Every American should watch 'Too Big to Fail'

Trailer

The banking crisis that continues to ripple through -- and rip through -- economies worldwide is a difficult event to understand.

Millions of words have been written on its past and present, most notably by Michael Lewis (his Vaniety Fair piece on the Irish banking collapse is long but well worth reading). But for many people, the back story remains murky and impenetrable. 

That's why HBO's "Too Big to Fail" should be required watching for all Americans. The star-studded movie brilliantly explains a very complex topic with the pace of a thriller. You're on the edge of your seat without knowing you're actually getting a rich history lesson in how greedy banks became overleveraged in tapping a financial house of cards, and how a few dozen people furiously worked to keep the world financial markets from buckling under the pressure. 

Because the developed world likely came within hours of financial collapse, it's important that we all take notice and learn lessons so this crisis doesn't recur. Invest the 1 hour, 45 minutes "Too Big to Fail" takes in documenting the fraud that enveloped America, cost millions their jobs, toppled a few European countries, and who knows what else lies around the corner. 

I won't give away the chilling ending, when William Hurt, starring as Treasury Secretery Henry Paulsen, can't help but feel like the boy with his thumb in the dike. But it's a scene you'll never forget. 

"Too Big to Fail" left me feeling that America -- and the world -- hasn't been this close to such a man-made catastrophe since the Cuban Missile Crisis. I'm hoping we don't have another near miss in my lifetime. 

'Game of Thrones" another terrific HBO hit

Ep.10 - Recap

I'm on vacation and have been wasting time catching up on some backed-up DVR recordings, including HBO's grisly but seductive "Game of Thrones."

The 10-part series based on a fantasy novel concluded Season 1 on Sunday, and left viewers with lots of tasty threads to ponder. Like HBO's "Rome" from a few years ago, "Game of Thrones" is a lavish period piece filled with violence, sex and wonderful political storylines.

And befitting most HBO series, the acting from a large and deep cast is terrific. And, as "The Wire" taught us, don't fall in love with characters because they may not stay long. Case in point is Season 1 lead Sean Bean, whose character Lord Stark was beheaded on orders from a punk kid unsuited for his new role as king. 

If you have HBO, by all means catch this series. If not, look for it on Netflix or the inevitable DVD box set and prep yourself for what looks to be an exciting Season 2.

'What'd I Say' an expensive book but worth the price

"What'd I Say: The Atlantic Story" was given to me as a Christmas gift (thanks, Sandi). I mention that because at $75 list ($52.50 at Amazon.com), this isn't a book I would normally buy myself. But after spending the last five months poring through 560 pages of wonderful photos and recollections of the most famous names in music, I can attest that this history of Atlantic Records is a fantastic investment in time and money. 

At 9.6 pounds, this oversized hardbound is a beast, but you'll appreciate the high-quality paper and crisp reproduction as you savor every inch of every page. Many of the photos come from the Atlantic archives and were previously unpublished. 

Outside of a half-dozen longer chapters written by famed music journalists like Greil Marcus, Robert Christgau and Robert Gordon, most of the text is presented as quotes and vignettes from label execs, musicians, producers and engineers. And it works, making the immersion into Atlantic's rich history of jazz, R&B, soul, rock and disco -- and perhaps equally important, key roles in promoting civil rights from day one -- more of an adventure than a lecture. 

The Coasters, Ornette Coleman, Solomon Burke, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, Cream, Led Zeppelin, CSN&Y, Foreigner, Abba, Matchbox 20, the list goes on and on and on. And on and on. 

Over five decades this was an independent label that kept its oversized personality and feistiness even after being sold and absorbed into the behemoth WEA conglomerate. 

Be forewarned, however: This is not an impartial look at  Atlantic. It was commissioned by Atlantic founder Ahmet Ertegun and his recollections on acts ranging from Ray Charles to Yes to Jewel run throughout. But Ertegun and the book's contributors are smart enough to present more than a few warts amid the highlights that made Atlantic the record label of the last half-century, perhaps for all time. 

I know I'm slobbering at this point, but I can't recommend this book enough. If you're lucky, someone who really loves you will save away for a rainy day and surprise you when you least expect it. It's a gift I'll treasure forever.