Ten and twelve year-old children can read through J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter novels. I heard an interview on NPR where one young girl read through the final book twice in twelve hours. Harry Potter, massive tomes that they are, are often and avidly consumed by children. So, why are Republican Senators having such a difficultContinue reading “On Health Care Bills and Their Length”
On Wintry Aches and Pains
And… …I am in massive pain. It’s the old foot ailment. The story, for those coming late, is this. In college I, being the excitable person that I am, would spring from bed, jumping out of the top bunk and onto the hard tile floor. In time, this proved to be a stupid thing toContinue reading “On Wintry Aches and Pains”
On Seventeen Movies
The American Humanist Association is putting up ads on subway trains and buses that wish people a good, but godless, Christmas. This, frankly, is awesome, and I wholeheartedly approve. Which reminds me; this atheist is doing his Christmas cards this weekend…
On the View at Wednesday
Let’s see how long this post grows to be; I’m not sure I have two brain cells left to rub together. I’ll put it this way. I broke five figures on word count at work today. My head doesn’t just feel like mush. I felt the hamsters inside my head running on their wheels, theContinue reading “On the View at Wednesday”
On Design Decisions
The new issue of The Writer came in the mail a few days ago. It’s been sitting, sadly neglected, on a pile of magazines atop the dresser ever since, and this morning I put it in my briefcase to read on the train. As I read through the magazine, a long-dormant idea resurfaced. I keepContinue reading “On Design Decisions”
On Musical Musings
Recently, I’ve been listening to some Celtic rock and Celtic punk bands. Not because I felt an overwhelming need, a musical itch I had to scratch, much like my recent compulsion to listen to Radiohead’s OK Computer, a compulsion that burned itself out after two days. Rather, it’s for research purposes. Part of “THOD” revolvesContinue reading “On Musical Musings”
On Conquest in the Patagonia
Ah, Napoleon. My favorite sparring partner. I had never visited the Patagonia, despite the firm knowledge that the Dread Pirate Roberts had once retired there. It seemed an auspicious location for battle, ripe for conquest. Rocky shores, highland lakes, long and flat plateaus. Yes, indeed, this would be the site of my next battle. MyContinue reading “On Conquest in the Patagonia”
On Thanksgiving Day Musings
Last night, I moved a few things on my desk — I was looking for my Age of Empires 3 disc, because I wanted to commit some war crimes — and the rejection letter from Random House for the Merlin novel, and the outline for said novel, were sitting there. It’s a lovely rejection letter.Continue reading “On Thanksgiving Day Musings”
On Holiday Wishes From Atheists
The American Humanist Association is putting up ads on subway trains and buses that wish people a good, but godless, Christmas. This, frankly, is awesome, and I wholeheartedly approve. Which reminds me; this atheist is doing his Christmas cards this weekend…
On Becoming a (Virtual) War Criminal
Two Swiss human rights organizations conducted a study on war video games. Their conclusion? The games allow, even encourage, war crimes. Which makes me… a war criminal?!?