Topic: Robin Williams

President Obama smoked pot in high school. Why is he against legalizing marijuana?

A new biography details Barack Obama's use of marijuana in high school and college, not unusual for a young man at that time. As president, Obama has taken a tougher line on drug use, including marijuana for medical reasons.

Good Reads: on the politics of language, Genghis Khan, and the Beastie Boys

This week's reading list includes a book review on how we use and abuse language, leadership tips from Genghis Khan, and a tribute to the late hip hop master and peace activist, Adam Yauch. 

10 great movies by Steven Spielberg

As his direction of 'War Horse' gets awards buzz, here are 10 of Spielberg's best films

Fall 2011 movie preview

The 2011 Fall Movie Season is here, and we have your guide to all the films keeping you warm at the theater, complete with images, release dates, and our recommendations!

Mila Kunis says yes to date with Marine who asked via YouTube

Milas Kunis accepted a YouTube invitation from Marine Corps Sgt. Scott Moore to attend the Marine Corps Ball in North Carolina in November. If she does attend, Kunis will become the latest addition to the tradition of Hollywood stars entertaining US troops.

Nick Offerman of 'Parks and Recreation' offers his views on life, Los Angeles and his character, Ron Swanson

In an interview with 'Parks and Recreation' star Nick Offerman, one can’t help but be struck by the eloquence and sincerity of his words. So get ready, because if, based on Ron, you think you know Offerman, you’re in for a surprise.

Top picks: Randy Bachman on the radio, 'Breadcrumb Trail' app, Kings of Leon's 'Come Around Sundown,' and more

Guitarist 'Randy Bachman's Vinyl Tap' on the radio, iPhone app 'Breadcrumb Trail,' new album from Kings of Leon 'Come Around Sundown,' and more recommendations.

The NFL's weak response

Instead of creating clear, in-game disincentives for player violence, the NFL has created nebulous new penalties.

Growing Up Laughing

Marlo Thomas remembers her own childhood even as she asks top comics: “How did you become funny?”

Harlan Ellison talks about unfinished business

Harlan Ellison – the fabled sci-fi writer credited with the best-ever episode of "Star Trek" – says he's coming to the end.

Can 'The Town' be top of the Hub? Top 5 Boston-based movies

The Red Sox may be struggling to make the playoffs this season, but Boston is a perennial box-office favorite. The latest Boston-based film to hit silver screens is "The Town," starring and directed by local boy Ben Affleck.

The top 10 Boston-based films, ranked by US box-office receipts, includes the Sox-centered "Fever Pitch," according to Turner Classic Movies and IMDB.com. Also on the list is the 1968 version of "The Thomas Crown Affair" starring Steve McQueen, which was shot on Boston's Beacon Hill. Do your favorite Boston films make the top 5?

Japan: Dolphin hunt protest canceled due to threats

Japan dolphin hunt: The star of 'The Cove,' a documentary about a Japanese dolphin hunt, is back in Japan to protest the slaughter but had to cancel his trip to the village at the center of the controversy because of threats.

Blumenthal shows why we're still fighting the Vietnam War

Decades after the Vietnam War, the question haunts many men of the baby-boom generation, including Richard Blumenthal: 'What did you do in the war?'

E.C. Segar: Why Popeye popped onto Google's homepage

Popeye, the spinach-gulping sailor, celebrates E.C. Segar on Google today.

Obama to Letterman: 'I was actually black before the election'

The Jay Leno Show and the rise of political humor

Jay Leno's new show debuts tonight and features a Washington-based political correspondent.

Review: 'World's Greatest Dad'

Robin Williams plays the lead in this dour comedy that has flashes of deadpan outrageousness.

When has a book inspired you to action?

Review: 'Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian'

Pumped-up sequel still manages to turn a magical idea into an uninspired theme park.

Review: 'Observe and Report'

Dark comedy swerves uneasily between violence and goofiness as an egotistic mall cop grapples with anger issues.

Six Picks: Recommendations from the Monitor staff

A new CD of foot-stomping gospel, a DVD of classic fairy tales with an irreverent twist, a Spanish author's latest love story, and more.