Narnia and Christian Propaganda by Chromatius (Dec. 10)
This opinion piece (actually, it could be considered a review of the PR driving the movie) should be a warning to Christians out to make this movie the second coming of The Passion. Lewis would be thrilled that so many people get the message of his work; he wouldn't be happy at all with the way we're promoting the movie.
TV/Film
TV/Film Co-Editor Alisha Karabinus
Movie Review: Brokeback Mountain by Silas Kain (Dec. 9)
Sometimes, a film leaves us unable to speak or move, or do anything but sit in silence with tears pouring down our faces. Silas Kain says Brokeback Mountain left him in such a state, but he still managed to churn out an amazing review that brings the reader into his emotional experience. It's nearly as good as the film — and there's a deeper message, as well.
Culture
Culture Editor Lisa Hoover
It's Time For Government To Give The Artistic World Its Due by Kay Bell (Dec. 3)
Kay opens her article by saying, "Government and the arts. Sounds like an
oxymoron, doesn't it? But the two are inextricably intertwined..." After reading this, you might think so too.
Fair Use - Is It Fair? by Sadi Ranson-Polizzotti (Dec. 9)
Sadi has put together some basic guidelines to keep in mind when you're referencing another person's work. A great primer to get some general understanding of the issue.
How Long Is Too Long To Stay At A Job? by Mark Sahm (Dec. 6)
Mark makes such great points about overstaying your welcome at a job that after reading this article, I quit mine on the spot. When I told myself I was resigning, I threatened to give myself a bad reference and then I told myself to get the hell out of my office.
Also selected by Blogcritics.org editorial staff:
Blogcritics.org on SUBJECT2DISCUSSION: Phillip Winn's Turn - (Dec. 13)
SUBJECT2DISCUSSION is a weekly two-hour web radio show that airs every Tuesday night at 7 PM PT and 10 PM ET. Each week, a Blogcritic holds down the 8:00 – 8:30 slot with a rollicking discussion of all things pop culture. This week, Tech Maestro and Blogcritics co-owner Phillip Winn sallies forth on filmic releases such as King Kong and The Chronicles of Narnia, and also gets into the passing of comedic legend Richard Pryor.
Article comments
1 - Aaman
I nominate the "miracle of Fatima" thread for bringing forth some of the most innovative creative writing ever seen on the web in a single place, and that too in the comments section.
2 - Eric Olsen
super job EB, thanks for leading Editor's Picks into the next generation! Thanks too to Temple for the original idea and iteration
3 - Aaron Fleming
Ha brilliant! Thank you Duke for the pick, I am honoured beyond all caskets full of flaming albatros' with Switzerland for heads. Cheers!
4 - Eric Berlin
Thanks EO! And thanks also to Temple -- I shall try to keep the tradition alive and strong.
5 - Chris Beaumont
Thank you so much, Connie!
Congrats to all the picks!
6 - Eric Berlin
Thank you, Chris!
7 - Mark Sahm
Thanks for the nod, Lisa. Glad I could make you realize your inner quit-stay. :o)
8 - Scott Butki
Congrats to those picked.
9 - alpha
Thanks. I liked the book. I am glad you liked the review.
I was about to take Shark's recent jibe about blogging as intellectual masturbation and give the blogging addiction up. Like masturbation, however, it is fun -- especially with a second pick of the week to feel good about.
10 - Eric Berlin
It's also "stimulating"
11 - Kay Bell
Wow! I'm honored and terrified ... and thrilled that wonkiness sometimes works! Thanks!
12 - Kay Bell
My Blogcritics fave so far this week is Best Disturbing Songs by Scott Butki (music review). Scott takes an admittedly subjective look at lyrics (not melodies; whole 'nother story there!) that he finds particularly unsettling and tells why. Interesting choices, personal, political, visceral, which is what good music should do -- make you feel it. And the ensuring comment thread is just as fascinating readers look inside themselves and their CD cabinets.
I also want to give a nod to Joe Battista's review of the new Jimmie Dale Gilmore CD. A little outside the nomination time frame parameters (posted Dec. 1), but I enjoyed reading about a singer/songwriter and style of music that doesn't get much mainstream attention.
13 - Kay Bell
d'oh! proofed twice and still missed it -- ensuing not ensuring!
14 - alpha
Since I was one of the Chosen for the week and get to nominate another; even though mine was for a book review I would like to nominate Dave Nalle's Eugene McCarthy: The Last Great Progressive at Eugene McCarthy.
I was impressed by it not merely because it reminded me of times past and a sense of political honesty and responsibility but because it was so well written, cogent, organized, and insightful.
Not only all of that but it introduced me to the idea of politician as poet; a truly 18th and 19th century concept. As are responsible politicians, it seems.
Kudos to Dave for a eulogy that met the quality of the man.
15 - Scott Butki
Thanks, Kay.
Yes, Dave's piece is great.
Congrats to all chosen this week.
16 - Dave Nalle
Thanks, Alpha and Scott.
Alpha, you make me think I should have said something about his poetry in the text of the article. The poem I quoted has actually been anthologized extensively and is considered a 'significant' poem, so he wasn't just a dabbler in poetry, he had some real talent.
You also make me think that I ought to write something on literary political figures like Disraeli, Oliver Wendell Holmes and even Newt Gingrich. I think that as a group they tend to be among the more interesting and insightful of our leaders.
Dave