And then promptly voted out the Supreme Court justices who so ruled. So, no, Iowa doesn’t get any points, you lose, thanks for playing.

Offended Iowans should take the same advice conservatives give to minorities when they are offended: "stop being so sensitive."

I don’t know, taken by itself ANH is so dirt simple and straightforward that there isn’t much opportunity for the plot to be “flawed.” That’s part of the appeal. Farm boy + rogue + mentor rescue a literal princess from a space castle (with Leia self-rescuing too), mentor dies, climatic battle, medals, roll credits.

This pretty much sums up what I tell people about my love for Star Wars. Compare it to Logan’s Run, which came out only a year before, and it’s like watching a caveman try and make a science fiction movie. Plus, a lot of the practical effects still hold up, in my mind at least.

“It’s gonna be, like, 2 degrees? Nah, I’m good. I’ll stay here.”

For the shot at Chandler’s work, I say good day to you sir.

There’s a point to be made along the same lines that the genre’s tropes ARE gobbledygook. And that’s what trips up sci-fi/fantasy lit.

He wasn’t really wrong about a LOT of Science Fiction of the day...much of it was pulp...one of the most prolific pulp writers was L.Ron Hubbard, and Chandlers letter reads like Hubbards crap. and Hubbard wasn’t alone.

Gibson’s said that Hammett was a bigger influence on his early style.

Love Chandler. One of my favourite writers. Among other talents a true master of The Snark.

Chandler wasn’t exactly wrong. A lot of early/golden age SF read that way. 1953 is pre-Dune, pre-Stranger in a Strange Land, pre-The Stars My Destination, pre-a lot of what we think of as good SF. Foundation existed, but it was a pretty singular work in terms of depth and scope. Not to say all old SF was pulpy and…

So, Science Fiction authors have always been self depreciating?

...and still is in many circles.

Which side of The Misty Mountains is that on? Oh and stay the fuck away from the shortcut through Mordor. It’s a deathtrap balls deep with Balrogs.

Making potato jokes about McGregor might get you mashed.

I am perfectly willing to believe that every word in your comment is true.

“Wizard of Earthsea the most “important”

Teams don’t want the cheerleaders as employees, but as a service. Just as they don’t want to hire and manage the food workers, and instead hirer outside services. Security as well.

I always thought that was the case. Not to run down the athleticism and skill required but, ultimately, it’s a seasonal, part-time job. I think that they should get paid for their work and should be able to share in the profits from promotional items like calendars but i don’t get the sense that just being an NFL…

I saw Insane Masturbatory Rampage open for Slayer in '92.