First Delicious Dump of the New Year: "Black" Talk, "White" Skin, the 16th President, and YOUR American Idol

Added Bonus: Irregardless of what you think, "conversate" is a word

Ta-Nehisi Coates argues for one the classic words of Ebonics in depth after using it in his always interesting blog...also follow the links to read his great story on Michelle Obama in The Atlantic

How many albinos are there in Tanzania? - By Juliet Lapidos - Slate

Because a story about child killing, white Africans, and witch doctors isn't fucked up enough, this Explainer also brings up the social acceptability of in-breeding at the end. I'm all for cultural relativism but this is severely whacked and wrong.

Kelly Clarkson “My Life Would Suck Without You” Single Cover Photo

Kelly's either lost some weight or is being photographed differently. One hopes she hasn't lost her curves -- and I seriously doubt she has. But either way this photo is pretty hot. (Also "suck" has too meanings -- get it? get it?)   This song is apparently being produced by Katy Perry's "Kissed a Girl" producers, which, despite my problems with that song, sounds like the potential for a pretty awesome pop hit. We'll see -- the single drops (I can't believe I just typed that) January 19th.

How To Wish Lincoln A Happy 200th Birthday

Send a birthday card to Springfield, Illnois. Origanizers are hoping you'll make a homemade one for our 16th president. I think I'm going to do this. Because I am seven.