Is it a work of 21st century marketing genius or the ultimate trivialization of the race for the White House? YOU DECIDE.

RJ Matson, The New York Observer

Debuting on network TV as an interviewer is not as easy as you may think:

There finally is a documentary movie about the Iraq war that the Bush administration should truly — genuinely – fear. It is NOT a movie about ideology. It is NOT a movie that has an entertaining showman/interviewer bursting with personality as an unofficial character. It is NOT a movie that hurls political adjectives at the policymakers who helped create what is now the unprecedented Iraq war crisis....

Hollywood activists are easy targets, often earnestly silly and self-congratulating, but a shining exception is Mia Farrow and her work to stop the genocide in Darfur. This week, her efforts provoked two world powers-—the People’s Republic of China and Steven Spielberg. During the YouTube debate, Democratic candidates, including Hillary Clinton, hemmed and hawed about diplomacy to stop the killing,...

Will it be this person?

Some musicians seem like they’re made to lead the world. Some seem born citizens of the earth, regardless whichever country, heritage, religion they’re born into. Regardless what their parents wanted for them; regardless of childhood introjects… they travel the world, often as what I’d call ‘rememberers,’ musicians who help us remember that water can flow through stone. If...

Israeli Arabs smash world record for largest ‘Debke’ folk dance Israeli Arabs from across Israel danced their way hand in hand into the Guiness Book of World Records on Sunday after they held the largest and longest group performance of the “Debke” dance inside the walls of the Old City of Acre. A record 2,743 people danced for seven minutes straight holding hands in a human chain that...

The movie version of the Broadway musical based on the movie version (get it?) of “Hairspray” is out — generally getting great reviews. We just got an email that said it’s wonderful…so it’s soon time for a trip to the theater. The trailer (can you spot John Travolta? Rudy Giuliani apparently wasn’t available..):

This run up to the 2008 campaign is inspiring a slew of song parody videos getting huge viewerships on You Tube. The videos are marked by irreverence that will please foes of the given candidates and greatly enrage their supporters. Music and pointed lyrics are used to boost or ridicule candidates. Here are two of the newest making the rounds quickly.WARNING: There is some adult material. Debate ‘08: Obama...

Look at the headlines, and particularly if you’re someone in a Western country it’s all so incredibly puzzling: how can young men and women blow themselves up? Datelines to stories become interchangeable. Pakistan. Israel. Iraq. News reports (as usual) detail a Middle East seemingly in peril. And a recent story claims a new Al Qaeda “cell” may be heading to the U.S. What’s the...

No, this isn’t about the White House. It’s a You Tube video showing the opening to the 1943 film (way before my time) “Crazy House,” which featured the comedy team of Olsen & Johnson re-creating their smash, zany Broadway show. Note The Three Stooges’ Shemp Howard in a role before he replaced his brother “Curley” in the act, after Curley’s 1948 stroke.

Improve your musical knowledge. Here’s Tom Lehrer’s classic set to You Tube images: This is the most complete CD collection of his incredible lyrics and music:

Aislin, The Montreal Gazette

….from our politicians (of both parties). So how about seeing a song and dance from two legendary vaudevillians (before my time). Here’s Jimmy Durante (who lived here in San Diego County) and his partner Eddie Jackson recreating their super-high-energy vaudeville act on early TV: (The song and dance from our politicians is more elaborate.)

Deng Coy Miel, Singapore

Really:

Wright, The Detroit News

His toughest, angriest comment yet on the Bush/Libby decision. Increasingly, people either love Olbermann or hate him. Must viewing no matter what you think of him. The one problem he now faces as a broadcaster: there is only so much outrage and anger you can display before it doesn’t have an impact on audiences and some begin to perceive it as schtick. On the other hand, this IS an administration that...

Yesterday was the big day for this sporting event for people who aren’t already gorged enough on sporting events. Hey: The two main contestants look like two guys who showed up at the reception after my father’s funeral last month to eat the free food.

The scene: a news feature on the iPhone. The event: an unexpected attempted theft. PS: The news segment is a goo one.

THIS JUST IN from investigative reporter Andy Borowitz: Nader’s Ego Enters 2008 Race Massive Ego Fills Madison Square Garden The field of presidential candidates got a little more crowded today as the massive ego of consumer activist Ralph Nader announced that it was entering the 2008 race. For its historic announcement, Mr. Nader’s ego chose New York’s Madison Square Garden, the only...

Is Michael Jackson moving to Maryland? Details here.

Lots of young people who see Jerry Lewis’ films from many years ago note the similarity in styles between him and Jim Carrey. In this clip from “The Errand Boy,” Lewis does a classic and somewhat innovative lip sync routine. Watch what happens when The Errand Boy slips into the big boss’ office and indulges in a bit of fantasy: