The Versatile Blogger

Much like the fairies in Peter Pan, I only have the capacity for one emotion at a time. Usually, it’s exasperation or some form of self-loathing, built on the premise that no one’s paying attention to my little blog, and I’m simply writing into a void. The notion that I would be acknowledged by any peers for my cinematic scribblings is an alien concept. With that in mind, you can likely imagine the cognitive dissonance I experienced when I learned about my recent nomination for the Versatile Blogger Award by Jason (aka: Vern) of The Vern’s Video Vortex. I’ve been an ardent follower of Vern since his Video Vanguard days, and have admired his consistent support of independent filmmakers, musicians and fellow bloggers. I’ve never met him in person, but he’s definitely one of the good guys (and not in a Chucky sort of way).

What’s a versatile blogger? I’m guessing the definition means different things to different folks, but I like to think of Cinematic Catharsis as the Swiss Army Knife of blogs. I might review a silent classic one week and a schlock favorite the next. I don’t adhere to a strict schedule or follow a bunch of arbitrary lists from so-called experts, but let my taste (or lack thereof) be my guide.

Speaking of rules, or their omission, there are no specific guidelines for this award, but I wanted to pass this nomination along to 10 more Versatile Bloggers you really should know:

Brandon Early of Movies at Dog Farm http://www.moviesatdogfarm.com/

Kristina Dijan of Speakeasy https://hqofk.wordpress.com/

Dan Lashley of Wide Weird World of Cult Films http://wideweirdworldofcult.blogspot.com/

Frisco Kid at the Movies http://friscokidtx.tumblr.com/

Two Guys One Quip http://twoguysonequip.blogspot.com/

Stabford Deathrage of Stabford Deathrage Shoots His Mouth Off http://stabforddeathrage.blogspot.com/

Erin V. of Kill Panda Kill http://www.killpandakill.com/

Kerry Fristoe of Prowler Needs a Jump https://prowlerneedsajump.wordpress.com/

John Harmon of Tales from the Freakboy Zone http://freakboyzone.blogspot.com/

Victor De Leon of Vic’s Movie Den http://vicsmovieden.com/

10 Things you might not know about me:

1. I’m originally from the Los Angeles area, but I’ve lived in the Texas Hill Country (home of the Alamo Drafthouse) for nearly a decade. If anyone told my younger self I would one day reside in Texas, I’d probably think they were crazy. Just in case you’re wondering, no, I don’t share the prevailing politics or ideologies… and that’s about as political as I care to get.

2. I recently celebrated my 22^nd anniversary with my wife Nancy, who also shares my borderline misanthropic tendencies. We have a 16-year-old son, Matt, and 10-year-old daughter, Sierra.

3. I hold bachelor’s degrees in English and Psychology, along with a master’s degree in Counseling, and currently work at a Major University to Remain Nameless.

4. I’m a roller coaster junkie. Sadly, my wife and kids don’t quite have the same fervor, but they’re generally good sports about it.

5. My dream is to one day travel to Japan and visit the Studio Ghibli Museum and Tokyo Disneyland.

6. Horror and Science Fiction are my favorite film genres, although it’s tough to find good ones out there. I tend to favor classic horror, or newer tales of the macabre that are more psychological in nature. I don’t like horror movies that dwell on sadism or involve cruelty to animals.

7. I’m sort of a recluse. Despite the fact I work with the public on a daily basis, I contend with social anxiety issues. Paradoxically, I’m willing to suspend my inherent social awkwardness and disdain for crowds to attend movie theaters and amusement parks. My idea of a relaxing weekend, however, is to de-stress from the week, stay inside, and watch movies or listen to music.

8. I’m an incurable night owl. During the week, I work a normal 8 to 5 work week, but during the weekend, I revert to my nocturnal schedule. Big pet peeve: chipper morning people.

9. I enjoy coffee in all its myriad forms (Except for decaf. What’s up with that?). Oddly enough, I only started drinking it 12 years ago, when I lived briefly in Seattle.

10. During the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, I worked for a now defunct video store in the San Fernando Valley, where I picked up the habit of looking for more obscure movie titles.