...For The Ride Home: Randy Moss is going back to Minnesota, non-fiction writers you need to know about and our hearts go out to Mr. Levitt

This is the best movie of 2010. So far, at least. This puts "The Kids Are All Right" at No. 2. Forget your Inceptions. Forget your The Towns. This is it, right here. I still think it's a down year for movies, though. If this ends up lasting another three months in its position, and I'm forced to consider this the best movie of 2010 in my tiny, little brain, then yes, this is a slow movie year. It's still really, really good, though. Eisenberg should get an Oscar nod for this. Honestly, though. In much the same way Clooney was born to play the lead in "Up In the Air," Eisenberg was definitely born to play the lead in this particular flick. It's smart, and sitting right next to romantic comedies, those are my favorite kinds of movies. I don't - and still don't, for that matter - know anything about Facebook, including how to use it. But that doesn't really matter when considering "The Social Network." Dialogue-driven movies: They're the best. And the opening sequence? Goodness, gracious. Fantastic. I feel as though I've been sitting on his end of the table way too many times in my life, acting the exact same way: Scatter-brained, unsure, skeptical, obsessive, quick-speaking, subject-changing, smarmy. Wow, I'm awful, aren't I? I could go on for another 6,000,000 words, but I'll digress for now. Instead, I'll offer the following links, and remind you that the more you are nice to others, others will be nice to you. Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Randy Moss is going back to the Minnesota Vikings. Hmm. (NESN)

The five best new artists for October, as determined by Spin. (Spin)

There are only three plausible scenarios for the future of newspapers. And this guy talked about them. (The Herald Times)

Ohhhhh. And. Ahhhhhh. Twenty non-fiction writers under the age of 40 that you should pay attention to. (New Haven Review)

As we said yesterday, Howie Kurtz is out at the Washington Post. And here is what some people think The Post should go after when trying to replace him. (Columbia Journalism Review)

Sooooo, the naked cowboy is going to run for president? Really? (TMZ)

Christina Hendricks: Women hit on her just as much as men do. Side: I love her – don’t get me wrong – but outside of “Mad Men,” it’s hard to find pictures of her in which she looks nearly as good. Side No. 2: I love her voice. (CNN)

This is sad. Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s brother dies. He was 36. Saw the movie star on Carson Daly’s show last night, promoting the fabulous hitRECord Web site, and he’s just someone to root for. Once came across a tweet from a dude I went to college with who was totally trashing him because he saw Levitt perform his music somewhere. No need for that. Joe seems like a nice kid. (People)

...For The Ride Home: Esstential movie performances, is Tiger Woods someone you'd root for, and "Mad Men" Monday!

Week 20, week 20. Hello. Welcome back. How do you do? On a scale of 1 to 100, how much did you miss us (anything under 500 is unacceptable)? What have you been up to? Do you enjoy bagel sandwiches? All of these are pertinent questions, and though tradition expects me to return from vacation beginning with Monday's Ride, I thought of penning a "let's catch up" post, but alas, such things have not happened. I justified that by telling myself I would toss out a few things in this particular space, but then I remembered, "NO! This space is reserved for 'Mad Men' talk!" So here we go. We find out Joanie has had two abortions last night, which in an odd way is acceptable and predictable at the same time, while inexplicably not taking anything away from her character. And that's hard to do. More evidence of Don's life crumbling comes when he gets news out west that Anna is probably going to die. This, in turn, led to a few lines that were noteworthy uttered by Don, though they escape me now, a day later (maybe I should start taking notes when I watch). The Brit's life is crumbling as well, leaving the door open for a "what's going to end up happening with this character" discussion that deserves far more than a mere Ride paragraph. Though, all of that said, the scenes from next week finally suggest that after the last two episodes' worth of build-up, "when will this come to ahead" material, we are going to see a few things explode, which excites me beyond belief. The writers made it a clear point to suggest that even before next week's previews began when Joanie sits down at the table to announce to everyone that it is now 1965. Oh, and, as you will see if you follow the link below, any thoughts on Anna having a messed-up leg and the correlation it may have with the journalist Don ran into at the beginning of the season? Just food for thought. Whew! As always, all suggestions/comments are welcome as I will check back through the day and evening to see if we can't share some valuable "Mad Men" chatter. Oh, and I saw "The Kids Are All Right." Anyways, check out the links, check back tomorrow, and try not to write too many checks. It's always good to save money in a recession, you know.

The Premier League kicks its season off Saturday. I’d give you a full post about it, but something tells me you may never come back if I do. Instead, I’ll note that Manchester United beat Chelsea for the Community Shield, and whoever wins the Community Shield typically has a pretty good shot at winning the Premiership. I’m not sayin’ but I’m just sayin.’ (Soccer Blog)

An updated list of essential film performances. Leo in “The Departed” and Boogey make an appearance. (Popmatters)

Wolf Blitzer has been at CNN for 20 years. Here’s a profile on the guy. (The Baltimore Sun)

Magazine circulation is down. This is bad. Really bad. (Paid Content)

Any magazine that labels itself as the “Anti-Maxim Magazine” is a magazine I want to check out. (Boston Globe)

That long-awaited Jay-Z memoir is finally going to see the light of day. Good. Now you know what to get me for Christmas. Just send it to The Unusual Suspects headquarters. (Rolling Stone)

John Goodman wants you to know how to lose weight. Love, love, love him on “Treme.” (Showbiz Spy)

Tiger shot 602 over-par this weekend. Question that may just be made into a post: Do his recent struggles incline you to begin rooting for him to do well this weekend at the year’s final major? (Los Angeles Times)

Man Men. Expect these every Monday. (Vanity Fair)

...For The Ride Home: Atmosphere is going to tour, Bieber to star on CSI, Matt Barnes goes to L.A. and don't forget "Mad Men"

Week 17 comes to an end today. More importantly, we bid farewell to our second-ever themed week here at The Ride, Soul Week. Which do you believe is better? Soul Week or Norah Jones Week? That's tough, we know. Sending us off is Booker T & The MG'S with the classic "Green Onions." We saved these guys for last simply because they were the glue that held nearly every soul record together in the 1960s. The impact they had on the music is unmeasurable. So sad to see it go, though. So sad. Alas, we welcome Friday with open arms, ready to dive into the last week of July. Goodness, gracious, where did this summer go, friends? Hopefully for you, you have a bunch of crazy good plans for the weekend, much like we do. If you don't, though, do not forget about Sunday's "Mad Men" return, a return we stupidly proclaimed happened last weekend. We know it's true this week, though. Jan Jones will be on television tonight and Ms. Hendricks looked stunning last night. Before we get to any weekend shenanigans, we must offer a few links for you to mull over as your Friday night takes shape. We sincerely hope you enjoy what's left of July and you make this sultry summer night a night you may never forget. Be good, friends, and of course, as always, love you, miss you.

Atmosphere is touring. Anyone else know/like them? Takes me back. (Pitchfork)

Matt Barnes signed with the Lakers last night. Have to wonder how Kobe’s going to respond to that after the two provided us with one of the best moments of last season. (Los Angeles Times)

Only because we linked Whitlock’s attack on Mitch Albom earlier this week: The columnist now compares Reggie Bush to a slave. (Fox Sports)

Haven’t been this excited for a sports book in a long, long time. Jim Miller talks about what people can expect in his book – with the fabulous Tom Shales, I may add – regarding the ins and outs of ESPN. Fireworks will be had. (Sports Illustrated)

One of the greats, Daniel Schorr, died. He was 93. (NPR)

Remember that damning Rolling Stone piece about the general? Yeah, that was supposed to go to GQ, but the magazine turned it down. (The New York Observer)

Again, don't forget that “Mad Men” kicks off Sunday. Here are 10 questions with Don Draper. (Time)

Justin Beiber is going to be on CSI. No way he lives up to Taylor Swift’s guest spot. (People)

Oh, we love you, Tracy Morgan. (TMZ)

I need a book for the beach

As I alluded to a few weeks ago, I’m patiently counting down the hours until I leave for a week of much needed R&R in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It’s only about 714 hours until our trip… if you must know.

When I vacation I’m more of a “relaxer” than a planner. I don’t set alarms, I don’t make any decisions more than a day or so in advance and I generally just go with it. This year though, I do have one goal: I want to finally read a book for pleasure.

Before you go proclaiming what a shallow person I am for “finally” reading a book for fun, let me just say I used to pleasure-read all the time in high school and during my first year or two of college.

Then I got to grad school. Then I read so many academic journal articles and textbooks that I forgot there could even be enjoyment in the activity. Then I developed a permanent lazy eye.

All right, the last part was a joke – but I think you get the point.

So now I’m ready to get back on the proverbial saddle, but the only problem is that I don’t know where to start. I know what I used to enjoy (mainly the thriller/horror genre), but I’ve grown up a good deal since then. Not to say I wouldn’t still enjoy a cheesy Stephen King novel, but I think I could get into a much wider variety of story at this point.

I’ve heard I may enjoy Dan Brown (“The Da Vinci Code”), so according to Amazon.com’s suggestions, that means I’ll also like Michael Crichton and about 100 books on Freemasons and the end of the world. Eh...

It looks like I need to hit the Interweb hard to find something that piques my interest… but that’s a lot of work. I would much rather get suggestions from you, the lovely reader/friend.

So… what do you got for me? Any help would be appreciated. Hugs and kisses; happy July.

Yes, I love Harry Potter. Yes, I'm a grown up.

Nerd alert for you all: I am a Harry Potter fan. Yeah, I said it – a Harry Potter fan. But not like a Harry Potter book fan, because those people are the real nerds, right? (kidding!) Regardless, I’ll stick with the movies; they haven’t failed me yet.

Anyways, you can only imagine my excitement when I heard the “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows” trailer was finally out. My wife and I saw “The Half Blood Prince” the day it came out (half because we’re fans, half because we just wanted to see a movie and it happened to be playing that evening), and ever since then I’ve been looking forward to the final installments (the last book is two movies, if you didn't know).

Let me get deep on the HP story for a minute here.

The themes of this series have been interpreted and reinterpreted dozens of times – at its core the tale is one of life and death, good versus evil. But then we see the way Hermione is treated by the “elite” students and it becomes a commentary on prejudice and a faulty class system. We see the way Lord Voldemort thirsts for power and immortality and it becomes an observation on tyranny and totalitarianism. The possibilities go on and on and on. At some point you have to think when all is said and done, this series will have made many people – young and old – more well-rounded individuals.

Deep part over… did I mention that my wife and I dressed up as Harry Potter characters last Halloween? Before you judge me, keep in mind that we were on a tight costume budget and visited the costume store on, like, Oct. 29.

One thing I love is the fact that the movies have gotten increasingly darker as the series progresses. Harry, once an innocent, at times annoying little kid, has become a troubled, at times brooding young man who is learning his place in the world as well as the power he has to shape it. At times he’s the confident prodigy that he’s grown into, while other times he exhibits the naivety and trepidation of a fawn (baby deer, duh).

And in that respect, Daniel Radcliffe is seriously underrated… I’m not saying he should win an Oscar necessarily, but would a Golden Globe nomination at some point be out of the question? According to IMDB.com, the guy has had 20 nominations for various awards, five of which were for Saturn Awards by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA – woohoo. I think Danny deserves better for the complex character most of us have come to love and fear on some level. And no, I’m not talking about an MTV Moon Man for Best Kiss.

If any fellow semi-nerds (what the heck, even full on nerds) are still reading this, do me a favor and humor me. I can’t be the only 28-year-old Potter fan. Here's the trailer for your viewing pleasure (2:32 I think). Let's dicuss afterward if you like - no spoilers though!



Oh, and just for those of you want a little chuckle, check out the video below. It's a song called "HP is HC" (hardcore) by a band called International Superheroes of Hardcore, which is made up of members of the band New Found Glory. I don't think there's any real foul language, but it is a screamy hardcore song. Enjoy!



Don’t forget to come get your Ride Home links at 4 p.m. Until then – Expecto Patronum! Look it up on Wikipedia. ☺

...For The Ride Home: Al Gore was messin' around with Larry David's ex, Brandon Flowers' solo album and books

"Nobody ever had a dream 'round here, but I don't really mind that it's starting to get to me." We give you The Killers and an actual full-band live version of "Sam's Town" on this Tuesday. The day began awful, as I put my streak of 10 on the line with Portugal over Ivory Coast. Because of the draw, I now have no shot at $100,000. I was going to buy you all Swedish Fish, too. I now sit, cramming in as much work as I can on a day off. That's a bit of an oxymoron, isn't it? Oh, well. Game six of the NBA Finals is on tonight, and the goal is to be done with what I want to be done with by then. Here's hoping. Before I move on to all of that, though, I present you fabulous friends with the following links. Try saying that three times fast. Eat healthy, enjoy the summer air and please always try to stay away from mean people. They are the worst. Be good, now.

If you like to read, read this. Now. Has the Internet killed professional book reviews? (Popmatters)

As if you didn’t get enough of The Killers up top. An interview with Brandon Flowers regarding his upcoming solo album. Bonus: You can listen to his first single, too. (Spin)

Glenn Beck is mad at the Washington Post. Goodness, he’s annoying. (Yahoo)

Bloggers are whores. Or so says this lady. (Splice Today)

Oh boy. Miami’s Dade county is changing its name to Wade for the week. This whole NBA free agency class thing is getting out of hand. (Sports By Brooks)

Sexual pictures featuring….Betty White. (Dime Wars)

Seven reasons to root for a Game Seven tonight in Los Angeles. Really hope Boston clinches tonight. (Fox Sports)

Oh, none of us wanted to see this. The story behind Al Gore’s divorce involves him cheating on Tipper with Larry David’s ex-wife. (New York Daily News)

...For The Ride Home: Dwayne Wade's ex is nuts, things you should know about women, The Fray and more Betty White news

Can't seem to get a grasp on Kristen Wiig. Just can't. Saw her on "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" last night, and while Russell Crowe was chatting up Craig Ferguson, I couldn't pull myself away from Fallon while knowing she was on. Hated her shoes, by the way. She's funny, right? Maybe? Seems to be a tad bit overrated, but for whatever reason (maybe because everyone has seemed to have turned on her), I find myself turning positively toward her lately. Liked "Extract" more than I thought I would. Don't think she's particularly attractive, but she certainly doesn't look like Igor, either. She talked about a new movie she'll be in with Mya Rudolph, filming this summer. Sounded interesting. Ahh, this is just going to go in circles, isn't it? Anyways, our sincerest apologizes go out to those who tried to view this very page and came across some difficulties. Apparently, videos ripped from VH1 don't agree with us all that much. Hope it didn't scare you away for too long. Just think, it took only seven weeks to come across our first technical difficulty. Here's to seven more, eh? The weather is awful (though I love it), so you have every good reason to first read about how great the Food Network is, and then follow a few of the links below. Come on. It's not like you'll be able to work on your tan. Be good.

Game five is tonight. In the meantime, read this and let your mind wander as to whether or not LeBron stays in Cleveland after this season. (Hoops Addict)

Is the future of investigative reporting solely in the hands of non-profit organizations? These guys think so. (Columbia Journalism Review)

The lead singer from the Bouncing Souls is going to headline an acoustic tour. Always have a special place in the heart for “Hopeless Romantic,” “Ole” and “Gone.” (Alternative Press)

This Dwayne Wade stuff is really bizarre. His ex-wife was taken into custody after creating quite a stir recently. You have to wonder how Gabrielle Union responds to all of this mess. (TMZ)

The Fray goes to court because they were in breach of their contract. Forget that. Someone should sue them for ruining “How To Save A Life” by licensing it out to every stupid commercial/television show in the world. (Pollstar)

Dunkin’ Donuts is offering free iced coffee day. Actually, Nope. Or, well, kind of. (Christian Science Monitor)

Tyra Banks is going to start writing novels. If the two main characters’ names are Jackie and Will, I’m in. (ABC News)

The 334th thing men don’t know about women: As little girls, they believe that men are gods. As young women, they learn that they aren’t. As older women, they try to put men back up there. (Esquire)

First “Saturday Night Live.” Next, the Oscars. (New York Daily News)

...For The Ride Home: Those funny Kobe pictures, "Twilight," Jon Stewart and suggestive Utah newspaper people

Who's makin' love to your old lady, while you were out makin' love? That's what the Blues Brothers ask in the above video (channeling the great Johnnie Taylor in the process), taking you into the weekend after finishing week six of this blog's existence. It's been fun, hasn't it? This week, we professed our love for Butch Walker, learned some valuable lessons and broke down the calendar year like no other. Next week? Oh, well you will just have to wait and see the fun we have planned for you, the talented, fantastically pretty reader, you. As for now, before you get your tickets to see what has already become a blockbuster, "Iron Man 2," be sure to click on a link or two, leave a comment or six, and meet us right back here Monday morning with more fun than a box of slinkies. Before we go, a reminder: Don't forget the question the above video asks while you are out this weekend, fellas. Stay loyal, stay proud. As always, love you, miss you.

Hell of a week for Kobe and these pictures. Saw them Sunday and didn’t think to link them. Now that the Interwebs have used all week funnin’ around with them, it’s worth a mention. (The Big Lead)

Can’t recall a time I was more excited for an episode of “Saturday Night Live” in the past year. Naturally, I won’t be in a position to watch it. (MTV)

First Newsweek and now Discover. (Folio)

The worst NFL Draft party ever. (Deadspin)

College newspaper’s farewell issue goes over the line with annual vulgar hidden message in the pages’ copy. Why does this matter as much? It’s in Utah. Always thought people in Utah were nice people. (The Salt Lake Tribune)

Five words: Jon Stewart succeeding Katie Couric. (Market Watch)

Only because “The Invention Of Lying” is one of the greatest movies of the last five years. And because for anyone who has ever, wait, take some time to let that set, EVER, been involved with concerts or bands in any way, this rings too true for comfort. (Pollstar)

Good point: Google image searches are a pain. (Popmatters)

The stars from “Twilight” admit they are dating each other. We knew it must be true when they were spotted watching Kings Of Leon together. Three years ago. (E!Online)

...For The Ride Home: Rufus doesn't want you to clap at his concerts, the media has trouble with Big Ben and Sarah Silverman is mad at Deadspin

Above, you see one of the greatest moments in NBA history: Allen Iverson making Michael Jordan look silly with a crossover. There wasn't a person in the world who thought that shot wasn't going in after he made the great one nearly fall to his knees. Why post this video now, at the conclusion of week four? Was finally able to sit down and watch the "30 for 30" on Iverson's trial last night. A little extensive, but provocative nonetheless. Couldn't get pass the director forcing himself upon the film, but aside from that, you should probably give it a look if you have an extra two hours. This is the last full weekend of April and goodness, where did the time go? You kind readers have been coming back for nearly a month now, and for that we are forever grateful. Be good, don't get into any stereotypical weekend trouble, and we will see you, the wonderfully gorgeous reader, back here Monday, ready and eager to read. As always, love you, miss you.

The most astute observation from last night’s NFL Draft. (Twitter)

Time magazine used to be much like a blog. Even better: David Halberstam’s name is dropped in this piece. (New York Times)

The case of Big Ben and how hard it has become for the media to properly cover it. Good read. (Market Watch)

Kim Kardashian used to be married? (Popeater)

Tiger’s back to slumming it: He blogged about the Masters, golfing and vacation. Scott Van Pelt adjusts the "bookmarks" function on his computer.(Tiger Woods)

Interesting: Archie comics is going to introduce a gay character into its comics. The revolution begins now. (Entertainment Weekly)

A little late on this, but it needs to be addressed: Rufus Wainwright is set to kick off his tour, and wants you to know that his audiences are prohibited from clapping during his first set. Honestly. (Pollstar)

First she loses her husband, now she loses her Razzie. Still have to root for Sandra. Recently found out she waited until 40 to get married. Probably the right way to go. Just too bad she waited for what she ended up with. (CNN)

Sarah Silverman is mad at Deadspin. Jimmy Kimmel packs his bags and holds a going-away party after leaving the doghouse. (Deadspin)

...For The Ride Home: Terry Gross, Elin is mad at Tiger, no "Relapse 2" and women love mean dudes

Watched the original movie version of "In Cold Blood" a couple nights ago, completing the trifecta that is watching "Capote," reading "In Cold Blood" and then viewing it in black and white. Can only think of a handful of writers that would be joining Mr. Capote in my top tier of authors. The movie itself was pretty good (and long), but it held my interest for each and every one of those nearly-150 minutes. Some things were left out, and as usual, the book was better, but if you even have the smallest amount of admiration for the man's work, then it's must-see. And you thought we would only use photos of celebrities. Silly reader, you.

Told you more would come regarding Pulitzer winners: Mark Firoe, winner of the Editorial Cartoon Pulitzer, talks about how he nearly didn’t have the opportunity to become what he is today. (Washington Post)

Because “Fresh Air” gives some of the best, most in-depth interviews in talk radio: A day in the life of Terry Gross. (The Atlantic Wire)

Via TS, again (that’s two days in a row!). Honestly thought this was a joke. Still trying to wrap my head around it. (Yahoo)

Wow. So Genesis can’t reunite for the Hall of Fame, but Phil Collins can release a new record and maybe tour? Neat: This four-night stand will include The Funk Brothers, and he’s taking out drummer Chester Thompson with him, too. Side: Once exchanged e-mails with Thompson for a long period of time and he couldn’t have been nicer. He even offered up his phone number. Nothing like test messaging a pseudo member of Genesis. (Pollstar)

Speaking of touring, Modest Mouse is heading out this summer. (Pitchfork)

Elin is mad at Tiger for his creepy commercial. You go, girl! (ABC News)

Interesting: “American Idol” music director plans to take over when Kevin Eubanks leaves “The Tonight Show.” (Popeater)

According to Eminem, “Relapse 2” will never happen. (Twitter)

If men aren’t nice to women, they will get more dates. (CNN)

Here, Kitty, Kitty, Kitty

Quick, guess the woman:

1. Her mother does not have her cell phone number.
2. Family relatives “doubt” that she was actually ever molested as a child, something this mystery woman has claimed for years.
3. She loves ding-dongs, sour-cream potatoes, chicken and pecan pies.
4. She often refers to herself in the third person.
5. There is a pretty good possibility she once slept with John Tesh.

Give up? OK. That last one gave it away, I know, I know. It’s Oprah. And how do we know these things? Well, that’s because Ms. Kitty Kelley – a so-called “investigative journalist” who has written dozens of “unauthorized biographies” about many a celebrity in her day (word is, Frank Sinatra didn’t have many kind words to say to the writer when confronted with her) – shocked (shocked!) the world by releasing her findings into the life of quite possibly the most popular and successful female talk show host ever.

Question No. 1: How has Oprah become the phenomenon she has become over the last couple decades? What’s her lure?
Question No. 2: In an age of “Gotcha” journalism/media, why is anyone ever really that surprised to find out personal information about idols who almost literally hold in their possession millions of people’s hearts?
And Question No. 3: John Tesh?

Ahh, yes. John Tesh. Liz Clarke, the fantastic Washington Post sportswriter, went on the radio yesterday and brought up a very interesting variable about this entire situation.

“I’ll confess to being interested in her taste,” the writer said with a little bit of laughter. “And to me, I find John Tesh revolting.”

And boom goes the dynamite.

So much criticism is thrust upon the “nothing is safe from the public” world we live in these days, but you would be lying to yourself if you ever tried to dismiss such gossipy news because of one’s privacy. No, I don’t have the least bit desire to know the first thing about Oprah’s personal life, but yes, I do have at least a little bit of interest in knowing things that suggest who she really may be. And yes, there’s a difference.

I know I shouldn’t like it, and yes we can all agree that it is universally wrong to invest highly in such trash-talk reporting, but come on, friends. Gossip is fun. Sure, I may lose a little bit of self-respect, but what self-respecting human being can’t admit to glancing out of the corner of his or her eye to see what exactly it is that is making all that proverbial noise over there?

It’s safe to say that Kitty Kelley is sleaze. That’s fair. And it’s also safe to assume that regardless of her 800-plus sources she reportedly used to write this book, no one is going to take her reporting seriously (especially considering the hold Oprah has on so many women, and the desire many may have to dive into a pit of naivety when it comes to criticizing such an iconic figure). But one of the best differences between men and women is a woman’s natural desire to partake in such gossip-mongering talk. It’s pleasurable and shameful at the same time. It releases a connection with someone you will never have the opportunity to connect with while using that desired, mythical connection to actually connect with someone who may want to feel that same type of, well, connection. Get it? Good.

Now, when’s the next Us Weekly hit newsstands?

And, wait. Who said anything about Gossip?

...For The Ride Home: "Precious" girl on SNL, remember The Ultimate Warrior and Shel Silverstein

Let's get the weekend started off right, friends. Still not entirely sold on Drake, but if you happened to be in Miami a little less than a year ago at this time, you couldn't turn to a radio station without hearing this song. The weather is supposed to be universally good throughout all the land, so spending your time outside may be a good idea. That's all for this week, the first in what hopes to be a long, prosperous relationship between us and you, the intelligent, wonderful and probably pretty reader. Look for us Monday, back with more witty banter, interesting videos, "you should really follow these" links, and everything else one could want when surfing the interwebs. Be good, now. We expect to see you bright-eyed and bushy tailed, ready to comment and ready to be entertained. Love you, miss you.

Dwayne Wade and LeBron James do not have a promised seat on the 2012 Olympic squad. Really? (Yahoo)

More bad news for media: Nobody's watching the nightly news. (New York Times)

Mindy Kaling is the funniest lady in Hollywood you've never paid attention to. Even when she recites her five lines a week on "The Office." (Twitter)

Rick Reilly doesn't like Bob Huggins. But understands why you do. Oh. And some of us had West Virginia making it to this weekend. Not sayin, but just sayin. (ESPN)

A Shel Silverstein tribute album? Awesomeness. Featuring Kris Kristofferson, Andrew Bird and My Morning Jacket? Awesomer than awesomeness. (Fuse)

A "Dead Wrestler of the Week" feature may compete for best feature ever on a blog. (Deadspin)

Because "The Last Song" didn't make the "Double Feature" cut: Miley Cyrus is going techno. (MTV)

The NCAA men's basketball tournament is going to go to 96 teams. We knew this months ago. John Feinstein is not happy about this. (Feinstein On The Brink)

Gabourey Sidibe is going to host "Saturday Night Live" later this month. You know, the girl from "Precious." Mindless prediction: She wins even more hearts during those skits than she did with the movie. Even better: MGMT is the music. (New York Daily News)