If paid reviews are 'bad', what's good?

The resilient meme re John Locke's now-infamous purchased Amazon reviews has stirred a big pot of author resentment. But is there another way?

Relationship between shutdowns of file-sharing sites and torrents

The evidence appears overwhelming: The recent shutdown of file-sharing sites seems to have had a direct correlation with a sharp uptick in torrents.

Santa feels recession's pinch

A poignant, timely holiday story re what kids are asking from Santa these days.

The State of the World

Patriots takes place during a time of great upheaval and painful change - obviously, a reflection of our times. But I've never heard it better put than in this post by James Howard Kunstler. It's a bit of a masterpiece, and look at all the comments!

What's our situation? Kunstler describes it:

"It's the permanent re-set and reorganization of everyday life amidst a desperate scramble for resources."

That's the world Patriots is set in, all right.