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Trump’s Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Go Into Effect
President Trump’s sweeping tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum went into effect on Wednesday, escalating America’s trade spats with global competitors, including close allies already reeling from his on-and-off approach to trade penalties.
By Md Mirajul Islam11 months ago in Critique
Canada’s most consequential election is on the horizon
The contest that resulted in Mark Carney becoming the leader of the Liberal Party and the next prime minister of Canada has turned out to be a dull fait accompli. Chrystia Freeland, the once-reliable confidante and trusted deputy prime minister of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, played the role of Judas in the drama that appeared to inevitably result in Carney's persuasive coronation on Sunday evening.
By Md Mirajul Islam11 months ago in Critique
How Did These Words Come Together?. Runner-Up in Self-Editing Epiphany Challenge.
The challenge Vocal sponsored a few months ago was to write a microfiction piece of 300 words that started with “There was only one rule: don’t open the door.” This seemed like something right up my alley because I love writing all things spooky and scary. I also couldn’t pass up this opportunity for an exact word count. I had to chop out some phrases and replace them with single words and carefully consider how I structured each sentence in each paragraph. However, I decided to include a real person, my son, and aged him. I had to imagine his life in the future as a blind man navigating the world. Here’s the first part of the story:
By Barb Dukeman11 months ago in Critique
Backroom Cat Nap
THE 1ST DRAFT Warehouse Backroom Cat Nap “This is the stockroom warehouse where we keep our surplus. The most common items are stored up front. The whole place is basically a twisting tunnel of eclectic furniture. Most of the floor displays are directly for sale, but we keep extra stock in here. It’s primarily mattresses.”
By Amos Glade11 months ago in Critique
Self-Editing Epiphany. Top Story - March 2025.
People Pleaser: A blessing or a curse? I am the youngest of six, to a mother that struggled her whole life with Bi-polar disorder, before there was positive treatment. She was the daughter of an English teacher and the oldest granddaughter to a preacher. Because of this, she struggled to let the mask fall and get the help she needed.
By Kelli Sheckler-Amsden11 months ago in Critique
The Legend of Vox Machina: From Critical Role to Animated Glory
The rise of The Legend of Vox Machina from a tabletop RPG campaign to a full-fledged animated series is a testament to the power of dedicated fandom and high-quality storytelling. As an adaptation of Critical Role, the show brings the beloved characters of the original campaign to life with stunning animation, strong performances, and a narrative that blends humor, action, and emotional depth. But how well does it translate the essence of the original game, and what impact has it had on both the animation and RPG landscapes?
By Bounty Hunter 11 months ago in Critique
Ready Player One: From Page to Screen – A Tale of Nostalgia and Adaptation
Few stories embody the essence of pop culture nostalgia as effectively as Ready Player One. Ernest Cline’s novel, published in 2011, became an instant hit among gamers and geeks, offering a treasure trove of 1980s references wrapped in a fast-paced virtual adventure. The 2018 film adaptation, directed by Steven Spielberg, promised to bring this digital odyssey to life on the big screen. However, as with many adaptations, significant changes were made—some enhancing the story, others altering its core themes. This review will explore the key differences between the novel and the film, evaluating how each medium delivers its vision.
By Bounty Hunter 11 months ago in Critique
Why Some Adaptations of Books Fail (And a Few That Get It Right)
Translating a beloved book into a successful movie is no easy feat. Fans expect to see their favorite characters and storylines faithfully recreated, while filmmakers must balance runtime constraints, cinematic storytelling, and studio demands. Some adaptations become instant classics, while others fail spectacularly, alienating audiences and disappointing readers. But what separates a great adaptation from a disaster? Let’s break down where things go wrong—and highlight a few adaptations that actually got it right.
By Bounty Hunter 11 months ago in Critique
