus more candy for Amy and other satellite friends.
I am ready for Christmas.
[Lauree Frances Keith concluded this diatribe at 2:30 PM]