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Noise
Hey there. Me again. I am writing this during the Georgia snowpocalypse on January 10th. I’m making light of it because we Georgians don’t have a clue when it comes to snow. We’re far enough south not to have the proper road equipment, but just enough north to occasionally see the white stuff. Most times, it’s ice, which just shuts us down altogether. Right now, looking out my window, we have—shriek!—an inch. Not a single car has traveled down my road in hours. This is probably for the best. God help anyone who comes across a Georgian attempting to drive today.
Yep, I’m being snarky. I feel I have the right to for various reasons. One, I’ve lived far enough north in a city (Washington, DC) that has the proper resources to function in inclement weather. Today would be just another day for them. Also, I’m a native Georgian and reserve all self-deprecating rights. I’m wise enough to know not to venture out during even the mildest of winter weather here. I’ve witnessed the previous three days of pandemonium on both television and at my local Sam’s Club. The end-times are near, you know... and folks need wine and toilet paper!
I promise I won't get too political, but I will say this all seems metaphorical to me. With an inauguration around the corner and people acting like life is reality show programming, I’m pre-fatigued from just the promise of crazy. Whether it’s media hype or the real deal, I’m already hearing of Operation Occupy Greenland and the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico. I just can’t deal with all the noise. That’s what it is, by the way. Distraction after distraction in a world over-saturated with nonsensical media bullshit.
Here’s a metaphor for you. I have tinnitus. If you don’t know, it’s a constant ringing in the ears from overexposure to loud noise (yes, too many rock concerts, among other things). I’m told you can treat it with hearing aids. But so far I’ve elected to live with the crickets in my head. If the drone ever gets too bad, who knows? Maybe I’ll give hearing aids a whirl. I’m doubtful of a cure, though.
Our country (and most of the world) has tinnitus, too.
We live with it.
It’s deafening.
I enjoy—even crave—media silence these days. Aside from my group activity on Facebook, I’ve pretty much pulled the plug on all social platforms. From what I see scrolling, it’s a vast and endless barrage of distractions, misinformation, and manufactured infotainment, offering just enough dopamine to be addictive. Now, with the news of Zuckerberg pretty much allowing free rein on Facebook, I’m not sure what to do. I use the platform for two sparse, yet important reasons.
Keeping in contact with distant friends and relatives. As a way to connect with readers and promote my work.
Don’t worry. I’m not going anywhere… yet. I’m not one of those tiresome folks who preach fleeing the country after every election. There are enough Chicken Littles out there cheeping that the sky is falling. God forbid I contribute to the crickets.
But I do want to stress the importance of this newsletter you’re subscribed to. Because one day it may be our only connection. I may disappear from social media–Facebook particularly–any day now.
Involuntarily.
I say this because no less than four times recently have I had posts pulled and been warned for admin violations going against FB’s community standards. First of all, I don’t have a PA (personal assistant) like many other authors. I do everything myself. When you see a post, aside from a handful of the more active group members, it’s me. And, yes, I do like to post pictures of hot semi-clad men. But I go out of my way to make sure personal anatomy is never revealed and even cover up even the slightest bulges sometimes with a sticker.
[For your enjoyment, I will post the violating pictures below. As an ongoing treat, I may share others that I fear posting on FB in future newsletters… both safe and NSFW. Let me know your thoughts. There are many that I edit solely for your protection! 😉]
It’s ridiculous, honestly. Just like the movie rating system where it’s fine to show a man’s head obliterated with an automatic weapon, but anathema to show a guy's chubby. How dare you?! You are condemned!
Anyway, you get my point. Tell folks you know who like my writing and/or my Facebook group about my newsletter. You can personally attest that I don’t send out many, but I do try to stay in touch. One day, it may be all we have. Folks can also read samples at timothywarren.net.
I think I'll start a monthly post in the FB group about my potentially swimming with the fishes as well. Just in case...
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