AltWeeklies Wire
Kanye's Latest is a Singular Testament to Indescribable Sufferingnew
Thematically, 808s and Heartbreak plunges deeper into West's usual neuroses (insecurity, spiritual unease, and the difficulties of celebrity). The death of his mother and a relationship fissure have brought these concerns into sharper focus.
'Ballast': The Weight of Death in the Mississippi Deltanew
Ballast is the first film from director Lance Hammer, and it would be easy to call it one of those movies where "nothing happens," except that a lot happens -- a shooting, a car chase, several beatings. These things just happen very quietly.
Willamette Week |
Aaron Mesh |
12-03-2008 |
Reviews
Obamabilia is Going Strong a Month After the Electionnew
As Barack Obama took the stage in Grant Park on Nov. 4, history was made and birth was given to a collectibles craze the likes of which younger Americans had never experienced.
San Diego CityBeat |
Enrique Limon |
12-03-2008 |
Politics
The Latino Factor: How Ethnic Bias Distorts Texas Electionsnew
There is compelling evidence that ethnic bias skewed Texas' 2008 statewide judicial election results. Some voters, with little else to go on in these low-profile races, appear to have cast a vote against Latino surnames. You've heard of the Bradley Effect. Call this the Latino Factor.
The Texas Observer |
Forrest Wilder |
12-03-2008 |
Politics
'The Big Rich' Covers Almost a Century of Texas Oilnew
For those with an interest in contemporary Texas history this is a must-read; indeed, its reach stretches well beyond Texas. The oil rich of Texas loomed large on the national horizon, and there was a time that if they pawed the earth, politicians trembled.
The Texas Observer |
Dave Richards |
12-03-2008 |
Nonfiction
The Burning of Rome are Fired Up and Ready To Gonew
Adam Traub launched The Burning of Rome as a recording project, an opportunity to indulge his love of old-school punk and metal, while also exploring a more experimental, synth-heavy sound.
San Diego CityBeat |
AnnaMaria Stephens |
12-03-2008 |
Profiles & Interviews
Exit the 36 Chambers: Choose Your Own Wu-Tang Clan Adventurenew
Something happened on the way to becoming untouchable hip-hop legends. At best, they've reached an artistic cul de sac with their last album, 2007's 8 Diagrams. At worst, they're irrelevant. To find out why, you'll have to choose your own adventure.
San Diego CityBeat |
Nathan Dinsdale |
12-03-2008 |
Music
'Guilty' Examines Arab Bashing on the Big Screennew
Six years into a costly war fought on Arab soil, one might expect American media to demonize the enemy, rationalizing the necessity of killing and maiming hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilians. But perhaps because of popular revulsion at the war, Shaheen finds cause for hope.
The Texas Observer |
Steven G. Kellman |
12-03-2008 |
Nonfiction
Bieres de France Hit the U.S.new
France is well known around the world for its champagne, fine wines and cheese, but somehow the beer produced there has never really gotten much publicity Stateside. That is poised to change, as many small producers in that country have come together to promote their own craft beers in the US with the support of The French Embassy's trade agency.
Chicago Newcity |
Ernest Barteldes |
12-03-2008 |
Food+Drink
Body of Lies: When True Love is Really Just Good Sexnew
Is it bad to mistake good sex for love, you ask? Yes, if it leads you to try and force a relationship to work even when it's not right. But there's a way to keep your head in the game when you're in the hormone haze.
C-Ville Weekly |
Marya Choby |
12-03-2008 |
Culture
'Four Christmases': Holidazed and Confusednew
In the annual tradition of forgettable Vince Vaughn holiday vehicles (last year brought Fred Claus), Four Christmases is underfunny and insubstantial, but sweet and innocuous: a nice little stocking stuffer of a movie.
C-Ville Weekly |
Jonathan Kiefer |
12-03-2008 |
Reviews
The Upside of the Downturn: Why This Will Be The Greatest Depression Evernew
Maybe, just maybe, we will grow more healthy, more educated, working fulfilling jobs and listening to better music. Maybe this downturn is just the thing we need to move forward as a nation, to grow some grit and steady our nerves.
C-Ville Weekly |
Scott Weaver |
12-03-2008 |
Economy
Reverend Jeremiah Wright Gets Back to Preachingnew
Before Joe the Plumber and Bill Ayers, the buzz figure in the 2008 election was then-Senator Obama's crazy-talking Pastor from the Trinity United Church of Christ, the boisterous and ear-splitting Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright, Jr., who has kindly accepted an invitation to preach tonight for Lisle's DuPage AME Church Thanksgiving Eve service.
Chicago Newcity |
Andy Seifert |
12-03-2008 |
Religion
The Texas Criminal Justice System is Embracing 'The Life Penalty'new
In the execution capital of the free world, death sentences have declined dramatically, thanks in part to the institution of life-without-parole sentences in 2005.
The Texas Observer |
John Moritz |
12-03-2008 |
Crime & Justice
Kanye West Experiences '808s and Heartbreak'new
West's major achievement here is not in the moments of significant pop-song creativity, but rather the response he's able to get from his listener, the lasting effect that, if previously pondered, seemed a substantially distant possibility.
Chicago Newcity |
Tom Lynch |
12-03-2008 |
Reviews
