iPhone screenshot of WiFi settings, with the message “Unable to join the network ‘AlamoWifi’”
Meanwhile, at @alamodrafthouse.bsky.social.
We’re required to use our phones to order, where cell reception is minimal, and the in-house WiFi does not work.
The Alamo’s mobile ordering is a bad decision, poorly executed. Not ready for prime time.
Movie poster for the film EXIT 8, at the door to Auditorium 8 (labeled with a large lighted numeral 8). The movie poster depicts people walking on a möbius strip that bears tiles and signage like a train station.
Of course it’s playing in Theater 8.
I’d be so disappointed if it were anywhere else.
#alamodrafthouse #Exit8
#movie
Let’s watch Ray Harryhausen movies.
A movie couple that would definitely have a podcast.
GenX, pour one out for one of the architects of our childhood
www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/s...
The sea, seen from a Caribbean beach under a cloudy blue sky. Two catamarans and a power cruiser rest at anchor nearby.
If you’re In Search Of the new episode of the IMMP podcast — don’t worry. Matthew is on a day-job-related trip, so there’s a slight delay. It will be out this week.
Is Matthew also researching this week’s topic?
…maybe?
It’s the final weekend of the Public Access Kickstarter campaign! We’re currently trying to unlock our $450K stretch goal, Gathering Dust, a mystery inspired by Needful Things.
Please re-post!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/gau...
#ScribesAndMakers 4/9: Our next featured creator is a professor. Does any of your work involve professors and/or universities?
A WIP -- sequel next month's release -- features a university professor in the field of paranormal folklore and investigation.
Where my Lotteristas at?
Shout out to all my castle dwellers!
#ScribesAndMakers 4/7 Would your current creative project make a good game?
My upcoming QUESTIONS FOR THE DEAD (which I admit has some supernatural elements), and a cozier book I'm working on, might be good fits.
2/2
#ScribesAndMakers 4/7 Would your current creative project make a good game?
As a fan of BRINDLEWOOD BAY and PUBLIC ACCESS, I’d like try @jasoncordova.bsky.social’s innovative TTRPG mystery system in a setting *without* an over-arching supernatural conspiracy as found in those games.
1/2
I started using pince-nez reading glasses. Less to break, and they look ever so fancy.
Bloch’s book STRANGE EONS is probably my favorite Lovecraft-related work.
My psychic-mystery novel will be out in the world on May 19th, but pre-orders are a huge help!
bymatthewporter.com/questions/
Did you know that your whetstone will last longer if you don’t sharpen your guillotine after every single use?
Sometimes you just need to stare into the void, and say it looks good in that outfit.
For the IMMP #podcast I need to select several episodes of The Love Boat.
Is the proper pluralization "Love Boats" or "Loves Boat"?
Went to an actual local shoe store staffed by people who actually know a lot about shoes.
Got properly sized shoes for the first time in decades and the whole world is new again.
It feels profoundly unfair that I can't buy a big ebook omnibus with all of Georges Simenon's Inspector Maigret stories.
I'd happily drop a bunch of money on that, then blow through them like a family size box of Bugles.
#mystery #reading
It’s arm wrestle royale!
Last one with an unbroken wrist wins.
“I’ve never encountered anything like this in a roleplaying game." – Quintin Smith, Quinns Quest, Shut Up & Sit Down.
bit.ly/sevenpartpactks
#possumcreek #sevenpartpact #playsjgames
And on top of that are all the things I'm jazzed about in other peoples' writing, like:
• @delilahsdawson.bsky.social writing a SLEEPY HOLLOW comic!
• The @jasoncordova.bsky.social / @gauntletrpg.bsky.social kickstarter for the PUBLIC ACCESS ttrgp!
#WritersCoffeeClub 3/31: What are we celebrating regarding your writing this month?
Lots!
•For my upcoming book, I got very kind endorsements from peers, and a positive review from Kirkus.
•I reread my draft for the next in this series and liked it. (Not always true!)
Eager to get back to work.
Somehow the kickstarter for this very cool game finds ways to get even cooler.
Fewer than 400 more backers and we get a mystery written by @kierongillen.bsky.social !
What's a good thing to wake up to on a Monday morning?
An excellent review from Kirkus for an upcoming book.
That's a really good thing to wake up to.
#reading #writing #mystery #paranormal #crimefiction
www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews...
Monday morning, waiting for the Weed Man.
(Settle down. It’s not that weed man. It’s the lawn service guy who’s supposed to put down fertilizer today.)
Page from a novel: "I suppose he could have the phony sculpture, and maybe the remaining jars," Harris said. "Right. And if we can wrap up who pulled off the heist, and prove that Wells killed Vargas, that should clear Fielding." "All right," Harris said, "I'll leave you to it." He extended a hand to Mark. "It was good meeting you, Mark. Every time I meet one of Martin's associates, I'm impressed, but I had no idea he had an art expert in the bull pen." Mark shook the hand, but he gave a steely sideways glance at me. "Glad to meet you too," Mark told Harris, "and glad to help." With a nod, a wave, and a stop at the counter to pay for his extra cookie, Harris was out the door and driving away. A minute later Mark and I had followed him outside. A pair of sparrows hopped out of our way on the walk, pausing in their fight over a large bread crust to look up at us with sharp black eyes and give a synchronized chirp. "Well, Mark," I said, "looks like we have a few people to talk to." "Who asked you?" Mark demanded. I turned to him. "What the hell?" "Sorry," Mark said, gesturing down the path. "I was talking to the birds."
#ScribesAndMakers 3/30
Do birds ever feature in your work? Give an example.
A tiny bit?
In one scene in QUESTIONS FOR THE DEAD, Mark -- a psychic who can talk with animals -- appears to have a brief exchange with some rude, snarky sparrows.
Sailor Moon was the culmination of the magical girl genre, building on decades of development.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica was a real reinvention.
I also think that Puella Magi Madoka Magica reinvented the magical girl genre in a similar way.
(I’ve given a talk at anime conventions about this take on Evangelion and Madoka Magica. It’s kind of a hobby horse...)
Neon Genesis Evangelion reinvented the giant robot anime genre. There’s a definite pre/post Evangelion line.
It did this by calling the genre’s bluff — it explored just how dark and messed up the world would have to be if teenagers in mechs are our best hope for survival.