This is a real thing in the world.

And I love it with SO! MANY! HEARTS!

Today is not only First Lady Michelle Obama's birthday; it is also Betty White's 90th birthday—and, over the weekend, there was a celebratory gala in her honor, which included this AMAZING birthday greeting from President Barack Obama:

Male voiceover, over text onscreen reading "Dear Betty…": Ladies and gentlemen, an official birthday message from President Barack Obama.

President Obama in voiceover, over video of himself sitting at his desk in the Oval Office, filling out a greeting card: Dear Betty, you look so fantastic and full of energy, I can't believe you're 90 years old. In fact, I don't believe it. That's why I'm writing to ask if you will be willing to produce a copy of your long-form birth certificate. [audience laughter] Thanks, and happy birthday, no matter how old you are!

The Golden Girls' theme, "Thank You for Being a Friend," begins to play as President Obama puts his pen back in his jacket pocket, then adds a framed photo of Betty White to the table of family photographs behind his desk. He sits back down, puts in earbuds, and rocks out with a grin to "Thank You for Being a Friend." [laughter and applause]

Let that settle any debate about whether Betty White is a national treasure.

Related Reading: The Obama Made in the USA Mug; Obama at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.

[H/T to Shaker Kate217.]

Project Runway All-Stars: Open Thread

Does anyone want a Project Runway All-Stars open thread? If so, we should have one! If there's one thing I always say Shakesville needs more of, it's AUSTIN SCARLETT WHOM I LOVE WITH SO MANY HEARTS!

So just let me know if you want an open thread. Just kidding! This is one.

Let us talk about all the designers! Especially Mondo! Remember when he lost to that horrible bully and it was so sad? I doooooooo!

I am very excited to see everyone again! Except Kenley! Boo Kenley you are such a mean baby! And Rami Kashou, who wants to drape his own ego in MORE EGO! Oh nevermind, now I'm just being silly and unfair—you've probably both grown up and will be really nice this time I'm sure.

(Spoilers are making it work herein.)

Photo of the Day

Kiefer Sutherland tweeted this picture the other day, which is basically the greatest thing I've ever seen. It is, of course, a reference to my favorite YouTube video of all time:

Transcript:

Voice Off-Camera: Hey, Kiefer. You're a pirate, man.

Kiefer: That would explain everything. [jumps into Christmas tree]

Thanks very much to Shaker Tobes, who saw it on E!.

HOBBIT TRAILER!!!

Old Bilbo (Ian Holm) says in voiceover: [scenes of Hobbiton] My dear Frodo, you asked me once if I had told you everything there was to know about my adventures. [scene of Old Bilbo at his writing desk] While I can honestly say I have told you the truth, I may not have told you all of it.

Cut to Gandalf (Ian McKellan) talking to Young Bilbo, played by Martin Freeman (!!!YAY!!! I AM STILL SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS CASTING! !!!YAY!!!): Bilbo Baggins, I'm looking for someone to share in an adventure.

Bilbo in voiceover: [scenes of Bilbo doing Hobbity things] I can't just go running off into the blue. I am a Baggins of Bag End!

Cut to Gandolf showing up at Bilbo's front door to make introductions of the company of dwarves, ending with Thorin. (THORIN!!!)

Singing: Misty Mountains. OMG SQUEE!!! Caverns old. HOLY SHIT!!!

As the dwarves chant, we get montagery: Gandalf looking anxious, Bilbo finding Sting, Gandalf talking to Galadriel, caverns, rocks, a journey, pipes. Thorin tells Gandalf: "I cannot guarantee his safety, nor will I be responsible for his fate." Mountains, journey, swelling music, horses, suspenders, fights. Gandalf tells Bilbo he cannot promise that he'll come back. "And if you do, you will not be the same."

The One Ring. It's in Gollum's cave. "My name is Bilbo Baggins," says Bilbo. "Bagginses," hisses Gollum. "What is a Bagginses, precioussssssss?"

Coming to a theater near you in ONE YEAR!

[Via Peter Jackson.]