I'm a voter. I've cast a ballot in every presidential election I've been eligible to, and I'm a firm believer in the power of filling in that little bubble for democracy (those touch screens can take a hike).

But I almost didn't vote this year. Yes, in the most momentous election of our time (first and last time you will hear me utter that overused phrase), I nearly skipped out on making my choice, because, sadly, I don't trust that my vote will be counted.

See, I'm going to be in Chicago next week on Election Day, covering what is being billed as the massive rally for Democratic Senator Barack Obama in Grant Park. That means I won't be in Cincinnati to cast a ballot where I usually do, at the megachurch inside the old Home Depot with the awesome sound system, theater lighting and amazing free coffee bar.

As a result, I had to vote early. And call me crazy, but having covered the 2000 and 2004 elections for MTV News, I was a bit skeptical about whether this new experiment in democracy was really going to work. Read more...

It's been a long, long time since I danced in public. But if there was ever a time to bust out some of my solid gold moves, the final afternoon of Lollapalooza was it. The day dawned hot and steamy, and not just because of the sizzling heat. Chicago's own Kid Sister continued what appears to be a growing tradition on the South Stage (despite their sponsorship of the stage, AT&T's service has gotten half a bar from just about everyone I've spoken to, so I'm ignoring their naming rights), following in the heels of fellow Chi-town MC Lupe Fiasco, who killed on those boards on Saturday. (Sunday’s closer will feature the King of Chicago, Kanye West, taking what will now be known as the Home Stage.)

Sister, accompanied by three female dancers in futuristic football gear and face paint, sashayed across the stage in a flirty summer dress and got the crowd bouncing to summer jams like "Pro Nails," at one point bringing out a seven-piece crew of female backup dancers who were painted gold head-to-toe.

(Check out Kid Sister and her dancers after jump!)
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