Articles by Nick Martens

Playing Together Alone

Nick Martens doesn’t like online videogames because he’s not the center of attention. But with DICE’s new multiplayer WWII shooter Battlefield 1943, he still feels like a virtual VIP.

A Teabag Too Far: Federer and Cohen as Shills

Nick Martens sees a connection between Roger Federer’s 15th Grand Slam title and Sacha Baron Cohen’s Bruno.

When the Lights Go Out

Nick Martens relates the tale of his senior-year physics teacher, and how the old coot’s ramblings sound a bit less rambly these days.

The History of Emoxygen

Nick Martens reveals the amazing true story behind a miraculous tool used in the production of reality television.

Watterson’s World: Sunday Study Sunday

Nick Martens looks closely at Watterson’s later Sunday Strips—the “golden age” of Calvin and Hobbes.

Taxi Drivers and Taxi Passengers in Austin, Texas

Taxi cabs are the merry-go-rounds of the soul. Nick Martens describes three rides during the Bureau’s trip to last week’s South by Southwest Interactive Conference.

Adam Carolla Has a Posse

Nick Martens talks about Adam Carolla’s new podcast and how there ain’t no audience like an internet audience.

Watterson’s World: The Authoritative “Calvin and Hobbes”

Nick Martens digs into Bill Watterson’s writing to find the motivation behind the artist’s uncompromising stance on merchandizing his creation.

Watterson’s World: What is Hobbes?

Nick Martens kicks off a new series about Calvin and Hobbes with a history of his obsession and an ontological inquiry into the nature of a certain stuffed tiger.

The End is Nigh

Nick Martens looks at an uninspired way to end a story, and hopes that the finale of Battlestar Galactica avoids it.

Stranger Than Non-Fiction

Citing examples in television and literature, Nick Martens discusses how fictitious elements can supplement the truth in non-fiction.

Dear Wednesday, From Monday

Pre-election Nick Martens addresses a letter to post-election Nick Martens.