Chris Braak's Blog, page 26

Short Fiction Friday: Panther Mine (Part 2)

The second part of our Short Fiction Friday Event, brought to you by TQP contributor Ryan Crutchfield. Part One can be found here, probably read that one first. As they spread out across the hill and began mapping, Patrick's mind wandered to the last time a project he was on had run into problems. It [...]

Short Fiction Friday: Panther Mine (Part 1)

Today's Short Fiction Friday even is brought to you by TQP contributor Ryan Crutchfield. It's in two parts, enjoy them in order or out of order, at your discretion.  (But "in order" is best.) PANTHER MINE They found the cemetery shortly after lunch, exactly where it was not supposed to be. It was slung low [...]

On Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II (and yes I know this is not a new game)

While the sheer volume of comics, books, TV shows and video games in the Star Wars franchise makes it potentially overwhelming to become a "true" Star Wars fanatic (especially since there's plenty of contradictions depending on who wrote what, when it was published, what accent and origin Boba Fett had when, etc.), it's also quite useful for the kind of fan who builds his own personal continuity out of what he or she considers narratively worthwhile.

New Year, More New Bullshit

So, I am looking at going back to school, and getting a degree in engineering.  I applied at Temple University, and should be hearing sometime very soon — either I didn't get in, and need a new plan, or I'm starting in, like, four weeks.  Hooray! On the one hand, I am happy, because I [...]

2011: Holland's Favorites

Overall, not a bad year. Not great – it's kinda fun how the economy reacted to my minor pay raise by making everything correspondingly more expensive – but on the other hand, I HAVE A DISHWASHER IN MY APARTMENT NOW AND IT IS BEAUTIFUL. So things could be worse.

Christmas Memories: Fox in the 90's Was Kind of Awesome

Now that I've gotten the foamy ragey "RaaaChristmasblargharaggleblaggle" out of my system, I thought I'd share some youtube – or should I say YULEtube? – no, no I shouldn't nevermind – holiday treats for you, once you get sick of watching Charlie Brown for the fourth time this month.

STFU/GTB

A few years ago, my friend Pam and I coined a phrase that has served us well in dismissing idiocy: "Shut the fuck up, go to bed." Unfortunately, it feels like the end of the year, with its fake outrage over whether baby Jesus is getting enough respect, is when I mentally chant "shut the [...]

Towards a Hagiography of Christopher Hitchens

Hahah, I am kidding, I don't believe in hagiographies in the first place, and if I was going to participate in one, it definitely wouldn't be for Christopher Hitchens.  Maybe David Hume?  Probably that guy, I guess.  But he, at least, was a philosopher; what's the point in idolizing, or iconoclast…ing (iconoclasm?  Icono…I guess it [...]

2011 In Review: A Very Incesty Year For TV

Boy, this has been an awfully incesty TV season, huh? More incesty than I would have necessarily expected at the start of the year. I can say that. Mostly HBO. Like, ¾ HBO. Even less, if it turns out there's some surprise twist to 2 Broke Girls that makes that thing a LOT more interesting. [...]

Comics Primer: Iron Man

Star of a popular movie, a less popular movie, a pretty good cartoon show (as well as a couple of not-so-good cartoon shows), a jazzy theme song, and the most fan-favorite part of a trailer for an upcoming movie that people are hoping like hell is at least okay, Iron Man has been all over pop culture in the last few years - indeed, you could even say SPANNING DECADES (if your thing is boldness, more than accuracy - and if so, hey, you must lead an exciting life, let's get you some comics!).