Book Review- THE STEPS: A MEMOIR by Sylvester Stallone

October 18, 2026

Most anyone who has seen the 1976 movie ROCKY would describe it as inspirational. Still, I can’t help but wonder how many movie lovers would apply that same label to Sylvester Stallone, the man who starred in the film and wrote the screenplay. My guess is that not many would. For the past fifty years, the public persona of Stallone has been as a mega-wealthy mega-star with a full serving of ego and multiple marriages. Perhaps that fed his desire to pen an autobiography that details his rise from poverty … a rise attributed to resilience, perseverance, determination, and talent. It’s a story only he could tell, and he does so in a manner that finds him likable and relatable – and one to admire and respect.

The three ‘steps’ that make up the bulk of the book are New York, Los Angeles, and Rocky. Readers will find the most ‘new’ information in the New York step, as it details Stallone’s childhood and his later pursuit of a dream. The Stallone we know now lives in a stunning multi-million-dollar seaside mansion, but those early years were often spent in squalor with cockroaches and a mattress made of pizza boxes. This was a young college dropout so determined to find a path that he juggled his waking hours between odd jobs, trying to find an agent, and writing (and writing some more). These jobs included cleaning the lions cage at the Central Park Zoo, slicing fish at a deli, and working the aisles as a movie theater usher. It’s that last one where he didn’t just watch hundreds of movies, but he studied the acting and especially the writing to determine what worked and what didn’t.

The cross-country drive to Los Angeles brought more of the same struggle for Stallone. Continually being told he was not a fit or didn’t have “the look”, he rigorously auditioned for acting roles while writing script after script, honing his skills. Although he avoids an overabundance of name dropping, Stallone sprinkles a few interesting stories along the way … Henry Winkler and Ben Gazzara being two (very different) examples. Times got so economically tough for Stallone, he even sold his beloved dog, Butkus. Of course, the two were later reunited (to co-star in ROCKY). It’s in the Los Angeles ‘step’ where it becomes crystal clear just how crucial the support of Sasha Czack was to his career pursuits as well as his mental state. She spent years by his side, and they eventually married in 1974.

The ROCKY ‘step’ will surprise some readers in just how close it came to never being made. Stallone’s commitment to starring in the film nearly cost him hundreds of thousands of dollars, as well as his first break. Of course, we now know that by sticking to his plan, he became world famous and kicked off one of the most successful franchises in cinema. The casting stories are interesting, and it’s in this section where Stallone circles back to his parents. These are parents incapable of showing love to Stallone or his brother Frank. In fact, Stallone mentions how he never got a hug from either parent, yet his desire to make them proud led to dad’s role in the film and a sad story about inviting mom to the Oscars.

It’s important to note that Sylvester Stallone wrote this autobiography in a style that makes for warm and comfortable reading … like a friend is telling you his life story. However, this isn’t his full ‘life’ story, as it really takes us only through the Academy Awards ceremony in 1977, where ROCKY won three Oscars, including Best Picture. This story isn’t written to boast about a remarkable career. Rather it’s written to inspire and preach the importance of dedication to a cause and how dealing with failure is crucial to dealing with life’s ups and downs. “The Steps” is a perfect title as it fits for life, Stallone’s writing, and the sprint up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Available at Amazon

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Posted by David Ferguson

Book Review- EMPEROR OF NOTHING: THE MAKING OF LARRY DAVID

October 16, 2026

by Blake J. Harris

No one should question whether a biography on Larry David is justified. Very few have achieved the level of success he’s had over the past thirty-plus years with not just one, but two of the most popular TV shows in history … one of which regularly appears on the lists of all-time bests. No, the only real question comes down to whether that’s worth 550 pages. As a huge “Seinfeld” fan and one who found much of his backstory quite interesting, I’ll admit, in Larry David language … it’s just too much.

Biographer and bestselling author Blake J. Harris divides the book into five sections, although it’s really three: David’s backstory and climb (approximately 200 pages), the “Seinfeld” era (the next 250 pages), and finally, the details on “Curb Your Enthusiasm”. Not surprisingly, the most interesting section is the first which details Larry David’s upbringing and years spent as a struggling stand-up comedian working to find his place, his voice, and his audience. He even worked as a taxi driver … he says, “because it was easy.”

Another ‘not surprising’ fact is that Larry David initially balked at the idea of a biography, imagining no one would be interested. It’s stated that there are ‘few things in life he enjoyed more than being left alone’. After relenting, off-and-on discussions between David and the author spanned nearly five years, producing some remarkable and detailed stories that all seem to fit the comedian, actor, and writer we’ve come to admire and tolerate. Reading about his bizarre approach to stand-up combined and his propensity for walking off stage mid-set if he was not satisfied with his material or the audience makes his ultimate success all the more impressive.

Despite being acknowledged by fellow comedians as ‘the least likely to succeed’, we learn about his comedy influences (Woody Allen and Mel Brooks), as well as a lifelong friendship with comedian Richard Lewis – the man likely most responsible for keeping David in the game. Observational humor, in contrast to what many say, is not ‘about nothing’. Larry David spent years taking notes on names, events, incidents – some seemingly meaningless to many. Those people and occurrences often fed the stand-up and later formed the foundation for characters, scenes, and episodes of “Seinfeld” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm”.

For a guy making the rounds at comedy clubs in New York, it was only a matter of time before he crossed paths with an up-and-comer named Jerry Seinfeld. The two would later create TV history together, but there’s so much more to the story. Larry David’s relationship with a fellow named Kenny Kramer became a cloudy mixture of real life and comedy, ultimately leading to one of the most outrageous TV characters anyone had ever seen … well that and David’s time on the comedy skit show “Fridays”, where he worked with a bizarre comic named Michael Richards.

“Seinfeld” fans will not only enjoy the stories about PROGNOSIS NEGATIVE, a movie script Larry David wrote, but also the numerous other bits of inspiration that led to some of the show’s most memorable lines, characters, and scenes. It is likely that many devotees of “Seinfeld” are unaware of the initial hurdles of the pilot, “The Seinfeld Chronicles”, what caused the title change, and how the show continued to secure another chance (on numerous occasions). These early challenges surely say more about network executives than about the creative forces of Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld. The original idea of how a comedian gets his material seems like an obvious hit now, but in those days couldn’t have been more of a question mark. The multiple chapters on “Seinfeld” are informative and detailed, sometimes overly so. We get casting stories, as well as how it went from three leads to four. The stories speak not just to the success of the show, but also to the minds of its creators.

The “Curb Your Enthusiasm” section details what came next for Larry David after the rousing success of “Seinfeld”. It also put him front and center as an actor, something he had avoided with the previous show (except for the man in the cape and Steinbrenner’s voice). The casting stories come together here and we learn Cheryl Hines was previously Rob Reiner’s personal assistant at Castle Rock. ‘Curb’ gave Larry an outlet for the mounds of material he collected and provided a platform for his alter-ego … the one most assume is the real Larry David. Of course, the show became a bit of a crossover with the “Seinfeld” regulars making frequent appearances on ‘Curb’, giving credence to the rumors that the actors (not just Jerry) had bonded nicely in their previous venture with Larry David.

“Seinfeld ran for 172 episodes over nine seasons, while “Curb Your Enthusiasm” had 120 episodes over 12 seasons. This book from Blake J. Harris is thoroughly researched and goes quite deep on details for the two shows and for Larry David’s backstory. He’s quick to give credit to other behind-the-scenes folks (e.g., Larry Charles), which feeds right into the final shocker: Larry David is a pretty decent guy in real life. Sure, he’s a professional perfectionist sometimes filled with anxiety, but his observational skills and comedic instincts are gold, I tell ya’. If all that somehow isn’t enough, we even get an OJ Simpson story which may be the biggest surprise of all.

Available on Amazon beginning October 20, 2026

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Posted by David Ferguson

ON A STRING (2026)

October 15, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. So, what does one do with excess creative urges when one is a Julliard trained violist and a successful stand-up comedian? Well … how about writing, directing, and starring in a film filled with authenticity and familiar everyday struggles (even for those of us who aren’t classically trained). That’s exactly what Isabel Hagen has done, and the result is a gem of indie filmmaking.  

Ms. Hagen appears as a blend of Greta Gerwig and Elizabeth Holmes. As Isabel, she’s a freelance violist with seemingly little ambition other than finding her place in life. She’s stumped by the question, ‘What do you do for fun?’ This is a slice of life tale of one who is socially awkward, yet not to the point of being weird or bizarre. Things just don’t seem to click for Isabel. The superb opening scene is an example, as Isabel plays solo during a botched marriage proposal in the park. This is merely the first touch of subtle comedy brilliantly inserted into what’s often thought of as serious moments.

We next see Isabel playing at a wedding ceremony, a funeral, a private dinner party, sitting in with an indie rock band, and at a recording session for a film score. She’s also seen breaking up with a boyfriend, having practice sessions with her regular quartet, keeping up a façade for a friend, managing strained family dynamics, and giving in-home lessons for a precocious 6-year-old. Isabel juggles all of this while nursing a painful wrist, practicing for a spot with the prestigious Philharmonic Orchestra, and fending off the advances of the 6-year-old’s dad (Frederick Weller).

 Other supporting roles include violinist Ling Ling Huang as Isabel’s best friend, Dylan Baker as Isabel’s dad, Eric Bogosian as a hotheaded director, and an excellent Jamie Lee as the mother of the above-mentioned student and wife of the above-mentioned horny dad. Isabel’s obnoxious pianist brother is played by her real-life brother, Oliver Hagen, and their mother is played by Karen Blood. It’s difficult to do justice to the precise mixture of humor and drama, yet it’s the relatability to everyday moments that makes this one work so well.

In theaters through October 2026, and then hopefully will find an extended life through streaming

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Posted by David Ferguson

MUSK (2026, doc)

October 14, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. A four-hour documentary would be overkill for most individuals, but when the subject is Elon Musk, the run time seems fitting, if not a bit short. This profile was put together by Oscar winner Alex Gibney, one of the best documentarians working today. His previous work includes ENRON: THE SMARTEST GUYS iN THE ROOM (2005); TAXI TO THE DARK SIDE (2007); STEVE JOBS: THE MAN IN THE MACHINE (2015); the first Elizabeth Holmes doc, THE INVENTOR: OUT FOR BLOOD IN SILICON VALLEY (2019), and this year’s KNIFE: THE ATTEMPTED MURDER OF SALMAN RUSHDIE.

With Musk refusing to meet with Gibney, the solution is to create an AI image of Elon (a man who questions if we are living in a simulation) and have it recur throughout the film, vocalizing the man’s own words. Gibney and team compiled a database of all public statements made by Musk over the years, and this combined with his actions and insight from journalists, baby mamas, his parents, and others who have crossed paths provide the often stunning material presented. Regardless of your impression of Elon Musk … entrepreneur, inventor, visionary, something more dastardly … you will surely find some new information in Gibney’s remarkable documentary.

Gibney questions why we allowed Musk to take on so much power and have such influence. He then provides the background that includes his companies: Zip2 (transitioning the phone book to the internet), Paypal (from which he was removed), Tesla, SpaceX, StarLink, Twitter/X, and XAI/Grok. Details are provided on how he profited from the sale of his first business, how he was removed from power at Paypal, and thanks to Martin Eberhart (the actual founder of Tesla), we learn how Musk manipulated facts to present himself as the company’s founder. Some of the most gut-wrenching sights occur as Tesla’s AutoPilot is covered. What we learn is really quite despicable – the ad spouting AutoPilot features was fake … the programming was occurring in the backseat of the car as it was self-driving. Everyone would call that false advertising, while most would call it fraud. Sadly, multiple deaths occurred due to the system’s faults.

Musk has fathered more than a dozen children via multiple women (the exact numbers of either are uncertain), and we hear from three of these women. Justin Musk has written a book entitled, “The Starter Wife”, and she comes clean about their relationship and their kids. Pop singer Grimes speaks to her uneasiness at clips showing their son X on Musk’s shoulders at the White House. Influencer and fellow baby mama Ashley St Clair also spills some tea – and speaks to her willingness to turn down millions from him to keep quiet. None of this shines a positive light on Musk, yet it helps us understand why he seems focused on building his own legacy of kids. A discussion of the ‘woke mind virus’ leads directly to his trans daughter Jenny.

The first half of the film is scary, but the second half is downright ‘run for the hills (or another planet)’ harrowing. Elon’s true motives become clear. Between the Tesla cameras, the work on DOGE, and StarLink, Musk understands the value of building a database unlike anything previously built, while at the same time gutting the agencies that might regulate or control his companies. He’s able to combine government data (where he and his team had full access) with public and private domains to put him in control of more information than anyone has ever possessed. This is where his power and influence gains strength.

Gibney shows us how the cult of Elon supports a misogynist and egomaniac. To his credit, Musk has learned to deal with failures by continuing to move forward, regardless of the cost. Tech reporter Kara Swisher and other journalists offer specific insight to what they’ve observed over the years, and how he used the “Twitter playbook” when running DOGE. However, perhaps the most chilling interviews come from Elon’s own father in South Africa and former United States Ambassador to the UN, Samantha Power, who details exactly how costly and tragic the cuts to USAID were to children who depended on the aid.

If Gibney underplays any aspect, it’s Musk’s involvement in politics. He mentions the hundreds of millions in donations, and touches on the ‘dark money’ contributions through 501(c)(4), but an entire documentary could be created for how this influences elections. The film’s best line is: “Trump had the power to keep Musk in money, and Musk had the money to keep Trump in power.” As a country, that’s where we are. Is Elon Musk a genius or is he insane? Arguments can be made for both. This is a man who once said ‘with AI we are summoning the demon’, yet now his own XAI, Grok, is fully intertwined with the United States military. There are no guard rails in place. We often watch great horror movies like PSYCHO and THE SHINING for escapism. But the real horror is what’s happening right now in real life, and we can now include this documentary from Alex Gibney to the list.

Opening in theaters on October 16, 2026

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Posted by David Ferguson

FOLLOWING HARRY (2026, doc)

October 12, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. Watching someone work so diligently for the greater good and to make the world a better place is so inspiring. And these days, it feels revolutionary and strange. Documentarian Susanne Rostock previously filmed a Harry Belafonte biopic, SING YOUR SONG (2011), and fortunately for our sake and for history, she was able to spend time with him prior to his passing in 2023. Those discussions with the man (in his 90’s) provide insight into what made him tick, what drove his activism, and what he viewed as his final mission.

Many only know Belafonte through his music. “Banana Boat Song (Day-O)” and “Jump in the Line (Shake, Senora)” are two of his biggest hits that continually show up in modern day projects. He began entertaining at age 19, ultimately winning an Emmy, a Grammy, a Tony, and an honorary Oscar (Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award). Yet despite the accolades, he begins the film by questioning how best to ‘look back on my life’, and wondering “was the time wasted”. Of course, we already know the answer is ‘not in the least’, but Ms. Rostock allows Mr. Belafonte the time to discuss what he worked on and what he accomplished as an activist for doing the right thing.

Archival video clips and photographs document Harry’s time alongside such historical figures as Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, and the Kennedys as the work for Civil Rights proceeded. Belafonte founded The Gathering for Justice, an organization dedicated to mobilizing communities to ensure justice for all. We see Belafonte speaking out after the Trayvon Martin incident and Black Lives Matter movement, and his push for the Women’s March. Quite telling is his interaction with actor Jamie Foxx, who absorbs the lessons being taught by Belafonte.

We feel Harry’s frustration when, in 2016, he was organizing a concert, and many big stars reported that it was “inconvenient”, providing a crystal-clear example of how so many benefit from the sacrifices of those who come before, yet are unwilling to follow in those steps. The difference in eras is quite remarkable, and Belafonte worked until his final days in educating the new generation on history and attempting to pass the torch. He left a legacy of encouragement and inspiration meant to provoke thought, discussion, and ideas … even though speaking out carries a price. So, when Harry wonders if his time was wasted, we absolutely know that he made the world a better place. Harry Belafonte’s legacy lives on as an example of a uniter.

Releases nationwide and in Canada on Amazon, Apple TV and other major VOD platforms on October 13, 2026

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Posted by David Ferguson

GRANDMASTERS (2026, doc)

October 9, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. As one of the most popular TV mini-series of the past few years, “The Queen’s Gambit” taught most of us what we know about competitive chess, including the decorum of tournaments and the mutual respect between players. Documentarian Liza Mandelup (JAWLINE, 2019) steps up to set the record straight by taking us inside the real world.

Competitive chess is filled with egos and characters you’d be better off not inviting to your house. It’s a cut-throat world where reputation is almost as important as winning. The film’s title refers to the highest level awarded in chess, and it’s a massive understatement to say these folks are experts. Much of the focus is deservedly on Magnus Carlsen, a Norwegian known as the Mozart of Chess. He competes all over the world, and has won too many championships to list here. The other key players here are Hans Niemann, referred to as ‘the bad boy of chess’, and Wesley So from the Philippines (the most interesting personal story). Other than the remarkable ability to play chess, the three couldn’t be much different.

The three players focused on are all in their thirties, and it’s somewhat surprising that older players aren’t given more attention. Of course, the reasoning could be that it’s Carlsen who is driving the evolution of chess … pushing for changes that interest him. Now, if you are like me, you are curious as to what those changes might entail. Well, how about “Free Style” chess, where the back row pieces are set up randomly. This is done to minimize the advantage of those who have memorized the thousands of possible moves and scenarios on the board. And yes, these players are all in on ‘speed chess’, which moves so quickly, we neophyte viewers can hardly keep up.

FIDE is the International Chess Federation (formally known by its French acronym) fighting hard to maintain its status as the sole chess organization awarding the “World Championship” title, despite all the changes occurring. Most of us had no idea that there was this much dissension within the chess world, or that the tournament dress code strictly prohibits jeans (not unlike professional golf). It’s not surprising that the marketing efforts within the industry are geared towards new generations … you know those kids playing high-tech video games. IMDb lists this as three episodes, which explains why I thought, at almost 3 hours, it was a bit long for a documentary feature. The theatrical release will include all three chapters.

In select theaters on October 11 and 14, 2026

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Posted by David Ferguson

TENZING (2026)

October 8, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. Simply perusing the list of documentaries helmed by Jennifer Peedom (SHERPA, 2015; MOUNTAIN, 2017; RIVER, 2021) gives the impression that she’s not one to spend most days lounging in the recliner watching network television. While her latest is not a documentary film, she co-wrote with Luke Davies (LION, 2016) and based it on a true story written by Ed Douglas in his 2003 book, “Tenzing: Hero of Everest”. It’s a story most aren’t familiar with, or more accurately, it’s about a man most aren’t familiar with.

Edmund Hillary is credited as being the first climber to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1953, but this story begins much earlier. In the 1920’s, a very young Himalayan, Tenzing Norgay (Samdrup Dorje Lama), met legendary adventurer George Mallory (Johnny Flynn in a brief scene) and asked to go along on the expedition. An older Tenzing (Tenzin Dalha) pursues love with Dawa (Thinley Llhamo) while continuing his climbing and love for Chomolungma, the Tibetan name for Everest. Adult Tenzing (Genden Phunstok) is recognized as the premier guide on the mountain and is selected by Captain John Hunt (Willem Dafoe) to guide the British expedition in 1953.

Bouncing between the time periods reinforces Tenzing’s spiritual respect for the mountain and commitment to one day reaching the summit. On the British expedition, he bonds with Edmund Hillary (Tom Hiddleston). As a New Zealander, Hillary is treated as an outsider by the Brits, similarly to how Tenzing is treated as an outsider by the native Sherpas. Tenzing’s role as a go-between adds a burden and stress not shared by the other climbers. The stark comparison is made by stating the British climb for the achievement, while Tenzing states, “I climb to know her better”. Ultimately, the outsiders are rewarded for their expertise.

Caitriona Balfre (BELFAST, 2021) appears as Jill Henderson, the coordinator of expeditions and a supporter of Tenzing, yet unfortunately this role and that of Dawa are severely underwritten as the story mostly focuses on the climbers. On the plus side, the photography of Everest and the climb by cinematographer Stefan Duscio (THE DRY, 2020) is at times breathtaking. The use of drones allows us Everest views we haven’t seen before, and we often feel like we have joined the expedition (without the danger or cold feet). This is one that most audiences will be interested in and engage while watching.

The film will premiere in select theaters on October 9, 2026 and globally on Apple TV on October 16, 2026

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Posted by David Ferguson

YOUR MOTHER YOUR MOTHER YOUR MOTHER (2026)

October 8, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. It would be easy to write this one off as another film in the mold of the many Liam Neeson action movies we’ve seen over the past few years. However, this one from writer-director Bassam Tariq (MOGUL MOWGLI, 2020) is more complex and has more depth … including a blend of religion, action, and family drama. As an added bonus, we get another terrific performance from two-time Oscar winner Mahershala Ali, he of immense screen presence.

Ali (MOONLIGHT, 2016) plays Latif, a talented hitman and Muslim single dad/widower caught in a web of crime, violence, and issues with a teen and needy infant. He wants to do what’s best for his family, but once caught in that dark underbelly of life, it’s very difficult to claw back out. His Iman, Abdul Malik (Giancarlo Esposito, “Breaking Bad”) pleads for Latif to find non-violent solutions, but Latif spends most of his time reacting to bad situations that could only get worse without his particular set of skills.

Latif’s employer, Mike (Laith Nakli, 12 STRONG, 2018) compels him to protect his nephew Hatty (Abubakr Ali, ANYTHING’S POSSIBLE, 2022), an arrogant scumbag known as the King of Habibi porn. Hatty’s threat arrives in the form of flamboyant cowboy Pastor Hwan Yoon (John Cho, underrated COLUMBUS, 2017). This pastor sports a gold grill, dons a Stetson, and brandishes semi-automatic weapons … all for the sake of cleansing in God’s name. Joining in for the mishmash of religions is a sect of Mormons who prove quite helpful to a family in need.

Even with the above mentioned ‘war’ proceedings, I haven’t even mentioned Latif’s battle to do the right things for his kids: teenage Fatiha (a superb Adia, “The Midnight Club”) who is quietly rebelling against her father’s religion, and young Qadir (Jaleel Kamara, NANNY, 2022) who hopes the religion can bring he and his dad closer. If all that’s not enough, the newborn baby is in desperate need of breastmilk, which leads Latif to a stripper named Fugazi (Tiffany Boone, “Hunters”) and (of course) a trap set by the bad guys. The dad in search of breastmilk for his infant is drawn directly from the life of filmmaker Tariq (minus the Samurai sword).

The film is set in Houston, but filmed in Atlanta, and it pulls off the perfect look given the complex subject matter. After opening with a brutal bathroom fight scene, we welcome the blend of religion, action, and family drama. Most surprising, at its core, this is a story of a father-daughter relationship teetering on a decisive line. “Who deserves the best of you?” is a question to The Prophet answered three times by the film’s title … making the film’s ending a bit of a surprise.

Opens in Dallas theaters on October 9, 2026 and nationwide on October 16.

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Posted by David Ferguson

YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE (2026, doc)

October 5, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. Talk about perfect timing. Not only is this documentary from Sara Robin a must-watch for parents and a should-watch for everyone, the subject matter is incredibly timely as it displays how we somehow haven’t learned our lesson, leaving history to repeat itself. The film opens with footage of Mark Zuckerberg answering questions during a Congressional hearing on the effects of social media on the mental health of kids. Ms. Robin then proceeds to walk us through the backstory … the inspiration for the activists who pushed for change.

I don’t recall having a more emotional response to a documentary (and I watch many). The remarkable Kristin Bride recounts the pain of losing her 16-year-old son to suicide after he was cyber-bullied. This sets her on the road to activism, where she is joined by others, including Trisha Prabhu, the founder of ReThink, as well as authors, educators, technologists, and parents. Some would argue that bullying and personal insults have been around for many years, and they’d be correct. The difference is that social media allows for anonymous and vicious attacks that spread widely and quickly. One approach is embarrassing, while the other can be devastating and life-altering.

Former United States Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy contributes his thoughts on the topic of how social media plays a role in the mental health of kids, and it’s ‘Facebook Whistleblower’ Frances Haugen who brought so much attention to this topic by exposing Big Tech’s knowledge of the impact they had. She did this by disclosing thousands of internal documents laying out company research. It seemed the time was ripe for action. However, for a government that has shown very little interest in protecting children from school shootings, should it be a surprise that the mental health of kids who are cyber-bullied or humiliated via social media is not the highest priority … especially when the system is generating big money and Big Tech is so politically influential?

As heartbreaking as teenage suicide stories are, it’s incredulous to think that Artificial Intelligence could have even more dramatic repercussions. Once again, politics is being ruled by power and money rather than protection of the country’s citizens. “What could go wrong?” Well, it’s already going wrong. AI chat bots have begun relationships with lonely teens … those already isolated socially thanks to online cruelty. And once again, the government is depending on these tech giants to ‘self-police’, an approach that has already proven to fail at protecting users.

The film fills us in on Section 230 of the Communication Decency Act passed in 1996 at the infancy of the internet. This has been used to insulate these providers, regardless of the research and damage. Ms. Robin follows the KOSA (Kids Online Safety Act) as it works its way through Congress, only to be stalled by politics, special interests, big tech, and big money. Those working for the bill have a goal of building a better/kinder internet with reasonable safeguards. For the providers, the goal is selling user attention to advertisers. Some have termed this exploitation, while others excuse it as the effects of free market.

The film takes a few side trips, with the most interesting being Amsterdam, where we learn about the “Offline Club”. Folks gather and voluntarily relinquish their devices in order to hang out and socialize in the old-fashioned way. It’s the counterpoint to what the film earlier describes as those who are ‘digitally connected and socially isolated’. The comparison has been made that this fight is similar to the ‘Big Tobacco’ hearings of the 1990’s. Watching this film sent me through multiple emotions, including heartbreak, anger, and hope. It leaves us with words from Kristin Bride’s son: “In the end, only kindness matters.” If he were to see his mother’s work, he would surely add ‘courage’ to the creed.

Available to rent or own on October 6, 2026 on Apple TV and other platforms.

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Posted by David Ferguson

Book Review- DEVIL ON MY SHOULDER: A MEMOIR

October 5, 2026

by Alice Cooper and Daniel Richler

When you think of Alice Cooper, images of the goth rocker putting on a macabre theatrical rock and roll performance likely fill your mind. A chicken, the gallows, the guillotine, baby dolls, and (fake) blood were all part of the show, alongside the music which spanned heavy metal, glam rock, and even new wave. Mr. Cooper is now 78 years old, and this is his third memoir/autobiography. He opens this latest by pledging, after six decades of entertaining, to come clean about some of the previous rumors, exaggerations, and inflated legends.

You might be aware that ‘Alice Cooper’ was first the name of the band, and then in the 1970’s lead singer Vincent Furnier legally changed his name to Alice Cooper. That matters because this book is written from the perspective of Vincent Furnier, with periodic (and often humorous) interjections from Alice Cooper, Vincent’s celebrity alter ego (and his now legal name). If that’s a bit confusing, fear not, the book’s structure works just fine, and we empathize with the man who prefers to separate himself from the legend.

The first half of the book acts as a cautionary tale for teenagers dreaming of a glamorous and high-roller lifestyle associated with rock stars. Alice Cooper the rock star was borne from Alice Cooper the band, which had begun as The Spiders and transitioned into Nazz. Vincent/Alice walks us through the teenage years of poverty and sleeping in cars, hoping to book a gig that could be split amongst band members in a way sufficient for food and beer. The cautionary tale label can be applied equally to the struggles of a band striving to get noticed and young men succumbing to the bottle (and other things). In fact, Vincent seems intent on emphasizing the regrets he has about his many years of heavy drinking, and eventual drug use. In the later chapters, he goes into detail about the drug use and difficulty in finding a way out. Sure, these are entrapments we’ve come to expect from a rock band, but the effects on the person behind the mask (makeup) are what come to light here.

As you might expect, much of the book is dedicated to the band’s rise to the top with gold records, charting singles, and the infamous live shows. What’s surprising is that the glory days are recalled with as many downs as ups. Challenges within the band, with recording, and with the record companies are all outlined. It acts a bit as a behind-the-scenes look, as the curtain is pulled back and we find out that even the most popular and famous performers face professional challenges throughout their career.

Songwriting, performing, band dynamics, life on the road, addiction, and love life are all given due weight throughout the book, and this never reads like self-promotion or an ego trip. Rather, it’s memories of the progression from high school band to global fame, with the many ups and downs highlighted for those who want or need to know. From the childhood foundation of religion to blackout addiction and rehab to finding and losing love, Alice Cooper/Vincent Furnier has lived a life every bit as colorful as the stage persona. What many will find surprising is that he’s basically a shy and thoughtful and nice guy … admittedly one who has made mistakes along the way. In this book, Alice Cooper welcomes us to his nightmare, while confirming it wasn’t all so bad.

Available on Amazon October 6, 2026

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Posted by David Ferguson

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