Books 

The Magic of Recluce

Practical magic on an mysterious planet in an unknown galaxy. Or is it really magic? Sensitivity to nature? Intuition? Scientific insight? Whatever it is, Mr. Modesitt makes the characters and places come to life. I challenge you to find a fuller, more diverse cast of characters in a series of books written by one person.


Harry Potter

The "kid's books" that got kids out of their houses and into the library. You'll start reading it to see what the whole craze is about. You'll keep reading it because Ms. Rowling knows how to develop a mystery and write about real people.


Dune

Frank Herbert is no longer with us but his stories live on. Now the whole universe is getting a bit bigger - with additions by Frank's son (Brian) and Kevin Anderson. Sure, they're not quite the same as the originals but -- if you're in love with this saga -- there's definitely stuff here to enjoy.


John Carter of Mars

Did you know that the "Tarzan" guy wrote other stuff? I don't remember where I discovered Edgar Rice Burrough's science fiction about a guy who travels back and forth from Earth to Mars, but I remember being completely amazed by what I'd found!


Eragon (the Inheritance series)

It was a trilogy - now it's (apparently) four books. Young master Christopher Paolini's first book seemed like a rip-off of so much I'd read before that I wasn't sure why I kept reading. By the time I got to the end of "Eragon", I was ready for whatever was next. He's still learning, but it's still a series worth checking out.


The Destroyer

I was first introduced to Remo and Chuin when I watched "Remo Williams - The Adventure Begins" on TV as a kid. Later, I discovered the enormous library of "Destroyer" books. They're quick-reads and (even though they pretty much cover the same thing every time) each one is a whole different adventure. Plus, for being the kind of book that you only think would be marketed to young men, the range of controversial topics and areas-of-thought that are covered is expansive.


The Ranger's Apprentice

John Flanagan is one of the best YA authors -- actually, authors, period -- that I've read in a long time. I picked up the first book on clearance through Barnes & Noble -- just so I could get free shipping. LOL! I was hooked immediately. The library had the second and third books but, after that, I had to search a little harder. Completely worth the effort! Believable, rich, lovable characters -- fascinating adventures -- I flew through all the books. Now maybe I'll actually get some sleep! Mr. Flanagan has an excellent sense of humor and bestows it upon his creations -- I was laughing out loud on several occasions. Totally recommended series!


Honorable Mention

Timothy Zahn's Star Wars books - especially the "Hand of Thrawn" duology. Robert Ludlum's "Jason Bourne" series. (Finally finished!) Sara Douglass' "Threshold" scared me a bit; "Beyond the Hanging Wall" made me want more. (I'm still collecting some of her other stuff to start reading.) Dan Simmons' "Hyperion" series reminded me a lot of "Dune". (Probably because it's a bit of a mind-trip.)


 Sunday Funnies 

Calvin & Hobbes - of course!

I did have a handy page for quick-referencing the archived comics. They have now converted them to Flash -- so you'll have to go through their interface to catch up on all your old C&H memories -- still the best strip ever written as far as I'm concerned.




 Movies 

Fifth Element

My favorite movie of all time. How do I know? 'Cuz I've watched it more times than I've watched anything else and I own it in more forms of media than anything else I've bought, stolen, or traded for.


Puddle Cruiser

It's not really a classic, but I liked it. It's made by the Broken Lizard guys -- the ones who did "Super Troopers". It's a little "unpolished" but it's got a lot of charm.


Over the Hedge

Quite possibly my favorite cartoon, ever. Why does Bruce Willis appear in so many of my favorite movies?




 Comic Books 

Power Pack

I discovered Louise Simonson's special family of super-powered kids when I was in high school. I remember anxiously waiting for the mailman to bring the next episode. Some other fans and I started our own fan-magazine called "Power Pages".




 Rants & Tirades 

News

I have a long rant about the news and how I think it could be improved. Read at your own risk!


Harry Potter

I attempt to answer the question: "Can a Christian read Harry Potter"?"




 Video Games 

Civilization 4

A sad record of my first few attempts at playing this very time-consuming game.


Star Wars Galaxies - FCLUB

A tribute-page to the guild I loved (and led for a while) in the MMORPG that almost seemed to be doomed from launch.


Virtual Villagers - A New Home

Some helpful hints for people, like me, who are just starting out.


WebKinz

I'm just playing it to help the kids earn KinzCash -- honest!


Command and Conquer Generals (C&C Generals)

I've been dinking around with the Zero Hour world editor a bit. Feel free try download my "map pack" and let me know what you think.

"X Train" is the most fun, I think. I've spent more time adding details to "Imperial Express" than any of the others. And, "A Bridge Too Close" is my attempt at a one-level campaign scenerio.

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