The Beaver

Last night we watched Jodie Foster's "The Beaver", a stunning examination of the impact mental illness has on a family. It's the rare script I wish I could take credit for, and Mel Gibson's nuanced performance was spellbinding. He is a man of incredible talent, & kudos to Foster for thumbing her nose @ the powers that be and casting him. A++

Pearl Harbor Christmas: A World at War December 1941 by Stanley Weintraub

I finished reading "Pearl Harbor Christmas: A World at War December 1941" by Stanley Weintraub. It's an account of the first month the US spent in WWII, and while it was a decent read I'd classify it as "History Lite" (think a one hour PBS special, as opposed to an in-depth, well sourced treatise). 

Anyhow, I did enjoy the breathtaking story of the "Robert E Peary", a freighter that escaped Japanese detection in the Pacific, survived fierce friendly fire, and managed to limp into Port Darwin, Australia nearly intact.

Smiley and his lady

Smiley and his "wife" of two years, Tempe

Gizmo

Gizzie ~ How odd to think this cat out lived Maddie , Cocoa and everyone else !! Stolen any ham lately :) - Katie 

Five Chiefs: A Supreme Court Memoir by John Paul Stevens

I finished reading 'Five Chiefs: A Supreme Court Memoir' by retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens. I learned a lot about the workings of the court, but it was so dry that it seems doomed to be forgotten.

Oops

Graphic seen on ABC Nightly News w/ Diane Sawyer: 'Choas reigns on Campus' (sic). Sctuff like that didn't happen when Peter Jennings was alive, let me tell ya.

A People of Hope: Archbishop Timothy Dolan in conversation with John L. Allen Jr

I finished reading "A People of Hope: Archbishop Timothy Dolan in conversation with John L. Allen Jr". It's a book length interview w/ Dolan on many of the issues concerning the Church today. A great read, tempered by Allen's tendency to insert pop culture references into his commentary. I love Dolan's theory of "affirmative orthodoxy" btw.

Elecktra Luxx

Watched "Elecktra Luxx" a film about a recently retired porn star, an adoring blogger/fan, a cheating housewife, and a dead rock star. You'd think it would be raunchy and vulgar, but you know what? It was kind of sweet, and oddly Catholic. Really. A respect for the unborn, an emphasis on love and relationships, and even sincere prayers to the Virgin Mary. An entertaining if odd little film.

I honestly never thought I'd see the day

Penn State has fired Joe Paterno . . .

Green Lantern

BTW, watched 'Green Lantern' last night. If u forget the embarrassing exposition that started the movie, and closed ur eyes 2 some of the script's weaknesses, it was actually pretty darn entertaining.