Bullying. I revisit this subject, and this column topic, every year around this time, because every year, a new school session starts and invariably the potential for children abusing other children rises. Even this year, and maybe especially this year, due to covid-19 and the inherent pressures and stresses surrounding it, the potential for kids to lash out and hurt others is heightened. A couple years back, The Keaton bullying video went viral. It brought tears to my eyes and broke my heart. As anyone who went to junior high with me knows, I was bullied mercilessly seventh and eighth grade years.... Read More

WARNING: Contains language some may find offensive. The language is used for context and is not gratuitous, but may trigger or offend some individuals. The Keaton bullying video brought tears to my eyes and broke my heart. As anyone who went to junior high with me knows, I was bullied mercilessly seventh and eighth grade years. I was a skinny, awkward, artsy, goofy kid with messy hair who loved art, writing, Dr. Who, David Bowie, Duran Duran and all kinds of other so-called “faggot things.” I was poor and had ripped clothes and went to a rich kids’ school. I was pitifully awkward with girls... Read More

Teen fans of Doctor Who may want to take a time jump in their personal TARDIS for a special event on Thursday at the Rock Island Main Library. The Teen Doctor Who Party is Thurs, Dec. 15, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at the Main Library, 401 19th Street. Activities include Doctor Who film clips and cast interviews, crafts, trivia with prizes, and snacks. The free event is for ages 12 to 18. Teens ages 12 to 18 and “tweens” ages 8 to 12 can take part in a combined gaming program on Tuesday, Dec. 20, also at the Main Library. The free event takes place from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The library will... Read More

“A straight line may be the shortest distance between two points, but it is by no means the most interesting.” –  Jon Pertwee Hey! Good to see you again! I’m happy to meet you, and me, actually. I hope you’re saying the same. After all, it’s been almost eight years since my last column. The previous one was published in the first week of 2009 and I’ve been on sabbatical ever since. Thanks, Obama. Actually, believe it or not, the president had very little to do with my leave of absence. I would’ve easily been able to sneak in my duties as a special ops secret agent guarding Air... Read More

The Show Us Your Pokeballs crew is going back, and forth, in time for their latest show, an homage to everyone’s favorite Gallifreyan time lord, Dr. Who. “I’m really excited for this one, it’s not just Dr. Who, there are lot of geek culture references, but fans of Dr. Who will especially love it,” said writer, director and actor Josh Kahn. “These shows are always so much fun. They’re geek humor done by geeks for geeks, and I say that with all love possible. There are jokes for all different kinds of fandoms in here, and if you are passionate about anything related to geek culture,... Read More