There’s no reason why the black American, who is also an American, like all other Americans, and brought up in this sphere of violence which is the main sphere of American detective stories, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t write them. It’s just plain and simple violence in narrative form, you know. ‘Cause no one, no one, writes about violence the way that Americans do.
There’s no reason why the black American, who is also an American, like all other Americans, and brought up in this sphere of violence which is the main sphere of American detective stories, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t write them. It’s just plain and simple violence in narrative form, you know. ‘Cause no one, no one, writes about violence the way that Americans do.
From Conversations with Chester Himes
Kearny Mesa, San Diego.
“The Adventure of the Speckled Band” by Arthur Conan Doyle (1892)
That’s some good Sherlock. I forgot that the literary version is somewhat nicer and more amiable than the recent BBC depiction. Watson is also more of a goofball sidekick than I remember from the stories I’d read.
"The Witness for the Prosecution” by Agatha Christie (1933)
Dang, Christie weaves a heck of a story. Or more a puzzle, a deft placement of pieces on a board. The distractions and red herrings are excellent. It’s strange the way these crime stories based on murders are also fun reads, especially in these times. A nice bit of order I suppose. The pieces fall into place.
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie (1926)
I once rode a train through the English countryside, and walked through distinctly old timey neighborhoods around Edinburgh and Sheffield. Reading this story reminded me of those neighborhoods. Cottages, parks, and landscapes that aren’t quite like what we have here in the States. I don’t suppose the idyllic English village in this story is anything like the modern versions, though I recently read that all those Dukes and Nobles and such still own most of the land in England, so maybe, maybe. In any case, it makes for a good mystery setting. Christie’s Poirot seems to be an element of chaos in the order of the community, shedding light on secrets and mysteries. The tropes and conventions are all there and perhaps this is where those tropes originated. But Christie still managed to smack me on the forehead, snarkily, telling me, “That’s right, you thought you knew what’s up, but you don’t know shit.”
The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett (1930)
Here’s a contrast for ya. Hammett isn’t so much interested in setting up an elaborate puzzle game as telling the reader that it doesn’t matter, life sucks, everyone’s out to get theirs and screw everybody else. Where Christie’s lighthearted English people, not to mention Poirot, keep the tone strangely cheerful during a murder investigation, Hammett’s Spade and co. delve into the cynical abyss. It’s an interesting read, but not as fun as detective fiction from across the pond.
Ape Out dev. Gabe Cuzzillo (2019)
The bleak journey through Star Wars shooters from last month left me uncertain about what to play next. I dipped a toe into a few things, but the summer heat drives me out of the house on most days. I can’t focus in the warmth. But Ape Out drew me in enough, largely the dynamic soundtrack. The last time I played it was in London as we lounged after the end of a long day working a game event booth. I came away thinking the game was a hell of a task. But playing this time, I realized that the challenge appropriately builds up if the player starts at the beginning. It’s a hip game with jazz drums and sharp watercolor visuals, with instantly repeatable levels. Loads of fun and high energy killing of jerkass humans.
Labyrinth dir. Jim Henson (1986)
This was a strange journey. The puppet work is as superb as one would expect from Henson, and Bowie sticks out like kind of a sore thumb among the cast. But worth the watch. The eighties were a time for fantasy film making.
Dark City dir. Alex Proyas (1998)
This beat The Matrix to theaters by a year and I’m surprised I missed it so completely. It’s interesting neo noir, but ultimately dated and uncomfortable to watch despite the progression of the story.
The Legend of Korra (2012-2014)
I watched Avatar: The Last Airbender again before I dived into Korra for the first time… and these writers are kinda sadists, right?! Every season is ‘let’s completely ruin Korra’s life and pull back in the last fifteen minutes.’ It actually kinda reminds me of Buffy, with the big bad format and all the obstacles they throw in the protagonist’s path. I liked it overall but was a little disappointed with the overarching narrative, mostly that there was none. As soon as season 2 started, I realized they wouldn’t really connect the seasons. It allowed them to extend beyond a series-long arc, but missed the mark for fans of that aspect of the previous series.
The Magic School Bus – Seasons 1-2 (1994-1995)
I remembered some of these episodes from watching them in reruns many years ago, and even now learned a thing or two about the universe. If you watch one episode, watch the one about pickles. It’ll change your life.
“The Adventure of the Speckled Band” by Arthur Conan Doyle (1892)
That’s some good Sherlock. I forgot that the literary version is somewhat nicer and more amiable than the recent BBC depiction. Watson is also more of a goofball sidekick than I remember from the stories I’d read.
"The Witness for the Prosecution” by Agatha Christie (1933)
Dang, Christie weaves a heck of a story. Or more a puzzle, a deft placement of pieces on a board. The distractions and red herrings are excellent. It’s strange the way these crime stories based on murders are also fun reads, especially in these times. A nice bit of order I suppose. The pieces fall into place.
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie (1926)
I once rode a train through the English countryside, and walked through distinctly old timey neighborhoods around Edinburgh and Sheffield. Reading this story reminded me of those neighborhoods. Cottages, parks, and landscapes that aren’t quite like what we have here in the States. I don’t suppose the idyllic English village in this story is anything like the modern versions, though I recently read that all those Dukes and Nobles and such still own most of the land in England, so maybe, maybe. In any case, it makes for a good mystery setting. Christie’s Poirot seems to be an element of chaos in the order of the community, shedding light on secrets and mysteries. The tropes and conventions are all there and perhaps this is where those tropes originated. But Christie still managed to smack me on the forehead, snarkily, telling me, “That’s right, you thought you knew what’s up, but you don’t know shit.”
The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett (1930)
Here’s a contrast for ya. Hammett isn’t so much interested in setting up an elaborate puzzle game as telling the reader that it doesn’t matter, life sucks, everyone’s out to get theirs and screw everybody else. Where Christie’s lighthearted English people, not to mention Poirot, keep the tone strangely cheerful during a murder investigation, Hammett’s Spade and co. delve into the cynical abyss. It’s an interesting read, but not as fun as detective fiction from across the pond.
Ape Out dev. Gabe Cuzzillo (2019)
The bleak journey through Star Wars shooters from last month left me uncertain about what to play next. I dipped a toe into a few things, but the summer heat drives me out of the house on most days. I can’t focus in the warmth. But Ape Out drew me in enough, largely the dynamic soundtrack. The last time I played it was in London as we lounged after the end of a long day working a game event booth. I came away thinking the game was a hell of a task. But playing this time, I realized that the challenge appropriately builds up if the player starts at the beginning. It’s a hip game with jazz drums and sharp watercolor visuals, with instantly repeatable levels. Loads of fun and high energy killing of jerkass humans.
Labyrinth dir. Jim Henson (1986)
This was a strange journey. The puppet work is as superb as one would expect from Henson, and Bowie sticks out like kind of a sore thumb among the cast. But worth the watch. The eighties were a time for fantasy film making.
Dark City dir. Alex Proyas (1998)
This beat The Matrix to theaters by a year and I’m surprised I missed it so completely. It’s interesting neo noir, but ultimately dated and uncomfortable to watch despite the progression of the story.
The Legend of Korra (2012-2014)
I watched Avatar: The Last Airbender again before I dived into Korra for the first time… and these writers are kinda sadists, right?! Every season is ‘let’s completely ruin Korra’s life and pull back in the last fifteen minutes.’ It actually kinda reminds me of Buffy, with the big bad format and all the obstacles they throw in the protagonist’s path. I liked it overall but was a little disappointed with the overarching narrative, mostly that there was none. As soon as season 2 started, I realized they wouldn’t really connect the seasons. It allowed them to extend beyond a series-long arc, but missed the mark for fans of that aspect of the previous series.
The Magic School Bus – Seasons 1-2 (1994-1995)
I remembered some of these episodes from watching them in reruns many years ago, and even now learned a thing or two about the universe. If you watch one episode, watch the one about pickles. It’ll change your life.
