Commentary

Nerdspresso

Rob Reiner: One of the Few Good Men

Looking back over Reiner’s filmography, there’s always a relatable character, a standout performance, or a line that I still quote today.

Nerdspresso

It's Just Not Christmas Without Stop-Motion Santa

These shows were as much a tradition as hanging stockings or Grandma getting run over by a reindeer. From Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve, you staked out prime real estate by your giant cabinet-style TV to absorb all the holiday magic. 

Nerdspresso

Treacle & Tripwires: Is Home Alone a Christmas Classic?

When tradition meets counterprogramming - and a kid becomes Rambo with Legos.

Nerdspresso

Santa, Swole & Saving Christmas: "Red One" Brings the Boom

From Die Hard to Prime’s Red One, we weigh Santa’s action glow-up - and whether this swole St. Nick finally earns a spot in the canon.

Nerdspresso

Del Toro's "Wolfman" Remains Top Dog

"Punctuated by a foreboding Danny Elfman score, The Wolfman offers atmosphere to spare. It is supported by a strong cast, even if they’re not used to full strength."

The Gourmand Next Door

Defying Conventions on Turkey Day in Durham

What to eat on Turkey Day when you don't want turkey.

The Gourmand Next Door

[The Gourmand Next Door] A Toast to the Feast: Beaujolais Nouveau Now, Chablis Always

From juicy Beaujolais Nouveau to mineral Chablis, here’s what to pour with turkey, sides, and all the trimmings.

Nerdspresso

[Nerdspresso] Digging Up My Fossilized Dino Baggage with Jurassic World Rebirth

A shoddy camcorder bootleg, missed opening night, and a zippy new sequel finally reset my dino expectations.

Nerdspresso

[Nerdspresso] Honey Don't Forget the Coherent Story?

Margaret Qualley blazes through Ethan Coen’s sun-baked noir with wit and swagger, but flashy style and clever chatter can’t hide a plot that fizzles on reveal.

The Gourmand Next Door

[Gourmand Next Door] When Left To Their Own Devices

This flat gravelly land is well-suited to Cabernet Sauvignon, that powerhouse of a grape. The gravel helps to retain and reflect heat into the grape helping it ripen in a climate that is not super warm.

Nerdspresso

[Nerdspresso] The Lost Boys Sunk Their Teeth Into My Heart

Long before Twilight came along, this flick took a bite out of the zeitgeist with its brooding bloodsuckers.

Commentary

[Commentary] Why North Carolina's Governor Can't Veto a Redistricting Bill

North Carolina’s GOP leaders are rushing a mid-decade redraw ahead of the 2026 midterms - while the governor’s hands are tied by a 1990s deal that exempted redistricting from veto power.