Washington Post Review

Here's a summary of what caught my eye in this morning's Washington Post.

Democratic leaders in Congress scuttled the bill that would have given DC a vote in the House. In the end, the cost—DC's gun control laws—was jut too great. I'm inclined to agree. DC residents seemed too quick to trade in some of the District's hard-won home-rule powers for what, really, isn't an enormous amount of say in national matters. One congressman seems unlikely to shake things up as much as, say, one senator might. But it'll be a cold (maybe unconstitutional?) day in hell when the Senate gives DC a spot at the table. Until that cold day we'll have to resign ourselves to just thinking nationally and voting locally.

And speaking of home rule, DC is one step closer to legalizing medical marijuana. First gay marriage, and now this? DC is definitely leading the way to a brighter, more progressive future. Well, if not "leading" then at least getting on the bandwagon relatively early.

Finally, the Post reports that DC is seeking federal funds for its H Street streetcar project. Hopefully everything falls into place and we can start getting some hot new public transit action on our way to Granville Moore's by the end of 2012. The Chinatown-to-H-Street shuttle service, while much appreciated, leaves much to be desired.

Pall Over Tonight's Nationals Game

The New York Times reports that Colorado Rockies President Keli McGregor has been found dead in a Salt Lake City hotel room. The mood at tonight's Nationals-Rockies game certainly will be somber.

Caps-Habs Game 2

Tough way to open the night for the Caps. Down 0-1 within the first minute and 0-2 about seven minutes later, bringing a premature end to Theo's time in the goal for the game (and likely the rest of the playoffs). Fehr brings the Caps within one until Montreal gets their third goal in the second period.

Emancipation Day

A little history lesson from a friend at Ford's Theatre:


On April 16, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln declared emancipation for all enslaved persons within the District of Columbia, which he believed was within his power as the District was at the time ruled directly by the Federal Government.   The District of Columbia was the first place declared free of slavery by the federal government, almost six months before President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emancipation_Day#Washington.2C_D.C.

Red Riding Trilogy

I missed the Red Riding Trilogy's brief run at the Landmark E Street Cinema.  Luckily the films were all available on demand.  Still are, actually, until some time in April.

I'll leave the criticism to the professionals.  But I really, really liked these films.  Strong performances throughout.  Particularly Paddy Considine in "The Year of Our Lord 1980" and David Morrissey in "The Year of Our Lord 1983."  The first two films together recall Roberto Bolaño's 2666.  (Yes of course the Red Riding books were written first.  But whatever.)  The third film stands a bit apart in my mind, perhaps because it has to wrap up all the threads.  The trilogy requires quite a bit of patience until those threads came together.  But the wait is definitely rewarded. 

Super Bowl XLIV Commercials - Q4 Winners and Losers

WINNERS
Vizio Internet Apps
Taco Bell (but only for Sir Charles)

LOSERS
Emerald Nuts / Pop Secret
Budweiser: Bull / Clydesdales (one too many times at this well)
Denny's: Damned screaming chickens
Audi TDI: Green police (smug alert)
Doritos: Stolen Doritos from locker
Bud Light: Book club
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry