Dave Higgins's Blog, page 89

The Call of Cabbage

Even the most cursory internet search for HP Lovecraft is likely to uncover a fresh-to-the-searcher article or discussion of his racism: he was objectively racist; he was a product of his time; he was more racist than his time; he was a racist but his works aren’t; and so forth. I suspect the broad questions … Continue reading The Call of Cabbage

Severance

Our first plan was Semtex. Once we factored in the cost of drill bits, we realised an X-ray laser was cheaper. And there’s something symbolic about severing cleanly. Some might say that we compromised our purity a little on power; but if you think about it, we turned the enemy against itself. We’d have got … Continue reading Severance

The First Day of the New Tomorrow by Jennifer M. Eaton

Combining a tale of unlimited power that does not lack challenge with teen self-doubt that does not irritate, Eaton creates a story that will strongly resonate with fans of YA fantasy without sacrificing broader interest. Like most teenagers, Maya dreams of being better looking, cooler, smarter, and more popular. And of dating a star athlete. … Continue reading The First Day of the New Tomorrow by Jennifer M. Eaton

Mob Injustice

I could add a nuanced expansion on a point from this video; instead I’ll post it with a simple reminder that we can strive to be better on the internet (and in other interactions); and not just to women.

Blessed Ignorance?

The tang of oil, cut with dust. No hint of burning. More importantly, no blood. Probably safe. Tap. Tap. Duff. Something soft in the doorway. I crouch. Feels like a coat. Empty pockets. Rough untorn wool. Probably stained, but who’ll notice? The shutter judders, but locks eventually. I borrow the last of the coffee and … Continue reading Blessed Ignorance?

Adultery by Rod Kierkegaard Jr

Fusing a view of the idle rich that makes Jay Gatsby look sympathetic with an attack on political correctness that offers only futile bumbling as a response, Kierkegaard provides what one desperately hopes is not social realism. Orlando Plummer is employed as a professor of literature at an obsessively liberal US college, but works at … Continue reading Adultery by Rod Kierkegaard Jr

Why Would You Care What I Say?

The continued existence of lawyers, speech-writers, poets, and sundry other professions confirms that how you say something can be as powerful as what you say. However, this talk provides evidence and a way to apply the technique without spending years in study and practice; and does so in an (appropriately enough) accessible and engaging fashion. … Continue reading Why Would You Care What I Say?

Black and White Case

Started the way it always does, officer, with a dame and a deal. I’m sitting in Murphy’s when this broad sways over. She’s invented something like a photo filter but for life. Testing and paperwork’s expensive. So, she’s looking to make some lettuce. Always had a thing for noir, so I give the nod. She’s … Continue reading Black and White Case

One More Run by Matthew S. Cox

Combining a complex yet immediately recognisable post-apocalyptic America and fast-paced combat with a strong focus on nuances of character, Cox creates a dystopian road trip that is neither a string of explosions nor a walking meditation. Note: Cox’s short story of the same name form the first several chapters of this novel. After the zombie … Continue reading One More Run by Matthew S. Cox

Brexit Needn’t Mean Break’s It

With Theresa May’s rhetoric swinging ever further past Hard Brexit into Scoured-to-Bedrock Brexit, many people (UK citizens and long-term residents from other EU nations alike) are facing an increasingly unpleasant future. So, I’ve decided to devote this post to two petitions in favour of a stronger, fairer UK. As well as providing trade and investment … Continue reading Brexit Needn’t Mean Break’s It