Robert Reich Is Not Wrong
Robert Reich warns that Americans must choose between democracy and dictatorship
America Doesn't Elect Kings
This edition tackles the alarming rise of authoritarianism in America and its historical implications.
I've Always Had An Interest in Politics
I'm reflecting on my lifelong passion for politics amid a chaotic landscape in America.
America First by H.W. Brands
H.W. Brands’s new book, America First: Roosevelt vs. Lindbergh in the Shadow of War, is essential reading as it sheds a new light on the isolationist vs. interventionist battle.
Sleepless Nights
Politics, politics, and yes, more politics
A Promised Land by Adam Jortner
Jewish Patriots, the American Revolution, and the Birth of Religious Freedom
A Letter to Mitch McConnell from a Native Kentuckian
I urge Senator McConnell to stand against the rising tide of anti-transgender oppression in America.
Frightened, Scared, and Terrified
Trans Rights are Human Rights
We're Now Living in Fascist America
Antisemitism and Transphobia have NO PLACE in America
Book Reviews: Catching Up on Reading...
A roundup of book reviews as 2024 comes to an end.
Book Review: How the West Became Antisemitic
Ivan G. Marcus’s new book, How the West Became Antisemitic: Jews and the Formation of Europe, 800-1500, offers some insight into how medieval anti-Judaism evolved into modern-day antisemitism.
Trans Rights Are Human Rights
Federally Mandated Transphobia Will Force Me To Move
Book Review: A Path to Peace by George Mitchell and Alon Sachar
A Brief History of Israeli-Palestinian Negotiations and a Way Forward in the Middle East
This Has Been A Long Month
Reading and writing updates, election anxiety, and a no-brainer presidential endorsement this month.
Back to DC in November?
Stand Together on November 10 and a busy October with Jewish holidays
One Year Since October 7
Reflecting on the grim anniversary of October 7 and the ongoing fight against antisemitism.
A Rebranding and More
I've rebranded my newsletter and am diving into book reviews alongside other commentary.
Where Do We Go From Here?
BRING THEM HOME NOW!
DNC 2024: On the Sidelines in Chicago
Recapping the 2024 DNC in Chicago from the sidelines
Jewish Transphobia is Awful
There is no place for Jewish transphobia!
Olympics, Reading, and More
A deep dive into the 2024 Paris Olympics, baseball books, film reviews, and political commentary.
Reading, Reading, and More Reading
Baseball books, film festival memories, and political commentary - all in one jam-packed edition!
June is Over...
A jam-packed update: Olympics prep, film reviews, home entertainment releases, book reviews, interviews, news, and streaming updates!
Book Review: They Call Me Goose by Jack Givens
They Call Me Goose: My Life in Kentucky Basketball and Beyond by Jack Givens with Doug Brunk (University Press of Kentucky) I recently read Jack Givens’...
U.S. Olympic Trials Kick Into Full Gear
Coverage of US Olympic Trials and more
Book Review: The Ambassador by Yehuda Avner and Matt Rees
Riveting alternate history novel "The Ambassador" explores a world where Israel's independence takes place 10 years earlier.
Book Review: It Could Happen Here by Jonathan Greenblatt
Greenblatt's book warns of rising hate in America and provides strategies to dismantle it.
How Is May Already Over?
This month's edition covers film reviews, TV reviews, and book reviews, along with personal reflections.
An Apology
(If you are receiving a yearly/founding subscription, you can disregard this message. This is intended solely for monthly subscribers) If you received a...
Hate Has No Home In Protesting
Hate Has No Home Here I know that many people have subscribed to me for my thoughts on film but here’s the thing: it’s really hard to discuss film right now....
Iran Attacks Israel
Israel under attack by Iran; US support unwavering.
Kentucky Hires Mark Pope as Men's Basketball Coach
Mark Pope named head coach of Kentucky men's basketball, bringing hope for championship glory.
Antisemitism Is Taking A Physical Toll
Trans Jews Belong Here The following is being sent out after friends asked if they could share my Facebook post. If I want something to be sharable, I'll...
It's Somehow April
Exploring Jerusalem's historical sites, from Tayelet Haas Promenade to the City of David, with a side of film reviews and MLB updates.
Shavuah Tov from Jerusalem
Exploring Jerusalem in times of tension...
I'm A Proud Jew And Would Never Refute It
The outrage over a Jewish filmmaker and his controversial comments at the 96th Oscars.
Antisemitism Since October 7
The struggle of being a Jewish and Zionist activist in the face of rising antisemitism.
Interviews Republished
Republished interviews from "Above the Line"
Below the Line, Above the Line, and A Warning
Behind the scenes of film journalism at Below the Line and Above the Line.
Awards Season and More
Guild winners point to "Oppenheimer" as Best Picture front-runner; Nolan likely to win first Oscar for Best Director.
Antisemitism, Blazing Saddles Turns 50, and The Beatles
There is zero joy that comes in receiving antisemitic death threats. It takes time away from doing other things that need to get done, which impacts the...
An Opportunity to Bear Witness in Israel
Western Wall in Jerusalem Sundance has come and gone but I have an opportunity to bear witness in Israel in mid-March. However, the only way that I can make...
Sundance, Oscars, and More
A view of Main Street during the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. Photo by Anjelica Jardiel. Apologies for the massive delay since my last update earlier this...
Marx Brothers and More
Chico Marx, Groucho Marx, and Harpo Marx in A Night in Casablanca. Courtesy of Shout! Factory. I started off the new year with a number of comedies and got...
SATM is Now on Buttondown
George Clooney in Hail, Caesar! Courtesy of Universal Pictures. Solzy at the Movies has made the transition from Substack to Buttondown in response to...
The George Clooney Retrospective Kicks Off Today
John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson, George Clooney in O Brother, Where Art Thou? © 2000 Touchstone Pictures. I decided to kick off something of a George Clooney...
Substackers Against Nazis
Hi readers—Below is a letter to the Substack founders that a group of Substack publishers wrote seeking answers to questions about the platforming and...
Chanukah Celebrations Are Getting Cancelled In 2023
Hanukkah on Rye. Photo credit: Thomas Fricke. ©2022 Hallmark Media. It’s very infuriating to hear that not only are public Chanukah celebrations being...
LA Dispatch #1
Air FYC screening at the DGA Theater. The nice thing about having a mostly empty schedule for Friday night and Saturday was being able to spend a nice and...
Julianna Marguiles Calls Out Left-Wing Antisemitism
Julianna Margulies in "The Morning Show," now streaming on Apple TV+. Julianna Marguiles recently called out left-wing antisemitism during a recent podcast...