There’s nothing like Southwest Diner brunch with @gatewaygroupie.com to refill your soul tank! Julie you are a stellar human and I’m deeply grateful for your lasting friendship and perspective.

Thanks random person, I appreciate being seen.

Two American dudes hanging out at the mall, as you do. @bunnydelgado.bsky.social, how have we known each other for almost 30 years? This increasingly uncertain world feels a lot more certain with you in it. I’m grateful for you, your friendship & support, and for the time we can spend together.

In nicer news, it’s Friday, there’s a new Manic Street Preachers album out, the sun came out for the second day in a row, and I picked up this box of cute little cakes for Susan for Valentine’s Day.

Gonna tell my kids this was Pet Shop Boys.

Zazie just looked at the cover of Beck’s “Sea Change” and asked me if it was Gotye.

A+ holiday gift, finally assembled on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

Made one last visit to Earthbound yesterday with @lampetj.bsky.social before they close their doors for good on December 8th after 10 years. I’ll miss the weird beer and I’ll miss the community that they fostered as an impeccable third place. @gatewaygroupie.bsky.social - you were with me in spirit!

I wrote for webmag Playback:stl from 2008 until its demise in 2017. I still have an archive of my reviews. Today I ended up listening to Bright Eyes’ 2011 album “The People’s Key” and recalled I wrote about it for the site. I’ve improved as a writer since then. I always enjoyed doing the RIYLs.

Bob looks like a guy at the farmer’s market who’s about to unleash the sickest banjo solo you’ve ever heard.

“You can’t get to heaven being hateful
This is what it looks like when we’re joyful”
Craig Finn, Off Broadway, STL. 11.18.24

The way out is through.