Andanh.com

From Elizabeth Roberts of the Royal Gazette in Bermuda, where a jury trial began today for Gary Barket, the Little Rock lawyer arrested for attempting to clear airport security with a gun while leaving the island:

An American lawyer accused of illegally possessing two guns and ammunition allegedly found in his luggage  at L.F Wade International Airport went on trial at Supreme Court this morning. Gary Peter Barket, 61, of Little Rock, Arkansas, has pleaded not guilty to contravening the Firearms Act by possession of a .32 calibre revolver, a 6.35 mm semi-automatic pistol and four rounds of .32 calibre ammunition. Opening the trial, Principal Crown counsel Michael McColm told the jury the weapons were discovered in a garment bag as Barket was screened at the airport on January 25 before catching a flight to Newark, New Jersey.  He had flown into Bermuda from the US two days before. The jury heard a tape-recorded police interview with the defendant, in which he claimed that the guns belonged to his late father-in-law, and he had packed them in the suit bag months before for safekeeping. Barket told the Police he had no idea the guns were in his luggage during his trip to Bermuda, until he was stopped at the x-ray machine on his way out. "I practiced law for 36 years, I have a pristine record as a lawyer and a citizen. I would've never done anything stupid like this, or even thought about doing it," he protested during the interview.

I'm so tired of the NY Times' columnist shtick that I didn't bother to mention that she'd been given a bit of criticism yesterday by her own newspaper's public editor. But it may have been an important moment for the Beltway Clubwoman. The public editor's column is stirring plenty of comment on the lefty blogs -- all supportive. They've all long tired of Dowd's genderfication of Democratic candidates -- Democratic males from Gore to Obama are all wusses; Hillary is an emasculating he-bitch.

Talking Points Memo, for example, cheers. And Digby. And Media Matters. And Daily Howler, who's been a voice in the wilderness on Dowd since 2000.

Checked Lindsey Millar's Rock Candy lately? If you caught "Love Guru" over the weekend -- or might be planning to see it -- I'd recommend the item on the rough critical reaction the movie has received. Local comments on the Rock Candy item include a detailed response from Democrat-Gazette critic Philip Martin to Lindsey's remark about his 85 rating for the flick.

I think I'm going to be passing this one though, generally, I bow to no one in appreciation of sophomoric humor. I'll just spin "Animal House" one more time.

UPDATE: This discussion is also underway over at Blake Rutherford's movie blog.

The latest: Regnery Publishing, which has specialized in hit books on Democratic candidates, has one on Obama in the works. That's to be expected. The critical issue -- as always -- is how much weight it will ultimately be given in free media.

After some confusion over access to the new pedestrian Junction Bridge during Riverfest fireworks (pictured), new rules have been put in place on access to the span during the July 4 concert and fireworks on the river.

Eric Francis, writing for the Dogtown Wire, thinks some more thought needs to be given to bridge safety, not just during the fireworks show, but after.

Paul Krugman offers some counter-intuitive thinking on the subject. Given financial risks, the reduction in mobility and the cost of commuting to suburbs with cheaper home prices, it may not always be the best decision for a family.

This should be music to the ears of G.W. Bush, whose promise of expanded home ownership likely will produce a decline in ownership by the end of his term.

211 days to go.