January 2026 Newsletter

From Dan, Your Friend and Introspective Furry

Dear Friends,

Hello! This newsletter is arriving slightly later than usual. Not only because the semester began all at once across three schools (teaching at two, learning at one), but also because I really wanted this release to include a bonus paper. I had to make a choice between five different papers currently in progress. I tend to let ideas marinate until a sudden spark of interest hits, at which point a paper can come together in just a few days thanks to my hyperfixation.

This month brought a new role I’m genuinely excited about: I became the advisor for the furry club at my school. Naturally, that meant stepping right up to the frontlines of the tabling event in fursuit to represent. I’ve really enjoyed spending time with these students, getting to know them, and helping create a space where they feel seen and supported.

At home, Kodi has been undergoing a quiet personality evolution. He’s always been a good boy, but recently he’s become noticeably more affectionate, even tolerating snuggles. As he gets older, his temperament continues to soften, and I’ve come to really cherish greeting him, petting him, and sharing those calmer moments together (Fig. 16.2).

And yes, he is objectively a very silly boy (Fig. 16.3).

This month’s bonus paper is an extension of my longest rant yet. Because of course I had more to say. While this one is somewhat toned down from adult content (though it still references it informatively), it connects across a wide range of ideas: emerging boy bands, times my boundaries have been crossed, and even placing my own values in direct contrast with extremist ideologies. It’s a whirlwind of deep dives into my own persona, examined alongside broader cultural ideas.

If that sounds interesting, you can read the Human Psychology paper here: Anti Group Tendencies. The parent paper is, by no means, required reading... But can be found at: Never Have I Ever: Kinks, if the more recent paper in the series grabbed your interest and you want to learn more.

A small spoiler for one of the papers currently in progress: one of them will be a full compendium reflecting on everything I’ve learned from writing these papers. I’ve realized that my own work has genuinely changed my life, reshaping how I see the world and challenging me to think differently. One tangible result of that reflection is that I’m actively living by my Slow Art paper, committing to long-term creative projects.

As part of that slow art philosophy, I’ve taken on a delightfully absurd project. As some of you know, I watch exactly one episode of One Piece every night. With over 1,000 episodes and counting, that’s already a long-term commitment. Alongside it, I’m also placing exactly one LEGO piece per night (Fig. 16.4). The ship contains 1,376 pieces, which means it will take roughly four years to complete... Possibly longer if I ever catch up to the anime, at which point progress would slow to just 52 pieces a year.

I’ve learned so much through writing these newsletters and bonus papers, and I’ve felt genuinely connected to all of you through them. Thank you for reading what I create, reflecting alongside me, and being in community with me in your own ways.

With gratitude,

Dan