Puh-rum-pum-pum-pum, people. The Boy is back, and there’s gonna be trouble.

And like Sweeney Todd, he’s hugging the drum, waiting the years, hearing the music that nobody hears.

Perhaps today, you’ll buy a toy from the Drummer Boy—the demon drummer of Beat Street.

We have a new record this year, sadly. New Zealander Peter Ragland is our First Fallen, taken down on the south side of the globe before the game had even started here in Chicago. Even worse, he did it to himself by singing it out loud. (Yes, that’s possible.)

Thus, our rallying cry for 2022: for Peter!

And there you have it. A fungus is among us. (The Boy, not Peter.) Check the rules if you’re feeling rusty (bit.ly/LDBCrules), and should you fall, please fill out the official form (bit.ly/LDBCform) so that you’re duly memorialized at the end of the game.

While you’re at it, don’t forget to submit an LDBC-elfie of yourself at the moment of your loss on the Facebook page or via Twitter (be sure to tag @LDBChallenge). Need inspiration? See the gallery just below the charts and graphs in last year’s roundup. (I know it’s a lot of scrolling. Sorry.)

Also, check our list of deadly TV shows and movies (bit.ly/LDBCtoxic), but be aware that it is not comprehensive. There are way too many for me to keep up with, so be forewarned and do your due diligence before watching.

May the odds be ever in your favor, friends. Ever-vigilant.

For Peter!