One of the great things about living centrally located in Europe is that nothing is very far away – and generally not that expensive to get to. If you’re like Monika, you can find amazing deals (she boasts about a roundtrip from Sweden to Italy, via Frankfurt, for little more than a euro each way). But even if you don’t have her luck, you can get some pretty amazing deals which allow you to see new countries or revisit old ones. Continue reading “Reimagining London 2016”
Author: CaptainJaq
I am a father as well as a world traveling, dog loving, scuba diving, book collecting, writer - currently residing somewhere in Eastern Europe. His words have been spoken by Capt. Jean-Luc Picard and Robin Hood, been read by David Copperfield, and criticized by his 7th grade English teacher. He'd like to thank the members of the Academy, although he doesn't know why. In his spare time, he's a university professor and a kick-ass uncle.
DAVID • Think: Exodus Redux
I’m pretty happy with this, my latest piece for David Magazine. It takes an interesting look at a serious situation in today’s political climate.
What do you think?
The Syrian Refugee Crisis and the Passover Table
Source: DAVID • Think: Exodus Redux
Jules Verne’s Tomb | Atlas Obscura
Science fiction’s grandfather has a fittingly marvelous tomb
Sunday in the park with a reluctant dog
While the debate about when spring actually starts, yesterday, Easter Sunday, was a truly lovely day. We decided to take a much needed break from work and go for a walk. And we decided to take Laika with us. Continue reading “Sunday in the park with a reluctant dog”
Hamster Thoughts for a Sunday Morning
Olivia Munn and The Threat of the Fake Geeks – Paging Dr. NerdLove
Cliff Breczinski accused Olivia Munn of being a fake geek girl and of appropriating nerd culture. Why are we inventing new boogeymen to “oppress” nerds?
This is a long read, but well worth the time. It points out how everyone is looking for someone to hate, to pick on, or otherwise make feel bad for some reason. In this case, it’s the love of geek things.
Source: Olivia Munn and The Threat of the Fake Geeks – Paging Dr. NerdLove
A Most Unholy Architecture: Six Devil’s Bridges | Atlas Obscura
Source: A Most Unholy Architecture: Six Devil’s Bridges | Atlas Obscura
Bridges are such wonderful devices, liminal transports from one side to another. Here’s a look at 6 which can take you from wherever you are to a fantastical place found on the outskirts of your imagination.
For me, I now have more places to see before I die.
Review: Nim’s Island
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
To be perfectly honest, I bought this book when we found out we were pregnant. The baby was no more than a speck at that point but I figured I should start getting books for the little one. And I’d seen the movie so this seemed like a safe bet. Continue reading “Review: Nim’s Island”
What’s close?
So this is a cool thing. This link – Nearby – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia – will return a Wikipedia search of what’s near your current location. Mostly, I’m posting to be able to find the link again when I’m traveling. How great would it be to find something new and exciting… and just around the corner!
Review: Strangers on a Train
Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a fascinating book. To admit something horrible, not only had I never read the book before, but I’ve never seen the Hitchcock film, either. Closest I’ve come is Throw Momma from the Train which is a far cry from Highsmith’s original novel. Even the film seems to stray quite a bit from the original text. The original text, though, might be worth a revisit in cinematic form. Continue reading “Review: Strangers on a Train”
DAVID • Think: Lost Vegas
This month’s cover story features my thoughts on the Vegas that was and might never have been. I’m proud of this piece, I think I did a pretty good job.
What do you think?
Dolphin Spotting
Week 23 and things are heating up, literally. Speck is about 29cm long and growing daily. Rasa is experiencing a textbook pregnancy, meaning if the book (we’re using the Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy, which we like better than the super scary What to Expect When You’re Expecting) says you might experience this, she’s experiencing it. Weird cravings (eating potato chips which she hates), muscle cramps, nausea earlier, low blood pressure, all of it. Continue reading “Dolphin Spotting”
IF Magazine: Internet Archive
One of the things I love about the Internet is the amazing amount of things which would be nigh on impossible to find elsewhere. For example, the Internet Archive, which collects and stores vast quantities of really stuff has just released the complete run of IF Magazine (1952-1974).
I absolutely dig living in the future only written about in these magazines!
Review: The Paper Magician
The Paper Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Ceony Twill is a 19 year old recent graduate of a magic academy and despite her wishes, she has been apprenticed to Paper Magician Emery Thane. See, in this world, magicians can only work with (by being “bonded” to one material, and a man-made one at that. And, well, paper-folding is the lamest of the lame. Not nearly as impressive, we are told (not shown) as working with metal or glass. Continue reading “Review: The Paper Magician”
Confessions of a Vinyl Junkie | David Bowie’s 25 Favorite Albums
A little while ago, my friend JR made the comment that even though it’s been more than a month since David Bowie’s death, he’s still listening to the man’s music.
So am I.
Along those lines, I present a little tidbit which says that while we’re all listening to Bowie’s music, he was probably listening to other things. This is a great list and the commentary notes are fantastic.
Source: Confessions of a Vinyl Junkie | David Bowie’s 25 Favorite Albums
