These pop-ups are like closed captioning for stupid people.

Remember a long time ago when Thailand had that coup? Well, the latest update on that situation is that the country’s parliament has chosen a new prime minister and it’s actually a 72-year-old celebrity chef named Samak Sundaravej. His show is called “Tasting, Grumbling” and he will continue to do the show while in office.

Naturally, one must ask the question: If the U.S. were to have a celebrity chef president, who would be the best choice — Southern diva Paula Deen or exacting homemaker Sandra Lee?

Paula Deen

• Pros: Lots of boisterous “y’alls” and hysterical laughter during the State of the Union; likely to remove all taxes on butter.
• Cons: Unpredictable; uncontrollable.

Sandra Lee

• Pros: Would finally organize the federal government; kick-ass Christmas decorations at the White House.
• Cons: Likely to bomb countries for minor diplomatic infractions; would mandate governmental office buildings all be based on a theme.

As far as we can tell, we’re still knee-deep in the strike. There have been some promising signs (like the directors union deal), but we can only assume that the light at the end of the tunnel is still miles away.

In an effort to further rally behind the writers, TV bloggers are getting in on the act. Liz from Glowy Box, who previously organized the blogger day of silence, has teamed up with the crew from Ramblings of a TV Whore to create the Adopt a Writer project.

It’s a pretty simple premise — each participating blog gets assigned a writer to interview. They discuss the writer’s life, their work and, most importantly, the impact the strike has had on their life. All of the interviews are posted on the central Adopt a Writer Web site, as well as the originating site.

So far, the project has adopted Jasmine Love (who has written for The District and The Division) and Kate Purdy (who writes for Cold Case). Go on over and take a look.

PS — TiFaux has its assignment already. We’ll be up there shortly.

This is my life: “Smile for the camera!” “But I am.” “No, you’re not. Smile!”

• Ask Ausiello is up and he’s already talking about death on Lost.
• They’re going to need another dozen C-listers for the second season of the Celebrity Apprentice.
• Damon Lindelof discusses the new season of Lost.
• Entertainment Weekly helps us remember what we need to get straight before the premiere of Lost.
• Craig Ferguson passed his citizenship test.
• Check out this eBay charity auction featuring stuff from The Wire.
• Rupert from Survivor has started (I swear to God) a record label for reality stars.
• Veronica Mars’ Enrico Colantoni is staying in the detective game.
• Kathy Griffin claims she’s been re-banned from The View. Probably for the best.
• Baghdad Hospital will be shot by real life doctors in Iraq.
• Looks like Pushing Daisies’ first season was short and sweet. Sigh.
• Mira Sorvino is refreshingly self-aware about Dancing with the Stars.