O.K. a milestone today. Salon posted one of my letters. Since I love Salon enough to pay for a subscription, it was nice to see my thoughts woven into the fabric of their most delightful online magazine. The letter (here in its entirety) was a reply to an excellent Dan Kois article about the cult classic Donnie Darko (newly released in a Director's Cut). "First off, thanks to Dan Kois for filling in the blanks on this compelling and confounding movie. I will have to check out the director's cut if only to enjoy a bunch of "Aha!" moments offered by his insights. That said, I think the Byzantine nature of the Tangent Universe puzzle is very similar in structure to God's challenge with Job. The point is not simply to save the universe, but to offer Donnie a chance at healing his fractured spirit. As Kois points out, Darko is a troubled young man (and not chemically imbalanced, as Thurman later reveals). While in Tangent Middlesex, Darko uncovers insigh...

It's been more than a year since the accusation was made and I have to wonder why this case is still on the docket. According to recent reports, the accuser has considered dropping the charges because of her lack of confidence in her safety and well-being. In light of the death threats resulting from numerous accidental leaks that have spread her name across the globe, I can't blame her. On the other hand, this case has seen some major bombshells dropped and none of them look good for the prosecution. Consider today's incredible ruling... The accuser's sexual conduct during the three days before her exam can be introduced at trial. That's huge. In a state with the most restrictive rape shield laws in the U.S., that's an incredible win for the defense. Of course, this ruling came after another dramatic turn. The accuser sent text messages to her ex-boyfriend within hours of the encounter. Perhaps 15 people know what the messages say, but the boyfriend...

Isn't it ironic? Fox News, Limbaugh, et al shriek about Michael Moore as a liar and presenter of a distorted view of "the facts," yet perpetuate a daily deluge of craptastic "journalism" which is devoid of any sense of fairness or balance. I can't decide if it's merely disingenuous, grotesquely manipulative or intellectually cowardly to couch one's perspective as a breathlessly shrill tirade that attempts to outshout a competitive point of view. It reminds me of Eddie Izzard's hialrious comedy special "Dressed to Kill" where he maintains that most Americans don't really know the words to our national anthem, they merely pantomime gibberish while looking really confident and firmly gesticulating. These Foxnewsian talking heads play the role of Plato's shadow puppeteers while legions of patriotic Americans are held rapt by their antics. Michael Moore may not be balanced in his arguments and, indeed, heads down many a blin...

Why does the Presidential circus continue to captivate me every election cycle? Haven't I grown a bit numb from the same game being played every leap year? It's like the callous on my heel... shouldn't layer after jaded layer of incredulity shield me from getting caught up in the maelstrom of lies, fractured promises and jingoistic flag-waving? Can I pose another question without offering any answer? I am flabbergasted that this election hinges on anything other than this bastard of a "war" in which we're engaged. Not that there aren't other things to be upset over, but am I the only one wondering why "impeachment" isn't being whispered in the alabaster halls of Washington DC? Saw "The Hunting of the President" a few weeks ago and it opened afresh the old Clinton wounds. They impeached his oversexed ass because he lied about a BLOW JOB. Yet, we're locked into a political morASS because a morON ignored prudent data an...

I've pondered creating one of these things for a while now. "Ender's Game" started my fascination. The idea that Peter and Valentine (children!!!) could shape public opinion with insightful essays posted via ansible to the "net" was a romantically captivating idea for me. But it's almost equally alluring to procrastinate. Alas, I have fallen prey to a surge of "social responsibility" to throw my musings into the ether and see if I can become as revered as "Locke" or "Demosthenes." So, here we go. Please keep your rants and musings in the full upright position as we approach the runway for take off. I hope you enjoy the flight.