Tom’s Top 20-ish Of 2017

For the past few years, I always think I’m finally going to become a stereotypical old man and declare, “There isn’t any good new music being made” — and every year I’m proven wrong by the tons of great new albums that come across my computer. Granted, these lists are subjective, so one person’s trash… Continue reading Tom’s Top 20-ish Of 2017

Birding is So Metal, Part II: Scene Etiquette and the Painted Bunting

Editor’s Note — This is the second in a series on a hobby that’s pretty freakin’ metal: birding.  (That’s “bird-watching” for all you noobs who don’t even have a Slayer patch on your battle vest.)  Read “Birding is So Metal, Part I: Finding the Scene” here. Just over a year into my birding career I… Continue reading Birding is So Metal, Part II: Scene Etiquette and the Painted Bunting

Book Review: Irresistible by Adam Alter

I’m one of those suckers who thinks my life will be ideal as soon as I stop doing everything I like and start doing all these other stupid things, like eating kale at every meal and waking up ten minutes earlier to meditate.  Drinking and a pointless social smoking habit are usually on my To-Stop… Continue reading Book Review: Irresistible by Adam Alter

Birding is So Metal, Part I: Finding the Scene

Pileated Woodpecker at Bartlett Arboretum

On a beautiful sunny day near the end of October I walked into the woods behind Cove Island Park with my binoculars and camera, ready to take pictures of birds and other wildlife. This is my thing. It has been for almost four years. When out and about with my camera I am in my… Continue reading Birding is So Metal, Part I: Finding the Scene

#UnoccupyTheMall, 2017 Edition

It’s the most wonderful time of the year again, where we all run around like decapitated chickens trying to find the perfect gifts for our family and friends.  Don’t know where to start?  Check out these unique and often local gift suggestions from Vanessa, Lisa, and Jessie: Vanessa Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem, NY… Continue reading #UnoccupyTheMall, 2017 Edition

Book Review: What Does This Button Do? The Autobiography of Bruce Dickinson

I had the rare opportunity to meet the almighty Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden on Halloween night at St. Vitus in Brooklyn, NY where he was signing his new autobiography, What Does This Button Do?  After reading the book, I have even more respect for him if that’s even possible.  The man fronts one of… Continue reading Book Review: What Does This Button Do? The Autobiography of Bruce Dickinson