Politics
Politics Editor Natalie Davis
A New Iron Lady for Chile by Taylor Kirk (Dec. 6)
Fascinating piece. Taylor Kirk offers a well-written and informative bird's-eye view of what is happening in Chilean politics, with a focus on the possible first female president. The article shares information concisely - a blessing, given most of us are unfamiliar with workings in Chile.
Israeli Politics: All the Trash is Jumping into the Same Bin by Ruvy in Jerusalem (Dec. 2)
A massive shakeup is under way in Israel's Knesset. In this fascinating piece, Blogcritics' Israel correspondent explains the nation's political process and analyzes the players involved in and possible ramifications of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's dumping of one political party for another. This is an important, thoughtful essay that should be relevant to Israelis and to people around the globe.
Bring in the Euro-Marshals by Grozdan Popov (Dec. 2)
Sex slavery in the Balkans is a cancer poisoning the European continent. Grozdan Popov says it is time for the European Union to take action - and he has a bold plan for dealing with the Albanian criminal gangs that use and abuse women.
Also selected by Blogcritics.org editorial staff:
Freedom Now by John Conlin (Dec. 13)
A penetrating and enlightening manifesto on the true meaning of freedom that ends with a simple yet powerful plea: If you support freedom, raise your voice.
Sports
Sports Editor: Matthew T. Sussman
Frank Thomas is a Hall of Famer by Dan McGowan (Dec. 6)
The title leaves little to the imagination, but in Dan's maiden voyage on Blogcritics he lays out a solid case for, as he puts it, the best first baseman to play in the 1990s. He writes the two-time MVP's career was a victim of circumstance and in an era of suspected steroid use, Thomas was more than likely clean. Prior to the post I hadn't considered Thomas as a Haller but it's difficult to argue against Dan's points.
Bud Carson: Thoughts and Memories of a Coach by Zach Baker (Dec. 9)
It's not easy being a Browns fan, but the Cleveland faithful always take time out to remember those who touched the organization before they passed away. Bud Carson will be remembered as the architect of Pittsburgh's famous "Steel Curtain" defense, but Zach remembers him best as a one-time Browns head coach.
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