The Curious American

11/08/2024

I’ve been dealing with Christian conservative operations for 14 years - against my will, mind you, as consent is right-wing Kryptonite. Some things would later become NRA talking points, QAnon, MAGA, and Project 2025.

It’s very weird to have your words come out of Dana Loesch’s mouth on national television. She does a great job, she knows how to SELL it. Still, the amount of people that allowed it to happen where friends, partners, and colleagues of mine - all able to excuse abuses for a greater good they will not be a part of.

Im old, im tired, and i dont care anymore. So this time around, instead of arguing with people who voted for my deportation to a country I visited once when I was 12, and instead of watching people march to their death in the name of patriotism… I’d rather just end my social media presence.

You can text me or find me on WhatsApp. 👍

10/02/2024

I want to thank all of you for the birthday wishes on here and in DMs on what is now my SECOND 50th birthday.

Last year - either because of COVID or brain deterioration (or perhaps a little of both) - I mistakenly gained a year. The 50th mark was a big deal for David - my The Curious American business partner, friend, and landlord - and I never really understood why. But he went all out and it was fun. More than that, I appreciate everyone who laughed about it and rolled with it. I cannot tell you how fun and funny it was because, at the time of realizing my mistake, I didn't honestly think David would make it to my actual 50th birthday.

But he did. Barely. On Monday he slipped off right before October 1st, and this morning a little before 5 am he finally passed. "Transitioned" is the word his sister used. The last I saw him was Friday because he was barely conscious, and I was due to see him this evening, but that's not going to happen.

I want each of you to know that this past year has been heavy but the laughter and the joy meant the world to me. Each of you who engaged with me gave me a specific strength that was fundamental in keeping me going and has given me the building blocks for who I will be this next year. I appreciate you.

Never underestimate the power of kindness and laughter. It gives people the power that can last for years. Thank you so, so very much.

08/11/2024

The full intro to from Apple TV is at the end. I was the one making the horsies move, and so I have very little footage.

08/11/2024

In March 26, 2023, Nathan, Teresa, and myself got up on a Saturday morning at an hour I haven’t seen in decades to aid a crew coming to film the mechanical horse derby at . It was freezing, humid, and once the filming started, asphyxiating (2nd pic). But it was sooo much fun.

Granted, this is a 120-year-old machine from Arlington Race Track in , and not everything about it functions smoothly. But with the incredible patience of I got the learning curve down to make the horses go in somewhat of a predictable manner… which is hilarious considering this is suppose to be a horse-themed variation of roulette.

We, the industry outsides, had no clue what, why, or where we were working for, and soon after 8 hours of manhandling an antique machine, the writers and actors strike shut down Hollywood. And yet here in August of 2024, drops this massive story of Mexican drug cartels and money laundering through horse racing called on . The credits are short, but so beautiful, and I’m so glad you can see the neon beer sign in the background. It was a long day, but so much fun, and I’m glad we get to see the final result, because that always doesn’t happen in the BIZ.

Thank you for making me a part of this small, but rather exciting journey.

06/10/2024

A few weeks ago, and I went to see in , and the parking Kathleen and I chose was right at .

It was pretty amazing to be 10 o’clock at night and heading back to the car to find an entire art gallery open, and viewable with a bar and restaurant open to the public. So we walked in and took a look around. It was pretty fascinating and cool. We saw the dinosaur.

05/30/2024

05/30/2024

Did you know that between now and many of your dad's (and grandpa's) favorite childhood toys are on sale at Roscoe Woodstock Antique Mall? Also, Room 1 just got in a new section of from World War 1 in.

05/29/2024

05/17/2024

Hey, , you can see more of this auction by clicking here: https://bid.rockauctiongallery.com/auctions/5-17D2TE/the-speakeasy-antiques-and-collectibles-auction

Auction closes May 19th. Be sure to check out the Russian posters.

One of the highlights in our current auction is lot #50

The patina on this absolutely stunning Pollard mfg butcher block workbench is off the charts. These came out of Central Wire MFG in Chicago and feature, an Awesome swing out stool as well as a heavy duty embossed bank of drawers. This bench has been completely cleaned and sealed, and is ready for its second life.

05/16/2024

King Cole Beer comes from Chicago Heights, Illinois, and lasted from 1934 to 1947. Local history like this is great to find, and this neon sign is up for auction right now. Check out for more info.

05/16/2024

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