From the Vault: Kelly Bundy and the Alternative Family Ideal

This was originally published at my old site four years ago. I've revised it a bit to share here because of actress Christina Applegate's recent disclosure that she has multiple sclerosis. Applegate holds a special place in my heart and has since I was roughly 12 years old, thanks to her funny and sexy performance … Continue reading From the Vault: Kelly Bundy and the Alternative Family Ideal →

Sea of Love

"I feel like a fucking teenager."Det. Frank Keller, Sea of Love Knocked silly, knocked flat, sideways downThese things they pick you up and turn you aroundSay your pieceSay you're sweet for meREM, "Me In Honey" Teenage love and lust in all its messy and passionate glory is the ultimate love, right? I mean, that's what … Continue reading Sea of Love →

Home Box Office

I've been feeling extremely nostalgic lately for movies that used to be in constant rotation on HBO in the early to mid 1980s. I was too young to be watching them but, you guessed it, I watched them anyway. Remember, I'm part of the last generation of latchkey kids that grew up with the freedom … Continue reading Home Box Office →

“She Dies in Life, I Live in Death”: Zoë Tamerlis Lund

Zoë Tamerlis Lund was born in New York City on this day in 1962. She was a musician, model, actress, political activist, producer, and screenwriter, among other things. She was already a gifted pianist when she made her acting debut as the Avenging Angel Thana in Abel Ferrara's 1981 cult classic Ms. 45, long considered … Continue reading “She Dies in Life, I Live in Death”: Zoë Tamerlis Lund →

Sing Us Out, Susie

The new year arrives in a matter of hours and chances are we’ll still feel as confused, nervous, and lonely as we have for the last ten months of this year. Hopefully, though, 2021 brings some positive change for us all. And on that note I just want to mention a few positive accomplishments from … Continue reading Sing Us Out, Susie →

My Angel: Kate Jackson

A few years ago I stumbled on a 2009 blog post about Kate Jackson and had that wonderful moment of recognition when your exact feelings are perfectly expressed through someone else’s words. Even the title of the post captures how I feel: “Kate Jackson Was My Village.” Yes, exactly this: Kate Jackson was my village … Continue reading My Angel: Kate Jackson →

Season of the Witch: Sukie Ridgemont

What scares me isn't how short life is, no, it's the pain, all the pain. I don't understand why there has to be any pain. I adore Sukie Ridgemont, one-third of the famous Witches of Eastwick from the 1987 hit movie of the same name. She’s one of Michelle Pfeiffer’s most pure-of-soul characters—kindhearted mother, sweet … Continue reading Season of the Witch: Sukie Ridgemont →