How to recognize and move past addictions without losing the core of our personality. — Five years ago, a then-colleague of mine told me that he wouldn’t be able to recognize himself if he were to quit smoking and drinking. At the time, I thought his statement was a devastatingly sad comment to have come from a thirty-four-year-old. Fast forward a few years, and I…

Tyler Durden’s philosophy just isn’t as cool as it once seemed — I always loved David Fincher’s Fight Club. Every time I watch it, its message punches me in the face and I can’t help but grin; blood covers my teeth and all. It’s always a testosterone-powered kick to the brain. The other night I had insomnia (ironically the center idea of…

When to give up control and why — I’ve been a cinephile since I was a kid. I didn’t know it back then, but I was obsessed with television shows, cartoons, and films. I’ve found out later that I have a tendency towards addiction. …

And, in a way, most men do — A critic I once discussed HBO’s classic TV show The Sopranos with told me: “The Sopranos is the void, and Deadwood is the way to crawl out of it.” …

Four middle-aged men try to drink themselves into a better person. — My father’s best friend was an alcoholic. He was a dumpy, smart, and jolly man who loved babbling. As a kid, I became friends with his sons. We used to go on ski trips together, and I still remember laughing at his jokes while he had a grab on a…