Best book I read this year was, by far, Jennifer Egan's A Visit from the Goon Squad.  Structurally postmodern, but far more emotionally affecting than most others from that movement; the narrative framing was complex and innovative but always felt purposeful.  One of the best ruminations I've read on the topic of…

An exclamation point in the title is the tv show equivalent of those comedy clubs that name themselves "The Ha Ha Hut" or "Chortles."

An exclamation point in the title is the tv show equivalent of those comedy clubs that name themselves "The Ha Ha Hut" or "Chortles."

Relevant to Amelie's undying affection for kitschy child exploitation:

Relevant to Amelie's undying affection for kitschy child exploitation:

Here's one of my all-time favorite SNL holiday sketches for Xmas eve, Dysfunctional Family Christmas:

Here's one of my all-time favorite SNL holiday sketches for Xmas eve, Dysfunctional Family Christmas:

I can't thank everybody enough for the comfort tonight.  My grandmother passed away this afternoon.  According to her last wishes, she did want an Islamic funeral (which surprised many of us).

I can't thank everybody enough for the comfort tonight.  My grandmother passed away this afternoon.  According to her last wishes, she did want an Islamic funeral (which surprised many of us).

Thanks so much to everyone.  If you will allow me one more indulgence, the life of Selma Khan was both incredible and inspiring:

Thanks so much to everyone.  If you will allow me one more indulgence, the life of Selma Khan was both incredible and inspiring:

Happy holidays AVCers.  I realize that this completely brings down a positive thread, and I'm oversharing, but it happened just a few moments ago and I just need to vent or do something, I'm still shaking.

Happy holidays AVCers.  I realize that this completely brings down a positive thread, and I'm oversharing, but it happened just a few moments ago and I just need to vent or do something, I'm still shaking.

As asinine as the NRA's statement was, the rationale for making it was spot on for this reason.  Two different radio programs on my way to work today, presumably in the interest of "balance," were airing lengthy discussions on whether extreme video games impact kids to go on violent rampages.

As asinine as the NRA's statement was, the rationale for making it was spot on for this reason.  Two different radio programs on my way to work today, presumably in the interest of "balance," were airing lengthy discussions on whether extreme video games impact kids to go on violent rampages.

This is a great first Bergman film for viewers who aren't familiar with his work.  It never comes across as alienating or ostentatiously artsy as The Seventh Seal, Persona or his God's Silence trilogy can seem to the uninitiated.

This is a great first Bergman film for viewers who aren't familiar with his work.  It never comes across as alienating or ostentatiously artsy as The Seventh Seal, Persona or his God's Silence trilogy can seem to the uninitiated.

The Wind really is breathtaking.  Lillian Gish is phenomenal, and it builds to an absolutely haunting climax.

The Wind really is breathtaking.  Lillian Gish is phenomenal, and it builds to an absolutely haunting climax.

Whatever side of the political, global or cultural spectrum you fall on, I feel as though The Battle of Algiers would give you a deeper insight into the geopolitical reality and predominant conflicts in many parts of the world today.