The Yearbook Photo That Still Haunts

For a moment let’s simply suppose we’ve never seen the photo before. For this exercise’s sake, let’s forget what we’ve read about Robbie Hawkins.

Erase from memory how he walked into an Omaha mall the week before last. How he took the escalator to the third floor of the tony department store Von Maur filled with holiday shoppers being serenaded by the store’s signature live pianist. How he then pulled out an AK47 and started spraying bullets around the room. How he killed eight very innocent people and then aimed the rifle’s nozzle at himself, ending the carnage and his own misery.

Movies I Love, Part V: “Dr. Strangelove, Or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb”

Stanley Kubrick is not especially known for his sense of humor. In fact, his resume is replete with ponderous works delving into the BIG issues without much dimming perspective. All of which makes Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb more remarkable.

It is at once one of the great films ever made, one of the funniest comedies ever made, one of the most incisive political indictments ever made, a satire most incisive and one of the more visually compelling films ever made. Black and white has never been more resonant.

Was ist das more Cockamamie — Craig, Watson or FEMA?

While it has passed more under the radar than I might expect, it seems to me that this fake FEMA press conference imbroglio says as much about the ethos of our current administration as any of Karl Rove’s machinations.

Surely you heard, right? During the wildfire havoc in southern California, FEMA staged a fake presser to pat itself on the back. Wherein FEMA employees passed themselves off as legit media, tossing softball queries to those in charge of the operation. It’s the kind of scenario frankly that gives fodder to those conspiracy theorists who doubt we ever landed on the moon, that the whole lunar landing deal was staged in a hangar somewhere.

Mitch & The Zealots

Ah, zealotry.

It seems to be the way of the world nowadays. Sigh.

There’s a letter to the editor in Friday’s Courier-Journal from Mitch McConnell. Yes, that Mitch McConnell, you know, one of Kentucky’s two representatives in the United States Senate.

Among the objects of Mitch’s unfettered scorn are MoveOn.org, David Hawpe, Hillary Clinton, pacifists, liberals, and anybody who ever uttered an unflattering word about General David Petraceus.

Mao, Dulles, Gorbachev and Louis Vuitton

The image doesn’t seem unusual at first.

A well-dressed elderly man is riding in the back of a limo. On the seat next to him is a Louis Vuitton bag, containing a newspaper and important papers. Obviously the photo is an advertisement. “Use my bags,” Louis Vuitton hints, “be a man of intellect, importance, wealth and taste.”

Upon closer inspection, one sees a birthmark in the shape of Italy on the man’s forehead. It’s a light bulb moment. The politically observant are prone to rhetorically ask, “What’s wrong with this picture?”

Find Shelter From The Storm

Each of us must have a quiet place, a safe and solemn refuge. A go-to spot where we can chill. Always, but especially in this summer of our discontent.

It should be handy, a room at home away from family tumult, or a sanctuary of sorts but a short stroll away, a getaway for decompression and contemplation.

The Time To Be Heard Is Now

It is prime time for television, half past 9:00 o’clock p.m., just a few hours after the president of the United States has commuted the sentence of a vice presidential aide convicted of a felony against the country.

Not one of the three major cable news networks is discussing the issue. MSNBC and Fox are talking about that wrestler who killed his wife and kid and might have been on steroids at the time. On CNN, Larry King is interviewing that actor who made homophobic slurs against a fellow member of the cast of his TV show and was fired.

Review of “A Mighty Heart”

We mostly remember the names of Oscar-winning films, don’t we? At least with a little help. Or a peak at IMDb.com. So, too, Academy Award-winning actors. Even supporting actors.

But I’d venture to guess that even the most film-addled of you readers out there will be hard pressed to name one film editor who has carried home the statuette from any awards show.

Whither New Orleans? — Update ‘07

New Orleans needs help.

There’s a small Starbucks in Canal Place, a tony shopping mall at the edge of the French Quarter. Last year during April’s JazzFest, the first after Katrina hit, the coffee shop had not reopened. Now it has.

Over the counter, hovering above a sizeable early morning line of turista in need of caffeine, is a sign that reads: “Now Hiring!!! Baristas. Flexible Hours. AM & PM. 401K. Stock Options. Health Insurance. Tuition Reimburse.”

Every Vote For President Counts The Same — Bring It On!

I guess we can trace this new movement — the first seed of which has been planted in Maryland — on that darned cigar.

Have They No Sense Of Decency?

It is true that I am preternaturally inclined to be a liberal, almost defiantly a Democrat.

2, 4, 6, 8 — Let’s Eviscerate!

The Mama Shrew of American punditry is back at it. Long, lean, looker Ann Coulter never met a slur she wouldn’t clutch to her breasts for flashing in her next public pontification. It’s presidential election time so the willowy, blonde, right wing hatemonger will be more than out and about. Unless, of course, she stews in her own bile. We can only wish.