Outside Reading — The Human Dust-Bowl edition
THE DIRT ON PIG-PEN by Elif Batuman Writing for Astra, Elif Batuman explores the history of the Peanuts character who travels with his own trailing cloud. I’m always fond of cultural commentary that convincingly applies broader social theory to seemingly … Continue reading Outside Reading — The Human Dust-Bowl edition
This Week’s Model — Quasi, “Doomscrollers”
I’m glad the track starts with the drums. Although I remain among the truest of the true believers in Sleater-Kinney, I don’t dispute that the absence of drummer Janet Weiss has been keenly felt ever since she stepped away from … Continue reading This Week’s Model — Quasi, “Doomscrollers”
Now Playing — The Menu
The guests arrive expecting a feast. This is not just any generously appointed meal, mind you. It is the sort of vast, all-encompassing experience promised by chef Julian Slowik (Ralph Fiennes) at his exceedingly exclusive restaurant Hawthorne. With a price … Continue reading Now Playing — The Menu
Then Playing — California Suite; Good Time; Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
California Suite (Herbert Ross, 1978). Adapted by Neil Simon from his 1976 play of the same name (a sequel to the 1968 hit Plaza Suite), this comedy sets a posh Los Angeles hotel as its home base. A series of … Continue reading Then Playing — California Suite; Good Time; Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
Now Playing — Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever begins and ends in a state of mourning. Certainly, it would be inappropriate for it to be structured in any other way. Any movie that opens with the Marvel Studios logo already carries the weight of … Continue reading Now Playing — Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Radio Days — Class Closings
For the most part, students didn’t listen to our student-run radio station. I don’t think that disconnect between the general student population and the noncommercial broadcast outlet that a handful of their peers devoted themselves to was a particularly unique … Continue reading Radio Days — Class Closings
College Countdown: CMJ Top 1000, 1979 – 1989 — #116 to #114
116. The Replacements, Let It Be (1984) The story of Let It Be, the third studio album from Minneapolis band the Replacements, really begins with a song off of its immediate predecessor, the 1983 effort Hootenanny. Although the Replacements largely … Continue reading College Countdown: CMJ Top 1000, 1979 – 1989 — #116 to #114
Outside Reading —People Have the Power edition
“VOTERS ARE SMARTER THAN THE MEDIA”: THE PUNDIT CLASS MISJUDGED THE AMERICAN PEOPLE by Molly Jong-Fast Another election cycle, another abject failure of political reporters. Prompted by the blundered predictions of broadcast and print pundits, Molly Jong-Fast correctly heaps scorn … Continue reading Outside Reading —People Have the Power edition
This Week’s Model — Titus Adronicus, “Drummer Boy”
Look, it’s too early for Christmas music. I believe that to the depths of my heathen soul that we’ve no business busting out the carols and other festive until December. That typed, I have already declared my willingness to adhere … Continue reading This Week’s Model — Titus Adronicus, “Drummer Boy”
Then Playing — Stillwater; Platoon; Freebie and the Bean
Stillwater (Tom McCarthy, 2021). Stillwater is a fascinating hybrid. It begins and ends like a more realistic, sober-minded riff on one of Liam Neeson’s Taken or Taken-adjacent movies, with a Oklahoma roughneck in place of a well-trained oak tree with … Continue reading Then Playing — Stillwater; Platoon; Freebie and the Bean
Coffee for Two 