Opinion and Commentary
Walking Dead Season Finale – “Welcome to the Tombs” – Review & Recap
March 31, 2013 | Eric ShapiroThe Walking Dead has come a long way since its first season. Hell, it’s come a long way in the second half of Season 3. Back in October 2010, the show, based on the well-loved comic book series of the same name by Robert Kirkman, got off to a promising start. Directed by Frank Darabont, the first episode was a masterpiece of tension, a legitimately horrific portrayal of a post-apocalyptic America infested with zombies, as seen through the eyes of small-town cop and series star Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln). Read More
Game of Thrones Season 3 Premiere – “Valar Dohaeris” – Review & Recap
March 31, 2013 | Eric ShapiroWarning: This review contains spoilers from “Valar Dohaeris” as well as Game of Thrones Seasons 1 & 2
Fans of Game of Thrones’ first two seasons should not be surprised that the premiere of Season 3 is a bit slow. With so many characters … Read More
New York Mets vs. Houston Astros: Pitcher Jonathan Niese Leads Boys in Blue to 6-2 Victory
March 28, 2013 | Mike MandelkernCross-Published With Mets on My Mind (@MetsOnMyMind)
Jonathan Niese, the Mets’ opening day starter, took the mound on Tuesday against the Houston Astros in a 6-2 victory for the New York Mets.
He held them scoreless through 4 1/3 innings with … Read More
Game of Thrones Season 3 Primer: New Characters
March 27, 2013 | Eric ShapiroThis article contains major spoilers from Seasons 1 of 2 of HBO’s acclaimed fantasy TV series Game of Thrones and minor ones from Season 3 (only what’s necessary to provide a basic background for the new characters).
What Game of Thrones Season 3 MUST Get Right (Spoilers) Read More
William Ryman’s “Bird” Sculpture Lands in Flatiron Near Madison Square Park
March 26, 2013 | Tod ShapiroLet’s welcome artist William Ryman’s “Bird” sculpture to the Madison Square Park area and the Flatiron District for the next few weeks!
The imposing creation, composed of oversized nails, is a welcome companion to the flesh, blood, and feathered avian variety all of us at the New York City Seminar and Conference Center (NYCSCC) fraternize with in our sojourns through Madison Square Park. Along with our fellow New Yorkers, we hope that it is a harbinger of spring. Read More
Sequester: The Tragic Folly of President Obama’s Tried-and-Failed Negotiating Strategy, Pt. 1
March 25, 2013 | Eric ShapiroOn the heels of an inauguration speech widely celebrated by liberals and progressives, President Obama almost immediately fell back into some of the same patterns that hampered his first term agenda. Despite a more aggressive posture, a candidate who talked a good game about changing the country proved reluctant to alter his own governing style to meet the challenge.
Five Reasons the New York Knicks Face a Steep Climb in the NBA Playoffs
March 20, 2013 | Flatironhot ContributorBy Brendan McNamara
With a little over a month remaining in the 2013 NBA season, the New York Knicks have had a tremendous year, making basketball relevant while making their way to a championship. MVP discussions surround Carmelo Anthony and the team as a whole.
What it Means to “Not Believe in” Climate Change
March 19, 2013 | Eugene KaplanFlatiron Hot! is honored to have renowned scientist Eugene H. Kaplan, the author of several Peterson Field Guides as well as memoirs charting his global travels as a researcher and activist (take a look at his works on Amazon here), contributing a weekly column on scientific issues of interest to layman readers.
Pitcher Shaun Marcum Throws Steady Game for New York Mets
March 18, 2013 | Mike MandelkernOriginally published on Mets On My Mind
Shaun Marcum, a veteran of the Toronto Blue Jays and the Milwaukee Brewers, is the only significant free agent purchase the New York Mets made during the off-season.
He is projected to be a more consistent pitcher than last year’s back-of-the-rotation starter, Chris Young. Still, R.A. Dickey was one of a kind and Marcum cannot be expected to single-handedly replace his production.
Indie Rock Review: Above The Fold Band – Deep End of Down – “Press On” Review
March 11, 2013 | Eric ShapiroOriginally published on indieshuffle
In an album loaded with angst and heartache, “Press On” provides a much-needed dose of unrestrained optimism.
From its opening drum roll to its final chorus, this standout track exudes positive energy, suggesting that for all the sorrows chronicled throughout Above the Fold’s debut album, Deep End of Down, guitarist/vocalist Sean Gibson sees a light at the end of the tunnel.