10 Things to Know: First Week February 2010

While the news might suffice for telling you what’s happening, they don’t exactly give you the jist of why you should care. So we’re here to give our take on the goings-on in the world, and why you might think about caring for once in your internet-loving life:

1) The First Dude Gets Totes Corrupt

Through recently acquired e-mails msnbc.com learned that Sarah Palin’s husband Todd, colloquially referred to as the “first dude” during his tenure as the Alaskan governor’s husband,  had far more sway in his wife’s governorship than was previously thought. He weighed in on political appointments,  gas pipeline bids (Todd is in the oil business) and may have passed confidential financial information from his oil company to the state’s attorney.

So What? There’s always been suspicion that the wives and husbands of the powerful have sway over their decisions (ahem) but these e-mails prove that unelected people can still have a major influence on the political process. Even a First Dude.

2) John Stewart vs. Bill O’Reilly

In an unexpected turn, John Stewart went on Bill O’Reilly’s Fox News show to debate. They discussed Stewart’s recent criticisms of Barack Obama and his attacks on the Fox News organization. It’s kind of hard to say who “won,” but O’Reilly clearly throws John Stewart off of his rhythm. O’Reilly just has a way with throwing people off of their plan (part 1 of 3):

So What? Fox News and Comedy Central aren’t exactly the best of friends, but with Stewart and O’Reilly they may have found two people who can have a lively, somewhat civil debate. Probably because Stewart says O’Reilly is one of the sanest people at Fox, although he also equates that to being “the skinniest kid at fat camp.”

3) Somebody Will Pay for Michael Jackson Dying

Conrad Murray, the LA doctor who oversaw Michael Jackson prior to his death last year, is expected to face charges stemming from the pop star’s death. While it’s unclear as to what the charges will be, manslaughter looks likely. When Jackson complained of being unable to sleep, the doc presecribed an IV drip of Diprivan. Which is not entirely sound medical advice, considering that Diprivan is not a sleep aid but a powerful medical anestethic.

So What? Hollywood “Doctor Feelgoods” have run rampant in LA, and one of them might just be held culpable for killing the King of Pop.

4) Oh, Those Damn Oscars

The nominees for the Oscars came out, and nobody’s surprised by much of anything. Avatar is nominated for everything (except anything to do with acting) and Meryl Streep is up for best Oscar again. The event will be at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood on Sunday, March 7, 2010.

So What: Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin are going to host, so it might actually be funny.

5) Stinky Journalism Gives Awards

Stinky Journalism is a site dedicated to exposing unethical usage of statistics. They just gave their “Dubious Polling” award for most disreputable usage of “fuzzy math” to pollster Scott Rasmussen, who is the “favorite pollster of Fox News.”

So What? Statistics don’t lie, but only liars use statistics, goes the old saying. But that assumes your statistics even make sense. It’s kind of hard to put a spin on a poll that totals to 120 percent.

6) John Edwards Being Naughty Again

Former presidential John Edwards was discovered to have made a sex tape with a visibly pregnant woman he was having an affair with. The possessor of the tape is trying to release the video to the public, while a judge has ordered the possessor to turn the tape over. It’s still not clear if the tape will see the light of day.

Keep in mind that these shenanigans were going on not only while Edwards was running for president, but also while his wife recovered from cancer. Classy!

So What? Dude, did you read that? Sex tape. Visibly pregnant. If Edwards had been elected, there’s no telling what kind of shit-storm the entire country would be in. But for now, we can just enjoy the hilarity the whole debacle is causing. And hope the video comes out (what you’re not curious?)

7) The Super Bowl happened, and the commercials were funny. Except…

As of press time, the Super Bowl between The Colts and the Saints is on Sunday. By the time you read this, it will already have happened. So I’ll just take this time to point out that conservative group Focus on the Family will be airing a 30-second anti-abortion spot starring Florida QB Tim Tebow.

So What? Can you say tone shift? The Super Bowl is basically the nation’s pizza party, and the ad is sure to draw some pretty major attention, and maybe cause a few thousand drunken debates that don’t involve Peyton Manning.

8 ) Yeah, That Dark Crystal

In a return to everyone’s childhood (well, if you’re in your twenties or early thirties), it was announced this week that some early ideas were sketched out for a sequel to Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal, tentatively entitled The Power of the Dark Crystal.

So What? Labryinth and The Dark Crystal were staple sin the Harper household growing up. I think that explains a lot. But I was by no means alone in this. Expect the movie audience to consist of other young adults who refuse to grow up.

9) 13-Year Old Offered Athletic Scholarship to USC

It might look like a joke now, but some experts are already applauding the University of Southern California’s decision to offer a scholarship to a thirteen-year-old seventh-grade QB.  Seventh grade.

So What? The movie Hoop Dreams already explored the impact that intense pressure to perform well athletically can have on twelve and thirteen year-olds. But just watch the video: the Trojans might just be onto something. That’s a damn impressive middle schooler.

10) People love their Priuses. Or Pri-i. Whatever.

Despite reports that they might have a fault breaking system that has led to more than a few crashes, demands for the Toyota Prius continue to explode. People don’t seem to care; they just love that gas mileage!

So What? People got the idea of green cars in their noggin, and they aren’t letting go. At least people aren’t still ragging on the Prius for being too quiet.