Moderation: Is It The Key To Success?

"I don’t doubt the sincerity of my Democratic friends. And they should not doubt ours." Sen. John Mc Cain at the 2004 RNC

Opening night was dedicated to the theme " A Night of Courage" and they brought out the top guns including Sen.McCain, a public servant and moderate war hero, as well as former NY Mayor, Rudy Gulliani, who was instrumental in maintaining order during 9/11. The imagery was breathtakingly patriotic behind the speeches designed to reinforce a sense of trust in President Bush. It was a night of moderate icons in contrast to the conservative official Republican platform adopted today. There is a little wobble in the message. Earlier this morning Bush was quoted as saying about the war on terror "I don't think you can win it", but from the podium tonight the message was that this is a war we must fight with Bush at the helm. More parties tonight and more pundits tomorrow....


BIRDS & BEES: Polling places in Manhattan: Upscale strip-club waitress tells all in her Convention-week blog.

HOLLYWOOD: His brilliance in "Bio-Dome" has never been properly recognized: Born-again Stephen Baldwin backs the Bush-Cheney ticket.

JOCKS: Net gains: Bush the elder attends Monday night US Open tennis action at Flushing Meadows.

TECHNOLOGY: Code of the road: If you really feel strongly about the current administration, say it in HTML.

TUNES: Way to go Waco: Baylor grad will sing National Anthem at Republican Convention on September 1.

WEB SURF: Yes, God is sitting out this election: Online petition seeks to remove religion from the White House equation.

Create your own powerful political force: register all your friends to vote!

New York: Power and Babble

Seems like everyone in New York City has found their voice and they are speaking in a million tongues. The Republican National Convention (RNC) begins today with their message focused on trust and security. The Republicans currently hold power in both the Congress and the White House, but they are locked in a very tight election. Focused on projecting a moderate image, the party has a keynote speaker line up of popular moderate Republicans such as Rudy Guilliani and Arnold Schwarzenager. John McCain speaks tonight. In an interesting twist, John McCain currently appears in campaign ads for both parties. You can keep up with the whole schedule and listen to speakers on the official convention site.

Adding to the din in the city are some of the 250,000 protesters who filled the streets of New York yesterday in a very peaceful event. With no permits for the next few days, demonstrators may face big orange nets and arrest. The most colorful voice, is by far the bevy of Broadway (and slightly off Broadway) theater productions as protest.

With so many messages and voices and all that drumming, New York will surely be the city that does not sleep. At least, not for the next four days.


BIRDS & BEES: Easy come, easy go: NYC sex clubs don't expect to feel too much Convention-related business.

HOLLYWOOD: Who needs celebrities when you have all the corporations? Aside from Arnold, few stars expected for Republican Convention.

JOCKS: Hoops hiatus from Madison Square Garden: GOP event forces New York Liberty to relocate to Radio City Music Hall.

TECHNOLOGY: These are the original flash mobs: Naked protesters bare their grievances in New York.

TUNES: Black is cooler than either red or blue: GOP event honoring Johnny Cash draws anger from fans who claim he was a Democrat.

WEB SURF: And now for something complete different: Moveon launches "10 Weeks: Don't Get Mad, Get Even" advertising campaign.

Movin' and groovin'? Don't forget to update your address on that voter registration!

The Stage Is Set in New York

This week our lead story will be dedicated to Republican National Convention coverage from New York. The stage is set as thousands of delegates have descended on the Big Apple.

If you are curious about the Republican delegates from your state, check out the delegate profiles and diaries on the official convention web site. Also, the RNC bloggers are on a roll and ready to provide backstage coverage. The official themes of the RNC are courage of a nation, compassion of the American people, land of opportunity, and build a safer world and a more hopeful America. President Bush will make his speech on Thursday to officially accept the Republican nomination for President.

Pre-controversy has been focused on the protesters.MOB (Mothers Opposing Bush) marched across the Brooklyn Bridge Friday launching the first protest of the week in a kinder-fest of children, parents, and red white and blue balloons. The Critical Mass Ride (a bike protest) resulted in 264 arrests due largely to police blockades and plastic nets used to break up the crowd. The largest group, United For Peace and Justice obtained the right to march, but not to rally in Central Park. All sorts of people are calling for all sorts of protests including sick-outs on Broadway, traffic slow downs, and creative costuming. Peaceful Protesters have a wide range of events including "Take A Republican To Lunch" and a "Sleeping With The Enemy" bar gathering. NYC police are expecting an average of 1000 arrests a day and have commandeered Chelsea Pier 57, a block long building that will be holding pen central for detainees.

GOP leaders have said that Democrats are behind the protests, but the Dems adamently deny coordinating or supporting any such actions. "Let me be crystal clear — we have nothing to do with the demonstrations," Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe said. "The Republicans know that. Their strategy is to see if they can link us to a bunch of lawbreakers."

So, send 5,000 conservative delegates to an 80% Democrat community of millions, import 500,000 protesters, add 10,000 police and a few thousand more Secret Service and assorted domestic security forces, stir for four days and viola! Who knows what is going to come out of the pressure cooker. Let's just hope it goes down smoothly.

P2P (Protest2Picnic, that is) To Hit Central Park

For months now, United For Peace and Justice has tried to gain permission for a rally on the eve of the Republican Convention in Central Park. Granted a permit to march, but denied a permit to rally, the primary reason for refusing the permit is that it might damage the lawn. This week a judge handed down the final decision: Central Park is a public place, but the city cannot be compelled to issue a permit. So, now at the end of the march on Sunday people are expected to picnic in this very public historic gathering place. With no official organizer and no permit necessary, it could become a free for all potluck. More than a million picnic toting antiwar protesters are expected to attend. The ants will be very busy.

BIRDS & BEES: Little humor for little minds: Follow the struggles of the man with the smallest penis in existence.

HOLLYWOOD: Can they do something about that obnoxious tongue of his? Gene Simmons considering an appearance on "Queer Eye."

JOCKS: Start exercising those shouting muscles right now: National scream planned for Bush speech on Thursday evening, September 2nd.

TECHNOLOGY: Those soft curves and cute colors make you feel warm all over: The iMac design ethic comes to the adult toy industry.

TUNES: Kid Rock on the other hand is still a paragon of virtue: GOP divided on whether 'immodest' Britney should perform at Convention.

WEB SURF: Has John McCain denounced this yet? Pleasure boat captains for truth spill the beans on GW.

Passionate about the issues? Build your own voter block and encourage your friends to vote on the issues that are dear to your heart.

Where Exactly Does the Abu Ghraib Buck Stop?

Not a the top according to Gen. Paul J. Kern, who supervised the Army's most recent investigation, Marine Gen. George R. Fay,and Lt. Gen. Anthony R. Jones who explained just how that works to reporters yesterday. Though top brass including Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, has been found to be "responsible" for failure to supervise their subordinates, handed down unclear and in some cases illegal policies, and who ignored signs of abuse, but not "culpable" because they did not have a direct hand in the torture at overseas military prisons. Several medical personnel, military guards, and even private contractors are expected to be tried for their role in the abuse scandal. These cases are expected to take years to complete, but top brass faces no charges. President Bush has made it clear that he will not call for the resignation of Rumsfeld over this matter.

BIRDS & BEES: Women prefer Bush: Mypleasure.com survey says that incumbent president is best choice in bedroom.

HOLLYWOOD: Reservoir Oz: Tarantino will have cameo role in Muppets' remake of classic Wizard movie.

JOCKS: Good sport: New Jersey governor urges that minor league baseball team re-hire homophobic announcer.

TECHNOLOGY: Is your joystick stiff yet? October issue of Playboy features nude video game characters.

TUNES: Even Def Leppard doesn't deserve this: Boy bands are now covering the power anthems of 80s big hair rock.

WEB SURF: Please Mr Postman: What to do and what not to do when you venture into an online forum.

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Battle of the Babes

Both Bush and Kerry have adult children that are now campaigning and trying to speak to young voters. On a tour schedule that includes radio interviews, campus rallies, a whole bunch of hand shaking, and even the MTV Music Awards in Miami, the babes are hitting the streets stumping for their dads. The Kerry crew goes face to face starting in Iowa and touring swing states in the midwest. The Bush twins are taking a different tact releasing an e-mail asking for support, appearing in magazines such as Vogue, and are expected to only speak briefly (if at all) during next week's Republican convention. So, if you are looking for a fresh face in the news, keep an eye out for Chris and Andre, Barbara and Jenna, and Alexandra and Vanessa coming to a town hall near you.

BIRDS & BEES: Naked boys not singing: Gay-themed musical pulled from list of discounted tickets for GOP delegates in New York.

HOLLYWOOD: Child stars gone crazy: Former Facts of Life actress advocates "hot saucing" your undisciplined children.

JOCKS: We're #29! We're #29! US Olympic accomplishments deflated by population-based medal count.

TECHNOLOGY: Click it and chuck it: CVS introduces first-ever disposable digital camera.

TUNES: No Beenie, no cry; Homophobic dancehall reggae star banned from MTV Video Music Awards.

WEB SURF: Enough with all that unpleasant sweating: Aerobic excellence not needed for the Armchair Games.

The deadline for applying to vote absentee in your state is coming SOON! If you want an absentee ballot, don't procrastinate! Check out Everything You Need To Know To Practice Safe Voting and Vote Like A Rock Star in 2004

Dick Stands Up For Gay Marriage

In a sharp contrast to President Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney responded to questions about gay marriage on the campaign trail reinforcing his earlier stance that "freedom for all means freedom for all" and that he is at odds with his boss over how to handle the issue. Cheney, whose oldest daughter is a lesbian, said,"people ought to be free to enter into any kind of relationship they want to." Bush wants a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage, Cheney believes it is a state's rights issue separate from federal jurisdiction. But Cheney deferred to Bush's right to determine White House policy and expects to uphold the President's agenda to move toward a federal ban on same sex marriage.

BIRDS & BEES: More drawers, less demagogues: Axis of Eve plans massive panty flashing event at Republican National Convention.

HOLLYWOOD: The Matt & Scarlett Show: Moveon.org unleashes movie stars for latest round of anti-Bush ads.

JOCKS: All Dallas Cowboys, all the damn time: NFL team to launch 24-hour cable television channel.

TECHNOLOGY: And they are great for flashing at conservative convention-goers: Nothing says geek love like Nintendo underwear.

TUNES: We are the champions, my friend: Queen's greatest hits package becomes first officially released rock CD in Iran

WEB SURF: OKCupid tells you how you score: Can you identify a virgin just by the look on their face?

You won't be allowed to flash your panties at the polling place in November if you are not registered to vote...

Switching Parties Mid-Election

Louisiana is known for its spicy food, cajun attitude, and hot steamy nights so it is only fitting that a firecracker of a political storm blew up on the third coast this election cycle. Seems US Representative Rodney Alexander decided to switch parties at the last possible moment making it almost impossible to run an opponent. First registering to run as a Democrat and then at the end of the same week, refiling to run as a Republican did not sit well with the Dems that were hoping to re-elect him. A judge has ruled that Lousiana must re-open the ballot to accomodate a viable Democrat in the election, but the whole situation has riled up a lot of voters who might end up casting a protest vote. Alexander has promised to return the money he raised to campaign while still running as a Dem.

BIRDS & BEES: Yes, there will be plenty of pictures: Carmen Electra and Dave Navarro to release "Don't Try This at Home" sex guide.

HOLLYWOOD: Where's Cartman? Twenty-two-inch puppets are the stars of new anti-war movie from Trey Parker and Matt Stone.

JOCKS:Salt-n-Peppa would be proud: Nine-year-old Russian boy completes 9,263 push-ups in six hours.

TECHNOLOGY: Geeks love Gothan City: New York will have city-wide wireless internet access by January.

TUNES: Go ask Alice: Aging shock-rocker-turned-Republican blasts Springsteen, REM and Vote for Change tour.

WEB SURF: I want candy: Sign us up for a lot of whatever sugar-coated product this strange woman is selling.

Special plans for election day? Nervous? Have questions? Be prepared and read up at the "Everything You Need To Know To Practice Safe Voting" blog.

RIP Swiftboat Veterans

Blah blah blah already about the Swiftboat veterans and the nasty ad campaign attacking Kerry's military record. The past week has been a flurry of accusations, counterattacks and enough spin to make the Tazmanian Devil dizzy. After a week of political skirmishes, the dust has settled and there is a much more clear view of what we can believe. Turns out the Swiftboat Veterans for Truth members include a consultant to the Bush campaign (who resigned last week when that was revealed) and may now face the FEC for possibly breaking the law. Then the NYTimes publishes a whole graph full of contradictions that shreds their accusations into completely unbelievable lies. And finally, William B. Rood, the only other surviving officer who was present during the conflict in question, breaks his silence and eloquently lays the issue to rest. Let us hope this issue rests in peace so we can get around to talking about the future of our country.

BIRDS & BEES: Bored of the same old board games? Adult-oriented "PervArtistry" incorporates 500 sex terms.

HOLLYWOOD: James Gandolfini is apparently unavailable: Joe Piscopo says that he's been urged to run for governor of New Jersey.

JOCKS: Maximum flesh exposure is the name of this game: Olympic volleyball players reprimanded for birth control patch.

TECHNOLOGY: Vatican denounces double vision: Pope speaks out against cloning and unethical science.

TUNES: Now we know why they call him an outcast: Andre 3000 to perform at Republican gala in New York on August 29th.

WEB SURF: Shoe fly don't bother me: Pretend you are an airborne insect and annoy a helpless human.

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Colorado Seeks Fair and Balanced Electoral Votes

Colorado leads the way in electoral college reform and now seeks a better solution to the "winner take all" way electoral votes are cast in their state. Make Your Vote Count, a feisty group of Colorado citizens, believes that electoral votes should be awarded based on the percentage of votes for any candidate. For instance, if Satan got 3% of the vote and Dead People got 97% of the vote, then one electoral vote would go to the S-man and the rest to the Ghost brigade. Wow! What a concept! Way to go Colorado for setting a fine example of how to restore voter confidence.

BIRDS & BEES: Whatever floats your boat: Russian rafting race requires inflatable sex dolls for buoyancy.

HOLLYWOOD: Celebrity sofa for sale: Chris North's couch offered on Craigslist for a bargain price of $299.

JOCKS: More up close and personal coverage: Japanese porn company to host naked Olympics.

TECHNOLOGY: Are you shooting blanks? Pria Diagnostics develops inexpensive home fertility test for men.

TUNES: Sending off the Superfreak in style: Friends and fans pay unique tribute to Rick James.

WEB SURF: Is it too late to send these guys to Athens? Expert wok boarders make escalators more fun.

Too young to vote? Still want to influence the election? Ask others to vote on your behalf and then keep them motivated all the way to the polls. Who could say no to your earnest request?

Is He Or Isn't He?

Senator Ted Kennedy has a familiar face and it's a good thing because he is on the Transportation Safety Administration No-fly List. Airline employees refused to let him board or buy a ticket three times in March and then two more times after complaining to Homeland Security. The TSA says it was a name "similar" to the Massachusetts Senator but would offer no explanation as to why Kennedy keeps getting detained because of the no fly list. As Congress considers recommendations from the 9/11 commission to expand the no-fly list, Kennedy wonders if the list can be reliable and accurate. If the TSA can ground the Kennedys, what about poor Joe Smith?

BIRDS & BEES: Just like your mama told you: that older boy is nothing but trouble. Experts say there is a "tight connection" between older boys, sex and drinking (no word on the influence of rock and roll)

HOLLWOOD: Reality tv c-list star du juor alleged to have run "floating" sex club.

TECH: We see the little itty bitty helicopter but has little itty bitty pilot gone AWOL?

TUNES: Classical scare tactics to intimidate punks seem to be working.

WEB SURF: Artist creates big #2 and puts it on display in German Museum. Show alleged to really stink.

Apathy? Voter burnout? Intimidated? Cynical? Get over it (with a smile)! Register to vote.

Battle of The Ads

In battleground states, on airwaves, and over and over and over on your TV, the battle of the presidential ads has begun. John McCain, the unofficial ad referee, called for Kerry to denounce a new ad by the fiesty Move On PAC that suggests Bush used family ties to avoid active service in Vietnam. Just last week, McCain called on Bush to denounce the anti-Kerry swiftboat ad financed by one of the biggest donors to the GOP. Like Goofus and Gallant, Bush refused to denounce the ad in question, while Kerry stepped up to denounce the Move On ad. Bush promptly called Kerry a flip flopper. Looks like McCain is going to have his hands busy trying to get everyone to play fair.


BIRDS & BEES: Releasing old habits and forming new ones: Vacationing nuns enjoy 43 men during two-week sexual rampage.

HOLLYWOOD: And Nick Lachey just wants to run away: Jessica Simpson longs to be free of "Newylwed" cameras so she run around house in the nude.

JOCKS: That's why they call him the flavor of the month: Budding NBA star LeBron James strikes unique deal with Powerade sports drink.

TECHNOLOGY: Recharge it outside, then get recharged inside: Why burn batteries when you can own a vibrator that is powered by the sun?

TUNES: I believe in a thing called hunger: Emaciated Darkness star Dan Hawkins admits that he has bulimia.

WEB SURF: Online, offline or out of line? Red vs. Blue explains the difference between Internet and real life.

Are you an undecided flip flopper? It's ok, you still have 75 days to decide. But you should be sure to register to vote today!

PS: Welcome Bolt members!

New York Welcomes Protesters With Discount Program

NYC mayor, Michael Bloomberg, citing that New York City is proud to be a place where anyone can get their message across, introduced a "Peaceful Protester" incentive program offering discounts on hotels, glasses of wine and even the Sex Museum. Tour guides have whipped up a plethora of opportunities. "Stuck with time to kill between the Planned Parenthood demonstration and the Ukuleles for Sanity Concert? Take the "Bohemians and Beats of Greenwich Village" tour, walk by Stonewall Place (where the Gay Liberation Movement took militant wing), and end up with another tour: "Radical and Immigrant Heritage of the Lower East Side. Walk the streets where . . . socialists, anarchists and free-thinkers gathered." Protesters who don the "peaceful" button will receive much the same package of discounts as Republican convention attendees. Who knows, they might even end up watching Cats together and singing along.


BIRDS & BEES: Moderation in masturbation: Australia academic asserts that a little bit of pornography is good for you.

HOLLYWOOD: Who do you do voodoo game explores your subconscious desires through celebrity match ups. EEEEEE!

JOCKS: Basketball jones meet basketball johnson: Wyoming youths arrested for playing hoops naked.

TECHNOLOGY: Call it PC-13: Company creates special computer for teenage consumers.

TUNES: Add in the free travel to Iraq and you can see why the job is so popular: Military personnel offered amazing 10% discount on Napster downloads.

WEB SURF: Stumping of the shrub: President Bush addresses the very difficult question of tribal sovereignty.

Back to school? Did you know college students have the right to vote at their campus home address? Visit the new VoterVirgin blog: "Everything You Need To Know To Practice Safe Voting" and get on top of all you need to know.

Law Enforcement Makes Citizens Nervous

Just doing their job, the FBI has been knocking on doors and making the news. Anticipating unrest later this month during the Republican National Convention in New York, FBI agents have been questioning people (and even subpoenaing) about their plans for the convention. All this was "within the law" according to officals.
A little less clear is why the Florida State Department of Law Enforcement is questioning elderly black absentee voters in Florida about a vague investigation. This has frightened some voters and cast a chill over get out the vote activists in the community who fear they may become a target of an investigation. Authorities have declined to comment on the nature of the investigation.

BIRDS & BEES: Cutting his losses: High-priced malpractice insurance rates force retirement of king of sex change operations.

HOLLYWOOD: Kiss and tell: Jenna Jameson names names in her new book "Make Love Like a Porn Star."

JOCKS: Battle of the beach babes: Bikini-clad Olympic volleyball players upset at bikini-clad Olympic volleyball cheerleaders.

TECHNOLOGY: Video killed the camera phone: Sprint will introduce streaming cellular device next week.

TUNES: Boss backlash: Long Island politician broadcasts television ad calling for boycott of Bruce.

WEB SURF: You can do just about anything on the Internet: So says the zen-like wisdom of Zombo.com.

get active and vote

Venezuela Votes in Volumes

Lines were literally more than a mile long as millions of Venezuelan citizens lined up to vote Sunday in the presidential recall election. With voter turnout expected to reach 80%, election judges decided to keep the polls open until well past midnight to accommodate voters. Former US President, Jimmy Carter, there to observe the elections, said, " The Carter Center has participated in more than 50 elections around the world, and this is the largest presence of voters I've seen until now." At stake is the recall of current President Hugo Chavez who presides over the largest oil supply outside the Middle East and has recently spent unprecedented amounts of revenue on social programs such as health care and education. Venezuela has been a country deeply divided by political differences. This election will finally decide the direction this country will head for the next four years.

BIRDS & BEES: Hard evidence of purple popularity: Viagra usage triples in men between ages 18 and 45.

HOLLYWOOD: Not going anywhere: Real life inspiration for "The Terminal" has lived for 16 years in Paris airport.

JOCKS: Fit for re-election? Bush's Olympic-themed campaign ad will be broadcast in 250 fitness clubs around the US.

TECHNOLOGY: I'd like to be under the sea: Scientists will test experimental submerged hospital in October.

TUNES: Does he need more chronic time with Ricky Williams? Lenny Kravitz cancels all 19 dates of scheduled North American tour.

WEB SURF: Bullets not ballots: Shoot first, ask questions later when deciding your presidential preferences.

On average only 25% of eligible voters in America actually get out and vote. Are you going to let Venezuela out-democracy the US this year? Are you?

Youth Vote Tide Rises

With counties all over the US reporting sharp spikes in voter registration, the youth vote seems to be propelling numbers to a potential record high. Poised to be a defining voice in the future of this country, for the first time in generations, 18-25 year old voters could potentially outnumber baby boomers at the polls. That is, if they use that registration to actually get out and vote. So, who will they vote for? Well, if you are into polls, in the last four months, Kerry seems to be winning young voters over.

BIRDS & BEES: Portable parade of porn: British company to launch first adult-themed magazine for cell phones.

HOLLYWOOD: Cash for catching cameras: MPAA ready to pay projectionists who nabbed customers with camcorders.

JOCKS: Olympic oddsmakers address the tough questions: Chinese team favored to be first to fail drug tests in Athens.

TECHNOLOGY: Do you love wireless data storage? Then put your money where your mouth is.

TUNES: Aural sex: New compact disc offers pure unconditional love for men with sensitive ears.

WEB SURF: Talk the talk to make him walk the walk: Slam Bush seeks the brightest new hip-hop voice to take on the dimmest old president.

From Match.com: Appeal to your crush. 91% of Americans Surveyed Say They Are More Likely To Fall In Love With A Registered Voter Than a Non-Registered Voter

A Hard Day To Be Gay

In a surprise announcement, New Jersey Governor James McGreevey (D) admitted to having an extra-marital affair with a man. Facing blackmail and extortion from a former employee about the affair, McGreevey said it was time to face the truth. With his wife and parents at his side he stated, "My truth is I am a gay American." He simultaneously announced he would be resigning his post in November.

Not so surprisingly, yet still heartbreaking for thousands of couples married briefly, the California Supreme Court nullified same-sex wedding held in San Francisco six months ago. Citing the mayor had stepped over his jurisdiction to authorize the marriages, they were deemed "void from their inception and a legal nullity".

A hard day to be gay in America indeed.

BIRDS & BEES: It doesn't count if you don't remember it: In her prime, Grandma enjoyed more action than most of today's women.

HOLLYWOOD: No night-night kiss for Christina: Nursing group annoyed at Aguilera's naughty ad campaign.

JOCKS: Getting into the Greek spirit: Check out the studliest male athletes at Hot Olympians.

TECHNOLOGY: But the geeks sure enjoyed visiting the mansion: Playboy interview with company founders could delay Google IPO.

TUNES: Make him extinguish that ever-present fire on the roof: George Clinton sentenced to 200 hours of community service.

WEB SURF: What the fuck is this thing? The Winnebago Man isn't your ordinary company spokesman.

It's time to get it on. The deadline to register to vote is coming on strong. Spread the Love! Embrace your roommate! Inspire your favorite barrista! Register to vote!

Who's Your Big Brother?

A report released by the ACLU this week details how the US government is getting around restrictions on privacy: buy (or sieze) the information from US business. Data mining has been lucrative for American companies, but are they violating citizen's rights by selling this information? Although the Privacy Act of 1974 prohibits the government from keeping dossiers on Americans unless they are the specific target of an investigation, the government circumvents the legislation by piggybacking on private-sector data collection. Just be glad they aren't sharing allo that info with your parents (yet).

BIRDS & BEES: Birthing artistic genius: Woman uses unique method to produce one-of-a-kind vagina paintings.

HOLLYWOOD: Another celebrity home movie scandal: Charlize Theron embarrassed by sex scene with real-life boyfriend.

JOCKS: Olympic ceremonies start with a bang: Durex equips athletes with 130,000 condoms and 30,000 tubes of lube.

TECHNOLOGY: Quit monkeying around: Scientist isolate gene that changes lazy primates into workaholics.

TUNES: The Butthole Surfers also do well there: High enrollment numbers for the Bake Naked Ladies fan group in Islamabad.

WEB SURF: Who mails letters anymore? Use your own artwork to make your own stamps at Photo Stamp.

Leave you own personal stamp on this election: VOTE!

Viva Las Vegas!

Vegas officials caught flack for deciding that warnings from the FBI in 2002 did not warrant terrifying the public. After being shown video tapes of several Las Vegas casinos, that may have been AlQueda survellience, officials declined to raise the terror alert level based on non-specific information and are now publicly standing by that decision. In a town where business has screening including face recognition and more security operatives per square foot than CityBank ever dreamed of, it's really no wonder Las Vagas felt the odds were in their favor. Maybe Homeland Security should be getting tips from the casinos.

BIRDS & BEES: Men wind up on top again and again: Women get the shaft in total lifetime orgasm time.

HOLLYWOOD: We can see the glowing reviews on this one already: "Return of the Living Dead 4" to film at Chernobyl.

JOCKS: Bad week for NBA star: Rick Fox splits Los Angeles and splits up with wife Vanessa Williams.

TECHNOLOGY: The OJ jury isn't believing this one: Australian scientist says our DNA may contain messages from aliens.

TUNES: Ted Nugent will be very proud: Kid Rock to provide entertainment at the Republican National Convention.

WEB SURF: God Bless America: Ask the Almighty for more intelligent US leadership at Pray For a Reason.

You don't have to get down on your knees to inspire voters. Just Spread the Love.

Retired General Tommy Franks Is An Independent Voter

In a frank interview, the former head of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, declared that he is an independent voter. “I’m a fiercely independent kind of guy and rather proud of it,” Franks said. Still undecided on a presidential candidate, General Franks says he is leaning towards Bush but sees Kerry as a patriot and "absolutely" qualified to serve as commander-in-chief. Franks also slammed those criticizing Kerry's military record calling it "political hyperbole". Noting the lines drawn between the two parties in an election year, Franks also noted that he believes life really is some place between the two. General Franks, independent voter, we salute your right to choose without having to join a party.

BIRDS & BEES: Asian-style shrinkage: Unveiling of China's first nude beach scheduled for August 12.

HOLLYWOOD: Matt Damon bourne to do porn?: Saving the world from bad dialogue, one DVD at a time.

JOCKS: Posting links is known to prohibit your peak performance: No blogging for Olympic athletes.

TECHNOLOGY: Canadians slow to embrace online dating: Old school attitudes prevail north of the border, eh?

TUNES: He still hasn't found what he's looking for: Bono talks about his parallel life as a speechwriter for progressive causes.

WEB SURF: Can I come over and do my laundry on your special machine? Cleaning up feels really good.

Apathy is the only thing that guarantees nothing will change. Embrace the non-voter in your life and register them to vote today.

Separation of Church and State?

First there was the flap about John Kerry receiving communion because he is Catholic, yet supports a woman's right to choose (he does still receive communion). And now, Reverend Agnew, a visiting minister to Kennebunkport, called upon the Bush family to give away their worldy posessions stating "Jesus says, 'Sell your possessions and give alms". A large number of the Bush clan were present for the Sunday service. The ex-President Bush high fived the minister even after he used a parable making fun of Bush trying to knock a golf ball out of an ant hill. In an unrelated parable, the Bush family went fishing after the sermon.

BIRDS & BEES: No more digital love: Proposed Dutch law would criminalize unsolicited toe-licking.

HOLLYWOOD: Survivor with a green card twist. What bug eating adventure will they think of next?

JOCKS: VS. you might want to Tivo from the Olymipics.

TUNES: The hills are alive with the sound of music. Imagine more than a million tech music fans, 30 love buses loaded with PA systems, and you on the streets of Zurich.

TECH: Windows update does not fly with IBM. Mac users still smiling like the Mona Lisa.

WEBSURF: Do you fantasize about running the world? Make it real at fantasyworldorder....

From anywhere in the world, you can register to vote via VoterVirgin and still be home for supper.

It's The Weekend, Are You Relaxed Yet?

Experts are urging Americans to keep terrorism in perspective and recommending that we arm ourselves with facts to ward off unnecessary stress. Stating that a terrorist attack, while tragic and disruptive, can not destroy the American economy, harping on the threat does run the risk of making us over wary and far too stressed. So besides a little yoga, or a lot of comfort food, what can we do to fend off the heebie jeebies? Just remember, you are more likely to get be ordered to death by a judge than die in a terrorist attack. So, as long as you don't expect to get caught killing people, you should not be worried. It's the weekend, relax already.

BIRDS & BEES: My, what nice soft buns you have: Recipes for those who love to bake and bake to love.

HOLLYWOOD: The omnimoronic movie title of the summer! "Bush's Brain" to hit theaters later this month.

JOCKS: Risque croquet: Protesters in Ashland, Oregon stage nude game to protest public display of genitals.

TECHNOLOGY: Soccer moms can save oil too: Ford launches the first hybrid sports utility vehicle.

TUNES: Everyone loves it but the lawyers: Cathy Guthrie adds her endorsement to "This Land is Your Land" parody.

WEB SURF: Roll on over here and spray on me: Pitman makes antiperspirant so sexy and fun.

What's the bomb? Your blog and our lovely button! A devestating combination to register more voters...

CDC Considers Nixing Condoms

Quietly, the Department of Health and Human Services along with the CDC is proposing to cut federal funding of HIV awareness groups that teach about use of condoms. Abstinence groups stress that it is human behavior that needs to change, not use of condoms. Citing the fact that abstinence is 100% effective (and condoms are allegedly 80% effective) at preventing unwanted pregnacy and disease, these groups belive that teaching abstinence and condom use is a conflicting message. With pregnacy and HIV infection rates down in the US, condoms are getting a lot of the credit along with an increase in abstinent adults. But will those rates stay down if the next generation is never told what a condom is? Meanwhile, Bono pleads for both parties to make AIDS prevention a priority.

The CDC is accepting public comment at HIVComments@cdc.gov through August 16th.

BIRDS & BEES: Seminal production: Indian city weaves through 600,000 condoms per day.

HOLLYWOOD: Another big bust: Pamela Anderson admits her new novel was produced with help of a ghostwriter.

JOCKS: Taking the whole footsy thing a little too far: Man plans to kick soccer ball all 2,700 miles across India.

TECHNOLOGY: Pussy galore: Company claims to have cloned two kittens from CEO's family pet.

TUNES: And I think it's gonna be a long, long time: Elton John pines for more protest songs.

WEB SURF: The eyes that never change: Give George the presidential makeover that he so deserves.

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Candidates' Wives Discover Common Ground

In a sign of hard to find unity, Laura Bush commented on the pressures of campaign media scrutiny and offered some support for Teresa Heinz-Kerry. "It's not easy to be heckled. You know, no one likes that. And so I, I can understand how her reactions would be like they were." Laura said on the O' Reilly Factor. The First Lady went as far to comment that the media seems to be fueling the polarization of America a close echo of some of Teresa Heinz-Kerry's comments. Perhaps Laura was recalling her mother in law, Barbara Bush, when she greeted Hillary Clinton at the White House and warned her "Avoid this crowd like the plague." referring to the press. Looks like the candidates, well, at least the wives, have found a piece of common ground to stand on together.

BIRDS & BEES: Turning Japanese: Asian women love the 39-pound "pillow boyfriend."

HOLLYWOOD: Idle promises? Simon Cowell assures British press that he will not reproduce.

JOCKS: You win, now you are arrested: Hacker Olympics come to Singapore on August 20.

TECHNOLOGY: Magic bullet: Electric ShockRound promises non-lethal solution to military and police encounters.

TUNES: Woody really? Arlo Guthrie claims his dad would approve of "This Land is Your Land" parody.

WEB SURF: The universal language of love: Sex sounds from around the world.

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If Money Talks, Is the Media Biased?

Hotly debated, whether US media is biased or not, Seattle youth are making the news as they launch efforts to establish conservatative newspapers and support venues like the Fox News Network. Far from getting your news on the Daily Show with John Stewart, these efforts beg the question, "Is the US media too liberal?". Well, according to indymedia, not if ownership and political contributions are any indication of the content we can expect. According to their research, some of the largest contibutors to the Republican party own the majority of US news sources. I guess they will report and we will be left to decide.


BIRDS & BEES: Is that a pickle in your pants or are you glad to see me? No, actually it is a flexible insert called "The Bulge."

HOLLYWOOD: Blame Bush for this one also: Why Sharon Stone didn't kiss Halle Berry in Catwoman.

JOCKS: Day after day after day after day after tomorrow: British explorers embark on epic arctic journey.

TECHNOLOGY: Get me out of here now: New Cingular phone offers handy escape-a-date feature.

TUNES: E-Street election: Vote For Change has swing states scheduled to rock with the Boss.

WEB SURF: Shave it all off, baby: Bald photos of all your favorite female celebrities.

Vote no matter what.

Afghanistan Still At War

With the announcement this week that the Nobel Peace prize winning group, Doctors Without Borders will be withdrawing from Afghanistan, we are reminded that the war to stabalize the country is unfinished. There is hope that some national elections will be held in October and millions of Afghans are registering to vote for the first time despite the general unrest and threats from AlQueda. 50 militants were killed in one of the bloodiest battles since the US invaded as troops continue to search for Osama Bin Laden. With more police on the streets on Manhatten than troops in Afghanistan, will the elections run smoothly? Only time will tell.

BIRDS & BEES: High finance fertility: Lady-comp ovulation-detecting gadget retails for a cool $2710.

HOLLYWOOD: Are all those Lewinsky jokes off limits? NBC courting BIll Clinton to host Saturday Night Live.

JOCKS: Who needs football when you can watch this?: Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue to be made into six episode reality show.

TECHNOLOGY: Putting passion into those pixels: Experiemental emotemail service adds emotion to your electronic messages.

TUNES: Breaking indy bands via CNN: Evening anchor Anderson Cooper loves the Boston rockers Flin Flon.

WEB SURF: Your turn to play big-money lobbyist: Subservient President will glady do whatever you tell him to (including the chicken dance).

Spreading the Love has never been easier. Download the VoterVirgin button on your blog and register voters while you sleep.

More Rules to Make the Rich Even Richer

New Republican-sponsored legislation that has gained preliminary approval in both the House and the Senate will increase the value of professional sports teams by tens of millions of dollars, thus benefitting the billionaire owners of these franchises. According to a New York Times story on this matter: "Two directors at Lehman Brothers, the investment bank, who specialize in sports banking and tax policy said the change could add 5 percent to sports franchise values. If so, it would represent a $2 billion windfall to franchise values, which totaled $41 billion in 2002, according to Forbes magazine." Meanwhile, President Bush made a surprise campaign visit to the training camp of the Cleveland Browns on Saturday. Although this meat-and-bones football team has traditionally symbolized the aspirations of working class Northern Ohio, the team's current pedigree is decidedly upper-echelon. The team is now owned by Randy Lerner, owner of MBNA (the huge financial company which was the biggest corporate contributor to the the 2000 Bush campaign). Who said politics is a fair game?

BIRDS & BEES: So where are you supposed to stick your name tag? First ever naked speed dating event occurs in Britain.

HOLLYWOOD: No Moore in Middle East: Farenheitt 9/11 banned in Kuwait because film deemed insulting.

JOCKS: Re-thinking the term streetball: Second annual World Cup soccer tournament for homeless people kicks off in Sweeden.

TECHNOLOGY: Pedal power: Activist will deliver protest messages to streets of New York with special road-spraying bicycle.

TUNES: Pulling hard to be finished by the holidays: The Strokes hoping to release live album before Christmas.

WEB SURF: And that's the true: The George W Bush Soundboard allows you to construct sentences like a misinformed global leader.

Roses are red and violets are blue; Registering to vote is the cool thing to do. Let VoterVirgin show you how.

A Call To Spread The Love

Dear Friends,

I am posting today to ask for your help.

A little over a year ago, a group of friends and family came together to create VoterVirgin. Our goal is to inspire a gazillion voters by engaging them with a smile. We succeeded in creating an irresistable, potent tool and a special place that has grown completely by word of mouth. VoterVirgin has been supported entirely without advertising or sponsors, a true product of we the people. We'd like to keep it that way, so we need your help and contribution through our secure pay pal link.

Now here is the situation I am asking you to get behind and support:

New Voters Project a non-partisan, multi-state voter registration and get-out-the-vote project, has informed us that they know of 160 groups and campuses who want to use the Voter Virgin materials but do not have the funds to buy a RAK (the full package which includes a large banner, tee shirts, signs, give-away pens, rubber stamps and washable tattoos). A RAK costs $350 and can be used over and over with nominal replenishing of give-aways. Groups who are using these materials consistently report that the numbers of new voter registrations increase by 2 to 3 times their previous efforts. There are only 90 days left until the election, so we need your help today.

We want these donations to be as personal as possible. We want the groups using the Voter Virgin registration materials to know that we are out here supporting their efforts. We want them to know the name of the individual or group of individuals who are providing them with these materials. We want them to know there are real people out here who care and appreciate that they are taking their time to bring their peers into political awareness and action.

Please examine your heart and participate in this "Gift Raising". If you can donate a full RAK or part of a RAK there is a group waiting to thank you and put it to use. Examine if you or anyone in your network can donate several RAKs. There are people around you wanting to make a difference. This is an opportunity for them to do so.

Get out the vote groups all over the country are now making plans for massive voter registration drives to begin in August and continue through the Fall. It is vital that groups know we are behind their efforts in a tangible and supportive way. Let's put some fun into their hands. It will make their job easier and build their energy to continue with the massive effort to turn our country's shameful voting statistics on their ear!! Please decide to take action now while this blog is still open and before it goes into history and is forgotten. Forward it to friends, ask them to be involoved with you. Take action.

New voters can turn this country into a participatory government again. We, the people CAN, once more, have meaning.

To contribute, please use the pay pay donation on the front page of VoterVirgin. If you have qustions, please don not hesitate to be directly in touch.

Thank you.

Voting Is Beautiful,
Teresa Van Deusen
creator, VoterVirgin
Austin, TX
teresa@votervirgin.com