Atlantic Monthly Contributors's Blog, page 821

The Producers Guild Awards Muck Up the Oscar Race

Fox Searchlight

The Producers Guild Awards have a good history of predicting the Best Picture winner at the Oscars: so what happens now that 12 Years a Slave and Gravity tied? 

The two films were the first ever to share the Darryl F. Zanuck Award, the top prize offered by the guild, according to The Hollywood Reporter's Scott Feinberg. As for the guild's track record when it comes to predicting Oscar winners? Each of the last six PGA winners got the Oscar, and 70.8 percent of the winners overall. 

If American Hustle had taken the top prize last night—just a day after it had won the best ensemble trophy at the Screen Actors Guild Awards—it would have looked hard to beat at the Oscar ceremony. But now it looks like it's still a three-way race between 12 Years, Gravity and Hustle—which is basically how it's looked all season. Next up is the Directors Guild Awards, which will take place next Saturday. Those, Feinberg writes, have the "best track record of all at predicting the best picture Oscar winner." 

       

Ad Companies Are Trying to Buy Popular Chrome Extensions

Associated Press

Over the weekend, it was reported that an odd, new trend is popping up among extensions for Google's Chrome browser: ads. According to Ars Technica, advertising companies are buying popular Chrome extensions that already have a built-in userbase, and then changing the extension to insert ads into websites.

Here's how it works:

Ownership of a Chrome extension can be transferred to another party, and users are never informed when an ownership change happens. Malware and adware vendors have caught wind of this and have started showing up at the doors of extension authors, looking to buy their extensions. Once the deal is done and the ownership of the extension is transferred, the new owners can issue an ad-filled update over Chrome's update service, which sends the adware out to every user of that extension.

One developer says that he was offered a  four-figure sum for an extension that took about an hour of coding and had about 30,000 users. Another extension developer claimed on Reddit that a data collection company offered six figures a month for user information.

While none of this is illegal—developers can sell their product to whoever they want—there has been a backlash and worry that malware companies will continue buying backdoors into users' browsers. In response to the ad injections, customers began rating the extensions negatively, and Google has begun blocking extensions that violate its terms of service. The company updated its policy in December to prohibit software that is difficult to understand or obfuscates some of its functionality.

       

Brazil's Teenage Flashmobs Are More Serious than the Term "Teenage Flashmob" Sounds

Reuters

Over the past week, flashmobs have been occurring all over Brazil as a form of protest, drawing thousands of participants and sometimes turning violent. The rolezhinos—"gatherings of predominantly poor, black youths who party in malls usually occupied by mostly wealthy, white consumers"—have been so effective in garnering attention that even the country's president is paying attention.

The protests, according to The New York Times, "involve large numbers of dark-skinned teenagers" and cast an eye on public space in Brazil, where parks are a scarcity in urban areas. One Brazilian academic told the Times, “Kids from the lower classes have been segregated from public spaces, and now they’re challenging the unwritten rules.” With improving conditions for the lower classes, the flashmobs—which involved running, shouting, flirting and singing—are also an opportunity for the adolescents to show off their nice clothing and other signifiers of affluence.

According to the Financial Times:

São Paulo’s first major rolezinho took place at the beginning of last month, when about 6,000 teenagers occupied Shopping Itaquera in the city’s poor eastern suburbs. The event was organised by fans of Funk Ostentação (“Ostentatious Funk”), a popular style of music in the slums that is all about showing off expensive clothes and cars – a reflection of the country’s decade-long consumer boom.

The large gatherings are apparently perturbing Brazil's upper class, and some store owners have obtained injunctions to allow security to deny access to the mall. Some of the flashmobs have involved theft or turned violent against police, who have used teargas, batons, and rubber bullets on the protesters. The clashes call to mind the large demonstrations last summer over bus fare hikes and add uncertainty in anticipation of the 2014 World Cup. The country's president, Dilma Rousseff called an emergency meeting with her ministers last week to discuss how to deal with the issue, especially in light of the upcoming tournament and the country's presidential election in October.

       

Wendy Davis's Biography Has Some Inconsistencies

Associated Press

Wendy Davis, celebrated filibusterer and Texas gubernatorial candidate, was forced to clarify some inconsistencies in her biography this weekend after The Dallas Morning News encountered some holes in her story. With a campaign narrative about how a young, single mom managed to get to Harvard Law and build a successful political career, getting the facts right in that story seems pretty important.

In a lawsuit in 2012, Davis stated that she was 19 when she divorced her first husband, when in reality she was actually 21. Both of those ages are very young, but still, details matter in law and politics. Davis told the Morning News, "My language should be tighter. I’m learning about using broader, looser language. I need to be more focused on the detail."

Additionally, Davis's campaign website writes, "With the help of academic scholarships and student loans, Wendy not only became the first person in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree but graduated first in her class and was accepted to Harvard Law School." Nowhere is it mentioned that she also received financial help at the time from her second husband, Jeff Davis, who helped pay for her education at both Texas Christian University and Harvard. Davis's two daughters stayed in Forth Worth with their father while she earned her law degree.

Though the two are divorced now, Jeff Davis doesn't appear to hold much, if any, ill will towards Wendy. He says that he was making good money at the time and regarding cashing in his 401(k) and taking out a loan to help pay tuition, he told the paper, "You do what you have to do, no big deal."

Davis said of her life story:

Most people would identify with the fact that we tend to be defined by the struggles we came through than by the successes. And certainly for me that’s true … When I think about who I am and how it’s reflected in the things I worked on, it comes from that place.

The broad strokes are still the same, yet, as political candidates are wont to do, any inconsistency is something to be seized upon. ​Depending on how you frame it the situation is either easily dismissed ("Her Biography Isn't Totally Accurate"), or snowballing ("Wendy Davis Biography Implodes"). Expect Republicans to question how much of Davis's success was arrived at one her own, and how poor her circumstances were to begin with.

       

The UN Invited Iran to the Syria Peace Talks and Now Everyone Is Upset

Iran president Hassan Rouhani and UN secretary general Ban Ki-Moon in September. (AP)

United Nations secretary general and one-time Christmas caroler Ban Ki-Moon announced today that Iran would be invited to the upcoming Syrian peace talks, set to begin January 22 in Switzerland.

The news came as an unwelcome surprise to the United States, which did not want Iran, a longtime ally of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, to participate. At the heart of the issue is the fact that Iran has not yet endorsed the Geneva communiqué, a six-point plan that the UN hopes will bring peace to the civil war-torn country. It would also call for Assad to step down, a condition to which Assad has never agreed.

"We also remain deeply concerned about Iran's contributions to the Assad regime's brutal campaign against its own people, which has contributed to the growth of extremism and instability in the region," said State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki. "If Iran does not fully and publicly accept the Geneva communiqué, the invitation must be rescinded."

According to the New York Times, Iran will do this on Monday.

Iran -- and foreign ministers representing several other countries -- will only be present for a meeting on Wednesday. They will not be at the actual peace talks between Assad's government and rebel groups on Friday.

It remains to be seen if the rebel groups will even show up, however. The Syrian National Coalition, which agreed on Saturday to participate in the peace talks, is now saying (according to a non-verified Twitter account -- the BBC is reporting it as real, but pinch of salt ...) that it will not attend unless Iran's invitation is retracted. Al Jazeera spoke with a senior Coalition member who confirmed the news. The SNC has agreed and then un-agreed to attend these peace talks before.

Another rebel group, the National Coordination Committee, decided last week not to attend the peace talks. The Islamic Front also will not be participating.

At this rate, Iran's foreign minister might be the only person there.

 

       

Taliban's Brazen Attack in Kabul Is a Bad Omen for Foreign Workers

Afghan security forces investigate the aftermath of Friday's suicide attack and shooting in Kabul, Afghanistan. (AP PHOTO)

A Taliban assault on a Kabul restaurant on Friday was the deadliest attack against foreign civilians in the entire course of the war in Afghanistan. Of the 21 people civilians killed, 13 of them were foreigners, including American, British, and Canadian citizens as well as IMF and UN officials. 

The attack sent shockwaves through the international delegations working in Afghanistan which, despite the violence, had enjoyed a certain level of insulation. With the Western military presence on the wane, that dynamic might be changing.

"Kabul during the Afghan war never grew as violent as Baghdad during the Iraq war. But as the coalition’s gradual withdrawal becomes more apparent with each passing month, it has grown harder to dismiss the obvious vulnerabilities of life here. While the insurgents have largely focused their anger on military installations and government institutions, the attack on the restaurant, Taverna du Liban, a mainstay of the Kabul social scene that catered mainly to foreigners but also to well-to-do Afghans, showed a frightening willingness by the insurgents to strike noncombatants and civilian targets."

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the strike, calling it a retaliation for a coalition airstrike earlier in the week. 

Following the assault, which included both a suicide bomber and Taliban gunmen, a telling number of tributes went out to Taverna du Liban, the target of the attack. One correspondent wrote about Kamal Hamade, the owner of the restaurant, whom she said "treated each of his customers as a personal friend" and served wine in teapots after Afghani officials cracked down on alcohol. 

Another recalled: "When some of his [Hamade's] staff were arrested a few years ago in a local dispute, Kamal insisted on going to jail with them because he thought his presence would get them out more quickly. It worked."

Yesterday, the White House condemned the attack.

       

Dennis Rodman's Odyssey Ends With a Trip to Rehab

Dennis Rodman at Capital International Airport in Beijing last week. (AP PHOTO/ALEXANDER F. YUAN)

Days after returning to the United States from his polarizing trip to North Korea, Dennis Rodman checked into a rehab facility for his struggles with alcohol. Rodman's agent Darren Prince didn't disclose where the former NBA star was staying.

"His drinking escalated to a level that none of us had seen before. When he came back [from North Korea], I discussed with him on a personal level how concerned I was. We sat down and decided for him to go to rehab. It is a 28 or 30 day facility."

Rodman, who has always attracted the media spotlight, was the target of widespread ire for his basketball mission to North Korea and his budding friendship with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. During his most recent visit, Rodman crooned an uncomfortable and very public rendition of "Happy Birthday" to the North Korean leader, lost his cool during a CNN interview, and even criticized Kenneth Bae, an American citizen currently being held captive in North Korea on bogus charges.

Rodman ultimately released a statement to apologize. He explained that his actions were caused by his drinking and admitted that he was probably not the ideal diplomat for such high-level statecraft. 

       

The SAG Awards Moments You Might Have Missed

If you weren't sitting at home on a Saturday night watching yet another awards show—this time the Screen Actors Guild Awards—we can't blame you, but we have you covered with all you might have missed. American Hustle took home the big prize of the night for movie ensemble, while Dallas Buyers Club's Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto kept on raking in awards for actor and supporting actor. Cate Blanchett also won, yet, again for Blue Jasmine, and 12 Years a Slave's Lupita Nyong'o may be inching closer to Oscar, claiming the supporting actress prize. On the TV side Modern Family and Breaking Bad took home the ensemble prizes for comedy and drama, respectively. As for the other TV prizes, Helen Mirren was a surprise win for Phil Spector in the movie or miniseries category, and Michael Douglas ended his Behind the Candelabra streak with yet another offensive speech filled with jokes about gay sex. 

What else did you miss? Read on. 

Julia Louis-Dreyfus did Veep again...
The cast of Veep doing a bit when Julia Louis-Dreyfus wins awards is becoming a sort of tradition, but that didn't make it any less funny, when Louis-Dreyfus when up to accept her trophy for performance in a comedy series. Joined on stage by Mike McLintock (sorry, Matt Walsh) failed Selina Meyer (sorry, Louis-Dreyfus) by not actually providing her with a speech for the right awards show. She did, however, get a sandwich. Always do this folks! 

Emma Thompson danced...
When she came on as a presenter, everyone's hero Emma Thompson came on stage shimmying to the lame interlude music: "Is this music available on screen at all? So good." No, you're so good, Emma. 

Rita Moreno sang...
When accepting her lifetime achievement award, legend Rita Moreno cursed, flirted with Jeremy Renner and Brad Pitt, and sang "This Is All I Ask." 

Matthew McConaughey gave a crazy speech...
He—thankfully—didn't do "alright, alright, alright" when accepting his trophy for best actor, but did do something. What exactly that was, we aren't sure. He talked about space and Neptune and a Russian man who built a boat. Just keep livin', Matt. Or something. Richard Lawson tweeted: "All this time we had no idea that Matthew McConaughey is our Roberto Benigni." 

Even Cate Blanchett referenced its rambling nature when she saw the clock was running out on her acceptance speech: "Matthew McConaughey spoke about Neptune,  I think I can have five seconds." She later did this: 

Cuba Gooding Jr. stormed the stage
Just as Ben Affleck was closing out the night, Cuba Gooding Jr. ran up on stage and said "Happy MLK!" 

 

       

The Denver Broncos' Playoff Run Has Been Good for Legal Pot Sales

Employees help customers at the crowded sales counter inside the Medicine Man marijuana retail store in Denver. (AP PHOTO)

The New England Patriots were warned by head coach Bill Belichick about avoiding the temptation of legal marijuana in Colorado ahead of their big game against the Denver Broncos tomorrow. Patriots fans, on the other hand, seem to be having a blast.

That this year's NFL postseason has overlapped with both the historic legalization of marijuana in Colorado and a deep playoff run by the Denver Broncos—who earned home-field advantage this season—is a kind coincidence. One result: A happy marriage between football tourism and pot tourism. 

According to reports, marijuana shops have been enjoying the crush of out-of-town visitors who, football loyalties notwithstanding, have been embracing Colorado's new policies. Justin Staley, who owns a shop near the stadium, claims to have hosted hundreds of San Diego Charger fans last week when the Chargers were in town to square off against the Denver Broncos.

That game offered some heartwarming stories of opposing fans coming together to smoke pot in the stadium (which is definitely still illegal). The Chargers lost 24-17, setting up this week's match-up between the Broncos and Patriots in Denver. Staley, who has also seen brisk sales from Massachusetts residents this week, shared this anecdote: 

"We've actually got a budtender who's a Patriots fan. I don't know why, but he said he was going to wear his Patriots jersey on Sunday. That's against the dress code."

When asked if there were fears that Patriots fans might try to bring back souvenirs from the Green Rush, state police spokesman David Procopio offered this bon mot: “I suspect that to most Patriots fans making the trip, Mile High is only the name of the Broncos’ former stadium, and not a state of consciousness to shoot for.”

Should both Denver and Seattle win their games tomorrow, the two teams from the two states where marijuana has been legalized will play for the championship in February. The league might have to call it something other than the Super Bowl.

       

Mitt Romney Attends 'MITT' Premiere and Rules Out a Third Run for President

PR Newswire

Mitt and Ann Romney made a surprise appearance at the world premiere of "MITT," a documentary that follows Romney through his failed 2008 and 2012 presidential campaigns. The film, which will be released next week on Netflix, has garnered considerable excitement and scored some positive early reviews for filmmaker Greg Whiteley, who seemingly had unfettered access to the Romney clan. "MITT" even scored points among Romney detractors.

After sitting through the documentary, Romney sat down for an interview during which he praised the film for not focusing too heavily on the primaries. He also took a few shots at President Obama, voiced his disagreement with a Utah judge's decision to allow same-sex marriages, and came to the defense of embattled New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and his handling of the Bridgeghazi scandal:

"I think Chris has handled this in a very effective way. A member of his administration did something that he was unaware of and that he found reprehensible. He faced the American people for two hours, took their questions. He dismissed people who were responsible. He took personal responsibility. That’s what a leader does."

Romney added that he considers Christie to be a "very strong potential nominee" for president. He named Christie on a list that also included Paul Ryan, Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio, Scott Walker, and John Kasich. 

When asked if he would consider running a third time, Romney was unequivocal. "Absolutely not."