Precious metal clay recently piqued my interest. PMC is made from fine sterling silver in an organic clay medium until it is fired in a kiln. It was exciting to think that I might be able to replicate bits of nature, such as leaves. It combines creating jewelry and working with clay perfectly. As I had already worked with PMC on my own, creating rings, pendants and earrings, I took a class through the University of the Arts with PMC expert Chris Darway. I am no longer afraid of firing up a kiln and I know how to make funky beads using unconventional materials like cereal as a core. Now I do know how to make replicas of nature, and who knows what else? Neighbors, be aware but not afraid when you see little puffs of smoke coming out of my studio!

Crime and horror in the New York City of days gone. Unrelenting bad vibes. Visceral, career-making performances from all of my favorite actors. Abel Ferrara is my favorite filmmaker right now. All right, I'm sorry, I like scumbags. This guy is the greatest. A few nights ago, The Funeral (1996) played on cable. I've been staring at this box at the video store for a decade now, not renting it. It's got Christopher Walken, Chris Penn, Vincent Gallo, Annabella Sciorra, Isabella Rossellini, Gretchen Mol, Benicio Del Toro—holy shit! All in one movie! Bad Lieutenant has been a favorite for years. King of New York (crack gang movie), The Addiction (vampire movie), Body Snatchers (classic sci-fi remake), Ms. 45 (revenge flick), Driller Killer (splatter/horror), this guy does it all—well.

Much of my favorite music is grounded firmly in an era just before my own generation. I have an inexplicable connection to '80s new wave music and was the only kid who wore a Eurythmics T-shirt to recess. My favorite way to get my new wave fix is late night on VH1 Classic. Their '80s show digs up the best B-grade videos from The Psychedelic Furs, New Order and Siouxsie and the Banshees. They even have a new "alternative" show just like the old 120 Minutes on MTV—and I love '90s nostalgia almost as much as music in the Reagan era.

In an attempt to become the best possible human being I can be, for the sake of all those I spend time with, for the sake of my own happiness and fulfillment of life, and for the sake of evolution for my soul as well as collective consciousness, I have become interested in and will ingest Ayahuasca. I will do so after several weeks of preparation and communication with shamans and the plant itself, in Peru. I was hesitant to advertise this endeavor, but as we have moved into a more open era of this epoch, where secrets are being revealed, I do so only with an added note that my intentions are sincere and heart pondered. I am both determined in my path as well as open to the side tracks I may experience on my way.