Beltmann

Trying to amass a large quantity of frequent flyer miles?

I need to see that. Sounds perfect for a double bill with American Blackout.

I'm still stunned. When I woke up this morning, I half expected it to be Sunday morning and it had all been a nightmare. But the Giants clearly outplayed us and deserve kudos. And I'll be rooting for them in the Super Bowl.

Both statements were justified, in my opinion. Obama rightly pointed out that Bill was intentionally mischaracterizing his comments, and rightly pointed out that Reagan changed the mood of the nation in a way that Nixon and Clinton did not. (There was no implication that Obama was overall pleased with Reagan's influence; he only meant to show that a president could, indeed, affect the mood of a nation--which is one of the cornerstones of Obama's own campaign.) If anything, Nevada showed me that the Clinton machine is as self-serving as ever. Plus, it's worth noting that while Clinton won

Probably about 65 miles (I live about 30 minutes north of Milwaukee). Strangely, I've never been to Alpine Valley.

My wife and I lived in Green Bay during the 1996 season, which, as lifelong Packers fans, was a glorious experience. (We moved just a few weeks after the Super Bowl.) This season, though, has been nearly as good--if only because this year's success was so damn unexpected. Anyway, we're hosting a little Packers event here, so I'm off to mop the kitchen floor.

I like irony, so I'm planning to donate it all to John Edwards' campaign.

Exactly. To distributors, those of us who don't live in the big city are considered second-class consumers of art. I dunno. I'm a fan but no Dylan expert, so I'm sure some of the allusions went over my head--I imagine a more hardcore fan would have much more fun unpacking the clues and puzzle pieces than I did--but it didn't matter. As I mentioned to Lou a while back, I don't think a viewer needs to be familiar with Dylan's history to see what Haynes is up to. In fact, a lack of knowledge might even help, because it seems that many Dylan fans are so preoccupied with their preconceptions a

Plus, I assume these types of quizzes weigh every issue equally, which isn't an accurate reflection of our political leanings.

I'm a sucker for Ken Loach movies.

When I was a kid I thought Bob Dylan was a joke, but Mister Mister was awesome. Still, that's not really an example of changing taste--it's more an example of having no taste at all.

My percentages were slightly different, but that is my Top 6, too, in the same order.

Side Street / Anthony Mann / 1950 I have a thing for Anthony Mann movies.

So, tell us, was Elton John worth the beat-down?

I'm coming around on Angels of Destruction, but still the only track that really grabs me is the title tune. I'm also a little nervous about the shake-up, but I'm hoping for the best.

Sounds strangely familiar...

Good stuff today. Good stuff.

I find this troubling: Clinton Allies Suppress the Vote in Nevada

At this point, I believe most of them are just doing a put-on... and the show encourages their pretense, because it makes for good TV.

I actually thought about typing that, but thought better... and I actually also thought, "But I bet Poongoogler will go for it."

I will watch from time to time. Strange, though, how the show has very dated notions of what "pop music" ought to sound like--it's stuck in 1997, and the bad parts of 1997.

Stacy and I miss Riviera more than you know.

I had a blast unpacking this movie. I think it explores individual identity in terms of facades, choices, and contradictions. The movie is populated by characters who envision themselves one way but end up as something else entirely, or appear one way but end up containing multitudes. I also liked the motif of regarding our bodies as evidence of who we are--or at least who other people think we are. (Besides the tattoos and the DNA test, consider the scenes where Kirill demands Nikolai prove his sexuality and where Kirill sizes up Anna, among others.) There are many more things to say abo