Objects in Mirror: December 21, 2007 Archive

Stewart and Colbert to cross picket line

Posted at 8:44 AM on December 21, 2007 by Julia Schrenkler

Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert will cross the union picket line and resume filming their shows without writers. As political satirists, they're bound to experience a little blow back. Bob Collins notes that both "have carved out successful careers by spotlighting the hypocrisies of the powerful."

Will Stewart and Colbert cover their own actions? Will they tank? What if they cross the picket line and everyone laughs anyway? These questions and many others will be answered in January.*

Read and comment on News Cut because Collins wants to hear your point of view.

*While I'm not entirely certain T.V. Producer and Writer Susan Harris engineered the parting word style of "Soap", I'm guessing it wasn't improvised.

Will you go on a WolfQuest?

Posted at 11:34 AM on December 21, 2007 by Julia Schrenkler

Gamers, Minnesotans and Minnesota gamers, want to go on a WolfQuest?

I'm wondering if someone out is willing to play a round of WolfQuest and recap it in an article on mnlife.gather.com. This can be a single player publishing a single article, or contact me if you're interested in joining a short multi-player exploration session & review chat. (Date & time TBD. It looks like the first episode of the game will be available for download sometime later today 12/21/2007.)

Resources:
*Hungry like a wolf? (MPR)
*Get the game info

Get your free holiday music: The Santa Set

Posted at 12:07 PM on December 21, 2007 by Julia Schrenkler

If you're cheap, desperate for a gift, or just need to get into the spirit you can download a full 2007 Christmas album courtesy Sound Opinions. Andy Cirzan serves as Kris Kringle, delivering the free tunes and cover art!

Just like holiday cookies, the links won't age well. The songs and cover art files will only be available until midnight of Jan 2nd, 2008.

Catch Sound Opinions on The Current: Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. CT. Know you can always send your comments, questions and suggestions to interact@soundopinions.org

News discussion topics for the 12/21/2007 weekend

Posted at 3:13 PM on December 21, 2007 by Julia Schrenkler

Don't be caught this weekend without a topic! I was tempted to go with heartwarming holiday tales, but really, someone else is bound to serve that dish. If you're at a party or hosting relatives, here are a few alternative topics and my notes about them.

* Castro Says He Will Not Retain Power Forever (NPR) We all have to embrace our mortality sometime. Talking about Castro gives you a reason to fire up the Greatest Generation and really get them on a roll about Cuba, communism or the embargo. On the flip side if offers you a chance to explain to younger discussion participants why Fidel might have a longer lasting impact on our culture than Hannah Montana. Warning: This topic may cause heated arguments or utter boredom. Report back results!
* Spas give kids the treatment (Marketplace) So much for grubby kids - they're getting manicures now. A good one for riling up the frugal or getting today's parents on the subject of "spoiling."
* Today's dispatches from Planet Pooch (News Cut) Bob Collins covers the puppy news just in time!

Share your own conversation-starters suitable for making small talk with that relative you haven't seen since this past Thanksgiving and won't see again until next Thanksgiving, to kill time in line because you haven't shopped yet, or to carefully connect with the people near you, even if the truce is temporary.