Monsieur Ibrahim, or, let's just unconditionally surrender to Islam: I wish to strongly comment on Mark E. Lieb's unabashed praise for author Eric Schmitt, in his article, "Schmitt Happens" (Aug. 29-Sept. 4). In particular, he praises his film Monsieur Ibrahim. In the article, Lieb states. "Through the whole monologue there's not a hint of Jewish-Muslim enmity, and Monsieur Ibrahim's brand of Islam is so tolerant and loving … there's something refreshing and important about Monsieur Ibrahim." Mr. Lieb has an egregiously selective memory. Throughout the film, Judaism, the Jewish characters and Jewish tradition are portrayed as being empty, cold and devoid of value; and only Monsieur Ibrahim can save Momo, the young, lost Jewish boy. Moreover, the French Christians in this film are only portrayed as some tough, heavy-handed cops patrolling Momo's neighborhood. That is, a simplistic view of Christians as new-age crusaders. In short, the Jews and the Christians are pitiless, cold and rough, while it is the Muslim character who is the only one with any warmth. In the end, Momo ends up utterly abandoning his religion, changing his name and converting to Islam. In other words, tolerance and love is achieved only when Jews (or Christians) give up their religion, (and identity) and become Muslims. I find absolutely nothing refreshing, or important, in that. In fact, the word for that is appeasement. British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain tried that in 1938, in a city called Munich; and that worked really well. In closing, I found this film offensive, simplistic, and I'd avoid it.

Alex, comment on tampa.creativeloafing.com

AND FROM THE BLOGS …

• On thepoliticalwhore.com: Wayne Garcia's post, "Our political priorities, in High Definition," augmented his column ("Suite Deal," Aug. 29-Sept. 4) about the high-priced high-def TVs that taxpayer dollars will be installing in RayJay luxury suites — to the tune of $1.5 million. Commenters were, in a word, pissed:

From Tommy Duncan: … I side with those who say an NFL (MLB, NHL) team attracts significant dollars to the local economy. And yes, "significant" is relative. But there comes a point of diminishing returns, and when they nickel and dime us to death (and by nickels, I mean $1.5 million), that (already questionable) economic impact is decreased "significantly."

From CS Brudy: Bread and Circuses. Except in our modern time, the bread is taken, not given. Also, the vast majority of the population is not interested in the games, like they were in Rome. So all of us subsidize the entertainment tastes of just a few of us. It is a bogus use of tax dollars …

From Mariella: Really good job cutting through the spin and getting to the crux of the matter, from a taxpayer's perspective … It amazes me how people get a little bit of power and then become so extravagant with other people's money. I mean, I assume these people are responsible with their own money, and make reasonable decisions within their own household budgets just like the rest of us ("can't afford that new TV this year, honey, maybe after we pay off the car …") But then they get a seat on some public board and just start throwing our money around like crazy. Of course they all call themselves "fiscal conservatives."

• On tampacalling.com: For your barbecuing pleasure, Wade Tatangelo has compiled a list of the "Top 10 BBQ tunes." Think it's worthy of ribbing? Add your comments at Tampa Calling.

1. "Bar-B-Q," ZZ Top

2. "Barbeque," Robert Earl Keen

3. "Voice of a Pork Chop," Jimbo Mathus

4. "Struttin' with Some Barbecue," Louis Armstrong

5. "Finger Lickin' Good," The Beastie Boys

6. "Hey Pete! Let's Eat More Meat!" Dizzy Gillespie

7. "BBQ Stain," Tim McGraw

8. "Meat Man," Jerry Lee Lewis

9. "Good BBQ," The Riptones

10. "Solid Potato Salad," Nat King Cole

CORRECTION

In "A New Leaf" (Fall Arts Preview, Aug. 29, by Megan Voeller), the name of the artist who originated Gallery 1906 shows with Guillermo Portieles was incorrect. The artist's name is Alex Espalter-Torres.

This article appears in Sep 5-11, 2007.