The newest Transformers are imitating objects seen in 2007:

I liked how the packaging advertised the package as a “Mass Media Battle.” Never to early to introduce kids to the massive amount of video, images, words, and technology invading their lives.

Stumbled upon an article about the Godfather and America, which I recall reading from Slate but lost track of.

 About five years ago, Paul Rahe, the author of the acclaimed Republics Ancient and Modern: Classical Republicanism and the American Revolution, penned an essay, “Don Vito Corleone, Friendship, and the American Regime.” With the possible exception of Paul Cantor’s essay on The Simpsons, it’s the best essay on the significance of a movie or TV show I’ve ever read.

More at the National Review.

Unfortunately, I misremembered the review and sought out “Republics, Ancient and Modern” by Paul Rahe instead.  However with this interview in hand I bought a book with Rahe’s essay in it.

The original article also referenced an essay on the Simpsons by Paul Cantor which sounds interesting (see edited version here).

Teaser for the new Legion of Superheroes, season 2:

Strange – looks like there are now two types of Supermen. Maybe one is the goody two shoes Silver Age, and one is a more modern or futuristic version.

Also, a relatively content-free teaser for the “New Frontier” cartoon with the DC superheroes:

Updating Flickr – here are a few photos of the St. Louis arch taken back in 2003.