Give To Charity, Not To Corporations!
And a brief tribute to one of my biggest supporters.
Hello, friends! I am super overwhelmed with work and rehearsals — I had four multi-hour sessions this week, two of which I led, and that doesn’t include practicing at home either, lolsob. I haven’t even had time to do art class this week! — so let’s see how much I can quickly cram into this newsletter.
First off, check out the RPGs For Accessible Gaming bundle over on itch.io, with proceeds going to a terrific cause. For a minimum donation of USD10, you get over 200 role-playing related games and aids from over 100 creators. Money raised by this bundle will help fund braille dice for the blind and visually impaired.
Top Shelf Books is also running an amazing comics Humble Bundle benefiting the BINC Foundation, a charity we’ve discussed here before. For a minimum donation of USD18, you get 19 terrific graphic novels from the likes of Alan Moore, Jeff Lemire and Dave Baker, including From Hell, Lost Dogs and the stellar Mary Tyler Moorehawk.
That said, there’s a consumer boycott going on tomorrow, if you’re inclined to join us. Basically, it encourages consumers to not spend any money on February 28th, and especially at retailers who’ve rolled back their commitments to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. These include Amazon, Target, Walmart and McDonald’s. Who doesn’t need a day to give the old wallet a rest, after all? Some of my friends and I are essentially taking the day off from shopping anywhere but directly from small businesses, if at all.
And remember, small changes do matter. If Amazon, for example, is the only place you can get a certain item or service (such as Prime Video, which I can’t quit,) it’s fine to keep using Amazon for those specific things. But you can use Bookshop for physical and digital books and games. I recently went to HMart to get the Asian coffees and snacks I usually have delivered to me by the ‘zon. So many small business would love your direct order. You don’t have to quit the site entirely, but to quote writer and editor Tea Fougner:
If everyone divested 30% that’s more than if a few people divest 100%.
Unsurprisingly, I have had very little time to play games this week, but I did just complete this very fun What Vegetable Are You quiz, with this result (that was also shared by my eldest kid!):
That aside, I did half of the logic puzzles in G T Karber’s Murdle Jr. Vol 1: Curious Crimes for Curious Minds while I was reviewing the book. Personally, I found this kid’s/Middle Grade gamebook much more charming than the online version, and am eager to play and read the subsequent volumes.
I also really enjoyed reading Robell Awake’s A Short History Of Black Craft In Ten Objects. I was glad to have been able to cover it in time for Black History Month over at The Frumious Consortium, not only because it relates important stories but also because it inspires readers to learn more about the artistry and craftsmanship around them, especially if you’re living in the USA.
Ofc, living in the USA right now feels like I’m under constant mental siege, as I’m sure it must feel for so many of you, too. Join me over on BlueSky if you haven’t already. I do spend a lot of time talking about my beloved Arsenal football team there — in addition to books, games and politics — so consider yourself warned.
Finally, I want to pay tribute to my late mother-in-law, who passed away peacefully in the hospital this past Friday at the age of 75. She was a fervent supporter of my writing, and probably believed in me more than I did myself. Our entire family will miss her kindness and warmth.
Yikes, I still have two drafts to write and then I have to practice cello tonight ahead of our performance tomorrow. See you in seven, friends!
Currently Playing (Music): Mozart’s Prague Symphony; Peter Warlock’s Capriol Suite; my Declan Rice and 2025 Energy playlists; Phantom Planet; Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
Currently Playing (Games): The Light In The Mist puzzletale, The Wild Beyond The Witchlight, Metazooa by Trainwreck Labs, Learned League trivia, NYT Connections, Duotrigordle, Your Friend In Witchcraft by Kay Marlow Allen.
Currently Reading/Writing (Games): Ghosts Of Saltmarsh.
Currently Reading or Just Read (Books): The Lost House by Melissa Larsen; How Do I Wonder? by Gianna Davy & Brenda Rodriguez; Murdle Jr. Vol 1: Curious Crimes for Curious Minds by G.T. Karber; The Business Trip by Jesse Garcia; A Short History Of Black Craft In Ten Objects by Robell Awake; When I Hear Spirituals by Cheryl Willis Hudson & London Ladd; Killing Me Souffle by Elly Alexander.