Columns

Editor's Notes: 'Twas The Night Before Christmas

December 21st, 2015

Dear Mr. Moore, I'm not sure how this piece became SO lost in my to-do pile, but I finally got around to it. Overall, I think there might be something here, although there is a consistent problem with some old-timey language that doesn't make as much sense in 2015. I left that alone, but just be aware it's something I'm seeing throughout. Please take the rest of these notes as constructive criticisms. Best, Pete

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Ten Twisted Christmas Tales, Volume III

December 21st, 2015

Have you got the Christmas blues and need a little respite from the madness that can ensue around this time of year? Looking for a ghost story to tell your loved ones on Christmas Eve/Day? Do you not celebrate this time-honored festival cobbled from the severed remains of other holidays, but enjoy a good, dark narrative? Then this list is for you. Whether you're in need of a classic holiday-themed action movie, a yuletide slice of cosmic horror, or a biting satire on Christmas's commercialization, you've come to the right place.

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The True Story Behind 'The Revenant'

December 18th, 2015

  revenant noun a person who has returned, especially supposedly from the dead. The Alejandro G. Iñárritu helmed The Revenant comes out on limited release on December 25th and everywhere else on January 8th. If you somehow haven’t caught wind of the hype surrounding the movie you can go check out the amazing trailer right now. The plot is as follows:

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5 Reasons Why You Should Join A Book Club

December 18th, 2015

What do you want to do accomplish by the end of the year? There are only a couple of weeks left, but that is plenty of time to shake things up and make a change for the better. One of the best things I did for myself in 2015 was decide to join a book club. Ours began rather informally and spontaneously — a friend suggested that we read a recent bestseller and get together to talk about it sometime. What was pitched as a one time, fun gathering eventually became a monthly event, and it is something I look forward to every time. 

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5 Storytelling Lessons from the Original Star Wars Trilogy

December 17th, 2015

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is upon us, and if you’re like me, everywhere you look you see Star Wars—merchandise, promotions, screenings. It’s reminiscent of my childhood. It remains to be seen if the new movie will live up to expectations, but one thing it’s done is bring attention back to the original trilogy which is beloved for many, many reasons.

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The Horrors of Children's Christmas Books

December 17th, 2015

Children's Christmas books are all fun and games. Until you actually look at them. The Classics Let's get these out of the way right up top.  'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' by Dr. Seuss

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Library Love: The Jedi Are The Best Library Patrons In The Universe

December 16th, 2015

There is so much to love about the Jedi. They are the guardians of peace in the galaxy and defenders of civilization. They can use the Force to move stuff. Their weapon is the lightsaber, the coolest, most interesting weapon ever to be introduced to film. They wear awesome robes and kick-ass boots. They meditate. And they use the library.

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Mistletoe & Menorahs: 14 Holiday Romances

December 16th, 2015

The holidays are here, and that means ample opportunity for snuggling up by the fire and sneaking kisses under the mistletoe. Or maybe you’re basking in the glow of a menorah this holiday season, looking for a little romance. When the temperatures dip and the days grow shorter, passion is definitely in the air. Cozy up with these fourteen new holiday romances sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

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Does the Dark Knight Celebrate Christmas? Five Yuletide Batman Adventures

December 15th, 2015

Does Batman celebrate Christmas? That’s a loaded question, as the holiday has both its original religious intent commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ and the modern, commercialized deification of consumerism and Santa Claus.

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Relegated to Legend: The Stories We Lose in a New 'Star Wars' Timeline

December 15th, 2015

So what's the difference between Star Wars and Game of Thrones? Well, if you've never read the books, you'll say, "Game of Thrones kills everyone and generally leaves you feeling worse about people. Star Wars is a happier universe where the only people who die are wise mentors and faceless goons, and it ends with an enthusiastic celebration involving adorable furry creatures."

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