Yes, autobiographical interpretation of works of fiction is a critical trope that needs to die, even though (especially because) it's a cornerstone of much of the standard college undergraduate literature curriculum.

Not really, although it could easily be read that way, and I'm sure that's likely something Crowley considered. The fantastic elements all appear in a manuscript that one of the "real world" characters is editing (it's been a while since I read it, so my details may be a bit mushy).

I thought the fourth book, Endless Things, pretty much gave up on suggesting the fantasy elements existed in the real world at all, and spent most of its time just dealing with Pierce's real life struggles.

Are you attempting to claim that football fans aren't nerdy?

OCD nitpick of the day: Unless you're referring to another book, A Night to Remember was published in 1955.

What a breathtakingly bigoted post. Sure, there are atheists who can be rather overbearing — I know because I've been one. That's nothing compared to the constant bombardment of pro-religious messages that we suffer on a daily basis.

There may be an element of truth in that argument, but I don't think it's more than a minor theme running through Heinlein's work.

Superman's costume was originally inspired by the sorts of costumes worn by circus strongmen and the like. Those costumes generally consisted of something like a leotard with a pair of trunks, usually with a cape. Why? It was just the fashion of the time. After Superman became so successful, all the superheroes…

The self-castration bit reminds me of one of my favorite scenes from Night Court.

"Garguilo." Little bit of irony there.

So, where did the doubloon come from?

You know, there used to be a show on that was also called Fringe that was pretty good. I liked it better than this one, which other than the title isn't related at all.

By Jove, I think you've got it.

Oh, I never said I didn't like it. It lends itself well to drinking games.

Let's see. Serial killer, check. Sadistic nun, check. Creepy asylum, check. Aliens, check. Mad doctor, check. Nazis, check. Zombies, check. Demonic possession, check. Did I miss anything?

Not specifically a pop culture myth, but one I see often is the myth of the sugar high. There have been, what, a dozen major studies that debunk this, but people insist that it's true.

I tend to agree with your assessment.

Warrensburg? Did you say Warrensburg, MO? "Stephanie, honey, you know that trip to Warrensburg you wanted to take to visit our son? Yeah, I think we're putting that off until next December."

Well, I was just going to use the suit I already have.

Huh. I thought it was pretty good, myself.