The sweeping changes of the Arab Spring demonstrated to the world how "the people without the guns are winning." So declares the new documentary, How to Start a Revolution, a film that profiles the ideas and impact of Gene Sharp, a Nobel Peace Prize-nominated academic who can be described as...
Posted March 7, 2011 | 23:51:16 (EST)
As the world is transfixed by remarkable change in the Middle East, America's popcorn culture distracts us with another Nicholas Cage road rage movie and the next around-the-clock celebrity train wreck (aka, the Charlie Sheen Show).
Into this void steps Tom Shadyac, Hollywood blockbuster director (Bruce Almighty, The...
Posted November 19, 2010 | 16:33:54 (EST)
Twenty-five years ago, a group of officials from the Soviet Union traveled to Washington DC to discuss the prospects for nuclear arms reductions with the United States. After delivering their address, the first person to rise from the audience to ask a question was I.F. Stone, the legendary muckraking journalist....
Posted June 26, 2010 | 09:56:33 (EST)
As the warm glow and gloating of the Lakers' Sweet 16th banner win over the Celtics carries us through the summer, we Lakers fans should pause before championship defense anxiety creeps into our souls. Waiting for Phil Jackson to decide to coach or not to coach, seeing where Lebron &...
Posted February 3, 2010 | 14:29:37 (EST)
A Single Man has garnered Colin Firth his first Oscar nomination, and praise for fashion designer-turned movie director Tom Ford.
Too bad the film was overlooked as a best picture contender. This movie deserves your viewing for Firth's magnificent (and indeed Oscar-worthy) performance in a wrenching yet life affirming...
Posted December 1, 2009 | 13:28:38 (EST)
On Monday, as the media machine swirled around Tiger Woods, New York Yankee baseball star Derek Jeter was quietly tapped by Sports Illustrated as their sportsman of the year.
Some years ago, I attended a conference in New Orleans for families involved in philanthropy, and met a cherubic-faced woman whose...
Posted November 6, 2009 | 15:41:50 (EST)
Dear Mr. President:
In these days before a fateful decision, I hope you are hearing the wise counsel of those who directly experienced the Vietnam Quagmire, who now watch you prepare to sink your presidency, like Lyndon Johnson, into the unforgiving history and terrain of Afghanistan.
It is stunning...
Posted November 2, 2009 | 03:34:41 (EST)
The one-year anniversary of Barack Obama's exhilarating victory offers endless political assessments and reminders of that historic election night. For many Americans, 11/4 of last year was the hopeful antidote to 9/11, a riveting game changer for our country's political future.
But now in this fall season, many wonder...
Posted October 6, 2009 | 13:47:35 (EST)
Michael Moore has made the most important and urgent political film of our time. In fact, he might have made the most American of films since the populist cinema of Frank Capra.
I hope that Capitalism: A Love Story gets the proper national hearing and deep respect it so...
Posted September 6, 2009 | 23:07:47 (EST)
Alright Barack, you warned us that it would not be easy. You told us last year that entrenched interests would battle reform every step of the way when you got to Washington. Your campaign stirred the young and awoke those tired of more of the same. You invited us all...
Posted July 6, 2009 | 17:25:00 (EST)
Sitting here at George's Cafe on the Aegean island of Patmos, a chill spot for Athenian Greeks, mellow Europeans and a few adventurous Americans, the Great American Ghoul Show for Michael Jackson plays out a bit more oddly, if that is possible.
CNN International is on around-the-clock MJ watch, with...
Posted November 10, 2008 | 17:57:13 (EST)
"I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to -- it belongs to you." Barack Obama, November 4, 2008
Welcome to the Obama Revolution, brought to you by Y.O.U.!
The Obama victory was powered by something new: The Y.O.U. Movement. This movement is composed of three integral forces which...
Posted September 29, 2008 | 12:15:25 (EST)
Paul Newman's sad passing leaves me short of one true bucket list item: to meet the man, rather than the actor, to thank him for all that he has given to us as a pathbreaking citizen philanthropist.
I spend my days teaching young people and families about the power of...

Posted October 19, 2011 | 13:03:43 (EST)