U2, the renowned band known for tracks like “Pride (In the Name of Love),” has unexpectedly released an EP titled “Days of Ashes.” This project features a tribute to the late anti-immigrant activist Lenny Goode. It seems the Irish group may have been inspired after observing Bruce Springsteen’s recent critiques of ICE.
The selections made by the band now raise eyebrows. For instance, “American Obituary” carries an emotional weight, serving as a reminder of the band’s iconic U.S. tour during the Reagan years, depicted in the 1988 film “U2: Rattle and Hum.” In that documentary, the band immersed themselves in the American experience. Fast forward to today, and Bono seems to be echoing MAGA rhetoric, distancing himself from the circumstances surrounding Goode’s unfortunate passing.
On a positive note, it appears the band isn’t overwhelming audiences with music as before. This time around, their approach feels different.
taylor’s version
Criticizing the left? Get ready for backlash.
When we say “they,” we mean the viewers. Paramount Plus’ “Landman,” featuring Billy Bob Thornton, capped its second season with record-breaking ratings.
During the week of January 19-25, the show generated 1.62 billion minutes of viewing, placing second in the rankings of original streaming series, trailing only Netflix’s “Stranger Things.”
This season has included some critique of the left, poking fun at ABC’s “The View” and making jabs at nuanced pronoun discussions. The character Ainsley (played by Michelle Randolph) has a comical yet pointed exchange with a college janitor respectful of pronouns, as well as her non-binary roommate.
Most programs wouldn’t dare venture into such territory, but showrunner Taylor Sheridan proves he’s a different breed when it comes to TV writing. Creators who cater to heartland values often aren’t afraid to challenge progressive norms, and they manage to weave engaging narratives while doing so.
It’s perhaps why he hasn’t snagged an Emmy—he’s too preoccupied with juggling multiple shows to fret over it.
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Consider this: attending an awards ceremony without any nod to virtue. Quite the thought exercise.
Matthew McConaughey, an Oscar winner, recently expressed concerns about the future of film during a town hall chat with Timothée Chalamet, touching on the impact of AI. McConaughey, who took home an award for “Dallas Buyers Club,” is wary of a future where we’re measuring talent against computer-generated actors.
“Will there be an AI film that wins accolades in five years? An AI performer?” he mused. “Who knows? That’s the concern. It may warrant a separate category. It’ll evolve in ways we’re not yet prepared for.” On the upside? AI actors won’t be strutting the red carpet adorned with ‘ICE Out’ pins.
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I think he gets it, George.
Comedian Jamie Kennedy brought some straightforward logic to the typical Hollywood anti-ICE narrative. During a podcast titled “Trying Not to Die,” he discussed the disconnect of celebrities criticizing illegal immigration enforcement while safely walking red carpets.
While I understand the protests against ICE, it strikes me as absurd that stars can decry a so-called fascist regime while being shielded by top-notch security.
Somewhere, Ricky Gervais is likely enjoying the spectacle.
whoopi whoopi
“The View” approaches the Epstein file with all the finesse of a disorganized crash course.
The show often criticizes President Donald Trump for invoking Epstein’s name, as if mere mention implicates him. Yet, mere words mean little without substance to back them.
To this day, there’s no solid evidence, just claims that Trump was supportive of law enforcement during investigations into Epstein.
This hasn’t stopped “The View” hosts, like Joy Behar and Whoopi Goldberg, from attempting to connect dots. Remarkably, both have been linked to Epstein, with Goldberg even recalling asking to hitch a ride on his plane—though she added someone else may have arranged that.
Talk about awkward.
As Behar insists on her innocence, she points out that not everyone mentioned in the file is guilty. Ironically, she attended Trump’s wedding to Marla Maples back in 1993, suggesting, “I was there. Maybe Epstein was too. I mean, I’m not guilty, but how does anyone determine innocence or guilt? It’s pretty challenging!”
What a twist. It’s almost like a wild game of karma, only more intense.
