NO NEED TO SHOUT

The Dirt—a movie based on glam metal legends Mötley Crüe's 2001 best-selling autobiography—is an unflinching story about sex, drugs, rock 'n' roll, fame, and the high price of excess. Honestly, the movie overall wasn't very good, but it really got me thinking about 1983.

That was the year my sister brought home Mötley Crüe's biggest and best album, Shout at the Devil. Holy shit, that record was great. It had this dystopian raw power, incredible musicianship, a sense of androgynous masculinity, and there was something special about the tactile feel of the vinyl itself. Does anyone else remember turntables? We used to spin the record backward, hoping to catch some secret, devilish messages the band might have left for us. Combine that with all the stories of bizarre, "witchy" things happening during the recording sessions—fueled by Nikki Sixx’s obsession with the occult—and my brother, sister, and I just couldn't get enough of it.

I gave the album another listen recently, and it instantly brought me back. My takeaway? It’s good to revisit things you’ve forgotten about, if only to see if they still hold up. In Mötley Crüe's case, it absolutely does.

“It has been written that those who have the youth have the future.” - Motely Crue

IT’S ALL GREEK TO ME

In Homer’s “The Iliad,” Achilles and Patroclus (not cousins or related in any way) are clearly portrayed as two men with an intense bond. When Patroclus dies, Achilles is so grief-stricken that he refuses to bury the body, cradles it for hours, and then demands that their ashes be mixed so they can be united forever. As beautiful as that is, can we agree that it sounds pretty gay? Even ancient Greek scholars, after the story was written, were clear about their assessment. Don’t get me started on how Achilles was dressed in drag half his life.

I talk about this because American director Chris Nolan's “The Odyssey” will be coming out soon. He has made some pretty bold, and I dare say, brave casting decisions for this project. They include Elliot Page as Achilles, Zendaya as Athena, Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy, and others. The blowback has been pretty harsh on this issue. From race to sexual identity to hyper wokeness (I so hate that word), everything has been said. To be honest, I am taken aback. Since many people conflate Greek history with Greek mythology, we should examine other films based on these ancient myths. All of them feature main and supporting characters who are not Greek, and clearly some with deep homosexual undertones. Yet we celebrate those films without question. So why the hate on this? I can speculate on many reasons, but I will let my silence speak.

So, the takeaway (which I have said in a past blog posting) is to watch movies based on Greek mythology. That includes Clash of the Titans, 300, Troy, Spartacus, Jason and the Argonauts, and others. They are wonderful films that excite and spark imagination. Then watch Christopher Nolan's “The Odyssey.” Give it the same chance you gave those movies.

“ Oh Taki, he looks Greek!” - Aunt Voula

BUT WHAT HAPPENED EARLIER…

I recently blogged about an awesome NYC moment on a late-night train ride, with people singing along to Prince. What I didn’t talk about was where I was coming from. That was the night I discovered The World Inferno/Friendship Society, a cabaret punk band from Brooklyn, NY, that would change my life.

I went to the Knitting Factory, a now-defunct but once-kick-ass live music venue in lower Manhattan, to see two bands I was into. I got to the event early, like I always do, because I enjoy seeing the opening acts. World Inferno opened up, and they were mind-blowing. The energy, talent, musicianship, and the electric vibe from the crowd were truly new to me. After that, I made it my business to attend every show I could. It wasn't just about the band but also about the scene. I made so many amazing, long-lasting connections through that experience, including meeting my wife.

I talk about this as well because it’s the anniversary of the lead singer Jack Terricloths’ passing. I have blogged about it before, but it kind of snuck up on me this time. It’s something I still process. That said, the takeaway? Try to see the opening acts at rock concerts. You never know what you’ll find. Oooh. The two bands I went to see that night totally sucked. 

“What better place than this? What better choice than us?” - Jack Terricloth

WUTHERING THOUGHTS

My wife and I just finished watching the original Wuthering Heights movie, starring Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon (1939), and then the latest version of this film starring Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie (2026). There has been some debate about the newer film, as it doesn't hold up to the original. Though both movies take different approaches, I really did not feel one was better than the other. The newer movie is more stylish and toxic, with character portrayals that are quite raw, especially from Margot Robbie. The original was more ghostly and romantic.

I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately because it feels like we’ve hit a point in entertainment where our cultural "classics" are being recycled at an accelerated rate. We see these properties reimagined over and over again; sometimes they are massive hits that breathe new life into an old story, and other times they are even bigger misses that fail to capture the original or any magic, for that matter.

That said, I’ve realized that I truly value remakes that have the courage to be daring and different. It’s what made these classics classics from the start.

“Jim Morrison is a drunken buffoon posing as a poet. Give me The Guess Who! They have the courage to be drunken buffoons, which makes them poetic!” - Lester Bangs

WHEN DOVES CRY ON THE TRAIN

Years ago, after enjoying a late-night punk rock show in the city, I caught a train back to my home in Brooklyn. Even though the car was unexpectedly crowded, the vibe was chill and laid-back. That changed when a heavy-set, clearly intoxicated older man boarded. He took a seat in the corner and began rhythmically banging against the train wall.

Before long, it became clear he was mimicking a familiar drum beat. Suddenly, he burst into his own rendition of Prince’s “When Doves Cry.” The entire car erupted into laughter—not out of mockery, but pure joy. He wasn't a good singer, but he performed as if his life depended on it. Soon, we were all clapping and singing along. It was one of those shared, amazing moments that only happens in New York City, which is why it is the greatest place on earth.

I talk about Prince because before his passing, he reportedly left behind an estimated 8,000 unreleased tracks in his vault. To a talented producer, that vault is a dream—a blank canvas waiting to be molded. I estimate there are at least another 30 amazing albums hidden in those recordings. One track was just released last week, and it was truly fresh and beautiful. I can’t wait to see what comes next. 

“I Rock, therefore I am.” - Prince

A DREAM DIED, AND THAT IS OKAY

So, I took some time off from blogging to sharpen my writing skills and try my hand at Substack. With so many of my amazingly talented writing friends (authors, reporters, sketch comedy performers, editors, etc.), I thought I would be able to find my niche voice in that space. Perhaps comedy or my ability to tell long-winded stories would be my sweet spot. Epic fail. I was feeling a bit down about it, but I realized that I am not a writer. I will never be one, and that is okay.

The takeaway from this? It’s important to try things, chase your dreams, and work toward your goals. However, when you know something isn't working, it’s okay to cut your losses and focus on your strengths or something new altogether. That is part of the journey as well.

“Let me give you a serious piece of advice. Leave it there. God forbid you're not as good as you remember because I've seen that happen too.” -Marty Bach

I SHOULD HAVE BEEN MORE GRATEFUL

I'll be honest, when 'overrated' rock bands come up in conversation, the Grateful Dead immediately spring to mind. Their music often struck me as repetitive and aimless, and let's face it, their fan base wasn't exactly known for its sobriety. The sheer volume of pot being smoked at their shows was beyond.

After the deeply unfortunate and recent passing of guitarist Bob Weir on January 10, 2026, I decided to do a real deep dive into their catalog. The verdict? The needle didn't move much for me personally. My opinion on their sound still stands.

However, I gained a fantastic appreciation for their impact. They accomplished something most bands only dream of: they pioneered the entire "jam band" movement, fostered a genuinely vibrant and accessible fan community, and created an environment that was fun, truly inclusive, and constantly evolving. I can totally get behind that legacy. They provided a shared experience and kept many friends and family in good company for decades. For that, I am glad it was something they got to have.

So, while I still think the music is largely overrated, I can't deny that they were also genuinely great.

"We are the Don Quixotes of rock 'n' roll. We're doing something nobody cares to do." – Jerry Garcia.

STRANGER THINGS HAVE HAPPENED

The ending worked. I mean the ending of the Stranger Things TV series. Was it perfect? No. Would I have changed some things? Yes. That said, I teared up at the ending. The full-circle moment of the characters playing Dungeons and Dragons, the positive hints at their transition into adulthood, and the sense that the cycle continues and life goes on all come together.

What I love most is that Stranger Things does what Star Wars did for previous generations—it sparks a fire in creatives and crosses every age barrier. Having the gift of bonding with my nieces over the franchise is something I’ll always treasure. I look forward to the next wave of artists being heavily influenced by this show. 

The takeaway from this? Watch Stranger Things. It will touch on something that feels like home with friends. It’s a feeling worth chasing. Also, don’t get bogged down on the perfect ending. Our lives are anything but that, and this is no exception. That is a good thing.

“How many children are you friends with?” - Robin Buckley

CAT TRAUMA

I have been away from this space for a little while, mostly because I have been bummed. After 18 years of milestones, adventures, and countless hijinks, we had to say goodbye to our cat, Nugget. He had a fantastic run, and while we are grateful for having him in our lives, the finality of his absence is a difficult thing to process. He wasn't just a pet; he was a witness to nearly two decades of our lives. He was family.

Lately, I’ve been sitting with a complex mix of emotions. Though I am deeply sad because I miss his presence, I struggle with a quiet guilt for the things I don’t miss—the multiple late-night issues, the constant cleaning, and the heavy mental load of what turned into hospice care. 

This brings me to a conversation we need to have more often: the reality of caring for our senior animals. When they grow old and frail, their care becomes a labor-intensive task. It is exhausting, both physically and emotionally. For me, it was worth it. I would do it again. That being said, the takeaway from this? It’s okay to acknowledge that burden without it diminishing your love for them. Also, when the time comes to make a decision, make it about them, not about you.

To that, I will end with this. These animals are designed to break our hearts. It’s okay. Just let it happen.

"As every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat" - Ellen Perry Berkley

THE SCARIEST MOVIE IN THE ROOM

Continuing my 31 Days of Halloween theme for October, ENRON: The Smartest Guys In The Room (2005) is by far the scariest movie I have ever seen. This documentary covers the most shocking example of corporate culture that has ever existed. It reveals the brazen, meticulous, and systematic manner in which the company’s wealth is transferred into the pockets of top executives. It highlights how so many knew this was happening and did nothing. It also exposes those involved with minimal to no accountability for their actions. Furthermore, it reveals how they took advantage of the California Energy Crisis and how top executives literally cheered on the suffering of millions of Americans to maximize their profits.

The takeaway? This Halloween, we like to scare ourselves silly with frightening movies and real-life crime/horror podcasts with creepy and sinister characters, etc. Just don’t forget, evil can hide in plain sight, wearing really nice suits. 

"Greed, for lack of a better word, is good.” Godon Gekko

KISS & MY ROCK AND ROLL TERROR

A movie that scared me as a kid was “KISS Meets The Phantom of the Park,” starring the rock and roll band KISS. They are one of the most influential hard rock bands, known not just for their music but also for their showmanship. Wearing dark, over-the-top costumes tailored to their characters, using explosive stage effects, and sporting their iconic face makeup, they made a big impression. At the height of their fame, (1976), the band starred in a made-for-TV movie about how they come to battle Abner Devereaux, a mad scientist jealous of their success who wants to destroy them with twisted, evil robots. It’s through their mystical abilities and music that they defeat the villain.

I had never seen amusement parks as twisted places full of nightmares where bad things could happen. Now I know better. Creepy robots, sinister doppelgängers, dark views of the park at night — the whole thing just terrified me more than I enjoyed it. Years later, looking back, I realize the movie is so bad, it’s almost amazing. The chaos, c-rate campiness, a total cinematic misfire! That said, it’s definitely worth a watch on YouTube. I also mention KISS because lead guitarist Ace “The Spaceman” Frehley just passed away. An incredible musician who has given so much to the rock and roll world. Among all the band members and their characters, he was the most mysterious but also the most interesting. Rock on, Spaceman! Enjoy your journey into the void!

"By the time I'm 40, interplanetary travel will be common. Nobody will want to talk to me at that age, anyway." - Ace Frehley

FEAR IN THE 25th CENTURY

Recently, an acquaintance posed a question to me: “With your focus on concept art and the macabre, I am curious what character of fiction has scared you the most?” My answer was immediate: Vorvon, The Space Vampire.

My friend was taken aback. Not many people have heard of him. Vorvon is the central villain in the frightening Episode 14 of the 1980 TV series, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.

While the show was generally known for its lighthearted, campy sci-fi tone, this character was the perfect storm of classic horror inspiration. With traits inspired by Bram Stoker's Dracula and imagery inspired by Nosferatu, Vorvon truly embodied fear. He was tall, slender, powerfully confident yet chillingly slow, and sinfully elegant. The actor, Nicholas Horman, became completely immersed in the role, elevating the performance beyond the typical villain-of-the-week.

As a child, I could only watch the episode once; the nightmares were that intense. Even now, the memory of it gives me the creeps. His methods of hunting, breaking down his prey, and manipulating wills were genuinely disturbing to watch. The fact that such a frightening story emerged from such a campy series is what caught me most off guard.

The takeaway? It's okay to be scared. The things that frighten us often make the deepest impression. This Halloween season, I encourage you to revisit a horror movie that once scared you silly. It's a great way to get your blood pumping and properly ring in the spooky holiday.

“I was never scared by monsters, I was much more scared by real people.” - Tim Burton

CABBAGE, EGGS and HALLOWEEN

It’s October, and guess what’s coming? Didn’t even have to guess. Halloween! I loved that day as a young child. The costumes, the candy, the crisp air, the frightful movies, what could be better? Then, well, life happened. As I transitioned from elementary school into middle then high school, Halloween morphed from a celebration into an exercise in evasion. It became all about trying not to get beaned by an egg that was being thrown by other kids. Seriously. I understand the urge for mischief, but let's be real, it quickly became a shitty excuse for the genuinely rotten kids to be, well, rotten. I eventually reached a point where I just dreaded the day. Thankfully, everything changed when I got to college and started my art program. Finding like-minded, creative people and making new friends allowed me to fully reclaim the holiday. It became the fun, spooky, and imaginative event it was always meant to be.

This experience made me wonder: how did throwing eggs even become a Halloween thing? It has surprisingly old roots. “Egg tossing” was once central to a pagan ritual symbolizing the Earth's rebirth, a significance later adopted by Christians to represent the rebirth of Christ at Easter. As a Halloween activity, it mainly took off in the early 20th century. Often called “Cabbage Night” or “Hell Night,” it began as relatively light-hearted, seasonal mischief brought to this country by immigrants from England, Ireland, and Scotland. This usually meant minor vandalism, like egging a house or "toilet papering" a yard. However, starting around the 1950s, the practice slowly but surely evolved into a more aggressive form of vandalism and even minor assault, which many teens started viewing as a twisted "rite of passage." This evolved to other darker forms of pranks and Halloween rituals that celebrate vandalism. Such a shame. That energy could be used so much better.

The takeaway? For starters, avoid getting hit with an egg or anything else, for that matter! But more importantly, if you find yourself dreading a holiday you once loved, remember that you have the power to reinvent it and make it yours again.

“We are the things that others fear.” - Lestat

IT'S NOT KUNG FU!

I was exploring the idea of an Elvis-like crimefighter patrolling the dark streets of the city. Although it might not be the most original concept, delving into it led me on a fascinating deep dive into Elvis Presley’s life and his sacred relationship with karate. It turns out his skill, dedication, and abilities were quite impressive. His journey into martial arts started in 1958 while he was in the military. Coming from a poor and often violent background, he was drawn to the discipline and self-control that this form of self-defense offered. It was a mindset he carried with him, influencing his performances in both movies and live performances not to mention his relationships throughout.

As for teachers, Holy shit, Elvis’s instructors were some of the best in the world, including legends like Ed Parker, Bill “Superfoot” Wallace, and Kang Rhee. He even earned recognition from a very young Chuck Norris. His support, patronage, and achievements in martial arts created a lasting legacy, paving the way for the karate culture to explode in our culture, thus paving the way for the martial arts movie boom. 

The takeaway from his story? Two things: find a physical outlet that provides structure and discipline. It’s not just good for the body; it’s good for the mind and the soul. Also, check out Elvis’s music—preferably his live shows on YouTube. The talent and discipline are amazing.

“It's called Karate, man. Only two kinds of people know it, The Chinese and The King" - Dewey Cox

DO THE BATUSI!

Batman Day is upon us. As I was thinking about it and how to possibly blog about it, I got a funny text from my sister about the Batusi! Yes, the Batusi. A play on the name of the Rwandan dance “The Watusi”. A funky, go-go-inspired dance that was an iconic moment from the 1966 Batman TV series. Played by the legend Adam West, Batman made his way onto the dance floor of a groovy nightclub. To impress the kids, he proceeded to unleash his dance signature move: a V-sign with his index and middle fingers, tracing them across his eyes as if he were wearing a mask. It was fun as all can be. There are different stories on its origin, with some sources crediting dance instructor Arthur Murray, West himself claimed to have created it on the fly. I believe it was Adam West because he was on so many drugs back then, only someone high could have come up with this. The dance became an instant classic, a perfect symbol of the show's wonderfully campy and playful spirit, and it has since been lovingly parodied everywhere from The Simpsons to Pulp Fiction.

The takeaway? If Batman can bust out a move on the dance floor, so can you! That being said, Happy Batman Day!

“Have you ever danced with the Devil in the pale moonlight?” – The Joker

SAY HIS NAME!

After a conversation with a friend about how they wanted to watch weird TV content, I mentioned children’s TV morning shows from the late 70s and 80s. They were trippy and quite existential in story and art direction. (I will blog about that subject another time.) This made me think about TV commercials from that era. In many ways, I loved watching them as much as the shows themselves. They can all be found on YouTube. 

However, after discussing it with another friend from my childhood, the TV commercials that baffled me the most were the KOOL-AID spots! Why? The Kool-Aid man was a monster of mayhem! Destruction followed in his deadly charge to quench the thirst of small, annoying children. When kids get thirsty, they invoke his name like a demon lord, then he crashes through the wall and says ‘oh yeah”! And the mothers are smiling and are like “Oh, Kool-Aid, thank God you are here!” With smiles as if they wanted to have sex with him? Really? He just crashed into the house, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in collateral damage. Why are they happy? It was quite frightening and perplexing. 

Kool-Aid was a force of pure chaos. Plain and simple. Why am I making this post? Two reasons. Levity. We really need it now. Also, the television commercials of the ‘70s and ‘80s were ones of creative freedom and weirdness that we probably will never see again. You should check them out.

"Nostalgia is possibly the greatest of the lies that we all tell ourselves" — R.A. Salvatore

SIOUX ON YOU!

Graham Greene has passed away. Who was he? He was a highly respected Canadian First Nations actor who was a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, known for bringing depth and legitimacy to his roles, especially those portraying Indigenous characters. His most notable part was as Kicking Bird in the Oscar-winning film “Dances With Wolves.” For that effort, he received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor. There were many reasons to enjoy that particular movie: the cinematography, the emotional story, and the soundtrack. However, for me, I loved the Bona fide depiction of the Lakota Sioux Tribe. Unlike many previous Westerns, which often portrayed Native Americans as one-dimensional villains, Dances With Wolves presents them as a complex, multi-dimensional society with their own language, customs, humor, and traditions. The film made a deliberate effort to incorporate the Lakota language, using subtitles, and even hired Native American actors for the roles, which was groundbreaking at the time.

This genuine portrayal inspired me to explore the incredible history of the Lakota Sioux—how they became such skilled horsemen, how they truly communed with nature, and how they hunted buffalo and used every part of the animal. Nothing was wasted. Such remarkable people. The takeaway: besides that, you should check out Graham Greene's movies. I believe that authenticity sparks curiosity. When art is done well, it tends to open people's minds and hearts. So, let them in.

“It seems every day ends with a miracle here. And whatever God may be, I thank God for this day” John Dunbar

TRAMPS LIKE US MAKE MIXED TAPES

Bruce Springsteen’s Born to Run is one of the greatest rock and roll records ever made, and its 50th anniversary is an amazing milestone. For me, it’s an album that has kept me in very good company for years, but its anniversary got me thinking about something more personal: the art of making a great mixtape.

Before streaming and playlists, music was a hunt. Besides the radio, cassette tapes were how I engaged with music for the majority of my youth. To save money, cause I was broke, I would keep a blank tape on hand, ready to hit record whenever the right song came on the radio. I even had one strictly for Bruce Springsteen that I played so much the tape warped. To this day, the playlist order is one I still use on Spotify.

This led me to think about the art of the mixtape. I use the word "art" because that’s exactly what it was. It was a creative act, a calculation of tempo and flow, a deliberate sequence of songs meant to tell a story. You had a finite amount of time on each side of the tape, and you had to make every second count. I loved making them for myself, and I loved making them for others.

There was a unique, tactile aspect to it as well. No one else had that exact tape. It was an original, a physical piece of who you were at that moment. Sharing it wasn't just about sharing music; it was about sharing time and showing someone who you are.

 The takeaway? Go out, make a playlist, even if it’s not on a cassette tape. Share it with a friend or just for yourself. The experience is almost always fun!

"This is my mom's tape. I don't listen to it to remember her. I listen to it to remember me." - Peter Quill

AN INTROVERTED EXTROVERT

That’s me—a classic extroverted introvert. I can be a social butterfly, engaging in conversations and jumping from person to person in a room, thriving off the energy of a crowd. Yet, at my core, I’m an introvert. Unlike true extroverts, this social performance gradually drains my energy. I love connecting with others, but my social capacity has limits. Eventually, I need to retreat to solitude—not because I dislike people, but because my inner self requires quiet to recharge and feel whole again.

I bring this up because, at a recent art crawl at the 14C residency in Jersey City, I noticed a clear difference among the artists in their open studios. The extroverted artists were high-energy and in-your-face—sometimes to the point of being overwhelming. On the other hand, introverted artists appeared uncomfortable and guarded, which made me empathize with them. This experience deepened my understanding of human behavior.

The takeaway: engaging artists about their work can be challenging. Patience is key, especially considering where they fall on the spectrum. When artists can share their work in a way that feels comfortable both for them and for you, the experience becomes truly amazing.

"The world is full of lonely people afraid to make the first move." - Tony Lip, Green Book

AND THERE IT GOES

I’ve been a huge fan of "Sex and the City" for years. The show's characters were unapologetically raw, relatable, and fun, and they perfectly captured the vibrant energy of New York City in the '90s. Even now, over two decades later, it still feels incredibly authentic. This is on my mind because its sequel, "And Just Like That...," is concluding its third season, and I have to admit, it's been a tough watch. The writing isn't as sharp, the new characters and storylines often feel forced, the blatant wealth disparity makes the main characters less relatable, and the obvious character betrayals have been frustrating.

So, why do I still watch it every week? For two main reasons. First, the show still gets New York City right. From the iconic locations to the ever-shifting attitudes and trends, it continues to pull me in. Second, it's brave. "And Just Like That..." has the guts to tackle the real, and often messy, issues that people in their late 40s and 50s face. In many ways, the core challenges haven't changed: finding and holding on to love, dealing with loss and death, and navigating sex and health. Few shows handle these topics with such honesty and grace, and it’s a powerful reminder that life can still be really fun, no matter your age.

The biggest takeaway from all of this? Go watch an episode of "Sex and the City." Or any show or movie that is set in New York. It’s a powerful reminder of why the city is the most magical and wild place in the world.

“This used to be the most exciting city in the world, and now it’s nothing but smoking near a fucking open window. New York is over. O-v-e-r. Over. No one’s fun anymore! Whatever happened to fun? God, I’m so bored I could die.” —Lexi Featherston