'Lawrence of Arabia'

A magnificent film. This should be required viewing for every American. Made more than 40 years ago, it speaks volumes in trying to explain the current situation in the Mideast. And it's a perfect companion to "Syriana," another brilliant film about Western and first-world influence in the Mideast.

Most extraordinary is the battle and definition of "barbarism" versus "civility."

Both finding a battleground in Lawrence's own head and heart. Once a champion for the latter, he learns that the former is so ingrained into the people of the area that it's impossible to truly escape. Furthermore, the people don't embrace irrationality and violence by choice. It's in their blood as the sand washes over them by time. The land is barbaric, so must its people be.

Some gorgeous shots. It's one thing to film in a beautiful place, but it's another to capture shots such as are seen in "Lawrence of Arabia."

'The Spy Who Came in From the Cold'

Despite the title, it has little to do with someone battling a winter storm finally arriving home to warm himself by the fire.

But it's certainly about the Cold War and more importantly questioning the integrity and morality of spy warfare, and the tactics of the Allies and Russia.

Frankly, I don't understand spies. When they say, "You can trust no one," they mean it. And no one includes your friends and employers. These spies are and were just pawns in a bigger game and they were as expendable as a penny or a hair on your head. How can you live like that? Devoid of any human characteristic and emotion like happiness and love? How depressing!

By the way, I'm still not 100 percent clear who was on whose team in this book. Still trying to figure that out.