A movie that seems built to be forgotten before you’ve stepped out of the theater. Not quite an utter betrayal of the first “Independence Day” (which was not exactly “Saving Private Ryan” itself), but a downgrade in almost every way, including—weirdly enough—the effects. What Works: Not much. The first “Independence Day” movie (made almost exactly 20 years…
Episode 27–What is an American? [The Immigration Episode]
In the second part of our trilogy we talk about immigration in a way that is fitting for the 4th of July. In a wide-ranging episode we talk Brexit, Trump (unfortunately), how immigration fears are not uniquely American, how England outside of London is really Connecticut in the 50’s, if other countries are more xenophobic…
“The Shallows” is a Much Better Blake Lively Movie
If you had told me that a Blake Lively movie would be better than the latest Pixar film, I’d have punched you straight in the nose. But you know what? You would have been right. What Works: “The Shallows” makes great use of its vibrant, ocean-blue setting. [Whereas “Finding Dory” is mostly set in a fish…
Movie Review: “Finding Dory” is Completely Forgettable
In my “Summer Movies” preview where I listed which ones I was most anticipating and least anticipating, I singled out “Finding Dory” as something I was pretty lukewarm to, and–I hate to say it–but I was right. Welllll, I was at least right that I wouldn’t like it that much, despite all the box office bajillions it’ll…
What Are the Most Fitting TV Shows to Watch On 4th of July?
These are not necessarily the most patriotic shows or even the most American ones, but the shows I like to think that represent a certain American-feeling that is appropriate for the 4th… Silicon Valley…What better than watching a bunch of intrepid explorers try—and sometimes fail—to create something great out of nothing? The spirit of innovation…
300 at 30–Episode 4–Foodie Spelled F-A-T-S-O
The flip side of “Food spelled F.O.M.O.” is “Foodie spelled F-A-T-S-O” and this episode highlights the traps people who love trying different types of food can be susceptible to, the same way a “wine connoisseur” may be on a slippery slope to becoming a wino. Listen in and beat “new” (usually recycled) flavors together…
300 at 30–Episode 3–Food Spelled F.O.M.O.
Man’s long-time survival instinct has now been warped by food peddlers tweaking it to fit the Fear Of Missing Out times we live in. Listen in to hear how literal “flavor of the month” items are designed to knock you off your diet and how to combat it…
300 at 30–Episode 2–What is Old?
A deceptively simple question–“What is Old?”–drives the second episode, which is a little longer than every other episode will be, but an existential crisis is rarely short-winded. Still, worth a listen and maybe add your own definition of what you consider old in the comments…
300 at 30–Episode 1–WhatDunnit?
Instead of a Whodunnit, Alabama Liberal looks at exactly what foods or habits pushed him to his heaviest weight ever, and how he was able to begin to lose some of that weight. Listen in and solve the mystery together on the first episode out of 30…
5 Reasons Elizabeth Warren Will NOT Be Hillary’s VP…
The shortlist is out. Apparently, Hillary has narrowed her search down to Julian Castro, Tim Kaine, and Elizabeth Warren. Although I’m little disappointed that Al Franken is out of the running, either Kaine or Castro would be a solid pick. [Though I wonder why she went with Virginia senator Tim Kaine over the other Virginia…
The Five Best TV Shows You’re Not Watching…
What are the best shows currently on television that don’t have “Game” or “Thrones” in the title? I’m glad you asked… 5. [Tie] Turn and Hell on Wheels…AMC’s two all-but-forgotten, mostly buzz-less historical dramas are in different places in their runs. “Turn” has finally realized its potential with its best season so far, and has discovered a…
Episode 26–Guns
In the first part of a G.I.A. trilogy (guns, immigration, abortion) we face off over guns and gun control, and I guarantee you’ve never heard a gun debate like this before. [I.e. we actually have experience with guns unlike most of the media.] We talk assault weapons bans, Orlando, freedom vs. safety, pragmatism vs. idealism,…
Episode 25–Will We See the Return of Strategic VP Picks?
Why have we gone more than a decade without strategically useful VPs from Biden to Cheney, Palin to Liebermann? We use this question to dive deep into the VP race: Can anyone good stand to work with Trump? Are Bernie’s odds of being chosen 0.000001% or 0.000001%? Are liberals intentionally trying to make Republican heads…