When your fiancé says “Let’s put some G N’ R on” you don’t argue. You embrace being 10 again, popping the cassette into the deck, and basking in the glory of using one’s illusions. Whatever age you were when you heard “November Rain” (or especially when you first saw the video), it sticks with you. … Continue reading Sunday Music: Like Cold November Rain (Go Easy, Rider)
Tag: TV
The Cuckoo (Hero’s Journey Alternates)
Joseph Campbell’s “hero’s journey” can work like a plug-and-play template. It’s a proven framework for creating tension and resolving conflict with plenty of main character development along the way. The artistic world is full of similar structures - one of my alternate favorites is a folk song format called “The Cuckoo.” Learning to spot any … Continue reading The Cuckoo (Hero’s Journey Alternates)
Sunday Music: Sammy Davis Jr (Be The Band)
Something about the way he takes control... Can you do this at work? Shouldn't you be able to? If nothing else, out of respect? https://youtu.be/WhgIwTtt98A?si=bpiPYXAgLEJFIyr5
When Joan Rivers Met GWAR
Calling anyone who makes something they feel personally invested in. Not just for an anonymous corporate overlord. Something you put a little piece of your best effects into, at the soul level. Musicians, artists, writers - craftspeople of all types. Athletes and business people count too. Anyone who has spent an insane amount of time … Continue reading When Joan Rivers Met GWAR
Searching For Success, Finding It, Staying Grounded (The Bear)
I’m saving a piece of beautiful writing here (and acting, you should watch The Bear, but in case you don’t, I think you’ll want to read this - no spoilers). We’re dropping in on a conversation for this scene. It’s part of training sequence, like the one in every Kung Fu movie, where the master … Continue reading Searching For Success, Finding It, Staying Grounded (The Bear)
You’ll Make That Mistake Again (The Bear)
A lot of you told me to watch The Bear, and I’m slow, OK? But I know I’m not the slowest one on this list. I’m not going to spoil anything, but I have to capture a conversation about making mistakes here to share. Because god, this is so relatable. To everybody who feels like … Continue reading You’ll Make That Mistake Again (The Bear)
Modern Art, Modern Mirrors (Barry, Succession, and Ted Lasso Edition)
Three of the finest shows I’ve ever seen wrapped before the mid-point of 2023. I'm not here to spoil anything so relax. I'm also not going to talk about them in a way where if you never saw a single episode this matters. I'm bringing them up because Barry, Succession, and Ted Lasso are holding up … Continue reading Modern Art, Modern Mirrors (Barry, Succession, and Ted Lasso Edition)
It Was Almost Not Sunny In Philadelphia
If you + at least one or two others think something is good, you might be onto something. You’re also “wrong” about it. But the world will fix that if you’re willing to show your work and listen. Really listen. Past the BS, because you’ll hear all that too. Can’t do anything to avoid that … Continue reading It Was Almost Not Sunny In Philadelphia
Why Do We Fall, Bruce?
“Why do we fall? So we can learn to pick ourselves up.” Advice from Bruce Wayne’s dad. And advice Batman repeatedly hears as struggles to hold onto and protect his code. Falling is just a reason to get back up. As true in Batman as it is in Ted Lasso.* If you have something you … Continue reading Why Do We Fall, Bruce?
Choose Your Heroes Carefully (The Tick Edition)
I loved The Tick cartoon in the mid-90s. The idea of a superhero who was as tough as Superman and as irreverently funny as The Kids in the Hall was - and still is - pure magic to me (psst. You can catch all three seasons of the cartoon on Hulu). Amazon did a live-action … Continue reading Choose Your Heroes Carefully (The Tick Edition)