You might say that by the time we came to the fifth installment of the Myst saga (not counting Uru) that the franchise had been long worn out. That they should have stopped at either one, two, or three sequels. And maybe you’re right. But you can’t disagree that End of Ages really does wrap up the storyline in a way that any future installment would have to include none of the original characters and, besides the ancient dead city, none of the locations. Among other things, Myst 5 also brings around the full meaning of what reading and writing can do for people. Continue reading
Literacy in Myst Games, Part 4.5: Ages Beyond Myst
While quite possibly the least beloved installment of the Myst franchise (and technically a spinoff), the experimental Myst: Uru took the very mode of storytelling in a unique direction. It was much more you-centric, and community-centric, so much so that story was the background for personal exploration. Continue reading
Literacy in the Myst Games, Part 4: Revelation
So far in the Myst games we found a book, we delivered a book, and we saved a book. Something different happens in the fourth installment of the Myst franchise. Not only are we able to read journals, but we are able to use a necklace to read memories. Somehow, Yeesha’s special jewel she leaves behind allows us to experience or “see” powerful memories in certain places. Continue reading
Literacy in Myst Games, Part 3: Exile
We’ve been exploring how themes of literacy play out in the Myst games. In Myst, we opened a book. In Riven, we were shown and given a book. In Exile, we must chase after a book. The third Myst game involves a story of betrayal and revenge, similar to the first installment, but also one of exile. Continue reading
Literacy in Myst Games, Part 2: Riven
Say “Myst” to any reader or gamer, and they’ll probably think of that puzzle game with a strange magic book. While none of its sequels were as famous, the one with the highest reputation was the first direct sequel, Riven. In the past post we talked about literacy in Myst. Let’s now look at how literacy is explored in Riven. Continue reading
Literacy in the Myst Games: Part 1
Do you remember your first time playing Myst? In the darkness and stars you hear a strange narration, and find a book on the ground.
For any fan of the Myst series, the story always began with finding a book. With all the puzzles, questions, locations, and characters, the power of books is at the center of this most unique gaming experience. I decided to explore how each game presents the act of reading (and of writing) metaphorically in a different way. Lets start with that first iconic puzzle adventure.
Review of The Day That Changed Long Island by Louciano Sabatini
The Day that Changed Long Island by Lou Sabatini recounts the impact of Hurricane Sandy on Long Island, New York, in 2012. In order to convey this story, the author creates for his readers the characters of Lucas and Sybil, a typical Long Island couple who must undergo the storm and its aftermath. Drawing from firsthand experience, Sabatini describes the physical devastation caused by the storm, including the destruction of homes and businesses, as well as the emotional trauma suffered by those affected.
Sabatini provides a vivid and compelling account of the events of Hurricane Sandy, and does so through the eyes of two relatable characters. With realistic detail he describes the physical damage caused by the storm and the emotional impact on those affected. The book also provides an interesting look at the challenges faced by the residents of Long Island in the aftermath of the storm, including the difficulties of rebuilding homes and businesses.
Overall, The Day that Changed Long Island is a personal and moving book that provides a valuable insight into the impact of natural disasters on individuals and communities. I’d recommend this book for anyone interested in the topic of natural disasters or those who want to learn more about the effects of Hurricane Sandy on Long Island.
Published Reads This Month
Hey readers! Here’s a rundown of some of this month’s publications you can read me at so far!
I Asked ChatGPT To Send a Terminator Back In Time To Circumvent Its Own Inception in McSweeney’s Internet Tendency
Please Take Ten Minutes Out of Your Day To Fill Out This Satisfaction Survey in Slackjaw
This Is A Ransom Note From Your Landlord in Greener Pastures
As a Content Creator, The Most Rewarding Part of My Job is Calling Myself a Content Creator in Weekly Humorist
To 007 From The Sardinian Farmer Whose House He Destroyed in Doctor Funny
Boy Scouts Will Teach Your Children to Prepare for Society’s Collapse in MuddyUm
How I Made $1,000 From 1 Chart-Topping Medium Post
and two new churches to try:
The Billy Peebles Church of God and The Bitter Springs Church of God in Backyard Church
I Picked a Bad Night to Watch the News
I never watch the news. I sometimes read about it. There’s just too much to keep up with.
This past Friday I spent the night with my parents after my dad had a stint in the hospital. My brother used to live in Memphis, we have friends there, and the city is on the verge of something big as police body cam footage is about to be released. My mind has been filled with frustrating, sad, angry, and confusing thoughts.
It’s Holocaust Memorial Day, and the only positive news story I see is of a successful play about Holocaust survivors. But even that is only good news about bad news that must be remembered.
But there’s a tiredness to everything. What lessons have we learned? That same night, news of a shooting at a synagogue, that was a response to a shooting of Palestinians.
The home attack of the spouse of a House Speaker.
School shootings in schools where nothing was done.
And the killing of a man by five police officers in Memphis.
I picked the worst night to watch the news.
Nothing feels safe. Nothing feels stable. Nothing feels right.
It all keeps swirling around as the same experience in my head tonight as I sit with my parents, befuddled.
Why does this keep happening? Why did this happen this time? Who is responsible? What will be done to them? How do we keep it from happening again?
And these questions as being asked of everything. All the pain. All the violence. All the history repeating itself.
I’m tired of hearing over and over again of a few bad apples. What are we putting in the basket?
Where was the good news tonight?
Lord come quickly.
A New Year, New Blog Goals
Last week, I published a satire article in Slackjaw: “I Thought I Would Give You A Call While Doing Every Obnoxiously Interruptive Thing I Can” in Slackjaw. This is one of many pieces I was able to get out last year, and it’s been the best year for publishing yet. So I decided to think through what to do about that.
I started this blog over a decade ago. At the time I went from thinking I would never do a blog to starting one up just to see where it went. In the meantime, my writing grew outside this blog.
While this blog serves its purpose, I am now transitioning to writing less on this blog, and more in other places. But I still want this blog to remain, as it does provide a unique space for my writing.
And so I intend to keep writing. From now on, you’ll see posts from me, but instead of seeing them on a two-week basis, I will be posting only monthly.
There will be some exceptions, quick posts here and there, but you can expect mostly posts from me. So keep following.
In addition, follow me on Medium. Last year I expanded to Medium, where I write mostly satire and advice on writing.
It’s been a journey so far readers. Let’s see where it leads next!
CALEB COY 