Author: KcM

Flix Force Five.

I know on this front I’m a very late adopter (although not the Late Adopter.) Nevertheless, since my local Blockbuster, which was only slightly farther away than my mailbox (particularly when you factor in Berk‘s walking needs), has now gone the way of the Betamax, I’ve signed up for Netflix, in the hopes of maybe edumacating myself about some of the films I really should’ve seen prior to now. Let me know if you want to share lists and/or become Flixfriends, or whatever it’s called. (And, yes, I know Blockbuster has long been a suspect company, but they hired me for my first job during a summer back in high school, so I’ve given them more credit than they’re due for years now.)

Straight Outta Springfield | Pegg Legs It.

In the trailer bin today, Homer and family are ready for their close-up in the third preview for The Simpsons Movie, due out this summer. And Shaun of the Dead/Hot Fuzz‘s Simon Pegg embarks on a ruthless fitness regime, tiny shorts and all, in the new You-tubed teaser for Run, Fatboy, Run.

Whither the Reformer?

True colors, or just a victim of the money madness that afflicts our political process? As he gallops off to all-important Iowa (and tries to ignore the furor over Iraq that’s gotten him linked inexorably with Dubya’s failures), John McCain also appears to be neglecting his campaign finance bona fides in his attempt to gather loot for his presidential bid. “McCain’s allies in the campaign finance reform movement seem resigned to the fact that he will not abide by many of the principles he advocated for a decade as a reformer, including public financing and its associated spending and fundraising limits.“

Shia is Sonny?

If adventure has a name, it must be…Shia LaBoeuf? AICN and others report a rumor that the Transformers/Bobby actor is set to play Indy’s son in the forthcoming Indiana Jones sequel. Nothing against LaBoeuf, but the idea of an Indy Jr. running around with Ford and Connery sets off red flags for me, particularly given George Lucas’ recent track record.

Surge Protectors.

Although the House passed it last week by a margin of 246-182, the Democratic resolution opposing Dubya’s surge fails to win an airing in the Senate. Although seven Republicans joined the Senate Dems in advancing the bill, it fell short by four votes of the 60 required to initiate debate. “Both sides instead are girding for the next phase, a confrontation over war funding, with some Democrats determined to exercise the power of the purse to influence Iraq strategy.”

Old Soldiers Never Die.

“Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre of action, — and bidding an affectionate farewell to this August body, under whose orders I have so long acted, I here offer my Commission, and take my leave of all the employments of public life.” After much negotiation with the family who’s held the draft for generations, the State of Maryland acquires the original version of George Washington’s military resignation speech of 1783 (in which he announced his standing-down from the Revolutionary army and helped set the precedent of civilian control over the newly-independent United States.) The manuscript will be unveiled today, as part of Washington’s birthday festivities.