Mark A. Rayner's Blog: Mark A. Rayner's Goodreads Blog, page 33

Ask General Kang: Do you celebrate Thanksgiving on your home world?

No, we have several holidays that are somewhat similar, but essentially we break your celebration into two components. And then we have one “thanksgiving” day which is totally alien to your world. In the late months of the harvest time … Continue reading →

Review: Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us

How would you react if I told you it wasn’t your fault you’re fat? Not entirely, anyway. Not the way that the medical profession or society at large would have you believe. At least part of your spare tire — … Continue reading →

Reassuring Fictions

In times like these, you may believe that all is well. You may enjoy watching the Olympics, eating spam, or perhaps you have many Norwegian friends. You may have the feeling that we live in the best of possible worlds. … Continue reading →

Ask General Kang: Is our universe somebody’s hobby? Cause I’ve got a few choice words for the dude if it is.

Yeah, but if the universe was some giant simulation being played by some kind of super-being (post-human, post-überchimp, whatever) on a computer big enough to create a whole universe, don’t you think there would be more roving gangs of mutant … Continue reading →

The six essential traits every writer must have

According to the semi-famous writer, fake expert and shiller of Mac products, John Hodgman — not to be confused with John Hodgeman, inventor of alligator pants — there are six essentials that “every writer must have at his command.” empathy … Continue reading →

Somewhere in the Heartland

The economic downturn and subsequent collapse of civilized society was not welcome by most people. But for the Pesquahoddy Mustard Gas and Swine Flu Enthusiast’s Club, the collapse had been a panacea. Membership was way up, and their annual soiree, … Continue reading →

The worst toilet in Switzerland

Having recently watched Trainspotting, I was struck by how funny (and then disgusting) the “worst toilet in Scotland” scene was. So, that toilet wins for nasty. I think we have to give the prize for frightening to this toilet hanging … Continue reading →

Know your branches of economics

This comic does in one cartoon what the first chapter of Debt, the First 5000 Years does (pretty well) in one chapter. Alltop is a macro-humor generator.

What’s all this, then?

Constable Bertie Twills had no idea how to write a citation for jaywalking aliens, so he just turned his back and pretended not to see them. His partner, Constable “Jimmy” Macheath (he was originally from Glasgow), couldn’t help but wonder … Continue reading →

Dynastic Ambitions

Reginald Tweedsmuire had invented the tongue depressor, tongue scraper and uvula tickler (better known as the Roman Weight Management Apparatus), and he was said to be in line for a Knighthood for his Force 10 Mustache Wax (capable of keeping … Continue reading →