Welcome to Baalbek, a motley amalgam of philosophy resources, literary and music sites, and a feed of philosophy news stories from around the world. Much like a wild planet, this site undergoes sporadic and occasionally convulsive evolution, as new links compete against the old in a primeval struggle for survival. Almost all fossils (in the form of dead links), are (for now) buried in the past – however, if you spot a meddlesome malingerer, please let me know via the “contact” button in the menu above. Meanwhile, plant your head in my fertile soil and watch it grow greenly and fruitful…
Why “baalbek”?
Baal is my middle name, and my mother’s “maiden name”: thus, when I was first looking for a place to call my own on the internet a few years ago, baalbek.org seemed like a natural home. If you were looking for information about the ancient Phoenician town, pictures of its extraordinary ruins, or information about the modern Lebanese town next door, rather than a philosophy and arts site, please try here (Encyclopaedia Britannica entry), here (Google images search for “Baalbek ruins”) or here (official Lebanese tourist information site about Baalbek).
Who do you think you are?
Pull up a chair and I’ll tell you all about me. My name is Simon Thomas and I am a world-class mongrel: on my mother’s side, I’m descended from a whole raft of nations – Roman, Phoenician, Viking, Spanish… you name it, I’m descended from it; my father is Welsh and that’s it, but it’s his fault I get all patriotic at the sight of a sprouting leek. Philosopher, writer, teacher and actor – that’s me. You’re quite likely to find me reading in the Inner Temple‘s magnificent library, or stuffing my face in its neo-Georgian hall. I can also be found skulking around the library at Birkbeck, University of London, as I’m doing an MPhil research degree there in philosophy of mind, ethics and Ancient Greek philosophy. I love theatre, music, art and Spain (which is really for the best, as my parents have moved there.) I am now an exile from the island of Jersey, home to Jersey cows, expensive potatoes, the Jersey jumper and, of course, Bergerac.
A few words about Jersey
Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands. It is rich in history, culture and traditions. It has its own language, Jèrriais and used to be a splendid place to live, until the local government started spending ludicrous sums on giant steam clocks, reclaiming contaminated land and – worst of all – turned my favourite pub, the Lantern Tavern, into a badly-designed toilet. Nonetheless, it is still a very beautiful place and well worth a visit (although I wouldn’t spend more than £100 on a ‘plane fare).
Here are a few Jersey links which might be of interest: Société Jersiase homepage; Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (and some nice amateur photos of wildlife at Jersey Zoo are here); Jersey tourism; local news; local mis-management; and the Jersey met office.
