Philip Van Munching
@philipvm.bsky.social
Husband, dad, grandad, NYT bestselling author, voracious reader of crime/mystery, voracious eater of Chocolate Fudge Pop-Tarts. Slightly above average dancer. FTHC.
Here because that other place is…fetid.
philipvanmunching.com
Here because that other place is…fetid.
philipvanmunching.com
Just not understanding your math: 2025 was at least 12 years long…
January 1, 2026 at 11:47 AM
Just not understanding your math: 2025 was at least 12 years long…
Lots of great books this year, but my favorite - and it wasn’t close - was @louberney.bsky.social’s big-hearted crime masterpiece (and masterfully constructed family saga) “Crooks.” Can’t count the number of folks I’ve gotten to read it, and to a person, they’ve been blown away.
December 31, 2025 at 4:10 AM
Lots of great books this year, but my favorite - and it wasn’t close - was @louberney.bsky.social’s big-hearted crime masterpiece (and masterfully constructed family saga) “Crooks.” Can’t count the number of folks I’ve gotten to read it, and to a person, they’ve been blown away.
From Russia with Affection
December 26, 2025 at 4:56 PM
From Russia with Affection
I did! (Probably broke the pull-string, knowing me.)
December 25, 2025 at 11:14 PM
I did! (Probably broke the pull-string, knowing me.)
The Rescue Rig came to the rescue of Evel Knievel MANY times in our basement.
December 25, 2025 at 9:21 PM
The Rescue Rig came to the rescue of Evel Knievel MANY times in our basement.
Got the same present, from my (now favorite) daughter. Now: make it so! (And merry Christmas.)
December 25, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Got the same present, from my (now favorite) daughter. Now: make it so! (And merry Christmas.)
Saw their tour behind that album, where they basically did what you’re describing. No shade to Styx, and it was…not good. (Tommy Shaw was killer, though, as was J.Y.)
December 8, 2025 at 1:08 AM
Saw their tour behind that album, where they basically did what you’re describing. No shade to Styx, and it was…not good. (Tommy Shaw was killer, though, as was J.Y.)
Same here. (But my declaration that Aaron Taylor-Johnson would replace him - made right after seeing him in “Bullet Train” - doesn’t seem to be coming to pass. 🤷🏻♂️)
December 5, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Same here. (But my declaration that Aaron Taylor-Johnson would replace him - made right after seeing him in “Bullet Train” - doesn’t seem to be coming to pass. 🤷🏻♂️)
And now we know just how low disgraced pundits will sink: just watch Halperin nod along…
December 2, 2025 at 4:18 PM
And now we know just how low disgraced pundits will sink: just watch Halperin nod along…
That was my first thought: “oh, look who has to lick the kneecaps of MAGA-slime podcasters to stay relevant.”
December 2, 2025 at 3:27 PM
That was my first thought: “oh, look who has to lick the kneecaps of MAGA-slime podcasters to stay relevant.”
…and also, really not.
December 1, 2025 at 9:26 PM
…and also, really not.
Did the tree, today. Still my favorite ornament.
November 28, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Did the tree, today. Still my favorite ornament.
I agree…if it has actual teeth, and isn’t just a way to appease their constituents -hi! That’d include me! - who are screaming for a change in leadership.
November 25, 2025 at 1:52 PM
I agree…if it has actual teeth, and isn’t just a way to appease their constituents -hi! That’d include me! - who are screaming for a change in leadership.
Just watch: that plaque will be removed any minute, now…
November 25, 2025 at 2:36 AM
Just watch: that plaque will be removed any minute, now…
I *think* he’s referring to the fact that the reporters/editors weren’t allowed to just go ahead and quote the con man as saying “we both fucked you.”
November 21, 2025 at 2:00 PM
I *think* he’s referring to the fact that the reporters/editors weren’t allowed to just go ahead and quote the con man as saying “we both fucked you.”
(I’ll hasten to add I don’t like the ending…but I got what Bigelow was doing.)
November 16, 2025 at 1:33 AM
(I’ll hasten to add I don’t like the ending…but I got what Bigelow was doing.)
SPOILER ALERT: Does Cohen not get that the ending is deliberately vague…as in, maybe there WASN’T an explosion. The point is that the president faces the impossible choice of launching strikes not knowing for sure a.) if there’s actually an armed nuclear warhead and b.) if so, who launched it.
November 16, 2025 at 1:31 AM
SPOILER ALERT: Does Cohen not get that the ending is deliberately vague…as in, maybe there WASN’T an explosion. The point is that the president faces the impossible choice of launching strikes not knowing for sure a.) if there’s actually an armed nuclear warhead and b.) if so, who launched it.
It breaks my heart to read this, Walter; please know that your your writing has been a bright spot in a shitty time, for me, and I appreciate you so damned much.
November 14, 2025 at 4:43 AM
It breaks my heart to read this, Walter; please know that your your writing has been a bright spot in a shitty time, for me, and I appreciate you so damned much.
Don’t dream it…be-ee it. (Also? Haven’t missed WaPo for a damned minute.)
November 11, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Don’t dream it…be-ee it. (Also? Haven’t missed WaPo for a damned minute.)
What Devin said; my point was that I really expected more leadership from our junior senator. He talks a good game (including the right curse words!), but until he admits our leadership is awful and pushes to change it, it’s JUST talk.
November 10, 2025 at 11:47 PM
What Devin said; my point was that I really expected more leadership from our junior senator. He talks a good game (including the right curse words!), but until he admits our leadership is awful and pushes to change it, it’s JUST talk.
Succinctly said. I watched this video, heard “you’re angry, I’m angry,” and thought, “You know what the difference between us is? If YOU call for Schumer to be ousted, it can make a difference.” So fucking do it, Senator.
November 10, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Succinctly said. I watched this video, heard “you’re angry, I’m angry,” and thought, “You know what the difference between us is? If YOU call for Schumer to be ousted, it can make a difference.” So fucking do it, Senator.
In fairness, the whole thing had to be approved and overseen by Nvidia.
November 6, 2025 at 12:27 PM
In fairness, the whole thing had to be approved and overseen by Nvidia.
Also, he supports Dom’s inaccurate and over-inclusive use of the word “family.”
October 29, 2025 at 1:55 AM
Also, he supports Dom’s inaccurate and over-inclusive use of the word “family.”
…also happened to be the title of an early Robert B. Parker Spenser novel. (Which, thanks to this thread, I’m now pronouncing correctly!)
October 27, 2025 at 2:31 PM
…also happened to be the title of an early Robert B. Parker Spenser novel. (Which, thanks to this thread, I’m now pronouncing correctly!)