You know one thing I don’t know that I’ve seen addressed too much in literature? The worth of patriotism. I’ve seen stories that actually talk about worrying if your government is corrupt, or that have highly patriotic or apathetic characters, but not one that really had a person or people honestly question if patriotism is [...]

Have you ever tried smiling in such a way that it doesn’t touch your eyes? Ever looked at yourself in the mirror when you do? If you haven’t, go ahead and do it. I’ll wait, honest. Just click past the fold when you get back to let me know, and we can continue.

I just finished reading the book A Shadow in Summer by Daniel Abraham. It was actually a pretty good book once I got into it, although it took me two tries. First time, I got about halfway through the prologue and was somewhat distracted and not into it enough to pick it up for some [...]

I just went and watched Prince of Persia. My first impression (and that of my friend who saw it with me) was “It wasn’t bad” and “Well, it was pretty.” The more I think, though, the more I realize we were fairly harsh on the movie. It had many of the makings of a great [...]

How do we know our hero (or heroine) has been tricked into doing evil?  Because “the plan” is amazingly complex, involving seemingly questionable (but not outright evil) tactics, and seems to be taking the victims of the plan for a complete ride. Or, shall we say, a Flawless Victory.  How do we know a person [...]