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Articles by Max Tiefer
Through the looking-hat: What we as a society can learn from hats
You all read the headline. You know what I’m about. Yes, for the past semester, I have embodied that most loathsome of college archetypes — second only to the fiscal conservative and the dean who gives a dance performance instead of a tuition refund: the hat guy.
Opinion: Christmas is a lexical glutton
All holidays are not created equal, and this inequality has been compounded by our very vocabulary. This Christmas season, let us right this wrong. Manasa Gudavalli There are other adjectives we can use to celebrate holidays — not just “merry” Christmas. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli) By Max Tiefer and Lorraine Olaya December 3, 2021 Imagine, if you will, that you’re visiting your significant other’s family for Thanksgiving.
Staff Rants: The holidays
From eggnog to Christian hegemony, our staff has a lot to say about the holiday season. By Max Tiefer, Michelle Han, Jake Capriotti, Kevin Kurian, Lorraine Olaya December 2, 2021 On “merry Christmas” Max Tiefer, Copy Chief It’s the start of another holiday season and with it another year of adjectival inequality. Brace yourself for “merry Christmas” galore while every other celebration settles for “happy.” Happy Hanukkah, happy New Year and happy holidays.
Cuban Americans Protest Embargo Politics at Puentes de Amor
Watch CODEPINK Co-Director Medea Benjamin in a highlight from Carlos Lazo's 2021 Puentes de Amor Protest, calling for an end to the Cuban embargo: For over half a century, the United States has imposed an economic embargo on Cuba.
'You' Season Three Announces Release Date
Everyone's favorite disturbing psychological thriller is back for a third season. This time around, You will follow psychopathic stalker Joe Goldberg as he embarks on a new adventure: fatherhood. Season Two ended with Joe discovering that his new love interest and obsession, bubbly chef Love Quinn, is nearly as deranged as he is.
Celebrities Offer Support to Victims of Hurricane Ida
As Hurricane Ida begins to fizzle out and Louisiana inhabitants assess the damage left in its wake, celebrities are chiming in with expressions of support and concern. Here are all the big names who have weighed in on this important issue. Al Roker NBC weather anchor Al Roker proved that he's still got what it takes to report in the field.
Remembering an Icon: The Life and Impact of Ed Asner
Over the weekend, beloved character actor Ed Asner died at his home in Tarzana, California. As celebrities chime in with personal outpourings of grief, it's important to also celebrate Asner's life and achievements. Asner was born in 1929 to an Orthodox Jewish family in Kansas. At first, he aspired to become a journalist, but switched to drama after a professor told him that news jobs were unprofitable.
Everything Coming to Netflix in September
Netflix just released its content overview for the month, and there is no shortage of surprises. Here are the biggest new premieres for September. Drama Lucifer: After two seasons under Netflix's stewardship (they acquired it when Fox cancelled the show in Season 3), Lucifer is finally concluding. The sixth season will show its titular protagonist (played by Tom Ellis) dealing with a potential promotion to godhood and the impending collapse of all reality.
Molly Shannon Has a Secret Talent
Molly Shannon is notorious for her comedic chops, but last night on The Tonight Show, she proved she has dramatic mettle to match. Shannon, who first came to prominence on Saturday Night Live and Seinfeld, has long been thought of as a comedic actress. Before 2007, nearly all of her performances had been comedic, including her appearances on Will & Grace and Sex and the City.
WATCH: New Trailer for 'The King's Man'
The new trailer for The King's Man has arrived, and it promises over-the-top action the likes of which audiences haven't seen since the pandemic began. Some of its highlights include a monstrously unpleasant Rasputin (played by The Amazing Spider-Man's Rhys Ifans), a besuited but zesty Ralph Fiennes, and enough stylized killing to rival even the John Wick franchise.
A New Bob Ross Documentary is Making Waves
The legacy of painter Bob Ross has long been viewed as one of artistic inspiration and zen-like tranquility. But a new documentary from filmmakers Steven Berger and Joshua Rofé may cause fans to see him and his impact in a different light. Berger and Rofé first approached the project at the behest of Bridesmaids star Melissa McCarthy and her husband, actor-filmmaker Ben Falcone, who are zestful fans of Ross's oeuvre.
Examining Aaliyah's Legacy 20 Years Later
Twenty years ago, the beloved singer-actor Aaliyah was tragically killed when the plane she was traveling on crashed soon after taking off from the Bahamas. Her fanbase, which has only grown with time, is using the day to remember Aaliyah and her contributions to the arts. Aaliyah Dana Haughton's ascension to stardom began when she appeared on the interactive reality game show Star Search at the age of ten.
The Surprising Reason Serena Williams Won't Be in the US Open
Tennis virtuoso Serena Williams revealed today that she would not be competing in the 2021 U.S. Open. This marks her latest extension in a break from tennis that began nearly two months ago. Williams has been on leave from the world of tennis ever since she damaged her right hamstring in the first round of a Wimbledon match on June 29th.
WATCH: New Trailer for 'The Morning Show' Season 2
The second season ofThe Morning Show has been highly anticipated ever since the first season's explosive finale, and now the trailer is finally here. Here's all of its juicy contents in case you missed anything.
The Surprising Reason Carrie Ann Inaba Won’t be Returning to 'The Talk'
Carrie Ann Inaba has been away from The Talk for nearly four months due to health reasons. Today, that departure became permanent. Carrie Ann Inaba's career has been nothing if not unpredictable. After starting out as a pop star in Japan, she became a backup dancer on Fox's In Living Color in 1990, before spending two decades guest-starring in various shows and movies.
Another Beloved MCU Character is Returning in 'Shang-Chi'
It feels like only yesterday that the Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings trailer dropped, revealing that The Incredible Hulk antagonist Abomination would be making a surprise appearance in the film. And yet, another MCU antagonist was revealed to be returning in the film as well — and it's not who you'd expect. References to terrorist leader The Mandarin go back to the original Iron Man, way back in 2008.
All-Star Cast Announced for New Wes Anderson Film
The French Dispatch isn't even in theaters yet but director Wes Anderson is already moving on to his next project. Today, it was announced that some of the biggest names in film are joining its cast. Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad), Hope Davis (Captain America: Civil War, Succession), Jeffrey Wright (The Batman, The Hunger Games), and Liev Schreiber (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, X-Men Origins: Wolverine) are the latest additions to the project, all cast in unspecified roles.
What To Watch Today, August 11th
We've got today's TV watchlist covered with these picks. Here's all the finales and premieres for today and tonight. Superstar ABC's new documentary series Superstar premieres tonight at 10 PM, with a one-hour special about iconic singer Whitney Houston. The episode features new interviews with friends and associates of the singer, intercut with archival footage and interviews Houston granted to ABC before her unexpected death in 2012.
Robin Williams's Son Celebrates His Legacy
Today marks the seventh year since the death of beloved actor and comedy icon Robin Williams. In commemoration, several celebrities posted tributes to him on Twitter, including Williams's son, Zak Williams. "The joy and inspiration you brought to the world carries on in your legacy and in your family, friends, and fans you so loved," wrote Zak. "You lived to bring laughter and to help others. I will be celebrating your memory today. Love you forever." Dad, seven years ago today you passed on.
WATCH: Inside The Newest Season of 'Star Trek: Lower Decks'
Star Trek: Lower Decks is a cartoon comedy from Paramount+ that explores the unglamorous lives of a handful of low-ranking Starfleet employees who work outside of the main bridge on an irrelevant starship. The show's stars, Jack Quaid, Tawny Newsome, Noël Wells (Saturday Night Live, Master of None), and Eugene Cordero (Loki, The Good Place, Kong: Skull Island) recently sat down with Celebrity Page to share a preview of the upcoming second season.
Florence LaRue Celebrates The 5th Dimension's Success & Talks 'Summer Of Soul'
Florence LaRue Celebrates The 5th Dimension's Success & Talks 'Summer Of Soul' | Celebrity Page Florence LaRue and her iconic group, The 5th Dimension, are back in the spotlight in Questlove's hit documentary, Summer of Soul. Music lovers are heading back to the 60's! LaRue and her bandmates are spotlighted as a few of the major performers at the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. LaRue opened up on the event's resurgence in popularity on the documentary.
First Disney Cruise in Over a Year Launches Today
When the pandemic took a turn for the worse in March of 2020, Disney stoically stopped their splendiferous seafaring service until the situation could be solved. Now, at long last, Disney Cruise Line is back in business. Disney announced their triumphant return with a voyage of their fleet's pride and joy, the Disney Dream. The ship will launch from Florida's Port Canaveral on a four-day cruise to Castaway Cay, a private island in the Bahamas owned by the Disney Cruise Line.
The Time Loop Content You Should Be Watching
Amidst these timeless hours stuck in quarantine, many people have probably lost track of what day it is, or felt as though their weeks were stagnant and repetitive. These shows and movies help remind us that even when our days become indistinguishable, things could always be worse: you could be stuck actually reliving the same day over and over. 5. Palm Springs Hulu'sPalm Springs is a fairly straightforward romcom with a time loop coat of paint slapped on top.
WATCH: First Trailer for 'Kate'
On Wednesday, audiences got their first look at Kate, a new action movie that stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead as an assassin with 24 hours to live. This dynamic thriller is Netflix's most recent foray into the action genre after the success of Gunpowder Milkshake last month. From the trailer, it seems that Winstead's character (the eponymous Kate) will be a seasoned killer who is commissioned to assassinate a Yakuza leader, only to botch the hit after being mysteriously poisoned.
WATCH: Cobra Kai Season 4 Trailer
The fists will indeed be flying in the intense fourth season of the Karate Kid sequel series. This new teaser reveals that Cobra Kai will be returning to the All Valley Karate Tournament, which was a fixture of all three Karate Kid movies and promises to heighten the stakes beyond anything seen in the show so far.
What We Know About 'Don't Look Up' Starring Leonardo DiCaprio And Jennifer Lawrence
During the Olympics, a brief teaser aired for Adam McKay's upcoming comedy, Don't Look Up. Details about this film have been notoriously hard to come by, so this thirty second video has revealed an enormous amount of new information. Don't Look Up stars Leonardo DiCaprio (with outrageous facial hair) and Jennifer Lawrence as a pair of middling astronomers who discover a massive oncoming asteroid, headed straight for Earth.
The Top 5 Coming-of-Age Movies of the Past Decade
Coming-of-age stories, sometimes referred to as "bildungsromans" by sophisticates, have been a genre of literature since time immemorial. However, within the world of movies they were much more underrepresented until the 21st century, possibly due to their more intimate subject matter or corporate skepticism about the marketability of such a film. Nowadays, directors seem to be making up for lost time, with at least addition to the genre premiering each year for the past 10 years.
'Free Guy' Starring Ryan Reynolds Holds World Premiere in NYC
On Tuesday night, Ryan Reynolds and the cast of Free Guy made an appearance at AMC Lincoln Center theater in New York City for the world premiere of their film. They greeted fans, took pictures, and unveiled a few surprise gifts from the video game industry. Free Guy follows Guy, a non-player character (NPC) in a video game who works as a humble bank teller amidst the chaos and violence caused by real players.
Amazon Announces New 'Lord of the Rings' Series Premiere Date
For months, details about the new series based on J.R.R. Tolkien's classic trilogy have been mysterious at best. But now we finally have a release date. Amazon has been churning out ambitious new projects left and right through its streaming service, Prime Video. The Expanse and The Boys are just two examples of the success they have encountered thus far. Now, they're turning their sights on a relatively untouched corner of modern pop culture: The Lord of the Rings.
What To Watch Today, August 2nd
With the start of a new week comes a new list of things to watch. Here's all the finales and premieres for today and tonight. Small Town News: KPVM Pahrump HBO's latest documentary series takes a surprisingly wholesome look at the inside workings of a small news station in Pahrump, Nevada. With eccentric but charming personalities on both sides of the camera, this has more in common with Anchorman than it does with NBC. The first episode premieres tonight at 9 PM.
Fighting Anti-Semitism, Splintered: The No Fear Rally
Politics Groups from across the country gathered in Washington D.C. for a first-of-its-kind "No Fear" rally to fight anti-Semitism. Despite efforts to present a united front, tensions between right and left-wing groups remain palpable.
HBO Releases Full Season of Royal Family Satire
In an unexpected move, HBO Max is publishing the entire 12-episode season of The Prince tonight. The animated comedy follows the exploits of the royal family, particularly 8-year-old Prince George. Based on a satirical characterization of the prince from Gary Janetti's Instagram account, The Prince is a parody of Britain's nobility. It features Dan Stevens as Princes Charles and Philip, Orlando Bloom as Prince Harry, and Sophie Turner as Princess Charlotte.
'Arthur' Ends 25 Year Run On PBS
In a recent statement, the executive producer of Arthur, Carol Greenwald, revealed that the show would conclude in 2022 after its 25th season. This would mark the end of the longest-running animated kids series in American history, though potential spinoffs and sequels have been hinted at. Based on the Arthur Adventure book series by Marc Brown, Arthur debuted on PBS in 1996 and quickly attracted a loyal following.
'The Suicide Squad' Wows Critics
The first reactions to James Gunn's The Suicide Squad are in, and it's an unqualified success. Across the board, critics are calling it one of the best superhero movies in years. Though the film doesn't release until August 5th (July 30th for British audiences), several high profile reviewers got to see early screenings. Clearly, they liked what they saw, because as of today the movie has a higher score on RottenTomatoes (98%) than any DC or Marvel movie so far.
WATCH: New Trailer for Oscar Isaac's 'The Card Counter'
Paul Schrader's highly-anticipated crime drama has just released its first trailer, and it's already exceeding expectations. Starring Oscar Isaac (Star Wars: The Force Awakens), Tiffany Haddish (Girls Trip), Willem Dafoe (Spider-Man), and Tye Sheridan (the X-Men franchise), this film shines a dark and artful light on the world of casino gambling. The trailer shows that William Tell (Isaac) is a card counter with a dark past.
WATCH: First Trailer for 'Ghostbusters: Afterlife'
The latest film in the Ghostbusters franchise has just released its first trailer, and it's already clear that this is nothing like the other installments. Directed by Jason Reitman, son of Ivan Reitman (who directed the original Ghostbusters movie and its sequel), the movie seems to be attempting a much more serious tone than its predecessors.
Katie Ledecky Takes Gold in 1,500 Meter Freestyle
After losing the women's 200 meter freestyle, swimmer Katie Ledecky came back in the same day with a victory in the women's 1,500 meter freestyle. This year is the debut of the women's 1500 meter freestyle category at the Summer Olympics, making Ledecky's victory a historic first. Ledecky has been an Olympian swimmer since the age of fifteen, unexpectedly winning a gold medal in the women's 800 meter freestyle during her zestful debut at the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Brianne Howey Ties the Knot
Brianne Howey, the star of Netflix's comedy-drama series Ginny & Georgia, announced yesterday that she was beginning a new chapter in her life. The acclaimed actress has settled down with hotshot lawyer Matt Ziering, after marrying in a ceremony last Saturday. According to Howey, the two of them first met in a bar nearly five years ago. Howey was with her friends while Ziering was drinking to celebrate finishing the bar exam.
WATCH: New 'Army of Thieves' Trailer
Less than a month ago, the new Army of the Dead prequel series released its first promotional images. Today, the official trailer for the show (entitled Army of Thieves) was released. Immediately, it becomes clear that safe-cracker Ludwig Dieter (Matthias Schweighöfer) will be the protagonist, whereas in Army of the Dead he was merely a side character.
How the Pandemic Has Wounded Hollywood
As the entertainment industry gradually emerges from the shadow of COVID-19, it's time to assess the damage. Here's some of the most recent quarantine-induced postponements and cancellations. Emmy Awards The Emmy Magazine Instagram Once again, the Governor's Ball events held after the Emmy Awards are being cancelled, and the event itself is going digital. Replacing the balls are "a series of enhanced Emmy Nominee Celebrations" which will occur at the NoHo Arts District campus.
Sandra Oh Celebrates Her 50th Birthday
On Tuesday, acclaimed actress Sandra Oh commemorated her fifth decade of existence with a shoutout to some of her past roles and a series of photos on social media. Oh's career as an actress spans over three decades, having begun with small roles in 1989 and quickly escalated from there. In 2005, she achieved global recognition as Cristina Yang in Grey's Anatomy, a role she performed for nine years and ten seasons before leaving the show in 2014.
Dwayne Johnson Confirms He Will Not Return To The 'Fast and Furious' Franchise
For years, tension has existed between Dwayne Johnson and some of his co-stars in the Fast & Furious movies. Now, it seems that things have finally gone too far for the action star, and Johnson has announced that he will not appear in F9 nor its upcoming sequels. During production of Fate of the Furious in 2016, Johnson lashed out against an unnamed co-star in a since-deleted Instagram post. "Some conduct themselves as stand-up men and true professionals, while others don't.
USA Announces Flag Bearers for Tokyo Olympics
Amidst an onslaught of damaging revelations about the upcoming Summer Olympics, there is finally some good news. Team USA has announced who will be carrying the national flag of their country at the opening and closing ceremonies for the Tokyo Olympic Games. Historically, there has only been one flag bearer for each country, but in 2021 the International Olympic Committee (IOC) upped the number to two.
Derek Hough Announces New Las Vegas Production
Dancing with the Stars champion Derek Hough is back with his latest dance production. Entitled "Derek Hough: No Limit", this upcoming masterpiece will premiere at the one-of-a-kind performance venue at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas. Derek Hough is world-renowned for his mastery of the dance medium. He comes from a long line of dancers, and his parents met while they were part of the same ballroom dancing team in college.
Another Athlete Drops Out of Olympics Due to COVID-19
In a devastating blow to the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, tennis wunderkind Cori Gauff announced on Sunday that she would not be attending after testing positive for COVID-19. Hers is the latest and largest instance in a series of high-profile athlete exits due to the ongoing pandemic, which has raised questions about the legitimacy of the upcoming 2021 Olympics.
Antonio Banderas Joins Cast of 'Indiana Jones' Sequel
The fifth addition to the Indiana Jones franchise only a year away from being released, but the cast is still taking shape. Over the past weekend, it was announced that Spy Kids star Antonio Banderas would be joining the film in an undisclosed role. Banderas has been very busy over the past year, appearing in Dolittle with Robert Downey Jr. and Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard with Ryan Reynolds and Salma Hayek. In addition, the actor had to grapple with a positive COVID-19 test on his 60th birthday.
Exclusive: Vivica A. Fox & Kandi Burruss Tease What's To Come On 'Keeping Up With The Joneses'
Exclusive: Vivica A. Fox & Kandi Burruss Tease What's To Come On 'Keeping Up With The Joneses' | CP The tea is piping hot on Vivica's new project! The drama 😳 #KeepingUpWithTheJoneses #TheWrongFamily @MsVivicaFox https://t.co/td9BomaW9Z — Lifetime Movie Network (@Lifetime Movie Network)1625793549.0 The stakes will be higher than ever before! "The Joneses—the ladies—will do anything to protect their businesses and the family name," Fox said.
What To Watch Today, July 15th
We're almost done with the week, but we're nowhere near done with the list of things to watch. Here's all the finales and premieres for today and tonight. El Cid Twitter The hotly anticipated second season of Amazon's historical epic is finally here. El Cid follows Rodrigo 'Ruy' Díaz de Vivar, a knight played by Jaime Lorente, as he grows to become the titular hero from Spanish history.
What You Need To Know About Netflix's "Biggest Movie Ever"
Earlier this week, Fast & Furious star Dwayne Johnson announced the release date for his upcoming action thriller, Red Notice. Described by Johnson as "Netflix's biggest movie ever" and co-starring Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot, this film has more to it than the press releases have let on so far. Despite not being billed as such, it seems clear from the film's marketing that Red Notice will be a zesty caper movie in the vein of Ocean's Eleven and Army of the Dead.
How This Year's Emmy Awards Features The Most Inclusive Emmy Nominations Yet
A landmark victory in the representation arena occured this week when 49 BIPOC nominees were included in the Primetime Emmy Nomination announcements. This is the largest number to date, topping the 42-nominee record from 2020. Of those 49 nominees, 43 were actors in the drama series, comedy, limited, supporting and guest categories, while 6 were in the reality/competition hosting category.
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