ABC has picked up the drama "Scandal," the latest effort from "Grey's Anatomy" creator Shonda Rhimes, about a Washington DC crisis management wizard.

The pilot, originally called "Damage Control," was inspired by a meeting that Rhimes had with Judy Smith, a former press aide to President George H.W. Bush who has her own crisis communications shop in Washington.

The network doesn't appear to be buying another drama based in the nation's capital, "Georgetown," about twentysomethings getting a start in their careers. The pilot had been from Josh Schwartz, creator of "The O.C."

Updated

Yesterday, it was a kerfuffle on the right, today it is on the left. When Michael Moore expressed dismay at the killing of Osama bin Laden, rather than capturing him and putting him on trial, MSNBC host Ed Schultz criticized it as "intellectual liberal hand-wringing."

Moore said on CNN, “We’ve lost something of our soul here in this country. Maybe I’m just an old-school American who believes in our judicial system. We’re better than them, we don’t just operate in an uncivilized way the way they did on 9/11.”

Coming to his defense is Keith Olbermann, who wrote on his website that while he disagrees with Moore, recently named as a contributor to his upcoming Current TV show, it doesn't mean Moore should remain silent. Olbermann writes, "I believe, with great regret, that the pragmatic circumstances of keeping Bin Laden alive outweighed, very narrowly, what Michael is addressing. But for him to then be accused of “intellectual liberal hand-wringing” by a supposedly liberal commentator on a supposedly liberal television network, is outrageous."

Moore elaborates on his comments here.

Huckabee's Next Move: Potential presidential contender Mike Huckabee says that he'll make a big announcement on his Fox News show on Saturday --- perhaps adding or subtracting his name from the GOP field. Is this a sign that he won't be joining the race? On Thursday, he launched a new educational company, Learn Our History LLC. He says, "America's youth aren't excited about our past because they're being taught history in a way that minimizes what has made America a beacon of hope around the world for over 200 years. Instead, history lessons today often focus on America's faults." Their website gives animated samples of the programs and an unabashed pitch from Huckabee himself offering a risk-free trial.

Update: The announcement, according to Fox News, will be about his presidential run --- will he or won't he?

Turning on Trump: You could have predicted that, even if his was of publicity hadn't stalled at the White House Correspondents dinner, Donald Trump would still have faced a new level of scrutiny. Today that came in the form of a New York Times story in which buyers into Trump-branded real estate projects expressed dismay after the developments went south, and they realized that Trump really wasn't intimately involved in but merely lending his name.

Michael Barbaro reports, "Over the last few years, according to interviews and hundreds of pages of court documents, the real estate mogul has aggressively marketed several luxury high-rises as “Trump properties” or “signature Trump” buildings, with names like Trump Tower and Trump International — even making appearances at the properties to woo buyers. The strong indication of his involvement as a developer generated waves of media attention and commanded premium prices.

"But when three of the planned buildings encountered financial trouble, it became clear that Mr. Trump had essentially rented his name to the developments and had no responsibility for their outcomes, according to buyers. In each case, he yanked his name off the projects, which were never completed. The buyers lost millions of dollars in deposits even as Mr. Trump pocketed hefty license fees."

Another Adler Ad: Entertainment executive Dan Adler, trying to break out of the pack in Tuesday's special election to fill Jane Harman's congressional seat in California's 36th district, has a new web spot out that --- very intentionally --- draws on ethnic stereotypes. Adler, whose campaign manager is Sean Astin, already has tapped the actor as well as his mother, Patty Duke, in spots. (The Ticket)

Hollywood Praise: Industry groups are gushing about proposed federal anti-piracy legislation, but digital rights orgs are still skeptical.

Stewart vs. O'Reilly: Jon Stewart will guest on Bill O'Reilly on Monday over whether Common's appearance at the White House this week was a story or nonstory. (The Wrap) In case you missed it, the thrust of Stewart's piece was that all hopes that ginned up cable controversy would disappear after Bin Laden's death appear to have been dashed by the Common flap. "Are we really doing this again? For this guy, Common, the guy from the Gap ads."

Stewart coined a new term: "Foxygen". From his show last night.

Shriver Thanks: Maria Shriver, who announced her separation from Arnold Schwarzenegger this week, sent this Tweet, "Thank you for all the kindness, support and compassion. I am humbled by the love."

Saturday: Actress Donna Mills hosts California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.) to an event at her home called "Let's Get California Off Oil." The brunch, with contributions starting at $200, is a fund-raiser for Environment California.

Glenn Beck somehow got to mocking Meghan McCain, her weight and her skin cancer PSA, so she swung back.

She writes on the Daily Beast, "While we’re on the subject of you vomiting on air, maybe we should have a little talk. Clearly you have a problem with me, and possibly women in general, but the truth is, it’s 2011 and I heard your show on Fox was canceled. Isn’t that an indication that the era of the shock-jock pundit is over? Don’t you think that’s a sign you should be pulling it back a little? I mean, if you’re too conservative and outrageous for Fox, that should tell you something. There really is no need to make something like my participation in a skin-cancer PSA into a sexist rant about my weight and physical appearance, because I’m going to let you in on a little secret, Glenn: you are the only one who looks bad in this scenario, and at the end of the day you have helped me generate publicity for my skin-cancer PSA, a cause that I feel quite passionate about."

All this is part of the noise of cable TV and talk radio, but perhaps she's on to something. Not in what he said about the PSA --- you can't even count the outrageous comments --- but in the idea that the "era of the shock-jock pundit is over."

A group of senators from both parties introduced legislation today that Hollywood hopes will greatly stem the trafficking of pirated movies, TV shows and music online.

The Preventing Real Online Threats of Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act, or PROTECT IP Act, is aimed at so-called ''rogue websites'' that trade in infringing goods. It follows legislation introduced last year that passed the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously in November but never made it to the floor.

A coalition of industry groups, including the Motion Picture Assn. of America, the National Assn. of Theater Owners and the Independent Film and Television Alliance, said in a statement that the legislation will help crackdown on foreign websites ''operating outside of U.S. law'' because they would ''no longer be allowed to exploit U.S. registrars, registries, Internet service providers, payment processors, search engines and ad placement services to sustain their illicit online businesses.''

Authors of the bill say they have narrowed the scope of the previous legislation to address concerns that it would give the government too broad authority to shut down sites. The definition of a site ''dedicated to infringing activities'' has been narrowed.

The legislation no longer includes a provision to streamline the legal process for the Justice Department to shut down domestic domain names of sites dedicated to trafficking in infringing goods -- something that customs officials already are doing --- and instead is aimed at eliminating a site's financial viability.

It would authorize the Justice Department to seek a court order directing third party ''intermediaries'' -- search engines, payment processors, advertising networks and Internet service providers -- to cease providing transactions and support to infringing sites.

The third parties would then be required to take action to either prevent access to the Internet site or cease doing business with them.

Copyright holders also would be given a limited ''right of action'' to seek a court order against a domain name registrant, owner or domain name that is infringing on their copyrights. And the legislation is meant to streamline the process whereby federal authorities or copyright holders can bring action against sites that have been previously seized but are relaunched under a different name.

''The PROTECT IP Act targets the most egregious actors, and is an important first step to putting a stop to online piracy and sale of counterfeit goods,'' said Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee who introduced the bill along with Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa).

Similar legislation is expected to be introduced soon in the House.

Here's video from the appearance of Common at the White House's poetry event this evening. He made no mention of the controversy that preceded his appearance, but sent a Tweet just beforehand saying, "I have no choice now!"

Here's the transcript of what White House spokesman Jay Carney said about the appearance of Common, a.k. Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr., at an event this evening.

Carney said, "First of all, the President does not support and opposes the kinds of lyrics that have been written about, as he has in the past.  He has spoken very forcefully out against violent and misogynist lyrics.  Secondly, in regard to the concerns by some law enforcement, this President’s record of support for law enforcement is extremely strong.  He remains committed to the men and women who protect the American citizens and put themselves in harm’s way all the time.  He was able to express that appreciation and support just last week in New York when he met with police and firefighters. 

"And I would say that while the President doesn’t support the kind of lyrics that have been raised here, he does -- I mean, we do think that some of these reports distort what Mr. Lynn stands for, more broadly, in order to stoke a controversy.  I mean, he is -- within the genre of hip-hop and rap, he is what’s known as a conscience rapper -- or a conscious rapper, rather.  And I would quote a report just six months ago from Fox News where he was described as a rap legend and quote, “Your music is very positive and you’re known as the conscious rapper.  How important is that to you, and how important do you think that is to our kids?” 

"And I think that one of the things that the President appreciates is the work that Mr. Lynn has done with children, especially in Chicago, trying to get them to focus on poetry, as opposed to some of the negative influences of life on the street."

Asked whether Common had been vetted, Carney said, "I don’t know specifically about the vetting process.  The fact is, Mr. Lynn has participated in other events in the past, including the lighting of the Christmas Tree, I believe.  I mean, he’s a Grammy award-winning -- multi Grammy-award winning artist.  And he’s been invited to this event about poetry, and partly because of his efforts to bring poetry to audiences that don’t get to experience it.  And we think that’s a positive thing."

President Obama "has spoken out about -- very strongly against -- as an elected official, as an American and as a father, against those kinds of lyrics.  And he opposes them.  But he does not think that that is the sum total of this particular artist’s work, which has been recognized by a lot of mainstream organizations and fair and balanced organizations like Fox News, which described his music as very positive."

Common sent out a Tweet several hours ago in which he said, "Politics is politics and everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I respect that. The one thing that shouldn’t be questioned is my support for the police officers and troops that protect us every day. Peace yall!"

FCC commissioner Meredith Attwell Baker will take a senior lobbying position at Comcast’s Washington office as her term on the commission expires at the end of June.

Baker will join Comcast as senior vice president of government affairs of NBC Universal. Her final day at the FCC will be on June 3.

The move comes four months after the FCC gave the greenlight to Comcast’s combination with NBC Universal. Baker, along with fellow Republican Robert McDowell, approved the transaction but said at the time in a joint statement that the FCC’s approach to the review process had become "excessively coercive and lengthy" and that it went "too far" in extracting conditions from the companies.

Baker will report to Kyle McSlarrow, president of Comcast/NBCUniversal for Washington DC, and will work closely with Rick Cotton, NBCU’s executive vice president and general counsel.

Baker has been a member of the FCC since July 2009, having been nominated by President Obama. She previously served as acting assistant secretary of commerce for communications and information and acting administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration under President George W. Bush.

"I’ve been privileged to serve in government for the past seven years under President Obama at the FCC and President Bush at NTIA. I’ excited to embark on a new phase of my career with Comcast and NBCUniversal," Baker said.

As could probably be expected, public interest groups that were critical of the Comcast-NBCU transaction blasted Baker's move.

Craig Aaron, CEO of Free Press, said in a statement, "This is just the latest -- though perhaps most blatant -- example of a so-called public servant cashing in at a company she is supposed to be regulating.

"As recently as March, Commissioner Baker gave a speech lamenting that review of the Comcast-NBC deal 'took too long.' What we didn't know then was that she was in such a rush to start picking out the drapes in her new corner office."

A Comcast spokeswoman said that discussions started with Baker months after the transaction was approved, when Bob Okun, the head of its Washington operations, announced his departure in April.

FCC chairman Julius Genachowski said in a statement, "For the past two years, it’s been my privilege to serve with Meredith Baker as the FCC has navigated the communications challenges of the 21^st century. Meredith’s wonderful spirit, broad experience and deep policy acumen have made the FCC a more effective agency. She’s made our decisions smarter and our policies better. I wish her well in her new role at NBC Universal.”

Updated

Tonight is poetry night at the White House, and the presence of hip hop artist Common has drawn criticism beyond the usual conservative din. Speaking to ABC News on Wednesday, Dave Jones, president of the New Jersey State Trooper Fraternal Assn., said that an administration official called him to find out more about his objections to the artist's appearance at the event, and was surprised that the official did not know about the background of Assata Shakur, the subject of his song, "A Song for Assata."

“She’s a domestic terrorist who wrapped her criminality and her abhorrent anti social behavior in a cause to try to disguise her disgust for America in this make believe 1960s radicalism,” Jones told ABC News. “In 1973 she executed Trooper Werner Foerster with his own gun after he was already shot and didn’t represent a threat to anyone. And after she shot him she kicked him in the head to the point that hours later after he was picked up his brain was still part of the remnants on her shoe.”

Common, aka Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr., has commented on his Twitter page. His supporters have said that his music is a reflection of the frustration among African American men --- not an endorsement of violence against police. He's also hardly seen as a "gangsta" rapper, having collaborated with the Jonas Brothers and created works regarded as "conscious" rapper.

Updated: Per ABC News, White House spokesman Jay Carney said today, “The president does not support and opposes the kind of lyrics that has been written about."

He added that Obama "does not think that that is the sum total of this particular artist’s work which has been recognized by a lot of mainstream organizations and ‘fair and balanced’ organizations like Fox News, which described his music as positive.”

Russell Simmons sent a Tweet this morning: "My man @Common is one of greatest poets the generation has ever known!"

Simmons also told Global Grind, in responding to Sean Hannity's criticism, "Common is a sweet guy, a progressive guy, he's what Hannity would call a soft ass liberal, he ain't a gangster like Hannity, he's not a sexist or racist like Hannity, he's just a sweet, loving person. So it's ironic that a person like Sean Hannity, who I like, would say something like that about Common."

"When it comes to the gangster thing, Common doesn't want to go to war, but Hannity is quick to go to war and blow up sh*t," he continued, "So Hannity is more racist, sexist, homophobic and gangster than Common and for Hannity to call Common a gangster, is the pot calling the kettle black."

Power Couple Split: The Los Angeles Times delves into the reasons behind the Schwarzenegger-Shriver separation. "While many friends said they were surprised by the announcement, two distinctly different narratives were emerging Tuesday about the breakup.

"Some close to Schwarzenegger spoke of a loving marriage that slowly broke apart over time. Friends of Shriver portrayed her as trapped for years in an unhappy relationship that reached a breaking point after the deaths of her parents and a difficult transition back to private life."

At an event on Tuesday night, Schwarzenegger, speaking at the Skirball Center, said, "I want to take a moment to acknowledge and thank our many friends and family for the tremendous amount of support and love that you have given us in the last 24 hours," Schwarzenegger said, adding that he had spoken to Shriver an hour earlier.

"We both love each other very much ... and we are taking it one day at a time."

Astin's Part: Sean Astin is endorsing Dan Adler, an entertainment industry executive running for Jane Harman's old congressional seat. Astin, star of the movie "Rudy," also is serving as Adler's campaign manager, and even appears in a whimsical spot that cites the football pic. Adler faces tough competition in Tuesday's election from two Democratic vets, Debra Bowen and Janice Hahn.

The latest Public Policy Polling results show that Donald Trump's support among Republicans has dropped from 26% to 8%. He's also struggling to retain support among those birthers who are still out there.

We'll see how the ratings to the "Celebrity Apprentice" finale hold up.

Giving his highly promoted speech on immigration reform today, President Obama invoked the name of a man usually a political foe: Rupert Murdoch.

He cited Murdoch's support of immigration reform, which the chairman of News Corp. announced last year in an appearance on Fox News along with New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. He followed it with a PSA for a business group advocating a streamlined process.

In his speech in El Paso, Obama cited the support that reform has from the business community, and said, "I mean, one CEO had this to say about reform:  “American ingenuity is a product of the openness and diversity of this society.  Immigrants have made America great as the world leader in business, in science, higher education and innovation.”  You know who that leader was?  Rupert Murdoch, who owns Fox News, and is an immigrant himself.  I don’t know if you’re familiar with Rupert Murdoch’s views, but let’s just say he doesn’t have an Obama sticker on his car. But he agrees with me on this."

The White House has been promoting the speech for the past several days, even utilizing celebrities to call attention to the issue. Among them is Eva Longoria, who appears in this White House video.

Hip hop artist Common has won multiple Grammys, he's collaborated with the Jonas Brothers and he's appeared in a Gap ad.

But conservative media today is all over his planned appearance on Wednesday at a special White House evening of poetry.

They cite lyrics from some of his works, including a lyric from a 2007 video in which he recites, Burn a Bush cos’ for peace he no push no button. A story in the Daily Caller early on Tuesday almost immediately triggered an outcry from a bevy of conservative talkers and pundits, including Sarah Palin who wrote in a Tweet, "Oh lovely, White House."

In citing other lyrics from other works, Pajamas Media also noted Common's connection to the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, the Obama's former pastor at a south Chicago church whose controversial comments became a flash point of the 2008 campaign.

A spokeswoman for First Lady Michelle Obama, who has held a series of White House events to promote the arts, did not immediately respond for comment.

But Common has. In a series of Twitter comments in which he seemed amused by the whole affair. In response to one message that Fox News had called him a "vile rapper," he wrote, "You aint scared of me?"

While Common is well, pretty commonly mainstream when stacked up against so many other hip hop artists, there is some history of poetry creating controversy. In 2003, First Lady Laura Bush cancelled a planned reading of the works of Walt Whitman, Langston Hughes and Emily Dickinson after protests from several poets over the administration's plans to invade Iraq.

Much ado? As Conor Friedersdorf writes on The Atlantic, there's a long history of occupants of the Oval Office, from both parties, embracing music of bawdiness, violence and even cannibalism. The artists responsible will surprise you.

Update: Media Matters, the progressive media watchdog group, dug up an interview on FoxNews.com in which a reporter told Common that his music was "very positive."

There's also a sharp exchange at Common's Facebook page, and Jason Linkins of Huffington Post puts the lyrics to the controversial work, called "Letter to the Law," in context.

This should draw more viewers to Wednesday night's event --- and to the work of another performer on the bill, Steve Martin.

The separation of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver undoubtedly will create a tabloid frenzy, even though they both have called on the media to respect their privacy. The two very public figures were an unlikely coupling when they wed in 1986, but by the time Schwarzenegger was elected governor in 2003, they were a dynamic union. Joe Mathews, author of "The People's Machine: Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Rise of Blockbuster Democracy," told "Today" that "it was maybe the ultimate example of a political marriage. Here were two people who, despite their differences, made it work."

Adam Nagourney writes in the New York Times this morning, "The announcement suggested the end of what has been one of the more remarkable political unions, one that brought together a product of Hollywood and a member of one of the nation’s most celebrated political dynasties. Ms. Shriver, as a symbol of Democratic tradition and politics, gave Mr. Schwarzenegger a political legitimacy that proved critical in a recall election in which he ousted a Democratic governor, Gray Davis."

Over the weekend, Loyola Marymount sent out video and photos of Schwarzenegger and Shriver attending their nephew's commencement. Shriver herself appeared in a video on her website in March in which she talked of transition and the stress "to not know what you are going to do next."

The Real Mrs. Gingrich: The Times also profiles Callista Gingrich, the wife of Newt Gingrich, who is set to announce a presidential bid on Wednesday. Often overlooked is that the Gingriches have had some success in running a documentary film arm, which she oversees.

Poets Who Know It: The White House on Wednesday hosts a celebration of American poetry and prose, with Elizabeth Alexander, Billy Collins, Common, Rita Dove, Kenneth Goldsmith, Alison Knowles, Aimee Mann and Jill Scott. Also added to the bill: Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers. The entire event will be streamed live on whitehouse.gov.

Update: The Daily Caller reprints some of Common's rap lyrics, which they note "includes threats to shoot police and at least one passage calling for the “burn[ing]” of then-President George W. Bush." Common appears to be amused by it all, as he Tweeted, with a note of sarcasm, "I'm dangerous!"

Fab Abs: Rep. Aaron Schock appeared on "Today" on Monday to help promote the latest issue of Men's Health, in which he appears on the cover.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Updated

Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver have separated after 25 years of marriage, the Los Angeles Times reported this evening.

They announced it in a statement to the paper, saying, "This has been a time of great personal and professional transition for each of us. After a great deal of thought, reflection, discussion and prayer, we came to this decision together. At this time, we are living apart while we work on the future of our relationship.

"We are continuing to parent our four children together. They are the light and the center of both of our lives. We consider this a private matter and neither we nor any of our friends or family will have further comment. We ask for compassion and respect from the media and the public."

Their separation comes as a surprise, especially since Schwarzenegger's return to acting was expected to give him more time with his family after his 7 years as governor. Shriver gave up a career as an NBC News correspondent when he took office, and was reportedly reluctant of his decision to pursue the governorship.

Schwarzenegger recently announnced several acting projects, including a return as "The Terminator." Shriver has been pursuing a number of projects, including ones that build on her experience hosting a successful Women's Conference in Long Beach, and guest editing an issue of O, the Oprah Magazine in April.

Shriver played a big role in her husband's tenure as governor, and was key to reviving his fortunes after a disastrous 2005 special election in which a set of four reform initiatives he championed were defeated. She was instrumental in his hiring of a new chief of staff, Susan Kennedy, a Democrat, which signalled a shift to the center.

Of the thousands of letters that came into the office of then-FCC chairman Newton Minow in 1961, he recalled one in particular: "It said, 'What time does that 'vast wasteland' go on?'"

On Monday, Minow joined the current FCC chairman, Julius Genachowski, at the National Press Club to mark the 50th anniversary of his most famous speech with the two words that have hung over broadcasting ever since, a reminder whenever it fails to fulfill its promise.

Minow was just 35 on May 9, 1961 when he gave the speech to the National Assn. of Broadcasters convention, telling them in his first major address, "When television is good, nothing — not the theater, not the magazines or newspapers — nothing is better. But when television is bad, nothing is worse. I invite each of you to sit down in front of your own television set when your station goes on the air and stay there, for a day, without a book, without a magazine, without a newspaper, without a profit and loss sheet or a rating book to distract you. Keep your eyes glued to that set until the station signs off. I can assure you that what you will observe is a vast wasteland."

Before broadcasters, the speech landed like a lead balloon. To journalists, two words stood out: "vast wasteland."

"The two words that I wanted to be remembered [from the speech] were 'public interest,'" Minow said. "The press, I have learned later, likes to fasten on to something controversial." The biting remarks could have been worse: He was going to add the words "of junk" at the end of "vast wasteland," but dropped it.

His point was that in exchange for the license free use of the public airwaves, broadcasters should provide substantial programming in the public interest. Nevertheless, his speech caught the public's attention, and at an opportune time, with the quiz show scandals and radio payola still fresh in their memory.

While some in Hollywood reacted defensively --- Sherwood Schwartz named the S.S. Minnow from "Gilligan's Island" after the critical FCC chief --- Minow's speech did create change. As Genachowski said, Minow's words were one of the single most effective uses of the bully pulpit by a government official.

Within just a few years, networks began investing heavily in news, expanding nightly broadcasts to 30 minutes; educational television, and later PBS, began to take root; and broadcasters created documentary units. But Minow said that one of his goals was to "expand choice to the viewer," and during his tenure he was successful in opening up the UHF band to create many more channel options.

That's why, as easy as it is to look at the landscape of reality TV and cable news shoutfests and reach the same conclusion, Minow's impressions of today's TV, and the option ahead via the web, are more optimistic than you would expect. "No matter what your interest, you can find a channel to deal with it," he said.

He still expresses some regret for not being able to limit the number of commercials that broadcasters air, and is frustrated that public television still has to battle for its existence, particularly among Republicans who wonder why the government should be subsidizing it at all. "It baffles me today because public broadcasting should be non political," he said.

With all those choices, critics also say that commercial broadcasters can fill the gaps. "When commercial television does a series like 'The Civil War,' when commercial television does a series like 'Sesame Street,' when commercial television does 'NewsHour,' then I will listen. But before that happens, I don't think it is a valid argument," he said.

As much as "vast wasteland" was taken as an attack on what broadcasters were putting on the air, Minow said that it is a "dangerous thing" for the government to be involved at all in content, even if it has a role as the agency assigning the airwaves. His solution back then is relevant today, as the FCC looks to widen penetration of broadband. "Expand the number of people presenting choices."

"My feeling was the more channels there were the more choices there were. That was the best thing the government could do."

The audio of Minow's speech --- "Television and the Public Interest" --- is here.

Monday's event, sponsored by the GW Global Media Institute, is on C SPAN here. Frank Sesno was the moderator.

The National Endowment for the Arts announced an expansion of projects eligible for grants, including a form usually demonized on Capitol Hill: Video games.

Alyce Myatt, the NEA's director of media arts, explained the guidelines in a video posted to the NEA website, said, "We'll continue to support television and radio, but we're also going to fund content developed for the Web, for theatrical release, for mobile phones, content to be distributed via satellite, and even content for game platforms."

The one caveat is that organizations, not individuals, are only eligible, and grants are given primarily to nonprofit groups.

The NEA also announced that its previous emphasis on grants to documentaries will be expanded to dramatic narratives. "Yes, it has been a while, but we are thinking that it would be great to have the endowment help bring the next 'Vincent & Theo' or the next Shakespeare adaptation of something like Julie Taymor's 'The Tempest' to the American audience," Myatt said.

The recognition of video games in the category comes just as the Supreme Court is poised to rule on whether states can ban the sale of violent titles to minors. A decision is expected any day now. It'll also be interesting to see whether the expanded eligibility is brought up at Wednesday's scheduled appropriations hearing on NEA funding for the next budget cycle. The moves by the NEA to expand its pool of potential grantees is undoubtedly designed to keep the agency relevant in the changing media environment.

Flash back a year ago, and the picture was of discontent among gay and lesbian activists with repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell in doubt and unhappiness that the Obama administration was defending the Defense of Marriage Act. Things have changed. Politico reports today that President Obama's reelection campaign is tapping gay donors as its revs up fund-raising efforts.

A key quote: “It’s ironic — a year ago there was no constituency more unhappy. There was a sea change,” said veteran gay activist David Mixner. “You not only will see a united community that will contribute to Obama, but they will work their asses off.”

Politico's Ben Smith and Maggie Haberman also write, "The Obama campaign finance director, Rufus Gifford, was a top California gay fundraiser; the DNC finance chairman, Andrew Tobias, is gay; and the White House social secretary — traditionally a key, if unofficial, fund raising job — is also a gay man, Gifford's partner Jeremy Bernard."

No doubt it's also helping in Southern California fund-raising.

New Spot: Fred Karger, the openly gay Republican-strategist (and former actor) who is running for the GOP nomination, unveiled a new spot today running in New Hampshire and on the web. It's called "Demon Frisbee" --- what, no sheep?

Schock Jock: Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) is on the June cover of Men's Health, showing off his abs, and announcing a summer challenge called "Fit for Life."

“If you want to start talking about healthy lifestyles and staying in shape, then you yourself should do your best to try to be a model, an example to people you’re trying to convince to do the same," Schock tells the magazine. He also endorses Michelle Obama's Let's Move campaign and says of his morning regimen, "It's got to happen early or it's no going to happen."

He's not the first politician on the cover of Men's Health. President Obama appeared last year.

"60 Minutes" Tops: President Obama's appearance on "60 Minutes" on Sunday helped CBS win the night.

New Reality: Bristol Palin has landed a new reality series on the cabler Bio. Variety's Jon Weisman writes, "The untitled project will follow Palin and her son Tripp as she moves to Los Angeles to work for a charity while living with Kyle Massey (whom Palin met as a contestant on "Dancing With the Stars") and his brother Christopher."

Big Night: Children's Hospital Los Angeles raised some $7 million at its gala event on Saturday evening, celebrating the completion of a $636 million hospital building. Among those honored were hospital board co-chair Marion Anderson; Chris Albrecht, campaign co-chair, and trustee Mary Hart; and longtime supporters Haim and Cheryl Saban. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Billy Crystal presented to Albrecht and Hart.