Chapter 1: January Highlights

In the realm of online writing, January can feel like an endless stretch. Yet, amid this lengthy month, several articles on Medium captured my attention.

The recent Oscar nominations sparked quite a reaction, particularly from those who felt Greta Gerwig’s work was overlooked. While we at the Dillon Fortress appreciated "Barbie" and admire Gerwig as a talented director, the Dillon Empire's official stance is that the film did not merit nominations for Best Director or Best Picture (more insights on that here).

The outcry from some reminded me of a hard truth: not everyone emerges victorious. Just as there are no participation trophies at the Oscars, the same applies to Dillon Picks. If your work makes it to my monthly top ten on Medium, you haven’t just participated; you’ve triumphed. What’s your prize? A seal of approval from the Dillon Empire, which should provide a healthy dose of pride.

However, being featured here means you’re ineligible for another three months of Dillon Picks, ensuring a diverse selection. This rule doesn’t apply to my esteemed fellow Fanfare editors—Sir Paul Combs, Sir Sarah Paris, and editor-in-chief Sir Eric Pierce—who can be included whenever I choose. Why? Because as the Emperor of the Dillon Empire, I set the rules. And no, you cannot join the ranks of knighthood, so please refrain from asking.

With that customary introduction and a touch of arrogance covered, here are the ten articles that particularly resonated with the Dillon Empire over the past month, presented in no specific order of merit. First up is Amy Sea, with a narrative I initially mistook for clever satire (my shock in the comments when I realized otherwise).

This touching piece by Arpad Nagy offers a beautiful glimpse into the lives of his wife, daughters, and their friends, filled with optimism despite the numerous challenges Gen Z faces.

Time for a fictional detour. The Celtic Chameleon’s thought-provoking exploration of a pivotal verse in Revelation is a satirical dystopian treasure. Be sure to read both parts, starting with part one.

Next is a dark fiction offering from PJ Jackelman, a gripping and disturbing tale that provides both catharsis and shock.

The intriguing and sometimes unsettling backstory of Winnie the Pooh is examined in depth by the Argumentative Penguin, leading to fascinating revelations.

Sir Paul Combs has made Bruce Springsteen the soundtrack of his existence. Here, he beautifully celebrates The Boss's most acclaimed album, even though he still has a soft spot for another album featuring "Born" in its title.

Have you encountered the infamous 1978 Star Wars Christmas special? Sir Eric Pierce has bravely ventured into that chilling reality, providing an engaging commentary on a new documentary that explores it.

James AG (Ya'akov ben Avraham v'Sarah) is a fresh voice on Medium. His eloquent writing and keen insights, particularly regarding "Godzilla Minus One," deserve your attention.

This compelling article by Natasha MH delves into a notorious murder case that instigated crucial reforms in the UK criminal justice system, especially concerning defenses for women facing violent abuse.

Lastly, we have Sir Sarah Paris, who offers a heartfelt and deeply relatable reflection on grief, characterized by raw honesty and wisdom gained through painful experiences.

That's a wrap for Dillon Picks this January. I will return next month with more remarkable discoveries from the Mines of Medium (as long as I don’t dig too greedily and awaken shadow and flame). Until then, remember, the Empire is always watching.

Chapter 2: Video Insights

In this video titled "Dillon Ward Post Game January 26, 2024," Dillon shares his thoughts and analysis following a recent game, providing viewers with an in-depth look into his performance and insights.

The second video, "Dillon Brooks | Houston Rockets Open Practice | 2023-2024 NBA Season," showcases Dillon Brooks during an open practice, giving fans a glimpse of his preparation and training as he gears up for the upcoming NBA season.