What do Charlize Theron and David Sirota Have in Common?

They're both in Denver this week, part of important events/venues independent from the convention hall. Whether you're there this week, or just curious about what's happening beyond the rostrum and gazes of TV cameras, an Alternet editor posted this useful story detailing the ever-growing, fractious world of progressive, independent media assembled outside of the convention. Describing the huge number of events, speakers and lobbyists/advocates seeking to influence Obama's direction, it's a story worth reading. Perhaps more important than the fizzy story inside the Pepsi Center: One of the reasons an outside strategy is needed is that national political conventions are notoriously insider affairs, orchestrated to put on a show for the TV nation. They are rarely a place for serious debate or creative new ideas. Stepping into the void are an unprecedented number of progressive entrepreneurs, media organizations and think tanks, producing hundreds of events and frankly competing with each other for the attention of delegates, the media and the large community of donors, advocates, lobbyists, etc. that will make up the huge outer circle of the convention.