Wednesday, October 26 2011
Dead Again: Notes on the Impermanence of the Virtual Body
In video games, dying becomes useful, functional, pedagogical. In some games, it is consequential. However, such pain ironically can magnify the pleasure of play.
Thursday, August 19 2010
Hey Gibson, Let’s Talk Guitar Albums: An Alternative Top 10
When it comes to matters of taste and ranking (a particularly combustible combination), there is no pleasing everyone. In fact, there is no pleasing anyone, since the list makers themselves are invariably disappointed or frustrated. And yet...
Tuesday, August 17 2010
Jeffery Deaver Electrically Charges Thrillers
An electrician goes postal in this latest case of brilliant villainy for Lincoln Rhyme, the insightful criminalist who directs his investigation from a wheelchair.
Wednesday, April 28 2010
Curtains: Adventures of an Undertaker-in-Training by Tom Jokinen
Warning: Many people died in the making of this book. Second warning: It’s hilarious.
Friday, March 5 2010
Electric Purgatory: The Fate of the Black Rocker
Little Richard once proclaimed that "rhythm-and-blues had a baby", and their offspring was rock 'n' roll.
Thursday, December 17 2009
The Inevitable Death of Julian Barnes and Everyone Else
According to Julian Barnes, the fear of death is "the most rational thing in the world." But denying the certainty of death also can be a rational act, at least until that time when it is not.
Tuesday, January 6 2009
Something to Do with Death
By manipulating mankind’s fear of death, organized religion clearly emerges as the most ruthless and totalitarian authority institution in the history of the world.
Thursday, August 9 2007
Bad Brains: Build a Nation
Punk godfathers produce another slice of intense thrash mixed with reggae.
