Why I Think Smash Is A Tragedy

People want to talk to me about the TV show Smash all the time. Without preamble, they’ll excitedly tell me they saw one of the actors in the park, or confess they lurked while a scene was being shot on their street, or start singing one of the songs at me. It’s a fair assumption to make, that I know and love this show, given … Continue reading Why I Think Smash Is A Tragedy

A Petunia By Any Other Name

I don’t have a nickname (unless you count “Stef,” which I do not). I’ve been trying to make “Scully” happen for years now. Alas, just like “fetch,” it’s not going to happen. But when I was very small, I was my father’s Sweet Petunia. And it suited me then, all chubby cheeks and giggles. I’m pretty open about the fact that my relationship with him … Continue reading A Petunia By Any Other Name

Shugg It

Urban Dictionary variously defines “shugging” as: going to the toilet while half asleep (and missing the toilet), furtively masturbating, or searching through a bag of marijuana leaf shake for enough bud to roll a joint. This post is not about any of those things. This post is about exercise. A couple of months ago Jonathan came home with a sledge hammer. Jon’s not really a … Continue reading Shugg It

Reader Roundup (2010 edition, file this under “better late than never”)

The first day of Summer 2011 is June 21, so I figure I should post my thoughts on last year’s summer reading list before I get going on this year’s. “I’m Down” by Mishna Wolff.  According to the Publisher’s Weekly review on Amazon: Wolff details her childhood growing up in an all-black Seattle neighborhood with a white father who wanted to be black in this … Continue reading Reader Roundup (2010 edition, file this under “better late than never”)

When she wasn’t looking

I had breakfast with a girlfriend this morning, at a place in Chelsea called The Grey Dog’s Coffee. The Grey Dog’s is the kind of snug, romantic, fairy light-strung coffeehouse where it always feels like it’s raining outside. Chet Baker, or something that wishes it was Chet Baker, plays on the sound system. All the baristas are warm and attractive, and you absolutely would love … Continue reading When she wasn’t looking

Sign of the Times

There’s been a huge online kerfuffle over the changing of the zodiac, but I couldn’t be happier about it. Until yesterday, I was a Taurus — stubborn, lazy, possessive, materialistic, self-indulging. But also, dependable, persistent, loyal, patient and generous. In many cases, far too loyal, patient and generous. But now I am an Aries — independent, optimistic, enthusiastic and courageous. Still generous. It’s not all … Continue reading Sign of the Times