Well, we're all still experiencing a bit of James Blunt euphoria here, which is definitely helping with the fact that the Rock Hall nominations are almost a month and a half late now.

While we're still waiting, there are some cool Al-related things to check out this week.

First, last week Slate ran an excellent article about Al's success and longevity. At a time in which practically every other online piece about Al and Straight Outta Lynwood are cribbed from either a press release or a Billboard article, it's quite refreshing to read an original, well-researched, and fair appraisal of Al's work. And it also works as a rationale for Al's induction into a certain museum.

Click here to read the article, "Troubadork: Twenty-five years of 'Weird Al' Yankovic" by Sam Anderson.

Now, something with a little more direct relevance to our campaign, earlier this month Al visited Canada to promote the country's release of Straight Outta Lynwood (where it's available as a CD-and-DVD two-pack as opposed to a single DualDisc). MuchMusic has been especially kind to Al ever since 1992, so naturally Al showed up on the channel's Much on Demand show to chat. What's especially cool about this interview is that Al debunked a common misconception about his eligibility in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a misconception that has sort of become a pet peeve of mine.

Click here to watch the clip on YouTube. The Rock Hall part comes about in the middle of the interview.

Finally, today VH1 announced that Al and "White & Nerdy" have been nominated in the "Big Download" category of their VH1 Big in '06 Awards! Al's up against such other artists as Fergie, OK Go, Lonely Girl Fifteen, and that pillar of the music industry, David Hasselhoff.

The awards will air on VH1 on December 3. In the meantime, you can help get Al the honor! VH1 will allow viewers to vote in all categories from October 25 to December 1, so click here to vote for Al!!!

Fans have already given Al his first top ten album and his first top ten single this year. Let's keep the momentum going!