Film: Something's Gotta Give is the new Diane Keaton/Jack Nicholson comedy with Amanda Peet and Keanu Reeves (as a doctor!) in support and Frances McDormand having a much too small role (great actress ... see her in all her glory in Laurel Canyon). I did not care for it. It was in my opinion, if not those with me (who have somewhat different tastes), forced and not very funny. The movie also had those "hmm, well the plot requires this to happen" moments, some so blatant (as is the movie's theme) that you are almost spoonfed them. A symbolic example is one found in most advertisements -- when Jack accidently walks in when Keaton (or her body double) is nude. Keaton overreacts in response as does Nicholson. The movie also drags. Sad really, since the stars are likeable, and they all deserve better.

Politics: An interesting thread on Dean vs. Kerry's position on the Oct. 2002 Iraq Resolution starts here. Of particular interest to me personally was the breakdown in communication between me and a Kerry supporter ("zinya"), especially as the thread continued. [See also here.] It is a clear case of what I call being on "different wavelengths," but it's healthy to get these things out in the open. Furthermore, it is a basic issue splitting the Democrats these days -- being on different pages, even when reading the same books, so to speak. If one adds to the fact that many are not fully informed about all the issues involved (no easy task), some are misinformed, and so forth, it's a bit of a mess. Clean-up on aisle five!

Talking about messes, aside from the NY Giants (better left unmentioned), there is a big mess outside. The weather worked well for the NY Jets, who were eliminated all the same, but one takes what one gets. Still, it looks like we here will have a slew of snowstorms, followed quickly (today, the same day) by rain or warmth, so soon enough it's like it never really happened. Now, if only it snowed the right day ... the family homestead put up the tree and all, and the presents are coming in the mail, so the big day is clearly rapidly approaching. Let's hope the weather works out.

Comics: I post a funny one below, but to mention another strip, the return of Opus is a bit sad. Bloom County was a funny strip that is fondly remembered, but at some point the cartoonist felt it went its course. Calvin and Hobbes went that route as well, so one has to accept such things. Berke Breathed, however, decided to return with a replacement starring Opus and his dyspeptic cat friend. It was pretty lame and looked cheap. Now, Opus alone seems to be the star of his new strip. I don't care for it, also thinking it looks cheap and pretty lame. Am I being too critical? I have my moments, but no, I don't care for it.