Fifty years ago, today, Star Trek came across television for the first time. It is a mythos that is more about the philosophy and dialogue than it is the special effects. There are many memorable scenes and quotes, including this nugget: That said, I drink this special brew to...
I think it’s fairly clear by now that I have a low tolerance for poor grammar and spelling from those who should know better. I try not to make people feel dumb when I point out mistakes because I do not expect everyone to write a sonnet or masterpiece...
There’s a famous quote saying that “a fool and his money are soon parted.” This month I tackle the pros and cons of the big cash machine that ghost hunting has become. Hold on to your wallets and walk with me Across the Great Divide as we explore “When...
Okay, I watched the series premier of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. My take is…was it okay? Yes. Could it have been better? Yes. It was the first episode of the series and while it didn’t exactly pull me in and keep me on the edge of my seat, I...
Most people have either had the experience or been witness to the self-censorship that comes from the fear of causing offense to someone; some others may feel that over-protectiveness denies people the opportunity to decide for themselves where the moral line is when it comes to artful expression. Most...
When someone mentions The Wizard of Oz many no doubt imagine families gathered around the television to share in the full-color glory of this timeless classic; but did you know that the book that the beloved movie is adapted from has been in the sights of censors since it...
Whether you love it or hate it, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart does a damn good job at pointing out the idiocy spewed from all points along the political spectrum. It’s not the fault of the writers of the show that the vast majority of that idiocy comes...
As we approach Banned Book Week, we set our attention on the 9th most-banned book series of 2011, Gossip Girl by Cecily Von Ziegesar. The book’s description says it all: “Welcome to New York City’s Upper East Side, where my friends and I live, go to school, play, and sleep–sometimes with each...
When incidents happen like last Friday’s shooting, we as a society always focus first and foremost on the negatives like the hows and whys, shouting endless, tired diatribes about gun control, violence, and social triggers from all points along the socio-political spectrum as we nitpick at the various elements...
If you grew up in the ’80s like me, many of you probably spent Saturday mornings watching the WWF and Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling. You knew every line of Hulk’s trademark theme song and sang along before he pummeled the latest WWF heel. Come on, sing it with...