If you’ve ever heard a story about a rock band demanding a bowl of M&Ms with all the green ones removed—or maybe insisting on a specific brand of bottled water chilled to exactly 42 degrees—you probably rolled your eyes and thought: Rock stars, man. And you wouldn’t be alone. Tales of over-the-top concert riders have been the stuff of music industry legend for decades.

A colleague of mine and I were recently talking about how neither of us took any real vacation time in 2025. Work, responsibilities, life—it all just kept moving, and somehow the year slipped by without a proper break. That’s finally changing. In March, he’s heading off for three weeks, and he’s got some genuinely great plans lined up. Even though I usually…

Dreams are the strange landscapes where our subconscious minds come alive. They often present us with a whirlwind of memories, desires, and unresolved feelings. One common occurrence in the dream realm is the unexpected appearance of people from our past, especially ex-partners. Last night, I had a dream about my ex-girlfriend, and it got me thinking: why do these individuals continue to pop up in our dreams, even years after they've exited our lives?

I normally post my blog posts every Tuesday, but this story just happened and I had to drop it right away. So here's a fun bonus post for you all. Enjoy! I was working the counter at the hardware store during the holiday rush — the stretch of days when time blurs together, and everyone is buying something last-minute, something forgotten, something essential.

Behind almost every iconic snack or quirky kitchen experiment is a food scientist you've never heard of. But today, let’s meet the man who basically invented fun in your mouth: William A. Mitchell, a brilliant, eccentric chemist whose work transformed the American pantry—and probably your childhood. Born in 1911, William A. Mitchell didn’t wear a cape, but he might as well have.

The word "dude" is as versatile as it is ubiquitous in modern English slang. Its origin can be traced back to the late 19th century in America. Initially, "dude" referred to a city dweller or a well-dressed man from the East Coast who visited the West for leisure, often to partake in activities like ranching or hunting. These individuals were often seen as inexperienced or out of place in the rugged Western environment.

What a year it's been! When I started writing this blog back in 2016, I never thought it would grow to what it's become. What initially was born during a conversation with a colleague over lunch has become a platform that's launched over a dozen books. Let's get the technical stuff out of the way first. Since its inception, Phicklephilly has gathered over…

I'm pretty good at remembering stories from my past in great detail. But my old friend Dave Neff is quite the wordsmith as well. Here's one of his stories from Wildwood during his young life in the 1950s. Having graduated from Wildwood High School, my father, Charles K. Neff, went to work for the Wildwood Water Department. From the early 1930s to about 1947, he worked as a bookkeeper at their Pine and New Jersey Avenues business office.

Amidst the myriad of holiday classics that grace our screens each year, there's a hidden gem that often goes unnoticed, waiting to be unwrapped and appreciated—the little-known classic, "Beyond Christmas." This heartwarming tale, often overshadowed by more famous counterparts, deserves a special place in the lineup of festive films that warm our hearts during the holiday season. Released in 1940, "Beyond Christmas" offers a unique blend of romance, fantasy, and the true spirit of Christmas.

Something big is on the horizon. A story that's been waiting to be told. A book that’s going to make you see the world—and one city in particular—in a way you never have before. For now, I can’t reveal much. But let me say this: it’s about beginnings. About how the small things, the forgotten details, and the little-known moments can snowball into something monumental.

I had the pleasure today of returning to Tom Kranz’s wonderful podcast, Type, Tune, Tint, for my fourth appearance — and what an honor it was. Tom, an author in his own right, first discovered my work after reading Lawndale and later Down the Shore. When he interviewed me for those books, I had no idea the impact they would make with his audience.

I’m so thrilled to announce that my new book, Holiday Hearts: Stories of Love and Cheer, is officially published and ready for you to enjoy this holiday season! This small but heartfelt collection of romantic and festive stories is now available, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with all of you. Holiday Hearts features six unique and touching stories that capture the magic, love, and even challenges of the holiday season.

December 2024 This past Saturday, at the hardware store started like any other. I walked in, greeted everyone, and went downstairs to put away my jacket before my shift began. But as I came back up the stairs, something—or rather someone—made this day anything but ordinary. There she was: Ellen. The girl I had helped six months ago with wood for some bookshelves she was building.

I am overjoyed to announce the release of my new book, Holiday Hearts: Stories of Love and Cheer! This heartwarming collection of holiday tales has been a labor of love, and I’m thrilled to finally share it with all of you. Perfect for cozying up with on chilly evenings, these stories celebrate the magic of… Continue reading New Book: HOLIDAY HEARTS: Stories of Love and Cheer Is Here!

The holiday season has always been a time of warmth, wonder, and unexpected connections. That’s exactly what my new book, Holiday Hearts: Stories of Love & Cheer, is all about. This collection brings together heartfelt tales of love, hope, and holiday magic. From skating rinks to toy shops, each story offers a little sparkle to brighten your season. Here’s a sneak peek at the stories you’ll find inside:

I’m beyond excited to announce the upcoming release of my new book, Holiday Hearts: Stories of Love and Cheer! This collection is very dear to me, and I can’t wait for you to experience the heartfelt and romantic stories I’ve written, all set against the magical backdrop of the holiday season. Whether you’re cozying up with a cup of cocoa or looking for the perfect gift for someone special, this collection is sure to bring a little love and warmth to your holidays.

It was a crisp December evening, and I was finishing up my shift at the hardware store. The holiday rush was in full swing, with customers buzzing about last-minute home repairs and decorations, their arms loaded with tools, garlands, and strands of twinkling lights. I was exhausted but in that strange, satisfying way that comes with working during the holidays.

I was asked by the Wildwood Historical Society to write this article. On April 27, 2025, during a special episode of American Idol, Ryan Seacrest announced that Chubby Checker, the man who brought "The Twist" to the world, would be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This marks the first time Checker has been nominated and inducted into the Hall of Fame, despite being eligible since 1986.

A Halloween Story

For the last year or so, I’ve been focused on my health. I was having some issues due to age and neglect. I knew what needed to be done, so I did it privately without help. I ate right, exercised, and lived a clean life for all of 2025. I didn’t go out except to work and go on my daily walks around the city.

Hello, dear friends! 💚 I’ve got a confession to make… I’m in love. Not with a person, though that would be nice too, but with something smooth, green, and oh-so-good for you. Yes, I have fallen head over heels for avocados! This year has been all about transformation for me—mind, body, and spirit—and on that journey, I’ve discovered that good health isn’t about deprivation or boring food.

Too busy to read all of this? Listen to it here! Back in the 60s, when I was a kid living in Northeast Philadelphia, I had lots of toys. My sisters and I always had wonderful Christmases full of joy and goodies, but that’s a story for another time. One toy in particular I had was a little metal robot.

There’s something special about seeing a fellow neighbor put their memories to paper and share their stories with the world. That’s why I’m thrilled to highlight Adventures of the Lawndale Gang, the newly published book by Dan McMeans, a fellow former resident of Magee Street in Lawndale from the 1960s and ‘70s. Available now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble,

When Netflix debuted Love, Death & Robots in 2019, it felt like a punch of pure imagination—unfiltered, wild, and unapologetically adult. Each episode stood alone: a short, animated story drenched in sci-fi, horror, or dark humor. But this bold anthology didn’t appear out of nowhere. Its DNA can be traced back to a rebellious magazine from the late '70s and an equally irreverent animated film from the early '80s.

The year 1974 marked a pivotal moment in the history of rock music, particularly in the realms of hard rock and heavy metal. Both European and American bands were hitting their stride, and the music world was about to witness a surge in creativity and innovation. Join us as we journey back to this iconic year and explore the groundbreaking albums and defining moments that shaped the hard rock and heavy metal landscape.