No Form, Little Function. Just Stuff : MWABT

For some, like jazz, this week's?Magpie With a Bow Tie?might be hard to follow. Do not be surprised if none of this makes sense.

'Tis the season where my brain and body compete for rest. I accommodate both because I'm a giver.

I am used to writing in a more "academic" style, so I expect?Grammarly?to start telling me that I'm using contractions inconsistently. So be it. Here you go, brain. I grant you permission to work 5% below your baseline operating speed and intensity. Don't worry too much about contraction consistency. Only five people are paying attention to that specific detail.

Wanna know something else? My wedding ring doesn't fit anymore. I found this out on Tuesday. Of course, I promptly stepped on the scale. I had to "verify" that yes, indeed, I am wearing extra padding. Is it really "extra"? Maybe I am the exact weight I "should" be. Hm. Anyway, my internal monologue has become a savage landscape of self-conscious thoughts. Give yourself some grace, Andrew.

Consumed Content (Gonculator Input)

• The Fall?by Albert Camus. I prefer?The Stranger, but there is a lot to dissect. I suspect I will reread it someday.
• The Man from the Train?by Bill James and Rachel McCarthy James. Is it possible to identify a serial killer over 100 years after the crime? Fascinating story.
• Dig Deeper: The Disappearance of Birgit Meier. What a crazy story.
• Bad Surgeon: Love Under the Knife. Argh. Don't be an asshole.

Sundry / Miscellaneous

• Birthday?weeks are great. If it was your birthday this week, HAVE A HAPPY BIRTHDAY! We're birthday buddies.
• People I met for the first time or reconnected with this week: Robert Neer. We had a great conversation after far too many years.
• This wrap-up was brought to you by?F? A? ∞?by Godspeed You! Black Emperor.

Boilerplate

I write this newsletter to share my compassionate and slightly cynical view of the world. I plan on sharing original content and content from those I admire and respect.?Magpie With a Bow Tie?will grow and evolve.

Please invite your friends and colleagues to read and participate.

You should send questions, comments, and concerns to [email protected].