Here are a few things in news, sports, entertainment and popular culture we've been talking about lately.
* The Democratic Party convenes in Denver for its national convention. Or, as Hillary Clinton supporters old enough to remember "The Little Rascals" insist on calling it: The He-Man Women Haters Club.
* Paris Hilton films a new reality series, "Paris Hilton's My New BFF." Being Paris' best friend actually is the prize. Coming from the same producers: "My Totally Awesome Root Canal."
* "American Idol" adds Grammy-nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi as the show's fourth, and second female, judge. Producers figure the season will be almost over before Paula realizes she's not just hallucinating.
* This season's slate of "Dancing with the Stars" celebrities includes 82-year-old actress Cloris Leachman. In other aging-performer news: Madonna kicks off a world tour in Wales.
* The Beijing Olympics concludes with, among other things, the playing of China's national anthem. Among its stirring lyrics: "Don't kill me/Don't throw me in prison for protesting/And please don't take my organs and sell them to rich foreigners."
By JOHN PRZYBYS
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