Pieces Published in the Last Two Months

Posted by Caleb Coy on April 24, 2023

Happy Spring readers!

Thought I’d catch you up in what I’ve been able to get out in the past couple months.

“Sometimes freedom is the impoverished commitment of two lonely people who have fled.”

I had a short personal essay, “Times I Thought of Running Away,” appear in Sunlight Press. Read here.

As for the rest, it’s all satire:

READ “My Name Is Ken Follett and I Am Now Going To Writing Short Fiction” appeared in Slackjaw

READ “I, Belle, Am Tired of Living in an 18th Century Village” appeared in MuddyUm

READ “A Male White Oak Issues An Apology For Allergenic Assault” appeared in Doctor Funny

READ “Quiz: Who Said It? A MAGA Politician? Or Adolf Hitler?” appeared in The Haven

READ “This Cold Pizza is Not My Attempt To Prevent Unionization; It’s a Selfless Gesture of Thanks To My Employees” appeared in Greener Pastures

READ “Streaming Services and Their Enneagram Types” appeared in MuddyUm

READ “Letter to George Lucas From the Tunisian Ministry of Tourism, 1983” appeared in Doctor Funny

READ “Movies in the Cocaine Bear Cinematic Universe” appeared in Weekly Humorist

READ “My Name is Ishtar: Stop Confusing Me With Easter” appeared in Backyard Church

5 Tracks in American Christianity: Expanding on Joel Singleton’s Article in Renew

Posted by Caleb Coy on April 3, 2023

Recently I read a terrific article in Renew.org by Joel Singleton.

4 Tracks in American Christianity: A Tool for Cutting Through the Smoke and Heat

I highly suggest you read it, as I’m going to take this post to talk about it.

Singleton puts forward a basic way of understanding the difference in church philosophies in America, and he cautions that this is just a tool for understanding, not a surefire way to just group churches into categories.

(the above image is supplied by Renew.org)

Continue reading →

Literacy in the Myst Franchise: Part 5: End of Ages

Posted by Caleb Coy on March 11, 2023

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

Posted by Caleb Coy on March 10, 2023

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

Posted by Caleb Coy on March 9, 2023

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

Posted by Caleb Coy on March 8, 2023

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

Posted by Caleb Coy on March 7, 2023

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

Posted by Caleb Coy on March 6, 2023

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.

Continue reading →

Review of The Day That Changed Long Island by Louciano Sabatini

Posted by Caleb Coy on March 4, 2023

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.