Dionysus was the Greek god of ecstasy, symbolizing personal delivery from the world though physical or spiritual intoxication. In the Greek epics he is depicted as a hostile force and met by the city with resistance. He would be a fitting deity for Amsterdam.

Years ago, I learned that a childhood...

I fell exactly 43 meters from Kawarau Bridge, outside of Queenstown, New Zealand, attached to a glorified rubber band. I know because it is written on my certificate next to my nationality and a persuasive, chest-swelling blurb about my courage. Even after you have already jumped off the bridge, the...