Even if it’s not “Spinal Tap” level, it’s still one of the most worthwhile theater experiences you can have this Summer. What Works: As you can tell by that dead-on subtitle (which makes me laugh just thinking about it), Andy Samberg and Co. are going after the faux-aspirational qualities mixed in with today’s pop star egomania….
Movie Review: “X-Men: Whatever”
In an age of needless sequels there can be no better example than the latest X-Men film, a series that has honestly not produced a single satisfying or truly good movie, yet has still survived 6 different installments. [I count the Wolverine series separately, and did like the Japan-set “The Wolverine” although the first Wolverine…
Episode 24–Do People Even Want Small Government?
In the conclusion to our trilogy, we ask “Do People Even Want Small Government?” and take aim at Libertarians. Do Libertarians care that a “fair tax” would destroy your economy? Is Trickle Down Economics really just Plantation Economics? Why cut government jobs when contractors usually cost more? Plus, making the Alabamian case for why state’s…
Movie Review: Money Monster
A movie I wanted to like more than I did. The other films I reviewed today were a useless sequel (“Neighbors 2”) that strives to make a faux-statement about sororities having a right to party and a film that is deliberately light and throwaway (“The Nice Guys”) but successful at it. So it feels wrong…
Movie Review: Neighbors 2
A worthless sequel in a Summer chockful of them…except that that’s not exactly true since people looking for big studio comedies actually do have original choices like “Popstar” or “The Nice Guys” or the indie dark comedy “The Lobster” or “Love and Friendship.” “Neighbors 2” is quite simply the worst comedy choice in theaters right now, and…
Movie Review: The Nice Guys
A movie I liked more than I thought I would, but still forgot about almost five minutes after getting home. What Works: As Ryan Gosling has proven in “Crazy, Stupid Love” and last year’s “The Big Short,” he has a knack for comedy, and this is his most strictly comedic role yet. Also, he and Russel…
Episode 23–Are We Safer?
In the second part of our trilogy we take on military conservatives and use it as a broader platform to talk everything defense: Why is Saudi Arabia using American think tanks? Will Trump build a wall around Afghanistan? Did the Cuban embargo keep the Castros in power? Will the wars of the future be economic…
Announcing a New Segment “300 at 30,” and Should it Be Visual or Podcast?
I’ve been managing this site for a little more than five years, and mostly things have stayed pretty much the same. This year has seen the addition of the first new things we’ve done since the beginning: podcasts (“A Year Long Conversation”) and YouTube videos. And now it’s time for one more: a new segment…
“Banshee” Finale Review, and Ranking the Seasons
It was the end of times, and—as is so often the case with TV finales–it was the worst of times. Cinemax’s “Banshee” was one of the most consistently underrated shows on television, and in fact many readers of this article may not have even heard of the series, let alone watched it. I want to…
Episode 22–Are Social Conservatives Over?
In the first part of our “conservative trilogy” (looking at social, military, and fiscal), we wonder if social conservatives are over or merely in a lull? How does Trump—a twice-divorced “New York Values” foul mouth who can’t quote Bible passages—change social conservativism? Is it a good sign that in only 8 years the social battles…
Episode 21–Is Bernie the New Ron Paul, Perot, Nader, Buchanan, or a Political Poet?
It’s our first “Bernie only” episode and we wonder if he’ll be the next Ron Paul, Ralph Nader, Ross Perot, etc. (lots of R-named ego-independents) and if there’s a link between mortality-fears and running for president. [Original title of episode “Save Us From Old Men Promising Revolution.”] Also discussed is if Bernie is a “political…
Interview with Nigerian Activist Omolola Adele-Oso
Today’s audio interview is Nigerian Activist Omolola Adele-Oso as she talks about the under-mentioned Boko Haram’s deadly tactics, Nigerian corruption, the new President’s attempts to turn things around, the “Resource Curse,” and so much more. Some solid topics are brought up, as well as Lola’s work for Act4Accountability her group working to raise awareness…
Episode 20–What Are the Strategies for the General?
As we like to do with every 5th episode, this one prognosticates the future as we look at Trump and Hillary’s strategies for the general election. [Hint: We think HRC’s campaign manager may have an easier time than Trump’s, unless he pulls more “brilliant” moves like his infamous Taco Bowl picture.] And we also take…