Saw something that reminded me of how much MTV influenced other networks to get in on the music video bandwagon in the early 1980s. Do you remember any of these? 1/2

Current Media: Film THE PLUMBER (1979) As Ari Aster said to Daniel Clowes on a recently uploaded video for the Criterion Channel… “So we’re gonna talk about Peter Weir’s The Cable Guy.” Looking forward to seeing this little-known derangement.

Current Media: Short Film OSCAR’S BELL (2018) Credit to the director Chris Cronin for zeroing in on the sense of unease and dread. That’s one reason to watch this 12-minute short. Courtesy of Alter on YouTube. youtu.be/kYjFPxRtBiY?...

Current Media: Book THE TALISMAN by Stephen King and Peter Straub (1984) Revisiting The Territories for the first time in decades to prepare for the trilogy’s finale in October. This will be followed by BLACK HOUSE (2000) and then OTHER WORLDS THAN THESE (2026). Kind of bittersweet this time…

Current Media: Audio Theater Podcast BRONZEVILLE (2017, 2022) Speaking of Josh Olsen (A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE), he penned this fantastic audio theater series. Excellent sound design, production, and a stellar cast including Larenz Tate and Laurence Fishburne. I’m hooked. 1/2

Josh Olson’s story about the time Ben Kingsley recorded his Don Logan character from SEXY BEAST as his answering machine greeting is one of the funniest stories I’ve ever heard.

42 years.

Current Film TO LIVE AND DIE IN L.A. (1985) A first time watch for me and I can honestly already say this is one of Friedkin’s finest. And one that defined the 1980s reminiscent of Michael Mann’s work in the same time period. 1/2

Current Magazine EERIE #4 (July 1966) A cousin to Warren Publishing’s CREEPY MAGAZINE (it’s Uncle Creepy’s Cousin Eerie as host in this one), delivers the EC Comics-inspired stories full of horror and the traditional comeuppance with fantastic cover art from the art masters of yesteryear.

Current Book FIVE TOTAL STRANGERS by Natalie D. Richards (2020) Going by a recommendation Rebekah McKendry @rebekahmckendry.bsky.social made on a COLORS OF THE DARK @colorsofthedark.bsky.social episode back in 2020. And I’m not regretting it. A fast-paced, tension-filled page-turner so far!

Current Music Album Discography: DREAM THEATER DREAM THEATER – WHEN DREAM AND DAY UNITE (1989) 1/2

YOU MUST REMEMBER THIS (RTN) Long break since 2020 but came back and started from the beginning. I’m now finishing the latest season 20 and, let me just say, Karina Longworth @karinalongworth.bsky.social is so damn good at what she does, I can hardly wait for the new season coming this year. 30/31

THIS IS HORROR PODCAST (NEW) Well-established horror discussion podcast with writers, filmmakers, and other creatives who share their stories that often include valuable information any creative can benefit from...that includes me. 27/31

THE EVOLUTION OF HORROR @evolutionofhorror.bsky.social (NEW) Another UK-based horror discussion podcast that delves into the historical side of horror, focusing on horror subgenres one slice at a time. Both entertaining and informative. Plus I’m a glutton for those chronological details. 25/31

TALKING SCARED @talkscaredpod.bsky.social (NEW) A podcast that focuses on the literary side of horror with excellent interviews of big name and emerging horror authors, and everything in between. Some great discoveries for horror readers here, including myself. 23/31

RECRYPTED: A TALES FROM THE CRYPT PODCAST (NEW) From across the pond comes an entertaining guide to each episode of HBO’s TALES FROM THE CRYPT that recently dropped DEAD on Shudder. They just MUMMY-wrapped up the short Season 1 and I’m more than ready to DIG UP more for Season BOO! 19/31

PURE CINEMA PODCAST (RTN) Coming back reminded me why I subscribed in the first place. As a former video store clerk/manager years ago, “the video store for your ears” is 🎯. Between this & COLORS OF THE DARK, now I get a double dose of @elrickane.bsky.social. Is that a good thing or...? 17/31

MIDNIGHT MASS (NEW) One of the best cult/horror film discussion podcasts with a queer focus, which is a testament to its cohosts: the dynamic duo of Peaches Christ @peacheschrist.com & Michael Varrati @michaelvarrati.bsky.social. Children of the Podcorn? Count me in! 12/31

THE FACULTY OF HORROR (RTN) I listened to this one several years ago and finally returned, starting from the beginning. It’s one of the best in the horror academia field with two of the best in said field: Alex West @alexwest.bsky.social and Andrea Subissati @necromandrea.bsky.social. 8/31

AMITYVILLEVILLE (NEW) 2 poor souls watch every AMITYVILLE film including ones like AMITYVILLE VIBRATOR and AMITYVILLE DEATH TOILET. Wasn’t a fan at first since I wasn’t sure if the hosts’ lack of knowing historical pop culture was an act or not, but they both grew on me and now I don’t care 😂 3/31

Current Podcast Subscriptions: I’ve recently been sharing a lot of podcasts I’m listening to in rotation while I’m working out, getting my steps in, doing mundane tasks…so I figured I’d share ALL the podcasts I’m currently subscribed to on Apple Podcasts, my podcatcher of choice. 1/31

I’ve been subscribing (and resubscribing) to a bunch of film discussion podcasts lately and was reminded of a time when I always wished I had something to write down all the titles mentioned in each episode. Now I can thank these cinephile souls for providing those lists through Letterboxd. 1/6

One new(ish) rule I follow when it comes to watching narrative TV series: I won’t start until it’s completely finished. “Hey, have you seen Widow’s Bay yet?” No, and I won’t until the last ep airs. Why? See Netflix, Prime, and all other streaming services with original programming for the answer.

Here’s my list of the best stories presented on WE’RE NOT MEANT TO KNOW Year 4 (2024). Note: There weren't many episodes in 2024.

Here’s my list of the best stories presented on NIGHTMARE MAGAZINE STORY PODCAST @nightmare-magazine.com @wnwagner.bsky.social Year 5 (2016).

Here’s my list of the best stories presented on TALES TO TERRIFY @talestoterrify.bsky.social Year 5 (2016).

Here’s my list of the best stories presented on PSEUDOPOD @pseudopod.org Year 5 (2010).

Current YouTube: MOVIE TIMELINES: THE 50s PROJECT 1958 PART 2 @movietimelines.bsky.social As a sufferer of OCD and a chronological timeline junkie, this series has been a balm to my soul. Host Josh Spiegel being a funny guy is another delight. And he prefaces videos with NO AI notice. Bonus pts.

Current Script: THE BRUTALIST by Brady Corbet and Mona Fastvold (2024) Seeing what all the spark was about last year.

Current Podcast: CULT MOVIES PODCAST (2020-Present) @cultmoviespodcast.bsky.social @akdonelly.bsky.social @mattbled87.bsky.social Concept that surprisingly didn’t happen earlier: a podcast based on Danny Peary’s legendary CULT MOVIES books. Kudos to Anthony King for getting on this in 2020.