Chapter 24
Chapter Twenty-Four
8.1.2025
Editor – Mykal - Content – Technical - Layout
Research & Editor – Mike - Content
Psycho Studios is an independent Film/TV production company. A multimedia platform with a unique newsletter; The Sprinkler as well as social media presence. Feel free to reach out to Psycho Studios through their website or by email.
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Forward
Mike and Mykal are a father & son duo who have a production company with unique and smart stories. They are working on the next phase of their production company and look forward to being involved in feature film making. The newsletter (The Sprinkler) is fun, informative and value add! The podcast is currently on hiatus. They remind their audience that they leave politics at the door. Their energy is positive and wellness based. Share gratitude and be cool to one another!
We bring old school and contemporary ideas to the table.
Mykal & I operate with the credo; be cool to one another. We want to connect with people, and be present while we enjoy this journey. We have embarked on something that is moving in a direction that affords us to display our creativity and love for film & music!
Welcome Psychos one and all!
The Sprinkler: Note
We are reviewing our newsletter, The Sprinkler. Mykal has made many improvements to the newsletter! We are thinking about evolving into a blog, called simply A Psycho’s Blog. We are maintaining current format at least through this summer. Our newsletter is always available on our website, which includes back issues as well. www.psycho-studio.com
Film - Some TV - Music – Some Wellness -Commentary - Grave Thoughts (new) - Peculiar Headlines
Rock N Roll Image of the Month (RRIM)
Interesting Individual of the Month (IIM)
Let’s start with a film related quote we dig:
“The best illustration of insanity is to show normalcy in an insane situation”
Tobe Hooper
The Psycho Scale:
We use our Psycho Scale for film and TV series rating scores. Our Psycho Scale is 1-Psycho, with Psycho being the highest; 10. Mykal and I watch all scored films and TV series; drawing from decades of real viewing experience.
Film
There seems to be a theme here! Duh! I watched a shit-ton of films again this month! What can I say? I love movies! We consumed lots of movies, and enjoyed sharing some of our so-called favorite’s lists and scoring the films we watched. It’s why we are pursuing what we are! Writing treatments and scripts seems to come easy for us. We are moving to the next chapter, which will include making a short horror film. Mykal is working on two trailers for our two scripts. We are working on our second script (Almost finished) and continue to add to our treatment library! For the love of film! Psycho Studios will be successful! Cheers to that!
Horror Royalty: The Top 10 Directors Who Defined Fear
From creeping dread to full-blown terror, these directors have reshaped the horror genre over the decades. Whether through blood-soaked slashers or slow-burning psychological nightmares, their films linger in our minds and nightmares long after the credits roll!
1. John Carpenter
The godfather of atmospheric horror. With Halloween and The Thing, Carpenter turned minimalist scores and shadowy silhouettes into iconic terror.
2. Wes Craven
A genre chameleon who gave us A Nightmare on Elm Street and Scream. Craven fused pop culture with pure fright, reinventing horror not once, but twice.
3. George A. Romero
He didn’t just direct zombie films—he created the modern zombie. Night of the Living Dead remains as politically charged as it is terrifying.
4. Tobe Hooper
The raw grit of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre still hits hard today. Hooper’s horror was primal, chaotic, and unshakably real.
5. Dario Argento
Italy’s master of giallo. With lush visuals and dreamlike violence, Suspiria and Deep Red are horror as high art.
6. Alfred Hitchcock
Before the slasher, there was Psycho. Hitchcock taught us that suspense is just as terrifying as gore—sometimes more.
7. David Cronenberg
The king of body horror. Films like The Fly and Videodrome made us question what it means to be human—as our bodies rebel.
8. James Wan
Modern horror’s franchise architect. From Saw to The Conjuring, Wan balances jump scares with world-building like no other.
9. Ari Aster
A newer name with massive impact. Hereditary and Midsommar proved horror can be emotionally devastating and artistically daring.
10. Jordan Peele
Social horror’s new voice. Get Out changed the game, blending genre thrills with cultural critique—and Peele’s just getting started. Which director keeps you up at night?
Here is a list of films we watched in July, holy shit Batman!
Films:
F1 2025 - 7 (IMAX) This was a cool treat and our only feature we saw at the theater. Beautifully shot, entertaining and an amazing cast that makes Brad Pitt look less than in many scenes!
Superman 2025 - Mykal – 5 Mykal saw this at the theater and a five may be too high for this reboot! Where was Henry? Weak story, dialogue and cast!
Dead Below (Australian) 2025 – 6 This film shot down under is differently entertaining with a retro vibe – worth a watch!
The Amateur 2025 – 4 We love Rami Malek, this film is just the opposite of that! Poor story, dialogue and believability. Rewatch Mr. Robot instead!
Up in Smoke 1978 – 2 I have been told for so long that this is THE stoner movie. Excuse me, this film is unwatchable! Try Half Baked instead!
Sinners 2025 - 4 I’m not sure about this one. It has been very popular at the box office. Not my cup of tea. By all means give it a try!
John Wick 2014 – 8 It was great to give the first ‘Wick a rewatch! Keanu Reeves is perfect for the role that spawned so many sequels. A must watch for action fans!
Novocaine - 2025 – 6 The movie is entertaining; the script and dialogue get silly after the first two thirds of the film. Jack Quaid is very good in it! A nice escape movie!
Open 2025 - 1 low budget horror This movie is unwatchable, and not even a fun bad flick
Alma & the Wolf 2025 – 2 Another dog, pun intended!
SAW X 2023 – 5 The rewatch of this latest SAW picture did not help its cause. A really poor sequel, prequel with a suspect cast and dialogue. Tobin Bell still shines. Mykal tells me that a new SAW has been green lit! Want to play a game?
He's Watching 2022 – 3 An unforgettable movie, and I should not have been watching!
Caveat 2020 – 5 This is a mildly entertaining film with a different twist, worth a watch!
SAW 2004 - unrated - 8.5 We love the first SAW, and a recent 4K rewatch reaffirmed what an amazing horror film it is! Oh Billy!
The Monkey 2025 - me 5 / Mykal 5 We enjoyed this film, well the first half! Adam Scott has a cameo in the beginning. The second half introduces poor acting, story and ending! Stoopid Monkey!
Consumed 2025 - 4 This film was good for the first third then it just basically sucks, cannot recommend
Lifeguard 1976 - 5 Had to rewatch this as I came across it randomly. I remember it vaguely, having seen it at the drive-in as a teenager. Sam Elliot stars, and I’m not politically correct but the film is awkward, weird and almost disturbing. Beach this mother!
Bad Psychiatrist 2025 - 1 This film is unwatchable, but I gutted it out. Poor everything, how do these films get made?!
Young sexy & Dead 2023 - 2 Jeremy London, from Mall Rats fame stars as a head of a modeling agency. The hot model he has hired dies unexpectedly. They still use her for photo shoots! Weekend at Bernie’s meets Runway! Hard to watch!
Conjuring Baba 2022 – 2 I’m not sure what I even saw with this movie, but it is horrible!
Clone Cops 2025 - 2 WTF? That pretty much sums it up, this movie was like an acid trip and I never took acid! Yikes!
Pumkinhole 2022 - 6 Trippy. Unique. Small. Great acting! This small film is worth a watch for all movie fans! Can’t say much without giving anything away.
Cosmopolis 2012 - 5 Robert Pattinson stars in this odd take on a billionaire and all his weirdness as he loses his wealth. Shot mostly in a stretch limousine it is unique and entertaining. Paul Giamatti has an interesting role in it, and at the end when Robert and Paul are going toe to toe Paul’s acting is forced and immature. A good watch for Pattinson fans.
The Fly 1958 – 7 Hard to imagine what this film must have been like for audiences in the late 1950s! This is a must watch for horror – sci-fi fans of all ages. Smart. Well-acted. Tragic!
Maximum Overdrive 1986 – 5 The only film Stephen King has directed, and eventually called it terrible himself. Entertaining if you are wasted! AC/DC does soundtrack, at the time one of King’s favorite bands! Who Made Who?
Casino Royale 2006 – 8 Our favorite out of all the Daniel Craig Bond films. Raw. Gritty. Real. Fast paced. Well-acted. An incredible film, and a great rewatch!
M3GAN 2.0 2025 - 2 – This film was almost unwatchable! What happened? The first M3GAN was entertaining, WTF was this one? It is no longer horror based. The story, dialogue, acting are all very hard to watch. I would stick with the original, or give Leigh Whannel’s’ The Invisible Man a try!
Some TV
Here are some TV series we have recently watched and scored. We did not consume many TV series, which is more of the norm. Mykal takes in more TV than I. He’s an Apple TV+ guy!
Rick and Morty season 2025 - 8. We are coming up on the last episode of this latest season. At 22 minutes each, they go by really fast! The season has been an interesting mix for me, hot and cold. I feel the voice of Morty is irritating as opposed to cute like it was prior to the change with the voice actors. Mykal assures me that the voice and voices are better than I give them credit for. The episodes have missed a lot of the synergy between the five main characters and the cutting humor that is usually on display. Rick and Morty fans will still enjoy.
We look forward to the premiere of The Bear at the end of June! (2022) Season four is much anticipated! A uniquely different series that is about so much more than food. Yes Chef! See it on Hulu. (We are waiting to watch this unique series together. I rewatched the first three seasons, it is uniquely very good!
Revisits:
House of Cards 2013 - 7 A gripping political thriller that redefined streaming TV, House of Cards follows the cold and calculating Frank Underwood, a congressman with a ruthless thirst for power. With his brilliant and equally ambitious wife, Claire, by his side, Frank uses manipulation, betrayal, and backdoor deals to climb the ranks of Washington, D.C. no matter the cost! (This series goes sideways at the end of season five and season six is a farce due to the issues with Kevin Spacey) The series delivers a chilling look at the dark side of American politics, where power is the ultimate currency. Smart, stylish, and often shocking, House of Cards remains a landmark in prestige television.
Sweet Pea 2024 6 - (BBC) Dark, Twisted, and Hilariously Unhinged: The Sweet Pea Series by C.J. Skuse is really weird! If you're into pitch-black humor, complex anti-heroines, and a touch of true-crime-style thrill, meet Rhiannon Lewis, your new favorite serial killer. By day, Rhiannon is a bored, bitter journalist with a cheating boyfriend and an eye roll for everyone around her. By night? She's crossing names off her kill list with chilling precision. In Sweet Pea, the first book of C.J. Skuse’s addictive series, we dive into Rhiannon’s diary; equal parts savage humor and blood-soaked confession. It’s Bridget Jones meets Dexter! Dark, clever, and devilishly fun. Ella Purnell stars and is perfect for the role!
Coming Soon: Pluribus
From Breaking Bad & Better Call Saul creator Vince Gilligan, Pluribus is a genre-bending sci-fi series premiering November 7, 2025 on Apple TV+.
Starring Rhea Seehorn (Better Call Saul), the story follows a woman tasked with saving the world from a mysterious happiness outbreak. Expect a surreal, unsettling tone with Gilligan’s signature mix of dark humor and human drama.
Already renewed for Season 2, Pluribus is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about shows of the year! We are really excited for some smart TV from one of our favorites, Gilligan! We loved Seehorn in Better Call Saul, she’s gonna rock this role! E pluribus unum is Latin for Out of many, one. Will this translate to the new show? Time will tell.
Music
July was another odd month for me music-wise. There was some new music I dabbled in, but I stuck to my tried-and-true playlists. I was heavier on film than I was music. Mykal shared great tracks throughout the month!
Let’s take a look-see at July’s music:
New
LA Guns. Remastered. 2025. 10 songs 39 minutes. 6 Psycho Score. If you like 80’s metal, this is for you.
New
The Offspring. New single. Looking Out for Number One - three versions of this single. Ska. Dublin and main single. The main single sounds like a rejuvenated Offspring. Great energy, cool lyrics and pace! 7 Psycho score. (Not into the other two versions)
New
Foo Fighters 2025 single - 7 Today’s Song runtime 3 minutes Awesome song! If you dig the ‘Fighters you will love this jam.
New
Filter 2025 single - 6
All the Good - runtime (a pubic hair less than) 3 minutes
Really cool sounding, Filter fans will love.
(Mykal shared this tidbit - Richard Patrick was a touring guitarist for NIN back in the day!)
New
Deftones 2025 single - 7
my mind is a mountain 2.5 minutes
Kept their signature sound, fans of the band will really like!
New
Shinedown 2025 - 3 singles - 3
Killing Fields - Three Six Five - Dance Kid Dance 10-minute runtime Not my thing. Liked old Shinedown. This new stuff is too poppish and sappy for me!
New
Kid Cudi 2025 - 2 singles
Grave - 7 Really cool song, Kid Cudi fans should enjoy.
Neverland - 3 Not my jam with the chorus
Total runtime 7 minutes
New
NIN 2025 - single from Tron Ares soundtrack.
As Alive As You Need Me to Be
3:53 Runtime. Score - 7 I’m not sure about this song. Need more listening.
New
Bad Company & The Struts? 2025 3-minute runtime. Score – 7. Fans of Bad Company should check this tune out. It is one of many tracks on an upcoming tribute album to the British rockers! Side note: Bad Company was the first band signed to Swan Song Records back in the day. That was Led Zeppelin’s record company!
Vintage Snacks:
Filter – Like their early stuff
RATT – Can never get enough of this group
Megadeth – Listened to this as Mykal made a comparison between this lead singer and lead singer of RATT having a similar voice sound on some tracks. He’s right!
NIN EP Add Violence 2017 - 8
5 tracks Runtime just over 27 minutes. For NIN fans this is a must revisit, the EP kicks ass and ends too soon!
Mykal is awesome about sharing music, several times per week. As we were coming to the end of July, Bush and Incubus were shared among many others. Let’s share some details about each of those bands:
The Sprinkler Spotlight: Bush – Still Going Strong
Formed in London in 1992, Bush burst onto the post-grunge scene with raw emotion, heavy guitar riffs, and brooding charisma. Led by frontman Gavin Rossdale, their debut album Sixteen Stone (1994) became an instant classic, featuring hits like Glycerine, Comedown, and Machinehead. Though often compared to American grunge bands, Bush carved out their own identity with a sleek, melodic sound that struck a chord with 90s alt-rock fans.
Despite lineup changes and a hiatus in the 2000s, Bush returned with renewed energy in 2010. Since then, they've released several albums, including The Kingdom (2020) and The Art of Survival (2022), showing their sound still packs a punch. With millions of records sold and a loyal fanbase, Bush remains a vital force in modern rock, bridging the past and present with gritty grace. We Recommended Listening to: Swallowed, moody, powerful, and timeless.
The Sprinkler Spotlight: Incubus – Genre-Bending Rock Innovators
Since forming in California in the early 1990s, Incubus has stood out for their ability to seamlessly blend rock, funk, metal, and even electronic influences. Fronted by the soulful and dynamic Brandon Boyd, the band broke into the mainstream with 1999’s Make Yourself, featuring the smash hit Drive.
Albums like Morning View (2001) and A Crow Left of the Murder (2004) showcased their growth, balancing introspective lyrics with inventive instrumentation. Over the decades, Incubus has evolved without losing their identity, embracing experimentation while maintaining a dedicated global fanbase. With a reputation for powerful live shows and thoughtful songwriting, Incubus continues to push boundaries and resonate across generations. Essential Track: Wish You Were Here: a perfect mix of nostalgia, melody, and coastal vibes.
I know I’m this old man who never stopped loving rock music. We can’t be right or wrong about music, it’s what moves us!
Heavy Metal Origins: Black Sabbath & Ozzy Osbourne – The Sprinkler Spotlight
When you talk about the birth of heavy metal, one name towers above the rest: Black Sabbath. Formed in Birmingham, England, in 1968, the band, Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward turned the rock world on its head with their dark, sludgy sound and occult-inspired lyrics. Their 1970 debut album Black Sabbath, followed by classics like Paranoid and Master of Reality, laid the blueprint for an entire genre.
At the center of it all was Ozzy Osbourne, whose eerie vocals and wild stage presence helped define Sabbath’s iconic sound. Ozzy’s departure in 1979 didn’t slow him down, in fact, it launched him into superstardom with a successful solo career (Blizzard of Ozz, anyone?) and later, reality TV fame with The Osbournes. His legacy is as much about music as it is about myth, from biting the head off a bat to becoming the Prince of Darkness. Mykal corrected me on this, as when I was younger reports stated this wasn’t true.
Today, both Black Sabbath and Ozzy are hailed as pioneers. Their influence echoes through decades of metal, hard rock, and beyond. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just exploring their legacy, their story is a loud, unapologetic reminder of how rebellion shaped modern music.
“We were heavy. We were loud. We were wild. And it worked.” Ozzy Osbourne RIP
Retro Talk: Hard for me to believe that these bands are considered old, or vintage but indeed they are. Let’s explore two bands that we visit many times in a given month.
The Sprinkler Spotlight: Godsmack
Genre: Hard Rock
From: Lawrence, Massachusetts
Formed: 1995
Godsmack, led by frontman Sully Erna, has carved a legacy in the hard rock scene with their aggressive sound, introspective lyrics, and explosive live performances. With hits like I Stand Alone, Voodoo," and Awake, they became a staple of early 2000s rock radio and a favorite on the festival circuit.
The band has released eight studio albums, including the 2023 record Lighting Up the Sky, which Erna described as their final full-length album, marking the end of a chapter but not the end of the band. Known for blending heavy riffs with tribal rhythms and personal themes, Godsmack continues to evolve while staying true to their roots.
Fun Fact: Godsmack has had 11 number one hits on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and has been nominated for 4 Grammy Awards.
Still touring and rocking hard, Godsmack proves that two decades in, they’re far from finished. Side note, Mykal and I saw Godsmack at the Arizona State Fair years ago, and though the set was short they rocked! One of my favorite concerts, and they were amazing live!
The Sprinkler Spotlight: Soundgarden & Chris Cornell
Genre: Grunge / Alternative Metal / Rock
From: Seattle, Washington
Formed: 1984
One of the founding forces of the Seattle grunge movement, Soundgarden rose from the underground with a sound that blended heavy metal riffs, alternative experimentation, and poetic angst. Led by the unmistakable Chris Cornell, whose four-octave vocal range and soul-baring lyrics defined a generation, the band helped shape the face of '90s rock.
Breakthrough albums like Badmotorfinger (1991) and the Grammy-winning Superunknown (1994) delivered timeless tracks such as Black Hole Sun, Spoonman, and Fell on Black Days. After disbanding in 1997, the band reunited in 2010 and continued to perform until Cornell's passing in 2017. I love their music, but have always disliked Spoonman.
Chris Cornell also fronted Audioslave, a supergroup with members of Rage Against the Machine, and released deeply personal solo material, showcasing his versatility beyond grunge, from hard rock to acoustic ballads.
Remembering a Voice Like No Other
Cornell’s death in 2017 was a profound loss to the music world. His artistry continues to inspire, with tributes and posthumous releases keeping his legacy alive. Soundgarden’s influence remains undeniable, paving the way for modern rock and reminding fans of the power of raw emotion and bold sound. There are rock groups with lead singers emulating Chris! Chris’s birthday was July 20. RIP
We are refraining from dropping anymore playlists. If you are ever in need of great play lists and you have Spotify, hit us up and we’ll be happy to share!
Rock N Roll baby! Mykal and we use Spotify Premium!
Rock and Roll Image of the Month! (RRIM)
Eddie Vedder
Eddie Vedder is the lead vocalist and lyricist of the iconic rock band Pearl Jam, one of the pioneers of the 1990s grunge movement. Known for his deep, powerful voice and emotionally intense performances, Vedder helped define a generation with albums like Ten and Vs. I wore the cassette tape and DVD out for Ten!
Some Wellness
Mental Health & Sleep: A Vital Connection for Your Well-Being
In today’s fast-paced world, we often sacrifice sleep to meet deadlines, juggle responsibilities, or squeeze in a little “me time.” But what if we told you that one of the most powerful tools for boosting your mental health is as simple as getting a good night’s sleep?
The Sleep-Mind Connection
Sleep and mental health are deeply connected. Poor sleep doesn’t just leave you groggy it can affect your mood, memory, focus, and emotional resilience. In fact, chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to anxiety, depression, and increased stress levels. On the flip side, quality rest helps your brain reset, process emotions, and manage daily stress.
Why You Might Be Struggling to Sleep
Modern life throws a lot at us: blue light from screens, irregular routines, high stress, and even diet can all interfere with our natural sleep cycle. Mental health challenges like anxiety or depression can also make it harder to fall or stay asleep, creating a frustrating cycle.
Tips for Restful, Restorative Sleep
If you’re looking to improve your mental health, prioritizing sleep is a great place to start. Here are some simple, science-backed strategies:
· Stick to a routine: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day even on weekends.
· Create a wind-down ritual: Try reading, stretching, or listening to calming music before bed.
· Limit screen time: Avoid phones, tablets, and TVs at least an hour before bedtime.
· Cut the caffeine: Skip that afternoon coffee it may be affecting your sleep more than you think.
· Make your bedroom a sleep sanctuary: Keep it cool, dark, and quiet.
Final Thoughts
Sleep isn’t a luxury it’s a necessity. By getting enough quality rest, you’re not just helping your body recover; you’re giving your mind the support it needs to thrive. So tonight, give yourself permission to unplug, unwind, and prioritize rest. Your mind and your mood will thank you.
Commentary
Lights, Camera Adaptation
A Shaky Recovery
After the pandemic, recovery has been slow. U.S. and Canadian box office revenues in early 2025 remain roughly 24% below 2019 levels, despite a 15% increase over 2024. Attendance at AMC dropped about 11%, and overall industry revenue is still 7% lower year‑to‑date. More optimistically, global box office revenue is projected to grow from $79.6B in 2024 to $83.2B in 2025, with market forecasts hitting $102.5B by 2029.
Reinvention Through Experience
Theaters are experimenting beyond traditional screenings. Many chains are embracing "event cinema"—live‑streamed opera, ballet, concerts, sports, and community-oriented shows—to fill unused screen time. Premium experiences like Dolby Cinema, 4DX, IMAX and dine-in settings are driving growth—AMC plans to open 40 more Dolby Cinema locations by 2027, bringing its total to 200. Meanwhile, Megaplex Theatres is remodeling with luxury seating, quiet rooms, and Dolby Atmos upgrades.
Pricing, Loyalty & Access
Chains such as AMC are leaning into loyalty incentives, offering half‑price tickets on both Tuesdays and Wednesdays for members of its Stubs program—shifting away from previous single‑day discounts. They’re betting that boosting weekday attendance can help bridge the gap with streaming services (which can cost over $20 per movie) versus an average US ticket price of $11.31.
The Exclusivity Debate
Cinema United has advocated for a minimum 45‑day theatrical window before streaming releases, arguing shorter windows undercut box office and limit smaller films’ ability to build audience momentum.
Culture Clash: Streaming vs. Theatrical
Ted Sarandos of Netflix has called theatrical releases an “outdated concept,” asserting streaming better aligns with how audiences consume content today. Filmmaker Rian Johnson, however, championed the communal cinematic experience—and yearns for longer theatrical runs for his Knives Out 3.
Looking Ahead: Why Some Believe Cinemas May Not Survive
A recent industry survey asked 246 professionals how long the "traditional cinema experience" would remain viable. Roughly 55% believed it would last fewer than 20 years, with many citing shrinking theatrical returns and changing consumption habits. Still, exhibitors themselves were notably more optimistic than industry outsiders, signaling they believe adaptation is possible albeit urgently needed.
What's at Stake Now?
Will premium and event formats truly reverse attendance declines?
Can theaters maintain film windows amid industry pressure to shorten them?
Is the cinema experience strong enough to compete with the convenience and personalization of streaming?
Summary
Movie theaters aren’t disappearing, they’re evolving. From enhanced premium formats to curated private screenings and experiential content, the industry is aggressively seeking relevance in a world defined by at-home streaming. Whether that evolution will be enough remains an open question, but for now, theaters are doubling down on what they uniquely offer: shared experiences, immersive formats, and event-level excitement. Going to the movies is amazing!
Grave Thoughts NEW
This is a new topic area for The Sprinkler. This will be stories of the morbid and macabre! This section will be gross and gory to go along with the theme of our favorite kind of movies; horror! There will be shares of old and new stories to include mysteries, murders and serial killers. What makes so-called humans’ prey on one another? People are fascinated by these topics, similar to the way many people slow down to observe a gruesome car accident.
Here are three of the most notorious serial killers in U.S. history, based on their confirmed or suspected number of victims and overall impact:
1. Samuel Little
Victims: Convicted of 8 murders; confessed to 93; FBI has verified 60.
Years Active: 1970–2005
Notable For: Considered the most prolific serial killer in U.S. history. He targeted vulnerable women, often going undetected for decades.
2. Gary Ridgway (The Green River Killer)
Victims: Convicted of 49; confessed to 71
Years Active: 1982–2000
Notable For: Targeted sex workers and runaways in Washington State. Avoided capture for years by disposing of bodies in remote areas.
3. Ted Bundy
Victims: Confessed to 30; actual count possibly higher
Years Active: 1974–1978
Notable For: Charismatic and manipulative, Bundy lured young women before abducting and killing them. He escaped custody twice and conducted part of his own defense in court.
Let me know if you'd like a version of this formatted for social media or a deeper dive into any of them.
You said:
Can you do a deeper dive into all three?
ChatGPT said:
Absolutely. Here's a deeper dive into each of the top three U.S. serial killers, including background, methods, psychological profile, and legacy:
1. Samuel Little
Active Years: 1970–2005
Confirmed Victims: 60 (Confessed to 93)
Background:
Born in 1940 in Georgia, raised by his grandmother. His mother was reportedly a sex worker.
Had early signs of antisocial behavior and was in and out of juvenile institutions.
Lived a transient lifestyle, often moving between states.
Modus Operandi:
Targeted marginalized women, often sex workers or drug users, who were less likely to be reported missing.
Typically strangled his victims—he claimed strangulation gave him sexual satisfaction.
Often left bodies in secluded areas, making discovery difficult.
Investigation:
Arrested numerous times over the decades for various crimes, but not connected to the murders.
His eventual arrest in 2012 for a drug charge led to a DNA match with three unsolved murders.
In prison, he began confessing to murders across the country, often with eerily accurate details and drawings of his victims.
Psychological Profile:
Diagnosed with psychopathy and showed little remorse.
Highly manipulative and had an incredible memory for detail—especially facial features.
Legacy:
Declared the most prolific serial killer in U.S. history by the FBI.
His confessions have helped solve dozens of cold cases.
FBI continues to verify his confessions and match them with missing persons and unsolved homicides.
2. Gary Ridgway (The Green River Killer)
Active Years: 1982–2000
Confirmed Victims: 49 (Confessed to 71)
Background:
Born in 1949 in Utah; grew up in a troubled household with a domineering mother and a distant father.
Had a low IQ but functioned socially, worked as a truck painter, and married multiple times.
Modus Operandi:
Targeted young women, particularly sex workers and runaways.
Lured victims into his vehicle, often under the guise of paying for sex, then strangled them—usually with his bare hands or ligatures.
Often returned to dump sites to have sex with the corpses (necrophilia).
Investigation:
The term “Green River Killer” came from the first five victims found near the Green River in Washington.
He evaded capture for nearly two decades despite being questioned early in the investigation.
DNA technology finally linked him to several victims in 2001.
Psychological Profile:
Exhibited extreme compartmentalization; coworkers described him as quiet and reliable.
Claimed he was "cleansing" the streets of prostitutes, showing deep-rooted misogyny and religious hypocrisy.
Legacy:
One of the longest and most expensive serial killer investigations in U.S. history.
Entered a plea deal to avoid the death penalty by revealing the locations of undiscovered victims.
3. Ted Bundy
Active Years: 1974–1978
Confirmed Victims: 30 (Suspected of many more)
Background:
Born in 1946 in Vermont; raised believing his grandparents were his parents.
Intelligent and charismatic, studied psychology and attended law school.
Appeared “normal” and used charm to gain trust.
Modus Operandi:
Lured victims (usually young white women) by pretending to be injured or in need of help.
Abducted, raped, and murdered them—often revisiting corpses for necrophilic acts.
Preferred blunt force trauma and strangulation.
Investigation:
Despite multiple arrests and escapes, he remained elusive due to his manipulative skills.
Was eventually apprehended in Florida in 1978 after a violent spree at the Chi Omega sorority house at Florida State University.
Psychological Profile:
Classic narcissist with antisocial personality disorder traits.
Believed he was too smart to get caught and conducted part of his own defense during trial.
Showed little to no remorse for his crimes.
Legacy:
One of the most infamous killers of the 20th century, often romanticized or mythologized due to his looks and intelligence.
His trial was one of the first to be televised nationally.
Executed via electric chair in 1989.
We will continue tales of past and present in our next Sprinkler, in our Grave Thoughts area. Stay safe everyone and lock your doors and leave a light on!
Peculiar Headlines
Let’s get to some weird and interesting stuff!
- Shocking or just weird? Medieval knight’s complete skeleton discovered beneath Polish ice cream parlor! The story loses some of its punch when we find out the ice cream shop has been closed for a while! The knight is said be from the 13th or 14th century. I’m Polish, and this seems trite: A director of the excavation states it is one of the most important archaeological finds in Poland! Too sad to make fun of.
- This one falls under gross no matter how old you may be. Here are some now-banned foods that were very popular in the ‘70s! Artificial trans fats (Sick), Beluga caviar (Fish eggs), Foie Gras (Duck liver), Haggis (Organ-lined casing filled with meat), Red No 2 (Dye or Die?), And Sasafrass (Plant used as herbal remedy & was in root beer – but contains Safrole which is cancer causing!) Yes, people consumed all of this and thought they were living it up! Gross!
- Seriously WTF? If you own a newer vehicle, you’ll want to read this! General Motors sued by US State over scary privacy invasion! This info comes from the Mozilla Foundation. Popular brands like BMW, Ford, Toyota, Tesla, Kia & Subaru as well as GM collect intimate data from those that purchase and drive their rides! This includes: sexual activity, race, facial expressions, weight, health & genetic info! They collect normal GPS data and the like too. Buyers sign privacy release agreements and rarely read the fine print. The automakers sell this info to third party companies and an estimate shows this selling of data will grow to a $750 billion dollar side industry by 2030! No drive-ins anyone!
- Mysterious inscription on tombstone reveals Count Dracula’s final resting place! The tomb was uncovered in Naples recently. The tomb may belong to Vlad III, the real-life inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel; Dracula! Known as Vlad the Impaler, a Romanian ruler from the 15th Century who used brutal tactics including impaling his enemies onto massive stakes. He was reportedly beheaded in 1497 but his grave was never found! More like Vlad the asshole!
- Parents were given their deceased son’s brain by funeral home! Two funeral homes allegedly gave grieving parents their deceased son’s brain in a box, which began to smell, leaked into their car and got on the father’s hands when he moved it, according to an updated lawsuit filed this week. The suit alleges that two different funeral homes mishandled the boy’s body and remains. Nothing funny here, just pure devasting heartbreak. RIP to the family’s son.
- Two men were found dead from exposure after looking for Sasquatch! The bodies of two men looking for the elusive Big Foot were found deceased in a forest in Washington state! The men were found after a three-day search. No jokes here. Damn!
- Lost tortoise turns up at ice cream parlor after 16 days on the loose! A tortoise that escaped the family home in England was found more than two weeks later outside an ice cream parlor! This was located about three miles from the reptile’s home! This story is not related to the Polish knight story!
- Illinois firefighters rescue escaped snake on a train! The snake was a baby ball python; these snakes only grow to about four feet in length as adults. The snake was fine, and no firefighters were injured during the rescue! Reports are that Samuel L Jackson is optioning the story for a film he is calling; Snakes on a Train!
- An arcade in the Philippines earned a Guinness World Record by installing the world's largest claw machine, which encompasses an area of 1,761 cubic feet! Claw King was measured at 17.16 feet long, 8.12 feet wide and 12.73 feet tall. The measurements were enough to take the record from Santa Claw, a defunct claw machine installed in Florida that measured 16.7 feet long, 7.87 feet wide and 11.81 feet tall. Playfair, the company involved is thrilled with the world record! The Claw!
- World’s largest crab cake served up to Virgina baseball fans! Chesapeake Bank celebrates 125 years in business with a 300-pound crab cake! There was a large green duck that was acting as security! The restaurant that made the gross looking foodstuff had to partially close down in order to make the stupid thing. Why do we do these things in this country? It should have been a crabby patty!
Interesting individual of the month [IIM]
This month’s interesting individual is Keanu Reeves.
Few stars shine as brightly or as humbly as Keanu Reeves. With a career spanning over three decades, Keanu has become a rare blend of action hero, cult favorite, and real-life good guy.
From Surfer Dude to Sci-Fi Savior
Keanu’s big break came with the 1989 cult comedy Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, but it was the '90s action hits like Point Break and Speed that made him a household name. Then came The Matrix; a genre-defining trilogy where he became Neo, a reluctant hero in a digital world, forever changing sci-fi cinema.
His career saw a major resurgence with the John Wick series, where he brought depth and raw emotion to a character driven by grief and vengeance. His acting and demeanor were perfect for this role!
A Life Touched by Tragedy
Despite his success, Keanu has faced deep personal loss. His daughter was stillborn in 1999, and shortly after, her mother died in a car accident. He rarely speaks publicly about his grief, but his quiet strength and empathy have endeared him to fans worldwide. We all experience the human condition.
The Internet’s Favorite Human
From viral subway photos to kind gestures on set, Keanu's humility is legendary. He’s known for giving away parts of his salary to crew members, helping sick children through anonymous donations, and treating everyone from fans to film staff with respect. Mykal shares these stories with me and Keanu is very consistent!
Why We Dig Him
Keanu isn’t just a movie star he’s a grounded human in a crazy industry. Whether dodging bullets or playing bass in his band Dogstar, he reminds us that kindness never goes out of style.
One of our favorite Jamie Lee Curtis quotes:
“Don’t judge a book by its cover ‘til you’ve read the book”
Jamie Less Curtis
Closing
We have thoroughly enjoyed writing this newsletter each month for the last 22 months. I firmly believe there is an audience out there for this unique take on a newsletter. We need to lean into our marketing more; we are considering moving to a blog format. We want to continue our unique voice in a sea of sameness and will do so through the summer of ’25.
Thank you for taking the time to read Chapter Twenty-Four of Psycho Studios; The Sprinkler. We always look forward to sharing our thoughts, ideas and more!
Mykal and I wish everyone a magnificent August! Be safe and stay psycho!
We would love to hear from our audience. Comments, feedback & suggestions are welcome!
Email us at - psychostudios66@gmail.com
Reach us at our website - psycho-studio.com.
Find our podcasts, newsletters and more on our website! We make announcements on Instagram and BlueSky!
The Sprinkler is dropped on the first of each month. Podcasts are dropped as content is available.
Mike & Mykal
Psycho Studios Phoenix - 8.1.2025
Thank you, Psychos, one and all!