When it comes to favourite humour comics, my list is exhaustive. Each strip was a work of art
When people think of their favourite comic strips, they typically list the ones they remember reading as a child – or, in some cases, still read today. My preference has always been for the comics of yesteryear. The early political cartoons of William Hogarth (A Rake’s Progress, 1732-34) and Francis Barlow (A True Narrative of…
The 'Slap Heard ’Round Tinseltown' could end up being the final nail in the coffin for televised awards ceremonies
The 94th Academy Awards ceremony will always be known for one stunning incident that overshadowed the entire evening – the Slap Heard ’Round Tinseltown. Comedian Chris Rock came on stage to present the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature. He’s well known for his sarcastic wit and biting humour. He briefly focused attention on actor Javier…
How did we end up with such a lightweight?
Just the week before, when he invoked the Emergencies Act to deal with what was essentially a local police matter, Justin Trudeau was being compared to brutal dictators like Xi Jinping. But now, after effectively saying “Just fooling” and revoking the same legislation he said was absolutely necessary to save the country from the perils…
A silly, unrealistic comedy about real life
I’m not a big fan of fiction in any format. I prefer that writers clearly elaborate their theories or explain what’s actually happening in the world. I’ve also never been particularly influenced by the latest draw in popular culture. Given my disposition, I was surprised to find myself binge watching the hit comedy Ted Lasso…
The new movie Nobody represents a fantasy people approaching middle-aged might have
“There’s a long-dormant piece of me that so very badly wants out.” That one line from the trailer for Nobody perfectly sums it up. I haven’t yet seen the movie, so let’s call this a trailer review. Or maybe an exploration. As a man in his 30s, I’m approaching an (admittedly unwarranted) midlife crisis. Is…
It’s time to bring back Hee Haw and its successful brand of comedy and country music to a whole new generation of TV viewers
“SAA-LUTE!” Does that ring a bell? If not, maybe a quick “Howdy!,” “Pfft! You was gone!,” “Uh-huh, oh yeah!” or “Hey Grandpa! What’s for supper?” will bring back fond memories. Perhaps a short visit to Kornfield Kounty and Archie’s Barber Shop would help. Or we could grab a guitar and banjo and start pickin’ and…
His mission is to seek the truth at all costs. He refuses to be constrained by political correctness and hurt feelings
On Oct. 27, comedian Dave Chappelle was awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. He’s the 21st recipient of this prestigious honour, joining legends like Carol Burnett, Billy Crystal, David Letterman, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Eddie Murphy, Bob Newhart, Richard Pryor, Carl Reiner and Jonathan Winters.…
I have to do all I can for peace and truth, even posting my Middle-Aged Middle Eastern Guy rap on YouTube
Sometimes you need to risk appearing foolish to speak a very deep truth. As a person of Middle Eastern ethnicity, I’ve long felt a tie to all peoples of that area of the world. As I watch the news, I see a horrible conflict between the Christians, Muslims and Jews of this region. Perhaps it’s…
The comic strip turned TV show didn't just raise eyebrows, it raised blood pressure by poking aggressively at race relations
It’s interesting how the smallest of events can sometimes trigger a significant flood of memories. That happened to me recently when my eyes gazed over a DVD box set of Season 1 of The Boondocks in a remainder bin. The Boondocks was based on Aaron McGruder’s controversial comic strip of the same name, which ran…
Freedom of expression in the arts is as fragile as freedom of the press, and it’s just as vital to human rights as freedom of thought
Ukrainian businessman and philanthropist Victor Pinchuk said, “Art, freedom and creativity will change society faster than politics.” Art has been a part of the human experience as long as there have been people. It’s served many purposes, from the practical to the philosophical. Great pieces of art offer an expression of beauty and human creativity.…