Now THAT'S How To Make A Statement

Nausea has given way to hilarity as pseudo-intellectual, scandal-plagued hypocrite, and failed politician Newt Gingrich apparently really believes he has a shot at becoming President of these United States.

The most recent example of the true comic genius of the Gingrich campaign is this official press release, which truly could not be appreciated by us lesser mortals until Stephen Colbert had it read dramatically by John Lithgow.

ETA: Link updated. But that doesn't seem to work either. As soon as I have functional video I can link to, it'll be here.

ETA2: Let's try this:

The Colbert Report
Tags: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive

Jeff Jones Passes Away

Sadness. Fantasy artist Jeffrey Catherine Jones has passed away at the age of 67. She did a lot of incredible fantasy work -- book covers, some comics, various fine art paintings, and won the World Fantasy Award in 1986 for Best Artist.

Randy "Macho Man" Savage Dies

Shock and sadness. Randall Poffo, who became one of wrestling's biggest stars as "The Macho Man", Randy Savage, has been killed in an auto wreck apparently caused by a heart attack. He was 58. His wife Lynn was in the car as well, but only suffered minor injuries.

Savage was one of those who revolutionized pro wrestling in the 1980s. He was a phenomenal talent, like Flair, Piper, Jericho, The Rock, and Hennig -- he could do it all in the ring (with considerably more speed and athleticism than most), he was great on the mic, and he had a fantastic gimmick, which was really sold by the presence of his wife, the lovely Miss Elizabeth.

There was a story just the other day at Pro Wrestling Torch, discussing an interview with Randy's brother "Leapin'" Lanny Poffo, wherein Lanny said he didn't think Randy would ever get in the ring again. Certainly he never envisioned this.

Farewell, Macho Man. You were truly one of the all-time greats. Thank you for the years of entertainment, and may your troubled soul finally be at peace.

ETA: A small smile, thanks to the editorial standards of the New York Times. A photo caption reads:

Mr. Savage put Hulk Hogan in a headlock in 1989.

Just love that -- "Mr. Savage". And I recall a few more headlocks before and after that one. But anyway.