Popular Culture
Robert Hunter, R.I.P.
The Grateful Dead lyricist filled a generation with a sense of amused, loving, liberatory patriotism.
San Diego Comic-Con and the Tensions of Market-Induced Growth
In Comic-Cons, as in great nations, there's room for plenty more to live the dream.
The Horror of War and the Thrill of Horror
A new book explores the First World War's role in creating the horror genre.
The Backlash Over The Little Mermaid Casting a Black Ariel Is Fake News
Few people who tweeted #NotMyAriel were actually upset about Halle Bailey portraying the mermaid princess.
Mad Magazine Is Dead
The comic magazine's ability to rib culture, politics, and business shaped the boomer mentality, and we should be grateful.
Reflections on "Game of Thrones"
An impressive achievement that could have been even better. The series had its flaws, but did effectively convey the importance of institutional constraints on political power.
Why Parents Shouldn't Flip Out Over Too Much Screen Time: Podcast
Jordan Shapiro's The New Childhood boldly embraces technological innovation and the interconnected world it's creating.
Why Stan Lee's Flaws Were Part of His Virtues
Less creator than editor, pathetic company man, purveyor of childish nonsense? No amount of next-level quasi-sophisticated Stan Lee critique can avoid the proper conclusion: He was the Man.
Comics Giant Stan Lee Dead at 95
Marvel's former chief left behind a massive cultural legacy preaching tolerance and personal responsibility.
Cultural Appropriation Tastes Damn Good: How Immigrants, Commerce, and Fusion Keep Food Delicious
Writer Gustavo Arellano talks about food slurs, the late Jonathan Gold, and why Donald Trump's taco salad is a step in the right direction.
Will New Mom Cardi B Raise an Insurrectionist Army Against Government Tyranny?
Probably not, but the new mom does support the "insurrectionist" theory of Second Amendment rights as a bulwark against tyranny.
Kanye West Supported Trump and Enraged Many. He's Still Holding on to His Pop Audience.
Kanye's Ye proves America still cares about him. But does it mean Trumpism is a pop sensation?
No Scandals in This HBO Elvis Documentary, Just Music
The Searcher focuses almost entirely on Presley as artist.
When Trump Goes to War With Amazon, Everybody Loses: Podcast
The greatest conflict of our time enters a new phase.
Experts Agree That Massively Popular Roseanne Reboot Shouldn't Be Popular at All
The only proper popular entertainments are those that conform with my politics, don't you know?
5 Great Libertarian Movies!
These films showcase individualism, innovation, and anti-statism, all while making us laugh and cry.
Trump Diminishes the Power of the State in Our Heads: Wired Co-Founder Louis Rossetto on Heroism, Politics, and the Dot-Com Bubble
Change Is Good: A Story of the Heroic Era of the Internet chronicles tech culture circa 1998.
Lack of Net Neutrality Can't Stop the FCC's 'Harlem Shake' Video, But Copyright Law Might!
Onerous IP laws threaten a free and open internet in a way deregulation never can.
Godless Is a Classic Western for the New Millennium
The new Netflix miniseries feels both traditional and new, with the big-screen qualities of a film and the story and character nuance of the best television.
Who Really Held the First Thanksgiving in the United States?
The important thing about the holiday is not who started the tradition but the humble and grateful spirit the tradition instills.
Americans: You Gotta Keep 'Em Separated
Diverse people who dislike one another are perfectly capable of sharing a country-if you don't insist on driving them into mutual conflict.
Nathan for You Tackles Uber, Finds the Free Market Always Wins
A taxi driver upset by Uber's effect on his business realized it was actually a good alternative for him.
Rick & Morty Takes on the American Presidency
The hit cartoon depicts how out of control presidential power has gotten.
Don't Fall for Jimmy Kimmel's Cheap Zero-Sum Emotionalism
His political rants could be written by any liberal activist.
Getting Nose Jobs with Comedians: Joan Kron's Powerful Argument for Plastic Surgery
Eighty-nine-year-old first-time filmmaker and journalism legend Joan Kron on her new film, Take My Nose...Please!
Police Union Complaint About Michael Bennett Had 'No Allegation' to Investigate, NFL Says
The league responds to a complaint about a complaint about police brutality.
HBO, David Simon Chart the Rise of the Modern Sex Economy in The Deuce
Prostitution and porn during the 1970s focus of new series.
New Whitney Houston Documentary Is Not Right, But It's OK
Sweeping generalizations take the place of actual analysis or thoughtful narratives.
Gene Simmons Wants to Trademark a Horns Hand Sign
He's admitted the gesture is a homage to Spiderman and Dr. Strange. It's also American Sign Language for "I love you."
MOABs, Russkies, Prog Rock, Jesus, Jackie Robinson, and the F-word: Matt Welch Hosts on Sirius XM 9-12 AM ET
Lots o' loose talk, w/ Dave Weigel, Michael Brendan Dougherty and more, on channel 121. Call in at 1-877-974-7487.
Are NFL Owners Refusing to Sign Kaepernick Because They're Scared of a 'Nasty Tweet' from Trump?
The president likes to think so.
Why We Have Daylight Saving Time and Why We Should Scrap It
It's time for daylight savings time to go.
Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four Describes the Authoritarian Left Better Than It Does Trump
Trump haters rush to buy the famous dystopian novel.
Lady Gaga Halftime Drone Show Was Pre-Taped Due to FAA Regulations
FAA regulations thwart progress on drone use
Slenderman Documentary Unpacks Disturbing Teen Murder Attempt
Also, Riverdale gives Archie the gritty reboot nobody asked for.
Finally: The Case Against Hamilton
The hit Broadway musical was all that was wrong with 2016, and will likely be wrong with 2017, too.
Carrie Fisher—Forever Associated with Star Wars—Dead at 60
For better or worse, part of one America's biggest movie franchise juggernauts
Skating to Freedom
A skating rink is just one example of how spontaneous order is more effective than central control for organizational purposes.
Snoop Dogg Says Colin Kaepernick 'Hypocritical' for Praising Castro
Says he should choose to focus on being a football player or a "revolutionary."
