Dear friend of Team Daria,

First off, that color you’re wearing looks great on you. You should wear that more often.

Second, if you don’t have your shoes on, slip them on now. Then rundon’twalk to your nearest video store, Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy, Circuit City, K-mart, whatever, and buy the movie Half Nelson. This film is, in a word, perfect. The fact that it was only nominated for one Oscar is a travesty. This is on the level with masterpieces like Crash and Traffic. Besides the obvious eye candy of the lovely Ryan Gosling and my newfound crush on Anthony Mackie, the writing is flawless, the cinematography is breathtaking, the direction is unbelievable, and just wait ’til you see Shareeka Epps in action. You’ll fall in love with that little girl the first time you see her smile. I cannot say enough about this movie. If you haven’t seen it, you’re missing out. Go now.

Third, okay, if you’re going to wait until the end of this post to buy Half Nelson, I’ll mention that we also just watched Marie Antoinette. Miss Coppola did a fine job, but it wasn’t quite what I expected going into the movie. That’s not to say it wasn’t worth watching while folding paper cranes or eating chocolate muffins or other such nonsense that people like us do. I think some of the casting decisions were a little unfortunate and I expected a flashier, more gaudy flick, but it was a fun watch all the same.

Fourth, if anyone is interested in owning some copies of the Wall Street Journal, speak now or forever hold your peace. We could send you a couple to display on your coffee table to impress your friends. If they ask why the papers are old issues, you can just say these particular issues were your favorite. Your friends will be so impressed they will swoon and give you chocolate muffins.

Fifth, good things are really and finally in the works for TD come next Wednesday. Get out your map pencils and crayons in preparation of the coloring contest.

Peace, love, and chocolate muffins for you,

jane

P.S. Why are you still here? Go buy the damn movie!