This year’s Best Picture Oscar is a competitive field. The media likes to paint it as a two-person or two-film race in many categories, but it may be one of those years in which many films have a chance. Some years this happens because of an over-abundance of great films. 1939 was the probably the…

Two wonders of literature passed away today and they will be missed. The first was John Updike, who succumbed to a long battle with lung cancer at 76. The second is the time in our history when authors represented the strongest voice in our culture; when what they had to say influenced the national discussion;…

Apparently, Mattel has put out a talking doll that whispers (very quietly) “Islam is the Light”–apparently, this was not one of the intended comments the doll is supposed to make–and moms are up in arms across the country, uniting to protest attempts to invite their kids to join Islam forming a group called MAMA: “Moms…

Next week’s Super Bowl marks what has become something of a national holiday. New TV sales go through the roof, parties are found on every other block and open seats are available on flights! Bruce Springsteen will perform. Alicia Keys will perform. Jordin Sparks will sing the national anthem. Oh, and yes, also there is…

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