Some of those bad actors are undoubtedly cops. No, not all cops. Just enough of them. It doesn’t take many. [too many links to cite – who do you think started all this?]
So, week 1 of full-time telework + social distancing and I’m hanging together.
It’s not been total lockdown – I’ve taken a couple of walks in the park though it’s tricky finding a time when everyone isn’t having the same idea. I think everyone is still sorting out the difficulties of keeping 6 feet distance (the entrance to the park is narrow enough that really only one person can go in or out at a time, so pauses to sniff the roses hold up everyone). Also it’s still rainy and chilly. So I’m still doing a lot indoors. But I’m making good use of my time (because anxiety hates idleness).
Yes! This is biweekly links with a theme! First off, keeping active:
Rockville Fencing Academy coach Aklesso’s at-home workout (YouTube): the footwork in particular works up a sweat. The blade work I’m not sure I have enough room to do – I risk both my basement wall and ceiling trying the “around the back” infighting seen at 18:00.
Vermont Fencing Alliance’s cat toy fencing drills #1 (YouTube): because I have cat toys…everywhere. Though I will likely make a tennis-ball-in-sock target of my own I may well find my cats chasing it because it’s in the house, so it must be theirs.
Keeping my brain moving:
Masterclass: Neil Gaiman Teaches the Art of Storytelling: this link probably shows up on your social media all the time and so may not need more props from me but 2 lessons in I think it’s worth the hype. This is also social – I’m taking it with a couple of friends. And if it goes well there are any number of other writing classes to take (hey, look at that, I posted a writing thing!)
Helping out:
Calling All People Who Sew And Make: You Can Help Make Masks For 2020 Healthcare Worker PPE Shortage: there are some maskpatterns floating around out there for homemade PPE. At first I was skeptical as there’s no way I can make something equivalent to the protection of medical-grade filters. But, a friend who works in public health (hi Lydia!) assured me it’s necessary due to shortages – something is better than nothing. And sewing is something I can do. I’m using Mark Lewis’ pattern because it includes a pocket for additional filters. Not sure where I’ll send them yet but there are plentyofoptions.
Just waiting on the rest of the supplies.
MarylandUnites: I have reservations about Governor Hogan but overall I think he’s handling the coronavirus crisis well—in part by consolidating ways to help on this one handy page. I’ve made two donations: cash to my local food bank and blood to the Red Cross (which is safe and desperately needed). I’m sure every state will come up with similar efforts in the coming weeks if they haven’t already – Google is your friend.
The first time I’ve donated since 9/11. I should get into a regular habit.
Taking a break from the travelogue because I’ve got a busy week:
Welcome to the Witch Capital of Norway: Vardø never capitalized on its bloody history in the manner of Salem MA, but it does have some stark monuments to the 1621 burnings. The article also includes some beautiful but bleak photos of the town as it is today.
Murder in the Mountains—AT Murderer left creepy occult clues at cache site: Randall Lee Smith, the “Appalachian Trail Murderer”, spent fifteen years in jail for killing two hikers in 1981 and upon release lived quietly…until he attempted another double killing in 2008. After Smith died authorities found his eerie outdoor cache of women’s underwear, glasses…and audio tapes of supposed magical rituals (stolen from the movie “The Craft”?). I can’t link directly to the “My Favorite Murder” podcast episode about Smith but if you want to know more that seems a good place to start.
I was a latecomer to Coast to Coast AM, only listening once the show became available online in the 1990s. His subject matter revived my childhood obsession with all things weird and I enjoyed Art Bell’s rare ability to ask informed questions without appearing to pass judgment on any guest, no matter how off the wall. I was surprised and saddened to learn of his passing this past April 13th (a Friday. Of course).
So in memory of one of the first* and arguably greatest paranormal broadcasters I’m posting my personal list of his spiritual children: the podcasters of the strange and mysterious.
Some caveats: This list is just what I listen to regularly and is no way complete–please feel free to include your favorites in the comments! I put them in alphabetical order and while I’ve highlighted occasional favorite episodes or series you can generally jump in anywhere.
Astonishing Legends: hosts Scott Philbrook and Forrest Burgess are backed by a huge volunteer “Astonishing Research Corps”. As such their shows tend to be long (but never dull) and well-researched. Their 4-parter on the still unidentified Somerton Man is representative: part 1, 2a, 2b, 3.
Binnall of America: host Tim Binnall posts new episodes on an irregular basis; usually paranormal/esoteric with the occasional “Lost” or Wrestlemania episode. Repeat guest microbiologist Tyler Kokjohn always brings much-needed critical analysis of wilder claims.
Dreamland: A Coast to Coast spinoff now hosted by Whitley Strieber of “Communion” fame. The most recent episode is free and the rest are subscription only with the rare exception, like the 2017 year-end extravaganza.
MonsterTalk: “the science show about monsters” is ostensibly a debunking party-pooper but I value the careful skepticism hosts Blake Smith and Dr. Karen Stollznow bring to the table. I particularly enjoyed their two parter with author Guy Lyon Playfair (also RIP) about the Enfield Poltergeist: part 1, 2.
Mysterious Universe: out of Australia since 2006 (!) and currently hosted by Benjamin Grundy, this is the first place I ever heard about the Dodleston messages.
Night Time Podcast: Canada-focused and not exclusively paranormal; indeed host Jordan Bonaparte’s strongest episodes deal with unsolved disappearances. See the Emma Fillipoff is Missing series; Missing Maura Murray part 1, 2.
Project Archivist: strange history and weird phenomena with occasional ventures into pure pop cultural silliness. Roejen and Lobo’s interview with Church of the Subgenius’ Ivan Stang is a scream. Full disclosure, I’ve appeared on this show, though my interview is no longer online.
Radio Misterioso: long running show hosted by iconoclast Greg Bishop. His interview with Dr. Diana Walsh Pasulka about UFOs as modern religion has me looking forward to “American Cosmic” for a (hopefully) very new take on the phenomenon.
Unexplained: story-telling in posh English accent; their 3 parter on magician/rocket scientist Jack Parsons is both illuminating and disturbing: part 1, 2, 3
Tom DeLonge on JRE: “You Don’t Know What I Know About UFOs (But I Can’t Tell You): Um, yeahhhhh. I’m suspicious of anyone who claims to have The Truth™, especially when they claim they can’t share it – such people are either selling something or being sold something. In DeLonge’s case it might be both: he’s promoting a book that claims to reveal true secrets via fiction, while his unnamed “top government advisors” may be using him for…who the hell knows what. Or maybe the controversy is just fueled by jealous veteran UFO researchers resentful of a newbie with fame and connections. Should I bother to read this, just to figure out what the fuss is about?
Religion vs. Superstition: Subtitled “Is Religion Just Organized Superstition? Is Superstition Always Religious?” And yeah, I know I’m wading into a minefield. Talk amongst yourselves.
Sometime back I asked if y’all had any interest in a link dump of esoteric/occult/paranormal-oriented publishers and bookstores. The response was a resounding “yes”, so I’ve scoured my bookmarks for you!
I’ve not shopped with all of of these, so I can’t vouch for quality of customer service or wares in all cases. Additionally, given the controversial and strange subject matter I can’t vouch for the credibility of all content either. Use your critical thinking.
And as ever, feel free to include your own favorites in the comments!
Salamander and Sons: “esoteric, occult, and arcane book publishers”; their Modern Magistery imprint focuses on modern practices and their Unearthed Arcana revolves around historical practitioners and facsimilies of old manuscripts.
Teitan Press: publisher of scholarly works primarily focused on Aliester Crowley and Frederick Hockley.
Nephilim Press: “a trade publication that specializes in the rare and unique subject areas of the occult and arcane, that many major publishing companies consider too controversial to print”. Apparent focus on grimoires contemporary and historic.
Scarlet Imprint: founded in 2007 to publish a “progressive catalogue of books on the Western magical tradition, witchcraft, the African Diaspora religions, esoteric poetry, drama & occulture”. Their online journal is up to date and includes a post with videos from last year’s Trans-States conference, featuring keynote speaker Alan Moore.
Feral House: “innovative and celebrated non-fiction books since 1989”. A very mixed bag; the front page alone features a Muhammed Ali coloring book, a canning and fermenting guide, and a history of the Process Church of the Final Judgment. These plus their categories of “realpolitik”, “kulture”, “crime”, “sex”, and “death” suggests an eye-opening browsing experience if nothing else.
Steamshovel Press: zine founded by veteran conspiracy theorist Kenn Thomas in 1992, they boast “All conspiracy. No theory”. Go here for a plate of UFOs and JFK with sides of lesser-known rabbit holes.
Darklore: “journal of exceptional observations, hidden history, the paranormal and esoteric science”. Based on the URL I think they’re associated with the Daily Grail website. Hat tip GeeCee.
Paraview Press “publishes unique and original books by well-known authors and researchers in the paranormal, spiritual, UFO, and conspiracy-theory field”. I’m mostly familiar with them for publishing much of Nick Redfern’s prodigious output.
Rubedo Press “publishes works of scholarship, philosophy, æsthetics, and esotericism, as well as critical translations of source texts previously unavailable in English”. For what it’s worth, “For explicitly scholarly projects, Rubedo Press offers a strict double-blind peer-review process, drawing on an international panel of interdisciplinary authorities.”
Correspondences: “online journal for the academic study of Western esotericism”; comes out once a year.
Atlantis Bookshop: self-proclaimed “London’s oldest independent occult bookshop”, they have a limited online presence but have long been London’s esoteric hub, hosting Gerald Gardner‘s coven among others.
Crystal Blue: this shop has been in Atlanta since I was a little quasi-goth wandering around Little Five Points. Crystals, books, and more.
Hledající knihy: online esoteric bookseller out of Prague. Most offerings in Czech; I include for completion’s sake.
Book Reviews:
Magonia Review of Books: formerly a magazine and now an extensive book review site, I’ve found it a valuable resource to find the wheat in this chaff-heavy field. Based out of England, they host regular Magonians In the Pub meetups so check them out if you’re in the neighborhood.
And bonus:
Esoteric Book Conference: Seattle-based conference, the latest information is from last year. No word yet on 2017 though given that it goes back to 2009, I’m hopeful.
Strange days, the weeks around Christmas and new years. I find it difficult to keep motivated due to the disruption in schedule (and a nice cold I’m working on – achoo!) Certainly not a time to start anything new. So I thought I’d review:
Finally finished gathering comments on my first draft and started proper rewrites!
How Witchcraft On Facebook Is Helping People Grieve – spells cast through Facebook Live. The author found her online ritual unsatisfying but allows that others may find solace in online pagan communities.
Bad Witch Workout Is Where Squats and Spells Go Hand in Hand – while some parts I don’t get (makeup while working out??) the bit about “so many exercise classes…feel alienating if you’re a weirdo or a goth or a punk-rock kid or a riot girl or a feminist” does sound familiar. Workouts for the weird with a dose of spirituality can’t be a bad thing.
Changes in my day job dictate that I’m spending much of my usual writing time looking for my next gig. Blogging may be sparse, but I’ll try to post bits when I can.
For this week, I share some of my favorite writing and writing business websites:
We Are Not Alone: Kristen Lamb – Lamb’s focus is author branding through social media, and she makes her case with tough but snarky posts. Her Good Girls Don’t Become Best-Sellers helped me get a lot more comfortable with talking myself up. Lots of good info here on promotion, writing, and writer self-care to prevent burnout.
Terrible Minds – Chuck Wendig – Frames writing advice in a rude, wildly funny manner. Includes “Five Things I learned Writing” guest posts and flash fiction challenges. Check out his writing books (more linked below the fold) for solid advice made hilarious.
Writing Excuses – the long-running podcast offers 15 minute episodes with guests, writing prompts, and golden advice on all aspects of the writing business – check their tag cloud. I may put the Impostor Syndrome episode on repeat! There’s even a transcript site if you can’t listen.
Bafflin’ Island: The Mystery of Frobisher’s Ore – English privateer Martin Frobisher commanded three mining voyages to what is now Canada in the 1570s. His personal assayers found such persuasive evidence of gold that his ships hauled tons of ore back to England only to discover it was worthless. Were Frobisher’s assayers incompetent or frauds?
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