I make no secret of being amenable to certain curtailments on the freedom of expression. (You likely didn't know that, but it's not because I keep it a secret but because no one (wisely) ever asks.) Free expression is a treasure, I grant it; but it is still possible to idolize a treasure to the point of dysfunction ( Read more... )

2010 was an amazing year for music. 2011 was a bit pale in comparison, but still had a number of bright lights (Bon Iver, King Creosote, Beirut ( Read more... )

Thinking about comedy. I know, not something one probably thinks about much, or should think about. But I realize that the comedy I enjoy best is the stuff where I have some insight into and appreciation of the comedic mechanics. I guess I like seeing the humor cogs turning as much as seeing what they turn out ( Read more... )

Anyone who doesn't perceive what Pope John Paul II called the "Culture of Death" needs to take a look at this article by a woman who says she wishes her mother had made the "selfless" act of aborting herIn many ways it's helpful to see the logic of the pro-choice position drawn up to its conclusion: Although I now live a happy life with a family, I ( Read more... )

The more I see of her, the more I think we all need to see less of Jane McGonigal. If you don't know her, she's a smart, well-meaning, idealistic woman who wants to show how much good games can do. They're going to "save the world," if I remember her words correctly.

In this latest video, she addresses a concern first expressed (in a certain ( Read more... )

Noah Millman declares the Republican race to be kinda inconsequential.

Ross Douthat points out that Obama's positives are fragile ones.

Brendan Michael Dougherty points out that Romney is, despite all news reports, like, totally winning.

I'm more than a little ashamed that it's apparently been a year since I've posted to LiveJournal. Although many folks have moved on, there's still a purpose to LJ, even if I forget about it sometimes. Like for posting extremely nerdy game-related stuff that half my Facebook acquaintances wouldn't give a damn about.

This includes the fact that ( Read more... )

An absolutely priceless trip through a Japanese dating-sim for girls (in progress).

Outtake:

So he is an hour late to the date and just as I am about to give up and go home, he arrives. Like this.

( Read more... )

Watched "Jude" with a young Christopher Eccleston through On Demand last night, just to see him in something different. (It's a generally well made movie that no one in their right mind should watch. If you're familiar with Hardy's "Jude the Obscure," you'll know why ( Read more... )

Could it be that THIS is some of the best music released last year?

( Chiptunes ahoy! )