iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 19/09/2026

One week from today, I’m going to an event dressed as The Party Wizard. I feel like I absolutely nailed it.

Picture of me as The Party Wizard: green sequin jacket, disco ball staff (which I made myself,) purple sparkly shirt, rhinestone-covered green belt, heart-shaped sunglasses, and a rainbow-pleated pride kilt.

Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 10/09/2026

Totally worth every penny the pledge I made to @rifftrax.com, the movie ticket tonight, and the Lake Ontario-sized beverage I bought at the theater.

Hurried photo I took of my photo and name in the Kickstarter section of the credits to tonight’s MST3K: The Rifftrax experiments episode at the theater tonight.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 09/09/2026

I believe this should give a sense of just how excited I am to see MST3K: The Rifftrax Experiments episode, Sting of Death, in theaters this evening. @rifftrax.com @mst3kofficial.bsky.social @frankconniff.bsky.social @billcorbett.bsky.social

My collection of MST3K, Rifftrax, The Film Crew, and Cinematic Titanic DVDs and Blu-rays... as well as some other sci-fi media.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 23/08/2026

This morning I pulled out my original Halloween denim jacket for the upcoming season, and finally took care of a serious issue. Gone is the death eater patch (which I had taken the care to perfectly place on the left sleeve,) and in its place is a far more reputable Eye of Shoggoth patch. #FUJK

Picture of my Halloween jacket with the Eye of Shoggoth firmly attached and the hateful Harry Potter patch that I removed as an act of solidarity with the trans community.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 03/07/2026

I am in the process of creating a “Party Wizard” costume for use at a couple different events later this year. Making some really good progress.

Me, wearing a green sequin jacket with a purple sequin shirt, and holding a multicolored disco ball.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 21/06/2026

I am now properly to celebrate on the day when the answer to “When Will You Die?” arrives. In case there are any questions, a bottle of something special has been put aside for that day as well.

Four-pack of fireworks I purchased today at Costco to celebrate the day when you-know-who is finally bereft of life.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 06/06/2026

A few days late in hanging it in the front yard, but it’s there now.

Trans pride garden flag with the text “every one is welcome here.”

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 01/06/2026

It's that time of year again. Even Daleks are evolved enough to understand and appreciate the importance of Pride Month.

A group of LEGO Daleks in a variety of colors, along with their creator, Davros, on the far right, to celebrate Pride Month.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 01/06/2026

This is a cat check point. Relinquish your most recent cat picture on your phone.

Cat sitting on floor behind a pile of brown packing paper.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 31/05/2026

It’s both the last day of May and the last day of our staycation, but my wife and I are ready for Pride Month to start tomorrow.

My wife’s toenails painted in a rainbow colors and my feet in pride-themed Converse Chuck Taylor hi-tops.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 12/05/2026

I feel it’s time to add another decorated jacket to the wardrobe. 1st pass — it will be at least a few days before deciding on final choices & placement. This may not even be the jacket I use — I also have other options in different colors. (Patches at upper corners would go on the sleeves.)

Backside of a brown denim jacket with a variety of iron-on patches placed on it in the locations I might decide to permanently adhere them. Most of the patches include text. Amongst those patches are the phrases "I'm too clumsy to be around fragile masculinity," "Capitalism is a death cult," "You're doing amazing sweetie," "The revolution will not be televised," "Radial Left Scum but make it aesthetic," "Chasing that Scholastic Book Fair high," "Women don't owe you shit," "Be yourself inspire the others," "Friend of Garak," & "nolite ti bastardes carborundorum."

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 26/04/2026

My third jacket to be altered in response to Rowling’s vile & aggressive support of transphobia. This is easier and cheaper than potentially dealing with HP-inspired tattoos, but it’s still a pain-in-the-ass. Fuck you, J.K. Fuck you.

Before photo of my jacket, which displays a Harry Potter inspired Hogsmead Historic District patch on the upper back.

After photo my my jacket. The HP-inspired patch has been removed and replaced with a Lord of the Rings inspired Rivendell National park patch.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 19/04/2026

As someone who regularly has his name shortened without prompting or permission, I *loved* that @seananmcguire.bsky.social put this passage into Through Gates of Garnets and Gold.

Text reads:

“I’m coming with you," said Sumi simply. "I think that's all that really matters, don't you? If I say I'm coming? I've been to more worlds than I think anyone else at this school, and sometimes waking up under the same sky two days in a row is the hardest thing I've ever done. Plus I'm pretty good at fighting stuff. If Chris gets to be your shield, I get to be your sword, and I'll cut and I'll cut and I'll cut until there's nothing left for chopping.

"I've asked you not to call me that," said Christopher with surprising primness. "Just because you're happy being called by a nickname, that doesn't mean I am. My name is my name, just the way it is, not truncated to make it easier for you."

Sumi huffed quietly, turning to look at Eleanor like she
thought she'd find help from that quarter.

Eleanor only shook her head. "Names matter, dear. If someone wants to be called something, that's what you call them, whether or not it's what you would want to be called in their place.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 05/04/2026

Best Star Trek crew, wrong answers only.

Mike Nelson, as Capt. Janeway from Star Trek, with the bots on the 'Laserblast' episode of MST3K.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 04/04/2026

Last night, my wife gave me this awesome idea for handling one of the other Harry Potter patches that are on some of my jackets. I’ve never applied one patch over top another like this before, however. So, I am still considering whether I want to attempt it or just continuing with remove & replace.

Photo of the current left sleeve of one of my denim jackets. This Ravenclaw crest has been on it for several years.

Same jacket sleeve as before, but with patch that reads “Wizards Against JK” laid overtop.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 04/04/2026

We love her in this house. This is a custom-made sign in our living room. My wife and I had it made after the 2024 election, and yes, it is a reaction to the bad man who won it and his stick insect wife. (Odd purple color the result of our living room party lighting.)

Sign with text that reads, “I choose vodka... and Chaka Khan.”

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 30/03/2026

Because I take allyship very seriously, I've pointedly avoided wearing for some time now any of my denim jackets that bear HP-related patches -- regardless of whether they are officially licensed or not. Today, I finally started the process of removing and replacing them. Here's the first to go.

One of my decorated burgundy denim jackets, showing the "I solemnly swear I'm up to no good" Harry Potter patch, just before it's removal.

Same jacket as other photo, after the HP patch was removed and replaced by a "Tread on Them" patch designed to parade the "Don't Tread on Me" flag embraced by right-wing nationalists in the US.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 04/03/2026

In less than three weeks I'll be in my adopted hometown to celebrate my birthday (as I do every year.) Not gonna lie -- I'm already starting to think about which kilt and jacket combos to bring for the trip.

Picture of me taken in Philadelphia, PA during summer of '25. T-shirt reads "Super Leftist Villian," and the kilt contains pink plaid pleats (described as "unicorn blood" by the maker.)

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 03/03/2026

The space below the window to my home office, right at this moment. Everything there belongs to me — the Rit bottles to the lower right are for dying the next denim jacket I plan to decorate with pins and patches.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 31/01/2026

My proudest moment in assembling a LEGO mini-scene (created during Temu Mussolini's first assault upon America,) and I don't think I can overshare it.

Recreating the iconic cover of Captain America Comics (1941) #1 in LEGO, with Captain America rightfully slugging Der Katzengropenfuhrer, aka Mango Mussolini, in place of Hitler from the original comic cover.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 20/01/2026

After way too much thought, I finally came up with an acceptable second place answer.

Cast of Red Dwarf: from left, Kryton, Cat, Lister, & Rimmer.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 17/01/2026

From our trip to NYC in November during our visit to The Color Factory. This is what happens when my wife and I attempt to do our own version of a Gilded Age couples photo.

Picture of a married couple, gazing intently into the camera, in a riot of color.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 17/01/2026

If you see this I beg you to post a picture from your device without explanation

Lined tan denim jacket with a few iron-on patches adhered to it.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 31/12/2025

Staying in at home this evening for NYE, but we did go out for lunch with my mom this afternoon. It is way too cold for me to dress in my standard kilt and decorated denim jacket attire, but I decided that some fabulousity was still in order. After all, one does need a hint of color (and sparkle.)

Photo of my tri-colored, glittered-covered custom-ordered Converse hi-tops.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 19/12/2025

My wife and I had a little bit of alcohol this afternoon, which inspired this silliness.

Text in photo reads:

In an alternate universe, Chumbawamba re-recorded “Tubthumping” for the holidays, complete with forced extra syllables in the lyrics, ala Billy Mack’s “Christmas Is All Around”:

He drinks an egg nog drink,
He drinks a cocoa drink,
He drinks a minty drink,
He drinks a spiced cider drink,

He sings the carols that remind him of the good times
He sings the carols that remind him of the better times

Oh, Santa Claus
Santa Claus
Santa Claus

I wrap my gifts
And then they open them
They’re never gonna take them back…

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 18/12/2025

When embarking upon creating my own personal style a few years ago, my only intent was to make myself happy. It was a pleasant surprise when strangers started commenting positively upon it. Because of how good it feels, I pay that kindness forward when seeing someone express their own individuality.

Picture of me wearing my gothic pride kilt and decorated denim jackets, as confetti falls down around me. Photo taken at The Color Factory in NYC.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 16/12/2025

{*screaming to myself, in my head -- valiantly fighting my need for immediate gratification*} I DON'T NEED MORE T-SHIRTS! {*sotto voce, sheepishly*} I might really need this shirt.

Picture of a t-shirt with an image of Garak from Star Trek: Deep Space Nince, a rainbow behind him, and text that reads "Friend of Garak."

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 06/12/2025

Repost with the next recipient of the fifa peace prize.

Gary OIdman as Zorg in the movie Fifth Element.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 05/12/2025

It's that time of year again. Don't forget to keep Krampus in Christmas, and don't forget to watch Gremlins on Christmas Eve.

Custom-made Krampus LEGO-compatible minifigure Christmas caroling with Spike from the movie Gremlins.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 03/12/2025

A couple weeks ago in NYC, I posed for this picture taken by my wife. Not really sure what I was attempting with the face I made, but I am very pleased by the final result. not my all-time favorite photo, but definitely one of the best.

Me leaning against the wall, below the “21 Street Queensbridge” sign in said subway station. Wearing my Gothic pride, kilt, and my most recent decorated denim jacket creation.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 20/11/2025

Stating for the public record that after arriving in NYC earlier this week, I pledged my allegiance to our future pigeon overlords. I know they will rule with far more intelligence, common sense, & decency than the political party which currently controls all the branches of the federal government.

Photo of myself kneeling on the ground, in full supplication, at the base of the pigeon statue/artwork currently at the north end of the High Line park in NYC.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 17/10/2025

Does this count as detailing? Asking for a friend.

Photo of the back of my Kia Soul, tricked out with awesome nerdy and sociopolitical magnets, stickers, window clings, and license plate holder.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 16/10/2025

Saw this in the checkout at lunchtime today and nearly giggled my ass off. This cis white hetero male is so clearly not the target audience for this publication. Never had been in the past, and certainly never will be in the future. 😂

Cover of the current issue of GQ magazine. Just exactly which subset of men is this magazine attempting to sell itself too?

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 14/10/2025

I think it was pretty cool of Lego to release a J. K. Rowling minifigure last month so you can add it to your villains of Harry Potter collection.

Minifigure is actually of Cruella De Vil, or course, and comes from the Cruella De Vil’s Car set that LEGO released last month.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 07/10/2025

Alas, my wife and I never previously met each other until 16 years ago. All our prior lifetimes were spent banking the karmic balance necessary for us to finally be together. So totally fucking worth it.

Text in photo:

“How long have you known each other?”

Well, we were burned at the stake together in 1692 and promised to reunite in every lifetime. Appreciate you asking.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 22/09/2025

Just wanted to add this this is my day-to-day style. I didn’t dress in that manner simply for the Ren Faire. I literally own 18 different kilts and denim jackets that I mix and match to fit my whims for the day.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 22/09/2025

I’m as cis hetero male as they come, but I call myself “non-normative” because I despise how American culture dictates how a man like me should present himself to the world. Got to fly my freak flag at the MD Ren Faire today, and being utterly myself and somehow also fly under the radar was awesome.

Photo my wife took of me in one of my Versatta gothic utility kilts and custom ice dyed denim jackets. Happier with how I present myself now, at the age of 53, than at any other time in my life.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 18/09/2025

Decided my mini Lego creation from Der Katzengropenfuhrer’s first term in office needed resharing today.

Homage to the cover of Captain America Comics #1, where Capt. America famously punched Hitler.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 12/09/2025

Got my bloodwork done this morning, which means the rest of today is officially Cheat Day!

Ransom and Shaxs, from Star Trek: Lower Decks, working out just before declaring the rest of the day "Cheat Day." The scene is otherwise almost identical to one in ST:TNG featuring Troi and Dr. Crusher.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 01/09/2025

The horrific toxic masculinity I grew up with, and that society shoved down my throat, even though my parents didn’t.

Image Description: A page from a children's book with an illustration of a crying child, the character Little Critter.

It originally said: I wanted to cry, but I didn't. I was brave instead.

A person has made handwritten changes, so now it reads as follows: I wanted to cry, so I did! I was brave and sad.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 25/08/2025

Had this caricature done during the spring of ‘90, after a recent bout of right-wing pearl-clutching over flag burning. Yes, the Supreme Court ruled in ‘89 that it was Constitutionally-protected free speech. No amount of Trump verbal diarrhea at a press conference or a signed E.O. changes that.

Caricature of me starting to burn an American flag. Free speech for the win.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 25/08/2025

Same lighting from a different angel.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 25/08/2025

Just a reminder that at this point in American history it’s a moral imperative to find and embrace your joy wherever you can.

A right-this-moment picture of the party lighting my wife and I keep setup year-round — which we currently have lit because we need the feel-good vibes tonight.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 16/08/2025

Yes, I’m one of those car owners.

Photo of the back of my Kia Soul, covered with various progressive/leftist stickers and car magnets.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 08/08/2025

The day you’re describing is one of the reasons why my wife and I had this custom sign made and put it in our living room.

Sign reads “I choose vodka… and Chaka Khan” (quote from Bridget Jones’s Diary film.)

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 23/07/2025

Had a lot of fun at the “Weird Al” show at Wolf Trap last night, but I’m starting to suspect I’m getting a little too old to be staying past 11:00 on a work night to attend concerts. (At least, I need to consider taking a a few hours PTO the morning after so I can recover sufficient before work.)

Selfie with the concert stage behind me before the start of last night’s “Weird Al” Bigger & Weirder show at Wild Trap.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 03/07/2025

If we have to wake up every morning and acknowledge the face-eating monsters roaming the landscape of this world, could we at least get a few adorable ones in the mix?

Moopsy, the most terrifying creature in the Star Trek universe. Introduced in the Lower Decks series, he’ll drink your bones.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 28/06/2025

“Were the directors of this groove ship, and you are under our command… “Get up and jam y’all”

Party lighting (complete with our year-round lit trees) in our otherwise boring, middle class townhouse in Northern Virginia.

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Matthew Appleton @thetalkingmoose.net · 27/06/2025

Where I live in Loudoun County, VA, it’s not unusual to see a Swastikar while you’re out and about. Hell, *two* people within a couple hundred yards of my home own one. Each time I see them, I feel like the Matrix is glitching and cannot fully render the image.

The incredibly ugly and overly expensive Tesla Cybertruck, a.k.a. the Swastikar, parked & charging in the driveway.

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