News: Calpundit (Dec. 10) had a couple good things to say about the Halliburton oil prices [compare this to questions raised by the Pentagon] and the value of "a big public 'fuck you'" (his words) to France/Germany/Russia in regards to contracts, while the administration was trying to get on their good side on other Iraqi matters. Today he discussed James Baker's appointment to Iraqi economic czar (my label) and musings on how the President might be setting up an exit strategy in time for the '04 elections.

Andy Pettite, who had a very good 2003 World Series (he lost Game 7, 2-0, and nearly pitched a shutout the first game; past history showed a tendency to have only one excellent game, one not so good -- this time he had one excellent game, one darn pretty good), signed with the Houston Astros. Though it will be amusing to see him hit every fifth day, his is a sad passing for Yankee fans. He was one of the few remaining stars from the beginning of the Torre Era, stars with skill and likeability besides. These days both qualities are somewhat lacking with even those with skills not being as likeable (Mussina is a quiet star; Wells' Fifth Game doings is hard to forgive, Bernie Williams seems to be slipping, etc.). New blood will come, but none will quite be akin to seeing Andy up their, eyes steely, and ready to get the team out of yet another bad stretch.

[Many local wags are complaining that the owner was so concerned about getting a big bat and not in retaining his services. The x factor he brings the team is hard to beat, but concern for hitting (heck, fielding might be added, since arguably one of the two runs in that 2-0 loss was by a fielder miscue) is not too surprising. The World Series was not lost because of pitching ... the Cubs showed that the Marlins' pitching staff was hittable. The Yanks made them look just the opposite. Now, maybe Gary Sheffield is a troublemaker, but damn did he look good on the Braves last year.]

The Quiet American is based on a Graham Greene novel and portrays a morality story concerning early American involvement in Vietnam (early 1950s). The movie is a tour de force for Michael Caine, who was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance. Brendan Fraser also shows his acting chops in a rare dramatic role. I personally found it hard going early on, perhaps not in a mood for its slow moving style. On the other hand, I found the audio commentary (the two actors and various other people involved in the movie took part) excellent. It was not like others I listened to in that it was more a story of how the film was made, not a discussion of the action as it went on per se. It was very informative and enjoyable anyway. Other extras including reviews of the book (all in some part negative -- the movie seems to have improved upon it, if the reviews are any way to judge) and a timeline of historical events.