Season 4

I finished Season 3 and loved it. One of the questions I have is this, though: Why didn't the Major (the one who created Hamsterdam) tell McNulty that Stringer was the leak?

I started Season 4 today (I was worried I'd burn out on The Wire, so watched my Netflixed Breach and Away From Her last night while grading), and can already tell it's going to really affect me. Seeing that group of kids play - they all look like the average Baltimore teenager sitting in my classes - just puts a lump in my throat, partially because I know enough about season 4 that I know there's some tragedy, but partially because it's a reminder that a 14-year old kid really is just 14. Just like Wallace's death in season 1.

Seeing Prez's orientation into being a Baltimore City teacher is also telling. I especially loved the scene where a cheery North Avenue-type was telling the teachers about some acronym ("I.A.W.A.C" - "I Am Worth and Capable" - I think). I'm almost positive the character was modeled after this woman, who showered us with "brain kisses" and golf-claps as part of professional development during her tenure. I also loved the Assistant Principal, with her Balmer-accent, because she looks and sounds exactly like our dearly departed secretary. And, lastly, the character of Snoop is nearly impossible not to like. I'm going to have to resist the urge to nickname one of my female students that moniker, even though I'm sure she'd love it.

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I put a political post up yesterday, but it was completely un-insightful and depressing, so I took it down. Damn Hillary Clinton and her sneaky campaigning, that's all. Do yourself a favor and read Obama's speech today: http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/01/the-ebenezer-se.html

Wow. That's why he's different.