"The only problem is that films about people dutifully following the correct bureaucratic procedures to ensure the due process of law are boring." - 12 Angry men, boring or exception that proves your rule?

I've always liked Nicole Kidman!

Yesterday was devoted to roast chestnuts, fondue and Dogville. A film I'd happily watch again. I always ask what the message or subtext of a film is. I've come to the conclusion that Dogville could only be made about a time and place where the police are corrupt, rather than …

I thought it was rubbish!

How about this by Einstein:

Problems cannot be solved using the same thinking that created them.

'That's great title', said Zoe as she picked up my copy of Human, All Too Human. I agreed.

It's a book of aphorisms. Each aphorism is a self-contained philosophical thought. In fact, the form follows the philosophy. Nietzsche is saying that there's no grand over-arching Truth, only scattered nuggets of …

When you sign the petition you get to write a message. I put, 'Software patents are inimical to free trade. Confound the intellectual monopolists!'.

I agree with your stance on insurance. A lot of it is a straight-up unneccessary con and most of the rest can be dealt with in the way you describe. I think I'd always maintain some sort of house insurance, however, as it's just too big an item to ever …

Sorry to disappoint you, but buildings insurance is not just cover rebuild costs your house if it falls down.

A large proportion of it goes towards third party liability.

You'd have to be seriously well off, or stupid, to underwrite yourself for that!

As a issue, why is the text …

I insure most things myself, not using an insurance company. I make sure I save enough money so that, for example, if someone stole my bicycle I could buy myself a new one. Is this a good idea?

When it comes to my house though, I couldn't afford to have …

I saw Avatar in glorious 3D on Sunday. Thank you to Sarita and Bill. It was a fantastic film. Everyone had a view beforehand on whether the 3D was a good idea. Kazim had seen it in 2D and said 3D was a gimmick. Jamie had seen it in 3 …