|
|
|
- subscribe
-
- |
TV critic’s picks
The Red Carpet Issue 9 p.m., Sundance We’re in the middle of awards season, and the red carpet has been in full swing. That long stroll past the paparazzi has become one of the best places for actors to promote their latest projects - and themselves. This documentary looks at how Hollywood’s entrance festivities have turned from private events into ...
TV critic’s picks
By Matthew Gilbert Emma 9 p.m., Channel 2
‘Undercover Boss’ is on-the-job straining
CBS has decided to turn prime real estate - the post-Super Bowl slot, when tens of millions of Doritos-stuffed football fans are already on their couches - into a waste dump.
TV critic's corner
Puppy Bowl VI Tomorrow at 3 p.m., Animal Planet Yeah, yeah. The Super Bowl is on tomorrow night, with all the ads and the Who performing at halftime. But this annual aww-a-thon deserves attention, too, for being so darn cute. Animal shelter pups will take the field, hamsters will man the blimp that will provide aerial footage, and rabbits will ...
Critic’s corner
Smallville 8 p.m., Channel 56 Pam Grier begins a multi-episode arc in tonight’s two-hour special episode of “Smallville’’ about the Justice Society of America. The blaxploitation icon will play a villian, Agent Amanda Waller. Let’s hope the writers treat her better than the “L Word’’ writers, who never quite seemed to know what to do with Grier’s character. Pictured: Tom ...
Claire Danes reveals an autistic pioneer’s strength in ‘Temple Grandin’
The first moment Claire Danes appears on screen in HBO’s “Temple Grandin’’ as the autistic animal specialist and author, I wanted to roll my eyes and laugh derisively. Great: Another glamorous actor straining for cred and awards by playing a disabled person, twisting up her regular physicality in order to dazzle. Another star to honor because she didn’t pluck her ...
‘Lost’ fans take one step forward, two back in season opener
These “Lost’’ writers, they are TV magicians of the first order. Tuesday night, once again, we were their willing little playthings as they brought us yet another step closer to the great mystery of the island, then pulled us back two steps to keep us awake and guessing. Oh, yeah, and they essentially broke time in two, pulling our brains ...
TV critic’s picks
The Sarah Silverman Program 10:30 p.m., Comedy Central OMG. This show is so totally sick. I love it! Sarah, whose mustache seems to be growing inordinately long, learns she was born with male and female sex organs. So she gains access to the one that was removed when she was an infant, accidentally swallows it, recovers it, and decides to ...
One step closer to answers, two back for fans of ‘Lost’
These “Lost’’ writers, they are TV magicians of the first order. Last night, once again, we were their willing little playthings as they brought us yet another step closer to the great mystery of the island, then pulled us back two steps to keep us awake and guessing. Oh, yeah, and they essentially broke time in two, pulling our brains ...
TV critic’s picks
Mercy 8 p.m., Channel 7 Tonight, James Van Der Beek starts a stint on this NBC drama as the proverbial “cocky new head of the ICU.’’ The Beek, of course, was and always will be Dawson, the sensitive guy with the crazy thick eyebrows who didn’t get the girl. Although it is hard to forget him as the Canadian rocker ...
PBS’s ‘Digital Nation’ makes a connection
One of the many surreal moments in PBS’s “Digital Nation’’ occurs during a segment about drone pilots. We see American soldiers planted in front of screens in a desert facility near Las Vegas, as they deploy and fire armed, unmanned planes flying over Iraq and Afghanistan. Then we follow one of these soldiers leaving his remote control station to drive ...
TV critic’s corner
The Good Wife 10 p.m., Channel 4 The show beautifully established Archie Panjabi’s Kalinda as Alicia’s ally in the first group of episodes. She’s a great character. But now, the writers are playing with the character, making us wonder if she’s loyal to Alicia’s husband, Peter (Chris Noth), or his nemesis, Glenn (Titus Welliver), and also inviting us to speculate ...
Critic’s corner
RuPaul’s Drag Race 9 p.m., Logo Who’ll be the next top drag mega-superstar? RuPaul welcomes a dozen new wannabes for a second season. I love the show’s psychodynamic wedding challenge, which requires the contestants to marry their male and female personas together. But not as much as I love the upcoming golden-girls episode, where they will have to find senior ...
TV critic’s picks
The Grammy Awards 8 p.m., Channel 4 The 52d annual event airs live from Los Angeles. Scheduled performers include Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Green Day, Pink, Maxwell (above), Taylor Swift, and Bon Jovi. The E! red carpet starts at 6.
Critic’s corner
2010 Miss America Pageant 8 p.m., TLC The network that brings us “Toddlers & Tiaras’’ also brings us this cultural antique. The odd thing about this year’s pageant is that Rush Limbaugh is among the judges. What? He’s the panel’s representative from “the field of communications/interview,’’ according to TLC. Also assessing the contestants: Vivica A. Fox, gold medalist Shawn Johnson, ...
TV critic’s picks
Law & Order 8 p.m., Channel 7 I always thought Debra Winger would be one of those busy, A-list actresses - lots of great roles, a dignified public persona, a career that moves from strength to strength. But she has chosen a different, less visible route, leaving her fans always wanting more. Her performance in “Rachel Getting Married’’ was manna ...
TV critic’s picks
Live for the Moment 8 p.m., Channel 4 Jeff Probst hosts this sob-fest special, which he produced with Mark Burnett. Originally called “Live Like You’re Dying,’’ a title deemed too heavy by CBS , the hour enables a terminally ill person the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream. Yup, another bucket list product. If lots of people watch tonight, Probst ...
Critic’s corner
Tavis Smiley Reports 8 p.m., Channel 2 This new quarterly series finds Tavis Smiley leaving his LA studio to talk to people who, as PBS puts it, “have transformed us as a nation.’’ The first episode is devoted to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Tavis will have to work hard to show us anything about her that we don’t ...
Critic’s corner
American Idol 8 p.m., Channel 25 Paula, Paula, my sweet, crazy, demented, tearful, inarticulate, overdressed, compassionate, confused, deluded, positive, maternal, garish, cougarish, standing-ovation-prone, slurry love bucket. Miss you.
Critic’s corner
Damages 10 p.m., FX Glenn Close (above) returns as Patty Hewes, with a fresh batch of scenery to chew. Does anything else matter? No, not really. Although the third season will feature Campbell Scott as an old-money heir, Lily Tomlin as his mother, and Martin Short as their lawyer. Wait, Tomlin and Short playing dramatic roles? OK, maybe Close isn’t ...
Two new culty comedies offer alternative viewing
People often tell me there’s nothing on TV anymore. And I inevitably list off the gems, which sounds something like “Mad Dexter Men Friday Night True Lost Blood Breaking Lights Bad Nurse Modern Family Jackie Glee.’’ Oh, and “Men of a Certain Age.’’
TV critic’s picks
Emma 9 p.m., Channel 2 The excellent three-part “Masterpiece Classic’’ adaptation of Jane Austen begins tonight. Romola Garai from “Atonement’’ and Jonny Lee Miller from “Eli Stone’’ star. Pictured: Garai.
‘Emma’ takes the time to make the journey
There have been so very many Jane Austen screen adaptations, they sometimes seem indistinct, like one long blur of interchangeable frocks. And some of the adaptations - including too many entries in the recent “Masterpiece Classic’’ all-Austen season - simply rush forward half-heartedly to their happy endings. They seem to have been created solely to cash in on the built-in ...
Critic’s corner
Screen Actors Guild Awards 8 p.m., TBS and TNT Now don’t you start getting tired of awards shows yet. The season is in full swing, with the Golden Globes behind us but the Grammys and the Oscars still to come. And tonight, the SAG Awards airs live with Jeff Bridges, George Clooney, and Sandra Bullock among the nominees. Also, Betty ...
Something’s rotten in Rome in bloody ‘Spartacus’
Starz’s new series “Spartacus: Blood and Sand’’ is either a brilliant sendup of gladiator movies or one of the cheesiest TV dramas ever made.
Television critic's picks
Caprica 9 p.m., Syfy The prequel series to “Battlestar Galactica’’ premieres tonight, with a two-hour special that involves themes of artificial intelligence. Eric Stoltz, Esai Morales, Polly Walker, and Paula Malcomson star, with Stoltz (pictured) playing a technology billionaire in the manner of Bill Gates. By the way, the show’s creators have been making a point of telling the press ...
Sex, lies, and sensationalism in ‘Pregnancy Pact’
As a document of fact, Lifetime’s “The Pregnancy Pact’’ is nothing but a gesture at a loose description of a supposition vaguely resembling the truth.
ABC travels well-charted waters in ‘The Deep End’
You’ve been here, done this. You’ve seen the same picture painted on the very same numbers. You’ve bought the T-shirt, worn it down to a rag, used the rag to dust the widow sills, and thrown the remnants into the trash.
Critic’s Corner
Burn Notice 10 p.m., USA I won’t lie, I was not just a little thrilled to see Tyne Daly and Sharon Gless (pictured, from left) acting together when I previewed tonight’s episode. The series returns with a plot that requires Gless’s Madeline to befriend Daly’s character, who has access to important medical records. They are great together. “Cagney & Lacey’’ ...
TV critic’s picks
White Collar 10 p.m., USA I once loved the phrase “game-changer.’’ When the “Lost’’ producers used it to describe the first “Lost’’ flash-forward episode, the phrase still had value. But now, game-changer is overused to the point of meaninglessness. “White Collar’’ returns from break tonight with a new episode that follows up on the supposed game-changer in the final moments ...
Critic’s corner
American Pickers 9 p.m., History Channel Call it recycling, or call it archeology. Mike Wolfe (right) and Frank Fritz dive into all kinds of garbage piles in search of lost treasures. And this new series follows them on the road, as they comb for relics to restore and sell. Along the way, the pair find historical objects, go cruising on ...
An ‘Unexpected’ take on family
Since the 1950s, TV has found endless material in confirming and, at times, spearheading the cultural redefinition of family. From the days of “Leave It to Beaver’’ to now, we’ve seen TV families broaden out from the standard genetic unit to include step-relatives, co-workers, same-sex marriages, and, of course, those friends who are there for us when the rain starts ...
Golden moment for ‘Avatar’
Looks like James Cameron’s “Avatar’’ is following in the footsteps of the director’s “Titanic,’’ as both a box office monster and a major-awards darling. Last night at the Golden Globes, the sci-fi blockbuster solidified its Oscar momentum with two major statues, for best director and best dramatic film.
Critic's corner
The Golden Globe Awards 8 p.m., Channel 7 Ricky Gervais (above) hosts this year’s celebrity party, which honors achievement in movies and television. The live event will pay tribute to director Martin Scorsese.
Late-night talk shows aren’t worth the fight
At the end of the day, what are Jay Leno and Conan O’Brien fighting for? A few one-liners, a series of kiss-kiss interviews, a wooden desk, and a coffee mug?
TV critic’s corner
The Golden Globe Awards Tomorrow at 8 p.m., Channel 7 No matter who was scheduled to host tomorrow night’s Golden Globes, the Leno-Conan war would certainly be getting a few big comic nods. Especially since the annual awards show is on NBC. But I’m hoping that, with Ricky Gervais (pictured) at the podium, the late-night-host jabbing might take some amusing ...
‘Human Target’ loaded with action, not dynamism
If someone is out to destroy you, and Jack Bauer is busy rescuing Superman, Fox wants to provide you with another security option. His name is Christopher Chance, but you can call him Human Target, and he’s pretty shrewd, not to mention agile, charming, and good with a gun. Thing is, you’ll probably have to pay; unlike Jack Bauer, Chance ...
TV critic’s corner
The 15th Annual Critics Choice Movie Awards 9 p.m., VH1 This year’s awards show will be hosted by Kristin Chenoweth. Among the top nominees: “Inglourious Basterds’’ and “Nine,’’ each with 10 nods, and “Avatar,’’ “Up in the Air,’’ and “The Hurt Locker’’ with eight apiece. The awards are chosen by the Broadcast Film Critics Association, a 235-member organization of TV, ...
TV critic’s picks
Project Runway 10 p.m., Lifetime The series did very poorly during its first season on Lifetime last summer and fall. This time around, the show returns to New York, where Tim and Heidi will school 16 new designers in the ways of fashion and hope for more conflict and color than they got in Los Angeles. Let’s see if Lifetime ...
Reality series tune into inflated egoes
I’m sorry in advance. Because, as Carnie Wilson blathered on about the hardships of being a working mother of two on her new reality show, standing in her kitchen with her personal assistant and her manager and baking banana bread with chocolate, walnuts, and peanut butter as well as bread pudding and key-lime cheesecake, I fantasized about transferring her staple. ...
Archer’ is a sly, witty spy cartoon for adults
"Archer,’’ FX’s new animated series, recalls the early 1960s pop art of Roy Lichtenstein. It looks like those old superhero comic panels, but amped-up, tinged with winking irony, more vividly colored and shaded. The characters, who all work at a spy agency, have stiff facial expressions and talk in loud, clipped voices with lots . . . of ellipses . ...
A Boston look, but it’s same old song
Last night’s “American Idol’’ season premiere was notable for three reasons: 1) It was set in Boston, where a series of lone dreamers stood singing to both a panel of judges and the unforthcoming stare of the Custom House Tower in the background. 2) It was the start of the first season without our crazy love bucket Paula Abdul and ...
TV critic’s corner
Leverage 10 p.m., TNT We interrupt this endless loop of “Bones’’ episodes for “Leverage.’’ Timothy Hutton’s show is back for a winter mini-season, and it continues to be silly, not least of all because the Boston setting is so obviously fraudulent. It’s like a con-artist dramedy that dropped out of logic school. Tonight, Jeri Ryan joins the cast for a ...
‘Blue Mountain’ turf is the lewd and crude
It’s a party for the Blue Mountain State Goats football team, and beautiful young women in various states of undress are rubbing up against all the players, who are drunk and getting drunker when they’re not bonging and snorting coke, and a guy named Sammy is in the corner puking into a feeding bowl, and a live goat is standing ...
TV critic’s corner
American Idol 8 p.m., Channel 25 It’s back. TV’s big shot reality show returns with a two-hour episode tonight, featuring the auditions that took place last summer in Boston at Gillette Stadium. Ellen DeGeneres will indeed replace Paula Abdul on the judging panel this season, but not until after the many weeks of auditions. In the meantime, guest judges will ...
It’s time for a breakup for Jay, Conan, and NBC
NBC was desperate last year when it handed over the 10 p.m. slot to Jay Leno to stop him from flirting with other networks. Now, with official word from NBC chairman Jeff Gaspin that “The Jay Leno Show’’ is kaput on Feb. 12 and that Leno will move back to 11:35 p.m., NBC looks desperate and pathetic. The peacock is ...
Critic’s corner
How I Met Your Mother 8 p.m., Channel 4 The sitcom reaches its 100th episode mark with a hyped half-hour that will include a musical segment involving all four cast members. Tim Gunn (above) will guest star as Barney’s tailor, and Rachel Bilson from “The O.C.’’ guest stars as a student Ted gets involved with. Is Bilson the mother? No ...
TV critic’s picks
By Matthew Gilbert Celebration of Gospel 8 p.m., BET
‘Cranford’ beautifully crosses two worlds
Yes, of course, “Return to Cranford’’ is a period piece. First big hint: It’s the new two-part installment of PBS’s “Masterpiece Classic.’’ Second big hint: It’s a continuation of “Cranford’’ from 2008, the miniseries based on the fiction of Victorian author Elizabeth Gaskell. Third big hint: Dame Judi Dench in a bonnet.
Critic’s corner
The Wanda Sykes Show 11 p.m., Channel 25 Two of the most popular celebrities in American culture right now are openly gay. It’s interesting, isn’t it? After so many decades of gay performers hiding their sexual orientation for fear of ruining their careers, Neil Patrick Harris and Ellen DeGeneres are out and on top. I mention this because tonight, Harris ...
Graham Chedd has searched for ‘The Human Spark’
Alan Alda is the smiling, ever-curious face of the new PBS show “The Human Spark,’’ as he studies precisely what differentiates human beings from other species. The documentary series, which airs Wednesday nights at 8 on Channel 2, enables Alda to travel the world talking to experts and researchers, indulging his love of science.
TV Critic’s Corner
John Oliver’s New York Stand-up Show 11 p.m., Comedy Central The British “Daily Show’’ correspondent hosts this new six-episode series, which will feature four of his favorite comedians each week. On the list: Marc Maron, Brian Posehn (from “The Sarah Silverman Program’’), Nick Kroll, Janeane Garofalo, and my fave, Kristen Schaal. Oliver has a recurring role on “Community,’’ by the ...
TV critic’s picks
Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew 10 p.m., VH1 How great is this? Former couple Heidi Fleiss and Tom Sizemore are both on the new season of this addiction reality series. Back in 2003, you may recall, their relationship blew up and Sizemore was convicted of assault and battery. Yes, yes, Dr. Drew, we know, your show is all about healing, ...
TV critic’s picks
The Human Spark 8 p.m., Channel 2 This locally produced documentary series, from the team that made the excellent “Scientific American Frontiers,’’ tries to negotiate exactly what makes humans different from all other species. Like “Scientific American Frontiers,’’ this three-parter is hosted by Alan Alda (above), who always pursues his queries with so much spirit and humor. Alda talks to ...
TV critic’s picks
The 32 nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors 9 p.m., Channel 4 “I’m the president, but he’s The Boss.’’ That much-publicized quote by Barack Obama about Bruce Springsteen comes from this event, which was filmed earlier in the month. The honorees this year, along with Springsteen, include Robert De Niro, Grace Bumbry, Dave Brubeck, and Mel Brooks. Among the presenters: Jon ...
Louisa May Alcott’s own story is full of drama
This new installment of “American Masters’’ plays a little bit like an episode of “Masterpiece Classic.’’ “Louisa May Alcott: The Woman Behind ‘Little Women’ ’’ manages to penetrate the facts of Louisa May Alcott’s life (1832-1888) to get at her humor, her spirit, and her growth as a person. With a smart, tasteful use of docudramatic re-creations, director Nancy Porter ...
Critic’s corner
House 8 p.m., Channel 25 The “House’’ writers decided that Cameron should leave the show. OK. But the convoluted way they went about it was unfortunate, and tonight’s repeat is a reminder of that. James Earl Jones stars in this hokey episode about an African dictator who winds up in House’s care and eventually sends Chase into some very uncharacteristic ...
Critic’s corner
Jesse Stone: Thin Ice 8 p.m., Channel 4 Police chief Jesse Stone, played by Tom Selleck (above with Leslie Hope), looks for a missing child. At the same time, he deals with an internal investigation of his role in a shootout.
Matthew Gilbert cites shows worthy of attention, and attention spans
So much of the big TV news this year focused on the peripheries, the spaces around prime time. Late-night TV may draw only a fraction of viewers, but there was no end to coverage of the NBC host minuet, as Conan O’Brien took his frat party to 11:35 p.m. and Jimmy Fallon shyly moved in upstairs at 12:35 a.m. The ...
In search of the next big distraction
This year, we were on the run, just like the full-court media on the day of Balloon Boy, Oct. 15. We were hungrily chasing after tabloid stories, searching the skies for the Next Big Distraction, in hot pursuit of hot air. How not to think about the recession, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Iran’s violent election, the tinderbox of ...
TV critic’s picks
MATTHEW GILBERT’S PICKS 1. MAD MEN (AMC)
TV critic’s picks
The Sound of Music Tomorrow at 7 p.m., Channel 5 I have confidence that you’ll like this movie. It’s one of my favorite things. Really, it’s something good. Now 44 going on 45, the story of Maria, Captain von Trapp, and his children could charm even a lonely goatherd who’s weary from climbing every mountain. OK, then. So long, farewell. ...
Critic’s Corner
Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade 10 a.m., Channel 5 Is there anything that Ryan Seacrest doesn’t host these days? He and Kelly Ripa will hold down the fort while Stevie Wonder, Celine Dion, the Jonas Brothers, Kris Allen, and Yanni perform. Look for all the expected icons, including Snow White, Mickey Mouse, and Donald Duck, as well as loads of ...
Critic’s corner
Disney Prep & Landing 8 p.m., Channel 5 In this animated Christmas special, an elite organization helps to keep Santa on track during the holidays. Employee Wayne kind of messes things up and then kind of sets them straight, and all is good with the world. The voice cast includes two of my favorites, Dave Foley from the Kids in ...
TV critic’s picks
A Home for the Holidays With Faith Hill 8 p.m., Channel 4 Kenan Thompson was hysterical pretending to be Reba McEntire on “Saturday Night Live.’’ I wish he were going to show up tonight with Faith Hill (above) for the 11th annual benefit to help place kids with adoptive families. But alas, it will be the real Reba. Also appearing: ...
TV critic’s corner
Better Off Ted 9:30 p.m., Channel 5 Khandi Alexander guest stars tonight as scientist Lem’s genius mother. Alexander, who was on “NewsRadio,’’ has sitcom chops, but I thought she was completely brilliant as a junkie in David Simon’s 2000 miniseries “The Corner,’’ which was on HBO before “The Wire.’’ She deserved Emmy love for that role, but of course she ...
Critic’s corner
The Sing-Off 8 p.m., Channel 7 Tonight is the finale, with Bobby McFerrin and Boyz II Men on hand to help dub the winner of this a cappella contest and hand over the $100,000 prize and a record contract. We New Englanders have a special interest in the finale, since the Tufts University Beelzebubs (above) are one of the three ...
Critic’s corner
A Christmas Carol 8 p.m., AMC In this 1984 TV version, George C. Scott (above) plays Charles Dickens’ Ebenezer Scrooge. David Warner and Susannah York costar as Bob and Mrs. Cratchit.
TV critic’s corner
Cranford Tomorrow at 9 p.m., Channel 2 Next month, PBS will premiere “Return to Cranford’’ on “Masterpiece Classic.’’ So this month, beginning tomorrow night, PBS is wisely reairing last year’s three-part “Cranford’’ series. Based on Elizabeth Gaskell’s short novel, it’s really well done. On one level, it’s a familiar 19th century small-town melodrama featuring three extraordinary British actresses, Judi Dench, ...
TV critic’s corner
Love the Beast 8 p.m., Speed Australian actor Eric Bana directed this movie about his 25-year love affair with his 1974 race car, which he calls the Beast. Bana’s three best friends appear in the movie, as well as Jay Leno and Dr. Phil, who counsels Bana about his obsession. Maybe this movie will bring back the days of inefficient ...
TV critic’s corner
Saturday Night Live Christmas 2009 8 p.m., Channel 7 Gilly! What? Gilly! What? Giiillllyyyy? WHAAAAT? Oh, the character. For some reason, “SNL’’ is having Kristen Wiig host the holiday compilation episode as Gilly, the schoolgirl with the sly expression. The two-hour special will feature old sketches (no doubt Alec Baldwin’s “Schweddy Balls’’) as well as a little bit of new ...
TV critic’s picks
The New Adventures of Old Christine 8 p.m., Channel 4 I felt badly about the awfulness of “Kath and Kim,’’ because I think Molly Shannon would make a great sitcom lead. Maybe, though, she’s just destined to be a sitcom guest star of note, which she was on “Will & Grace.’’ Tonight she visits fellow former “Saturday Night Live’’ star ...
For TV critic, some white-collar crimes of his own
Hard as it may be to believe, since our judgments are so amazingly spot-on and our observations so very penetrating, TV critics do occasionally miss the mark. And when the year ends, those overstatements, understatements, and certifiably crazy assertions that I’ve made in print gnaw at my consciousness like unfinished “Heroes’’ plot lines. They need to be quieted.
TV critic’s picks
The Good Wife 10 p.m., Channel 4 I’m beginning to like this show, despite the hokey legal-procedural plots and despite Julianna Margulies’s ever-tightening face. Alicia and her kids can’t escape her politician husband’s misdeeds, which remains compelling dramatic material (think the Sanfords of South Carolina). And the ongoing story regarding the frame-up of her husband has some appeal.
Two-season wonder ‘Conchords’ departs
I’m not going to frame this as bad news. It’s sad, yes, but not bad.
Critic's Corner
Jennifer Hudson: I’ll Be Home For Christmas 8 p.m., Channel 5 This one has cry-your-eyes-out written all over it. Hudson, whose mother, brother, and nephew were murdered last year, returns to Chicago to relive childhood Christmases. She visits her neighborhood church and school, and she performs holiday songs such as “Silent Night’’ and “O Holy Night.’’
TV critic’s picks
Santa Baby 2 8 p.m., ABC Family The sequel stars Jenny McCarthy (above) as Santa’s business-savvy daughter. Dean McDermott is her boyfriend and Paul Sorvino is her dad, replacing George Wendt from the first movie.
Little reality in Jacksons’ ‘Family Dynasty’
I generally have a hard time believing anything that any of the Jacksons say. No, I’m not suggesting they’re out-and-out liars. It’s just that their lives have been so thoroughly distorted by media overexposure, they’re always straining to counter public perception, or to feed the tabloid ticker. And their comments are so sopped with grandiose warm-and-fuzzies about love for the ...
‘The People Speak’ celebrates the words of ordinary citizens
In his books, historian Howard Zinn has helped honor and legitimize the power of the ordinary citizen. He has given us history through the words of “the people,’’ rather than from the perspective of government. It has been the people who’ve pushed our country out of war, out of slavery, out of genocide, out of legalized gender inequality. So many ...