Blog Posts

I’m not sure I even knew what the summer solstice was until college. My freshman dorm room lacked direct sunlight. It was in the interior of the building, with a window overlooking a ventalation shaft. I’m sure that’s not the sole reason for my near-depression that year, but it didn’t help. I’ve become acutely aware…

The credits had scarcely begun to roll when Kurt asked me, “So whaddya think?” Listen, the guy may be one of three reasons (along with Cameron Crowe and Chris Connelly) that I do what I do, but he clearly didn’t get the memo my Top Five Rules For Movie Screenings: 1) Never go to an…

My parents signed me up for piano lessons when I was about seven-years-old. Lessons were held at a small, Gothic conservatory on Lake Street in Oak Park, Illinois. Chris and I walked the quiet, tree-lined avenues dotted with Frank Lloyd Wright homes after school. The lobby’s white linoleum floors reflected cold, fluorescent lights. I sat…

Perhaps no film better summarizes popular culture’s dueling concept of The Weekend than the new classic, “Old School.” The Bed, Bath & Beyond vs. Mitchapalooza Conundrum, as it’s come be to called in Academia, is revealed in this one, hilarious scene. Frank: I told my wife I wouldn’t drink tonight. I got a big day…

My boss insisted I take the day off. I think his prime motivator was when I told him I’d punched a wall following a phone call with one of my, um, thicker colleagues. “You’re the happiest guy in the building, Ben. If you’re stressed out, I know we’re in trouble.” So I took today off.…

Phew. For a minute there, I wasn’t sure I’d ever write a new song again. Well, I guess I just needed some free time.  And I got some today.  I had the day off.  So I picked up my guitar.  And while the chords I was playing weren’t exactly innovative, they sounded new enough.  So…