This week at The Everyman, I discuss the 'Dog Whistle' trope: For instance, if a candidate talks about ‘States’ Rights,’ that is a signal to white supremacists that he’s secretly in favor of bringing back segregation, because back in the day segregation was partially justified on the basis of ‘States’ Rights.’ Therefore, any mention of … Continue reading Whistling for Dogs at the Everyman
It Came From Rifftrax: ‘Welcome Back, Norman’
For this week, we have the introduction to one of Rifftrax's most, ah, 'beloved' figures: the one and only Norman Krasner. The best way I can describe the Norman films (of which four have emerged so far) is "Imagine an American take on 'Mr. Bean,' as written by Jean-Paul Sartre." They're about the misadventures of … Continue reading It Came From Rifftrax: ‘Welcome Back, Norman’
CM Post on Breaking the Rules
My latest Catholic Match post is up, wherein I advise people to break the rules in dating: You are a unique soul. The person on the other end of the screen is likewise unique. You are both looking for someone who might be the One. There’s no formula for that; no system, no instructions, no … Continue reading CM Post on Breaking the Rules
It Came from Rifftrax: “Jack the Giant Killer” LIVE
I thought we’d do something a little more ambitious this week; our first feature length Rifftrax. While the shorts are fun and tasty, it’s the feature films that are Rifftrax’s bread and butter, as with Mst3k before it. Among other releases, they periodically do live shows with the guys … Continue reading It Came from Rifftrax: “Jack the Giant Killer” LIVE
It Came From Rifftrax: ‘The Myths of Shoplifting’
This week's offering takes us back to the affluent, synthesized world of the 1980s to learn the truth behind common misconceptions of shoplifting. Like most of these shorts, it's actually makes a pretty good point, though while being melodramatic and heavy-handed, which makes for a good combination for the Rifftrax crew. The short depicts a … Continue reading It Came From Rifftrax: ‘The Myths of Shoplifting’
It Came From Rifftrax: ‘Flying Stewardess’
This is one of those shorts that's as fascinating as a window into the past as it is amusing. In this case, a look at air travel in the 1940s. I do not recommend watching this short just before taking a trip, as thinking of the roomy seating, tasty-looking four-course meals, and sleeper berths of … Continue reading It Came From Rifftrax: ‘Flying Stewardess’
Talking Strength at Catholic Match
Here's one that was percolating in my mind for a while before I was able to put it up; discussing the concept of strength, some reasons men should seek to acquire it, and, as a byproduct, the contemporary tendency to prioritize comfortably ambiguous ideas of 'inner strength' over, you know, the kind you can't fake. … Continue reading Talking Strength at Catholic Match
It Came From Rifftrax: ‘Courtesy: A Good Eggsample’
So, let's do one from the 'completely insane' school of educational shorts. This one is well-summed up by Kevin right out of the gate as "Batman villain Egghead's brief foray into educational films." That actually would make a lot more sense than the idea that this was seriously intended as an educational film. Basically, it's … Continue reading It Came From Rifftrax: ‘Courtesy: A Good Eggsample’
New Catholic Match Post
I saw some people discussing this on the Catholic Match forums a while back and gave the question some thought. The results are now up: The basic version is that men are more physically oriented, women more relationally oriented. A woman typically wants to learn more about a man’s character, personality, and capabilities. Thus, what … Continue reading New Catholic Match Post
It Came From Rifftrax: ‘Understanding Your Ideals’
One of the hundreds of educational films made by Coronet (not an exaggeration, by the way), this is kind of a special case. Typically, these '50s educational shorts are centered around basically ordinary, blandly decent kids dealing with a single, common problem (how to ask a girl out, being shy, etc.). Not this one! This … Continue reading It Came From Rifftrax: ‘Understanding Your Ideals’
Serpent's Den 