blog
This personal archive of Musings (aka my weblog) functions as a database for interesting fanfiction I came across, as well as for my own work on (among other things) autism, bisexuality, fan studies, King Alfred of Wessex, mermaids, music & (ludo)musicology, martial arts, (neuro)psychology, video games, the medium formerly known as TV, and random nerdiness. I hope that you'll enjoy browsing through my Musings (Blog).
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Tolkien’s Dragons: Guardians of Greed and Symbols of Sin
This short article was originally published in Dutch in Lembas, the magazine of the Tolkien society Unquendor, accompanied by one of my own dragon illustrations. These illustrations will also be displayed in poster format at the Neude Library in Utrecht during the “Middag van het Fantastische Boek” on the weekend of February 15th and 16th. Below is the English version of the article for a broader audience.
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Brain Rot: Word of the Year 2024—and a Symptom of a Deeper Crisis
In 2024, the term brain rot was crowned Word of the Year, capturing the zeitgeist of an era grappling with the effects of digital overconsumption. Originally slang for the mental fog and distraction caused by endless scrolling, brain rot now symbolizes a broader societal concern: our diminishing ability to focus.
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Designing a Cultural Probe
To make sure the NeuroSpicy Planner truly meets the diverse needs of its users—so many people, so many perspectives—I decided to test it using a cultural probe, adapted to my no-budget situation.
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Habits & Structures for your 2025 Polyglot Goals
Whether you’re a beginner taking your first steps in language learning or someone fluent in ten languages, this blog offers tips and insights to help you turn your 2025 polyglot goals into achievable habits and structures.
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In the Shadow of Eormensyl
An Alfredian fanfiction published under the pseudonym of Thora.
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The Stones of Ælfred
In response to this blog post, I received another story about King Alfred that features Ogham. Written under the pseudonym of Merryn.
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Attestations of Ogham in Alfredian fanfiction
Title Author Use of ogham Language Learning from the past The Ancient Scribe language lesson, romance English Firefly alhena_m35 divination, romance English An Rí Cogaidh agus an Sagart Gaelach: Scéal Grá na Máighdean Íseal faoi Mhágic ogham Aisling O’Malley secret communication, language lesson, romance Irish The Message K.A. Storm communication English The ogham Bride Fenris_Wolf secret communication; language lesson, romance Alfred y Abigail: Dos secretos corasketches language lesson; romance Spanish Untitled King Alfred fanfiction officeofbooks language lesson; romance; 18+ English The Medicine Woman Lady_Dora healing English The Redheaded Artist and the King’s Lessons Scarlett Inkwell language lesson, romance English The Secret of the Stone Byrne secret communication English Alfred’s Legacy…
