Hello everyone,
Yes, it’s Winter, it’s dark, it’s cold, I’m kinda hibernating.
Here, things are kinda alright. Sort of. Omicron has arrived. We’re beating records of infections. I’m trying to dodge the virus. Yes, I realize that I start a lot of my posts here with pandemic updates. Well, I don’t know about where you are, but here, it kinda has replaced the weather as introductory small talk.
Actually, I’m thinking about writing about life during the pandemic bit more in detail (on a blog, not here). At first, it seemed pointless, as we’re all in it. However, talking with different people from different countries, I have the feeling that not many people actually know how daily life is far from where they are. The truth is that many parts of the world are dealing with it (or not) in very different ways. So maybe, it could be interesting. What do you think?
My classes have been back online for a bit more than a week now. Luckily, the semester is coming to an end, and I always spend the second half of February and March “quarantined” in my office anyway, even when there is no pandemic.
Oh, yesterday, I had my first “Zoom cat” by the way. The student was a bit embarrassed that her cat crashed the class this way. I did find it cute and endearing actually.
Alright, you’re here for the links to my blogs, so here they are:
Japan
I did write (and posted pictures) about the outdoor art that can be found around the Benesse House Museum on Naoshima. If you’re into art, Japan and/or seascapes, you should like it. There’s also a video with it. It’s embedded in the post, but you also can access it directly there:
Walking around Naoshima’s Benesse House outdoor art.
Yes, it says “part one.” There’s more to come.
Not Naoshima. Just people harvesting seaweed near my house.
Liminal Web
Still commemorating David Bowie, I republished something I wrote after his passing. Basically, some thoughts as well as an anthology of his songs which are the most meaningful to me.
You also can find a picture of the Carcassonne Castle’s tower. (if you missed the longer post mentioned in the last newsletter, it hasn’t gone anywhere and you can still read it of course).
Swamp Media
The Swamp is a bit quiet these days. Most of its authors have been busy with life. However, Gator has published a small Lego webcomic where he shares his thoughts about a lot of Westerners’ attitudes towards the Omicron variant of Covid-19.
He also started to use Instagram if silly Lego comics are your thing. He also said that he’ll be more active on Twitter.
Music
Talking about friends, The Less Dead has just released a new album that is probably one of his best. You can listen to it (and buy it if you liked it) on Bandcamp (I’m sure it’s also on the other music listening and buying platforms).
Writing
OK, I’m kinda scared to do it, but I feel that I should. I started writing fiction in English. Not gonna lie, I’m a bit “insecure” about the whole thing - English not being my native language and all that - but I feel that I have to try. It’s not online yet, but stay tuned, if that’s something you’re interested in.
OK, I think that’s all for now.
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Take care of yourselves, and see you around.