Immigrants tell their stories in Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, and Dallas in ’80 Minutes Around the World’ on April 28-30
From a press release: The Misericordia University College of Arts and Sciences will present “80 Minutes Around the World,” an event that takes audience members on an 80-minute trip around five continents as eight storytellers each share their immigration experiences at three different venues on Thursday, April 28 through Saturday, April 30. The storytellers come […]
LIVING YOUR TRUTH: This ‘special snowflake’ doesn’t need a ‘safe space’ – just respect
“Are you a special snowflake?” she asks. No masking, no beating around the bush, just asking me outright. “Yes,” I reply, with a big smile pasted across my face. “I am a special snowflake.” I say it, and I mean it. She has no idea what to do with that… because her lord and savior, […]
BUT I DIGRESS: Tuning into my clear memories of classic radio (and its place today)
As we approach Christmas with lightning rapidity, some of the more impressive gifts of Christmases past have been drifting through my brain transom. The kickass ‘50s style baby blue bike with a “gas tank” and fins that I eventually learned to ride on. Also the kickass Apollo 5 speed “muscle bike” that weighed as much […]
BUT I DIGRESS: What your choice of Christmas lights says about you
As you may have noticed, I like to draw parallels between stuff. Generally, it goes like this: “I think it’s cool, so it gets a favorable comparison to cool things,” or “This sucks. I liken it to poo.” Not today, however. Today is about achieving unity through diversity. It’s not about how different we are, […]
LIVING YOUR TRUTH: Giving thanks for acceptance and the new ‘traditional’ American family
“You met my mom before, though, right?” Andrea asks me as we drive out of New York City. “No, never,” I tell her, but it only leads to more confusion. “I couldn’t have met her. You forget, we’ve only been together for about five months. I only met you last summer.” “Why does it feel […]
BUT I DIGRESS: Why sharing your favorite music with others is so goddamn important
If your friends don’t turn you on to new music, no matter how old you are, then they ain’t yer friends! That’s totally false, but the friends that do turn you on to new music are way cooler than your other friends. Seriously. And your other friends know it. And they weep into their pillows […]
THE REAL GIG: Steamtown Music Awards remind us that musicians are local heroes too
Last night, I went to the Steamtown Music Awards at The V-Spot in Scranton. It was a great night of catching up with friends and fellow Northeastern Pennsylvania players, writers, and producers. As I got up this morning, I found myself thinking about an event that happened to me 20 years ago. I was at […]
BUT I DIGRESS: Flaming youth – after 40 years of fandom, I finally met KISS
In 1978, my mom took me to a now defunct local department store (Sugarman’s Eynon Drug for the locals – I miss the fuck outta that joint!) where, for the very first time, I purchased an album for myself! That album was KISS’ “Alive II.” It changed everything! Up until this point, I was satisfied […]
BUT I DIGRESS: Thoughts and memories after seeing Black Sabbath for the last time
I saw Black Sabbath live for the very last time in my entire life on Friday, Aug. 19 in Camden, New Jersey. It was an amazing show, and the power and brilliance of the performance ultimately took some of bite out of the fact that it was, as the title of the tour indicated, “The […]
LIVING YOUR TRUTH: Don’t give up on government just yet – passing LGBT equality in Wilkes-Barre
Last night, I did something that I have only dreamed about my entire life. I stood up, as myself, and faced the establishment. I made my voice heard. I made a difference. And it felt wonderful! On Aug. 11, Wilkes-Barre City Council met for a regular session where they would vote on a proposal brought […]
