Gran Torino is the best movie that I have seen this year.  And though the year is only 24 days old, I am not sure another movie will come along this year to best it.

I wonder why.

The plot can be explained in a few of sentences:  A recently widowed, hard-nosed, prejudice, ex-military, solitary, old man finds himself newly alone in a poorish neighborhood now filled with ethics and gang violence.  Though he tries to remain isolated on his premises, circumstance and proximity lead him to interactions with his neighbors with whom he gradually develops true friendships.   After the gang violence tragically affects his new-found friends, he seeks retribution in his final act. Continue Reading »

 After Al Gore lost the election to George Bush, his demeanor changed as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.  He became much more electable after he lost the election.

The same can be said of John McCain in his loss to Barack Obama.  For some reason, he lost his true self during the presidential race and then found himself again after it was over.  Had the real John McCain run against Barack Obama, he might have faired a little better.

I think of these character changes as I just watched a full Larry King interview (below) with George and Laura Bush. 

George Bush won the election because of a likeability factor; people wanted to have a beer with him.  In a unique twist, he then lost that likeability factor as president. Continue Reading »