Plugging In

Well, this comes a little earlier in the month than normal, but hey, while I'm still widdling through some thoughts, this will get you started in a month dedicated to love.

**News Blues~
-Regardless of your views on the topic, you would have to note that the new commercial from CatholicVote.org is fairly brilliant from an advertising point of view. However, it was rejected for a Super Bowl spot by NBC. The network claimed they were not looking to advertise anything "political" during the game. Of course to combat this- CommonSenseMedia.org did a study of over 50 football games through out the year and found intriguing results.

-So what exactly did President Obama do in his first ten days at the Chief? The UK Telegraph has a simple layout that goes day by day. And this is something I need about every 10 days continuing. It's much easier to keep up when the media bullet points it.

-Recently I pointed out an article from the New Yorker about the decline in Newspapers. This past week, a blog fan emailed me an article about how the economic downturn and technology is also affecting College newspapers.

**Flicks~
-Last night, I watched the film, "Burn After Reading." The indie comedy storyline takes place in Washington DC. After two fitness trainers discover a "high profile" disc with sensitive information on it, they decide to use it as blackmail to get paid. Stars include Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Frances McDormand. I thought the movie was hilarious and got a good laugh from the infamous dry humor. Plus Pitt had the best role for being a gum smacking clown. Netflix it...or whatever you do, it's great for a fun date night.

**Photography~
-My dearest friend, Kate, finally got a Flickr account. Now you can browse and swoon over her beautiful artwork a little bit easier.

-A photographer, by the name of LJ, recently took a great shot of a homeless man in L.A. He writes his story in the caption of the the picture and I vouch that it's completely touching. The photo itself is raw and colorful.

**Blogs~
-Harry Rud discussed, in his blog, an unflattering picture of dogs in Afghanistan and what it's like to be called a "dog-washer" in a struggling society.

-Tyler from Man of Depravity wants to know if we're all REALLY friends. This blog buddy-o-mine wonders if social spaces have diluted friendship at it's core. The answer? Probably yes. Thanks ol' chum (or is that young chum) for keeping us all in check!

-And, Brett McCracken has an interesting perspective on the "hipster" generation & Obama. While the young counter culture, "hippies at heart," were a great number among the Obama fans (and if not split b/t libertarian and anarchist attitudes); did they really get what they bargained for? This is a great blog touching that point.

For now, my dearest readers...carry on. Until next time....