Gems of 2005

From The Washington Post:

2006 “The Golden Years” are always some other time, aren’t they? They’re an idealized part of the past or a dreamed-of piece of the future when everything is just a little bit better. Food tastes more succulent, music sounds sweeter, movies actually move you and art transports you to another plane. But our critics think that 2005 had moments that were surprisingly golden. There were more than enough good films to fill a top 10 list. Artists continue to challenge and amaze. Musicians from a wide variety of genres delivered quality work that will outlast passing trends. Maybe 2005 wasn’t a golden year, but it definitely had its moments. Join us in a look back at some of the shinier ones.

FILMS

DESSON THOMSON

Once again, the choices for the best 10 films of the year was an agonizing ordeal: So many choices, too few spots. Which is why you won’t see — but could easily have found — “Good Night, and Good Luck,” “Junebug,” “Syriana,” “Me and You and Everyone We Know,” “Crash,” “Mysterious Skin,” “Millions,” “Tropical Malady,” “Paradise Now” and “Frank Miller’s Sin City” on this list.

More here.

And Science for All

Steve Mirsky in Scientific American:

Puzzle_2 1. What’s the difference between RNA and the NRA?

2. It has been said that gravity is not just a good idea, it’s the law. Is gravity indeed the law? Is gravity indeed a good idea in a land of rampant obesity?

3. What’s the second law of thermodynamics? What’s the third law of motion? Who’s on first?

5. Do you believe in spontaneous human combustion, or do you refuse to answer on the grounds that you might incinerate yourself? (The kids, they love that one.)

6. In commenting on the death penalty, Justice Antonin Scalia said, “For the believing Christian, death is no big deal.” Is death, in fact, a big deal? And if death isn’t a big deal, why is murder?

7. Original Law and Order, or Law and Order: Criminal Intent?

And more:

11. If Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg leaves Washington, D.C., heading west at 60 miles per hour and Justice Anthony Kennedy leaves Los Angeles heading east at 70 miles per hour, will they meet before Justice Clarence Thomas asks a question?

13. Would you use Microsoft Word to write an opinion in a case involving Microsoft?

14. In the recently concluded Scopes-like trial of Kitzmiller v. Dover School District, one of the defendants claimed not to know the source of the funds for 60 copies of an intelligent-design book, which he admitted to only having glanced through, for the school library. He was then confronted with his own canceled check. Should such a defendant face charges of perjury or, despite the Eighth Amendment implications, be forced to actually read the book?

More here.