Music is a Miracle

It is only now that I’m beginning to realize how much I love music. I mean, it should be obvious, but it doesn’t fit in with my self-image. I’m a movie guy. I’m a reader. I’m not a musician. I only listen to music all the damn time. I’ve spent a chunk money on Sonos …

The Q&A

Based on the Guardian series, here. When were you happiest? Any time when my wife and I were together, with nowhere specific to be, ideally with a hot drunk and the pug pack. Which living person do you most admire, and why? Elizabeth Warren. I believe she has a plan to really make a difference. …

On Watching Northfork

There’s a risk in going back to watch movies you loved years ago. I call it the “Doc Savage  Effect.” Despite the wounds of previous nostalgia-fueled viewing still being surprisingly strong, when clearing out my DVDs, I finally decided it was time to re-watch Northfork  before I sent it on to find another home. And, …

Your wife is having a few of her colleagues over for drinks…

Your wife is having a few of her colleagues over for drinks… But that’s OK, because you have a man cave an office that you haven’t really broken in yet. Let them get drunk and boisterous out there. You can make your own fun. Right? Swordfishtrombones by Tom Waits is the first thing that goes …

On happy thoughts

Recently, Guardian columnist Victoria Coren Mitchell wrote about how oppressive the current news cycles are and then suggested a list of things that make her happy. I think this is both an excellent idea and a relatively stress-free exercise for someone looking to maintain a weekly blog-posting schedule. In that spirit, here is my list. …

On Why We Like What We Like

Everything you've done, everything you've experienced, everything someone said to you has a chance of adding another facet to your character. It's enough to make you never want to leave the house, isn't it? But what about the media we absorb every day - not the news, views, and eye-bleeding hate that passes for political …

The Pitch #1: The Tom Waits Duets Album

It came to me in a dream. A vision. A blinding flash of mind-expanding inspiration. You know what Tom Waits needs? A duets album! You feel silly now not having thought of this yourself, don’t you? Well, that’s why I have this super-important blog and you don’t. It all makes sense if you think about …