Category Archives: Dazzler of the Day

My favorite Dazzlers are those people whom I have actually met and known for years – see Suzie Ko, Karel Barnoski, Susan Brumley, Joseph Abramo, Woody Woodbeck, and of course Andy VanWagenen. That’s why crowning Theresa Nellis as Dazzler of the Day gives me such great joy. As the author of the ‘School for the Magically Insane’ and ‘Keeper of the Mirror’ series, Nellis has carved out a literary name for herself, but I remember her as a sweet and quiet classmate as we navigated the grade school journey of R.J. McNulty elementary school. Reconnecting with classmates from our youth is a reassuring way of grounding ourselves with a shared past – a reminder that we did come from somewhere, that it was real, and that good people can remain as good as we remember them. Her latest installment of the ‘School for the Magically Insane’ series – ‘The Witch’s Gowan’ – is out today – and be sure to visit her website here for more written enchantment. 

“I am not going to apologize for asking for mercy for others.” – Bishop Marianne Edgar Budde

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde is the very first Bishop to be named as Dazzler of the Day, thanks to her courage and grace to eloquently and calmly speak truth to ill-gotten power. In a service at which FOTUS (Felon Of The United States) was in attendance, she used her pulpit to defend the very essence of what it means to be a true Christian, and a true American:

“Millions have put their trust in you. As you told the nation yesterday, you have felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now. There are gay, lesbian and transgender children in both Democratic, Republican and independent families who fear for their lives.

The people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings, who labor in poultry farms and meatpacking plants, who wash the dishes after we eat in restaurants and work the night shifts in hospitals. They may not be citizens or have the proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes, and are good neighbors. They are faithful members of our churches, mosques and synagogues, gurdwara and temples.” – Bishop Marianne Edgar Budde

And for those who disagree with using the pulpit to espouse mercy for people, I don’t think you understand Christ very well. 

If solely for the fact that she had the moral fortitude to reject attending the coronation of the FOTUS (Felon of the United States) Michelle Obama earns this Dazzler of the Day. Now that we have effectively ushered in fascism – check your social media settings and who you’re suddenly following for proof – we need more people to stand against everything that is currently happening. Not attending any of the felon’s official events is one of the most effective ways of sending a message that this will not and should not be accepted. And check out this speech if you want to be inspired to keep up the fight for what’s right. 

(Oh, and anyone who had a problem with her skipping this inauguration, please let me know where FOTUS was for the last inauguration and sit all the way down – your racism is showing.)

It’s been more than a hot minute since we’ve had a Dazzler of the Day crowning, and the first one of 2025 goes out to Nikki Glaser, who just did a fabulous job of hosting the Golden Globe Awards. Apologies for having slept on this comedic talent, but in fairness I’ve been sleeping on much of pop culture and entertainment for the past year or so – just glad to have caught up with her brand of humor now. She was nominated for her comedy special ‘Someday You’ll Die’ – and has a few upcoming show dates listed on her website here.