Dear MoveOn member,

The CBS networks still refuses to run our winning ad in the Bush in 30 Seconds ad contest during the Super Bowl. The MoveOn.org non-partisan campaign to get CBS to air issue ads continues, but we're not going to let CBS's censorship stop us in the mean time. That's why we're spending over $1 million to air the ad in our swing states and nation-wide on other channels -- starting with two spots on CNN that will air during the Super Bowl half time.

This Sunday, during the Super Bowl half time show, join us in changing channels on CBS. At 8:10pm and 8:35pm EST, switch over to CNN to watch "Child's Pay" on a channel which doesn't censor its ads. We'd like to keep a tally of the number of people who participate -- you can sign up here:
http://www.moveonvoterfund.org/boycott/?id=2293-2581577-fXVsLLUC.70.3qprsybczg

Disney-Pixar alliance seems to be drawing to a close.

$20,000 Bronze Yoda Stolen.

Yesterday's Daily Dish.

From TVGuide.com news: "H-A-S--B-E-E-N: What do you get when you cross the WB's The Surreal Life with a good old-fashioned spelling bee? Fox's latest reality experiment. For three consecutive Fridays beginning Feb. 13, C-listers such as Corbin Bernsen, Brett Butler, Alice Cooper, Vincent Pastore, Eric Roberts, Meshach Taylor and George Wendt will face off in The Great American Celebrity Spelling Bee."

Beatles Photography at Smithsonian and the Beatles' "First Personal Appearance in America" happened right here in Washington.

Tastes Like (Mutant) Chicken: The great McDonald's diet test, and why Ukrainians won't touch your buffalo wings.

From Stop the NRA's latest email alert, "The NRA Says You Are Their Enemy"

...This isn't about the Second Amendment and this isn't about confiscating anyone's guns. This isn't about stopping people from hunting. This is about keeping our children safe. This is about sane gun policies, like keeping military-style rapid-fire assault weapons off the street. The NRA wants them back on the street and that's sheer madness. And like giving immunity to the gun dealer who armed the DC snipers so family members of victims won't be able to sue him. Who are they kidding?

Here is more NRA madness. Caving to NRA pressure, the Republican-controlled Senate and the Bush administration passed an anti-law enforcement provision that will destroy gun sale records after just 24 hours, making it much more difficult to track guns that have been used in crimes. Every major police organization has spoken out against it. William Bratton, Chief of Police in L.A., went on ABC News to denounce the bill. "The provision is quite frankly a disgrace and a disservice to the men and women in law enforcement and to the public," he said.

It's a dangerous and reckless bill. And very soon a bill will be introduced to repeal the 24 hour record provision. It will not pass unless hundreds of thousands of us speak up.

Please vist their website.

Squawkbox.tv seems to be having some sort of problem, and thus my comment feature is now unavailable.
[Problem fixed.]

Heads up!! UglyDolls are on sale at WishingFish.com. Wage, Babo, Tray, and Target are now only $19.99 each. Go ahead, get one of each.

New from E!: Ask the Answer Bitch. Types of questions answered: "I'm interested in meeting Paris Hilton. Where should I start hanging out?"

Yesterday's Daily Dish: Justin = cheater? Say it ain't so!; Britney hates Beyonce. Do I see a catfight happening in future appearance together?; Ryan Adams may never play again after breaking his wrist midshow.

See, game-playing is dangerous. Tempers Flare During 'Taboo' Board Game. [via fark]

Thar she blows! "A dead, 50-tonne sperm whale exploded in a busy street in Taiwan, showering passers-by in blubber, blood and innards" (with picture--not for the faint of heart). [via Chris]

CBS Defends Scrubbing Anti-Bush Super Bowl Ad.

You Say Deserter, I Say More Dessert... by Michael Moore.

James Brown was arrested Wednesday and charged with criminal domestic violence.

The O.C. Spawns Soundtrack Series. [via auralfixations.org]

'70s Show Star Quitting? [TVGuide.com reg. req'd sometimes]

"DOESN'T A BAT HAVE WINGS?: Newlyweds star Jessica Simpson will make her feature film debut in the ensemble baseball flick Walk On, Variety reports. It tells the true story of David Clyde, who was recruited in 1973 by the nearly bankrupt Texas Rangers when he was just 18. Simpson will play his high school sweetheart and wife." [TVGuide.com reg. req'd sometimes]

I know it is short notice, but today on the Ellen DeGeneres Show Diedre Hall (aka Marlena, aka the Salem Serial Killer) will be appearing.

Believe it or not, this is for real. PunkVoter.com: "Punk bands, musicians, and record labels have built a coalition to educate, register and mobilize progressive voters." [via largeheartedboy]

VH1: Gen X Nostalgia Central. "Think there's a big appetite for cheesy cultural leftovers? VH1 does, and here's why viewers love it." [via Best Week Ever]

Speaking of...it's time for a little
SHOUT OUT to VH1 staple, Mr. Mo Rocca!

Get Mo to speak at your event by contacting the Greater Talent Network.

Read a transcript of the live chat with Mo from the WashingtonPost.com. In it he states, "You may know me as a former member of the Bethesda cartel. " Representin', yo.

In Rocca We Trust. The ultimate fan site. Wait. Or is it Mo Rocca [He's a Good Thing]?

The Smoking Gun TV on CourtTV (where else?) is hosted by Mo.

Mo Rocca: Celeb-buster.

Up Helly Aa celebrations in Lerwick, Shetland, January, 27, 2004

AARRRRRRRR!! Piracy and Kidnapping Soar on the High Seas.

John Kerry = Botox user?? You decide. John Kerry: A Face for the Crowd.

Kay: 'We Were Almost All Wrong': Former Weapons Inspector Says Search in Iraq Exposes Gaps in U.S. Intelligence.

Mr. Cheney, Meet Mr. Kay. [NYTimes reg. req'd]

Squeaky Clean? Not Even Close. "...most people don't seem to worry about what experts say is a petri dish for food-borne illness: the home kitchen." [NYTimes reg. req'd]

Monday's Daily Dish: Ben looks for new digs; J.Lo asks P.Diddy for love advice; Kutcher's hat is a "spiritual thing."

Tuesday's Daily Dish: Beyonce and Jay-Z BFF with Kim Cattrall.

Al Franken, Freedom Fighter. Wonkette gets some good digs in at the LaRouchies. On a related note, I actually spoke to Ralph Nader today instead of just running into him (literally) on the street or staring as he walks down the hallway. Our exchange went like this:

Me: exiting building to get lunch, see Nader out of corner of my eye. Turn back to look.
Him: coming down stairs. Looks up and sees me gawking.
Him: "Hello."
Me: "Hi."

So exciting, I know.

Break-Dancers Perform for the Pope.

Complete List of Oscar Nominations.

Spin Control: Candidates' Musical Tastes.


Watch the trailer --> multimedia --> trailer.

Honey, You're Perfect Just as You Are, Except...

Of people who are dating or married, 59 percent of women and 54 percent of men would like to change at least one feature on their partner's face, according to an American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery survey released on Monday.

What a Fair Trial for Saddam Would Entail by Noam Chomsky.

The US is Now in the Hands of a Group of Extremists: Fundamentalism has Spawned an Ideology of American Supremacy by George Soros.

P.S. DO NOT, under any circumstances, go to see Win A Date With Tad Hamilton. It looks cute and sweet, but it is just annoying. [Though I contend that Down with Love was much much worse, Elizabeth says "No Way" as Ewan McGregor was a redeeming factor.] In short, it seems that there is a chunk of story missing; the cheese factor is Out-of-Control; there is something wrong with Kate Bosworth's hair throughout the movie; and "Lily" from Crossing Jordan fame has adopted some sort of horrific accent for her role. The only "highlight" is Ginnifer Goodwin, from Ed, and that's only because I am so excited to see her in a speaking role that is not another Porn 'n Chicken.

It is very quiet at work today; I suspect the snow has kept most everyone in. Wise choice. I shouldn't have made the trek. Oh well.

St. Paul Winter Carnival Ice Palace
This is the first time since 1941 that visitors can walk through the Palace. Read more here.

Weird Amazon.com Finds
Barbie and Ken as Arwen and Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings

Jude Deveraux The Raider Barbie and Ken Dolls Giftset. "...brings romance and love with the first Giftset to feature Barbie and Ken as romance novel characters."

----------------------------------------------------------

Reviews of the new Apple software from the WashingtonPost: iLife Bundles Sophisticated Tools for Manipulating Digital Media and Music-Making Made Slick.

THE PORNO-IZATION OF AMERICAN MEDIA AND MARKETING: How Hard-Core Sex Stars are Penetrating Mainstream Culture. [via Gawker]

What to Expect When You're Expecting a Mini-Cooper. [NYTimes reg. req'd]

Should This Marriage Be Saved?[NYTimes reg. req'd]

The administration may think that low-income Americans need to be taught better communication and listening skills, but actually they're communicating just fine. Conservatives just don't like the message being communicated, which is this: We don't want to get married.

"Hey Ice Cream Man, you're starting to make sense." Watch TrueMajority.org's animated Ben Cohen (of Ben & Jerry's fame) "look at what's going on with our nation's government based on where they actually spend our money." It features Oreo cookies.

Sleater-Kinney has rolled out their official website. Two live mp3's for the taking!

The Anti-Diva -- NYTimes Magazine feature on Norah Jones. [reg. req'd]

Also in the Magazine this weekend: The Girls Next Door. "The sex-trafficking trade may begin in Eastern Europe and wend its way through Mexico, but it lands in the suburbs and cities of America, where perhaps tens of thousands are held captive and pimped out for forced sex." [reg. req'd]

And an issue close to my professional heart: The Tyranny of Copyright? "A number of influential lawyers, scholars and activists are increasingly concerned that copyright law is curbing our freedoms and making it harder to create anything new. This could be the first new social movement of the century." [reg. req'd]

Movie critic Stephen Holden writes Win A Date With Tad Hamilton is "a romantic comedy that has all the edge of an overstuffed cream puff...". Sounds perfect to me! I will be in line at my local theater first thing tomorrow afternoon. [reg. req'd]

From the WashingotnPost Magazine, a lengthy feature on telemarketers -- Making the Call: It's not as if their lifelong ambition is to irritate us at dinnertime.

The machine that changed the world: The first human-friendly computer, the Mac, turns 20.

And on a lighter note: Yesterday's Daily Dish.

Bob Keeshan, Captain Kangaroo, Dies at 76. You can take a look at his jacket, a gift to the Smithsonian, here. I loved Captain Kangaroo when I was a wee lass, apparently staring in awe at him from the confines of my playpen for the entire episode. Kind of like now, only I'm laying on the couch watching The O.C.

Elephant Makes Daring Escape from Zoo.

Woman Headed for Exorcist with Son in Suitcase.

Paige Davis Headed to Broadway.

Auditors say USO spent improperly for J. Lo, other shows. [via fark] "The GAO found that in the J. Lo concert, the Pentagon had paid MTV -- which aired the performance -- for $343,910 in "production expenses," despite a complete lack of supporting documentation."

Jethro Tull keyboardist gets sex change. [via stereogum]

Mixed-Breed 'Doodle' Dogs Are All the Rage. [via fark]

Halliburton says employees took kickbacks: report.

Dear MoveOn member,

During this year's Super Bowl, you'll see ads sponsored by beer companies, tobacco companies, and the Bush White House.¹ But you won't see the winning ad in MoveOn.org Voter Fund's Bush in 30 Seconds ad contest. CBS refuses to air it.²

Meanwhile, the White House is on the verge of signing into law a deal which Senator John McCain (R-AZ) says is custom-tailored for CBS and Fox,³ allowing the two networks to grow much bigger. CBS lobbied hard for this rule change; MoveOn.org members across the country lobbied against it; and now our ad has been rejected while the White House ad will be played. It looks an awful lot like CBS is playing politics with the right to free speech.

Of course, this is bigger than just the MoveOn.org Voter Fund. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) submitted an ad that was also rejected.⁴ But this isn't even a progressive-vs.-conservative issue. The airwaves are publicly owned, so we have a fundamental right to hear viewpoints from across the ideological spectrum. That's why we need to let CBS know that this practice of arbitrarily turning down ads that may be "controversial" -- especially if they're controversial simply because they take on the President -- just isn't right.

To watch the ad that CBS won't air and sign our petition to CBS, go to:http://www.moveon.org/cbs/ad/
(If you want to skip the ad and just sign the petition, click here.)

We'll deliver the petition by email directly to CBS headquarters.

You also may want to let your local CBS affiliate know you're unhappy about this decision. We've attached a list of the CBS affiliates in your state at the bottom of this email. Remember, a polite, friendly call will be most effective -- just explain to them why you believe CBS' decision hurts our democracy.

CBS will claim that the ad is too controversial to air. But the message of the ad is a simple statement of fact, supported by the President's own figures. Compared with 2002's White House ad which claimed that drug users are supporting terrorism,⁵ it hardly even registers.

CBS will also claim that this decision isn't an indication of political bias. But given the facts, that's hard to believe. CBS overwhelmingly favored Republicans in its political giving, and the company spent millions courting the White House to stop FCC reform.⁶ According to a well-respected study, CBS News was second only to Fox in failing to correct common misconceptions about the Iraq war which benefited the Bush Administration -- for example, the idea that Saddam Hussein was involved with 9/11.⁷

This is not a partisan issue. It's critical that our media institutions be fair and open to all speakers. CBS is setting a dangerous precedent, and unless we speak up, the pattern may continue. Please call on CBS to air ads which address issues of public importance today.

Sincerely,

--Adam, Carrie, Eli, James, Joan, Laura, Noah, Peter, Wes, and Zack
  The MoveOn.org Team
  January 22nd, 2003

P.S. Our friends at Free Press have put together a page which explains simply how CBS and the FCC rule change are integrally linked. Check it out at: http://www.mediareform.net/media/

Meet the dog that can't grow up! Tiny Tim may be the world's smallest dog. Smaller than Tiny Pinocchio, perhaps. But NOT cuter than Mr. Winkle.

Wonkette debuts today!! "Wonkette is an online roundup of gossip from Washington, DC and the US political arena." From the publishers of Gawker.

BIG NEWS: Ben & Jen Split.

Revenge of the TV Nerds. Features Seth Cohen!! [TVGuide reg req'd sometimes]

Singer Garfunkel Charged with Marijuana Possession.

Ryan Adams Goes Mental At Xfm. [via stereogum]

Britney's Marriage in the Books. "...her marriage is over, but the paperwork lingers."

Seeing Payday, Not Piracy, Musicians Put Concerts on the Web. [NYTimes reg. req'd]

Yesterday's Daily Dish: Cristal shortage in Houston; Paris writing autobiography.

New Edition of Gawker Stalker.

Police: Man tried to use tape to induce fratricide.

Nevada coroner puts photos of deceased on Internet: Visitors urged to try to help identify Jane and John Does.

Gothamist's Lunar New Year entry with a fabulous photo of a dragon head.

The Smithsonian's Military Bearing. My former place of work was forced to move locations within the museum because of this exhibit.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!


{Chimps in Guangzhou, China}

Block your ears to hear better on Japan's new bone phone.

Better late than never: Will Durst's State of the Union Drinking Game. [via Colleen]

Yesterday's Daily Dish: Britney still wearing wedding ring; J.Lo's $425,000 party; Russell knits.

Q&A With Carmen Electra and Dave Navarro.

Road Trip! This just keeps getting better and better! The Cure Booked for Coachella Festival.

Apparently Bob Mould and I have similar tastes in blog templates.

Topher Grace Pokes Fun at Fame in Movie.

Can't lose with bargain DVD player, but low cost carries price. [via Colleen]

Enough Already: What to Do When a Collection Moves From Cute to Cliche. Haven't we all experienced this?

Playing the Name Game With Dishes and Desks: Kate Spade's New Bag Is Home Accessories.

J. Peterman Embarks on an Adventure in Furniture.

Important D.C. beauty news:

...Lush, a deli-like body- and hair-care chain that's booming in Britain but just now making inroads stateside, namely in Georgetown....

Pins 'Popping Up Everywhere'.

Sleep essential for creative thinking, study says.

Dear Mary: An open letter to the veep?s gay daughter. [via LowCulture]

Engineering Google Results to Make a Political Point. [NYTimes reg. req'd]

TIME was - say, two months ago - when typing the phrase "miserable failure" into the Google search box produced an unexpected result: the White House's official biography of President George W. Bush.

But now the president has a fight on his hands for the top ranking - from former President Jimmy Carter, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and the author-filmmaker Michael Moore.

Now Where Was I? New Ways to Revisit Web Sites. [NYTimes reg. req'd]

Young Webmasters Conquer the Universe. [NYTimes reg. req'd]

The Paper Chase. [via Bookslut] "Ninety-five percent of the paper on which U.S. books are printed is made from virgin fiber. That added up to almost a million tons of paper in 2001, according to the American Forest and Paper Association. That's about 19 million trees. "

Birthday honour: Haruki Murakami reveals his surprise at discovering that his private celebration, shared with Jack London, had become a public event. [via Bookslut]

Coolest site ever: World Heritage Tour. "The WHTour is documenting all sites registered as World Heritage by the UNESCO." Images in panorama and QTVR. [Quicktime necessary]

I have added a way for people to make comments to my entries. [Thanks for the idea, Jimmy.] The link can be found at the bottom of each post right above the post time. Right now it is being powered by SquawkBox.tv--we'll see how that goes.

-------------------------------------------------------

Bangor, Maine, Friday, Jan. 16, 2004.

Onion A.V. Club is back featuring a new interview with the fabulous Amy Sedaris!

Friday's Daily Dish: Britney pays off ex-husband.

Monday's Daily Dish: Now Nicole dumps Lenny; Xtina- no more piercings.

Tuesday's Daily Dish: Jack Black will never marry.

Looking for porn? Now you can just Booble it.

Brain Sandwiches Still on Some Menus.

NZ train driver on stress leave after running over garden gnome.

Wisconsin Researcher Finds New Way To Cut Cheese.

Kremlin denies propaganda role in "democracy for kids" website.

For Elizabeth: Surviving Bee Gees May Regroup. [via fark]

Quiz: The US presidency. [via fark]

In Gay-Marriage Ruling, Boom for Provincetown. [NYTimes reg. req'd]

AIDS quilt caught up in tempest: Its creator sues owners, saying tour plan got him fired.

Late last week my friend Scott sent me the new images for my website. You can now see the first incarnation of the new iwantamonkey homepage. I have big plans. HUGE. Okay, not really. But I owe Scott a gigantor "thank you!"

Weekend in short: Went to New York. It was cold, snowy, and wet. Good show at the Knitting Factory (Zeke, Shortstack, Doc Marshalls), but the people who work there blow. Stayed with Jimmy and Eider--fabulous! Heard about a woman walking her dogs in the E. Village who was electrocuted, which made us paranoid to walk around. Ate at Two Boots on Ave. A. Watched Gracie's Choice on LifetimeTV with Maurita--total cheese and so much drama! Did not do as much shopping as I had hoped. Did nothing cultural. Oh well. There's always February.

For Elizabeth [via Gawker]

For all my Jewish Friends: Bar Mitzvah Disco. [via WashPost]

What is this about? Was this really necessary? Producer Combines Jay-Z's 'Black Album' With The Beatles' 'White Album'.

Stereogum has pictures from the new "girls of Pepsi" commercial.

I can't wait to set the TiVo for this one. "CSI" Takes Manhattan.

National Book Critics Circle Makes Its Nominations. "The circle announced its nominees in several categories on Monday and said it would give its achievement award to Pulitzer Prize-winning author Studs Terkel."

Gephardt Quits Presidential Race. This is too bad because I liked Gephardt more than Dean. Sigh.

New website from our friends at MoveOn.org: Bush Greenwatch. It's a "daily feed chronicling Bush's environmental misdeeds."

Bush Aims for Mars to Dominate Space Militarily.

From TrueMajority:
Leave No President Behind
Grade the State of the Union Address,Then Send the President His Report Card
[Get the report card here.]

It started off as a good idea. The constitution requires the President "from time to time give to the Congress information of the state of the union." Unfortunately, the State of the Union address has become an annual spectacle filled with spin and distortion punctuated by thunderous applause from the President's people. Somehow the real "state of the union" never really gets discussed, not even "from time to time."

Maybe the problem is that Presidents don't know what we think about these speeches. Maybe all they hear is the applause and raves from their staff and donors so they think they've done a good job.

This year we want to change that. We've created a report card for you to use to grade the President's performance. He says he likes testing and accountability, so he should appreciate this. It's easy, just print out this page and give him a grade from A to F for each section while you watch his speech. When you're done, share his test results with him by just dropping it in the mail to the White House (address at the bottom).
Preparing for the State of the Union,

Andrew Greenblatt
Head Geek, TrueMajority.org

And finally, Ashcroft sings. "U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft ended a speech at a Charlotte, North Carolina seminary with a rousing rendition of a song he wrote called 'Let The Eagles Soar'." [Thanks Missy.]

This is unbelievably ridiculous. FIFA president calls for sexier women's uniforms.

The president of world soccer suggested that female players wear more revealing uniforms to bring more attention to their sport.

One English player called the suggestion by FIFA president Sepp Blatter "ridiculous'' and "irresponsible.''

Blatter said women's soccer needed different sponsors from the men's game and should try to attract fashion and cosmetics companies by featuring "more feminine uniforms.''

Uh. Streakers Stranded At Denny's When Car, Clothes Stolen. [via chris]

My Smartwater bottle has a chart on the side that corresponds to how much what your have drunk. I am at the "getting there (nice and moist)" mark. This in incredibly disturbing to me 1) because I hate the word moist, and 2) what's with the not-so-subtle connotations? Ick.

Why "the Boondocks" (and thus, Aaron McGruder) totally rocks.

Beep Beep. It's Paris' butt! [from the Sun, via Gawker]

Yesterday's Daily Dish: Stacy's Mom poses for Playboy; Britney's not in rehab.

Report: Illegal music downloading began climbing in October.

Clark the "absolute best hope" for defeating Bush: filmmaker Moore Here is Michael Moore's endorsement letter: "I’ll Be Voting For Wesley Clark / Good-Bye Mr. Bush".

CBS Cries Foul on PETA, MoveOn Super Bowl Ads.

Nancy Drew dusts off 'musty appeal' for new readers.

'Big Fish' author finally makes waves.

From tvshowsondvd.com: Jem is adventure...in May!

Nimoy to Join Shatner in Priceline.com Ads

The return of 'Monk': Cleanliness is easy, but comedy is hard.

Savoring Chuck Close by Savoring the Process. Chuck Close is one of my favorite artists; I am hoping to see this exhibit in NYC this weekend. [NYTimes reg. req'd]

Emancipated Voices: Online Recordings Tell of Slavery.

Preserved Bodies Display Draws Criticism. "'It's not an illegal cemetery, it is a place of explanation'"...

'Funky Monkey' Underwear Flies From Shops. I gotsta get me some of these; anything for good luck, right? Speaking of "good luck", I learned from reading Jen Chung's blog (of Gothamist fame) that because I was born in the year of the Dragon, I should be wearing a chicken charm for extra luck. If you read the posted comments you can learn what charm you are supposed to wear for extra luck and why.

Oh, BritBrit, what will we do with ya? [NYDN, via whatevs]

Brit's ex jolted by jilting

Jason Allen Alexander isn't happy with his ex-wife, Britney Spears.

"[He] feels like Britney left him to figure all this out on his own, and he is upset with her," a friend told US magazine.

Her manager, Larry Rudolph, on hearing of the quickie middle-of-the-night nuptials, supposedly wired her: "Congratulations, you just gave away half your money."

Despite rumors that the pop princess gave her ex-hubby a Porsche and some cash in exchange for an uncontested annulment, Alexander's hometown friend Jared Prescott said, "He hasn't gotten paid for anything, I'm still paying for all his lunches."...

In other Britney news: "Newly single pop tart Britney Spears will headline a live concert special for Showtime on March 28. The concert will take place at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, one of the stops on Spears' upcoming 25-city tour." And: Britney Believes in 'Sanctity' of Marriage.

Adam Sandler's "The Wedding Singer" Heads to Broadway. [via whatevs]

Grisly. The Final Moments of Elliott Smith's Life: Autopsy reveals details of argument with girlfriend. [via whatevs]

Juliette Lewis Chases Plum Part. [TVGuide reg. req'd sometimes]

Tony Soprano's Marriage Meltdown. [TVGuide reg. req'd sometimes]

Diaz, Duff Join MTV's Real World.

From TVGuide.com: "IN OTHER PEACOCK NEWS...: In a fun bit of counterprogramming, NBC will air a three-episode Queer Eye for the Straight Guy marathon opposite CBS' Super Bowl telecast on Feb. 1."

And...PREPARE TO BE CARDED: Fox Searchlight Pictures has decided to release Bernardo Bertolucci's racy new film The Dreamers in February uncut and rated NC-17. It'll mark the first time in six years a major studio has released a film with the adults-only rating. Based on Gilbert Adair's novel, Dreamers centers around three college students who test each other sexually.

Speaking of films of an adult nature..."Paris Hilton is set to make another video appearance - this time fully-clothed on the NBC hit drama Las Vegas. The hotel heiress will play the gold-digging fiancee of a high roller, the network said. The episode is set to air Feb. 2." [via Gawker]

Daily Dish: Tuesday (Elijah's tattoo is a must see) and Wednesday (Wesley Snipes = woman beater?).

Famed Whitney Collection of Art Is on the Block.

Reason # 5,000 not to live in NYC: One Bedroom, Many Bids. "Buyers paid an average of $469,960 in the final quarter of 2003 for one-bedroom apartments in Manhattan...".

Word up: A new WashingtonPost section makes its debut today--and its all about Dating.

Braun to Drop Presidential Bid, Back Dean.

Official Confirms Plan to Invade Iraq Pre-9/11.

Mars Needs Dim Republicans: Dubya dons a shiny spacesuit, dreams of spending billions to meet little green men. The nation cringes.

History Offers Reasons to Be Cautious on Bush's Space Plan.

War-Weary Sean Penn Reports on Iraq 'Powder Keg'. Here are parts one and two.

[image from stereogum, see below]

Britney Spears, Toxic Avenger. I TiVo'd the MTV's making of this video. This is sure to bring some excitement to my night.

I would be remiss if I did not mention this top entertainment story: Paris Hilton Goes from Undressed to Worst-Dressed.

Franken Signs Deal With Progressive Media.

Related story: A Liberal Haven on the Radio Dial: Talk Network Plans to Begin National Broadcast in Spring.

Dean Defeats Sharpton In D.C. Protest Primary.

Dress for Hoped-For Success. What the candidates are wearing. [NYTimes reg req'd]

Howard Dean: the Rolling Stone interview.

WHAT?? WHAT??? Bush Plans $1.5 Billion Drive for Promotion of Marriage. "Several conservative Christian advocacy groups are pressing Mr. Bush to go further and use the State of the Union address to champion a constitutional amendment prohibiting same-sex marriage." [NYTimes reg req'd]

From Simmer to Boil for Alternative Rock Survivors (on the Flaming Lips). [NYTimes reg req'd]

Good resources for further information about "The Man Who Walked Between The Towers".

Talks Fast, Cooks Quick, Hates to Measure: And Other Reasons Why Fans Can't Get Enough of Rachael Ray and Her 30-Minute Meals.

Bonus Points: The monthly guide to DVD extras from the WashingtonPost features Spellbound and Capturing the Friedmans. I am so buying Spellbound and you should, too.

Giant Robot!! Supposedly this is some sort of "rescue robot," but I have my doubts. I bet it is controlled by monkeys.

Madonna Announces "Whore of Babylon" Tour. Maybe she'll meet up with her BFF, Britney, at the "Onyx Hotel."

Yesterday's Daily Dish.

Secrecy Allowed On 9/11 Detention.

Kodak will stop making Advanced Photo System cameras.

Burger King goes bun-less, adds high-protein salads.

Polls open in unusual D.C. presidential primary. The first Democratic Presidential Primary in the country...and no one shows up. Could it be because "Only four of the nine candidates vying for the nomination are on the ballot after pressure from the national Democratic party convinced the other five to back out."

Caldecott Award winners announced. Award for a Tale of a Daring Walk Between Towers. [NYTimes reg req'd]

New short story by George Saunders up on the New Yorker site: "BOHEMIANS".

Ben Greenman reviews Walter Mosley's new book: "Covering Mosley".

From Emeril to Dweezil, It's Not Just About Arugula Anymore. [NYTimes reg req'd]

Eating Kosher in the DC area--or at least where to get some Jewish faire.

Restaurant Settles Condom-In-Soup Lawsuit.

Chile claims kissing record.

ROCK REVIEW | YEAH YEAH YEAHS: Oblivious to the Ballroom, as if She Were Home Alone. [NYTimes reg req'd]

The Darkness Offers More Ban For Your Buck.

Britney Checks Into 'Onyx Hotel' for New Tour. Don't tell me I have to go to Philly to see this!!

Porn And Technology: Another Shotgun Marriage Made In Vegas.

Bush's Press Problem.

In-House Audit Says Wal-Mart Violated Labor Laws. [NYTimes reg req'd]

Bush Twice Tries to Mislead America About the Economy in 24 Hours.

To Understand U.S. Jobs Picture, Connect the Dots, and Find the Dots. [NYTimes reg req'd]

O'Neill Says He Didn't Take U.S. Treasury Documents.

Anna Coulter crossed the line with this column: "The Party Of Ideas". Why is she so crazy?? Why???

MoveOn Political Group Picks Winning Ad. See them at Bush In 30 Seconds.

For Elizabeth:

Jonao at it : Six-year-old male sea lion 'Jonao' holds a brush in his mouth to write 'monkey' in Chinese characters to mark 2004, the year of the monkey, at Sea Paradise aquarium in Yokohama.

The full transcript of the Paul O'Neill interview on 60 minutes is on their website. [via WPost's White House Briefing]

Suskind's article on Karl Rove from Esquire is online at his website. [via WPost's White House Briefing]

Britney's of the day: three various items here [via sterogum]. And the winner:

Britney Spears says she recently discovered hookahs. “I didn’t even know there was such a thing as hookah until two weeks ago,” the Oops I Did It Again singer told the new issue of Blender magazine. The star told the mag that her favorite thing to smoke is strawberry-flavored tobacco and asked, “Hookah’s not like weed, is it?”[via Gawker, from MSNBC]

McSweeney's Dispatches From A Public Librarian. [via bookslut]

A Museum As Large As a Life: Md. Attraction Reflects 80-Year-Old's Past.

It's swinging time: Parties Where an ID Is the Least of What You Show. [NYTimes reg req'd]

Radio Sees Nirvana of the 90's in Its Future. [NYTimes reg req'd]

My So-Called Blog. [NYTimes reg req'd]

Dave Navarro and Carmen Electra's wedding invitation photo.

Turn a Globe Into a Lamp.

For Neve Campbell, A Painful Stretch: In 'Company,' Onetime Scream Queen Takes On A Horrific Realm: Dance.

Friday's Daily Dish.

For Elizabeth: Yodel-Ay-Ee-Oooo.

New twist on mothers, daughters and a boy in green.

Research Raises Cancer Concerns Over Deodorants.

O'Neill Depicts a Disengaged President.

O'Neill: Plan to Hit Iraq Began Pre-9/11.

for michael: Rube Goldberg machine to be demoed tomorrow in NYC.

The WashingtonPost's Live Online Chat today at Noon EST will be with Bruce Campbell.

FOUND magazine will be making stops in all 50 states in their Slapdance Across America tour "2004!" For all the dtails on when the next mag hits newsstands, when the CD hits stores, and when the tour starts, got to their website!

Zoo Admits Mistakes in Animal Care.

Up North, Where a Cold War Still Rages. [NYTimes reg. req'd]

Show and Tell: Fifth grader faints after seeing cadaver arm in school.

Lots of Players, Little Harmony. An MP3 player buying guide. [NYTimes reg. req'd]

Apple, HP Strike Deal On Digital Music Sales.

Exciting TiVo news from the 2004 International Consumer Electronics Show.

Diane Arbus, a Hunter Wielding a Lens. [NYTimes reg. req'd].

Yesterday's Daily Dish: Cameron doesn't want to marry Justin; Sofia denies ahe and Spike were LIT inspriation; Ben gives Gwyneth his blessing to marry [did she ask for it?].

The Life Of Rufus [Wainwright].

For the morbid: the Cornoner's report on Elliott Smith.

Bush Rewards Companies Who Cut Seniors' Coverage

Bush in 30 Seconds--voting ends soon!

From thousands of submissions, fifteen ads have made it to the contest’s final round. The winning ad will now be chosen to air on national television by our panel of celebrity judges which includes Michael Moore, Donna Brazille, Jack Black, Janeane Garofalo, Margaret Cho and Gus Van Sant.

But it’s up to you who will win “Funniest Ad,” “Best Youth Ad,” and “Best Animation.”

Retirement Complex for Gays to Open.

The iPod's Little Brother Makes a Big Splash. [NYTimes reg req'd]

Pediatrics Group Seeks To Eliminate Sodas In Schools. "The National Soft Drink Association, which represents most soft drink makers nationwide, said the new policy is misguided and goes too far. 'Soft drinks can be a part of a balanced lifestyle and are a nice treat,' said Jim Finkelstein, the association's executive director."

Drugs, Demons: A Man in a Mask. About Patrick Miller of Minimal Man. [NYTimes reg req'd]

For Jeff: How to Write Good Suspense. [via bookslut] [also for Jeff--bookslut comments on the King/literature debacle.]

Pulp Fiction by Women With Protofeminist Roots. [NYTimes reg req'd]

I heard the guy who wrote this book this morning on the news; it was all very interesting. Perfectly Legal: The Covert Campaign to Rig Our Tax System to Benefit the Super Rich - and Cheat Everybody Else by David Cay Johnston. Also, you can listen to David Cay Johnston talk about his book on the Kojo Nnamdi Show (Thurs. Jan 8). [Additional note: Bruce Campbell was on the show promoting Bubba Ho-Tep.]

First lady boosts grant program to recruit new librarians. [via bookslut; reg. req'd]

In late October, the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services, which is implementing the program, announced its first grants, totaling almost $10 million. The White House is asking for $20 million in its fiscal 2004 omnibus spending bill now before Congress.

The impetus for the program is a looming shortage of librarians. The institute -- run by a former head of the Texas State Library, Robert Martin -- cites surveys suggesting that up to 58 percent of current librarians could retire by 2019. The grants are aimed at educating a new batch to fill the gap.

Yesterday's Amazon.com celebrity was Paige Davis!.

The eGullet Interview: Ted Allen.

TVGuide.com's Ask Matt: Is The O.C. really a moral drama posing as a steamy soap? [reg req'd sometimes]

Yesterday's Daily Dish: Morrissey joins PETA campaign; DREW BARRYMORE ORDERS CGI TEAM TO ZAP ZITS; BRITNEY'S EX-HUSBAND'S GIRLFRIEND 'DEVASTATED'.

C'mon, what's a day without BritBrit??
Wedding tips from Britney;
Britney's Bridal Consequences;
Local Girl Leaves Town, Makes Good, Breaks Heart [NYTimes reg req'd];
Spears' Hometown Not Pleased With Wedding.

"She should give some of her money to the town. She should help out. I know if I had some of that money I would," said resident Heather Patterson.

"She's not building character. She's not a mentor to anyone," said Ellice Womack.

A letter From Madonna [via Gawker]

I've never done this before. But life is about taking risks is it not?

I know that people seem to pay attention to everything I do. Big or Small. Ridiculous or Sublime. So I am hoping they pay attention to this:

I am supporting General Wesley Clark for President.

Not only as a "celebrity" but as an American citizen and as a mother. I want my children to grow up with the same opportunities that I had – to know and understand what's going on in the world and to travel that world safely and with pride.

Now I'm asking you to join me.

I am writing to you because the future I wish for my children is at risk.

Our greatest risk is not terrorism and it's not Iraq or the "Axis of Evil." Our greatest risk is a lack of leadership, a lack of honesty and a complete lack of consciousness. Unfortunately our current government cannot see the big picture. They think too small. They suffer from the "what's in it for me?" syndrome. The simple truth is that the current administration has squandered incredible opportunities to bring the world together, to promote peace in regions that have only known war, to encourage health in places that are ravaged with disease, to make us more secure by living up to our principles at home and abroad. The simple truth is that the policies of our current administration do not reflect what is great about America.

Thankfully, there is now a candidate running for President who is committed to ensuring that our country lives up to its promise and its people. He is a decorated soldier and a respected diplomatic leader, who has already given 34 years to his country. He is smart and he is good. He has worked hard to get where he is and he is a national hero.

A perfect example of the American Dream.

I've never aligned myself with a presidential candidate during the primary season. But this time, the stakes are too high, we have too much to lose and there is so much work to be done.

I'm supporting General Wesley Clark in 2004 and have committed to do all that I can to help his campaign in the coming months. I ask you to visit his website today to learn about his candidacy, his vision for our nation and the many ways you can get involved.

I've looked at all the Democratic candidates. I respect them all for their dedication and patriotism. But I'm supporting Wes Clark because in him I see the qualifications, character and vision that we so desperately need.

We are a country with incredible promise. As Americans we enjoy opportunities like no other. Unfortunately we take these opportunities for granted. You may not agree with everything I say or do, but whether you're rich or poor, young or old, black or white, gay or straight, I know you share my concern and recognize the need for change.

Even if you've never been involved with politics before, please consider joining with me. If you can give, give generously. If you can volunteer time, get involved now. And if you can vote, this time…make sure you do.

Wesley Clark has asked for my support and now I'm asking for yours

Madonna

PS: Please spread this message to everyone you know.

This is all old news, but worth repeating just because it's all so much fun.

Guinness World Records: Man breaks record by clipping 153 clothes pegs to his face. [See actual GWR entry here.]

From IgNobel Prize 2003:

ECONOMICS: Karl Schwärzler and the nation of Liechtenstein, for making it possible to rent the entire country for corporate conventions, weddings, bar mitzvahs, and other gatherings.

REFERENCE: <www.xnet.li> and <www.rentastate.com>

[Get a printable PDF brochure from rentastate.com; it is really worth seeing.]

Super Karate Monkey Death Car This is from an episode of NewsRadio in which Jimmy James will be "giving a reading of his book Jimmy James: Capitalist Lion Tamer. Unfortunately, the book didn't sell very well in the States, so Jimmy had the book translated into Japanese and it became a best seller. For the reading, he had the book translated back to English from Japanese." [via Monkeyhouse Lounge, thanks Charles]

Mr. James: "The original title of this book was 'Jimmy James, Capitalist Lion Tamer' but I see now that it's... 'Jimmy James, Macho Business Donkey Wrestler'... you know what it is... I had the book translated in to Japanese then back in again into English. Macho Business Donkey Wrestler... well there you go... it's got kind of a ring to it don't it? Anyway, I wanted to read from chapter three... which is the story of my first rise to financial prominence... I had a small house of brokerage on Wall Street... many days no business come to my hut... my hut... but Jimmy has fear? A thousand times no. I never doubted myself for a minute for I knew that my monkey strong bowels were girded with strength like the loins of a dragon ribboned with fat and the opulence of buffalo... dung. ...Glorious sunset of my heart was fading. Soon the super karate monkey death car would park in my space. But Jimmy has fancy plans... and pants to match. The monkey clown horrible karate round and yummy like cute small baby chick would beat the donkey."

(Later in the Q&A)

Question: "Mr. James, what did you mean when you wrote, 'bad clown making like super American car racers, I would make them sweat, War War?'"

Mr. James: "Well, you know... it's LIKE when a clown is making like a car... racer... it's sorta... like... the FCC. The CLOWN... the clown is like the FCC... and I was opposed to the FCC at the time, right? So it was like I was declaring War. WARRRR!"

Question: "So then did the 'American yum yum clown monkey' also represent the FCC?"

Mr. James: "Yeah, it did. Thanks a LOT!"

Question: "What did you mean when you said, 'Feel my skills, donkey donkey donkey, donkey donkey?'"

Mr. James: *Sigh*

--------------------------------------------

Going Nuts at Us Weekly. Whoa. [via Gawker]

Yesterday's Daily Dish: Nicole loves graveyards; Brit & Xtina truce?

From The Mouth Of Ryan Adams. Listen to the voicemail--it's worth it; and here's the review of the show. [via sterogum]

Xander on Life After Buffy. [reg. req'd]

Meet The O.C.'s New VIP. [reg. req'd]

This is so sad. Beatle's estate sues doctor: Suit claims physician forced weakened Harrison to sign guitar.

Apple's Cheap Shot.

Fur Leaps a Generation. [reg. req'd]

The Junk Man Knows: Garbage tells the stories of our lives.

Soda gets the axe in Canada school crackdown.

Wielding the Bang Of a Big Burrito: Tex-Mex Leads Growth in Fast-Casual Dining.

Bush Gives Lipservice - Not Funding - To Schools.

ADS ATTACKED BY RNC CHAIRMAN
ARE NOT MOVEON.ORG VOTER FUND ADS
MoveOn.org Voter Fund Regrets Screening Process Allowed Ads to Slip Through

Statement by Wes Boyd, Founder of MoveOn.org Voter Fund:

The Republican National Committee and its chairman have falsely accused MoveOn.org of sponsoring ads on its website which compare President Bush to Adolf Hitler. The claim is deliberately and maliciously misleading.

During December the MoveOn.org Voter Fund invited members of the public to submit ads that purported to tell the truth about the President and his policies. More than 1,500 submissions from ordinary Americans came in and were posted on a web site, bushin30seconds.org, for the public to review.

None of these was