An Oral History of Action Park
Jake Rossen and Mental Floss go down the Cannonball Loop of danger in this fascinating story about an amusement park that was literally insane.
If you’ve ever wondered if that ride you’re on is safe, read this story, and you’ll know… you’ll know.
The Right Way to Revisit Properties That Can Sell
I can’t emphasize enough how much I enjoyed the latest installment in the Karate Kid franchise. Cobra Kai is well-written with fun nods to our favorite bits from the movies and well-acted, with Ralph Macchio and William Zabka turning in great performances.
Shea Serrano, writing for The Ringer, provides a great overview of the series, explaining the nostalgia while also how the creators turned The Karate Kid upside down.
I think the real star of the series is Xolo Maridueña as Miguel Diaz. His story arc is what the entire season is about. From nerdy kid to “strike first, strike hard,” he anchors the the Johnny and Daniel story viewers thought they were getting. In fact, it provided way more of a generational feel than, say, another nostalgic trip looking to add new, younger characters to the fold like Star Wars Episode 7 and 8.
If you have ever crane-kicked off the side of your bed, Cobra Kai should adequately pull at the appropriate nostalgia strings.
Ranking the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees
Bill Wyman (not that Bill Wyman) has ranked all 214 artists in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for Vulture. He’s wrong, of course.
First off, there are far too many artists that aren’t even rock and roll musicians. Eliminating the country, blues, and hip-hop artists would greatly lessen the load. For example, James Brown is listed as the fifth best inductee. I would say, James Brown never played a lick of rock and roll in his entire career and is flat out a funk artist. However, Prince (#6) is most definitely a funk artist too. He just played a lot of rock too.
I could go on, but it isn’t worth it. These kinds of lists are designed to illicit debate and arguments.
The Great High School Imposter
Daniel Riley writing in GQ details the story of Artur Samarin, who pulled off one of the most amazing hoaxes of all time. This story is going to be a movie. It’s too good.
Go Speed Racer
Justin Westbrook over at Jalopnik outlines why the Speed Racer movie was way ahead of its time. I couldn’t agree more.
This is Why You Should Hold Fast to Childish Things
John P. Weiss writes and illustrates his thoughts on leaving things undone and reacquaint ourselves with wonder. What do you call people who love good music, books, movies, stage products, company, and conversation?
Happy?
Use the Force
Does anyone else find it odd that all Jedi and Sith don’t simply use the Force to turn their opponents lightsaber off when fighting?
10 Second Video
Does anyone else find it weird that Luke Skywalker joined the Rebellion because he saw a 10 second video and thought his sister was hot.
Deep Space Nine Innings
Corbin Smith at Deadspin combines two of my passions into one exciting article. Star Trek Deep Space Nine is fascinated with baseball, and his article explains how it all comes together.
In fact, “Take Me Out To The Holosuite” is one of my top five Star Trek episodes, regardless of version.
Thank the Maker
Does anyone else find it weird that when C-3PO says “Thank the maker!” he is praising and thanking Darth Vader?
So Wizard
Does anyone else finding it weird that Darth Vader used to say “Yippie!” and “So, wizard!”
How to Raise a Boy
Will Leitch has written one of his signature pieces. It’s an in-depth look at his own upbringing and how he raised his own sons in the age of the Parkland tragedy, President Trump, and the #MeToo movement.
I think every parent should take some time to read it.
How to Grow the Fuck Up: A Guide to Humans
Mark Manson is obviously working on new book. I’m guessing this is going to be the title. When you are in the mood for a good, long read take some time and read what Manson puts forth.
I personally need to revisit it a couple of times a year.
Trent Rising
The University of Illinois has an online magazine called Storied. It features various stories about people and places all over campus. Kim Schmidt goes one-on-one with Illinois Basketball’s Trent Frazier, and the result is a great look at his career from young basketball talent to Big Ten All-Freshman Team.
Do Better Than Us
Dave Pell, of NextDraft fame, writes a marvelous treatise on Emma Gonzalez and the aftermath of gun violence.
Emma and her classmates have called out the failure of the adults in the room. They’ve minced no words identifying the hypocrisy they’ve encountered. They’re not being silenced or exhausted by the cynical and ridiculous arguments used to explain how it somehow makes sense that in America someone can buy a weapon of war and bring it to school.I hope this generation makes a difference.
Happy Valentine’s Day
Never laugh at your significant other’s choices. You’re one of them.
Happy Valentine’s Day!