NOT EVERYONE IS SATISFIED with the contents of the Ask Dr. Hal! Show these days, we find. In particular, we have recently been taken to task by correspondents for "excessive morbidity" and even, in the words of one listener, "ghoulishness." This is all in reference to the introductory readings by Dr. H. Owll of short stories from the canon of the literature of Horror and the Supernatural. More recently, we were accused of "egotism" in our attempt to answer, mid-show, a question concerning the Akashic Records. These, a compendium of all human events, thoughts, words, emotions, and intent ever to have occurred, are believed by Theosophists to be encoded in a non-physical plane of existence known as the Aetheric Plane. The Sanskrit term, Akasha, was introduced to the language of Theosophy by its most familiar exponent, H. P. Blavatsky (1831–1891), who characterized it as a sort of Life Force; she also referred to "indestructible Tablets of the Astral Light" recording both the past and future of human thought and action. We don't recall Madame Blavatsky calling these tablets (take two with meals and at bedtime) "Akashic Records," however. Remember, this question was lobbed at us mid-show. Our answer was, or attempted to be, that anything already recorded, on this plane or another, had already transpired and was not, therefore, a significator of ongoing or future events. The best we could do on short notice. As for our overweening ego, guilty as charged. At least we didn't mention we preferred the Records at 33 & 1/3 or 78 RPM. And our morbid preoccupations-- sure! We've got 'em. The literature of the Supernatural, you see, primarily stands as a warning against the so-called Occult. The same may also said to be true for many scientific, or quasi-scientific tales, if we accept as Occult what is hidden, or unknown, such as the featured story beginning this episode, THE QUEST FOR BLANK CLAVERINGI by Patricia Highsmith. Yes, the protagonist is painfully devoured by a giant snail at the end. It's so. What puzzles us is why such fastidious and easily-offended respondents are listening to us in the first place. Introduction: The Last Oblivion, by Clark Ashton Smith. "The Quest For Blank Claveringi" by Patricia Highsmith. Address by Dr. H. Owll at the Starwood Pagan Festival, 2019, subject: "Deflecting the Conspiracy." Studio Guest Dr. Penny asks us a series of questions. Arrival of Puzzling Evidence and KrOB. Dr. P. reads Tijuana Bible verse (Adults Only). Tooth-achey Peppe complains from afar (disguised, on Chatterbox)-- get dental help, dear Peppe! Dr. P. reads from Chatterbox. Phineas Narco presents Aunt Berthapocalypse. Fade out is about half an hour before recording ends, but we lack the know-how to cut it short. NEXT WEEK: MORE Gruesome Literature!