I wouldn't be who I am without you: Carter

"There once was a boy named Milo who didn't know what to do with himself--not just sometimes, but always." 

- Norton Juster, The Phantom Tollbooth

The Phantom Tollbooth is one of the books that has defined my life, and continues to shape the way I think about stories and writing. I can credit Norton Juster for many things, among them: enhancing my vocabulary, teaching me to play with words, and encouraging me to see even the most mundane aspects of my life with excitement and curiosity. Milo's journey from mental stagnation to empowerment is both inspiring and instructive - a fable for the 21st century, whose essence could be captured by the phrase: seize the day!

Carter George introduced me to Milo on the Westport porch when I was just old enough to understand and still young enough to fall in love with someone for giving me a book (although that's probably still true). I last saw Carter at a farm in Portland, finally settled into love with Carol, and even before their son was a proverbial glimmer. I'm grateful for that memory and for everything else Carter gave me that he likely never knew. 

Carter, I have always loved and missed you. 

The Girl Hero: Where is she leading us?

For centuries since the male takeover of theology, society and industry, there has been an established precedent of young girls leading us through the darkness (whether that darkness is emotional, intellectual, or philosophical).

In Western literature, the female hero--those like Alice, Dorothy, Katherine Bennet, and, more recently Beatrix Kiddo, Merida, and Charlie (of JJ Abrams' & Jon Favreau's "Revolution")--has been on a quest to find...well, ultimately, herself.

I'm always in favor of girl heros...but without respect and clearly defined goals, where is she taking us?

Jif, I do NOT approve

#NutellaWannabe

Storytelling is a dangerous art

Microsoft's game room game changer

This is the step that will make console gaming relevant for the next generation: 3D landscapes projected around the 360 degrees of your (now the term actually seems apt) game room.

Cheers, Microsoft! Looking forward to seeing where this goes...

Future tense research

• Must expresses the highest degree of obligation and commitment (I / you must go) and is temporally nearest to present time in its expression of futurity ("I must go now.")
• Should (the subjunctive form of shall in this context) implies obligation or commitment to the action contemplated.
• Can implies the ability to commit the action but does not presuppose obligation or firm commitment to the action.
• May expresses a relatively low sense of commitment (I may go) and is the most permissive (You may go); it can also suggest conditionality (I may go [if I have time]).
• Might expresses a very low sense of commitment or obligation (I / you might go if I / you feel like it).

thank you, wikipedia, i feel that i gain so much more than my $5/month support buys.