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I heard an odd noise, like an alien spaceship landing. There's a brood of periodic cicadas here! Brood XIV, a 17-year cicada.

"I seek not low entertainments," the demon intoned.
"Oooh. Gotcha. Zelazny. I think I've got that one."
Larry got up and starting looking through his bookcase until he found a well-thumbed paperback.
"Here ya go!"
The demon settled comfortably on the easy chair and began to read. (2/2) #wss366

The demon arrived, wreathed in flame and smoke.
"Dude!" Larry said. "How many times have I told ya not to do that! You're gonna set off the smoke detector again!"
"My name is #legion," the demon intoned. "For we are many."
"Oh! Wanna watch that movie? What is that, Roast Guider?" (1/2) #wss366

On the rooftop with a latte ready to write a wandering shop story.

Nice view from our hotel.

"She said complimentary things about both of you," he said. "She was impressed with how Forrest picks up trash in the restrooms."
"What?" the owl said, scowling.
"She recommended we have you continue that."
"What!?"
"But post a sign or people will think you're a bathroom pervert." (2/2) #wwss366

The next day the Ranger returned to duty. The bear and owl checked in at the ranger station.
"How are you feeling?" the bear asked.
"Back in the #pink!" he said. "How did things go with my replacement?"
"Fine," the bear said.
"We established a good working relationship," the owl said. (1/2) #wss366

I gave an invited talk here at James Madison University once: https://blog.bierfaristo.com/content/talk-4va-putting-horse-cart

After a long day on the road, at the Pale Fire Brewery in Harrisonburg with a village Green Imperial IPA.

He clacked his beak again, making her jump. "Three!"
With a series of explosive wing beats, he lifted off and flew out of the stall.
Melly realized she was done in the toilet. She tried to put her hair back in order before leaving.
"I hate that pukkin' owl," she grumbled to herself. (3/3) #wss366

He hissed suddenly and she jumped.
"I've been looking for you to check in before beginning work. I want to begin promptly. I live to #serve."
"Th-thank you," she said. "Now, can you go?"
"Alright," he said. "Are you ready?"
He leaned forward. "One!"
He spread his wings. "Two-hoo!" (2/3) #wss366

Melly began to shriek, but the owl leaned forward and clacked his beak only inches from her face. The scream died in her throat.
"Wh-What do you want?" she gasped.
"Forrest the Owl," he said. His merciless eyes bored into her. "Checking in."
"Couldn't you wait until I was done in here?" (1/3) #wss366

I have loved using Free Software since I discovered it many, many years ago. But I'm not sure I've ever loved it more than now, seeing commercial software getting all crufted up with AI shit and knowing that it won't affect me.

One thing I'm always conflicted about: people take beautiful pictures of the ocean or waterfalls for #SilentSunday, but I'm like, "No, those things make noise."

Panicked, Melly looked around frantically for a restroom.
Spotting one, she ran to it, and shut herself in a stall. She lowered her trousers and seated herself on the toilet.
With a flurry of wing beats, the owl dropped in from above and landed on the toilet seat between her legs. (3/3) #wss366

The whole time she felt an itch on the back of her neck like she was being watched. Even worse, her guts were churning.
A sudden shriek made her blood pressure spike. She nearly soiled herself, expecting the worst. But it was just a troop of Gyarakushīsukautos, playing a game. (2/3) #wss366

As people arrived, Melly walked through the picnic grounds nodding and smiling and interacting with the public. She helped resolve a minor dispute between two adjacent groups claiming the same grill. She observed the bear politely correcting people on fire safety. (1/3) #wss366

Ooh! For #KpopMonday #NumberSongs, it has to be「Touchdown」by TWICE. This is my favorite performance, with all the sparkly cheerleader outfits. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYhW-QMQ83o

I have finished grading. I only need to submit my final grades to the registrar and I will be done for the semester. I had a great bunch of students and it was a real pleasure to see what they'd achieved.

Now that the weather has turned, we can finally bring Tanuki-chan to The Works for a tasty treat. #DogsOfMastodon