Kerry Bashing: I responded to an attack (from a Bush hater at that) that claims Kerry is a habitual liar. As my second reply to criticisms of my far from effusive defense suggests, it turns out his "lie" actually turns out to be rather true. While on the message board, I responded to a cheap shot at Kerry not having a platform. The person I challenged might not be my political persuasion, but on some level I see his point [as is suggested by my second reply], but why express it in such a snarky fashion? Past experience suggests some inability to hide his disdain, even though deep down, there is someone you can debate reasonably. Since this describes me to some extent, I can't be too critical, but it is an easy way to rub someone the wrong way.

[Update: To clarify a bit, this matter involved Sen. Kerry stating he voted for a Cuban Embargo law. He didn't vote on the final version. This was deemed by Tim Noah (on record of not being a big fan of the President) at Slate as a "whopper" and a symbol of his "wont" to lie. It turns out that Kerry did vote for the law, but not the Conference Report because of a particular element that he found troubling, which by the way has yet to be used. Good example of his "caveat" tendencies, but surely not a lie. If "friendly" columnists are going to be like this, it's going to be a long seven and a half months. Discussion with link to blog pointing out the nuances involved, here.]

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Broken Wings: Daphne and her four children try to cope with the abrupt death of husband/father. As the family seems to fall apart, a sudden incident gives them a chance to heal their 'broken wings.' Excellent film ... the only thing that makes it a "foreign" film is that it was made in Israel. The family and its problems could be from the states. One more reason why more people should give foreign films a chance, subtitles and all. [My younger brother, no bibliophile he, saw The Passion recently ... on the request of a friend. Thought it okay, but then, he's okay with subtitles -- he's used to them from Japanese animation videos.]

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News From The Camp Nowhere: The Observer's David Rose hears the Tipton Three give a harrowing account of their captivity in Cuba [Thanks to BTC News for the link]. Note also, the new link to the right ... Sadly No.