The Interpreter misinterprets nuclear deterrence

Posted on August 4, 2016 by Robert Asahina

“Donald Trump, Perhaps Unwittingly, Exposes Paradox of Nuclear Arms.” So reads the headline of the latest offering from The Interpreter in The New York Times. Unfortunately, The Interpreter (Max Fisher), perhaps unwittingly, exposes his misinterpretation of nuclear deterrence. Continue reading →

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45 Years: “Go Now”

Posted on January 10, 2016 by Robert Asahina

Has there ever been a more devastatingly effective use of a pop song in a movie sound track? Or a more quietly shattering portrait of a marriage? Continue reading →

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The Greatest Generation

Posted on November 22, 2013 by Robert Asahina

Just Americans is mentioned in a story about Saburo Kitagawa by Michael Matza in the Philadelphia Inquirer (November 21).

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Ray Harryhausen, R.I.P.

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Robert Asahina

The master of stop-motion special effects, who influenced Lucas, Spielberg, and Cameron, dies at 92. Continue reading →

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New Media triumphalism, chapter 93

Posted on January 22, 2013 by Robert Asahina

An unintentionally hilarious analysis of the failings of Old Media buries in its last paragraph the serious caveat that, for New Media, “coming up with revenue models continues to be difficult.” And nowhere is it explained that all those much lauded New Media chops — “curation,” linking, aggregation — require … um, something to “curate,” link to, and aggregate in the first place. Continue reading →

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The five best films of 2012

Posted on December 28, 2012 by Robert Asahina

5. Killing Them Softly: “Fly coach.” Continue reading →

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Etta James, R.I.P.

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Robert Asahina

The singer of “At Last” and other songs dies at 73.

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A sign of anti-Semitism at the New Yorker?

Posted on October 18, 2011 by Robert Asahina

Barry Blitt’s cover illustration for the current (October 24) New Yorker is a post-modern version of cartoons from the late 19th century that savaged the trusts and Tammany Hall. Continue reading →

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Why more money is actually good for politics – and why editorial writers oppose it

Posted on July 22, 2011 by Robert Asahina

A Washington Post report on the “fury at Murdoch” reveals a difference between British and American politics that challenges conventional wisdom on the role of money in elections. Continue reading →

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Is Schadenfreude healthy?

Posted on July 7, 2011 by Robert Asahina

The announcement by News Corp. that it would be closing News of the World in response to allegations that the British tabloid engaged in phone hacking and possible criminal behavior will no doubt be received with joy by the countless detractors of Rupert Murdoch. But before celebrations begin, one question should be raised: Is it actually good news that a 168-year-old newspaper with 3.7 million readers is going out of business? Continue reading →

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