Day: June 10, 2003

A lobbyist’s understanding of the free market

/ Kevin B. O'Reilly

I was reading this story about insurance reform (hey, it’s a living) in Texas and was struck by a remarkable quote.

The insurance industry essentially struck a deal with Texas politicians. In exchange for a temporary freeze on homeowners rates, the state will move to what’s called a file-and-use system at the end of next year. Under that system, insurers would be free to set rates with only minimal regulation.

So here’s how Beam Floyd, an industry lobbyist, sums up the deal: “The first phase of this is to grab hold of the marketplace. Once we have a hold of the marketplace, we will move toward a system that allows for more market competition.”

Beautifully ironic.

I’ve animatriculated

/ Kevin B. O'Reilly

Karen and I saw “The Animatrix” last night, and I thought it was really great.

There are many very interesting animation styles employed in these nine shorts inspired by “The Matrix.” Some work better than others, depending on your taste, essentially — but even those episodes I didn’t find mind-blowing had something to recommend them.

What “The Animatrix” shows very convincingly is how compelling the world of “The Matrix” is because it can be taken in so many directions, from MTVish teen angst to Chandleresque private eye to trippy ruminations on robot slavery.

It’s not crucial to appreciating “The Matrix” theatrical releases, but it’s an excellent supplement.