So my best intentions imploded this morning, and I must interrupt my regularly scheduled coverage of Caryn James's latest critical homicide for a day away. I promise this will not get to be a regular habit, but look at it this way: The next time I write here, I will have a Master's degree. Amazing, huh? New York University will give those things out to anybody.

Of course, that means I need to finish my thesis before noon, so please excuse me. Check back tomorrow for this week's Centerpiece look at Brokeback Mountain, with running commentary from Ang Lee, Heath Ledger and screenwriters Diana Ossana and Larry McMurtry. I will probably have something to say about Ms. James by then as well (hint: The Onion also broaches James's topic today, and it did just as much reporting).

In the meantime, Movie City Indie's Ray Pride is onto Roger Friedman, whose coverage of Munich should easily provide enough material to chew on for the rest of the day. Or it could turn you off to film writing forever, like imagining Gene Shalit in leather chaps.

Oh fuck. Now I'll never get back to work.