Welcome to The Now

Note to rappers: if you are supporting a candidate for president in your lyrics, keep them clean . Looking for college loans . Pentagon: terrorism is the song that never ends . The FDA says they have found the source of the Salmonella outbreak .

As since " The Prisoner of Azkaban ," this Harry Potter promises to be darkest one yet. Methinks all of this "new, darker Potter" talk is a not-too-subtle message to Chris Columbus (who directed the first two). Any chance we can get Christopher Nolan to direct the last book/movie? He can even re-name it "The Dark Wizard." Just kidding.

For some Jewish consumers, it's not just about the food being kosher, but the working practices of the company . Or in other words: having a "certificate of righteousness." Hopefully, this won't be an Indictment to Nowhere. If I had told you back in the 90's that Mario Lopez would turn out to be the most well-liked and successful cast member from "Saved By the Bell," you might not have believed me. Pregnant women who are diabetic are more prone to have children with birth defects . If this story was about Iran and not Pakistan , President Bush would be pounding on the war drums.

So while registered voters are leaning towards Sen. Barack Obama, likely voters are leaning toward John McCain . I'm not quite sure what makes a voter "likely" other than maybe their voting history. What's interesting about the follow-up story is that the polls show people feel better about Obama "handling Iraq" and "terrorism" while McCain fairs better with "dealing with foreign leaders," "relations with other countries" and "the economy" (WTF?!?). Talk about a disconnect; how can a president handle Iraq or terrorism and not deal with foreign leaders or have good relations with other countries? Other than adopting the Bush Doctrine, that is. If you go back to the Gallup poll itself , you learn that 11% polled either didn't like either choice of candidate or have no opinion (kinda scary). From people I've talked to, it always seems hard to get two groups out to vote: young people and old-school Republicans (t...

Kinda puts Obama’s remark about “bitter” people clinging to guns and religion in a new light. Think Progress commenter Squeaky Wheel s, on the story that some crazy guy shot up a church because of it's liberal leanings. There's also Raw Story article out about the shooter's reading material . I remember when Obama made those comments, and more to the point I remember the backlash that came after it (it made way for the "Obama is a snob" meme). Whether it's was foreshadowing or Karma; who knows?

Extreme Foreclosure . Rebecca Romijn (who is a cool blend of funny and sexy) is having twins with Jason Bateman 's stunt double Jerry O'Connell (just kidding). Where does your college rank ? If you really want to lose weight ...

Kelsey Grammar is in the hospital . Whatever John McCain tells you, remember: the surge was a success ! Wonder why you haven't heard much from Alberto "Two-Face" Gonzales? Running over a guy last week might have been something to do with Bob Novak having a tumor . I wonder: will Michael Savage do a stupid "tribute song" about him too , or is he too busy trying to keep his sponsors from leaving ? Time will tell.

Us 9-to-5 types do every few decades or so. Thing is, it's harder for entertainers, particulary muscians .

The downside to sites like Facebook . For PGC correction officers, it takes one to know one . Barack Obama woos Europe in his Germany visit/speech. Billionaires Against Smoking . If you still have a house, consider yourself blessed . The latest casualty of the food/energy prices crisis? The McDonald's Dollar Menu . That's right; cheap, fatty food may become a thing of the past. Another panic move by the Golden State Warriors. Another panic move by Sen. John McCain's campaign. Seriously; what news would they have after they make such an announcement? Leave it to the Bush Administration to turn a current foreign policy issue into a future immigration issue . Not to mention that the real reason behind it wasn't anything humanitarian; it's because they've been blasted for not doing it sooner (when it would have made more of a difference). I know I've mentioned it before, but here's more proof that the "Latinos won't vote for Obama " meme i...

I certainly didn't. But he is , according to Forbes.

You have to wonder if John McCain really wants to be president sometimes. R.I.P., DJ K Swift . McDonald's legal prowess isn't exactly their strong suit. Megan Fox and Eva Longoria are being asked to gain weight ; Kim Kardashian is being asked to loose some. Gear Batman may find useful . I haven't seen a good shot of this celebrity since "Man of the House," and that's sad. Remember: there are plenty of people like Doron Braunshtein , and many of them can vote.

For one judge in New Zealand, a little too much .

Some familiar faces respond to Robert Novak's "car incident." " Hush, grieving parents; don't say a word ..." This may come as a shock , but John McCain seems to have a problem with young voters. Shave and a hair cut . Now this is a cat lady .

From this MSNBC story , choice quotes from Tavis Smiley on Barack Obama: "There is no such thing in America as race transcendence, and Obama’s going to find that out real soon.” “There’s no such thing as ‘post-racial’ in America, because if you push the envelope too far, you’re going to hear about it.” “Just because Barack Obama is black, doesn’t mean he gets a pass on being held accountable on issues that matter to black people. I’m not an Obama critic or a McCain critic. The term itself is dismissive and insulting.” “I want to do what I always try to do, which is to be authentic in my coverage. I’m an advocacy journalist, not a journalist in the traditional sense. I believe my role in the media is to get people to re-examine the assumptions they hold.” It appears that in Smiley's World, race will always be a problem, and because of this, politicians like Barack Obama are beholden to deal with it. The flaw with this logic is that race issues are not just a black/white thing. ...

Now isn't this interesting? Republican Senate leaders — terrified by the prospect of losing five or more seats in November — have freed their members to vote however they need to vote to get reelected, even if that means bucking the president or the party’s leadership. On at least four votes over the past month — Medicare , housing, the GI Bill and the Farm Bill — Republican leaders haven’t even bothered whipping members to toe the party line or back President Bush’s veto threats. Instead, a GOP leadership aide says leaders have told vulnerable senators that it’s all right to “get well” with voters by siding with Democrats on anything but energy and national security. "Housing," huh? Well, that partially explains this . But I'm curious as to where this feeling of terror was when the Senate was voting for FISA. Anywho : It’s unusual for rank-and-file members to get a green light to blow off their party leaders. But these are unusual times for Republicans. They are gen...

Saying that Barack Obama " would rather lose a war in order to win a campaign " is the best John McCain can do. QUACK . Robert Novak hit a guy with his car . Politicizing the Department of Labor . If you still have your house, consider yourself blessed .

It sure does .

Vanity Fair didn't want The New Yorker to have all the fun, so they gave us a glimpse of their own political cover .

Introducing the CCT (this thing's going to need s better nickname). As the case with movies and musical albums releases: with every successful kickoff, there's bad news to follow it . Wizards' forward Andray Blatche didn't have to be in the NBA Summer League, but he is (and that's a good thing). R.I.P.; Estelle Getty . The latest casualty of the sagging economy: working women . Fergie gets a juicy movie role . John McCain is trying to take advantage of Barack Obama's visit to the Middle East. Who's looking out for the young Republicans ?

Sen. McCain may think he looks big by saying that Sen. Barack Obama " has been completely wrong " on issues concerning Iraq and Afghanistan, but the fact that the plans of both Iraq Leader Nouri Al-Makili and President Bush (I don't care what people say; "general time horizon" sounds like "timetable for withdrawal" to me) seem more in line with Obama's ideas and strategies makes McCain look like the person who's out of touch . Really out of touch .

Ebert and Roeper are leaving the movie review show 'Ebert & Roeper' (for different reasons). The show was a staple that will be missed, but how many people base their choice of movies to watch on critics today?

Now Bush knows about $4.00/gallon gas . Can't get anything pass this guy (except three hijacked airplanes, structurally unsound levees and military/foreign affairs officials who warned about invading Iraq). Say it ain't so , Cos; say it ain't so. Even comic books have laws . Crooks & Liars' Steve Benen on the "lifted" ban on offshore drilling. It's turns out that Mom wasn't so off base after all .

If the Bush Administration has done so much good, why should they be worried about going to jail ? Miley Cyrus wants do make a clean version of "Sex and the City." It makes no sense to me either. The praise for Heath Ledger's Joker in "The Dark Knight" keep coming in. "Nip/Tuck" to do one more season of operations . Gotta get that syndication!

This isn't new, but still: wow. Like a said before: arrogant, stubborn sociopath .

... this , ladies and gentlemen, is satire.

In other words: economists have little clue what's going on . While America still fights for oil, Saudi Arabia prepares for the next economic meal ticket . " Cold Cut Trio ," indeed. Hey, Pro-Surge Crowd: does this type victory justify this type of tragedy ? Call it a "blood bank audit" that hasn't gone as planned . Barack Obama is making power moves in the Commonwealth . The Pope speaks on the environment, TV and the Internet.

Andy Dick's been arrested . That picture says it all.

I didn't know that the NL has been losing All-Star Games since 1996 . And I though football and basketball was disproportionate.

Apparently information Barack Obama had on his website opposing the Bush/McCain Surge has either been moved or deleted, depending on who you ask . Of course, this gives anti- Obama people more of an outlet than the New Yorker cover. But how does this compare to the Bush Administration scrubbing the White House website ? Anyone?

Surprise, surprise: Barack Obama's run for President isn't solving the race gap . Maybe that's more of a role for civil rights advocates, hmm? Good thing I don't have any money in Wachovia . Susan Atkins is staying in jail , and despite her current condition that's a good thing. Personally, I don't see how this trade helps either the Clippers or the Nuggets get to (or past) the Western Conference Finals. I wish I could write this more often: Congress overrides President Bush's veto . Something John McCain and Obama can agree on . Part One of Gilbert Arenas putting his money where his mouth is has been completed .

Sen. John McCain earlier : "I know how to win wars. And if I'm elected president, I will turn around the war in Afghanistan, just as we have turned around the war in Iraq, with a comprehensive strategy for victory." Granted his military background and maybe even pedigree gives him experience in warfare; like how to conduct yourself and how to prepare for particular war scenarios. But seriously, anyone who understands what "war" is knows how to win: destroy your enemy completely . However, the collateral damage that comes with such a commitment is not only heavy politically, but on the soul as well. People like General Sherman knew this, and they also knew that war wasn't something to glorify . I'm fairly confident that McCain will not go in front of a prime-time camera and say, "They all have to die," so we're just going to get more faint promises and declarations. And because McCain (or Bush for that matter) can't afford to go that far...

Remember: the Bush/McCain Surge is working . Not every country cowers when their president does something illegal. Fannie and Freddie: I can has bailout too ? According to this poll , at least have the country is still in "let's wait it out mode" when it comes to an Iraqi pullout timetable. This despite the violence, the fact our troops are coming back with multiple physical and mental issues and that Iraqi officials themselves have asked us to start packing. Wow.

While I understand the sentiment behind this cover, I agree that it's more likely that people will use it to justify their prejudices . UPDATE: Nevertheless, Brad from Sadly, No! makes a good point .

Dating tips for the recently divorced . And you thought Americans were annoying tourists . Call me crazy, ladies, but if a guy is both #3 and #4, he's not committed to you , he should be committed. Support the troops . Republican policies are literally keeping Americans sick . Bitter Wingnut Virgins . And Brad, I think that guy calls himself "The Stranger" for a reason . No that's gansta . Obviously, conservatives would prefer it if our children were uneducated and stupid. Because the stupid don't usually fight back when something they don't agree with happens. John McCain was still married to Wife #1 when he got hitched to Wife # 2 ? That's not change we can believe in ! Well, well; look at who supports the Obama Foreign Policy .

I may not have agreed with his politics, or even thought that he was the best prepared Press Secretary, but part of me still believes that he was one of the few people involved in the Bush Administration that wasn't trying to rob the country blind and/or destroy the middle class. But now that he's gone to a better place , I suspect conservative comments towards him will be infinitely more favorable that what Scott McClellan received.

H/t: Talking Points Memo . This is just a small example of how the modern GOP gets it's fear out: Something bad either has happened, will happen, or is happening right now while I'm speaking and you need to vote for me to keep you safe . Whether the "bad" thing is true, preventable, or could just as easily addressed by a Democrat isn't the point. What's interesting is that not one of these fear-mongers seem concerned that we trade quite freely with China .

Think Progress has the details . Oh; and he's not alone .

Only because two things shock the average American into action: sex and violence. And I'm not sure how to promise more sex to Americans, or even if that would work. So here's the violence...or rather, the result of unnecessary violent actions done in the name of greed . And if you're curious, here's how the guy does it:

Wowza. Now I know why George W. Bush doesn't do too many non-FoxNews interviews. Simply put: he's an arrogant, stubborn sociopath. Notice how he simplifies the qualms of the enemy, implying that their only mission is to "stop freedom." Not "kick foreigners out of their country" or "keep their own resources" or "eat." No, the reason they're blowing each other and our troops up is because they hate freedom. As C&L's Logan Murphy said : If the American press corps and our corporate media had asked tough questions like this of President Bush and his administration during the lead up to the invasion of Iraq, there isn’t a doubt in my mind that public support for it would have plummeted . This interview was done in ‘04, but was never aired in the U.S., and it’s quite possible that it could have affected the outcome of the presidential election that year. Imagine the outcome if a journalist dared to interview John McCain in this way ...

It's sad that someone who's motto was "Keep Hope Alive," has been reduced to being a bitter grouch when faced with the reality that someone who's using a similar message of hope is, in many ways, his political successor. Another thing: why was it when Bill Cosby (who has made similar comments in the past) was partially right on black people spending in excess , even his "Black People Must Take Responsibility Tour" was dismissed as being old and out of touch. I guess the silver lining is that Al Sharpton (for once) isn't siding with Jesse Jackson. He says about Obama's comments on race and responsibility, " I think people misunderstand. I disagree that he's talking down to black people. The civil rights movement of the 21st century must be government accountability and personal responsibility ."

Brad Miller won't be playing for the Sacramento Kings for awhile. Nothing like a bad case of gas . If you're wondering why epilepsy drugs have no warnings , well here you go . Charley Rangel's new nickname may have to be " The Landlord ." Cancer among young women is on the rise. Fannie and Freddie face financial freakout .

...I NMT'd a day or so before ? Turns out it wasn't all it cracked up to be . As in: fake . (H/t: FischFry from Daily Kos)

When I first read this story , I was worried. How could America, the country with the most kick-ass military, be so concerned with some crazy new weapon that the Shiite militia is using? Then I re-read the first two paragraphs: Suspected Shiite militiamen have begun using powerful rocket-propelled bombs to attack U.S. military outposts in recent months, broadening the array of weapons used against American troops. U.S. military officials call the devices Improvised Rocket Assisted Munitions, or IRAMs. They are propane tanks packed with hundreds of pounds of explosives and powered by 107mm rockets. They are often fired by remote control from the backs of trucks, sometimes in close succession. Rocket-propelled bombs have killed at least 21 people, including at least three U.S. soldiers, this year. Did ya catch that? The all-to-subtle acronym "U.S. military officials" are using? I mprovised R ocket A ssisted M unitions. IRAM s. Doesn't that sound/look familiar? Not clear yet...

Police around the country (like in my state) are cracking down on prisoners with cell phones . Some questions: How did they get the cell phones? How are they charging the cell phones? Where is the bill going to? Why don't the prisons just block the signal (with exceptions for where the staff congregate)? How could guards not notice prisoners talking on the phones or texting ?

Things looked pretty bad last time . Only Tom Tomorrow knows for sure .

Remember back when Jesse Jackson got all snippy towards Barack Obama ? Well, it seems like he's finally decided to apologize for that...and apparently some other more recent crap he's said . I'm not saying that Jesse Jackson (and other Old-School Black Leaders) are jealous that Obama has a better chance than he does of being the first black president. Because it would be wrong for me to say that Jackson is jealous of Obama; wrong, wrong, wrong. Sure, Jackson saw himself as the heir of Martin Luther King, Jr. and probably envisioned himself being the one who would "make it to the mountaintop" in honor of King. Sure, Obama has run a presidential campaign that has been infinitely successful than Jackson. Sure, Obama has beaten one of the most powerful Democratic families in modern political history. Sure, Jackson has now been reduced to being "the well-known black guy who gives opinions on issues very much or even vaguely related to African-Americans." But...

Right? Right ? UPDATE: What daveawayfromhome said .

So far, so good for new young mom Jamie Lynn Spears. Condi Rice decides to " delegate ". If Rasmussen is correct with this poll data , then it's good news for Barack Obama. From Iron Man to Sherlock Holmes . Death by couch ? By the time you've finished reading this sentence, odds are someone you know may have gotten a foreclosure notice . The Milwaukee Bucks solidify their place as the Tenth Best Team in the Eastern Conference. Did you know that oil companies are making alot of money ? I wonder how... Thank you, Sen. Kennedy .

Silly con-artists , everybody knows where real crystal skulls come from !

Even though Barack Obama's not used to this type of race (how many people are, really?) my money is on John McCain (with his policy-shifting , issue-straddling , and outright lying ways) snapping first. Nevertheless, both men should be able to go to the bathroom without reporters clamoring around them.

Remember: the Bush/McCain Surge is working . Elton Brand signs with the 76ers (I should listen to my co-workers more than so-called insiders). Massive beauty salons closing = less jobs. To battle child obesity , some doctors suggest (wait for it...) more drugs. In Gaithersburg, MD: stew sickens family . Is it copyright violation or invasion of privacy? A judge's key decision in the Google vs. Viacom case. Once again , Iran gives the Bush Administration a reason to rattle sabers. Antibiotics aren't as super as once believed . Vice President Cheney's Office is responsible for doing something shady ? The heck you say!

We have singing robots now.

Pet owners seem to favor McCain more , if for no other reason than the fact that Barack Obama doesn't have any and McCain practically has a farm. Of course, if McCain gets his way with off-shore drilling, they'll be less places for pets to roam free. Also, if the conflict in Iraq continues as McCain wants, alot more pets will be without their original owners. And, as long as gas prices are high, people who like pets may not be able to afford to keep them (because, you know, pets eat food and need to be clean up after and need to go to the vet and that stuff's expensive). I wonder how long before this "news" becomes a FoxNews exclusive, or even a new "voting block" like Nascar Dads and Security Moms. I know: we can call them the Poop-Scoopers!

People can give all sorts of reasons why John McCain had to " shake up his staff ," but the bottom line is this: his major policies are not that different from George W. Bush and his minor policies are so offensive to the GOP base that he's likely to either abandon them of flip-flop.

G8: cut global emission in half by 2050 . Hurricane Bertha is changing course , but it's not likely to hit the US. North Korea to talk nukes again . Keeping a diet diary can double the weight you loose. Sorry; "Sunday Rose" is cool name for a band , not a baby . Iraqi PM to US: You can get ready to leave now . Sounds like "ready to stand up" to me. Eve Mendes talks about tacky jokes, rehab and the plight of Latina and Asian actresses. The Bush Doctrine has resulted in a spike in heavy drinking and other substance abuse problems. Apparently, saving Social Security is more important than repairing our broken infrastructure, dealing with high gas prices, bringing jobs back to the country and strengthening our unions. No; it's all about Social Security.

Apparently, some of the positions John McCain's are making conservatives poop in their pants . Don't they know they can always do a write-in for Dick Cheney? Oh wait, I don't think he's solidly against gay rights. What about Mitt Romney? Wait, wait...he was somewhat liberal when he ran in Massachusetts. Ron Paul? Hold on, he's against the war. Bob Barr? Oh snap; he's not a Republican anymore, and he's not too hot about FISA. The lesson kids, is: there is not one Republican candidate around who shares every single conservative plank on the GOP platform . On a side note, this little "reversal" is interesting: When a Republican is president, everyone pretty much falls in line. When they have to run for office though, much ass must be kissed and every faction fights to have their cause addressed. Just thought that was interesting.

The guys from Cracked.com have done it again .

I'm making this announcement because the media has apparently decided to ignore the guy who prosecuted Charles Manson and wrote about the O.J. Simpson Trial and about those JFK conspiracy theorists . It's one thing when media bobble heads try to pre-debunk an author (usually it means that they know people are reading the book, and they have to address it). It's another thing to act like something this controversial was never written (by someone with some credibility, no less).

Senator John McCain was performing relatively smoothly as he unveiled his energy plan. He managed to limit the mechanical hand chops and weirdly timed smiles that can often punctuate his speeches. He delivered his lines with an ease that suggested a momentary peace with his longtime nemesis, the teleprompter. (He relied on a belt-and-suspenders approach, with text scrolling down screens to his left and right, and on a big TV set in front of him.) But when Mr. McCain, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, came to the intended sound bite of his speech — the part about reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil — he hit a slick. “I have set before the American people an energy plan, the Lex-eegton Project,” Mr. McCain said, drawing a quick breath and correcting himself. “The Lex-ing-ton Proj-ect,” he said slowly. “The Lexington Project,” he repeated. “Remember that name.” In a town meeting in Cincinnati the next day, Mr. McCain would again slip up on the name of the Massachus...

Crap . You'd think this would be no big deal, but then you'd recall that these two have been head coaches before. Meaning: if Del Negro is ever out for any reason, there'll be at least two guys who can keep the boat afloat. In other words: the Chicago Bulls are slowly becoming a team that you can't afford to sleep on.

Taking time away from his busy ESPN schedule, Wilbon decides to weigh in on the Arenas contract. His opinion? Arenas wasn't worth the money ! Wow...who could've thought that Wilbon would've said that ? Wilbon believes money like that should be paid to people who have already won championships like Kobe Bryant or Tim Duncan. But Michael, those guys don't want to come here! Seriously, can anyone name one NBA player who's won a championship and than said, "I gotta go to DC!" as the rings were being fitted? I only count Tyronn Lue. But I'll give Wilbon this nugget, since he did mention some positives about Arenas being in DC: the only way the Wizards are going to win a championship is with a core of hungry, nobody-cared-about-me-and-I'll-prove-them-all-wrong types, not stars who won rings with other franchises.

Take Kellye Serrano ( speaking for the safety of her 15-year-old son ) for example: Her biggest fear is that McCain will win, reinstate the military draft, and in three years have to send her son off to war instead of sending him off to college. “I want him to go to college. I want him to be happy. But I certainly, I, just couldn ’t imagine sending him off to war.” Max Serrano is too young to vote, but old enough to know that he’s troubled by both McCain’s age and the candidate’s ‘100 years in Iraq’ comment. “If we’re there for a hundred years, he’s only going to be there for four of the years, if not re-elected. And then, he’s going to leave it off for some other guy,” says the aspiring young guitarist.

More proof that the Bush Doctrine is working. It's not an Emmy snub if the person's not a good actor/actress to begin with. Doctors are prescribing a change in Medicare to Senate Republicans. What about Michael Vick's dog's ? John McCain: free trade will protect us from the enemy . Me: WTF ?!?

Save on your movie tickets . " Superpowers " from real people. Please: no spandex! "The Dark Knight" review are in and it looks promising. When Justice John Roberts claimed he was going to look at every case with an open mind, he was lying . Now that you're aware ... Maybe voting for a guy who's relying on eBay to save our economy isn't a great idea . Fred Kaplan talks about North Korea . When going to interviews, watch what you say . Look at who various celebrities are supporting for president . I can honestly say only one person here surprised me.

He's not reversing his decision on Iraq .

Rush Limbaugh to sign multi-million contract extension for the Republican Party Conservatives . He will continue his bench role of "radio host." Although he's gained weight over the years, and there have been drug problems here and there, the Conservatives still feel that Limbaugh is a valued asset in the locker room, especially with the team preparing for what many are calling a "rebuilding year." "We hope that Rush' veteran experience will help young conservatives who foolishly think that by being honest and factual is actually something that works," said Random Republican. "Hopefully he'll set them straight before 2012." He very well might. As the GOP was facing scandal after scandal, voters began turning away from the Republican Party in disgust. Limbaugh saw this potentially horrible situation and came up with a brilliant plan: explain away the mass desertion as voters infiltrating the Democratic Primary. "I saw that people ...

Great news: Colombian hostages finally come home . And yes, I realize that this came on the heels of John McCain taking a trip there. Bush doesn't want Israel to take away his fun . Things get " ruff " for DMX again (couldn't resist). I told you it was Elton Brand's fault ; and now he's caught up in this mess . The Bush Administration doing shady deals with Big Oil ? Perish the thought! Massachusetts is getting a little greener . Chris Kattan is getting hitched . To a Supermodel .

When someone with some balls decides to prosecute anyone from the Bush Administration for the criminal act of torture, you can bet your bottom dollar that they'll use the " China Defense :" WASHINGTON — The military trainers who came to Guantánamo Bay in December 2002 based an entire interrogation class on a chart showing the effects of “coercive management techniques” for possible use on prisoners, including “sleep deprivation,” “prolonged constraint,” and “exposure.” What the trainers did not say, and may not have known, was that their chart had been copied verbatim from a 1957 Air Force study of Chinese Communist techniques used during the Korean War to obtain confessions, many of them false, from American prisoners. The recycled chart is the latest and most vivid evidence of the way Communist interrogation methods that the United States long described as torture became the basis for interrogations both by the military at the base at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, and by the Ce...

Quite a few conservatives have, for some time now, been trying to use the "Don't Vote For Barack Obama Because He's Black" logic for awhile. Unfortunately for them this is 2008, and saying that someone's disqualified because s/he is African-American doesn't hold the same sway it did back in the day. But that doesn't mean these people won't stop trying. The latest variation of this tactic is to equate race with trust. Whenever you hear a known conservative pundit or Republican talk about "not being able to trust" Obama, it's simply code for: "Hey fellow White People! Barack Obama will make Islam the official religion of America and then force you to give your tax money to black people as reparation for slavery! How do I know? Because he's black!" I'm glad the question "Was John McCain born in the US?" has died down. It was quite simply one of the most ridiculous "questtacks" (an attack in the form of a...

The Sports Guy wonders if all the winning his hometown is doing will eventually make him a bad fan . He concludes that it won't, but the journey he takes to get to this conclusion make me wonder whether he was drunk on "victory" or something else. When you're part of the Bostocalypse, this are the things you worry about apparently.

Please, God: let this movie not suck. I know Kevin Costner's in it, but he was OK in "JFK" and "Field of Dreams," right? And one more thing: please help the average American understand that the premise of this movie -that one person can literally hold the entire country hostage with his/her vote- can't really happen.

More proof that any animated movie that preaches conservation, helping others, and practicing unselfishness will no doubt piss the Right-Wing off .

Meet United States Army Major General Ronald L. Johnson, the new Senior Vice President of Referee Operations .

No child left behind , huh? Let's call it a mega-offering from Barack Obama . The Pitt-Jolie offspring (aka, "The Reason Actors/Actress Won't Be Getting Work in 18 Years") are set to be born . More proof that the McCain Surge is working. Kennedy and Universal Health care: The Return .

I am almost tempted to agree with those who say it's all Baron Davis' fault that Gilbert Arenas is suddenly a commodity. Almost. Fact of the matter is Baron left ( at first unbeknown to me ) because he wanted to play for the L.A. Clippers . He wanted to play for the Clippers because Elton Brand wanted him as a teammate. So it's really Elton Brand's fault. Ironically, it's Elton Brand some die-hard Wizards fans from the blogosphere have always wanted (at the sacrifice of players like Arenas and Antawn Jamison, no less).

The Propagandist strikes again ! Llllieeeezzzzzzzz!!!

Brad Reed (of Sadly, No! fame) does The 10 Most Awesomely Bad Moments of the Bush Presidency . I know, I know; " Only Ten? What about the other 87 ?" But he does pick the doozies. Here's one of my favorities : 5 : Bush and Condi's Excellent Gaza Adventure The Bush administration can be described as a slapstick comedy with an unusually high body count: Picture the Three Stooges and the Keystone Cops duking it out with cruise missiles. There is no better example of this than Bush and the State Department's wild adventures in the Gaza Strip in 2006. As Vanity Fair's David Rose reported earlier this year, the trouble began when Bush started stamping his feet and throwing a hissy fit about having elections in the Palestinian territories. Essentially, Bush's desire to be seen as a "freedom president" meant forcing various swarthy third-worlders to vote in elections that would presumably result in U.S.-friendly regimes around the world. After Hamas pre...

"It's funny to me that people look at it that way. Ain't nobody making moves . . . to get good in two years. You're trying to get better now. Everybody knows my future but me, huh?" LeBron James on the odds of him leaving a small market like the Cleveland Cavaliers to move to a potentially big market with the the New Jersey (soon-to-be Brooklyn) Nets, which is partially-owned by James' BFF Jay-Z. Because it's not like an iconic basketball player has ever left the team that drafted him .

You would think that George W. Bush's base, mostly made up of rich people and warmongers , would take a shinning to John McCain: a guy who owns ( owned ) multiple houses, is married to a rich wife and wants to bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran . You would think. But for the most part, they seem to be a finicky lot : In heavily Democratic Massachusetts, some Bush fund-raisers remain loyal to one of McCain's chief GOP rivals, Mitt Romney, the favorite son and former governor who suspended his candidacy in February. "I would probably support John McCain if he chooses Mitt Romney as his running mate; other than that, I will not support John McCain," said venture capital fund manager and Staples founder Thomas G. Stemberg, a Bush pioneer who raised large amounts for Romney but also contributed the individual maximum, $2,300, to Senator Barack Obama in March 2007. Can't say I'm surprised that Big Money Republicans are waiting on seeing who McCain chooses as a VP candi...

Crikey . Jamison gets his dough ; Arenas: where will you go? More proof that the McCain Surge is "working." Please Hollywood: I need my movie fix ! Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe tells the West to butt out . What the hell is Baron Davis thinking ?