I was so happy to read about Gwen's book. "Night of the Hunter" was one of the first things I read on OS and convinced me to join and contribute.

OS has been so much fun and so rewarding. The smart, challenging people there keep me sharp. Thank you Salon. You guys are the best.

(Butt-kissing over. I now return to hating you all for not recognizing my brilliant, Nobel-prize worthy posts about the musical genius of Kenny Loggins and Meatloaf)

Seriously though, congrats all around.

Of course Owen Wilson will be cast as Bill Murry's rival in archeology, who eventually sleeps with the Scarlet Johannson character!

I can almost see it now:

Michael Cera as the brother (listens to a lot of Death Cab for Cutie)

Jason Swartzman as the roommate (I see lots of scarves and wingtip shoes)

Scarlett Johannson as the sister

Thora Birch as the emotionally scarred girl who works at the comic book store, and falls for the brother.

And Bill Murry as the brother and sister's archeologist Dad (who ends up sleeping with the Thora Birch character at the end).

I'm not a big Fellini fan, but "Amarcord" is one of my favorite movies. I am particularly fond of the entire section where the family takes the crazy uncle out to the country. I laughed 'til it hurt. The crazy uncle ends up in a tree, throwing rocks at everyone, yelling "I want a woman!" The sequence concludes with the father, who had previously gotten into trouble for playing "The Internationale", saying something like "We all go crazy sometimes."

Fellini was humorously commenting on Italy during the fascist years. Boy, as an American living through the past eight years I can relate, and laugh.

I love the Criterion series, and I own a bunch. Must haves for any cinephile.

Anyway, I understand someone wanting, say, "Bottle Rocket" on Blu-Ray, but is a film like "The Third Man" going to benefit much from Blu-Ray or is my original Criterion release as good as it gets?

You are 100% correct. There should be a long line of NCOs and officers from Abu Ghraib in prison along with Graner (not to mention higher ups at the pentagon).

Perhaps the problem is mine; it's hard for me to rationally consider this issue. Even thinking about it now, I can detect the white hot anger and disgust growing inside. The gross dereliction of duty and shameful cowardice displayed by Graner is just completely beyond the pale. I just worry that this guy will be made into some kind of martyr.

Oh, and don't get me started on soldiers forgetting gear from their rucks or not having their canteens filled! LOL

Of course the interrogation "experts" at Abu Ghraib, Rumsfeld, and the other thugs at the Pentagon should be held responsible. And it's clear he's been scapegoated. But that does not mitigate or excuse the actions taken by Spc. Graner and his fellow "soldiers" at Abu Ghraib.

It was his DUTY to refuse unlawful orders. Let me say that again so I am clear: it was his DUTY to refuse an unlawful order, regardless of the consequences. That is what soldiers do, they make hard decisions. Spc. Graner is a coward. That's the best thing I can say. Either he and his comrades enjoyed what they were doing (I do not believe that) or they took the easy coward's way out.

Being a soldier is more than just wearing the uniform. It is a responsibility. Real soldiers hold themselves to a higher standard.

Look, Rumsfeld belongs in prison. Of that I agree. But given the extent of Graner's crimes, perhaps he should worry more about his own complicity and failure to do the right thing. Take some responsibility. Following an unlawful order is against the law. Graner is in prison because of this. I have sympathy for his family. That's about all I can say.

Consider the Army Core Values. Take note of the last two. Graner and his comrades, apparently, did not.

Loyalty

Bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S. constitution, the Army, and other soldiers. Be loyal to the nation and its heritage.

Duty

Fulfill your obligations. Accept responsibility for your own actions and those entrusted to your care.

Respect

Rely upon the golden rule. How we consider others reflects upon each of us, both personally and as a professional organization.

Selfless Service

Put the welfare of the nation, the Army, and your subordinates before your own.

Honor

Live up to all the Army values

Integrity

Do what is right, legally and morally. Be willing to do what is right even when no one is looking. It is our "moral compass" an inner voice.

Personal Courage

Our ability to face fear, danger, or adversity, both physical and moral courage.

Equal time?

Public financing?

What are you, some kind of SOCIALIST?

You do know the definition of 'irony,' don't you?