I Hope This Is Not How We'll Remember Clint

Like many in the nation I was deeply unnerved by Clint Eastwood's speech at the Republican National Convention, not because he endorsed Romney (Clint will always go his own way and that is one of the reasons he is so beloved) but because, even though he has looked like an old man since the age of 30, at the RNC he finally sounded like one.

For most of my life this man has seemed invincible and beholden to no one. He has also been an exemplary model of aging: most agree he has done his best work as a filmmaker in his seventies and eighties. I guess I got lulled into thinking that he would remain sharp as a tack and then, one day, just saddle up and ride off into the sunset.

This should serve as a reminder that the ravages of time spare no one. Clint Eastwood still appears to be a thoughtful man; perhaps he even has some more good movies in him. But, for the love of God, keep this man away from a speaking platform.

Who is Master Morya and Why will He/It/They be in Sacramento on Sep. 28?

In purely corporeal terms, Master Morya is a musical ensemble or, in the common parlance, a "band," whose sound has been described as  "Theosophical Crunk/Ska/Doom/Metal" deriving influence from such disparate progenitors as John Martyn, The Church, Brian Eno, Radiohead, Mogwai, Slint, Slowdive, Burt Bacharach, and Black Sabbath.

The identities of the musicians are as yet unknown, though many have speculated that they may be members of a breakaway sect of Quakers heavily influenced by the political and spiritual views of Hailie Selassie I.  In a dissenting view, one prominent blogger offered up an elaborate theory "proving" that the members of Master Morya are "tools of the military-industrial complex." Still another wag maintains that the band consists simply of "a compassionate barrister and his friend, a scrivener."

Purported photograph of the hot new rock 'n' roll act Master Morya

What is known is that the group is currently putting finishing touches on its debut album, The Dyatlov Pass Incident, and will be making a rare live appearance at The Fox and Goose in Sacramento, CA on September 28 as the supporting act for In Letter Form. If you're anywhere near the area, you would be well advised to hoof it over there as it may be your one and only chance to witness the spectacle of an Ascended Master briefly materialized on this earthly plane.

At this point you may be wondering if this is a matter of deep metaphysical significance or simply an elaborate gag. Why not both? Was not the creation of the duck-billed platypus proof that God Himself laughs?