Book Review: Democracy’s Defender: The Life of L.M. Birkhead by Jim Grebe
Jim Grebe’s book Democracy’s Defender: The Life of L.M. Birkhead presents the life of a Methodist minister-turned humanist Unitarian minister-turned social activist. Born in Missouri in 1885, Leon Milton Birkhead was a man of reason... Read More
Film Review: Obvious Child
As a groundbreaking indie romantic comedy about abortion, Gillian Robespiere’s Obvious Child has provoked both praise and criticism. Blogs such as Jezebel have applauded the film for its straightforward approach to a controversial subject. However,... Read More
Astoria: John Jacob Astor and Thomas Jefferson’s Lost Pacific Empire
When the United States was very young—circa 1808—President Thomas Jefferson and the wealthy, successful businessman John Jacob Astor (fur trading, Manhattan real estate) had a joint brainstorm. In the aftermath of the Meriwether Lewis and... Read More
Big Gods: How Religion Transformed Cooperation and Conflict
Some humanists endorse the ancient notion that a wise guy invented religion with an omniscient god so that people, who might otherwise do bad things, would stay in line for fear that the god was... Read More
Film Review: A Million Ways to Die in the West
Seth MacFarlane is a genius. Say what you will about my humor, but haters beware: I laughed hysterically at this movie and you just might too. Despite the low-brow potty humor and sex jokes, A... Read More
Film Review: Edge of Tomorrow
Aliens have invaded earth. A hesitant hero teams up with a battle hardened veteran to rescue humanity. They save the day! Insert a romantic subplot and lots of futuristic weaponry and CGI explosions and you’ve... Read More
A Belle with a Lot on the Ball
The words “based on the inspiring true story” roll nicely off the tongue, but when little is known of that true story beyond a painting, a few diary references, and some prominent court cases, creative... Read More
