So:  Right now I’m the King of Ireland and I have a problem. I’m in my late 50’s and death is stalking me. My son is set to inherit half of my kingdom, and another son will inherit my other title: King of Scotland. I didn’t plan it this way. Welcome to Crusader Kings II. Continue reading →

Crisp autumn days are made for team sports. Many of you probably picked football or baseball or soccer. I played on the chess team.

I can hear your mocking laughter from here. Go ahead, let it out. Did I mention I lettered in it? Got the cool school jacket and everything. Even Codex is standing over my shoulder trying to maintain her composure. Failing at it, too. Continue reading →

A broken part of me has fantasized about repeating grade school in my childhood body with current adult knowledge, in order to mess with teachers who probably don’t deserve my brand of mischief. Thus, when my daughter announced she was reading Nancy Drew #18 Pit of Vipers, for a school project, I decided to read the book and do a good old-fashioned book report on it. If you want to avoid spoilers, or preserve your love of a beloved childhood character, you should probably stop reading now. Continue reading →