Merry Christmas, everyone! 🎄🎁 May your day be filled with love, joy, laughter, great company, and good eats. ✨️

As a kid, I came to Godzilla movies for the monsters. As an adult, I stayed for the historical and cultural richness... and the monsters. 🦖💥

I love it, but...

I got to interview Dr. Jeffrey Angles about his translation of the novella behind Mothra. We had a lively discussion about the politics and important lessons the book's three authors wanted to impress upon readers, and why the story, and Mothra, are relevant today. 🦋

Adulthood has shown me that a curious, passionate adult is often seen as either suspicious or "precious"—seldom, if ever, as just a healthy, happy person. Says a lot about where we are as a society, I think. I choose to stay young where it counts. ✨️

Mothra Is Luminous as an Icon of Soft Power and Femininity Whether defending her eggs, the Earth, or the people and kaiju she values, Mothra has consistently demonstrated caregiving instincts that finally have a lucid source in her feminine creator, Ajigo. – Alyssa Charpentier ✍️💥 READ:

I examine Mothra's mythos, maternity, and feminine nature in The Luminous Fairies and Mothra 🦋 This piece means a lot to me.

I've just created a public Facebook page where you can follow my work in-depth, message me more freely (I'm not often on here), and see the writing I'm up to! Hope to see you there!

Kula Shaker's 'Wormslayer' is for the seeker, the adventurer, and the soul who longs for liberty—all while soundtracking their journey to an epic musical mirror. Rock out! Kula Shaker's 'Wormslayer' is a #PMPick out Friday. tinyurl.com/KulaShaker26

"It's time to heal, it's time to get real." —Kula Shaker, "Charge of the Light Brigade" ✨️ I reviewed Kula Shaker's eighth album, 'Wormslayer' (2026), for PopMatters. What a fun and interesting collection! popmatters.com/kula-shaker-wo…

A beautiful weekend in Pasadena, CA. ☀️ I finished a new essay I'm looking forward to sharing, and I did something I haven't in a long time... went swimming! I had thought the part of me that loved to swim ended in childhood, but I'm realizing it's more important than ever.

Be wary of "monitor lizards" when you do public work or share accomplishments. Not everyone who sees you celebrates you. Some watch you solely to study you, then strike at a moment's weakness. They live on "Gotcha!" energy. You just keep living with hobbies, joy, and peace. ✌️

POV: Your favorite band comes under fire for living by their repeatedly stated values. 👀 Shinedown—a non-politically-motivated band—don't want to play at Rock the Country, which Tucker Carlson and President Donald Trump have spoken at/endorsed.

Your annual reminder that this is one of the Godzilla saga's very best characters. Should I write an essay about the Kiryu duology? 🤔 #GodzillaXMechagodzilla

Four places that light me up inside and invigorate my creativity. Do you recognize any of them? Share yours! 👇