A Great Speech

Google is honoring one of the most famous political speeches today, 50 years after it was first given with this doodle which I adore. The text of JFK's inaugural address is here.

Do Your Part To Save Tastykake!

Go buy my new crack -- this type of krimpet right now:

It's one of the best things I have EVER tasted. Need more incentive, just listen to everyone's favorite octogenarian, Betty White:

If You Still Like Sarah Palin....

Maybe this graphic from her PAC will show you why she has no business being in public service. How do you "spin" having Cong. Giffords on a crosshairs lists? The answer is you don't. Her rhetoric has been part of the politics of hate since the minute she stepped onto the national stage. People will still stand behind Palin and that's just sad.

Pitter, Twitter, and Resolve

Musical theatre enthusiasts will get the reference to today's title from 1776's Piddle, Twiddle, and Resolve. The play on words with the song title works two ways:

1) This post is about my New Year's Resolutions. Using 'resolve' as a noun and a verb, I have "made up my mind" to use with "purposefulness" all things related to....

2) Twitter. Well, social media in general, but Facebook did not work as well with songs choices from 1776. Molasses to Facebook just doesn't have the same ring to it.

But I digress....

My 2011 Resolutions:

1) Never solely write "Happy Birthday!" on people's Facebook pages. If I really want to wish someone well after being reminded of their birthday on FB I will either write something more meaningful and creative on their page, or better yet if they are a true friend I will pick up the phone and call them. And if my OCD is in order that week, I'll plan ahead and mail them a card.

2) Connected to #1, I will do my best not to clutter Twitter and FB Captain Obvious posts. I'm not going to post things just to post. Except early on with Twitter updates, I'm not a "just ate a sandwich" FB poster. However, I do things like write things "TD!!!!!!!!!!!" when I'm watching the Eagles. I'm not Merrill Reese, I don't need to report major plays in the game. Why the hell am I even on FB when I'm watching the Eagles?!?! If I am so compelled to write something during a game for example, like if there is another amazing run/TD from Shady McCoy, I will most likely write something like "Not afraid to say that I'm developing a man-crush on Shady McCoy." I'm mean, who doesn't have one on him at this point?

3) Finally, I'm going to make sure I use my Dempsey workouts as a catalyst to stay in shape in 2011. I've already made so many excuses not to go to the gym in December of this year after being a gym rat since August.

Have a great 2011 everyone! Strive for the Magis!

On the Set of "Safe"

Last week, I was lucky enough to get a day's work on the set of Safe, the Jason Statham film that has been shooting in the Philly area for the past few months. I was cast as the "Mayor's Aide" -- a part so integral to the plot that I didn't require an actual name. Like any good political wonk, my name is my job description.

The illustrious "Mayor's Aide" appears in one scene of the movie opposite of -- you guessed it -- "The Mayor," played by Academy Award Nominee Chris Sarandon. The casual movie goer will remember Mr. Sarandon as "Prince Humperdinck" in The Princess Bride.

The movie is set in NYC so locations around Philadelphia double for the Big Apple. My scene was shot around the corner from Villanova University at a mansion used to portray NYC's Gracie Mansion -- the official residency of the NYC mayor.

I had a great day on set and learned a ton, even if I only had one line in a very small scene. My one line was with Mr. Sarandon who could not have been nicer the entire day. No release date has been set yet for Safe, but I will surely keep you posted. In the meantime, keep your fingers crossed that my 15 second scene does not end up on the cutting room floor. Although, that happened to Kevin Costner early on in his career and things turned out pretty well for him :)

Here's some pics from the day:

(The door to my cell for the day)

(Since I still live at home it was nice to have my own place for a few hours ;))

(The label on my costume)

(If I ever need to make ends meet, this pictures proves I can sell my giant forehead for AD space)

(The political science degree pays off as I bring realism to the coveted "Mayor's Aide")

Dom Irrera's Still Got It

Thanksgiving Eve is one of if not the biggest bar night of the year. In my opinion, it's become the new New Year's Eve i.e. lots of planning, lots of build-up, and little payout. It's just another night out. It's not like you were just invited to the last party at the Playboy Mansion.

Anywho, my friends and I decided to go see Dom Irrera this year at Helium Comedy Club followed by a few beers before the crowds of Jersey Shore wannabes made it out for what they thought would be the best night of their lives. It was an extremely wise decision and a very funny night. This clip below is Dom Irrera from the 80's. He did this bit on Wednesday and it still killed. He recycled old material and also had some great new stuff on TSA pat downs. Somewhere in the world, Don Rickels was smiling when Irrera dropped this gem: "She was so Chinese it hurt."

Dom Irrera is in town for 2 more nights. I highly suggest going to check him out...after you see Molumby's Million of course :)

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Kanye West is a very polarizing celebrity. For whatever reason, his eccentric ways have not taken away from my love of his music. His newest album out today, "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy," is amazing. He takes chances with his music and make songs that are entirely creative and different all while keeping some of the influences from his earlier work.

In his personal life, he is a hot mess. As a musician, he is at the top of his game.

One of my favorite tracks off the new album: