Again, I will deal with a few things here. First, per my quickie comment on the debt ceiling. I really should research this topic a bit more, including reading the extended analysis alluded to by one of the links. Volokh Conspiracy recently covered an obscure issue that I along with others thought was a bit silly -- the alleged invalidity of using an autopen if the President is not true "present" in front of the bill in question. This matter is a bit more serious, but I will get back to it. Anyway, added a few thoughts in response to a comment for that post.
Read the book Silver Linings Playbook, having seen the film on Christmas (not Jewish, but we then went to our traditional Chinese dinner) and liking it overall. Still, was not totally comfortable with the Hollywood cute romantic comedy ending, after early scenes seriously dealt with mental health and family dynamics issues. The book handles things rather differently though the basic characters are the same (e.g., the father played by DeNiro in the film is recognizable, but partially for matters of plot, the film changes his job). I recognize books and films do things differently, so the changes aren't necessarily a problem. Up to a point.
The people I went to see the film thought it dragged after awhile and the book hits a sort of wall about 2/3 of the way through as well. The book does a much better job than the movie to seriously understand the viewpoint of the character here, who comes off less cutely troubled than seriously troubled ... though he has the support that he needs, which is an important message as it is. The dance competition here is also a key milestone, but here there is still a 1/3 of the book left. This 1/3 is still good, if not as strong and raw as the first part.
The book here solely in the guy's voice also again makes you want to know more about Tiffany though we get to know the brother a bit more. Book is touching and amusing and though the ending is more low key, liked it. Overall, recommend the book and people can like both for different reasons though I think the movie could have been stronger with a different lead. The other characters played their parts well though Jennifer Lawrence is much younger than the thirty-something character in the book. The film's ultimate path (including a weird moment where Pat is whispering in his ex's ear) is basically compelled by the Hollywood macho lead while the book is more realistic.
To some scorn, I suggested this very well was legal and not "assassination," but am firmly in support (as are the likes of Jack Goldsmith) of releasing the analysis used. There is no real reason why the memoranda used should not be released. I understand and welcome that Holder and others summarized the basic reasoning. Also, recent comments by a judge ruing on FOIA requests on this matter were overblown. Still, Obama is to be praised for releasing various secret memoranda on national security matters from the Bush years, facing some internal opposition for doing so. He didn't just release a summary of the logic of the memoranda in question. This would be a good time to put up in the same respect regarding something his own administration did.
Finally, the House Republicans have blocked the re-authorization of the Violence Against Women Act, in part over questions regarding the constitutionality of giving more authority of local Native American courts over non-Indians and concerns about giving benefits to undocumented women. A recent heinous rape in the news underlines what is at stake here. See also, this personal account about a commentator I listen to from time to time. Like using gun violence as a strong reminder of just what is at stake, these horrible crimes serve as a reminder that the VAWA should not be held hostage, especially when it passes the Senate by 68 votes. This is strongly "bipartisan" these days.
Read the book Silver Linings Playbook, having seen the film on Christmas (not Jewish, but we then went to our traditional Chinese dinner) and liking it overall. Still, was not totally comfortable with the Hollywood cute romantic comedy ending, after early scenes seriously dealt with mental health and family dynamics issues. The book handles things rather differently though the basic characters are the same (e.g., the father played by DeNiro in the film is recognizable, but partially for matters of plot, the film changes his job). I recognize books and films do things differently, so the changes aren't necessarily a problem. Up to a point.
The people I went to see the film thought it dragged after awhile and the book hits a sort of wall about 2/3 of the way through as well. The book does a much better job than the movie to seriously understand the viewpoint of the character here, who comes off less cutely troubled than seriously troubled ... though he has the support that he needs, which is an important message as it is. The dance competition here is also a key milestone, but here there is still a 1/3 of the book left. This 1/3 is still good, if not as strong and raw as the first part.
The book here solely in the guy's voice also again makes you want to know more about Tiffany though we get to know the brother a bit more. Book is touching and amusing and though the ending is more low key, liked it. Overall, recommend the book and people can like both for different reasons though I think the movie could have been stronger with a different lead. The other characters played their parts well though Jennifer Lawrence is much younger than the thirty-something character in the book. The film's ultimate path (including a weird moment where Pat is whispering in his ex's ear) is basically compelled by the Hollywood macho lead while the book is more realistic.
In Mr. Obama’s first term, Mr. Brennan, 57, has played a central role in the oversight of Mr. Obama’s use of targeted killing of suspected terrorists using drones in Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia. He has become one of the president’s most trusted advisers, and administration officials had said that the C.I.A. job was his for the asking.Apparently, Obama's idea is to pick someone both the left (Brennan) and right (Hagel) finds problematic. The NYT article (see also, e.g., the book Kill or Capture) suggests Brennan is a picked bag, but some are quite concerned about his support or lack of opposition to let's say waterboarding. I'm willing to accept that the truth is somewhat mixed, but if you want to succeed the second time to appoint him for CIA chief, let's get something in return. Brennan played a central role in oversight in targeted killing? Great. Release to Congress the actual legal memoranda used to kill an American citizen.
To some scorn, I suggested this very well was legal and not "assassination," but am firmly in support (as are the likes of Jack Goldsmith) of releasing the analysis used. There is no real reason why the memoranda used should not be released. I understand and welcome that Holder and others summarized the basic reasoning. Also, recent comments by a judge ruing on FOIA requests on this matter were overblown. Still, Obama is to be praised for releasing various secret memoranda on national security matters from the Bush years, facing some internal opposition for doing so. He didn't just release a summary of the logic of the memoranda in question. This would be a good time to put up in the same respect regarding something his own administration did.
Finally, the House Republicans have blocked the re-authorization of the Violence Against Women Act, in part over questions regarding the constitutionality of giving more authority of local Native American courts over non-Indians and concerns about giving benefits to undocumented women. A recent heinous rape in the news underlines what is at stake here. See also, this personal account about a commentator I listen to from time to time. Like using gun violence as a strong reminder of just what is at stake, these horrible crimes serve as a reminder that the VAWA should not be held hostage, especially when it passes the Senate by 68 votes. This is strongly "bipartisan" these days.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for your .02!