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
Category Archives: Education
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.
You Can Listen To My Latest Story on Tall Tale TV
Readers, listen up!
Tall Tale TV is airing my latest urban fantasy story, “Butler and Barrie’s Wild Faery Land Stolen Child Carousel.”
You can listen to it on YouTube or as an MP3 podcast.
Don’t have time to read a story? Tall Tale TV publishes fantastical short stories as audio podcasts, the perfect length for your work commute, your dinner alone, or your putting yourself to bed at night. The site’s creator, Christopher Herron, has a bright, articulate voice perfect for pieces like mine. Many thanks to him.
When 2+2=22
“You may have a reason why two and two should make five, but they will still make but four.” -Samuel Johnson
We all know, if we’ve even so much as heard of Orwell’s 1984, that a totalitarian government can brainwash its citizens into believing that 2+2=5. Well, maybe it could happen. It would actually be very hard to accomplish. The novel is an exercise in imagining the power of language to erase and impose.
And while Orwell’s ’84 does an astounding job at creating a world alien and familiar where the state has coerced us to accepting any lie imaginable, the truth is that it doesn’t have to take an all-powerful oligarchy to do so. Continue readingTen Things The Bible Tells Us About Public Health
When in doubt, turn to scripture. Christians have done so for ages when faced with difficult choices about personal and public health. Here are 10 messages given to us from scripture about public health.
The Circles Around Us by Brad and Kristi Montague vs Circles by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Recently I read Brad and Kristi Montague’s new book Circles.
Then I went and read Ralph Waldo Emerson’s old essay, also called “Circles.”
I decided to review them both by making a compare/contrast chart. I couldn’t figure out how to make it a circle, so it’s going to be a rectangle, okay?
Anyone Can Make a Documentary
Literally anyone.
Maybe you came across a link to this documentary someone uploaded on YouTube. Some have said that the video is telling a very powerful and truthful story because it was made and posted by a doctor named Judy Mikovits. But to be honest, Judy Mikovits is a doctor in the same sense that Mike Hughes was an astronaut. Continue reading
CALEB COY 