As I write this, it is Sunday. I apologize for those of you counting on this being a regular, weekly thing. I’m doing my best here, as I’m sure you are, as well.

I entered quarantine last night. Not because I have Covid, but because I attended a large event and we are apparently on the cusp of another bum rush of more viral fuckery. The event was for die hard fans of my co-host and friend, Brian Brushwood, and his collection of various misfits and projects. I am indeed one of those misfits. At the shindig, I was fortunate enough to meet more friendly and interesting people than I could possibly keep up with. If you’re one of them and you’re reading this missive for the first time, welcome! I wish we’d been able to spend more time together.

I don’t want to belabor Covid protocols or engage in any finger wagging. The nation has, by and large, moved on from being concerned about the pandemic. I understand. It’s been exhausting and has warped my brain. In March, I finally snapped. You’ve likely witnessed the spiral on Instagram. And now the algorithm is hell bent on recommending various mental health options.

Thank you, Instagram, but I prefer teetering on the brink of madness. I’ve tried patient and thoughtful love for a few years. Maybe it’s time for love and anarchy?

Nonetheless, I ask one small thing of you. Many have expressed that after you’re vaccinated and so forth that the pandemic is of no concern to you. Aside from specious conclusions about how vaccines work, I have to disagree. Please consider those who can’t take the vaccine and/or are still forced to remain isolated from their respective communities. I’m happily tethered, body and soul, to such a person. So when I hear the healthy, vaccinated folks say, “Well, it only kills you if you’re unhealthy…” I have two responses.

Like the unhealthy people don’t matter?
You mean … like my wife? That’s no consolation to me, asshole.

(Some of you reading this may have said those precise words to me. It’s okay. I love you. Just making a point.)

I know the safety of others is difficult to keep in mind with … you know … everything. But please try to consider those who are trapped in their homes, like forgotten astronauts in a space station that became unmoored from its orbit. Should they be forced to remain there until a cure or better treatment is found?

I assure you that you do know such a person. Because that person is me.

On a lighter note, in order to attend the aforementioned event, I went hard into the paint. (please excuse the basketball reference. I know it’s strange.)

After selecting a full-face respirator, I immediately decided to add my cloak and cane to the ensemble. Allow me to introduce a new persona, THE NUCLEAR WARLOCK.

And yes, that’s an Occultex sticker on the front.

Speaking of anarchy, I stumbled across this bit of subversive strangeness on the reddits.

https://www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/tjri6s/oc_weird_signs_popping_up_on_my_hikes/

The Nuclear Warlock approves.

Remember when we thought evil clowns were trying to kill us? I miss those days. Simpler times.

Recently, I watched Branagh's adaptation of the Agatha Christie yarn, Death on the Nile. It was very pretty, in a Phantom Menace sort of way. It’s fascinating to see actors trapped in the uncanny valley. They themselves were all radiant and interesting and physically real, of course, but the surroundings were all very artificial. These people were NOT on the Nile. They told us they were, and discussed how brutal the heat was, and yet … not a bead of sweat?

I sweat in a climate controlled home while playing Call of Duty.

But here’s something more interesting. I don’t know if this is a respected archaeological theory or not, but it seems plausible?

And yes, I have been watching Moon Knight. While I have some minor quibbles about the decidedly Spawn-like nature of the suit, I’m enjoying it quite a bit. Let’s hope Ralph Boner doesn’t show up again.

Regarding ancient civilizations, as a fan of HP Lovecraft, I often think of pre-human people and the idea that maaaaaaaybe forgotten, alien civilizations existed long before we came along and shat on everything. It’s fantastical, sure, but if you take it like I do - as though you’re reading a comic book, it’s lots of fun. There’s no evidence of this, of course, but the genius educators of In a Nutshell explored the idea in yet another of their wonderful videos.

Ah! One more thing! If you’ve recently gotten word of some Jason Murphy-fueled TTRPG shenanigans, well … sit tight. More details are coming soon. I can’t wait to share them with you.

I’ve taken up enough of your time. If you’ve made it this far, I hope I’ve provided some interesting reading to help you escape whatever horrors you’re slogging through.

Reach out to those friends who may have slipped into the gloaming.
Read banned books.
Take care of each other.

Talk soon.

\m/

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