The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

I went to see The Two Towers a second time a few days ago. I wanted to take my dad. When Gollum came on screen, my dad leaned over to me and said, "I assume that's a computer animation." I was going to say, "No, it's Steve Buscemi," but he wouldn't have known who I meant. Edwards Cinemas carry Reese's Pieces. It's like a better world in there in some ways.

I went to drop off film and buy my firewood and fake firelogs and other crap. I was wearing tennis shoes and black velour pants and a red wool Boy Scouts jacket of some kind. I was ready for action, that's for certain. But Ralph's was short on it. I did see a few actor types in the aisles. That's something I haven't yet gauged my reaction to. I see famous people. I know what they've been in. I'm not starstruck, necessarily. I just think it's weird to see someone you sort of know while you are certain they don't know you. Like having lived some portion of your life in a room with one-way glass.

This is the third year in a row I didn't send out holiday cards. I feel a failure. Next year, I'm knitting sweaters for everyone!