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I'm Stephen Metcalf, and this is the Slate Culture Gap Fest. I'll have what she's having edition.

It's Wednesday, July 4th, 2012.

On today's program, the new Steven Soderberg film, Magic Mike.

And then we remember the essayist and filmmaker Nora Ephron.

And finally, June Thomas joins us to talk about Anderson Cooper and the politics and mores of In and Out.

Joining me today are Slate's deputy editor, Julia Turner. Hello, Julia. Hi, Steve. And, of course, Slate's film critic, Dana, Stephen, tell you. Let's start with you and Magic Mike.

Steve is cackling with glee in anticipation of this segment.

I am.

It was so hunk-tastic.

What can you say?

So anyway, Magic Mike, as we said, was directed by Steven Soderberg.

It's starring Channing Tatum as the title character.

It's based loosely on his own experience.

As a stripper in Florida, he also co-produces the film, and it's written or co-written by his producing partner.

So it has autobiographical elements.

Before we start talking about it, why don't we listen to a clip?

You don't have anything sharp on you that I can stick myself with, Dee?

No.

Good.

Because I do.

...