Undoubtedly, this will be an interesting confirmation process. Let's just say for now, I am a big, big fan of this selection. I'll have more to say on this a little later, but for now, to help you wade through the shrill media I give you this.
http://www.scotusblog.com/wp/judge-sotomayors-appellate-opinions-in-civil-cases/
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
It's spring time, so naturally a man's thoughts turn to...
Emile Hirsch.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdLFxG01TEjOJPbcjW31Dux74LASTgmqlMNbM4fW-KIOaVsske7Gt3OpcW1Aihkr0x7BpWDQpH6ZwqSrw6wJDz4QNSRiqo9EhRy3qe6IzzanWlyTp_m0DtU0-1N5P-7PWzXY69S-FdHuX/s320/emile_hirsch_alpha_dog.jpg)
What?
Yes, that's right, I have been thinking about Emile Hirsch. Actually, to be more accurate I have been thinking about "Into the Wild" and Emile Hirsch.
I just watched the movie again on DVD the other night, I had seen it in the theater, and I really, really liked it even more on the second viewing.
I read the book a number of years ago and just bought a copy to read again because my I either gave my first copy away, it got destroyed, or I lost it at any one of a thousand strip joints or burger places I have visited in the last 10 years.
In watching the film again I was struck by the fact that Emile Hirsch, occupying the screen by himself for a fair portion of the movie, not only didn't bother me but actually did an admirable job in a very challenging role. Pretty impressive for the guy that heretofore was only known to me as the kid in "The Girl Next Door."
So the question, or questions, to which I do not think there are answers are as follows:
Was "Into the Wild" an excellent film because of Emile Hirsch or in spite of him? Is it great because Sean Penn is a great director, or just because the source material for the film is so fascinating? Or, is it simply cool to watch because of the breathtaking landscapes?
These are the questions keeping me up at night.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdLFxG01TEjOJPbcjW31Dux74LASTgmqlMNbM4fW-KIOaVsske7Gt3OpcW1Aihkr0x7BpWDQpH6ZwqSrw6wJDz4QNSRiqo9EhRy3qe6IzzanWlyTp_m0DtU0-1N5P-7PWzXY69S-FdHuX/s320/emile_hirsch_alpha_dog.jpg)
What?
Yes, that's right, I have been thinking about Emile Hirsch. Actually, to be more accurate I have been thinking about "Into the Wild" and Emile Hirsch.
I just watched the movie again on DVD the other night, I had seen it in the theater, and I really, really liked it even more on the second viewing.
I read the book a number of years ago and just bought a copy to read again because my I either gave my first copy away, it got destroyed, or I lost it at any one of a thousand strip joints or burger places I have visited in the last 10 years.
In watching the film again I was struck by the fact that Emile Hirsch, occupying the screen by himself for a fair portion of the movie, not only didn't bother me but actually did an admirable job in a very challenging role. Pretty impressive for the guy that heretofore was only known to me as the kid in "The Girl Next Door."
So the question, or questions, to which I do not think there are answers are as follows:
Was "Into the Wild" an excellent film because of Emile Hirsch or in spite of him? Is it great because Sean Penn is a great director, or just because the source material for the film is so fascinating? Or, is it simply cool to watch because of the breathtaking landscapes?
These are the questions keeping me up at night.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Just Because.....
I was in the bookstore this evening browsing through the newsstand and amongst all the tripe (I mean c'mon, it's 2009, why are there six magazines that have something freaking "Star Wars" related on the cover? How many magazines dedicated to knitting outfits for teddy bears does the world need?) I saw that Neko Case was on the cover of "Acousic Guitar" magazine. I tried to find the image online but was unable to find that particular picture. You should be able to see it if you click on the link.
She was also on the cover of "Paste" a month or so ago.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHE38Tt1qE2rcYox22EeLZ3A7bSGeAb2TF-2aSgG5ta2L_mLsobbV2IcpnxSan3bfaDE16qbchaPjWJxiyi6bkPbBPQuaCF9S4hQGDkj-BXo8dyMqj26elyR7aWUzlC-cGE5PzIm81bxZP/s320/neko.jpg)
It's no secret, except to maybe Neko herself, that I am truly, madly, deeply, hopelessly, and irrevocably madly in love with Neko Case. I saw her twice in the last six months. Once at First Ave. back in the fall and just recently at the State Theater. The former show was better than the latter but I was in Neko bliss on both occassions nonetheless.
"It was so clear to me
that it was almost invisible.
I lie across the path waiting,
just for a chance to be a spiderweb
trapped in your lashes.
For that, I would trade you my empire for ashes.
But I choke it back,
how much I need love..."
She was also on the cover of "Paste" a month or so ago.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHE38Tt1qE2rcYox22EeLZ3A7bSGeAb2TF-2aSgG5ta2L_mLsobbV2IcpnxSan3bfaDE16qbchaPjWJxiyi6bkPbBPQuaCF9S4hQGDkj-BXo8dyMqj26elyR7aWUzlC-cGE5PzIm81bxZP/s320/neko.jpg)
It's no secret, except to maybe Neko herself, that I am truly, madly, deeply, hopelessly, and irrevocably madly in love with Neko Case. I saw her twice in the last six months. Once at First Ave. back in the fall and just recently at the State Theater. The former show was better than the latter but I was in Neko bliss on both occassions nonetheless.
"It was so clear to me
that it was almost invisible.
I lie across the path waiting,
just for a chance to be a spiderweb
trapped in your lashes.
For that, I would trade you my empire for ashes.
But I choke it back,
how much I need love..."
Breaking News
I can't say I am shocked, or even surprised, just maybe a little disappointed. Manny Ramirez has tested positive for PEDs and will be suspended for 50 games.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpiGaqarXMXkIsO3wD0CqrHD5k1EjC6-e47xSZ7oqJorgs12VW2horrKgaBFTGSBYWtGCE18gBpxMtg7AH9tX10SP-Zw2QRvbwbFtwYyh4h6zRqzzU2tUy8bW9NEKMJtLH8XcRZPh_YGfa/s320/MannyRamirez.jpg)
Please let Albert be, and remain, clean. I would like to retain a little bit of a spirit of innocence.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpiGaqarXMXkIsO3wD0CqrHD5k1EjC6-e47xSZ7oqJorgs12VW2horrKgaBFTGSBYWtGCE18gBpxMtg7AH9tX10SP-Zw2QRvbwbFtwYyh4h6zRqzzU2tUy8bW9NEKMJtLH8XcRZPh_YGfa/s320/MannyRamirez.jpg)
Please let Albert be, and remain, clean. I would like to retain a little bit of a spirit of innocence.
The NBA playoffs
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Follow up
Slate ran a companion piece to that FP article of best films dealing with international relations that I referenced earlier.
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