opening the vault

This intro column is a pill.

Talking to people about weird movies, new television or music comes easy to me. Writing about me is much more difficult. I wasn't always incapable of sharing myself honestly.

It's funny; this column is really all about sharing. I signed on to share some of my obsessions, passions and curiosities with the readership. Heck, that's the purpose of the site, why we're all here. Deciding what to specifically share, on the other hand, was initially baffling. Stefan Blitz suggested I write about the varied and sometimes obscure objects of my interest. It was a simple, direct idea, and I'm eager to get started...but man, this intro.

Okay, here's a little something about myself: I started using the name Frankie Thirteen online about eight years ago, and it ultimately stuck. That's less of a testament to how well it caught on and more of an admission that I didn't feel like changing it again. Not so impressive in hindsight.

Then again, it has taken on a new life ever since I became a competitive rock paper scissors player. I joined a local league in 2006, and even found myself the subject of a short documentary last year. Now and then, I hear someone shout, "Hey Frankie!" while crossing the street.

I was raised on the entire spectrum of pop culture, from high art to hilarious trash. I remember my first comic book was an issue of M.A.S.K. purchased by my mother at a Grand Central Station newsstand when I was six. Elementary school opened my eyes to the works of Shakespeare and Verdi. I remember watching at least 450 television cartoon series by the time I was eighteen, and had listed them all. On a couple of occasions, I spearheaded my old fraternity's B-movie marathon. And let's not forget how I spend my Friday afternoons, deejaying for a hip online alternative/indie rock station simulcast on HD radio.

So certainly, you'll read more about all of the above in this column, but I also plan to delve into items such as breakdancing movies, the early days of UPN, and bizarre pro-wrestling storylines. There's something for everyone in the "vault."

And I don't mind sharing.