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An interview with David Simon, creator of the television series the "Deuce" is presented. Particular focus is given to the best advice he ever received, including "don't be afraid to be a fool in the room." Additional topics discussed include his prior work as a reporter, deceased chef and television host Anthony Bourdain and his thoughts on capitalism.

An interview with director Ridley Scott, who directed the films "Prometheus," "Blade Runner," and "Alien" is presented. Scott discusses the universe of the "Alien" movies, how the television show "Mad Men" portrays the advertising industry of the 1960s, and his relationship with the film industry and movie studios. He mentions the box office profits from the film "Blade Runner" and his desire to direct a Western film.

An interview with the political pundit and comedian Bill Maher is presented. Maher discusses the changes that the end of the U.S. presidential administration of George W. Bush will bring to his comedy. Maher describes the state of the U.S. Republican party in 2009 in terms of a conflict between their moderate and conservative wings. Maher addresses the work of Republican Party chairman Michael Steele and conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh in depth.

Cites evidence on the murder of Russian immigrant Konstantin Simberg in Phoenix, Arizona. Impetus to the association of Simberg with Troy Langdon, marketer of human growth hormone drugs; Reason behind the arrest of Simberg in October 2001; Motives behind the murder of Simberg.

This article discusses automobile designer Ed "Big Daddy" Roth. Roth, who created the cartoon icon "Rat Fink," also designed customized hot-rod automobiles, described as "classic Americana." A film detailing Roth's life and designs, titled "Tales of the Rat Fink," was released in 2006 and directed by documentary filmmaker Ron Mann.

This article presents an interview with author Robert Baer about the alternatives for the U.S. to deal with Iran. According to Baer, Iranians are willing to take the risk of their economic destruction to fight the U.S. The political corruption in Iran may lead to internal insurrection against the clerics.

The article presents information on heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev, who is acknowledged as the largest heavyweight champion in history. The seven feet, 330 pound champion has a record of 44-O. Don King, a sports-campaigner who is promoting Valuev's first big-ticket fight in the U.S has rated him as the eighth wonder of the world.

The article focuses on themes being depicted in comics in the U.S. At both Marvel Enterprises Inc. and DC Comics Inc., superheroes are grappling with liberty in a post-September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks world. Marvel's upcoming "Civil War" miniseries starts with a massive national tragedy that leads the government to rule that superheroes are weapons of mass destruction. Captain America and the Fantastic Four have to register with the authorities or become outlaws. Over at DC, the grim "Infinite Crisis" explores similar themes: Paranoid heroes resort to spying on one another and even commit horrific crimes--all in the name of justice, of course.

The article reports that in what may be the first hip-hop album ever recorded in an actual war zone, Sergeant Neal Saunders, a.k.a. Big Neal, and five fellow soldiers cut their tracks while serving in Iraq. The soldiers from 1st Cavalry Division recorded the album on equipment Neal had shipped to Camp War Eagle in Baghdad. Completely pro-soldier, the grunts spare no one from their anger: insurgents, civilians, officers, politicians, peaceniks and rapper-wanksters who claim to be "soldiers." Now out of the Army and back home in Killeen, Texas, Big Neal is working on promoting the album and securing funds for his new studio.

The article offers a retrospective of the year 2011. Various entertainers, journalists, and authors who have made career accomplishments during the year, such as musician Sting, actor Tracy Morgan, and "Adbusters" magazine editor Kalle Lasn, offer commentary about the year's notable events. Topics discussed include the Occupy Wall Street protest movement, the race for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination in the U.S., and the assassination of terrorist leader Osama bin Laden. Also considered are the shooting of U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, the musical release "21" by Adele, and the film "The Descendants."