A world without Tolkien would be very grey. In my episode of Talking Shop, from MasterClass Original Series, I talk about my love for Tolkien, and what I learned from him about creative writing, facing the impossible and creating fantasy worlds.

https://www.masterclass.com/series/talking-shop?utm_source=instructor&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=pp_%7C_inso_-_ng2_%7C_all

We must end extreme nationalism, also called fascism. We often look to Germany for barbaric crimes against humanity. Japan, a country I love have learnt by their past mistakes. Extreme nationalism, looking to an extreme autocratic leader is not the way.

https://www.historynet.com/a-culture-of-cruelty/

Good Morning Mastodon. Respect the Great Nature.

The torii gateway is a distinctive symbol of Shinto. Although stylized over the centuries, it was probably originally a simple rope hung between two trees or posts to mark off an area considered sacred. In large shrines, there is often a succession of torii leading up the approach road to the principal building where rituals are conducted.

So this is my second proper day of Mastodon.

Boost if you are staying. Are you happy here? Reply to boost your account. 🖖

Another wave...

#TwitterMigration

Here is the suspension notice received by @JxckS, the owner of a Twitter account that used public information to tweet the activities of Elon Musk’s private plane. Elon had promised to allow the account, but today said, Nah.

As predicted in last week’s comic, Elon is using a transparently nonsensical definition of “spam” to shut down accounts. If he doesn’t like it, he deems it “spam.”