Mike Pilewski writes about life, politics and culture in the United States
The next Star Wars movie is months away, but its second “teaser trailer”, out since mid-April, has already got fans excited. Those of you not very familiar with Star Wars may at least recall how the overwhelming popularity of the “original trilogy” — Episodes IV through VI, which came out in 1977–83 — contrasted with general disappointment at the “prequels” … >>
“You two are going to be in a room alone with Kim [Jong-un], and the CIA would love it if you could take him out.” “Hm?” “Take him out.” “For coffee? Dinner? For kimchi?” “No, uh, take him out.” “You want us to kill the leader of North Korea?” “Yes.” In a nutshell, this dialogue with a CIA agent (played … >>
This time last year, I received word from a college friend that one of my professors had passed away. Hugh Young had a great sense of humor and a remarkable way of relating to young people. Young told us he’d do anything to help us students stay awake during his physics lectures. “I’d stand on my head for you guys … >>
In our part of the world, the past two centuries have been, among other things, a story of social progress. It started with the abolition of slavery, continued with the women’s-rights and labor movements, and culminated in the civil-rights movement of the 1960s. Campaigns since then have focused on the environment, equal access for the “differently abled”, and respect for … >>
A few weeks ago, Edward Snowden, a former contractor for America’s National Security Agency (NSA), revealed through The Guardian and Der Spiegel that the US government has been keeping secret records on ordinary Americans and spying on its allies. Since then, I’ve been asked two questions over and over: 1. What’s your opinion of what Edward Snowden did? and 2. … >>
For a second, I was dead — or I might have been. Darkness engulfed my surroundings, and I felt myself being pulled back gently. The warmth flowed out of my body. Then I saw and heard nothing. I was alone, relaxed and at peace. Is this what happens when we die and are reabsorbed into the cosmos? I wondered. If … >>
This column was meant for September, but as fate would have it, a few other things got in the way — the presidential election, various school shootings, the demise of Twinkies — that deserved some commentary. However, the start of a new year is just as good a time to talk about this subject: the future. What was special about … >>
One of the highlights of my USA ’08 Special Report for Spotlight Online was a review of all the different music videos that expressed the election campaign in song. Will.i.am’s “Yes, We Can” video, along with Barelypolitical’s Obama Girl series, started an avalanche of user-made songs and parodies about all the candidates that kept us entertained for a year. There … >>
Pay attention: There will be a quiz! This Sunday, July 1, is an important day for America’s northern neighbor. It’s Canada Day. Happy Canada Day, everybody! I wish I could tell you how Canadians actually celebrate this, but it’s one of many things about Canada that Americans know nothing aboot — I mean, about. Aside from a few clichés about … >>
This morning began with a pleasant surprise. I had just arrived at my office when a very dear colleague came in, holding a piece of cake. She started singing “Happy Birthday”. I am not normally one to turn down a piece of cake, but I do believe in telling the truth. “I’m sorry, but it’s not my birthday,” I said. … >>