Atlantic Monthly Contributors's Blog, page 826

The CW Is Giving 'Veronica Mars' a Digital Spinoff

Warner Bros.

Remember how once, a long time ago, The CW gave up on that underdog show about a sassy teen detective,Veronica Mars? Well, the network is now getting on board with the show's second life. The CW announced at their TCA press tour panel today that Veronica Mars will have a digital spinoff series on CW Seed. 

Of course, Veronica Mars is now probably hotter than it ever was when it was on The CW, what with the Kickstarter-funded movie set to come out in March. A book series is also on its way. 

Though the network wasn't quick to dole out information about the spinoff, creator Rob Thomas will be involved. Interestingly enough, the show will likely not debut before the movie, which leaves open the possibility that the movie could be a huge disappointment.  

       

GOP Congressional Candidate Explains Why Military Rape Is Natural

State Sen. Richard H. Black, a social conservative, explains fetal pain on the Virginia House floor in 2005. (AP)

Virginia State Sen. Richard "Dick" Black announced last week that he is running for Congress this year to fill retiring GOP Rep. Frank Wolf's seat. A former military prosecutor, Black started his career in politics as a state House delegate in 1998. He's an extreme social conservative who's said, as Molly Redden at Mother Jones chronicles, some interesting things along the way. In her report Wednesday, Redden dug up Black's thoughts on military sexual assault. After retiring as a military prosecutor in 1994, 

He spoke frequently to media outlets about sexual assault in the military, and called military rape 'as predictable as human nature.' 'Think of yourself at 25,' Black told a newspaper in 1996. 'Wouldn't you love to have a group of 19-year-old girls under your control, day in, day out?'

Yep, nothing to be done about a male urge to control women through rape. Black's also opposed making spousal rape a crime, and explained during a debate in 2002, "I do not know how on Earth you could validly get a conviction of a husband-wife rape where they’re living together, sleeping in the same bed, she’s in a nightie, and so forth, there is no injury, there’s no separation or anything." His comments suggest he's not sure what rape is. 

Black got his J.D. from the University of Florida and began his Army law career in the late 1970s. He was the head the Army's Criminal Law Division from 1992-1994. The CLD's job is to give legal advice to military commanders regarding "military justice, disciplinary, and adverse administrative matters." So, for at least a two-year period in the U.S. Army, the man charged with advising commanders on sexual assault cases thought rape was just "human nature." Which brings us to the current debate in Congress.

Over the course of 2013, U.S. senators proposed different measures to reform how the military processes sexual assault cases. The military recognizes there is a problem — at an Armed Services Committee hearing in June 2013, Col. Tracy King admitted, "I would honestly tell you there is peer pressure against reporting [sexual assault] right now but the tide is changing." To increase reporting, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand wants to take major crimes (including sexual assault) outside the chain of command, but the military brass doesn't support the measure. Her amendment has not gotten a vote in the Senate, and she might not be able to get the votes for it, anyway. 

This may be because dated ideas about rape aren't limited to the military. At the same Committee hearing in June, Sen. Saxby Chambliss explained military rape only slightly better than Black: 

The young folks coming in to each of your services are anywhere from 17 to 22 or 23. Gee whiz, the hormone level created by nature sets in place the possibility for these types of things to occur.

 Black will challenge Del. Barbara J. Comstock in the primary. 

       

How to Prepare for the New Season of 'Sherlock'

Though the U.K. has already gotten the chance to see the new episodes of the acclaimed and obsessed-over BBC show Sherlock, the episodes start to hit American TV Sunday night. So if you're going to settle in to watch the first episode—"The Empty Hearse"—for the first time Sunday, or if you're preparing for your second (third or fourth) viewings, here's a preparation guide. 

Re-watch "The Reichenbach Fall" 

The brilliance of Sherlock episodes is that for the most part they stand alone as what are essentially mini-movies—each episode is about an hour and a half long. That said, whether you're a die-hard fan or a newbie it's imperative that you watch the final episode of season two, "The Reichenbach Fall," before settling in for "The Empty Hearse."

Specifically, you are going to want to watch (and re-watch and re-watch) the last fifteen minutes. It's hardly a spoiler anymore to reveal that Sherlock took a suicidal plunge to save his friends from an attack planned by consulting criminal Jim Moriarty, who had just put a gun in his own mouth and fired. (Got that?) Much of the first episode deals with Sherlock's return to the living—or at least return to the living in London at least—and the show tackles the question of how exactly Sherlock did it with bits of humor, fan service, and (we think) honest explanation. (Big "we think" on that last one. See: this tweet.) Before Sunday, you're probably going to want to brush up on your how Sherlock survived theories. And remember chances are he didn't survive via TARDIS, though don't rule that out. You might also want to pay close attention to the circumstances surrounding Moriarty's death. Just saying. 

Know your trivia

Quick: What are the names of Benedict Cumberbatch's parents? Who is Martin Freeman's significant other? Why does this matter? Well, all those people have roles in the newest season of the show. Freeman's partner, Amanda Abbington, plays John Watson's betrothed, while Cumberbatch's parents, actors Timothy Carlton and Wanda Ventham, play Sherlock's parents. Though really Abbington's role as Mary is far more significant than the parts played by the Cumberbatch parents, the clever (and winking) bits of casting are just examples of how much fun the show seems to be having this season.

It's clear that Sherlock is now being made mostly out of love. Cumberbatch and Freeman both have thriving film careers and certainly don't need the show. Creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss (the latter of whom plays Mycroft, Sherlock's brother) know what a phenomenon the show is. While the show has always been conscious of the real-world media landscape—Sherlock texts! John has a blog! Everyone thinks they are a couple!—the first two episodes go out of their way to make reference to the chatter that now goes hand in hand with the show. It's mostly delightful, but can also be worrisome. We found ourselves, at times, thinking, is the show getting too self-involved? Then, by the astounding third episode of the season all of those fears disappeared. 

Listen to the music
David Arnold and Michael Price's score for the show is as essential as Cumberbatch and Freeman's performances, and you can listen to music from seasons one and two on Spotify. If you can't get away with watching earlier episodes at work, why not listen to the sounds of Sherlock to get in the mood. 

Stop worrying
Moffat has publicly said that seasons four and five of the show are plotted out, so you will get more Sherlock once this season's three episodes are over. Just when they will come is unclear—Cumberbatch and Freeman both have projects lined up. Still! More Sherlock is on its way. 

Stare into the eyes of the new Entertainment Weekly cover
Oh goodness. Those blues. 

Venture into your mind palace
You have one, right? All good Sherlock fans must. 
 

       

Nuclear Launch Control Officers Accused of Cheating on Proficiency Tests

AP

An investigation into drug-use across six Air Force bases has uncovered a second, separate scandal — allegations of vast cheating operation involving people with launch control of nuclear missiles.

The Associated Press reports on Wednesday that the military is investigating allegations that roughly 37 missile launch control officers at Malmstrom Air Force base in Montana, where the military houses nuclear-armed Minuteman 3 intercontinental ballistic missiles, have been cheating on "routine tests the service members have to take to insure their job proficiency." CNN puts the number closer to 34 officers, and says all have been "decertified." 

Yes, you should concerned military officers with access to nuclear missiles have been cheating on job proficiency tests. They should be acing job proficiency tests. According to CNN, the officers were sharing exam answers over text messages that came to light during a drug investigation across the six bases, including Malmstrom, that revealed the second scandal at the Air Force base.

Last Thursday, the Air Force announced two 341st Air Wing officers stationed at Malmstrom were suspended for allegedly possessing legal drugs. That investigation, we now know, expanded to 10 suspended officers across six bases, and the alleged cheating was uncovered at some point during questioning. (They drugs were "recreational," the AP says. Not the hard stuff.)

The U.S. nuclear program's public image has taken a hit after hit over the last year. A number of senior officers have resigned, including the deputy commander of the entire program, for passing fake chips at a casino. Another senior officer was fired in October after going on an embarrassing four-day bender in Russia. Performance reviews have found low morale among members of the program. And now everyone is taking drugs and cheating on tests.

Apparently the nuclear program is a lot like summer school? 

       

Meet Tina Fey's 'Adult Son' Randy

Associated Press

Tina Fey interrupted Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick introducing their Miss Golden Globe daughter to introduce her "adult son from a previously relationship: Randy"—Mr. Golden Globe. Because, you know, "gender equality." It was Amy Poehler in a Bieber wig, but it was great.

Randy—whose father was, apparently, in the room—was sullen, and not having any of the awards hoopla. Randy taunted Sosie Bacon: "Your name is Sosie, what are you the Olympics." He also didn't have kind words for his "mother," saying:  "God I hate you, Jacqueline Bisset hates you too." Bisset's acceptance speech for television's best supporting actress was one of the most awkward of the night. Randy then went around the room trying to figure out who his father is. He first approached Idris Elba. "No, Randy, Idris Elba is not your father. Think about it," Fey said.

He then looked to Harvey Weinstein: "Is it him?"

"Carry on," Fey said. Sosie Bacon looked terribly embarrassed throughout the whole thing. 

       

The 'Game of Thrones' Trailer Is Here

Screenshot / HBO

The much-anticipated trailer for the much-anticipated fourth season of Game of Thrones is finally here! All one minute and 44 seconds of it! Joffrey is a brat! And married! Tyrion is in jail! Crows are eating entrails! Dragons are flying! Daenerys has a new world! Theon is out of that torture chamber! Jaime's got a new hand! Oberyn the Red Viper is getting ready to pay some debts! Swords! We still have to wait until April!

 

       

Here's Another Analysis of How Useless the NSA's Metadata Collection Program Is

NSA director Gen. Keith Alexander testifies about how great his metadata collection program is (AP)

Though NSA supporters say the program is an effective tool against terrorism and has prevented attacks in the past, a new study by a nonpartisan think tank found that its contribution has been minimal at best, and far short of those oft-claimed 54 thwarted attacks.

The only case New America Foundation found that was initiated by NSA's bulk metadata collection program was that of Basaaly Saeed Moalin, a cab driver in San Diego who, along with three others, was convicted of sending several thousand dollars to terrorist group al-Shabaab. But there was no threat of a terrorist attack in that case, and the four men are appealing the conviction on the grounds that the NSA's surveillance violated their constitutional rights.

The study's findings, which will be released tomorrow but the Washington Post has a good summary of now, echo that of President Obama's NSA review panel, which said the phone metadata collection program was "not essential to preventing attacks" and recommended ending it.

So far, none of the panel's 46 recommendations have been implemented. Last week, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court renewed the phone metadata collection program for another 90 days.

 

       

The Best Jokes from Amy and Tina's Golden Globes Monologue

Amy Poehler and Tina Fey once again killed it during their monologue. Here are some of their best jokes. 

Tina welcoming the audience: "Welcome to the 71st Annual Tina Fey and Amy Poehler's Lee Daniels' The Butler Golden Globe Awards."  Amy congratulated the stars nominated: "From the amazing Chiwetel Ejiofor to the stunning Lupita Nyong'o to American treasure Tam Honks. Dammit, I knew I was going to screw that up." Cue Tom Hanks reaction shot: Tina on parts for women: "Meryl Streep so brilliant in August: Osage County proving that there are still great parts for Meryl Streeps over 60." Cue Meryl Streep reaction shot: Tina on American Hustle: "Interesting trivia: the original title of that movie was explosion at the wig factory." Tina and Amy mentioned that "Amy Poehler" was nominated for Parks and Rec and is in the audience. Cut to: Julia Louis-Dreyfus sat with the movie stars, much to Amy and Tina's discontent. "Hi Julia, you know us from TV," Amy said. Louis-Dreyfus was not dealing with Reese Witherspoon's crap. Tina on Gravity: "It's the story of how George Clooney would rather float away in space and die then spend one more minute with a woman of his own age." Sandra Bullock clapped after that one.  Amy on The Wolf of Wall Street:  "If I wanted to see Jonah Hill masturbate at a pool party I'd go to one of Jonah Hill's pool parties." Perhaps most successfully Amy and Tina figured out a way to make a 12 Years a Slave joke without actually making a 12 Years a Slave joke. Amy said, "I can honestly say after seeing that film I will never look at slavery the same way again." Tina began to interrupt her with "wait, how were you looking—" Amy promptly jumped to talking about TV. Good job guys!
       

A Guide to Consoling Friends and Officemates about the NFL Playoffs

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees walks off the field after an NFC divisional playoff NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Seattle, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014. The Seahawks won 23-15. (AP PHOTO/ELAINE THOMPSON)

If you're not a dedicated professional football fan, you may encounter some very dejected friends or co-workers tomorrow without knowing why. Here's a quick guide to help you navigate the land mines.

Football, for better or worse, remains America's most popular sport. It's also America's most popular thing. According to Nielsen, in addition to its legions of loyal men, twice as many women tune in to watch the Super Bowl (50.4 million) each year than either the Academy Awards (24.5 million) or the Grammys (23.8 million). "Sunday Night Football," to boot, is now "ranked No. 4 among women 18 to 49 years old, behind only 'American Idol' (Wednesday), 'The Voice' and 'American Idol' (Thursday)."

With another weekend of playoff football over, the odds of you encountering someone whose football dreams have been recently crushed have multiplied again. If you care to offer any solace whatsoever (or perhaps want to rub salt in someone's wound), here's what you need to know.

The weekend losers were the New Orleans Saints, the Carolina Panthers, the Indianapolis Colts, and the San Diego Chargers. The Saints lost a heartbreaker on the road to the Seattle Seahawks. The Panthers were upended at home by the San Francisco 49ers. The Colts kept it close against the New England Patriots before stumbling to a road loss. The San Diego Chargers made things interesting late against the Denver Broncos, but couldn't pull off a comeback. 

What you can say to make fans of the losing team feel better (or, depending on your intonation, make them feel worse):

New Orleans: "Seattle's got to be the toughest place in the league to get a win, especially in the playoffs. If Drew Brees had just 10 more seconds, I'm sure the Saints would have forced overtime."

Carolina: "Cam Newton had an unbelievable year. Now that his first playoff game is behind him, the Panthers are going to tough to beat next year."

Indianapolis: "After last week's miracle against the Chiefs, I thought this was going to be a total letdown game for the Colts. But you guys kept up with the Patriots into the fourth quarter. Not a lot of teams can say that."

San Diego: "I totally thought you guys had 'em. It's hard to come back from 17 points down against anybody, the Chargers almost did it against Peyton Manning."

Then, quickly walk away.  

 

       

Globes Fashion: Jennifer Lawrence in Obligatory Dior

AP

After watching Giuliana Rancic and the E! news team predict what stars will wear to the Golden Globes tonight for two hours, we're finally getting some answers. (We predict the E! predictions will be wrong, by the way. No major actress is going to wear fringe tonight.) Now the red carpet is lighting up with Dior and diamonds (Giuliana claims she's wearing $3 million worth of sparkly stuff).

First up, we have nominee Lupita Nyong'o (12 Years a Slave) in a bright red Ralph Lauren cape dress. This is, as the Fashion Police would say, a big "moment" for the relatively unknown star. Looks like a dress you win in. 

AP

Here's Lena Dunham (Girls) in a bright yellow Zac Posen dress. The color is cool, but the fit is a little off. 

AP

And now, we have dueling brunettes in gold Oscar de la Renta dresses. Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey) WORE IT BEST. She completely blows Zooey Deschanel (The New Girl) out of the water. Zooey's look is just too busy: crop top, hair flower, weird cut on the bottom. Not to mention she fastened daisies to her nails. 

AP/@oscarprgirl

 

Daisy manicure for the #goldenglobes by @TomBachik pic.twitter.com/RnhavY0TUc

— zooey deschanel (@ZooeyDeschanel) January 12, 2014

Julia Roberts is wearing a Dolce & Gabbana shirt dress, for reasons we will never understand.

AP

Sarah Hyland (Modern Family) has some good hair going on. A child of Pinterest, she says she got the idea for the braids from Valentino's spring show. 

Sarah Hyland rocks strong brows and a milkmaid braid! pic.twitter.com/TYFaDCHb8X

— Marie Claire (@marieclaire) January 12, 2014

Jared Leto, meanwhile, has a man bun. 

And Hayden Panettiere, bless her little Nashville heart, has the worst hair of all.

AP

Nominee (for best original song) Taylor Swift looks a liiiittle fancy. So far she's publicly talked about her best friendships with Julia Roberts, Lena Dunham, and Jennifer Lawrence, but the night is young. 

We're live with @taylorswift13 on Live from the #ERedCarpet with @RyanSeacrest! What do you think of that dress?! pic.twitter.com/qpOYffkU3b

— E! Online (@eonline) January 13, 2014

And here's America's BFF herself, J-Law. She's wearing Dior as she is contractually obligated to do. 

AP

Paula Patton, wife of 'Blurred Lines' singer Robin Thicke, is doing her best to grab headlines.

AP

Former Reigning BFF of America Sandra Bullock looks very cool in Prabal Gurung. 

Ooh. RT @glamour_fashion: Sandra Bullock chooses @prabalgurung for the #goldenglobes. pic.twitter.com/lUfvQk9QaJ

— Elizabeth Holmes (@EHolmesWSJ) January 13, 2014

Very sweet of Drew Barrymore to wear her child's homemade Valentine's Day card tonight. (Actually, Monique Lhuillier did this.)

AP

Amy Adams plays homage to her American Hustle character with a plunging neckline, but we can't support that hair choice. It should be down.

AP

Our favorite fashion moment of the night has to be Kaley Cuoco. She matched her eyeshadow to her dress — that's how you know it's good.

AP

And now, the show is starting! Head on over to our live blog for tonight's best moments. 

AP