Black Panther Movie Review

A week after its released, I finally made it out to see Black Panther in the theater.

What I Liked: Though it takes place in the recent past and present day earth, this was more akin to Guardians of the Galaxy or Thor in the Marvel Universe than Iron Man (with whom Black Panther shares an affinity for cool gadgets) or Captain America. It is a gorgeous Afrofuturist world, and mostly disconnected from the Marvel Universe other than one of it's two inciting incidents (one is a spoiler, the other happened in Captain America: Civil War), and two supporting characters. The important inciting incident is what gives Black Panther something most Marvel (and comic book movies in general) are missing - a villain with genuine stakes and purpose. While some of been interesting, few to none have been three dimensional. Black Panther raises the bar so high, I wonder if Avengers: Infinity War will stumble with the CGI Thanos.

New Book Out Next Month - Are You Making A Sound? The History of The Stepford Five

One month from today: Are You Making A Sound? The History of The Stepford Five will be released on the 20th anniversary of the first The Stepford Five show, the band I spent ten years in playing bass, singing backup, booking shows, writing web content and more.

Here's the backstory - last year I came to the personal realization that I needed to put a period on the end the proverbial sentence that was the band. We held our last practice sometime in 2008, and then just stopped showing up. I continued on for a year playing music with lead singer Keith Jenkins in his solo band, along with Jason Dziak on drums and a rotating bass player depending on who was available, but by end of the 2009, I was done playing music altogether.

Spotify Playlist Action

Thanks to Spotify user ehsancinematic for adding my track "Overseas" from my first solo album Molokai to his playlists Modern Chill: Relaxing Experimental Electronic and Modern Vibes: Instrumental Electronic Avant-Garde. Check 'em out!

Buffalo News 5/27/90

If you've ever wondered, "has Tim always been an opinionated blowhard," the answer is yes. Here is some proof - a letter to the editor I wrote in May of 1990 to the Buffalo News titled "GO FOR HAWERCHUK." Enjoy:

Everyone's seen the Nike commercials starring Michael Jordan and Mars Blackman (Spike Lee), and that great new saying, "Just Do It." 

Dale Hawerchuk has asked to be traded from the Winnipeg Jets and their GM has obliged him in trying to find a new team, preferably an American team. The Sabres are in a time of transition (or at least they should be), attempting to filter out the older players. I hope Mr. Meehan understands what I'm saying. Maybe Phil Housley, some young scorer from Rochester and a draft choice for Dale. 

Come on Gerry, just do it. Along with Turgeon, Buffalo could have two high-scoring lines instead of just one. Do you know what this could do to the Sabres' offensive ability? Do you know, do you know, do you know? I do.  

TIMOTHY MINNECI
Williamsville

For context, I was 16 when I wrote this. It should be noted that they did indeed make the trade for Dale Hawerchuk, who had several good seasons in the early 90s with the Sabres while they were consistently making the playoffs (thought usually getting bounced in the first round).

MESH is 18

I used to be in a band. 18 years ago, we released our first album MESH. It has all the hallmarks of a debut album - it hints at what we were to evolve into, it betrays our influences, it showcases our strengths and exposes our weaknesses. It was a lot of fun to write, record and release, and it was an education one the business side that, as an independent band, we never forgot.