Just in Case

A Magic Item Generator just in case you run out of ideas while playing D&D or some such. For example, this could be a very useful magic item:

Jittering Shuriken of the Gorilla

This lightly-vibrating set of 10 throwing stars grants the user exceptional strength whenever a star hits a target. It can convert up to one gallon of water into espresso, once per day.

FREE COFFEE!!!!

You are SO old.

The final episode of The Wire aired ten years ago, today. Here's a nice retrospective from The Guardian that even those of us who have only seen two episodes can appreciate.

Demonic cookware is funny

FAQ: Your New Cursed Instant Pot

Ok, I admit it, I am worried.

The new "Solo" trailer is making me nervous, mainly because I'm not buying the new guy as Han Solo.  It is getting away from authentic Han Solo, like for example in this wonderful video.  On a similar note, this is one of the strangest things I have ever seen.  Enjoy.

Time Travel Mechanisms and Logic in Film

A brief comparison of various time travel mechanisms and logic in film. Happy Friday and Happy First Post to me.

Adding video link since video does not appear in email.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3zTfXvYZ9s

Artisanal Coffee Flavor Profiles Brought to You By Metallica

Meaning, of course, Artisanal Coffee Flavor Profiles Brought to You By Metallica.

Damn you, Tolkien, you're no James Hutton.

Tor.com has a couple of great, super-nerdy articles on the faulty geology of Tolkien's map of Middle-earth. The money quote in my opinion:

"Tolkien’s novels have had a massive influence on epic fantasy as a genre, his map is the bad fantasy map that launched a thousand bad fantasy maps..."

So, with that introduction, here's the links.

Tolkien's Map and the Messed Up Mountains of Middle-Earth

Tolkien's Map and the Perplexing River Systems of Middle-earth

As a bonus, the author, apparently a geologist by training and a fantasy buff by avocation, has given us an article on the geology of desert planets. Yee-haw!

Arrakis, Tatooine, and the Science of Desert Planets

-- Everett

Post-script: Oh my, the comments are a wonder to behold.