Plot without Conflict

You know, I think I may have posted this essay before, years ago, but what the hey. A comparison of three-act structure and conflict with a Japanese juxtaposition story structure called kishōtenketsu.

Suffragette Cartoons

Because why not?

Some essays on Deep Space Nine

Been watching Deep Space Nine, which I missed at the time. I have a great many thoughts on it, but as I'm not even halfway through yet, I'll probably hold off on them for now, because a lot of my opinions in the early season were "this is all the goofiest parts of Next Generation mixed with less successful versions of Babylon 5 plot points."

That said, though, a friend hooked me up with this collection of essays about it, which I thought I'd share.

Congratulations, Dan!

Found out today that Daniel Ausema is nominated for Rhysling! He's a stunning poet and a super sweet guy. Go check out his page and some of the stuff he's written.

Socialist Science Fiction Listicle

I enjoy the word "listicle" in part because it sounds like it might either be some sort of frozen confection or a boil in a very unfortunate place. I also think the word "metrosexual" more properly sounds like one has a potentially unhealthy relationship to subways.

Anyway, that's a tangent. God bless you, China Mieville, for your genre drum banging, you brilliant, shiny man.

I've read a number of these and generally agree, but a word of warning: get the GOOD translation of Master and Margarita, or it will feel like you've been cornered at a party by someone who knows a really funny joke but has no idea how to tell jokes. At all.

The Walt Whitman of Wasilla

Okay, so, I generally don't post a lot of current political stuff here, and I find the best answer with Palin is not to feed her with extra attention, but I loved this article because, while it is about Palin specifically, more generally it's about the emotional resonance of poetry and other non-linear communication. I think that point alone makes it a lovely read.

Free Images!

The New York Public Library has made a significant portion of its image archive digitally accessible. Enjoy and re-use these public domain treasures.