The Vice Grip of Time
Art by Konstantin Korobov
It’s been a weird week for me. A lot of scrambling, a lot of following up, a lot of motion/non-motion on all fronts. Also, I feel like I’ve been grieving a lot of things, but I feel like it’s a part of aging. I’m only 34 winters worn and flourishing, but more and more things I’ve loved are falling out of existence.
I just found out Aunt Jemima's syrup doesn’t exist anymore and neither does Uncle Ben. They actually have different names now, but they might as well be dead. Really fucked up considering it’s Black History month too. Chalk these deaths up to sensitivity politics and the woke era. I have so many memories tied to these food products growing up. It’s weird knowing a few generations down the line will have no tangible connection to these relics of the past.
And I almost forgot to mention ralan.com died as well.
For those of you out of the know, this was a popular short story submission website. They would let you know about anthologies, magazines, and website open to submissions. Back when I was 17-18 winters old, I would scour these websites, targeting certain venues and shooting stories out into the ether, hoping my stuff would be picked up.
I used this website for more than 16 years to find short story markets. They thrived off donations, but I guess the well dried up and the plug was pulled. Nowadays, I rely on Duotrope, Horrortree, a few other places, and a couple of people on Twitter for the latest story markets. Still, this death hit close to home and makes me sad.
Even earlier today, I was drinking tequila with a friend admiring the beauty of the California mountainsides while listening to Juelz Santana. There will come a time where kids won’t even know the brilliance of Dipset. But what can you do except surrender to the onslaught of time and continue moving forward?
Is it okay if I talk my shit for second? I salute the HWA for doing a Black Heritage in Horror interview series and highlight black authors. However, this art is abysmal and ugly. African drums and Pan African themed squares. Yes, I’m being a hater, but this graphic designer could have tried being creative or just left the logo and Black Heritage in Horror with some scary shit in the background.
Jon Jones, the juiced GOAT, is returning to the fight game at UFC 285 against Ciryl Gane. Will he be able to perform in the heavyweight division? Is ring rust real? This little edit above has me hype though.
On the writing front, I experienced a series of ups and downs. Real life has been getting in the way, but that happens. You have to go with the flow. I made some progress on a tricky short story and I made some headway on Project Melancholy. I feel like
Currently Watching: Moon Knight & Ozark Season 1 & Love, Death & Robots Season 3
Currently Reading: God Damn Chainsaw Murderer by Sean M. Thompson & Blame! by Tsutomu Nihei & Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes & Gleipnir by Sun Takeda & Everybody Knows by Jordan Harper
I watched You People the other night and overall enjoyed it despite its comedic flaws. Jonah Hill and Lauren London have good chemistry and a good amount of the jokes hit the mark. However, some of the racial jokes came across kind of cringey and somewhat forced. Still, I respect Hill and Kenya Barris putting this movie together and taking risks especially in this sensitive day and age.
Currently Smoking: Seed & Strain Gelato
Currently Listening: Black Tapes Podcast & The Danny Brown Podcast
Sometimes I forget that Kali Uchis went to art school back in the day. These artistic sensibilities come out in the beautiful yet sensual “I Wish you Roses.” Obviously she’s talking about you know what without directly saying it. That’s impressive in itself.
Masego’s one of my favorite modern jazz artists so it’s no surprise that I rock with his new single- “You Never Visit Me.” It’s a nice ballad exploring Masego’s yearning for some mystery girl, and loneliness.
Matt Ox spazzes over the beat for one minute and forty one seconds. Probably one of the few super young rappers I fuck with. Consistent and he can’t be scarred nor can he be hurt.
It’s good to see the Rich Forever conglomerate back in action. I thought Famous Dex was going to OD somewhere, but he’s seems to be doing okay and the trio sound great on “Where’s Dexter.” I’m excited to see what’s to come.
Until next time…