78 observations to keep in mind from Def Jam’s co-founder — If you turned this book upside down and shook it, dozens upon dozens of great ideas would fall out. It’s packed with them. They are organized in “78 Areas of Thought.” …

Updating the Three Crowns with Modern Swedish Icons — Three Crowns compose the national emblem of Sweden, but it’s time for a refresh. Yes, Sweden is officially a Kingdom, but even though he just celebrated 50 years on the throne, King Carl XVI Gustav has no power to do anything, not even command ABBA to reunite. Let’s rebrand the…

Surprising facts from Stockholm’s Vasa Museum — While I considered myself at least somewhat educated about European history, my ignorance was revealed during a visit to the Vasa Museum. Frankly, I had no idea how tiny people were as recently as the 17th century. Unless I’m mistaken, they measured half-a-foot high, tops. Vasa was meant to be…

A mullet with a really, really big party in the back. — The BBC, which reliably publishes stories about how people in the former colonies are strange beyond belief—this, mind you, coming from a nation that eats Lamb & Mint-flavored potato chips—recently had an article on a Tennessee woman by the name of Tami Manis. Manis will be featured in the 2024…

It not only tells me time, but what to do. — My goals are, for the most part, not only unrealized but unarticulated. Wiser people have theirs written down and carefully planned, with step-by-step pathways to accomplishment. I, on the other hand, leave it to my Apple Watch. I do whatever it wants me to do and call it a day. …

Everything you’ve heard about him is wrong — Here we go again. Every year or so, a movie comes out and people claim that Christopher Nolan, my brother, made it. They go on and on about what an important filmmaker he is, inventive, fearless, an “auteur.” This elaborate prank is getting old. Because my brother Chris is a…

Lisa McGee’s Comic Masterpiece — They say dying is easy, comedy is hard. Yet comedy remains an unappreciated art form, too unserious to be taken seriously. Why is Young Frankenstein considered a “great comedy,” and not simply a great film? Every frame, every line, every performance is perfect. I feel the same way about Lisa…

We’re going with the Beastie Boys. In Latin. — Growing up, I didn’t know we had a family motto. So I was pretty much on my own, guidance-from-ancestors-wise. “You Have to Fight for Your Right to Party” may have best encapsulated my own thinking. In Latin, to add it gravitas, that’s VOS HAVE UT PRO IUS FACTIONIS. At least…

His name was Ron Duff — Folks can debate all they want about who makes the best wings, but please. They are served at Duff’s Famous Wings on Sheridan and Millersport in Buffalo. And now I know why. Recently, a remembrance of Ron Duff, whose mother Louise Duffney opened the restaurant in 1946, was posted on…