Business as Usual at 40

Business as Usual, the debut album by Men at Work, was released forty years ago this month. It would go on to become one of the best-selling albums ever by an Australian artist. Men at Work was founded in 1979 by lead singer Colin Hay, guitarist Ron Strykert and drummer Jerry Speiser; they were laterContinue reading “Business as Usual at 40”

Quick Hits: April 4

I am enjoying Shining Vale immensely. A horror-comedy series that delivers both genuine laughs AND genuine chills, Shining Vale also offers a thoughtful, refreshingly candid take on marriage, mental health issues, and intergenerational trauma. The entire cast is crushing it, especially Courteney Cox as protagonist Patricia Phelps, an author with clinical depression and a massiveContinue reading “Quick Hits: April 4”

Sign O’ the Times at 35

If you’re making a list of the most brilliant double albums in history – Songs in the Key of Life, The Beatles, Bitches Brew, Blonde on Blonde, Physical Graffiti, and yes, 1999 – Prince’s 1987 masterpiece Sign O’ the Times has to be on that list. In the interest of full disclosure, you should knowContinue reading “Sign O’ the Times at 35”

The 94th Academy Awards

CONTENT WARNING: ASSAULT Whew! Well, another Oscars ceremony is in the books, and what a doozy it was. I can’t believe I missed it! Okay, let me explain. About a year ago, my husband and I ditched cable and went to streaming exclusively. We don’t have a live TV option because it’s just not cost-effectiveContinue reading “The 94th Academy Awards”

Happy (Belated) Birthday, Elton John!

Elton John celebrated his 75th birthday on Friday. I was without wi-fi from Friday morning until earlier today (for the record, I needed a new modem). I’m assuming Sir Elton won’t be mad at me for being a couple days late. Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in Pinner, Middlesex (Greater London area), Elton John began playingContinue reading “Happy (Belated) Birthday, Elton John!”

The Complicated Legacy of Talented, Terrible Men

Content warning: this post contains references to sexual, physical and verbal abuse, and substance abuse. __________________________________________________________________________________________ William Hurt’s death brought with it a reminder of Marlee Matlin’s allegations of abuse against him. They’re not for the faint of heart. In her 2009 memoir, I’ll Scream Later, Matlin accused Hurt of verbal abuse and rape. OnContinue reading “The Complicated Legacy of Talented, Terrible Men”

Badass Women of Survivor

Initially published in 2022, this post has been edited for content and clarity. ***** CONTENT WARNING: THIS POST CONTAINS REFERENCES TO A SHOULDER DISLOCATION, CANCER, AND DRUG USE ***** Survivor is a brutal game. Lack of food, the stress of gameplay, and exposure to the elements can all cause a contestant to crack under pressure.Continue reading “Badass Women of Survivor”

Word Prompt: Bridge

WordPress began a new feature for March, a “Blog Prompt of the Month”, and I’ve decided to give it a whirl. This month’s word is “bridge” and while that doesn’t immediately bring to mind pop culture, it didn’t take very long for my gears to start turning. The Bridge on the River Kwai I’m goingContinue reading “Word Prompt: Bridge”

Quick Hits: March 10

The Joshua Tree was released thirty-five years ago yesterday, catapulting U2 to superstardom. Inspired by the band’s fascination with the mythical American experience, and their disillusionment with the “real America”, The Joshua Tree is steeped in Irish and American roots music and represented a substantial leap forward for U2 both musically and lyrically. The JoshuaContinue reading “Quick Hits: March 10”

Quick Hits: March 6

March 6 is the Day of the Dude, the high holy day of Dudeism. For those of you unfamiliar with the holiday, it is the anniversary of the release of The Big Lebowski, which stars the incomparable Jeff Bridges as “The Dude”. So smoke a joint, drink a White Russian (but use American vodka), goContinue reading “Quick Hits: March 6”