The Starfire Lounge Turns 3

Three years ago today, four days before my birthday and just over a month into lockdown due to a global pandemic, I sat down and registered this domain name, briefly did some site window dressing, then knocked out my first post, all in about an hour or two. It was a spontaneous act that I … Continue reading The Starfire Lounge Turns 3 →

Elvira, Mistress of the Cake

Even though it’s my birthday soon, I’ll gladly share this gift with all of my friends: Yep, that’s Elvira, Mistress of the Dark herself, looking really excited to celebrate my latest trip around the sun. I’m just so honored she’s popping out of my cake! What a surprise! I can only imagine how many similar … Continue reading Elvira, Mistress of the Cake →

The Sexiest Man Alive: Ellen Barkin in Switch

That is not a mistake in the title: Ellen Barkin is the sexiest man alive. Let me explain. Recently, while digging through DVDs looking for something in particular, I stumbled on my old copy of a movie few seem to remember these days, Switch (1991). As I held the ancient snap-case DVD in my hands … Continue reading The Sexiest Man Alive: Ellen Barkin in Switch →

Bad Girls We Love: Serleena from Men in Black II

I’ve never been particularly enamored with the Men in Black films. I like the first one, but my appreciation for it never rose to the level of love. I realize this puts me in the minority, but I would probably enjoy the MIB movies more if they made one important casting change. I’ll freely admit … Continue reading Bad Girls We Love: Serleena from Men in Black II →

Lost and Found: Revolver

Few actors have ever commanded the screen with as much intensity as English actor Oliver Reed. For a long time growing up, I knew him mostly as “Uncle” Frank, from Ken Russell’s bonkers film adaptation of The Who’s Tommy (1975). Reed was mesmerizing in a performance that’s both menacing and hilarious. Over the years I’ve … Continue reading Lost and Found: Revolver →

Calendar Girl: Julie London for April

When Julie London sings “I’ll remember April and I’ll smile,” I can relate. April is an important month to me. Not only does it signal the first real steps towards spring awakening after the winter doldrums have long overstayed their welcome, but it’s also the month I sprung forth into the world. Favorites like Michelle … Continue reading Calendar Girl: Julie London for April →

Play Ball

Before the Super Bowl I waxed nostalgic about growing up watching football with my father and how the sport doesn’t hold a lot of appeal to me since he passed away. The same holds true for “America’s pastime,” baseball. In 1951, Marilyn Monroe, know as “the Blonde Bombshell” batted a stellar .327 with 28 home … Continue reading Play Ball →