Category Archives: Entertainment

How Netflix Creates Cultural Relevance

Posted on January 27, 2019 by ddeal

Tidying up with Marie Kondo is more than a Netflix reality television series about an organizing consultant who helps people de-clutter their homes. It’s a cultural phenomenon. Since Netflix aired eight episodes January 1, Tidying up with Marie Kondo has sparked … Continue reading →

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How HBO and Netflix Differ

Posted on September 18, 2018 by ddeal

HBO no longer stands alone. After consistently racking up more Emmy awards than any other network year after year, HBO found itself tied with Netflix for most wins for the 2018 Emmy Awards. And going into the ceremony, Netflix gained … Continue reading →

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Deeper Magic

Posted on September 16, 2018 by ddeal

This summer, I forged a deeper spiritual connection with the Bristol Renaissance Faire, where I act on the weekends. The Faire, located just north of the Illinois/Wisconsin, recreates the city of Bristol in 1574. As I have discussed on my … Continue reading →

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Laugh When You Fall

Posted on July 19, 2017 by ddeal

Photo credit: Wayne Hile One recent Sunday afternoon, the unthinkable happened: I stumbled and fell onstage in front of a large audience. I felt humiliated. Embarrassed. Foolish. But I recovered by owning my mistake with a laugh instead of pretending … Continue reading →

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Where Is Your Creative Hustle?

Posted on June 3, 2017 by ddeal

When an idea comes to you in the middle of the night, do you act on it, or do you yawn, roll over, and return to the arms of Morpheus, even though the original spark of inspiration may dissolve into … Continue reading →

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Spin Creative Gold with “Yes, And . . .”

Posted on January 17, 2017 by ddeal

Photo credit: Brian Schultz If you want to inspire people to do great work, try the “Yes, and . . .” approach. “Yes, and . . .” is a popular expression in theater, especially in improvisational comedy. You might have … Continue reading →

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How DJ Khaled Uses Visual Storytelling to Sell His “Keys”

Posted on December 24, 2016 by ddeal

Even though album sales continue to decline, album cover art is more important than it was during the days when vinyl ruled the world. As I have discussed on my blog, today album cover art acts as a visual imprint … Continue reading →

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Uber’s Future: Snapchat on Wheels

Posted on December 15, 2016 by ddeal

I recently received an invitation to check out some behind-the-scenes Rogue One: A Star Wars Story videos and watch cartoon images of Star Wars X-Wings fly through the streets of Chicago. There was only one catch: the experience was available … Continue reading →

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A Place of Magic

Posted on August 12, 2016 by ddeal

Photo credit: Brian Schultz “I have come home at last! This is my real country! I belong here. This is the land I have been looking for all my life, though I never knew it till now . . . … Continue reading →

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“Revolver”: Great Art Endures 50 Years Later

Posted on August 5, 2016 by ddeal

I cannot let Friday end without commenting on Revolver, which was released 50 years ago today. I didn’t get into the album until after I’d freed myself from the Beatles’ mythology, broadened my own musical tastes, and learned to appreciate … Continue reading →

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