Two things to ponder from John Scalzi:

First, on the disappointing box office performance by the films nominated for best picture:


Just how uncommercial is this crop of nominees? Consider this: a nominee for Best Documentary -- March of the Penguins -- has made more money than any of the Best Picture nominees. I guarantee you that has never happened before, ever. When Hollywood's best films can't compete with chilled, aquatic birds, there's something going on.


And then this, on the prospects of the Bush adminstration coming up with an alternate energy strategy for America:

Beware the incompetent armed with a good idea.