I was sorry to hear of the passing of Maya Angelou, but I think that what she had is pretty much the definition of a good, long life.

I really don’t like being condescended to and “explained” to about my work by people who don’t know my work. I’m not going to revive it here, but I’m not a happy camper. If you want inclusivity and the honoring of “other cultures” in our field of fiction, and you honestly think people like me are “part of the problem”, then perhaps you are creating a problem with no solution. If that’s how you want it, fine, but it’s going to get very lonely in all our separate little groups of people who can’t talk to each other because our different experiences separate us.

This Is Not A Stoned Thought (But It Sure Sounds Like One) Department:

Entropy is not the sole constant of the universe. Life, and the swelling complexity of evolutionary change, makes the other strand of the helix. Together they curve around each other and influence each other far beyond what we can see or even imagine, and what they will eventually make is a mystery.

Proofread manuscript for SLEEPING LATE ON JUDGEMENT DAY has wung its way back to my publishers. Now I can get back to thinking about what Norns do for fun during those long winter months.

This is not one of the creepy ones, surely. In fact, it’s a gif that makes me happy. But I can’t post gifs.

Just to warn you, I’ve got a couple of creepy photos I’m going to be using next week. Not clowns. Hey, I’m not just about clowns, you know. But, anyway, yeah, I’m talking actively psychologically disturbing. I’m not in a bad mood or anything, I just have a bunch that I’ve accumulated, so they’re going to show up. Luck of the draw. Nothing personal. But if you creep easily, you might want to avoid me entirely. Don’t click on the thumbnail when you see my comments go by. Stay off my page entirely, and keep a safe distance between yourself and anything I post. Because I like you, and I want you to enjoy your life.

I wonder why zombie movies and books have been so popular in the 21st Century? Are there deep sociological reasons? Is it emotional blowback from 9/11? Or is it a video-game thing, the thrill of being able to blow enemies to shreds without any moral compunction?

This is hilariously cool. I want a full body suit, including boot jets that will whisk me a safe distance away at the first sign of anybody wanting anything from me at all.

Expressive hat defends wearer from undesirable actions

From Seanbaby, who gets it.

I waste most of my best lines.

A little bit of Bobby Dollar’s World trivia:

While editing the manuscript for SLEEPING LATE, I had to cut an over-long description of the history of the San Judas version of Stanford University’s team names. (It springs from a description of San Judas’ new professional sport franchise, the Narwhals hockey team). It’s only interesting for completists and people who live in the real-world version of San Judas, but here’s what I cut out…

“We have a kind of mixed history of team names around here, actually. Stanford University’s had about nine. They were the Indians for a while, then the Cardinals (for the shade of red, not the bird or the Catholic pope-voters) and briefly the Redwoods. Then about twenty years ago the university did a poll for a new mascot name and the overwhelming favorite was “Robber Barons”. You’d have thought the university board would have run as far as possible from this insult to Leland Stanford and his friends, but as they say, the rich are different from you and me. They shortened it to “Barons” and that’s what it’s been since, a symbol of corporate piracy to many, but apparently an acceptable symbol of their own nobility to the folks with money and influence.”

So disturbing I had to immediately share it with my children.

I caught this when it aired on the show, but I figured I was just having a flashback.

Here’s That Video Of Morgan Freeman Using Helium That You’ve Always Wanted

This is my favorite thing in a long time.

“And Jacob wrestled with the angel, and Jacob did go for the Purple Nurple, but discovered to his woe that the angel of the Lord had not Nipple One.”

GRATUITOUS SPORTS NOTE: Another reason why Bruce Bochy (Giants manager) is cool. Giant head!

Short Stories With Tim Kurkjian

I have to work today. All day. I hope you’re happy.

Sunday Bloody Sunday in the Park with George.

Tad’s mood: