"As to what else to say about Hopkins' hallucinatory "Slipstream" -- does it actually exist or did I imagine it? Is Hopkins batshit-crazy, or am I? -- I can only express bafflement."

How appropropriate that you said Slipstream evoked David Lynch then. I am still wondering about Mulholland Drive, Lost Highway, etc. Perhaps that is the point for certain filmmakers; that these disconnected images rattle around in dusty corners of our minds because we cannot digest them or put them together. I find this slightly disturbing when Lynch does it, but for some it's a trippy puzzle to be enjoyed. Still, anything is better than the paint by number junk filling most box offices.

Your comparison of Carter's Camp David with Bush's war would actually be funny... if only it were fiction.

Love the line from Before the Devil Knows You're Dead too. Sounds familiar, doesn't it?

The word "scootch" just sent me into fits of laughter. Great pc. on the wives and making sure they are not doing "anything interesting". Heaven forbid she has a pulse, a few words about something meaningful or spirited discourse.

How inappropriate to show passion!

The screenwriter I know well is a visionary, the writers I've met in TV and film are at least very clever. I'd rather have a dinner party filled with writers than rock stars, that's for sure. I am not sure why their talents are taken for granted. Supply and demand? Suits vs. creatives?

Dear LW,

I'm an assertive person. I work hard to communicate clearly and when things seem wrong, I am not usually the quiet one. However, I am a complete pushover when it comes to charity, gift pools, and school or work solicitations, like you are dealing with. A few weeks ago, a friend invited me to an expensive charity event which I had no desire to attend. I agreed to go after a bit of coaxing, and in the final hour, after I'd sent my check, she backed out. I was fuming, then realized it was my choice, and my responsibility to show up and at least have fun. So I put on a big smile and a very nice dress, and headed toward the wine bar!

Is there a way to have fun with these people and their lopsided and oversized egos? It may not be worth a battle. I bet your question is one many have and more often than they'd like. How to deal with the pressure when you have to spend most of your day with these people? It's like growing up in a teensy tiny town where everyone knows who put ten bucks in the offering bowl in church and especially, who did not. I don't envy you, good luck!

Great post!

but bsloane said it best, "If you're in a hurry, go the print newspapers and read advice there. The rest of us can luxuriate in Cary's extended prose explorations, thank you very much."

!

Darth's packin'!

Perino. A few days ago there was a discussion on MSNBC about how she's too cute and peppy to 'go after' and that some journalists would treat her differently. I almost threw up in my mouth.

Why this has me chuckling, I just cannot explain in print:

Patrick said, about Michael Savage: "real name Michael Weiner".

Why what Patrick wrote is not so funny? Because he's right. Most people are so franticaly busy, these conservatives are not on their radar. I don't listen to Michael Savage but I know what he's said, because I've looked for it and was interested. (Keep your friends close and your enemies closer). I've read Ann Coulter too. About as enlightening as watching a housefly buzz around, only more predictable and deranged. She's one hostile person.

What is interesting is that, for political gain, tragedy becomes a game of spin where corrupt is the common denominator. "If there is an us and a them set up, even when it comes to a disaster like So Cal, we can use it to our advantage!" Sick people. My friend lost her home and I don't think she is blaming liberals or conservatives.

Mother nature or arsenists or some other ignorant thoughtless deeds will destroy everything eventually. The earth is going to spit us out and rejuvinate without us. Sooner or later, all these inflated egos will be gone and perhaps never know how silly and insignificant they really were, except to destroy and to blame. The "us" and the "them", we all go down together.