What’s the First Thing You Do When You Fire a Governor?
Take down the tollway signs.
The Who2 Blog
Oren Lavie’s Marvelous Video
“Her Morning Elegance,” by new-music hipster Oren Lavie. Nice!
Some (Presidents) Like It Hot
“He’s from Hawaii, O.K.? He likes it warm. You could grow orchids in there.”Obama advisor David Axelrod on his boss’s Oval Office habits.
The Chronicles of John Updike
Author John Updike has died at age 76. (Of lung cancer, in a hospice in Massachusetts.)Obituary lede writers agree: Updike was all about the chronicles.
Who Should Play Rod Blagojevich?
In a TV movie, that is. The NY Daily News has suggestions.(Javier Bardem seems like a stretch.)Read our profile onRod Blagojevich for more details.
How Many People Does It Take to Deliver Octuplets?
46. (Plus the mother.) And she’s planning to breastfeed them all.[Update: Fertility experts are “rattled.”]
Sherlock Holmes Was Not Really a Cocaine Addict
When did the detective’s use of cocaine become more talked about than his violin playing?
250 Choruses of ‘Auld Lang Syne’
Robert Burns, beloved Scots poet, was born 250 years ago today.
Doll Trouble at the White House
First Lady Michelle Obama is not fond of the weird new dolls loosely based on first daughters Sasha and M
How Tall is Tom Cruise Really?
“At this premier Katie is wearing 2/2.5 heels. So if she is 5’9 as listed puts her over 5’11. Tom standing at 5’9.5 or a tad under. I think these shoes are giving him at most 2 inches, more likely 1.5, consistent with 5’8 and the barefoot pic with Katie.”That’s courtesy of CelebHeights.com, where footwear and photo angles are dissected with Zapruder-style intensity.
An Inside Peek at Air Force One
National Geographic does the honors.No photos, but still a cool look at the plane. Who knew the president’s suite was in the nose?
Broadcasting Benedict
“He may not be in with the local Emo cult, and you’re unlikely to see him hanging out at a skateboard park. But the Holy Father moved one step closer to cool today when he launched the Vatican’s own YouTube site on Google.” The Pope is on YouTube.
Playmobil Security Checkpoint for Kids
Yup, it’s a real product. The user comments really are priceless.Thank you Playmobil for allowing me to teach my 5-year-old the importance of recognizing what a failing bureaucracy in a ever growing fascist state looks like.This toy would be a lot more realistic with about 350 people standing in line for an average of an hour. I heard this also comes with tiny sets of latex gloves for the security guards!
Oscar Ennui for ABC?
Dark Knight wasn’t nominated. But…”Yes! The highbrow Holocaust film with lukewarm reviews is in the game!”Mark Caro says the Oscar nominees are bad news for the broadcaster.
Behind the Scenes at the Obama Inauguration
Time has some fascinating shots of the man himself and of the First Daughters.
The Oscar Revenge of Benjamin Button
Make fun of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button all you want, but it pulled down thirteen nominations in the 2009 Oscar race.Including best picture, best actor (Brad Pitt), best director (David Fincher), best phony old-guy makeup, etc, etc.The ceremony is February 22nd. The other best picture nominees: Frost/Nixon, The Reader, Milk, and (our early favorite) Slumdog Millionaire.
Gump vs. Button: Smackdown!
(Thx to The Daily Dish.)
Michelle Obama’s Inaugural Outfits
Reactions to, and photos of, Michelle Obama’s lemongrass suit and white chiffon gown.Elsewhere, squeals of delight.
Hugs and Squirrels
Take your choice: January 21st is National Hugging Day and Squirrel Appreciation Day.
President Obama Begins His Day With Darth Vader
What is Barack Obama’s calendar for his first full day in office?Here’s a basic schedule. He starts with a 10 am worship service at National Cathedral — the one with the Darth Vader gargoyle.Then Obama hosts an open house at the White House while also meeting with military leaders, economic experts, etc, etc.