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Oscars 2008: Success or flop?
2008-02-25 18:53:00
Did you catch the big show last night? Were you excited about finding out whether "No Country for Old Men" or "There Will Be Blood" would be crowned king of the Oscars ? Did you miss Billy Crystal? Did you care about who wore what? While I have to admit, I have yet to see many of the films that were nominated this year -- hey it's not my fault the Academy wanted to go all obscure this year -- the nominations this year didn't have me anticipating the show much. No Gollum to look forward to. No Cinderella story this year, a la Jennifer Hudson's victory last year. Just British actors taking turns doing laps around the podium, Gary Busey attacking Ryan Seacrest on the red carpet and Jon Stewart up to his usual tricks. Okay, I have to admit Gary Busey's awkward moment with Ryan Seacrest and Jennifer Garner was pretty hilarious. Check out this video from CBS talking with the winner for Best Actor, the winner for Best Actress and the MC for the evening, Jon Stewart...
More About: Success , 2008

The worst movie of the year - 2.25.08
2008-02-25 17:36:00
Yeah, yeah - we all know who won Best Picture last night. But what's the worst movie of the year? (Hint: it's somehow not 'Transformers'). I'm not someone who generally lines up for a Lindsay Lohan movie, but a Linsday Lohan movie featuring multiple personality disorder? I'm shocked that didn't turn out great. Homepage featured stories- And the Razzie goes to... (AP)- That other awards show (CBS News)- Awkwardly cook poorly while awkwardly trying to pick up a date (WatchMojo)- This silly little man decides which silly outfits you're going to buy this Spring (Wall Street Journal) Editor's Picks- Oscars 2008 - Evan, Senior Editor
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Get a job - 2.22.08 Editorial Budget
2008-02-22 18:25:00
The scoop of the century is here, folks: turns out all those jobs we lust after aren't as great as we would imagine. Apparently, it's a lot of hard work to be successful. Who knew?Homepage featured stories- Nice work...if you can get it (US News & World Report) - The wheels on the bus go round and round (AP)- This is not a job I would want (BBC)- Here's a job no one needs (AP) Editor's Pick: - Oscars 2008 Evan, Senior Editor
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Schadenfreude - 2.21.08 Editorial Budget
2008-02-21 18:00:00
Pleasure taken from someone else's misfortune - it's a terrible way to have fun, but, man, can it be great. Today's revelations about John McCain are a perfect example...I should feel bad to see an American war hero and public servant dragged through the mud, but I just can't help but laugh as yet another politician falls victim to his own hypocrisy. McCain is one of the most anti-lobbyist politicians in Washington. And as we learned from Larry Craig, the angrier a politician is about a certain group of people, the more likely it is he's jumping in to bed with one of them. Homepage featured stories- Astrology-based workouts - yeah, that's gonna work (Expanded Books)- Hey, wow! The British Oscars are as boring as the American Oscars (BBC)- This guy takes "express lane" to a whole new level (AP)- Simon Cowell, but with fries and a Coke (New York Times) Editor's Picks- John McCain Evan, Senior Editor
More About: Editorial , Schadenfreude , Budget

The 11th Commandment- 2.20.08 Editorial Budget
2008-02-20 17:32:00
Sometimes church orders can be tough to follow. And sometimes, the pastor tells you to have sex every day for a month. Though he leaves single members out, Pastor Paul Wirth has challenged his flock to have sex as much as they can. In my opinion, this is a much better challenge than beating last year's bake sale haul. Homepage featured stories- Who said church can't be fun? (CBS News)- Finally - a handgun for the ladies (WBZ-TV)- We know what the snooty elites in New York will be doing on Oscar night (New York Times)- First Wal-Mart killed the HD-DVD. Now they're out to destroy the dollar bill (WHAM-TV) Editor's Picks- Barack Obama in pictures Evan, Senior Editor
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Music Tuesday: Missy Elliott is back
2008-02-19 21:46:00
Ching, ching, gettin' paid over here, Thirsty? Baby, bring it over here Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott is back with her new song "Ching-a-ling" and as expected, she brings  psychedelic beats, reversed vocals and lyrical mumbo jumbo with her. It's all standard-fare for Missy who is working on her 7th studio album. Yes, 7th! Man, time flies. I remember it was just yesterday when I saw Missy with finger waves in her head, bobbing and twitching in her video for her debut single, "Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)." From the start, everything about Missy was unconventional, her sound, her style, and let's face it, her looks. She wasn't the super-skinny, super-sexy, long-haired Naomi Campbell type. (Some might say she had horse teeth, too. I'm just sayin'....) But despite her "unconventional" looks, Missy talked a dirty sex game like nobody's business. Most people enjoy her hit single "Work It" but the lyrics probably made your mom blush. I'...
More About: Music , Missy Elliott , Back , Tuesday

Fido 2.0 - 2.19.08 Editorial Budget
2008-02-19 18:04:00
There are a lot of unfair jokes about Korea and dogs. To set the record straight, a lab in South Korea has kicked off a new program to create a perfectly cloned copy of your dog so even the icy hand of death can't keep you and Rex apart. Now tell me - what could possibly be creepy about that? Homepage featured stories- How much is that clone in the window? (CBS News)- Missy Elliott is still making crazy videos...and we've got one of 'em (TV Guide)- Good idea: underwater sports car. Bad idea: making it a convertible (Reuters)- Oh my god, they're telling us to buy gold now? If you need me, I'll be stockpiling guns and canned goods (Wallstrip) Editor's Picks- Fidel Castro Evan, Senior Editor
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Where's the beef? - 2.18.08 Editorial Budget
2008-02-18 18:24:00
Who doesn't love a tasty hamburger? Most of us, apparently. The USDA has issued the largest beef recall in its history - more than 143 million pounds of meat. Thank goodness the feds are there to keep our food safe. There's only one problem - according to USDA officials, most of the recalled beef has already been eaten. Enjoy the E. coli, beefaholics!Homepage featured stories - Waiter, can I please get a steak without disease? (CBS News)- To celebrate the great success of communism, China will build a copy of the most decadent royal palace ever (Reuters)- The crappiest job ever. Literally. (KCAL-TV)- Oh, no...Elmo's back! (AP) Editor's Picks- Daytona 500 Evan, Senior Editor
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Off to Africa - 2.15.08 Editorial Budget
2008-02-15 17:58:00
President Bush must be getting itchy feet. First, he headed out to the Mideast earlier this year for a tour of the area. Some people said he was trying to establish peace or something, but I think he was just looking for some authentic and tasty shawarma. Now, President Bush is off to Africa for a five-nation tour. Apparently, he really wants to toot the horn and let everyone know that the U.S. is helping out in Africa. I think he's just looking for another chance to get his African dance on like he did at Malaria Day here in D.C. Homepage featured stories- Bush is putting on his travelin' shoes and hitting up the Motherland (AP)- "Teen" elephant gets pregnant, causes uproar (BBC)- Whatever happened to "We Are the World"? (CBS-KCAL)- Japanese arcades are losing customers to the Wii (Reuters)- Preparing a car for road trip (About.com)- Worry no more: Baghdad now has Chinese food (AFP) Editor's Picks- Northern Illinois University shooting- NBA All-star game- ...
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Diabetics beware - 2.14.08 Editorial Budget
2008-02-14 17:42:00
The news on Valentine's Day is so sickly, sugary sweet that it borders on the ridiculous. First you've got the "business" stories that begin with "you know, they say money can't buy love. But these shoppers are [blah blah blah]". My favorite so far this year comes from Harry Smith at CBS (we've got the video below). According to Harry, "Japanese men do seem to be a little backwards about love". It's a Valentine's Day scoop!Homepage featured stories- Two hot models making cupcakes they'd never actually eat (Ford Models)- How to sell love on the side of the street (this is not about what you think it's about) (MarketWatch)- Harry Smith, cultural ambassador (CBS News)- Keeping dead flowers alive just a little longer (WFOR-TV) Editor's Picks- Your local Valentine's Day - Evan, Senior Editor   
More About: Editorial , Budget , Beware

Free at last! - 2.13.08 Editorial Budget
2008-02-13 19:44:00
Yes! The Writers' strike is over! Lord almighty, we're free at last. Go back to the hellhole from which you came, reality TV. Ok, I'm kidding. I like "Flavor of Love 3." But still, it's a huge relief that the writers and the studios finally came to an agreement. Now, Hollywood can finally get back to work. The good news: With the writers' strike coming to an end, the Oscars are back on. Yeah! The bad news: We probably won't get new episodes of favorite shows right away. Boo!Homepage featured stories - The Writers' strike comes to an end (Reuters)- DUIs must run in the Hilton family (AP) - Ford, Lucas and Spieldberg all try to revive Indiana Jones one last time (WSJ)- Obama and McCain sweep the Potomac Primaries, Hillary not too pleased (CBS)- Pettitte says Clemens was yapping about the HGH (AP) Editor's Pick- Barack Obama- John McCain -Ricky, Editor
More About: Free , Editorial , Budget , Free At Last

Old Willie's style - 2.12.08 Editorial Budget
2008-02-12 20:00:00
Name the artist: he's been indicted, is an admitted to illegal drug user and recently became a alternative-fuel magnate. That's right, folks - get your munchies together because Willie Nelson is back. His new album dropped last week and we've got the first video right here.Homepage featured stories - It's Willie (TV Guide) - Jackie Chan shills for commie Olympics (Reuters) - Cuban cigars in the streets? Why do we hate France again? (AFP) - Diddy's expensive jeans...who are you to resist? (MTV) Editor's Picks - Chesapeake Challenge Tuesday
More About: Editorial , Style , Budget

Yes, yes, yes - 2.11.08 Editorial Budget
2008-02-11 17:34:00
Hey, wow! That "Rehab" chick won like a million Grammys! Remember all the controversy about whether she should get a entrance visa or not? (She got one, by the way...but too late for the Grammys. No! No! No!). Can you believe such a thing? To celebrate, today's budget features two other stories of women in the news. Let's see if ol' Amy Winehouse is worthy of all the attention. Homepage featured stories- And now she's off to rehab (AP)- Protecting women, Iran-style (AFP)- OMG! Angelina Jolie's in Iraq!! Oh, wait, she's actually doing something worthwhile (Wall Street Journal)- Dried flowers 101: Don't put 'em in water (About.com) Editor's Picks- Dan Syder picked who? To do what?! - Evan, Senior Editor
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Can't Knock The Hustle - 2.8.08 Editorial Budget
2008-02-08 17:26:00
Jay-Z, the former CEO of Def Jam, and Mary J. Blige, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, are teaming up for what's being billed as "The Heart of the City" tour. Others are calling it the "Old Folks Still Trying to Act Young" Tour. I'm kidding, I'm kidding. But seriously, Jay-Z is about to be 40 soon. How long can he sing "Big Pimpin'" before we begin to feel sorry for him? Much in the same way many shake their head in pity at ol' man Mick Jagger, when he runs through "Satisfaction" for the billionth time. Don’t let it get to that point, Jigga. Oh, and be sure to tune in to the Grammys this Sunday. It's the one of the few awards show, besides the SAG awards, that hasn't been shut down by the writers' strike this season. Homepage featured stories- Jigga and Mary are hitting the road (MTV)- The Archbishop of Canterbury kinda, sorta makes an argument for Sharia law in Britain (AP)- What's next for Mac? (CBS)- The Gap needs help. WWYD? (WSJ)- Ko...
More About: Editorial , Hustle , Budget , Knock

Charlize Theron hits Harvard - 2.7.08 Image of the Day
2008-02-07 22:43:00
So this is what those kids learn at Harvard .... -Ricky, Editor
More About: Charlize Theron , Image , Hits , Charlize

Rattin' you out - 2.7.08 Editorial Budget
2008-02-07 17:34:00
As an Italian-American (a Sicilian no less), I'm a little concerned about the Year of the Rat. But here it is so I guess I'll have to deal with it. But if this year ever breathes a word to anyone about my business I'm coming for it. Homepage featured stories- Celebrate the new year the way the Chinese do...with over-priced tacky tschotkes (Reuters)- A paper spaceship?! Now why didn't I think of that? (BBC)- Get your government-confiscated barrels of honey here (KCAL-TV)- What do average New Yorkers think of the real estate market? Go %*#$ yourself (Wallstrip) Editor's Picks- Police blotter - Evan, Senior Editor
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Happy Chinese New Year - 2.6.08 Image of the Day
2008-02-06 23:16:00
Happy Chinese New Year ! It's the year of the rat, and who better to ring it in than Minnie Mouse? Oh, globalization. What hath thou wrought?-Ricky, Editor
More About: Happy , Chinese New Year , Image

Paris Hilton on the Primaries: Oh, what's that?
2008-02-06 18:42:00
Oh, MTV, you sneaky dogs. Are you guys trying to sabotage Hilton 's reputation as an intelligent, informed, independent woman? MTV released some in-between-takes footage of Paris Hilton and her co-star, Christine Lakin, while they promote their film "The Hottie and the Nottie." Somehow, the subject of the Presidenital Primaries comes up and poor Lakin has the unenviable job of breaking down what, like, primaries are. Lakin attempts to fit the concept into Paris' head by speaking her Hiltonese saying "It's like, you know, you have draft picks, or whatever?" I suspect that the concept still went over Hilton's head because she responds with a disinterested, "Oh," and takes a swig of, what I presume is, water. It's very surprising that Hilton needs to be briefed on how the electoral process works. As you all know, Hilton was an integral part of Diddy's 2004 Vote or Die campaign. Do you mean to tell me that she never bothered to figure out how the el...

What now? - 2.6.08 Editorial Budget
2008-02-06 18:05:00
What happens next is anyone's guess.  That's the theme of the news today - we're still waiting on a clear Super Tuesday victor, a plan for the people affected by the southern tornadoes and the full story on the secret man Britney's mom claims was drugging the pop star. Stay tuned. Homepage featured stories- Well the guy in charge of election night graphics certainly won (CBS News)- Only bright side of tornadoes - get those kids some new dorms (AP)- Bring more Clintons! Quickly! (MTV News)- Oops, maybe she was that innocent (AP) Editor's Picks- Intellicast severe weather update - Heath Ledger- Evan, Senior Editor
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Music Tuesday: Bebel Gilberto
2008-02-05 22:18:00
As I've said before, I'm a huge fan of Brazilian music. Whether it's samba, bossa nova, forró or funk. I love the energy of their music, and infectious nature of Brazilian songs which enables you to get swept away. That being said, I've never been a huge fan of the popular Brazilian artist Bebel Gilberto. I'm not sure what it is about her music but I kind of feel like it's boring, elevator music. I know bossa nova is supposed to be light, quiet and soft but she really puts me to sleep. Which I suppose is why she's the perfect background music for Starbucks. You step into Starbucks, hear this music and you instantly need something to wake you up. -Ricky, Editor
More About: Music , Tuesday

Let the popularity contest begin! - 2.5.08 Editorial Budget
2008-02-05 17:27:00
OMG! It's here: 24 states, five candidates (well, seven if you count the remaining crazies), one big day! At the end of tonight, everything will change - we'll be one step closer to a world made of candy where dogs and cats live together. That or we'll have a slightly better indication of who's administration we'll be angry about starting in January of 2009.Homepage featured stories- Super Tuesday primer...get your delegate maps out and play along at home (CBS News)- Change. (CBS News)- Experience. (CBS News)- Robot. (CBS News)- Crazy. (WCBS-TV)Editor's Picks-- See ya later, Bobby. Don't let the folding chair hit you on the way out.
More About: Contest , Editorial , Budget , Popularity

Only in Brazil - 2.4.08 Image of the Day
2008-02-04 23:38:00
Anyone who knows anything about Carnival in Brazil , expects plenty of flesh, glitter and sensuality. But this particular Carnival dancer, Angela Bismarchi, got her eyes surgically altered to look more "Asian" for the festival. Um, the surgery didn't work out that great cause she doesn't look very "Asian" to me. But she's not shy about going under the knife -- the photo caption says she's had 42 plastic surgery procedures -- so oh well, samba the night away!-Ricky, Editor
More About: Image

Almost doesn't count - 2.4.08 Editorial Budget
2008-02-04 18:31:00
Sorry, New England. Better luck next time. You guys may have won the World Series but New Yawk did its thing. They silenced the naysayers and snatched the Super Bowl glory out of the Patriots’ hands. But the Giants weren’t the only ones to make a comeback yesterday. Did you see Paula Abdul resurrecting her comatose music career from the 80s with her pre-taped, lip-synched Super Bowl pre-show performance? I don’t know if she’ll be conquering the top of the charts like she used to, but at least it went more smoothly than Britney’s comeback last year. And now that we’ve got the Super Bowl out of the way, I hope you’re getting ready for Super Tuesday. Oprah’s already got her game face on. Homepage featured stories: -    Super Tuesday Preview: Let’s get ready to rumble! (WSJ)-    New Yorkers celebrate victory (AP)-    Obama’s Angels (CBS)-    Mac vs. PC? Who cares? They’re both machines (WSJ)-    Bhutto autobiograp...
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New Movie Friday: Hannah Montana
2008-02-01 22:44:00
The biggest movie being released this weekend is the concert film of Hannah Montana /Miley Cyrus. Yes, she's the daughter of Mr. Achy Breaky Heart. I'm not going to pretend to understand the Hannah Montana phenomenon. It perplexes me just like the "High School Musical" phenomenon. But Christy Lemire of the AP says the 'tweens will like it. So if you have one, pack 'em off to the movies this weekend. Lemire also says that while watching Cyrus she worried about the child star ending up like Britney Spears. Is there no corner of pop culture that is safe from a mention of Britney Spears? Probably not. Check out the review below. Oh, and Eva Longoria-Parker has some craptastic-looking movie called "Over Her Dead Body" coming out this weekend. But I wouldn't waste my time or money on it if I were you.-Ricky, Editor
More About: Movie , Friday

Plum nuts - 2.1.08 Editorial Budget
2008-02-01 19:07:00
Today's budget includes a video of a monkey dressed like a cowboy that rounds up sheep while riding a dog. If that doesn't make you read this post, I don't know what will. Homepage featured stories- Is there anything this monkey can't do? (AP)- Ugliest mammal discovered (BBC)- The mistakes made by people more successful than you (Expanded Books)- For some reason, a parade float about the Holocaust didn't sit well with some people (BBC) Editor's Picks- Super Bowl commercials - Evan, Senior Editor
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Climate change gone wild - 1.31.08 Image of the Day
2008-01-31 23:46:00
Click here to see the image Are we in bizarro world? How is it snowing in the Middle East? What next? A day at the beach in Antarctica?-Ricky, Editor
More About: Climate Change , Climate , Change , Wild , Image

Here we go again, Britney's in the hospital - 1.31.08 Editorial Budget
2008-01-31 17:44:00
The downfall of Britney Spears continues to unravel today with the news that she is back in the hospital again. Reports state that her hospitalization was planned beforehand at the suggestion of her psychiatrist. As of now, Dr. Phil has not been invited to the party. There's talk of having Britney committed for 14 days in order to undergo a thorough psychiatric evaluation, but in order to do that, Britney has to sign legal documents allowing health professionals to commit her. So if it's left up to Britney, then it's likely she'll be out in three days or so. She can't go too long without Starbucks and Rite Aid, y'all. Homepage featured stories- Oops, Britney's in the hospital again (AP)- Green eggs available in Mexico, no word on the ham (BBC)- That change word is coming out of voters' mouths again (AP)- If you're holding your breath for OPEC to increase oil production, stop (Reuters)- Pygmies using GPS, they've also began demanding iPhones (BBC)- Hollywood and politics m...
More About: Hospital , Editorial , Budget

End of the road - 1.30.08 Image of the Day
2008-01-30 22:16:00
Click here to see the image Although we’ve come to the end of the roadStill I can’t let you goIt’s unnatural, you belong to me, I belong to you-Ricky, Editor
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The mother of invention -1.30.08 Editorial Budget
2008-01-30 18:58:00
I'd like to suggest something to you. In the history of invention, nothing has surpassed the invention announced in California yesterday. That's right, not the wheel, not electric power, not the telephone. No invention has ever been more important than the pot vending machine. You know I'm right on this - I mean, it's literally a vending machine that dispenses pot. Top that, Thomas Edison.Homepage featured stories- Now if they put some bags of Doritos in this thing we'd be set (Reuters)- Best van vs. train wreck ever (KCAL-TV)- And you thought it was bad when you had to do repairs around the house (AP)- In case you forgot, there were no Democratic delegates in FL last night (AP) Editor's Picks- Super Tuesday - Evan, Senior Editor
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Music Tuesday: Kate Walsh
2008-01-29 22:21:00
There seems to be a trend of whisper-voiced, vulnerable, coffee house-style female singers cropping up. We've got Feist, with her ubiquitous Apple-backed "1,2,3,4," Colbie Caillat and her "Bubbly" song and now we've got Kate Walsh with her unguarded tune "Your Song." Thank you Starbucks and Potbelly Sandwich Works. You've made the coffee house-style a genre of music. Oh, and also thank Apple, for pushing Feist's single in its iPod commercials and giving away Walsh's song as the free song of the week, and MySpace, for giving Caillat her start.  I've got to admit, the music is good for soothing the nerves and putting you in a calm mood. It's kind of like audible yoga. Breathe in, breathe out. Check out this performance of Kate Walsh singing "Your Song" on *surprise, surprise* CBS's Second Cup Cafe. -Ricky, Editor
More About: Music , Tuesday