Movie: I recently saw a good compilation of short films entitled Robot Stories, four stories joined together by their focus on robots and various takes on love. Thus, it was timely as well, hmm? The stories involved a couple preparing for an adoption with a robot baby; a mom dealt with her comatose son by focusing on toy robots he loved as a boy; an android temp dealing with ridicule from co-workers; and a dying man not wanting to transfer his conscience into a computer as his wife and others have done. Various serious themes are handled with a gentle seriousness. The films also mainly have Asian American actors, which is refreshing in its own way. A fine example of the power and wonder of film.

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Religious Education In Britain: New standards are being drawn up to cover various "non-religious" beliefs [so called because I don't think a belief in God is necessary to have a "religion"] in British schools, where education in religion is part of the obligatory curriculum. In this country, public schools are wary about teaching about religion, given the First Amendment and the touchiness involved. This is understandable but problematic, since in the process a Christian majority misses out on some useful information, while the religious minority does as well. For instance, when I was in Catholic School (yes, I am a survivor), we had a class dealing with Arab Studies ... we actually recited the Muslim statement of faith at the beginning of the class ["There is only one God ... Allah ... and Muhammad is his prophet. Allah be praised" or thereabouts] A small thing, but rather important all the same, and this was long before current events made that sort of thing rather relevant.

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Politics: The Kerry train chugged along this weekend with stops in Nevada and Washington D.C. (Dean won the symbolic voting primary in January, but Kerry won the one that counted with Sharpton coming in second). The next big event is Wisconsin on Tuesday in which he is favored as well, and seems to be destined to be Dean's last stand. As people (and even Dean himself) adapt to this fact, one is left at the moment with one serious Kerry alternative ... John Edwards. Some in Wisconsin feel he is the best candidate and his views on the issues are acceptable to most Democratic voters (suggesting why Dean and Kucinich both like him; for what it is worth, Mosely-Braun endorsed Dean). Kerry is likely to win there too.

I just underline that I don't like the pro forma nature this race so quickly became with people like Gen. Clark saying we should finish things off in mid-February. And, I think others agree, and a real race at least until half of the bloody delegates are chosen would benefit Kerry too. Various candidates keep the pressure on Bush, different themes can be focused on, and Kerry can polish his race with a bit less focus on it by Bush and company. Maybe not, I guess, but I didn't sign on to be spoonfed the most "electable" candidate before I even vote. This is not just a race to defeat the President, but a Democratic Party Primary Season. I would emphasize each word, and feel it ill advised to write off those suspicious of Sen. Kerry. Our differences make our party great, but they are being hidden for some higher good ... which is all fine and all, but the time for that is November, not February.

Anyway, this article suggests the path Democrats should take in foreign policy, and suggests why people should be a bit wary that Rep. Gephardt endorsed Sen. Kerry ... it is a sign of the establishment, old time politician who failed us when it mattered.