Category Archives: Asides

Darths and Droids

Darths & Droids is a webcomic that posits, What if the Star Wars saga were actually the campaign of a long-suffering GM? Then it explores the answer using screen-caps from the movies (starting with The Phantom Menace). If you’re a gaming geek or a Star Wars geek—or, like me, both—then check it out. If you’re my wife, just keep reading.

Asteroid Named for George Takei

Today, the International Astronomical Union officially designated an asteroid 7307 Takei in honor of actor and activist George Takei, who is best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu in the original Star Trek franchise. The asteroid joins others named for sci-fi luminaries such as Issac Asmiov, Robert Heinlein, and Gene Roddenberry. [Via Yahoo/AP]

Dystopian Movies

I’m not a big fan of lists or countdowns that are “The Best Whatever as Voted by YOU.” The entries are generally all top-notch, but what’s number one is such a matter of personal preference that I always end up being disappointed. So with that preamble, I have to say that the Top 50 Dystopian Movies hits all the right notes, although I may not necessarily agree with the actual rankings themselves. The honorable mentions are also great.

Brain-Eating Amoeba

Seriously: “Beach said people become infected when they wade through shallow water and stir up the bottom. If someone allows water to shoot up the nose—say, by doing a somersault in chest-deep water—the amoeba can latch onto the olfactory nerve. The amoeba destroys tissue as it makes its way up into the brain, where it continues the damage, ‘basically feeding on the brain cells,’ Beach said.” [via Yahoo/AP]

Gigantor Baby

Erik has his 4-month checkup yesterday. He’s at the 95th percentile for weight, length, and head circumference. In fact, his head is bigger around than my neck!

Dungeons and Dragons: Not Just for Geeks Anymore

First, there’s a book for introducing adolescent girls—girly girls, at that—to Dungeons & Dragons. If John Baichtal’s anecdote is any indication, it seems to be able to accomplish it’s mission. Moreover, Wil Wheaton’s teen son seems to have something going with a hot D&D girl at his school.

Important Questions

  1. Why does VH1 give me so much of what I want?
  2. How long can they continue to give it to me?
  3. How long will I continue to want it?