My Favorite Albums

Between top 40 and classic rock radio stations and my parents' collection of mix CDs, I grew up thinking of albums simply as bodies of disconnected music from which would be plucked the best singles. When I got my own computer, right after the take-off of iTunes, I continued only ever buying individual songs. I … Continue reading My Favorite Albums →

Review: 2013 GTI w/ APR Stage 1

I've always wondered where my GTI stands among the competition. YouTube automotive journalist Doug DeMuro recently rated the 2018 Volkswagen Golf R six out of 10 points in the most of the categories he judges, from styling and acceleration to practicality and comfort. His final score for VW's ultimate hot hatchback was 63/100, a near … Continue reading Review: 2013 GTI w/ APR Stage 1 →

Review: Hand of Fate

The Moving Hand writes; and, having writ, Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line, Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it. - Omar Khayyám A glowing tavern, echoing with a harp's quiet strumming; a cowled thief, skulking in a leafless forest; a … Continue reading Review: Hand of Fate →

Review: Europa Universalis IV

History simulator. Map simulator. Spreadsheet simulator. When I first saw Europa Universalis at a friend's house in 2009, I think I laughed. I knew it pandered to the super-hardcore history nerd fanbase, full of the types who could list every Gothic tribe and every Byzantine emperor without batting an eye; 14 year old me was … Continue reading Review: Europa Universalis IV →