A Stream of Consciousness Portrait of a Civilized Man — Like any living being on this planet, I am a product of environmental and cultural conditioning. I’ve come to understand this fact, and also resent it because I base my worth and purpose on what civilization conditioned me to value most: my work. I don’t blame capitalism, socialism, communism, or…

A list of top metal bands that put a boogie in your headbang — It’s easy to write groovy riffs and beats in metal. However, in order to truly captivate headbangers, the grand challenge lies in dropping grooves that leave them no choice but to bop while being starkly original in the process. Many factors play into a band establishing their signature manner of…

A Poem Unfulfilled — Today could be filed away in the job-well-done folder — I was productive in my worthy-work errands were run and my mind is wrung But as I’m retiring this evening my hat hangs on a lone hook My flesh may be off-the-clock but my heart has unfinished business Yes, accomplishment is in the air but…

Previewing upcoming releases from various heavy metal and rock acts — Welcome to the first installment of what should be an ongoing series showcasing promising and captivating heavy metal and rock upcoming releases! Whenever I come across music that catches my ear, regardless of its genre, my first inclination is to share my pleasurable experience with others and pass it along. …

It will always be the financial capital of the world first and foremost — A couple of weekends ago my sister and I were invited to watch her heterosexual friend belly dance in a drag show in a Midtown hotel lounge. I’m typically adventurous, up for whatever, but I also have to keep my budget in mind. Going out to do anything in Manhattan…

…and Medium ain’t one. Well, ok…there are two…wait…now three — Much love to my fellow ninety-nine percenters! And no hate for the one-percenters; we’re all humans. Nevertheless, allow me to celebrate this, my 99th story on Medium! I want to reflect on my 14-month stint in the Partner Program by divulging both my winning and losing stories. Please feel free…

A Poem of Triumph — Dwell on good fortune for once! twice! three times! Daily! It’s bestowed upon you, believe me It flies under my radar, too I’m grateful when noticing blips Surprise it by feeding it attention Assess it as you do the losses in agonizing detail Replay the moment of triumph as you would a failure You crept…

And I’ll tell you why you’re wrong — With a new prequel series on the way, House of the Dragon, HBO is likely providing fans of Game of Thrones with a fresh batch of nipples and penises to ogle. As someone who’s arrived late to the party and recently binged the entire GOT series for the first time…