Movie: "Public Enemies"

Saw this movie yesterday. Good retelling of the Dillinger story. Directed by Michael Mann, who did Last of the Mohicans, Miami Vice, Collateral. His movies always look good, and this was no exception. Nothing really new to the story, so if you are familiar with the Dillinger saga, all the usual bits are here (escape from Crowne Pointe jail with a fake gun, escape from Little Bohemia, etc.). Johnny Depp plays Dillinger quite well. Christian Bale is okay as Melvin Purvis.

It wasn't a great movie, and if you are not interested in the Depression-era gangsters, you probably won't like it all that much. It doesn't really add more than you already know, although there's a bit of revisionist history as to who exactly shot Dillinger and evidently the "Lady in Red" was dressed in orange. I thoroughly enjoyed it, although if you like the story, the early 70's movie, "Dillinger" with Warren Oates is one of the better ones.

I'm Not a Big Golf Fan, But . . . . .

The British Open is one of the big 4 major tournaments in golf. After three rounds, the leader is none other than Tom Watson. A blast from the past, Watson is 59 years old! He won the British open back in 1977! The oldest person to win a major tournament was I believe 48. I read that Watson recently had hip replacement surgery. He's playing against much, much younger players. The other odd thing about this tournament is that Tiger Woods didn't even make the cut.

I believe I'll be tuning in to this tomorrow to see how it all pans out (although with the time difference, I think you can catch it all online before the U.S. network coverage begins). If Watson wins, it would go down as one of the biggest surprises ever in any sport.

Bush v. Obama at Baseball

So, who is the better pitcher, Bush or Obama? Obama had his chance last night at the All-Star game, and there has been some watercooler talk about it. By the angle shown on Fox, you can't tell if he made it to the plate or not. From what I've read, it didn't quite make it (the catcher, Albert Pujols, helped him out).

Hmm, I'm not always into these conspiracy things, but it does seem like they purposely played that angle so he wouldn't look bad. When a pitch is thrown, the shot you always see is from the centerfield camera. The camera angle on Obama was nothing that's ever used and seemed like the equivalent of an amateur botching the shot.

Compare it to the Bush video of throwing out the pitch at Yankee Stadium shortly after 9/11. It was a perfect strike (and seen from the centerfield camera).

Doin' the Moonwalk

This is a picture that Associated Press picked up on. A guy by the name of Tim Gilleand jumped up on the dugout and started doing the moonwalk during a Michael Jackson tribute last week in Gary, Indiana. Tim is from South Bend. He is also the worship leader at our church, Sonlight Fellowship Wesleyan Church.

He also has a complete video clip doing MJ's "Billie Jean" dance from the Motown special. He's actually pretty good. Check it out.

Sarah Barracuda Resigns

Hmm, can't completely figure this one out. Palin was considered a front-runner to run for President in 2012 and has been commanding big crowds wherever she goes. But she's giving up the governorship with still a lot of time left.

I don't buy the whole "lame duck" thing. If that was the case, one should never run for re-election where term limits are involved, because you'd be a lame duck as soon as you were sworn in for a second time.

Doesn't seem to be any special investigation of her going on by the FBI (well, nothing that they are admitting to. No disappearances to Argentina or the Appalachian Trail.

Maybe she's just tired of it all. She has been under intense scrutiny (and that's a major understatement) since that day she was introduced by John McCain. Could be she never realized just what it was like to be under the national spotlight. Not sure what this will do for any future political aspirations . . .and maybe she doesn't have those anymore.

However, don't shed too many tears. She'll be fine and if she chooses to do so, she could have an extremely lucrative career on the lecture circuit. I'm sure we haven't heard the last from her, but it certainly was a surprise to everyone when she suddenly resigned.

Like I said, maybe she was just tired of it all. I certainly wouldn't blame her for that.

Flying Solo This Week

It's just me at home until Friday. This week is Junior Bible Camp and that is where Anna is the whole week. Dorene is also there working security (?!), which basically gives her an excuse to ride around in a golf cart. Our pastor's wife is also doing this with her and I'll guarantee you they will have a blast and the campers will enjoy having them around. Baby Allie is with Dorene also. Cameron, meanwhile, is at mom and dad's for a few days.

This is a very busy week for me as I am coordinating 400-500 students and guests that will be on campus this Friday for new student orientation. So, I couldn't exactly take any time off to watch the kids.