Independence? Is that meant to be a joke?

A storm looms omniously today; hinting and powerful destruction and on what better a day? There would be nothing better to remind the people of this country how fiercely un-independent we have become than to have a storm hammer down its wind and hallow upon us.

I am fully aware that the preceeding statement are fighting words on such a patriotic of holiday. We have soldiers fighting abroad; my family among them... but I'm not sure most of us know why--or for what freedom?

Just a few questions that meander my mind as I see people today touting the flag and over-indulging on fatty food and filling their tanks. About 50 emails in the last few days with subject lines about God and Freedom and other such stuff--emails from people who really don't know me, or think I might change with just the right combinations of motivational messaging. People who never actually send me an email with any thought or personal sentiment--just forward and keep the machine churning. 1984 anyone?

It is predictable, to launch into a tirade of sorts on this prestigious of holidays... but all I have to say is if our supply of fossil fuel were suddenly to be cut off this country would fall in minutes. All I'm saying is that World Peace depends on the hangs on crude oil.

I can't help but be a little verbose, I've been flipping back through the Thompson, and I did watch Where the Buffalo Roam again this past weekend. Always nice to be surprised by the fact that Bill Murray can act from time to time; even if he hasn't done too much since 1980 to really prove that fact. I managed to also catch, finally, Oceans Thirteen yesterday after work. I loved it... a lot of homage is paid to Frank and the original as well as to the Godfather. And, I have to say, even if you don't know all the cast "in jokes" you don't miss the humor--that is the brilliance of the writing. In fact, if you do recognize the in jokes, it can be a tad distracting... but still quite humorous. I just have to note that I loved the ringtone Brad Pitt's character, Rusty, had during the movie: the midi of the Human League's "Don't you want me." Classic. And my favorite line (sheesh, to pick one?): "You're analog players in a digital world."