You can read about the good things people are saying about him on Celeste Katz’s piece here.

Politically, this doesn’t actually mean much for the election in the 38th Senate District. Morahan announced in May that he would not be seeking reelection, and because the seat is becoming vacant after April, there will be no special election to fill the remainder of the term.  Republican Rockland County Executive Scott Vanderhoef will face off in November against either David Carlucci, the 29 year old Town Clerk of Clarkstown, who has been endorsed by Orange County Democrats, Rockland County Democrats, and Nina Lowey or Grant Valentine .

Farewell Senator. You will be missed.

On that note, the Census has sent out its questionnaires, and if you’re even thinking about not filling it out or sending it in, read on:

You see, there is a tremendous amount riding on this year’s Census. The political wonk in me wants to wax poetic about the Census’s effects on redistricting: the process which immediately follows the Census where we reexamine each State’s allotment of Congressmembers and redraw our legislative district lines, from Congress to City Council, accordingly. NY will likely lose a congressional seat, and our State Legislature’s lines will be redrawn to either promote or prevent progressive legislation for the next 10 years, depending on the party in power when the lines are drawn.

But, that’s not even the worst consequence on not fulfilling your civic duty. Our esteemed Borough President Scott Stringer just sent me an email that sums it up pretty well:

Based on the results of the Census, the federal government distributes $400 billion in aid among the states – a significant portion of which may benefit New York City.

This funding supports vital social service programs that may affect you or someone you know, such as the Medical Assistance Program for healthcare, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for public housing, Federal Transit Capital Investment Grants for transportation initiatives, Title I Grants for our schools, Head Start educational programs and many more. Without these programs, thousands of families would go without public housing assistance and New York City children would lack additional educational programs to help them succeed in school. That is why every person must be counted.

The letter goes on to explain that this is a community outreach effort coordinated by Manhattan elected officials and community groups to get the word out.  They have a Facebook group. Become a fan! You can watch a video from the Census below.

Also, watch Christopher Walken answer a Census on SNL 20 years ago here. The Census Bureau does not count candy bars or plants.

The Lost Tribes of New York City from Carolyn London on Vimeo.

Hat Tip: Erika J

Question: Does this have applicability for messaging for online advocacy? Take-aways: Grammar and spelling matters. Always use “awesome” and be apologetic. And bonus points if you’re an awkward tattooed zombie rockstar in a band!

Note: Emmy is not an OKCupid user, though she has nothing against people who are.

"This is the secret Obama Cult Tattoo. When you join the super secret Obama Cult, they tattoo the inside of your lower lip and instead of a secret handshake. You pull down your lower lip and recite Obama’s 2004 DNC Convention keynote speech word for word. It’s true, look it up."

14 more awful Obama tattoos here.

Hat tip: Gloria

Spike Lee is planning a Brooklyn block party in honor of Michael Jackson’s birthday.

On August 29th, what would have been Jackson’s 51st birthday, Lee and “the great borough of Brooklyn” will take over Fort Greene park with, according to The Root, “DJ Spinna… spinning all things Jackson, from the Jackson 5 to the Jacksons to Michael Jackson.”

Brooklyn borough president Marty Markowitz, who has already named June 30th “Spike Lee Day,” is set to declare Aug. 29 “Michael Jackson Day.”

And don’t forget our earlier hook-up to the 50+ minute MJ remix download.

Hat Tip: Matthew K