Random, silly question - for all that spears were supposedly much more prevalent than swords in real life (say, examples such as a spearhead and a pole being cheaper than a sword, or that more samurais used a yari than a katana at various points in time), why aren't they so prevalent in fantasy novels? In fact, the only examples I can think of where spears had any presence at all are in Robert Jordans Wheel of Time novels where the Aiel use an odd combination of African and Okinawan ideas about spears (short, for stabbing, but also like a sword, but also for throwing like a javelin, but with a buckler instead of a shield?), and in George Martin's most recent novel (or was it the one before?) where a spear is used in a duel, largely I'd guess to signify the exotic nature of one of the opponents.

So, is it just that the sword is more suited to heroics in its more versatile nature and myriad connotations (and the spear, conversely, not so heroic, despite its potential as a phallic symbol?). The spear is, however, often used in kung fu movies...but perhaps that's just in the interest of variety of weapons for the sake of the given movie, such as in Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon where the only point a spear really comes into play is in a scene entirely based around the sheer number of different weapons used.

-interesting, short little article on yoga, and contrasting the concepts of religion and spirituality (heh, if you know me, and read to the end of the article, you'll know exactly which interests me and how)

-also, put up some old photos from Colorado and Cali