Turkish journalists have been arrested by police who have detained at least 23 people at a newspaper and TV station with ties to Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen who has criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Those arrested in eastern Turkey, including journalists, producers, scriptwriters and a police chief, are being accused of forming an illegal terror organization and plotting a …
Los Lobos, Mi Vida Loca & the Vibrant 80s LA Scene
The 1980s art and punk scene of the 1980s in LA, featuring Los Lobos is discussed with Mi Vida Loca director Allison Anders. How Slash records, punk rock, and East LA spawned a creative and inclusive city, and how the scene contracted with hardcore and the influence of an Orange County sensibility is discussed in this short clip from the …
Sony Hack, Aaron Sorkin & Media Controversy
The Sony hack has led to an op-ed by Aaron Sorkin who called the actions of the media following the leak “morally treasonous.” The screenwriter slammed journalists who published the leaked documents, which contained salacious emails from top executives including racists statements from Sony co-Chairman Amy Pascal. We look at Sorkin’s comments and discuss whether the media’s actions are ethical, …
Beard Bauble Ornaments Sell Out Ahead of Christmas
Beard Baubles have sold out during the holiday season, with Christmas Tree ornaments for the beards of hipsters and lumberjacks alike selling out of stock. The company that produces them, Beard Baubles, has released a statement about their intention to replenish their supply before countless holiday parties are doomed to be dreary affairs. We look at the unusual trend of …
Lufthansa Welcomes Falcons On Planes
Lufthansa has started allowing falcons on planes in a response to the interests of their elite middle-eastern passengers. With the cooperation of falcon experts, the airline has created the “Falcon Master” resting perch for birds on board during flights. Is this a strange, yet necessary innovation, or is this an excessive and strange measure for Lufthansa to adopt? We look …
Litvinenko’s Accused Poisoner Working On Spy Show
The man suspected of poisoning former Russian FSB agent Alexander Litvinenko is now working as a creative consultant on a new Russian TV spy series. Andrey Lugovoy is consulting on ABOVE THE LAW, after the successful magnate has been suspected of poisoning Litvinenko with polonium in London in 2006. Is this another case of brazen power flaunting by those close …
LGBT Employment Non-Discrimination Law Coming?
An LGBT employment non-discrimination law may be on its way as Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon is looking to pass landmark legislation regarding the rights of the LGBT community. There is no federal LGBT anti-discrimination law in effect as The Employment Non-Discrimination Act, or ENDA, has been continually shot down by Congress. Now, Merkely is expanding the bill to further …