Before I get deep into discussion of this week’s Oddity, I’d like to point out that I have a bit of a bias against a film that is beloved by many and is a regular bit of holiday viewing for a vast number of Americans.
I think Cliff Burton played a big part in some of the more interesting early Metallica compositions, and he was the main writer of Orion. I love your fiction idea about a rock band who are spies. It made me think of "Declare" by Tim Powers, which features a fictionalized Kim Philby in an alternate, secret history. I also thought about the song "Philby" by Rory Gallagher, which I love. Lastly, I watched the first three movies in the Thin Man series last year for the first time. I found the dialogue & relationships between Nick and Nora to be so witty and charming. Thanks for another great and varied newsletter article!
Thanks for the shout, Christian! I had a great time writing the pregen article and I think you've nailed it where you mention its potential benefits compared to the traditional "roll for character" model.
One size of course doesn't fit all problems, but I do think we will be seeing a lot more of these as standard practice in the future.
Truth bomb: the Weekly Geekly pieces ARE personal essays! You step out of your academic voice for them and into the personal, even though it's mostly in responding to other people's things. That's part of why they're your highest rated posts, if you ask me.
Regarding Terrifier, I didn't say society sees Art as Trump. I do HOPE that I said horror-slasher villains generally reflect the worst extreme versions of conservative parent figures, which at the moment means people who like to "own the libs," revel in mockery and sadism, enjoy being their worst selves, yet remain loosely guided by higher vested interests.
The first Terrifier isn't really Christian. The second starts going there, and the third is full-on Mel Gibson Catholic.
Love to see The Lone Toad in the Geekerati Newsletter! That guest post from Adam Bell was certainly a goodie and I'm thankful he took the time to write it for the Toad.
Thanks for the shout out, Christian! I'm glad you enjoyed the article.
I think Cliff Burton played a big part in some of the more interesting early Metallica compositions, and he was the main writer of Orion. I love your fiction idea about a rock band who are spies. It made me think of "Declare" by Tim Powers, which features a fictionalized Kim Philby in an alternate, secret history. I also thought about the song "Philby" by Rory Gallagher, which I love. Lastly, I watched the first three movies in the Thin Man series last year for the first time. I found the dialogue & relationships between Nick and Nora to be so witty and charming. Thanks for another great and varied newsletter article!
Thanks for the shout, Christian! I had a great time writing the pregen article and I think you've nailed it where you mention its potential benefits compared to the traditional "roll for character" model.
One size of course doesn't fit all problems, but I do think we will be seeing a lot more of these as standard practice in the future.
Truth bomb: the Weekly Geekly pieces ARE personal essays! You step out of your academic voice for them and into the personal, even though it's mostly in responding to other people's things. That's part of why they're your highest rated posts, if you ask me.
Regarding Terrifier, I didn't say society sees Art as Trump. I do HOPE that I said horror-slasher villains generally reflect the worst extreme versions of conservative parent figures, which at the moment means people who like to "own the libs," revel in mockery and sadism, enjoy being their worst selves, yet remain loosely guided by higher vested interests.
The first Terrifier isn't really Christian. The second starts going there, and the third is full-on Mel Gibson Catholic.
Love to see The Lone Toad in the Geekerati Newsletter! That guest post from Adam Bell was certainly a goodie and I'm thankful he took the time to write it for the Toad.
This show needs to be made. It would be a perfect way to relaunch an Avengers-esque show.
I can see episodes now:
"The Chelsea Mod Mashup."
"Cambridge Circle taken for a Spin, Spin, Spin"
"The Jackal gets Rocked"