On my Criterion Channel list is The Small Back Room, from 1949. It’s a lesser-known Powell/Pressburger movie, with the always sublime Kathleen Byron, that I have never watched. As I did for years with Gun Crazy, I’ve delayed watching Hour of Glory, as it’s known in America, because there can only be one first time for everything. Maybe you’ll watch it before I do.
Drowning in the Desert
It’s too risky to make even a toe-deep comment in the burning sand of the Israel-Hamas conflict. This is the most useful background I have watched.
For myself, John Oliver has the most meaningful commentary.
Okay, I’m going to make a comment. Netanyahu had a single political platform. Defending Israel, which he failed to do. Hamas took advantage of Netanyahu being focused on “reforming” the court system to weaken its ability to prosecute him for financial corruption. Now he’s overcompensating by claiming he will destroy Hamas, while laying waste to all of Gaza in the process. In doing this, Netanyahu is undermining the future security of Israel, by helping to create the next generation of terrorists. Why is the incompetent, self-dealing Bibi still in office?
I’m in IEM
Just as I know my next car won’t have a CD player, my next phone won’t have an analog headphone jack. Having no interest in a wireless headset, for a mere $25 I’ll get prepared now by giving this thing a try.
Heart Attack Snow
The temperature is coming down, but it’s been just below freezing, so the snow is wet and heavy. “Heart attack snow” to shovel, for some middle-aged and older men who aren’t in good physical condition.
I’m a Tron Boy
Oh, darn. Cindy Morgan has died.
https://www.slashfilm.com/1486721/cindy-morgan-tron-caddyshack-dead-69/
I once saw Cindy at a show outside of Boston. Nobody else happened to be at her table, and we were able to talk for a long time. She was immediately bright and funny and flirtatious. “You aren’t a Caddyshack boy. I bet you’re a Tron boy!” I laughed and said she was right, and that I was a Tron fan.
When I told Cindy I’d never seen Caddyshack, she opened her eyes wide in exaggerated amazement. “Oh, so you’re the one! You must see it! You get to see a lot of me! A LOT more!” (Cindy has a nude scene.)
She asked my age, and we were only a year apart. Something else we had in common was being born near Chicago. We chatted as Cindy autographed a photo of herself for me, and I heard about her childhood, growing up in a working class family. We’d both been in broadcasting, where I had worked on air with a woman, so there was another point of common interest. As you can tell, it was a memorable conversation, and I’m saddened by Cindy’s passing.
The #1 Joker on January 6
