I've posted here about the latest development in the race for the Indiana governorship. Kernan has been totally mum on whether he'll run, but support seems to be coalescing around him anyway (although it doesn't look like Joe Andrew had much choice in the matter). His selection of Kathy Davis for his old job may have been a masterful political move, even though she was hailed as a non-political choice.
Here's a transcript of a CNN interview with Michael Newdow, the lawyer who's brought the suit over the pledge of allegiance. I got the link from Howard Bashman, who breaks out the most interesting part, explaining that Justice Scalia has recused himself and speculating on his reasons. On the face of it, this seems like a good development, but Scalia isn't exactly known for setting aside his political agenda when it's inconvenient. Is it possible he already knows how the court will rule?
Haggai has a couple of good posts on Kill Bill and the hysterical reviews it's received. I saw the movie the other night and thought it was spectacular... it's definitely his most playful film yet, but at the same time there are scenes more gorgeous than anything I ever expected from somebody like him. I will say though that I was truly shocked by the violence - it really was more than I was prepared for, and I can't remember ever saying that about a movie before. I guess it doesn't help that I'm squeamish about amputations.
And BigOldGeek bemoans the Sun-Times's decision to publsh the name of the poor fool who spoiled game six for the Cubs - along with details about his life and clues as to where he lives. He's right, this man is going to be in mortal danger in just a couple hours... as I write the Cubs are down 9-6 in the eighth.
I'm sure some people will find a way to blame that Game 6 fan for forcing Kerry Wood to give up 7 runs in Game 7.
I was also pretty stunned by some of the violence in Kill Bill, but a second viewing allowed me to bask in the glow of all the great stuff (especially the music, as my first blog post almost entirely focused on) without being taken aback or on edge about whatever blood-soaked craziness was coming next.
I definitely think there was a big psychological shadow from that incident. This is not to say they're not responsible for going out and losing the game, but I'm pretty sympathetic to their whole situation...
I'm sure be seeing Kill Bill again in the theatre, so hopefully I'll have the same experience you had. I'll probably pick up a copy of the soundtrack too... the compilations for his other movies have always been pretty kickass.
Yeah, the soundtrack CD is great. On the movie's official website, there's a PDF file of production notes for the media that you can read. Tarantino confirmed my suspicion in there about the song that opens the movie, sung by Nancy Sinatra. The lyrics seem as if they were written with the movie in mind, even though they're from almost 40 years ago. The explanation, of course, is the reverse, as he confirms in those media notes. He always wanted that song in there and had it in mind as he put the movie together.
Re: Scalia's recusal
Granted, I'm quite prone to suspecting ulterior motives from Scalia. However, if he opts out of this case and it founders on a 4-4 vote, it preserves it as a potent symbolic campaign issue for Bush, who isn't likely to be able to run on any economic or foreign policy successes. Look for the Ten Commandments and gay marriage to start popping up more and more, as well.
This could well be like the Russian retreat in WWII, hoping that the Nazi army would follow into the teeth of the Russian winter.
Post a comment