Three Cultural Touchstones Ruined By Time
“Timeless” is a misleading word. We tend to apply it to things that we really like, without really considering what the word actually means. In reality, it’s a pretty high bar. You’re talking about a…
What Ever Happened To Me Getting Back Into Video Games?
A few months ago, I wrote a column called “Help Me Get Back Into Video Games After A Decade Off“. It was an instant hit, and among the accolades and awards and people throwing flowers…
The “Defend To The Death” Scale and Ranking System, Patent Pending
When it comes to talking about shows with people in real life, there’s one theme that sticks out: what you like, what you don’t. Since Netflix and Hulu have come to dominate the market (and…
5 Villains Who Had Incomprehensible Goals
Every hero needs a villain (that’s not strictly true, in the narrative sense, but let’s go with it). Heroes usually have pretty clear goals: “I want to stop Darth Vader.” “I want to free America…
Five Characters I Refuse To Be Forced To Like
Characters make or break a story. You can have the best plot in the history of storytelling, but if your characters are flat, good luck getting anyone to pay attention. (Looking at you, The Bible). …
An Ode To Warrior-Poets
There’s something awe-inspiring about being able to pull off two things that shouldn’t go together. A few years ago, at a very upscale restaurant, I was feeling just crazy enough after a dinner of nettle…
5 Made-Up Words Modern Pop Culture Desperately Needs
Words and phrases come out of nowhere. They catch on like wildfire, and die out just as quickly. Some linger, like viruses. (I absolutely loved Joy’s Introduction To Nerd Poker, and I’ve already made it…
Help Me Get Back Into Video Games After A Decade Off
I love video games. My parents were pretty dubious about the whole idea, but I do remember that convincing them to get me a Nintendo 64 for Christmas was a huge victory. When I got…
Unrealistic Plot Point? Just Hang A Lampshade On It
Ah, the lampshade hang. It’s a tried-and-true storytelling technique, and it can be anything from incredibly lazy to transcendentally awesome. What is lampshade hanging? First of all, it’s not the thing where you put a…