Merry Christmas, Auggie Wren, and Happy Holidaze

New York City

I usually shun traditions and try to mix things up, but every Christmas morning over the last 15+ years, I do the same thing. I wake-n-bake and re-read Auggie Wren's Christmas Story.

I know, I know... I barely posted anything on Tao in 2017 and when I do, it's a friggin' repeat! Yeah, I'm a lazy stoner who recycles content.

If this story sounds familiar... it's because I pimp it out every December 25th. By chance you are a fan of 90s indie cinema, then you've heard this monologue from the Brooklyn-centric film Smoke directed by Wayne Wang.


Happy Christmas to your consumer-addled family members!

RIP Johnny Hughes

Los Angeles

RIP Johnny Hughes. Poker historian, author, professor, former band road manager, hustler and Texan.

Best gift Johnny Hughes gave me was believing in me at a time in my life when I didn't believe in myself. Thanks for that Johnny Hughes. You will be missed, dear friend.

Johnny Hughes also gave me best advice on surviving Vegas and being on road nonstop: "You can have one vice, one drug, and one girl. Never have more that one of each. Otherwise you askin' for trouble son!"

Image: Johnny Hughes with Amarillo Slim at The Horseshoe snapping pic with $1 million display in downtown Vegas.

Pay the Writer: 2016 Version

Los Angeles, CA

It's that time of year again! Chasing back pay from delinquent clients on some projects from last summer/fall. Having difficult and frustrating time getting paid and getting stonewalled by salaried employees who just don't get it.

I should have hired Harlan Ellison as my literary agent. He'd make sure I get paid...in full.

Blank On Blank: Kurt Vonnegut

Los Angeles, CA

Here's Kurt Vonnegut talking about a lot of stuff and non-stuff...

When It Rains in L.A.

Los Angeles, CA

Mayhem. Locals go friggin' berserk at the slightest rain drop.

Blank On Blank: Ray Bradbury

Los Angeles, CA

I'll listen to any interview with Ray Bradbury. Funny thing... I'm more influenced by the things he's said about writing, philosophy, and creativity more than his actual stories and fictional characters. A true thinker. Here's something from the Blank On Blank series, which animates interview clips...