Just a few years after the 1935 publication of Mary Poppins (written by P.L. Travers), Walt Disney promised his daughters that he would make a film of the book. Unfortunately for him, Travers had no interest in allowing Disney to turn her book into a sweet children’s film or, even worse, into an animated film. But Disney persisted for twenty years and, in 1961, when Travers was experiencing financial struggles, he persuaded her to fly from London to Los Angeles to talk about purchasing the rights to film Mary Poppins.A funny, touching, tragic, profound, beautifully-told film and should not be […]

Rated RAfter the buzz fades, of being “had” by one more movie, there are a number of interesting questions that can be explored.

Whether threats of war are more urgent, or if there is a time of reprieve and further diplomatic efforts, our call is to bind the wounds of war and to speak out about the idolatry of violent force.

Last year for my last my final review of 2012, I made a playlist of some of the top 12 songs that I would remember down the road as significant songs during a transitional time in my life. I don’t know if I was trying to wax poetic or what. I can try to be as poignant as I want, but at the end of the day, I know the truth: I like lists. I like making mix tapes. I also like traditions.So, in the spirit of those three things, I present the 2013 Media Matters mix tape, featuring a […]

According to Isaiah, a fast honoring God’s will is one that seeks to end oppression, one in which we are attentive to what we have and how we share it.

Going grocery shopping when I was a child, my parents avoided checkout-line conflict by allowing me to choose one candy bar as a treat. I’ve continued the tradition as an adult, permitting myself one special item in addition to our household list. It may have been the time I chose carrot-kale-spinach juice as my treat, or maybe it was when I picked probiotic tea with nutrient-packed chia seeds, that I realized I’ve become a bit of a health nut. Yet it is possible to care for our health without going overboard. We can stay away from fad diets and try […]

“This violence needs to stop,” she said. “I don’t even know what to say. This is sad.”

Waiting for the results of the HIV test offered by a local nonprofit, I prayed for those who have the virus. I imagined how I might feel if I were among them.