It’s an idjication, I tells ya! Bill Sherman’s entertaining review of Popeye Vol. 1 - "I Yam What I Yam" is not only an enjoyable slice of Popeyeiana (if you will), it also gives us an idea of the bit-player origins of our spinach-scarfing seafarer in his comic-strip incarnation, and describes a scene in which “the dainty Miz Oyl hauls off on some uppity skirt who also has her eye on Popeye.” How romantical!
TV/FILM
From TV Editor TV and Film Guy:
From the truly ridiculous notion of TV in a taxicab (Eric Friesen), to super-awesome helicopters in the desert (Matt Paprocki), Blogcritics TV section has it all. We have an argument against Disney's uber-popular High School Musical (Dante A. Ciampaglia). Take that, you dancing prom queens.
From Film Editor Lisa McKay:
"Why is a film about the most horrendous, terrifying, tragic situation a man might imagine so exhilarating, so stirring, so life-affirming?" he asks. Why indeed? Part personal memoir, part critical analysis, Duke de Mondo's review of United 93 is not to be missed.
CULTURE
From Culture Editor Diana Hartman:
From the perspective of the Australian educational system, Jonathan Scanlan writes poignantly and passionately about the importance of teaching history. His observations apply globally, and not just within the halls of academia, but throughout societies. ("First and foremost, history aids people with decision-making. Understanding the past provides us with context." - from History Only Appreciates In Value).
From Asst. Culture Editor Melita Teale:
The streets of Atlanta have been kept safe from Felipe Fernandez-Armesto. Howard Dratch tells us why in Oxford Historian Survives Attack by Atlanta Police.
And I was feeling sorry for myself because the Toronto Transit Commission is craptacular. Mayank Austen Soofi's interview with Manika Dhama will put things in perspective the next time I'm stuck using it.
POLITICS
From Politics Editor Dave Nalle:
Chávez to World: "I Am A Communist" by Clavos is an informative update in the latest follies of the man who would like to be a new Mussolini.
Article comments
1 - Duke De Mondo
Thank you Lisa, and all editors!
2 - Glen Boyd
Its nice to see this feature back after the (much deserved I'm sure) hiatus. Gives us lowly scribblers a benchmark to strive for and also provides a nice overview of the best of the week to our readers. We missed ya!
-Glen
3 - DJRadiohead
Thanks, Connie, and congrats to all the other picks for this week.
4 - Richard Marcus
I wonder at the connection between Christopher Moore and The War on Drugs - as do a lot of people after reading Christopher Moore's books. Thank you Dave and Natalie
Richard Marcus
5 - Clavos
Thanks for the pick, Editors. It's always gratifying to have one's efforts recognized.