Academic Idol - Final Five

In lieu of a serious post (largely due to a flurry of other academic deadlines and addresses), I can report that I am still alive on Academic Idol and have made it to the final 5! 

This is the contest run by Salient, and has a number of lecturers from across the University answering quirky questions, with the lowest polling being evicted each week.  (See earlier post: http://www.laws179.co.nz/2010/08/ode-to-public-law.html)

This week's question is:
http://www.salient.org.nz/blog/academic-idol-round-6

Name your favourite book/musician/film/television show and briefly explain why they’re your favourites.

My response:

Favourite book: Uncle’s Story by Witi Ihimaera. In the summer of 2000/01 it had me and all of my friends blubbing. A moving story blending Maoriness, gayness, sign language, masculinity—all told through a search for an uncle’s long-lost, war-time lover. Superb.

Favourite musician: Does Kathryn Ryan count? I confess my radio is usually glued to National Radio… But otherwise, Everything But the Girl. Or, for something upbeat, anything playing on GeorgeFM.

Favourite TV show: No question. West Wing. All 7 series. End of story. [FN: For the long list of favourite quotations and scenes from West Wing, see facebook status thread.]

Favourite film: I know as the law guy I should mention A Few Good Men. A 1992 classic law movie. Stunning cross examination of Jack Nicolson by Tom Cruise:
Col Jessep: You want answers?
Kaffee: I think I’m entitled to them.
Col Jessep: You want answers?
Kaffee: I want the truth!
Col Jessep: You can’t handle the truth!
But, being truthful myself: J’ai tué ma mère / I Killed My Mother from Toronto and New Zealand film fests. Stylish, quirky film about a young gay boy’s love-hate relationship with his mother—written, directed and starred in by a really talented Quebec kid.

And, over the last couple of weeks some strange posters have appeared around law school and online: 
 

Sigh.