Learn from this typesetter’s mistake

Wisdom to keep in mind as I plan for this semester’s “History and Future of the Book.”   FAIL Blog. Similar:'Thought Leader’ gives talk that will inspire your thoughtsSaving this for the next time I assign a…AmusingSound Design and the Wilhelm ScreamAhh-aaggh! https://www.youtube.com/wa…AestheticsOne Author Breaks Down the Reality of Violent Games in the MediaChris Person…

Constitutional Kombat: Psychological Evidence Used to Restrict Video-game Violence

Violent video games have triggered substantial controversy due to highly publicized incidents of youth violence that have been allegedly inspired by the content of such games. Several jurisdictions have passed legislation penalizing the distribution of violent video games to minors and used psychological research to support the justification for such laws. However, courts have consistently…

on lesson plans and pedagogic tactics

I am far less interested in turning my students into good bloggers, or good podcasters, or good YouTubers, and far more interested in helping them develop the big-picture synthesizing and evaluative skills that will enable them to learn whatever comes along next, and to keep learning whatever comes next.  Of course, I also ask students…

Raising a stink over printer ink

The price of printer cartridges has long irritated consumers and their advocates, and they say the lack of information from manufacturers only aggravates the situation. One recent study even estimated that consumers could save billions of dollars a year if they were armed with full information about how much it would cost to operate various…

First-Person Tetris

An interesting spin on Tetris. Similar:Engrossing but difficult to watch: "Man in Cave" documentary on caver Floyd Collins I’m conflicted. This is a very well do…AestheticsPerspective | Could ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ really be done? We found out. The three of us approach them in…AmusingBuilding a ridiculous amount of detail as I create tiles for…

What Type are You?

Why did Brian Wilson use Cooper Black on the cover of Pet Sounds? Why did Obama use Gotham for his election propaganda? It has long been apparent that typefaces reflect the character of the person using them, and that type choice, as well as the words that are typed, is a powerful conveyor of meaning. At…

I Hate Your Blog — MC Frontalot

Very catchy tune. I love the way the meter of the refrain sputters, not unlike the sporadic posts of a blog that won’t die. Similar:High Schooler's Fake Story of Stock Riches Fools New York Editors”If your mother says she loves you, chec…BusinessJournalists Prefer "Said"Journalists prefer the neutral “said” to…EducationDr. Bobby Teaches Ferris Bueller as RhetorMy…

Nil by mouth

Afer extensive treatments for cancer, including the removal of part of his jaw, film critic Roger Ebert is still critiquing movies and writing, but he is unable to speak; he also can’t eat or drink. His recent column reflects on life without a mouth. One day in the hospital my brother-in-law Johnny Hammel and his…

The Turtlenecked Hairshirt

Ian Bogost has stirred up some discussion with his post on how digital humanities has challenged the humanities at large.  I’ve been very happy with the level of support I’ve received from my English colleagues, my humanities colleagues, and the dean, but all interdisciplinary, hybrid, and emerging fields rub against the sharp edges of the…

Colossal Cave Adventure Playthrough (with my 11-year-old son)

  Similar:MoonBot is back. This time he fights a new adversary. #Blender3D physics practice.I submitted midterm grades at about 11 l…AestheticsWhy are we so bored?On average we spend six to seven hours i…CultureCharlie and the Chocolate Factory Coloring PagesOver the past few weeks, I spent several…ArtJournalists call out White House claims on terror reportingThe easily-disproved…

My 11yo Son and I Play Adam Cadre's 9:05 (Interactive Fiction Playthrough)

Similar:Starship Mine (#StarTrek #TNG Rewatch, Season 6, Episode 18) Picard out-thinks thieves rai…Rewatching ST:TNG Picard plays cat-an…CybercultureWhat if Generative AI turned out to be a Dud?I’m sad thinking of all the students who…BusinessA new study says young Americans have a broad definition of newsI expect that many of my students will b…CultureSuch A Good Feeling:…

A playable game of Tabletop Pong

If that’s not good enough for you, try Similar:NBC's Chuck Todd takes aim at CNN”The big danger always confronting CNN —…BusinessOnce again, The Onion gets it right: Clinton Not Expecting To Collect White House Security…Once again, The Onion gets it right. …AmusingBing's AI chatbot helped me solve a technical problem, then showed me manatees, then…

What art thou, Pez?

What are thou, Pez, that must needs be dispensed? T’ be merely wrapped would leave thee so incensed? T’were better still to leave the fingers sticky, Than be vomited up by the likes of Mickey. — Mark Janello Curtis Allina, 87, Put Heads on Pez Dispensers Similar:Oh dear, George Lucas! Why the Star Wars universe…