I made a podcast segment, recorded some songs, and wrote some letters.
I hope that feels like enough when I look back on this day.

Three-Way Catnap.

I think I should start a pirate themed band about a group of pirates that were stranded by different captains, each searching for revenge. The band would be called The Landlubbers.

I just woke up.
Fell asleep at 8.

Why did I look at the news?

The fifth anniversary is traditionally celebrated with a wooden gift. Shortly after we started dating, I went camping with my family. I carved this piece of wood and added the faded heart, and gave it to her when I got back. Years later I added the second heart, but forgot to give it to her, and it got packed away in the camp gear.

So, today I dug it out, and put it on the mantle. Because I’m sentimental AF.

This worked so well yesterday, let’s try again today! I have a download code that is available, if you would like to enjoy the new Halloween / Split release that Michael Cosma and I cooked up for 2020. This is part of a series of releases by Hal McGee, who is arranging for artists to work together to create something fun! I have a download code for the person who will comment an image of their favorite supernatural creature. For now, this is the only place you can get this music! Original, seasonal songs… just for you!

https://halmcgee.bandcamp.com/album/ec-split-4

I’m still a terrible dancer. I hope you can forgive me.

I think about the plight of Robot Monster fairly often. If I could locate a Gorilla costume and the right helmet, I may have found my Halloween costume. (Thanks Krob Sabrepop.)

I woke up with this in my head, the second day in a row. I’ve probably heard it, entirely, three times in my life, mostly as a child.

For some reason, I remember this song better than most of my actual life.

How do you make your coffee? In my adult life, people have only ever told me I’m doing it wrong. Maybe the trick is: there isn’t a “correct” way. Every ‘expert’ I’ve ever talked to has contradicted the last. Only Sierra has offered his advice when I asked, and so far, I think he might be right: “I don’t know. If it’s hot and brown and needs cream, it’s coffee.”

I forgot what the theatrical cut of The Fellowship of The Ring was like, and it does zip along at a very tidy pace. Now, based on all the different versions in my head (muddled with 20+ year old memories of the book), I can’t remember at all what happens in what version of the story.

In a way, I think I’ve stopped caring. Strider rules.

Hal McGee just released this split release beteen Michael Cosma and Mini-Mutations, and it is getting a pretty good response. I have a few download codes that I can give away, and I will do just that, from time to time. Tonight: the first person to comment with an image of their favorite Haunted House will get a free digital download for EC Split 4. Seven new tracks by Michael; five brand new Mini-Mutations, only available here! All of it sets up a rollercoaster through experimental horror that you will NOT want to miss. Who wants tonight’s download?

https://halmcgee.bandcamp.com/album/ec-split-4

I miss you. Let’s arrange a call soon, okay?

Today is the day! Being a member of the Electronic Cottage has its privileges. Namely, occasionally you get to participate in very cool projects with Hal McGee and, in this case, the very excellent Michael Cosma! And the release is finally here! We have cooked up a little something that we think you’ll love, and now is the perfect time of year for it! A split “horror” themed release, with some eerie tunes and compositions by Michael, a remix of Michael’s work by myself, and then a “Halloween Narrative” with soundtrack by Mini-Mutations. Since we are both from the lovely city of Salem, this only makes sense. (Even if they are in separate states both starting with O.) Make sure you work your way through at least twice. The project is even better the second time around!

This EC Split series that Hal is assembling puts us in with some VERY cool artists and performers, and I’m very excited to be a part of this series. I feel so small by comparison to some of the excellent folks that are involved, and all three of the previous releases have been STELLAR. Here’s to hoping that you find a little thrill when you give our music a chance.

(There will be a CD version of this, available soon, so keep your ears to the ground. In the meantime, enjoy this Hal-approved digital release! Thanks again, Hal!)
https://halmcgee.bandcamp.com/album/ec-split-4

“I never locked Oliver
Cromwell in a broom closet while
singing Waltzing Matilda.
I never sawed television in half,
although I once saw Wendy O.
Williams saw a guitar.
I never played a decent game of jacks.”

In the event I get the gents together to hang out again (someday in the post COVID future), I’ll be happy that I can offer plenty of cock of the ass for us to enjoy.

Wait, what?

I keep uncovering parts of this room that make it seem much larger than it feels. This really would make an amazing venue if I could somehow make it work.

We replaced all our shop lights with LED versions. These will likely go to the dump if I can’t find a new home for them.

Super cheapo desk that I don’t have room for. Going to the dump if I can’t find a good home.

Who wants to help me with this Albatross? It needs a new home. Yours, maybe?

Crake is always following what Feyd does. He’s an etc. cliché…

Zing.

The Breakfast Bunch #CatDad

I hate not having a job. I hate not having an income. I hate that such a value is placed on employment. I hate that my options to change this are dangerous and reinforce the worst in our culture.

Guess I’ll play with the cats again. Sigh.

I know how I should vote, and I know what side of the fight I’m on. Now I could just use a job, since I’m morally sorted.

Victor Lobl directed three different episodes of Max Headroom, more than any other director. In spite of the unfavorable references made on the program, Victor directed an episode of “Knott’s Landing” five years later.

In the Max Headroom episode, “Whacketts,” Bryce Lynch claims he is using an argon laser. Argon lasers do not produce visible light. The color of Bryce’s laser indicates it is probably a Helium-Neon laser.

In the Max Headroom episode, “Grossberg’s Return,” Network 23 is airing a show called “Porky’s Landing,” a parody of “Knot’s Landing” and “Porky’s” that looks a lot like “Dallas.” Max Headroom aired opposite of “Dallas,” and there were many references to it in Max Headroom.

Who is this gray haired man?

I sometimes don’t remember.

The orange bulbs are passion fruits. Growing off the vine that has just been growing in our yard for years now.

I wish Passion Fruits were any good.

I can’t believe how big they have grown! Soon The Boys will outmatch Feyd, and she might have to finally let them into her heart. As it is, they worship her. #CatDad

Five years ago, Marla and I began to panic. For a lot of reasons…

It’s hard to say how you feel when there haven’t been new plague/dictator anthems to reference in a few centuries.

Bat… Power!

What’s the least-surprising thing in your music collection?

This album rules. Road Movie To Berlin is the jam.

It’s Friday. You earned it.
https://richardcheese.bandcamp.com/track/richard-cheese-wap-lounge-version-2020?utm_medium=email

Usually this path is clear, but of course there was an obstruction this time. I hate to use my powers on film, but this one was tricky, so this image was captured. Don’t tell anyone, please.

This hike was beautiful, and I hardly had to use any other powers.

Not done with my trip yet, but back in cell range. Probably shouldn’t have caught up on the news. This was nice, though.

I do enjoy that the mental health of children, for several decades in a row now, is never considered for a second in this country.

Wait, not enjoy. Hate! That’s what i meant. Hate!
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/fooling-ourselves-think-person-school-050019525.html

I keep having this super-hot dream, and I wake up all excited. In it, all of America take up pointed sticks and clubs, and they storm the capital. Brutal crowd justice is delivered to all Right Wing sympathizers, capitalists, and the current administration. Our Democracy and economy is burned to the ground. A council of older women are appointed to rule the land. Everyone is suddenly happy, simultaneously, for the first time in history. Children sing songs about the wonderful deaths of fascists.

Wow, is it hot in here, or is it just me? Crack a window, please?

Perfect Post for the Clever Comment.

Woah. The Radio Birdman documentary is far too exactly what it is like to be in a band.

(Except they are better than any band you or I were in.)

“If you do not feed the body how can you stuff your mind full of clichés?”

What is a thing you never did that you want to do?

I’ll start: I want to try performing at a couple comedy open mic nights, to see if I can make anything land.

“Pick a song, any song.

But: you only get one.

Now: Make a wish. Ready?

One, two, three, four…”

“Cooked to order.”

Please? I clean up nice if I have to. Or if you take me as is, I come with a bow tie.

I should mention that, if you want to use the “preparing for Christmas this year” rubric, we should be putting out Halloween decorations fairly soon.

Breakfast Companions.

At least I wasn’t blown out last night. Sometimes, the weather decides for you.

I took this photo, turned around, and a massive wind storm moved in, sort of ruining the night. A friend got hit in head, some gear was destroyed. But we made it back to the city, safely.

Stupid weather.

“There’s service out there, I think.”

“A tiger??!”

“Where do we go from here?”

I haven’t really played video games since the OG Nintendo era, and the last game I played seriously (or with any regularity) was Super Mario Bros. 3. (In the Blitzhaus, during the brief period we were all obsessed with playing Nintendo again.) But the key years I played the most video games probably ended my sophomore year.

For me, the greatest game that felt like the biggest accomplishment when I beat it was the first Legend of Zelda. It was one of the games my Dad and Brother got, that first Christmas when Santa brought us video games. It took me years to beat it, and I was very, VERY late to the game, as they say. But it was astonishing to play. Every discovery was a revelation, and every cool thing you figured out was just hard enough to feel like to really worked for it.

I don’t really want to play video games very often. But I really would love to run through Zelda again. Ya’ll can catch your Pokemons. I’d rather be searching for Rupees.

Zing.

I finished writing a 5500 word horror short story, which will accompany a 30 minute soundtrack. (Or vice versa.) Still ironing out the kinks, but let’s just say my Halloween release is coming along just fine…

I’ve never written horror before, let alone something this long. And it might be okay, even? What is happening…

This pretty kitty introduced itself while we were on our walk. He ran over to see us, and demanded attention.

Quarantine is having its way with us.

A lot of my friends are making masks for their group / project or creative thing, and I’m totally into it! I’ve got one coming from one friend, and I would like to get others. However, at least once a day, I hit on the idea that I should make a mask for my project. I’m just not sure how I can rationalize spreading “Mini-Mutations” during a pandemic. Seems a little irresponsible.

I wrote 4000 words toward a horror story, recorded a couple songs for a friend, cleaned the house, and took care of The Boys, all while trying to maintain my sanity in this insane world, and it only took a trip though a Brautigan before I started to feel like maybe I am in the right classroom after all.

Sometimes, there’s only two perfect things in this world.

Sometimes, that should be enough.

I know this is exactly what he was going for, but every time I am on my walk, and I go past this house, I think to myself, “Well, aren’t we just the Cock of the Walk?”

“We seem forever trapped by a past that influenced us and a future that is slowly crumbling before our eyes.”

I went for a walk, to try and clear away the morning. A large part of me was ready to keep walking, forever. What else is there for any of us back at civilization?

I need inspiration.

Ouch. And everyone and their cousin will be trying to find a place to go, outside. Sigh.

AC and Godzilla Movie Marathon. I don’t see any other way.

Better get some snacks early, before the crowds show up for BBQ shopping, later.

“Over 30% of Americans will refuse any kind of vaccine offered to them, if one were available.”

So, we’re never beating this, apparently.

It still blows my mind that the FB avatars don’t offer a single bow tie as an option.

Crake has figured out that if I should be playing bass, that is the perfect time to jump in my lap to distract me. #Artist, but #CatDad first.

Guess it’s time to watch some Hitchcock.

I mean, will anyone mind if I take ONE more trip?

I completely forgot that the specific Club Med they were singing about was in San Carlos, CA, which suddenly paints this song in a much funnier light.

But sportsball!

It’s not that I wish I was famous. But I do wish I could impress those who impress me the most.

Shrug. I mean, who knew I was acquainted with even more sexist and racist trash?

“Show me any two people who are eligible to run and I’ll show you two reasons not to vote for them.”

After The Adventures of Marcus Little, tune into Mid-Valley Mutations on KLFM.org to hear Mini-Mutations join Dylan Houser for a digital back-yard BBQ, where both of us perform LIVE… just like it was the 4th of July.

Perhaps an important point right now: If I had my way, we would burn everything to the ground, and we would not have any of the current forms of government running our country, and most likely, I’d turn to a council of local women to lead each regional district. That is the only acceptable form of government to me.

Every square inch of our current system is garbage. But, I also understand that, under Trump, it is unlikely that the garbage will ever be taken out, under any circumstances.

If I want to have any hope of burning everything to the ground and starting over in a way that doesn’t give the richest people in the country the upper hand, I have to vote against him.

I don’t get to have my anarchist future if the actual racist in power is calling the shots.

Dinsdale.

It’s true.

The same applies if people mention they’ve read Tom Clancy. But he is my mortal enemy.

Got a fair amount of radio work done today.

But at the cost of not paying attention to anything else.

So… not the worst thing?

Or, maybe, you just want a letter, and you would like me to start the habit. Just let me know.

Zing!

I liked this one, but it’s a silly one.

“I don’t understand a single word.”

Why is everything on the Nurse With Wound List so expensive to procure?

Phone call Saturday! Thanks for the chat, Lob Instagon! It’s nice to have contact with the outside world!

“Fred Rogers was given a copy of the first season of Monty Python’s Flying Circus on videotape in 1974, and brought it home to show to his teenage sons. Years later, his sons recalled that while Rogers hated any kind of cruel humor, he had a fondness for the absurd, and found the Dead Parrot Sketch particularly hilarious.”

I really hope this is true.

I caught them cleaning each other.

Nap time. #CatDad.

I need a workout buddy. I’m mostly stuck at home during the day and it is so easy to just not do anything and take a nap instead. I should at least start doing some of that three times a week minimum BS, or even better, once a day.

I have never had a consistent work out routine, so I have no idea what I would do. In college, I loved the free yoga classes I took, but I’m terrible at poses, and usually need a lot of patience. Half of looking for a workout buddy is so I can get reminded to keep at it by someone I don’t want to let down.

Maybe that’s you? We could even just go for walks and talk on the phone.

Who’s game?

I can’t tell you how happy the rain makes me.

I hope the rumor about Vern Rumsey is not true. That would be a massive loss. Anyone else know if this is true?

“Lemming, Lemming, Lemming of the BDA!”

“It’s all in a day’s work for… Bicycle Repairman!”

Songs about the number 24, or lyrics with the number 24 in the song? Ramones and Happy Mondays seem obvious. What am I forgetting?

If it’s not a Vitaphone Warner Bros. cartoon, what’s the point?

I’m emotionally out of control.
Time for Dead Moon.

I gotta say, I feel like a superhero wearing this one.

It’s true.