Ink and Riffs--July 2026

Ink and Riffs is a regular review series written by me, Citywide Co-Host Max Bowen, to talk about what I’m reading and listening to and why I think it’s awesome. Feel free to send suggestions to citywidemax@yahoo.com.


INK

“The Glass” (comic)

Lara and Suni are childhood friends who meet again after 10 years. Suni is a member of the world’s most successful idol group, “The Glass.” Lara is looking for a job while planning her wedding with her fiancé, Mark. After a small accident, they meet again and Lara gets a job as Suni’s manager. However, Suni has a secret—she’s been in love with Lara since childhood, and is determined to keep the promise they made to each other when they were little….to marry her.

I came across this series and have been hooked ever since. It’s intensely emotional, with scenes of Lara bearing the burden for what she feels are her mistakes, while at the same time talking around her feelings. Suni, meanwhile, has to deal with the repercussions—both to her and the group—when things don’t go the way she hoped. The art is another strong point in the series, with amazingly detailed scenes done with a great color palette that brings it to life in a unique way.

Check out the series on the Webtoon app or at https://tinyurl.com/visit-the-site-here.

“Ferocious” (comic)

This five-part series, written by Luke Piotrowski, illustrated by Emanuele Ercolani and out through Mad Cave was something of an impulse read, but well worth it.

A tavern boy’s sheltered life is overturned by the arrival of a towering, draconic woman, a wayward soldier from a distant war who single-handedly lays waste to his entire village. He swears an oath of righteous vengeance, but in order to fulfill it, he’ll have to seek training… from the warrior woman herself.

This series begins as a fantasy revenge thriller, but really evolves as the pages turn. The boy, named “Wren” by the demonic woman who wipes out his town, begins to form a connection with her, despite his desire to end of her life. We learn more about the war and how it’s resulted in the woman’s race being unable to have children, meaning that their time is coming to an end. The emotion in certain scenes is really powerful, and the ending…well, you’ll need to see it for yourself.

I really liked the artwork here. Ercolani really brings the intensity in each scene, and there’s gore aplenty for those that like that sort of thing. The emotional scenes are really brought to life through the art, and these are some of the best examples of what Ercolani can do.

Check out more at https://tinyurl.com/3ys4m4mz


RIFFS

“You Are Here” (music)

The new album by old favorites One Time Mountain is rock just as it should be—intense, passionate, and filled with lines that you cannot help but shout. The 10-track album come as a the band recently debuted a new lineup, and I’d say the team is already a well-oiled machine.

“Overdrive” is my top pick, which was hard to do. The sound gets your fist pumping and brings an infectious energy. “Goin Crazy” speaks to hitting the town on a Friday night and I think we can all relate to the desire to just cut loose after a long week. The album also incudes acoustic versions for “Goin’ Crazy” and “Understand,” and offer a very different but no less awesome a sound.

This an insanely good album, really showcases the dedication that OTM has to the music and you really need give it a listen.

Check out more by the band at https://www.onetimemountainmusic.com.

“Reverberations” (music)

I was totally hooked on “Reverberations,” the debut single by The Sirens. The song’s about being stuck in a relationship that you refuse to leave, and the strong vocals and kickass instrumentals really carry it through. Can’t wait for what this duo does next.

Hear more of the band’s music at https://tinyurl.com/yy79vc2y.

“Pirates” (music)

“Pirates” by Shelby Natasha, from her “It Was Mine” EP is a beautiful song written as a dedication to the artist’s brother, who passed away after a decade-long battle with addiction. You can really feel the emotion and connection in this song, which includes audio samples from home movies.

Shelby’s music can be found at https://shelbynatashamusic.godaddysites.com.

New book teaches how to build ‘attention momentum’

By Max Bowen

If people can binge-watch an entire Netflix series in one weekend, listen to a three-hour true crime podcast or spend hours scrolling TikTok, why does so much content online lose us after the first paragraph?

In his book, “The Digital Engagement Model,” Emmy-winning science journalist, professor and digital engagement researcher Ronald Yaros says the problem isn't that our brains are broken or that nobody can pay attention anymore. So why does some content pull us in while other information sends us reaching for the back button?

In this article, Yaros talks about people’s attention spans, why some content pulls us in or pushes us away, and the expectation we have when it comes to information. 

Learn more about his work at digitalengagementlab.org and on Substack: @ronaldyaros.

Let’s begin with the notion that people’s attention spans are gone. Your research argues that this isn’t the case. How so?
People haven’t lost the ability to pay attention—they’ve become selective about where they invest it. Younger audiences still spend hours on YouTube, TikTok and streaming when content aligns with their goals. CNBC recently reported that sports organizations are increasingly using TikTok and YouTube because that’s where younger audiences choose to engage. The problem isn’t shrinking attention spans; it’s a mismatch between how information is presented and how diverse audiences consume it. Instead of assuming everyone is a committed reader with time to read a page of text or view a five-minute video, information needs to adapt to different users.

What have you learned in your research?
We’ve found that audience engagement depends as much on how information is structured as on what it says. Traditional communication assumes a single path through content, but today’s audiences have different interests, time and motivations. By enabling people to quickly assess relevance and choose their own path through different “chunks” of information, we can increase curiosity to build what we call “attention momentum,” which is what everyone calls “engagement.” The structure of information has become as important as its accuracy.

Why does some content pull us in and some pushes us away?
People take about three seconds to judge whether the content—music included—is worth their limited time. Content that immediately signals relevance, offers meaningful choices and rewards curiosity is more likely to hold attention. Content that demands commitment before demonstrating value is abandoned. Engagement isn’t simply about entertainment—it’s about helping people quickly recognize that the information is interesting, useful or personally relevant.

Why do the traditional methods of communication no longer work?
Traditional communication was designed for audiences who previously consumed information in linear, uninterrupted ways. Today’s media and mobile environments are filled with competing demands, constant interruptions and unlimited choices. The issue isn’t that traditional methods are wrong. They were designed for a different media environment. To reach larger audiences today, content must be adaptable to the diverse needs of today’s audiences while preserving depth, accuracy, and trust.

What are people’s expectations when it comes to information?
People expect the overwhelming amount of information to respect their time without sacrificing quality. They want to quickly determine whether content is relevant, decide how deeply to engage, and move easily between summaries and detailed explanations. Rather than forcing everyone through the same linear experience, successful communication allows different people to access the same information in ways that fit their goals, interests and available time.

Five by Five—Learning the role of spirit guides

By Max Bowen

Imagine having a team of invisible allies who protect you, cheer you on, and nudge you toward the opportunities meant for you. In Katherine Marie’s “High Five Your Spirit Guides” (Inner Compass Media, July 28), you’ll learn how to identify, connect, and partner with these powerful companions.

In this interview, Katherine tells us what a spirit guides is, how to recognize the signs, and some of the common misconceptions that people have about them.

You can learn more about this at her Amazon page.

For those not familiar, what is a spirit guide?
A spirit guide is not easy to define, but the best way I’ve found to explain it is to describe it as a helpful presence. That can take the form of a being, as I personally see them and discuss them in my book, or simply as a strong feeling of connection to something greater than yourself. A spirit guide can even just be deep intuition. The good news is there is no right or wrong answer because everyone experiences Spirit differently.

What are some of the more common signs for a spirit guide?
There are all kinds of signs, from the very subtle to loud and clear. They can appear absolutely anywhere and all that is required is that a person keeps themselves open to the possibility they will receive one. For example, a very common sign is seeing a feather, usually in a place that’s unexpected. A feather is your spirit guide's way of letting someone know they are supported, protected and loved. But the signs aren’t only objects. A sign can be a sound, like a bell, to get your attention about something, or even a smell.

What are some of the misconceptions that people have about spirit guides?
One misconception is that spirit guides can be evil. Some people fear connecting with their spirit guide because they don’t want to let dark forces into their life. I can assure you, the spirit guides assigned to you throughout your life are nothing but positive entities of light. They will never hurt someone and are only here for their human’s highest good. Another misconception is that spirit guides control our lives or make decisions for us. In my experience, they offer gentle guidance, but we always retain our free will and the ability to choose our own path.

How does it change one’s life to be connected with their spirit guide?
When a person connects with their spirit guides, they no longer feel alone. They are supported and loved, with helpful nudges and signs to help guide them through life. There is a lot of power in being in touch with intuition, connectedness and higher guidance. By communicating clearly with spirit guides, doors open and opportunities present themselves. For example, if a person is seeking a soulmate and expresses that desire, their spirit guide will help lead them to that person. It’s as simple as asking and believing.

What is your background and what led you to learn about spirit guides?
My background is not spiritual, but rather scientific, and it took me decades to embrace my spiritual side. Even now, I am at times a skeptical person, but my spirit guides are patient and I always return to faith in them. I can’t pinpoint when exactly I learned about spirit guides, but through spiritual study and workshops, it became clear to me that they were present in my life. Looking back, I can see many moments of intuition, synchronicity, and guidance that I dismissed at the time but now recognize as part of an ongoing conversation with the Universe.

Five by Five—Poetry collection questions our place in the grand scheme

By Max Bowen

In her new collection of poetry, “Loosestrife for Porcupines,” D M Gordon explores the grand scheme of things and our place in it and our search for joy. In this article, D M talks about the story behind the title, the theme of the book, and offers some advice for those looking to launch their own story.

Visit www.dmgordon.com for more information.

What is the story behind the title of the book?
"Here where I live, the long field is all. Loosestrife for porcupines, timothy for deer. For the cruising hawk, restless mice with adorable ears. Mice for the lanky wild dog. Mice for owls. They need to keep swarms of pink babies coming, mice do... Vultures arrive on a scent-trail, sky-high and valley-wide... Blood-fed ticks nourish wild turkeys and possums... rosehips for almost everyone..."

Purple loosestrife is invasive. Fringed loosestrife also grows in the long field, edible for porcupines. I was hoping for a deeper balance where porcupines ate the invasive. They eat the other but still, the ecosystem is all.

Is there an overall message or theme to the book?
The poems explore what David Attenborough expounds, that "we need to...remember we have no greater right to be on the planet than any other animal." From capybara to crows, spiders, horses, dogs, or goldfish, all of us live our complicated points of view, each according to each. Without being reductive, without judgement, the poems question our place in the grand scheme of everything, the difficulties we make for ourselves and our search for joy. It's life on the planet, from subatomic particles to the great insect chorus, the startling black of bears to shifting continental shelves, how we are connected.

Were the poems written all at once, or does this book incorporate older works?
They were written over time, not all at once. For me, poems don't plop out a dime a dozen, even with daily practice. A great poem, for which we are forever reaching, is one that is unique, specific, timeless and universal. A collection of poems requires patience, the surprises of lived experience—even if it's not autobiographical, even if it's about other lives. A poetry book grows and deepens with passing time. A long marinade enriches the final stew.

Do any of the poems stand out among the others? If so, why?
That's a harder question for the writer to answer than the reader. What stands out for me won't be the same as for you. Here, "Good Enough" describes the serene death gifted to a beloved horse, It's about the joy of life in death. "The Rapture," is a fable about the day God calls his faithful to heaven, ending with an unexpected turn. It focuses on the actions of one of the tiniest animals on what some thought was going to be The Last Day, emblematic of the ecosphere and our place in it.

For the readers who are trying to get their own book started, what’s your advice?
Keep the practice; stay open to wonder, what's uniquely yours to witness. Write frequently. If you lay a piece of paper on the floor, it's just a piece of paper. If you lay a new piece every day, slowly you build a tower. Build the tower. When you write, don't control it—daydream with images spindling through your fingertips, but don't construct, not at first. There will be time later. Read excellent writing, read widely—the sciences, the humanities, classic and new. Don't be a writer only writing about writing. Resist the siren call of AI. Turn off your smartphone.

Five by Five—Building community, one story at a time

By Max Bowen

In Anne Shaw Heinrich’s new book, “House of Teeth,” she captures another facet of small-town life in the Women of Paradise County series. 

“Jules Marks and his five little sisters can finally relax. Their feckless parents from Shakey's Half are doing time in the Paradise County Jail, and their Uncle Larry, Aunt Sally and Aunt Clarice have swooped in to give them the safety and security they deserved all along. As they settle into the closest thing to normal they’ve ever known, their neighbors and classmates are quick to remind them not to get too comfortable. Poulson’s only dentist makes a generous offer to help the Marks children fix their long-neglected teeth, but many folks object to the free treatment they receive. Meanwhile, Jules is figuring out how to be a man as he holds onto an ugly secret involving his dear friend, Violet Sellers. When cancer strikes the family, Jules decides to right a wrong that’s gone unchallenged for far too long.”

Anne goes into how her writing process has changed over the course of the series and her process for capturing small-town life. We talk about her protagonist and their creation process, as well as the future of the series.

Check out more at https://www.anneshawheinrich.com.

I want to begin with how your books capture small-town life. What’s your process, and has it changed or evolved over the course of your series?
My process has evolved, primarily because when I wrote the first book, “God Bless the Child,” it wasn’t created with a series in mind. That came later, so I’ve had to throw open the doors and windows on that original story to let the timelines breathe and allow other characters and places to bloom. It’s been an unexpected gift that has turned into something I could never have imagined when it started! When you think about how connected we are to others in the world by time and space and circumstance, the possibilities are endless for exploring and just shining light on voices that beg to be heard.

Who is Jules Marks and what went into his creation?
Jules doesn’t emerge in The Women of Paradise County Series until Book Two, “Violet is Blue.” He’s a little boy born into very tough circumstances just trying to come to terms with his place in the world. We get to see him discover that he actually has some agency. He can set things into motion and I’ve just loved helping Jules grow into a young man capable of loving deeply and being loved in turn. He’s based on a compilation of people I’ve watched from afar and up close. I care about him deeply.

It seems like you're creating the whole community, one book at a time. Where do you see this going?
It’s been a privilege to go deep and wide like I have. Each book adds new layers that could go on and on, if you keep honoring a shared humanity that is just there for the taking if our eyes and ears and hearts are open. Book Three, “House of Teeth,” has been just a joy to write. I’m thankful that the series has been extended to include a fourth book. I’m trying to give the story a respectable closure, so I can move onto another exciting stand-alone book. Who knows what will happen? I’m staying open to any and all possibilities.

Small towns are known for being close-knit. What are the ups and downs of this?
I would liken small-town living to an extended family of sorts. It’s a collection of people who occupy the same general space and therefore find themselves agreeing to a complex set of rules and unspoken expectations that generally suit the common good until challenged by something we just can’t dismiss—the human spirit. It’s inspiring and inconvenient, depending on where you happen to be perched within the ecosystem. Still, there's love, hate, and even an indifference that connects to a twice-removed kind of comfort we crave. I’ll never tire of exploring it.

What’s your advice for someone looking to launch a series of their own?
Keep an open mind and heart. Let readers make up their own minds about the characters and their choices. As their creator, you get to decide where to shine the most light, but the storyline still has to make sense. Let yourself play with time and perspectives, and be really intentional about reminding readers of what’s happened. Remember that they are not as entrenched in the story, so you have to keep them supplied with breadcrumbs.

Five by Five—Exploring a connection with mom

By Max Bowen

In her memoir, “The History We Carry,” Margaret Whitford explores her relationship with her mother, which the author describes as at “an emotional and physical distance from each other.”

Whitford said she was inspired to write this book following her mothers passing, which she was not present for. Whitford begins uncovering the history that shaped their relationship—from wartime Europe to cycles of violence, loss, and complex PTSD. In doing so, she explores how generational trauma shapes identity, relationships, and the ways we move through the world.

Visit https://margaretwhitford.com for more information and to get your copy.

How would you describe your relationship with your mother?
I loved my mother deeply and believe she loved me but I could not feel the warmth of her love. It was something I understood intellectually. In that sense, we remained at both an emotional and physical distance from each other. In retrospect, I can see that my mother tried to express her love for me—in her words of encouragement, in acts of kindness—but my anger often kept me from appreciating her efforts to reach me.

What inspired you to write this book?
I was not with my mother during her final days, and I could have been. After she died, I realized that the distance between us fit a familiar pattern. Understanding its origins became the catalyst for the memoir. That led me to an exploration of my mother's history and the way it had shaped her and our relationship.

Were there any parts of the book that were a challenge to write?
There were, of course, challenges of craft but these are part of the writing process. The parts of the book that required me to delve deeply into memories of my childhood and adolescence were often emotionally very difficult. Writing the book at times ignited my grief for my mother and the childhood I had wanted but did not have.

What’s your advice for those writing similar books?
Be clear about your motives for writing the book. If you are looking for revenge, you are not likely to treat your characters with integrity. Be as honest as you can by asking yourself what role you might have played in the events you are exploring. Do not shy away from revisiting experiences that haunt you. And, finally, take care of yourself physically and emotionally because writing about trauma can be painful.

What do you hope people get or learn from reading your book?
I hope readers will be encouraged to examine or reconsider challenging familial relationships—especially those with their primary caregivers—from a new perspective, one that asks questions about the forces that shaped these people. I also hope doing so will give readers new insights into the patterns of their own lives. And, finally, I hope this understanding encourages readers to set aside those behaviors and attitudes that do not serve them.

Ink and Riffs—April edition

Ink and Riffs is a regular review series written by me, Citywide Co-Host Max Bowen, to talk about what I’m reading and listening to and why I think it’s awesome. Feel free to send suggestions to citywidemax@yahoo.com.


INK

“Astonishing X-Men” (comic)
Not a current title, but after checking out the adaptation on WebToon, I decided to dive back into this one. I love the sarcastic, witty dialogue, and Joss Whedon really shines as the writer for this series. The different plots come after some really dark storylines (genocide at Genosha and Jean Grey dying) and you can see how it weighs on the team. But hey, it usually works out…right?

Check this out on the Marvel Unlimited app.

“When Shadows Burn” (book)
I’ve been listening to the audiobook of “When Shadows Burn” by Todd Brown and it’s a really captivating tale. Here’s a quick rundown:

In the heart of Raven’s Cross, Virginia, the decaying Scott house looms. Its broken-window eyes watch a town desperate to forget. When Roxy, a teenage girl, vanishes into a sweltering night, long-buried fears erupt, and suspicion turns savage. The townspeople turn on the newcomers, blaming them for what they refuse to face in themselves. As polite smiles crack and old grudges resurface, Raven’s Cross’s genteel mask begins to slip, revealing the rot beneath.

Performer Emily Woo Zeller coneys the story perfectly and has created an array of voices that fit the characters well and just as important, can easily be recognized. Todd’s story doesn’t rush, taking the time to build the scenes, and the suspense, before jumping you when you least expect it.

Get your copy at https://www.toddbrownwrites.net/


RIFFS

“Tissues” (music)
This new from ALT BLK ERA has such a slick vibe to it with a mix of different sounds, creating a great musical atmosphere. I really dug this one, and am excited to check out their upcoming EP, “Our World,” coming out on May 22.

Check out more at www.altblkera.com.

“Labyrinth” (music)
The sound of “Labyrinth” by Zhaklina ft. Anastasia Elliot, is as haunting as it is beautiful, an epic blend of music that builds up as it goes and punches through right to your core. The song focuses on breaking free from the hold of unhealthy patterns and relationships that blur the line between devotion and self-erasure, inspired by the imagery of nightmares and the disorientation of grief, and one can feel the power that flows through it.

You can explore the work of both artists at http://www.zhaklina.com/ and www.beacons.ia/anastasiaelliot 

Bif Naked brings new documentary to Departure Festival

TORONTO, ON – Departure Festival + Conference announces that Canadian punk icon Bif Naked will headline a landmark evening on May 9 at Toronto’s Paradise Theatre – featuring the Toronto premiere of the biographical documentary “Bif Naked” directed by Pollyanna Hardwicke-Brown, followed by an acoustic performance and audience Q&A. The event brings together film, live music, and one of the most magnetic presences in Canadian music history.

“Bif Naked” is the definitive portrait of one of Canada’s most enduring and singular artists. Drawing on rare archival footage, exclusive interviews, and anthemic live performances, Hardwicke-Brown delivers a documentary as fearless and unfiltered as its subject. The film traces Bif’s journey from a birth kept secret in India, through adoption by American missionaries and a childhood in Canada, to her emergence as a galvanizing force in the underground punk scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s and beyond, into the international rock stardom that followed. Interviewees include George Stroumboulopoulos, Doug Fury, Chiko Misomali, and Peter Karroll, each offering their own testament to an artist who changed the course of Canadian music.

Bif opens up about surviving breast cancer, stroke, and kidney failure – as well as the sexual assault and systemic barriers she faced as a pioneer in a male-dominated rock industry. What emerges is not a story of hardship alone, but of extraordinary resilience: a woman who turned every obstacle into fuel, every scar into song, and every setback into the foundation of an even more formidable comeback.

Across 25-plus years in music, Bif Naked has built a legacy that spans punk, rock, spoken word and advocacy. She found her voice in the underground and never surrendered it to the mainstream, becoming a beacon for misfits and a symbol of empowerment for generations of fans, particularly young women who saw in her a model for living without apology. A poet and a fighter in equal measure, her music has always carried the weight of real experience: the joy and the grief, the fury, and the tenderness.

Following the screening, Bif will take the stage for a live acoustic performance – stripping her catalogue back to its essential core – before opening the floor for a Q&A that is sure to be as candid and electric as everything she does. For audiences who have spent decades loving her music from a distance, this is an opportunity to encounter Bif Naked up close: the artist, the survivor, and the storyteller, sharing the same room. The Departure Festival setting – with its tradition of celebrating the full breadth of Canadian musical life, from the emerging to the iconic – is a fitting home for this kind of evening.

The Departure premiere is part of a broader Canadian theatrical tour that has seen Bif and the documentary travel to venues in Toronto, Calgary, Kingston, and beyond since late 2025 – each screening paired with live acoustic sets and Q&A sessions. This is not a passive film experience: it is a full evening with one of the country’s great performers at her most unguarded, and audiences across the country have responded with the kind of fervour that speaks to just how deep Bif Naked’s connection with her fans truly runs.

For more information, visit https://www.ticketweb.ca/event/bif-naked-a-special-screening-paradise-theatre-tickets/14807693

Five by Five—Women spies and their role in WWII

By Max Bowen

Pam Webber, the bestselling author of “The Wiregrass,” which was chosen as a Southern Literary Review's "Read of the Month," is back with a new novel, “Massawa” (She Writes Press, June 3), about the American women who changed the tide of World War II by working as spies in North Africa and the Mediterranean, inspired by true events.

We dive into the contribution made by women spies in World War II, the setting of North Africa and the Mediterranean and how this factors into the story and the real-life people who helped craft her protagonist Kit Thomas.

Tell me about the women who worked as spies and how they changed the tide of WWII.
Leveraging their gender, Allied women went largely unnoticed serving as operatives in Nazi-occupied countries. They set up communication systems, established safe-houses, helped trapped Jews and airmen escape, organized resistance networks and trained resistance fighters.

The British employed 4,000 women, 50 of whom served in occupied France, and the US employed 4,000, 1,500 of whom served in occupied Europe. American Virginia Hall epitomized the best of them. At 35, and with a prosthetic leg, she served in occupied France from 1941 to 1944. With a bounty on her head, she escaped multiple times using disguises and hiking the Alps in winter.

What was happening in North Africa and the Mediterranean at this time?
By 1942, the Nazis had invaded North Africa, intent on capturing the Suez Canal and the Middle East oil fields. The only ones standing in their way were the British, who were struggling to get supplies and find bases to service their planes and ships. To help, the US, which had not yet entered the war, solicited two private companies, Boeing and Douglas, to restore the airbase at Gura, Eritrea, known as Project 19, and recruited retired naval salvage officer Captain Edward Ellsberg to restore the naval base at Massawa. What Ellsberg accomplished became known as the Miracle at Massawa.

Can you explain more about the setting of Massawa and why it was so important?
Eritrea’s climate is extreme. Asmara, the capital, is in the cool mountains while Massawa is a desert town 70 miles away on the Red Sea. The trip between the two involves a precipitous 7,000-foot drop along a treacherous road and crossing a desert known as the hottest place on Earth. Ancient Massawans believed it was a gift to live in a place where the environment protected them from their enemies in the mountains. Also, given that the Red Sea has been a source of inspiration for poets for centuries, I had to give setting a pivotal role in the story.

How common was it for women to serve as spies?
While women have spied for their homelands for centuries, they did not become an essential element in the world of espionage until World War II when the U.S., in concert with the British MI6, started the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the precursor to the Central Intelligence Agency. The first director of the OSS was William Donovan (aka Wild Bill). A notorious womanizer, Donovan realized that women were a natural emetic for men’s secrets, especially those who knew how to capitalize on their gender. Consequently, he ushered women into the role of international spies by the hundreds.

Tell me a bit about Kit Thomas and how you created her character.
In preparing to write Massawa, I read multiple books on the OSS, MI6, and female spies in World War II. The two that impacted me the most were “A Woman of No Importance” by Sonia Purnell, which highlighted the incredible work of Virginia Hall, and “Wild Bill Donovan” by Douglas Waller, which highlighted Donovan’s role as the father of American espionage and sexpionage. I could hardly believe the courage of Hall and the audacity of Donovan. Both helped sculpt the character of Kit Thomas into a fearless yet naive spy who didn’t hesitate to use her gender as tradecraft.

Ink and Riffs

Ink and Riffs is a regular review series written by me, Citywide Co-Host Max Bowen, to talk about what I’m reading and listening to and why I think it’s awesome. Feel free to send suggestions to citywidemax@yahoo.com.

INK

“Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Right of Spring” (comic)
This sequel to the 2024 release of this truly addictive title continues the story of Samantha Strong, everyone's favorite brown bear who runs the town hardware store. Just one thing: Samantha’s s serial killer with dozens of bodies buried in the woods, and no one’s safe—even the residents of the town of Woodbrook, where she calls home.
When the sister of one of Samantha’s victims comes to Woodbrook seeking answers, Samantha is only too happy to help….wait, what? Well, this one’s going to be interesting, and I tore through the issues to get to the absolute mind-blowing ending.
Check out more about the series at https://tinyurl.com/4jsrna4y.







“Making it So: A Memoir” (book)
I’ve been loving Patrick Stewart’s autobiography. “Making it So” covers his entire life, beginning with his childhood in the small town of Mirfield, England. I’m at the part where Stewart discovers his love of acting and we begin to see the direction his life is taking.
The book is really amazing. He holds nothing back, giving the reader such detail that it effortlessly paints the picture. He speaks to the good and the bad, such as the difficult home life caused by his father, and how it impacted him years later. Being a fan of Stewart’s work since “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” I was very happy to get this book for my birthday and cannot wait to see what’s on the next page.
You can find this book at your favorite book retailer.

RIFFS

“War Child” (music)
Pop-rock artist Mick Rochford’s “War Child” brings us the story of loss of children in wars. This is a powerful and heartfelt story with a message we should all hear. “You didn’t know my name, but you kill me all the same” is such a strong line, one of many that you find in this single.
Follow Mick on Instagram at rochfordmick.

“Primadonna” (music)
“Primadonna,” by Donna Dafi really drew me in and kept me listening with its strong, eclectic pop sounds. Dafi draws on her German, Nigerian and Albanian roots, and I got a sense of power throughout the song. The music has the kind of energy and passion that can’t be ignored.
Learn more about Donna’s music by following her on Instagram at donnadafi.

Jeremy Hotz brings “Tres Miserables” tour to Canada for his 10th national tour

By Max Bowen

Jeremy Hotz, the master of observational comedy, returns in 2026 for his 10th national tour, Très Misérables. Coming to Toronto’s The Great Hall on March 14, this coast-to-coast comedy journey promises fresh takes on life’s absurdities with Hotz’s signature wit and charm.

In this Five by Five, Jeremy talks about his comedy styles, the story behind the tour name, and some of the spots he’s visited.

Like what you read? Check out https://jeremyhotz.com/.


What can people expect from this upcoming show?
They can expect to laugh for 70 minutes in a row. I’ll be hearing a lot of it for the first time too. Then, at the end, my dog will run onstage and tell some jokes.

For those who have never seen your shows, how would you describe your comedy?
It’s a unique experience. There’s only one Hotz. That’s why I’ve lasted so long. If this is your type of comedy, there’s nowhere else to go. Sorry. Now you’re stuck. Like a Leafs fan.

What’s the story behind the tour’s name?
I’m known as the most miserable comic. Not sure why? I think people just don’t like the look on my face. “Les Misérables” is the name of the dumb musical. I learned enough French to know “tres“ means “very”.

Have there been any stops on this tour that were regulars for you?
Yes. I have an amazing repeat business. I have played most of the theatres in Canada before. I’ve done standup for over 40 years. One couple has seen me 27 times. When I forget an old bit I’ve written, I call them to remind me how it goes.

What’s next for you?
I’m headlining the Halifax Comedy Fest again, May 8 at the Spatz Theatre.

Ink and Riffs

Ink and Riffs is a regular review series written by me, Citywide Co-Host Max Bowen, to talk about what I’m reading and listening to and why I think it’s awesome. Feel free to send suggestions to citywidemax@yahoo.com.

INK

“The Night Birds” (book)
I recently came across the audio version of this horror novel by Christopher Golden. Set in a deteriorated, half-sunken freighter ship off the coast of Galveston, Texas, “The Night Birds” is a great atmospheric horror tale of witches, promises, and a destiny that calls for the sacrifice of the most innocent among us.

The story is centered on Charlie Book and Ruby Cahill, whose love ended with the death of their unborn child. Now, the two find themselves facing off with a coven of witches who are demanding the child to bring a dark god into this world.

I really loved the pacing for this book. Christoper doesn’t just dive into the scary parts, he takes his time to introduce us to the characters, making them matter more to the reader.

The voice acting by Patricia Santomasso, Sean Patrick Hopkins is just amazing and really shows the depths of their talent as they bring this creepy story to life.

Check out this and the other books by Christopher Golden at https://www.christophergolden.com. 

 

“Sacrificers” (comic) 

Imagine a world where all the elements of this world are all kept going by a pantheon of god-like beings. But they are not immortal — until a way is devised to throw off the shackles of mortality, with the very people they’re meant to protect used as fuel. That’s the world of “The Sacrificers,” an ongoing series from Image Comics.

I was immediately drawn into this comic by Max Fiumara’s engaging artwork. The world he creates is powerful and diverse. From the different forms of the “gods” that we’re introduced to, to the many races of the world, there’s always something new and interesting. But let’s not forget the imaginative story that Rick Remender has given us. The protagonist Pigeon is broken by the world, but still determined to keep moving to protect those most precious to him. The twists and turns are keep you hooked and looking to the next issue.

Check out the series at https://imagecomics.com/comics/series/sacrificers.


RIFFS

“Underneath the Willow Tree” (music)
Bella Dose’s “Underneath the Willow Tree” is an absolutely beautiful song, and the perfect way to open this playlist. The instrumentation is elegant, and the vocals wonderfully captivating. Written during a trip in Nashville, the song blends acoustic folk pop with soothing vocals and explores themes of healing and emotional release.

Check out the group at https://belladose.com.

“Between Then and Now” (music) 

This four-song EP from 19-year-old fiddler, singer, and multi-instrumentalist Irish Millie is both inspiring and passionate. From the opening track “Allison,” we’re presented with the kind of song that fires you up. The violin portion is so damn powerful and I can easily see myself dancing to this one. “Wasted” is another amazing song, written from the perspective of a gratitude that comes with growing up and the connections to home that we don’t always treasure until we’re away. Not surprisingly, the album received two Canadian Folk Music Award nominations, and I really want to hear what’s next.

To learn more, visit her Spotify site.

Ink and Riffs

Ink and Riffs is a regular review series written by me, Citywide Co-Host Max Bowen, to talk about what I’m reading and listening to and why I think it’s awesome. Feel free to send suggestions to citywidemax@yahoo.com.

INK 

The Cape (comic) 

I really dug the omnibus version of “The Cape” by Joe Hill. We always associate capes with heroics, but what if the one wearing the cape was the villain? That’s the case with Eric when he realizes his childhood cape — the one he used to play superheroes with his brother as a child — actually gives him the power to fly. Does he use this gift to save lives? NOPE! He’s cruel, selfish and heartless….in other words, the perfect villain. It’s a hell of a journey and with the additional books included in the omnibus, it really fleshes out the story. 

The Hunger and the Dusk (comic) 

I’ve been working my way through Book 2 of “The Hunger and the Dusk.” The new arc picks up right after the first one ends and shows the impacts of choices made by the characters (no spoilers!). I really liked the pacing of the story and the various perspectives show. Like I said, the choices made have a lot of effects on both sides, and the story gives a clear picture of what is happening.

The art is just amazing! I’m a big fan of fantasy stories and this one hits all the marks. Fluid action, a diverse color palette and characters that really reflect who they are on the inside. I loved the designs and want to see what happens next!





RIFFS

“Smoke” (music)

“Smoke” from singer-songwriter Henry Lees was such a hit in my ears. The funky new release with a romance-themed story is instantly relatable and the sound is just a pleasure to hear. The sounds just relax you and kick you up the same time.

“Walking Around This Town” (music) 

The latest album by Bernie Barlow is a great collection of powerful, catchy folk/rock music. After hearing “Brave,” one of the tracks from the album, I decided to check out the rest and thoroughly enjoyed it. The atmosphere it creates is one of intense lived experience through the lens of strong vocals blended with a great range of folk and rock sounds.

“Brave” is a great opener for the album, and I really dug the melodic vibe of “Don’t Wake Me Up.” The songs really have a diverse sound, some really chilled and others more rock-infused and the album gives the ears a lot to enjoy.