(no subject)

http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/11/20/texas.execution.ap/index.html

There is a slew of reasons why I oppose the death penalty. Some of the most obvious ones can be found in the above article.

In this case, the information the jury had made it an easy choice to convict the defendant with murder, but it turns out the information they had was wrong. You can't fault the jury believing the testimony of an eyewitness. You can fault the authorities for scaring the witness into fingering the wrong guy - but that's another story altogether. My point is that this shit should not happen - not in America, not in the world, not ever.

Peace.

Barry Snotter

Jer and I just got in from Goblet of Fire. No spoilers, just general reactions follow. Unlike movies 1-3 of the series, I really liked this one. Sure, a lot was left out from the book, but unlike movie 3 especially, it didn't totally distort the plot. My problem with the third movie was that it was just all over the place and very choppy with regard to the plot, and if I hadn't read the book, I would've been totally lost. GoF had to make some cuts for time, of course, but I didn't feel like the story was horribly ruined. I was disappointed that my favorite character wasn't more included in the film, but I was pleased that Fred and George had bigger roles. I love them.

One comment on a line from the film. When the professors are discussing the dangers Harry faces, Prof. McGonnigal (it's been three months since I last looked at a book and I've already forgotten how she spells this name) says "He's just a boy, he's not a piece of meat!" I thought this was insanely clever. The line is totally gratuitous as far as the film goes - she doesn't say it in the book and there are several cliches that would've been more appropriate for the character. I took it as a direct reminder from the director that Daniel Radcliffe is regarded as a huge sex symbol, but hey! Stop that! He's only 16! (He is a totally hot 16-year-old, though, and I feel okay with my huge crush on him because it's not like I'll ever have the opportunity to get with him or anything. And he's definitely the only minor I'm in love with.)

Speaking of being in love with people besides my husband, I've been falling hard for Dan Bern lately. He's not in the least bit good-looking, and his voice is only slightly smoother than Bob Dylan's, but I love him. "I dream of your clock radio waking you up with my songs..." Not a brilliant line, really, but at the same time, a TOTALLY brilliant line. I love Dan Bern. To hear the song I'm talking about, go to www.hakmusic.com and you can watch Dan Bern's video for "New American Language." It's oh so good. And his other songs get me all tingly, too. Mmm. Enough of that;)

I think it's time to unload my buildup of lusty feelings on my husband. :) Peace.