Random acts of philosophy

My friend Mike is going through something of a transition period in his life right now, and last week we got on the subject of life lessons, things you would do differently, etc. As for me, the last few years have taught me that you learn something important from every interaction you have with people, and everything that happens to you. In fact, probably my most positive lessons in life have come from negative experiences, especially with other people. Most of them I wouldn’t go back and change for anything, because they’ve made me the person I am today. And for all my problems, I’m pretty happy with that person.

I am now officially a card-carrying member of the American Civil Liberties Union. Too bad the card is just flimsy paper, unlike the plastic credit card my dad got when he joined the Republican National Committee just so he could get their mailings.

I’m probably going to write a rather lengthy post about “Matrix Reloaded,” but it’ll be for people who’ve already seen the movie. It’s one of those things that shouldn’t be spoiled by other people’s opinions.

One hint: Go see it twice. Trust me on this.

It’s strange to think that Gloria Foster died way back in September 2001, after she completed her part in “Reloaded” but before “Revolutions” began. I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that the Oracle’s scene with Neo in “Reloaded” is the best part of the entire movie. She’s phenomenal, and we’ve lost something precious with her death.

“How to take down Bush”

Great stuff by Rich Procter on SmirkingChimp.com, complete with a TV ad script I’d love to see. Let’s go on the attack for once. Bullies don’t like it when you fight back. Let’s fight back.

Lunchtime conversation

“‘The King of Queens’ has become the first lesbian sitcom since ‘Ellen.'”

–John Kusch

The other night I had a dream that I was a Secret Service agent guarding First Lady Stockard Channing. As usual, not sure what this means.

Celebrity Quote of the Week

“He’s dead-on gorgeous and down-to-earth. He deserves everything that has happened to him.”

-Colin Farrell on Ben Affleck, in People Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People” issue.

Word of the day: evanescent

“Let’s Pretend”

I haven’t linked to “Boy on a Stick and Slither” in a long time. Enjoy.

When they announced that the Speaker of the House would be taking over for President Bartlet on “The West Wing,” I knew immediately it would be stunt casting. Little did I know how much of a stunt it would be.

John Goodman. First “King Ralph,” and now this.

I guess I should be pleased, since this whole “President’s daughter gets kidnapped plunging the world into chaos” thing does inject some juice into the show. But unlike J.J. Abrams’ stuff on “Alias,” this feels like a stunt and nothing more. A cool stunt, but a stunt. We’ll see.