Hannah Einbinder
You’re not so tough when you’re not blank anymore. Only a few seconds ago you were the stark, desolate blank page, white and ominous, mocking me because I couldn’t put anything on you. Now words have appeared and more are coming. No, blank page, you can’t intimidate me.
If I was significantly younger I’d have a huge crush on the actress and comedian, Hannah Einbinder who co-stars along with Jean Smart in the delightful HBO Max comedy, Hacks. She’s smart, witty and — don’t you love it — quirky. I don’t imagine she's regarded as conventionally beautiful but I find her incredibly attractive. Primarily because she's interesting bordering on fascinating. It's impossible to think that her character on the show doesn't resemble her in many ways -- especially if you've watched her stand-up and seen her interviewed. Ms. Einbinder has the delicate combination of vulnerable and tough, a 21st century version of Mary Tyler Moore. In her late twenties, she’s very much a woman of her generation which practically requires that she be bi-sexual. Straight is too conventional and gay is too limiting. She plays off Ms. Smart beautifully and can have a fine career as a comic actress (maybe even taking on serious roles) and is a proven stand up. Sigh.
I watched a film called Murphy’s Romance (1985) Ritt on the Criterion Channel last night. Within the first minute I knew exactly what kind of picture it was going to be and how it was going to make me feel. It starts with Sally Field driving a truck down a highway to the strains of a Carole King song, David Sanborn’s saxophone accompanying. I could tell it would be a cozy feel-good film, especially as I already knew that James Garner co-starred. Summary: a single mom moves to a new town, struggles to get established (boarding and training horses) and not incidentally she finds love. Of course her ex-husband shows up to gum up the works and of course he's a jerk. For all it’s predictability, I enjoyed the film. It was what I needed in the moment. Garner has an easy charm and non-threatening ruggedness. He played the wise older man to perfection. Field is incapable of giving a bad performance. Not every movie needs to be thought-provoking or intellectually inspiring. Some can be a cozy pair of slippers that you put on for a couple of hours.
You ever sit through a work meeting that lasts twice as long as it needs to? Yeah, who hasn’t. Endured one yesterday. The worst part of it was that it wrapped up and some idiot asked a stupid question that extended matters for several minutes. Then when everything seemed settled and it was time to go the same genius asked an even stupider question which led to another discussion that lasted several more excruciating minutes. It should not surprise you to learn that the same moron had still another question and it was the dumbest of the lot. After a few more minutes were dedicated to this query his brain couldn’t manage to conjure another and we were at last on our way. All of this on a Friday when intelligent people want to get out the door and embark on their weekend. Fuck meetings. Teachers are forced to spend far too much time in them.
There are indictments, lawsuits, investigations, hearings and charges aplenty against a variety of Republican miscreants, most of them directed at former president Trumpy. There are also heavily-financed political campaigns targeting the worst of the Republican senators and governors. Many Democrats are inspired and determined and see the walls of conservatism about to tumble down. Justice will prevail. I wish I could share their optimism. Despite the various laws that Trumpy has violated he’s yet to stand trial and I doubt he’ll ever spend a second in jail. At best he’ll be saddled with a few hefty fines here and there that’ll be mere pin pricks to his fat ass. The loathsome governors of Texas and Florida will face stiff challenges as will some of the worst of the Republican senators and congressmen but all will doubtless hold their seats. Gerrymandering and voter suppression methods — not to mention the stupidity of many American voters — are going to tip the balance to evil. I admire those fighting the good fight but the deck is stacked. Yes, it always had been but the bad guys are even worse than ever.
I should close on a cheerier note. So here goes: toddlers laughing, puppies, long hugs, your favorite music, pizza, settling in with a good book, Seinfeld re-runs, a morning walk, a cup of tea.
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