A couple of things:

1) Please go read my lastest Rant. I've made an announcement. Also, please return here tomorrow for WoB's sixth anniversary, which will involve an extra comic and a giveaway.

2) I drew this comic before the recent gun deaths at the movie theatre in the US. Non-Canadians may not realise it, but Toronto also had its own shootings last week, including an appalling one at a community barbecue. I would like to stress that I am not making light of gun use here. I'm not entirely sure I have the words to express how I feel about gun violence and the flagrant disregard for human life it entails. The only reason guns appear in this comic, and the only reason I couldn't take them out, is that shooting really is a component of modern pentathlon (harmless target shooting, obviously), and I wanted to get as many of the components as possible (all but running) into Marie's confused explanation of the event. She will be sorting herself out and describing it accurately on Wednesday. No, modern pentathlon does not actually resemble the Hunger Games.

The reason I have chosen modern pentathlon is simple: a real Masseyite, Donna Vakalis, is representing Canada at the Olympics as a modern pentathlete. This fortnight's series of comics is dedicated to her and her remarkable achievement. I didn'twant to stick herin the comic without her permission, so I have given her skills to a pre-existing character (Dana appeared a few times in the first year of the comic, usually without her name being spoken). Unfortunately, it is difficult to discuss modern pentathlon without bringing up guns, and this is not a great time to bring up guns, but as Friday's comic will reveal, these guns are...different.

(I've started collecting all the Dana/Donna comics, as well as some links to Donna-related material, here.)

This week's draw had five entrants. The winner is once again The Majestic Nightshade, Person of Incredible Interest (formerly known as A. S.). Congratulations, Nightshade! I needs must remind you that you have not yet sent me your contact information or informed me which coaster(s) you would like.

The Clarion Write-a-Thon is 2/3 done, and we haven't hit $666.66 yet. This is a tragedy, people. Please consider sticking a few bucks in the pot. I shall be drawing an extra Casey panel if we hit $666.66 with the $90 pledge added and another if we hit $666.66 without the $90 pledge added. There also continue to be coasters to give away. Coasters! And a print at the end! Remember to contact me if you want to enter!

I'm up to 37,300 words written for the Write-a-Thon, meaning that I've reached my goal. If you click on my word count, it will take you to a page that will ask you for money. It will also tell you my word count again. Yes, I am continuing to write (why not?).