(Alexei Navalny) What The Death Of Alexei Navalny, Putin’s Biggest Political Adversary, Means For The Campaign To Oppose His Regime

 

What The Death Of Alexei Navalny, Putin’s Biggest Political Adversary, Means For The Campaign To Oppose His Regime

 

What The Death Of Alexei Navalny, Putin’s Biggest Political Adversary, Means For The Campaign To Oppose His Regime

Alexei Navalny, who crusaded against official corruption and staged massive anti-Kremlin protests as President Vladimir Putin’s fiercest foe, died Friday in the Arctic penal colony where he was serving a 19-year sentence, Russia’s prison agency said. He was 47.

The stunning news of Navalny’s death — less than a month before an election that will give Putin another six years in power — brought renewed criticism and outrage directed at the Kremlin leader who has cracked down on all opposition at home. People laid flowers at monuments to victims of Soviet-era political repressions in some Russian cities, but there was no immediate indication that Navalny’s death, which will deal a heavy blow to the beleaguered and fractured opposition, would spark large protests.

Joining us to discuss is Daniel Roher, director of the 2022 documentary Navalny and Regina Smyth, professor of political science at Indiana University and author of “Elections, Protest, and Authoritarian Regime Stability: Russia 2008–2020.”

With files from the Associated Press

From Flip Wilson And Diahann Carroll To ‘Fresh Prince’ And ‘Black-ish’ ‘Black TV’ Looks Back On A Half Century Of Groundbreaking Television

TV shows like Donald Glover's hit series on FX, "Atlanta," and Kenya Barris' ABC smash "Black-ish" are just a couple of the highly popular and successful modern shows about experiences of Black people, which we see much more often today than in years past. But even so, shows like them might not be possible if not for pioneers like Diahann Carroll, who starred as the title role in the sitcom “Julia” and in doing so became the first Black woman to star in a non-stereotypical role in a TV series, or the actor and comedian Flip Wilson who hosted his variety show “The Flip Wilson Show” in the 1970s and was the first Black man to host a successful variety TV show. In her new book “Black TV: Five decades of Groundbreaking Television from Soul Train to Black-ish and Beyond,” author Bethonie Butler looks back on half a century of Black television, from early groundbreakers like Carroll and Wilson and shows like “Soul Train” and “The Jeffersons” to 90s classics like “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Family Matters” and “Sister, Sister” to more recent hits like “Scandal” and “How To Get Away With Murder.”

Today on AirTalk, Bethonie Butler joins us to talk about her new book.

Food Friday: Wedding Cakes For The Win

Floral embellishments, whimsical watercolor, metallic accents – this is the language we use in 2024 to describe wedding cakes. It’s no longer vanilla, chocolate or red velvet, although the flavor palette is critical. But these days, it seems like wedding cakes are canvases that come in all shapes, sizes and themes. Couples are getting increasingly creative with their vision of the perfect cake too – some find ways to make their cake interactive, allowing guests to decorate their own individual portion. Other couples opt for the classic elegance of a traditional 3-tier wedding cake. If nothing else, wedding cakes are meant to taste delicious and reflect the joy of the occasion. We also want to hear from you! Did you have a memorable wedding cake at your wedding? Call us at 866-893-5722 or email is at laist@atcomments.com. Joining us today on AirTalk is founder and cake artist at Sweet Pea Cakery LA, which is based in La Cañada Flintridge, Melanie Pendergast.

FilmWeek: ‘Madame Web,’ ‘Drift,’ ‘Monolith’ And More

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Wade Major and Amy Nicholson review this weekend’s new movie releases in theaters, streaming, and on demand platforms:

“Madame Web” Wide Release
“This Is Me… Now: A Love Story” Streaming on Amazon Prime
“Players” Bay Theater [Pacific Palisades] | Streaming on Netflix
“Drift” Laemmle Monica Film Center | Expands In Select Theaters Feb. 23rd
“Bleeding Love” Laemmle Center 5 [Encino] | Available on VOD Platforms
“Land of Bad” In Select Theaters
“Here” Los Feliz 3 | Expands to Lumiere Music Hall [Beverly Hills] Feb. 23rd
“Down In Dallas Town” Streaming on Amazon Prime Feb. 19th
“Monolith” Laemmle Monica Film Center | Available on VOD Platforms
“Lights Out” Lumiere Cinema [Beverly Hills] | Available on VOD Platforms

FilmWeek Feature: Oscar-Nominated Actress Sandra Huller Discusses “Anatomy Of A Fall”

“Anatomy of a Fall” is a French drama directed by Justine Triet who co-wrote the screenplay with her husband, Arthur Harari, during the pandemic lockdown. The film premiered at the 76th Cannes Film Festival last May, where it won the prestigious Palme d'Or, the highest prize awarded at the festival. It has gone on to win many more awards and receive five Oscar nominations in the categories of Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actress and Best Editing. Today on FilmWeek, Larry Mantle sits down with Oscar-Nominated Actress Sandra Huller to talk about the making of the film and her critically acclaimed role.

Austin Butler to Star in Darren Aronofsky’s Next Film, A Thriller,(Austin Butler)

 Supposedly, Austin Butler is being sought to star in Darren Aronofsky’s next film. It’s not the Elon Musk biopic, which might be called “Emperor,” but, rather, a thriller. We’ll be getting an update very shortly, and I believe Jeff Sneider will have much more detail on this one today in his newsletter. More to come …

 

25 Most Popular American Foods and Dishes

1. Hot Dogs

Stadiums, backyards, street vendors, shopping centers…you can find hot dogs pretty much everywhere in America. 

Hot dogs feature a long, soft bun cut along the top with a sausage placed in the cut.

And while there are plenty of tasty hot dogs around the world with crazy toppings, American dogs are traditionally topped with mustard and relish.

They’re a super budget-friendly food and are ideal for serving a crowd. Plus, you dress them up with fancy sausages and unique extras – like caramelized onions!

2. French Fries

French fries are an American classic. The most common variety being thin strips of potatoes fried to crisp perfection.

Of course, they also come in many shapes and sizes. From super thin shoestring fries to crispy curls, there’s a fry for every appetite.

Some other varieties include crinkle cut, waffle fries, sweet potato, and steak fries, which are thick and fluffy.

French fries go perfectly with all kinds of meals and are loved by everybody. 

To make them perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle, try soaking the fried in cold water for a couple of hours before frying.

3. Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders are a staple on the kids’ menu, but plenty of grown adults love them too. 

I mean, how can you go wrong with juicy, tender chicken cut into strips and battered and fried?

Dip and dunk them into your favorite sauces like ranch, barbeque, or honey mustard. Oh, and don’t forget the fries on the side!

4. Pizza

We all know that pizza was not invented in America. But over the years, we’ve created our own version of it. 

Where Italian pizza is typically thin with very little sauce and cheese, American pizzas range from thin crusts to deep dish.

We also love to top them with anything and everything. I’m talking buffalo chicken, mac and cheese, and even burgers!

Yes, really!

Of course, those are over-the-top versions you’ll see in restaurants as gimmicks.

But it’s not unusual to see your local pizza place offering salad pizzas or pizzas with pasta on top.

My all-time favorite is BBQ chicken with peppers and red onions. What’s yours??

5. Burgers

Like chicken tenders and fries, you’ll see burgers on menus all across the states. We even have entire businesses dedicated to just burgers. 

Typically made with ground beef, they can also feature turkey, pork, or veggies.

But for the best burger, you need to pile it high with toppings and serve it in a burger bun. 

Cheeseburgers with ketchup are probably the most common. But I’ve seen some truly insane creations – like this peanut butter burger!

6. Apple Pie

Apple pie is probably America’s most beloved dessert. You’ll see it at every July Fourth bash and holiday feast – and for good reason!

It’s a simple flakey pie crust filled with cinnamon and sugar-coated apples.

Sometimes it has a pastry top, and sometimes it’s a simple crumb of flour, butter, and sugar.

Either way, it’s sweet, lightly spiced, and to die for. Serve it with a scoop of ice cream, and enjoy!

7. Meatloaf

Meatloaf is a childhood favorite for most Americans. And while it may not look too appealing, it’s super rich, meaty, and filling.

It’s most often made with ground beef, pork, turkey, or a combination of meats.

That’s combined with seasonings, vegetables, and a binder like eggs or breadcrumbs. 

Meatloaf can be topped with gravy, ketchup, or served alone with mashed potatoes. It’s an American comfort food classic. 

8. Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese isn’t just for the kiddos, ya know? In fact, some recipes are so indulgent, I think they’re strictly adult-only.

The most basic recipe calls for elbow-shaped pasta with a mild, cheesy sauce. It’s simple but a little plain.

If you use a box, it’ll be pretty bright (sometimes vibrant orange). But it’s super easy to make with milk, seasonings, and shredded cheese.

I always make mac and cheese from scratch because I like to use all kinds of yummy cheeses. Mature white cheddar and Gruyère are my faves!

Plus, you can add so much to the dish to jazz it up. So serve it with bacon, jalapeños, caramelized onions, or garlic spinach. Yum!

9. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Who doesn’t love grilled cheese sandwiches? 

They’re crunchy on the outside, warm and gooey in the middle, and always loaded with cheesy goodness.

In the states, they’re often made with simple white bread and American cheese slices.

But of course, it’s not hard to make them extra!

Use sourdough and butter both sides. Then fry the bread in garlic butter for maximum toasty deliciousness.

As for the cheese, American is fine (not my fave), but there are so many better options! Colby, cheddar Jack, Gouda, etc. – you can’t go wrong!

Make sure to put plenty of cheese on the bread and cook it until golden brown and ooey-gooey.

10. Pot Roast

Pot roast is another American comfort food that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious.

It’s usually made with a tough cut of meat, like chuck or bottom round. It’s slow-cooked in moist heat and produces a juicy and tender meal. 

You’ll see it served with veggies like potatoes, carrots, and onions. And they’re quite often cooked right in the pot with the meat.

It’s an all-in-one meal that’s perfect for a rainy day. 

11. Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are world-renowned. They’re chewy, sweet, chocolatey, and impossibly delectable.

So, it’s no surprise to find them in almost every store, bakery, and restaurant in America – and around the globe. 

Chocolate chip cookies are the kind of thing pretty much everyone loves. And whether you like them crunchy or chewy, they’re always a hit.

I like them thick, chewy and topped with sea salt. And they’re so versatile, you can even make them vegan.

12. Tater Tots

Tater tots are a fantastic side to all kinds of meals. 

To make them at home, you’ll grate potatoes, squeeze out the moisture, then form them into nuggets (usually with fat and starch).

Then they’re fried until nice and crispy.

Tots are for quick dipping and snacking. Plus, you can easily add veggies to the mix and sneak them to your kids.

I’ve even had tater tot breakfast “nachos” with melted cheese, crumbled chorizo, bacon, and a fried egg on top. Delish!

13. Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is a southern staple we love from Alaska to Florida and everywhere in between.

Basically, it’s marinated chicken coated in batter or breadcrumbs, then deep-fried until golden.

Use legs, thighs, breasts, or a mix, and be sure to let it sit in buttermilk for a few hours, so it’s nice and tender.

Fried chicken is a fantastic meal with biscuits and gravy or in a bun with crunchy slaw – hello, Nashville Hot Chicken!

Or go for the all-American chicken and waffles with plenty of butter and syrup!

14. Ice Cream

Ice cream is everyone’s favorite dessert. At least, it’s pretty darn popular from the states to Europe to Australia.

It’s traditionally made by churning a sweet cream mixture until it gets super cold and thickens.

But there are plenty of variations, and some don’t need churning at all.

And then there’s sorbet, gelato, frozen yogurt, and sherbet – all of which fall under the “ice cream” umbrella but are slightly different.

Classics like chocolate and vanilla are really common. But you’ll see all kinds of wild flavors, including pickle and garlic!

15. Potato Chips

If you’ve never walked down the chip aisle in an American grocery store, you’re really missing out.

First of all, it’s enormous. There are so many brands and varieties with fun flavors and textures.

It would take years to try them all! 

And while you can get chips made out of fruit, peas, and root veggies, the most popular kind are potato chips.

Potato chips are made from thinly sliced deep-fried potatoes – kettle fried or baked are available too.

Some are thicker than others, and some have ruffles to trap more flavor. But they’re all scrummy.

The top flavors include cheese, sour cream & onion, salt & vinegar, and BBQ.

My faves are sweet Maui onion which comes in a purple package. If you can find them, buy like ten bags! You’ll need them!