Top 11 Lists

By CJ Tiernan Naval gazing (which is neither a reference to a seedless variety of orange fruit nor a way of describing a look into the middle distance by a member of our aquatic armed forces) is inherently self-indulgent. To look back at one’s own work and choose which best stands the test of time is to stare in to the face of God, hold up a hand, and say, “I’ve got this, big guy.” It’s wrong. To gaze upon one’s own naval requires a mirror, which is a private, intimate thin

By CJ Tiernan Every now and then, a character will become synonymous with an article of clothing. They wear it so well, or it’s so interwoven with the plot, the two become inextricably linked. Mario and overalls. Cinderella and clear shoes. Batman and eyeliner. I’m not a big “remember what people look like” guy myself. If asked to close my eyes and reveal the hair color of friends and family I’ve held dear for decades, I’m not likely to surpass (in a statistically significa

By CJ Tiernan Like so many green-grass observers before me, I covet that which I cannot have. Cling though I may to my falsetto-imbued youth, I simply can’t hit the high notes. In fact, given my lack of musical talent and know-how, I cannot be reliably entrusted to hit a single selected note along the open maw of a baby grand. I am, therefore, left to gape in awe at those who can. To surrender to their sonic beauty and envelop my ears in their auditory majesty. Without furt