Short Week But Good Stuff

I am posting a day early this week as I am heading out of town tomorrow for a much-needed roadtrip. Don't panic, I am leaving you all with some excellent pop culture nuggets.

Film: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
I hadn't seen this film since college. What was I thinking taking so long to rewatch it? It just makes me wish Washington was better place. If you don't know the story, a senator and newspaper man con Jefferson Smith (Jimmy Stewart) into taking on the role of junior senator from Washington (state) in an attempt to get him to vote for an illegal dam-building project. Unfortunately, Jefferson turns out to be a smarter person than that, thanks to the help of Clarrisa Saunders (Jean Arthur). He ends up staging a 23-hour filibuster in the hopes that people back in Washington (state) will come to his aid. This is a Frank Capra film so the seemingly happy ending is fraught with pessimism about the American political landscape. This isn't quite the feel-good film that It's a Wonderful Life is, but Jimmy is never better. Go out and rent this classic film to remind yourself that optimism isn't such a bad thing, but don't get discouraged if you realize that one person really can't make a difference.

Television: Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives
I have loved Guy Fieri since he won the second season of the Food Network's Who Wants to Be a Food Network Star? While I watch some of his cooking shows, I like Diners... far better. I have decided that New Mexico may have some of the best food on the planet with The Burgh a close second. I have actually eaten at one of the restaurants featured on this show. I had excellent meatloaf and corn bread. I salivate for the entire thiry minutes the show is on. If you love good home cooking, check out Guy and his diners, drive-ins, and dives.

Book: The Collected Short Stories of Philip K. Dick
Over the past couple of months I've been reading through some of Dick's short stories. In case you don't know, this is the guy who wrote "Do Andriods Dream of Electric Sheep" which was then adapted into a little film called Blade Runner. I never really read a lot of Dick's work but I have certainly been enjoying it. So far my favorite short story is "The Gun." I think the story is a fascinating look at world power and the dangers of needing the biggest gun. Dick is a sci-fi writer and his stories will definitely make you think. They are pretty easy to read; I usually pick up the book when I have thirty minutes to spare and can get one or two stories read in that time.

That's it for the week, folks. I should probably go pack. Chat away and I'll catch up on the postings when I return.