Say It Loud (Black And Proud) There is an Eastern European proverb that goes something like, “The village is burning and grandmother combs her hair.” I’ve seen several variations of this attributed to multiple European countries and cultures, from the Romanians to the Greeks. Sometimes it has to do with war…
The Moral Failure Of Using AI In Your Art
The moral ascendancy of the Luddites and why you should resist AI in your work and life with ecclesiastical fervor In the early days of the 19th century, highly-skilled textile workers in England revolted against the industrialization they rightly believed would replace them with the introduction of machinery that required only…
On A Scale Of One To Ten
I have a high tolerance for pain. I’m not saying I feel any less pain than others, although that’s entirely possible. I mean, how would you know? I don’t know what you feel, and you don’t know what I feel. Maybe it actually hurts you more than it hurts me.…
When The Sun Is Out And I’m Still In
I feel guilty when the sun is out, and I’m still in, but there has to be some sort of grace period during which this is acceptable.
Fat Fingers And Toes
Since Christmas of last year, I am down 60lbs to about 205 lbs, which is incredible to me in the first place. I could probably stand to lose another 20 lbs, maybe more, but I don’t want to look like I’m dying of some sort of wasting disease. I should…
The Tao Of My Rage
Attempting to navigate the world with all its insolent depredations.
The Art And Obligation Of Responsible Criticism
Navigating the minefield of creative enterprise and the fragility of artistic souls.
Taste A Little Of The Summer
“Peaches on the shelf, potatoes in the bin. Supper’s ready, everybody come on in, now taste a little of the summer, you can taste a little of the summer. My grandma’s put it all in jars.” Greg Brown An excursion of the senses, exploring life at the Jersey shore It’s August.…
Killing Time Waiting For A Friend
I spend a little time out in the world and find it lacking I am sitting at a Denny’s in Northfield, NJ, having coffee and waiting for my breakfast. I haven’t been to a Denny’s since I was in high school. If you’ve not spent time in America, Denny’s is a nationwide…
And The Band Plays On
Avoiding apathy on my way to acceptance I have always considered apathy a weak position based on ignorance, selfishness, or cowardice. You didn’t care: either because you didn’t understand, couldn’t be bothered, or were too frightened to act. I believe there was a time in our recent history when this was true, and…