Hairspray Star in NYTimes

Check out this article in the Times about Nikki Blonsky, the 18-year-old novice from Great Neck who landed the role of Tracy Turnblad in the movie musical based on the Broadway musical based on the John Waters movie Hairspray.
“I am not going to let myself be typecast,” she said. “I am going to show the world that I am not just going to play the plus-size girl, that a plus-size girl can be a love interest. Anybody can play any role if they have the chops and if they work hard enough at it.”
I sure hope it works out for her!

Take the 30-Day Angst-Loss Challenge

We of the blogosphere have been issued a challenge: no more complaining without action. Teh Portly Dyke has sworn to take some form of action every time she posts or comments on an issue. For instance, sign a petition, write a letter to the editor or your representative, donate to a cause or campaign. She has a point. We spend so much energy posting about things, and not enough actually doing something about it (at least I do). So join me in accepting her challenge. Sign up over at her blog.

Impeach Cheney Video

You knew the political youtube would be back faster than you could say, "High Crimes and Misdemeanors."
Thanks to Jann for making me aware of this video:

Non-political youtube video

This is just about the coolest artwork/engineering I've ever seen. The video is a mishmash of different videos, but it's a good comprehensive look at some of Theo Jansen's amazing kinetic sculptures:

Happy 4th of July!

And here's my gift to you: Keith Olbermann's Special Comment calling for Cheney and Bush to resign.

Former Island Players star reviewed in NYTimes

Mathew J. Nichols (nee Jascizek) is appearing in Professional Skepticism in New York. The review isn't exactly glowing, but it ain't bad either!

Worst Person in the World: George W. Bush

Keith quotes Cromwell in calling for Bush & Cheney to resign. Watch this space for the upcoming special comment that makes the case in more detail. I'm at the point where I wish they would just give Chris Matthews' time over to Olbermann. I'd watch MSNBC twice as much if that were the case. I would also like to see Mika get her own show. Anyway, enjoy.

Bush hands Scooter Get-Out-of-Jail-Free Card

That's right, folks. Here in Georgia, conservatives are keeping Genarlow Wilson in prison, but the nation's number one conservative proves that the compassion in his conservatism only applies to his cronies. 2009 can't get here fast enough. I am so sick of this arrogant blowhard thumbing his nose at the rule of law in this country. Isn't it time to cut the Shrub down?!

Shakesville is back!

After being taken down by a DOS attack, Shakesville is back on a dedicated server. Be sure to stop by and express support. The new server is not cheap, so financial support would be appreciated, too, if you can spare it.

Best. Movie Site. Ever.

Y'all gotta try this. Click on "Create your Simpsons Avatar" at the top, and you too can have a Groening-style rendering of yourself.

Here's mine:


HT: Shakesville (currently posting at Shakespeare's Sister)

All Vols must Vote

The ESPYS are coming up, and it's time to vote. You don't even have to vote for Peyton to show your Vol spirit, 'cause the Lady Vols(past and present) are all over the ballot. Good luck figuring out which bowler to vote for. I ended up picking the guy in the orange shirt. Don't forget to vote for Talladega Nights for best Sports movie, 'cause Jack McBrayer rocked that pit crew action!
HT: Hurricane Radio

Dave Grohl is so hot

Have I ever mentioned my intense infatuation for Dave Grohl? Just thought I'd mention it. Foo Fighters were just on MTV Live. Seriously, I love him. In a totally non-stalkery sort of way. Mmmmmm Grohl . . .

Happy Juneteenth!

I wonder how many of the folks enjoying the shopping, food, and performances at this past weekend's Georgia Sea Islands Festival knew why it always occurs around June 19th? It really should be a nationally recognized day of remembrance and reflection. I'm not advocating for another day off, but it would be nice if calendars would acknowledge the historical significance of this day. If you don't know what I'm talking about, google "juneteenth" and learn more!

Hyundai ad contains subliminal political advertising?

Check out this Hyundai ad:

I keep seeing it before movies, and I suddenly realized that there's some wonderful subliminal advertising for the Democratic Party in there! About 18 seconds in, notice the two historical figures who appear in the montage when Kelsy Grammer says, "Smart people are whom we've always counted on and admired the most." That's right, they were democrats: JFK and FDR. Pretty cool, huh? Thanks, Hyundai, for the extra boost. Unfortunately, my current favorite in the 2008 race does not have a name that lends itself to initialization. Can you imagine folks reminiscing 40 years from now about BO's administration? No, best to just call him Obama. Or Barack. I'll just be glad when we can call him Mr. President!

Obama on youtube

No, it's not the "crush" video. Please take a look at this video posted by the Obama campaign.

And, yes, I do have a bit of a crush on Obama, but I still love Joe Biden and John Edwards, too. That'd be some boy band, huh?

Help to stop the big coal give away

Congress could vote in the next fews weeks on a bill that would double our greenhouse gas emissions from planes and cars. It sounds crazy, but this is exactly what will happen if a current plan to use "liquid coal" passes. Coal is the dirtiest of fossil fuels and we have a serious global warming problem.

I signed a petition urging Congress to vote no on tax breaks and subsidies on coal. Can you join me at the link below?

moveon.org/stopkingcoal

Memori-Al Weekend!

Tomorrow I drive down to Winter Haven, FL to see the King of Parody himself, "Weird Al" Yankovic, live in concert at Cypress Gardens! Scoff if you must, but this guy puts on a terrific show. Besides, ain't nobody more "White N' Nerdy" than me. Unfortunately, I waited too long to get reserved seating, so we're in the last row of a side section. Oh well, if he does "You're Pitiful," it will all be worth it.

Chris Matthews calls Jack Kingston on his misrepresentation

HT to Tondee's Tavern:
It takes a while to get to the good stuff, but our boy Jack really hit a nerve when he compared the occupation of Iraq to the ongoing presence of American troops in Germany and South Korea. Chris was not happy. I love it when the MSM wakes up, even for a moment, and remembers what they ought to be doing.

He's Alive!

So, Mother's Day came and went with no word from my brother. We were disappointed, but not surprised. Tad has not always been the best about sending cards or calling on Hallmark days. Just got a call from Mom. Mother's Day card from Tad came in the mail today! No return address. Postmarked Chicago. No real details, but he's okay! I'll take what blessings I can, thank you very much. I still hold out hope that we'll see him again soon, but it does feel good just to know he's okay. We Love you Tad! Hope you are happy. Our best to everyone there.

Bring Civility to Your Blog Posts

Wolfrum (Shakesville) responds to Lieberman's "vituperation" comment with a hilarious post enumerating various ways to bring civility to blog posts. Must read for all bloggers. Or anyone with a sense of humor.