Before Rent, there was tick, tick… BOOM!. This autobiographical musical by Jonathan Larson, the Pulitzer Prize–and Tony Award–winning composer of Rent, is the story of an aspiring composer who questions his life choices on the eve of his thirtieth birthday. It was first performed as a solo rock monologue by Larson back in 1990. I…
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This is the first cast recording I played drums on. The date we were supposed to release this? September 11, 2001. The release party never happened. The recording included a booklet with production photos, the lyrics and an essay by the late Larson’s father, Al. The cast album also included a 1992 demo tape of…
Read moreMattress company responds to 9/11 offensive ad controversy
Why not have a Martin Luther KING SIZE mattress sale next January instead? You must be a black male and lay down on a mattress – then be photographed as if you are in a coffin first to qualify for a discount (of 1%). How about full size women get double stuffed, pillow top mattresses?…
Read moreWhy Rational People Buy Into Conspiracy Theories
Conspiracy theories appear to be a way of reacting to uncertainty and powerlessness. Economic recessions, terrorist attacks and natural disasters are massive, looming threats, but we have little power over when they occur or how or what happens afterward. In these moments of powerlessness and uncertainty, a part of the brain called the amygdala kicks…
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