04/29/08

The Tribeca Film Festival

04/22/08

Judging Presidential Candidates on What Really Matters—Their Taste in Popular Culture

This week finally sees an end to the presidential primaries in Pennsylvania—hallelujah! With so much time, so many similarities between the candidates (at least on the Democrat side), and so little to do between primary contests, people have started complaining that the focus of the presidential campaigns has moved away from the real issues and towards more superficial matters. But while we're judging the candidates on inconsequential things, why not take a look at their tastes in popular culture?

We'll start with the home team, and do the Chappaqua resident first:

Hillary Clinton

Favorite Movies:
Usually in interviews, Clinton gives the short answer of Casablanca when...

04/15/08

Idol Gives Back Creeps Me Out and I Can't Figure Out Why

Last Wednesday, television juggernaut American Idol launched its Idol Gives Back campaign, raising funds for six charities serving kids in the U.S. and Africa, including the Children's Defense Fund, the Global Fund, Make It Right, Malaria No More, Save the Children, U.S. Programs, and the Children's Health Fund. A bevy of stars from Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale to Brad Pitt and Bono turned out for the event, all urging phone and online donations. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the special raised $22 million in one night, a number which continues to climb as donations still...

04/08/08

A Documentary that Tackles the Tricky Subject of Race

04/01/08

Pleasantville's Andres Patrick Forero is In the Heights

Recently, I was talking with Laurie Yarnell, the features editor who sits in the next cubicle, about how much we both enjoyed In the Heights, a musical that recently opened on Broadway. The show is about the gentrifying area of Washington Heights, way up at the tip of Manhattan, and how the residents there struggle to make a living, find happiness, and support their families. I can easily get annoyed with how corny some musical soundtracks are, but the Latin-inspired music in In the Heights is something I could see myself listening to even after leaving the theater. The dancing and acting performances were, if at all possible, even more impressive. If you're looking to take in a Broadway...