Friday, July 26, 2013

July 26, 2013

If a mind can be opened as the result of conscious effort, it can be closed by conscious effort, too.

We have to purposefully take steps forward. That way, we're further ahead when life forces us to step backward (because in this system of things, life will force us to step backward).

Rae Dawn Chong, who co-starred with Oprah Winfrey in The Color Purple 28 years ago (!), made news recently by "praising" Oprah during an interview in which she said Oprah had come from being the fat girl in high school, and that she was more "field n*gg*r" than "house n*gg*r". Although she has since "apologized", claiming that the words recorded coming out of her mouth were taken out of context (?), my question is: whose idea was it to interview Rae Dawn Chong in the first place? At least she might get a fruit basket from Paula Deen, with a note: "Thanks, honey, for takin' some of the pressure off me."

Did you know that there's a "reality" TV show chronicling the lives of The Real Babymamas of Richmond? I guess someone finally realized there are more babymamas than housewives these days.

I am as excited about the birth of Prince George Alexander Louis as I would be about the birth of any baby that isn't mine (because that would be even more exciting!). But do you think there'd be this much excitement in Great Britain if the Obamas had another baby?

Okay, Kanye West, the paparazzo you assaulted last week might have provoked you (who hasn't heard by now how you feel about the paparazzi?), but it's illegal to put your hands on someone just because he spoke to you, it's foolish to do it in front of a dozen other cameramen, and it's downright crazy to do so after announcing that you know you're being provoked into committing a violent act. Kirstie Alley, we just have to agree to disagree.

Some suggest that the heroic act of helping pull a family of four from an overturned car has changed some opinions of George Zimmerman. I think it's commendable to rescue people in danger, but if the only other option is watching them suffer, isn't it just doing the right thing?

I haven't read the Rolling Stone article on Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, who was the accomplice of his late brother in the Boston marathon bombing. It's been said that it's a poignant study about how such a young man becomes a terrorist, although the magazine has been criticized for glamorizing Tsarnaev on its cover, and several retailers have refused to sell this issue. In spite of the backlash, the sales of this issue are more than usual. Interesting, huh?

This may sound totally self-involved, but when I read the tagline on Geraldo Rivera's newsmaking near-selfie (btw, you can't unsee that),  "70 is the new 50",  all I could think was, "I expect to be better than that when I'm 50."

As long as there are people around who will make race an issue, race is going to be an issue.


Agape' -- P

Friday, July 19, 2013

July 19, 2013

I wanted to begin this week's blog with the best news: the Twinkie is back!

An important part of developing character is recognizing need for growth and accepting the fact that in some ways you aren't there yet.

Is anyone at ABC investigating why all the white women on The View have left? Because you know they would if it was the black women.

Kanye West is selling plain white cotton tee shirts for $120. I have two words.... the second one is "please."

Asiana Airlines has announced they will not be suing TV station KTVU after a newscast erroneously reported bogus names for the four pilots involved in the crash of flight 214. Apparently, the station reported the names Sum Ting Wong, Wi Tu Lo, Ho Lee Fuk, and Bang Ding Ow before anyone realized they were being pranked. Originally, the airline was going to sue because their reputation was damaged (although I thought the plane crash had already done that).

After over a year of speculation of racism, profiling, politics, civil rights, and media manipulation, George Zimmerman was acquitted of murder charges in the shooting death of unarmed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. I keep hearing commentators offering condolensces to Trayvon's family, and even if they are sincere, it seems a bit hollow, although I imagine there'd be criticism if they weren't offered.

There were two celebrity weddings this weekend: Halle Berry and Jimmy Kimmel. I made a point of attending neither, so that no one would feel slighted. But I'm okay; have you heard? The Twinkie is back!

Jimmy Kimmel's bride, Molly McNearney, pranked the groom by first having Precious actress Gabby Sidibe sub for her on the walk down the aisle. Kimmel was totally surprised when he lifted that veil. At first, I thought it was clever and funny; then, I thought it was insulting. Then, for Gabby Sidibe, I found it oddly empowering.

Charles Ramsey became a national hero for helping rescue three kidnapped women two months ago. Even though he has reportedly collected $50,000 from speaking engagements and private donations, has been offered free burgers for life, and maybe the subject of an action figure (!?!), he now reports that he's broke and homeless after being fired from his job because of fans visiting him there and "shamed" out of his house by neighbors. I guess no good deed really does go unpunished.

Some fans of Paula Deen are protesting against her former sponsors by mailing them empty, greasy butter wrappers. You know, some things are just so bizarre, I could never make them up.

Agape' -- P

Friday, July 12, 2013

July 12, 2013

Who in Sam Hill was Sam Hill?

Congratulations, Joey "Jaws" Chestnut, who won his 7th straight trophy in Nathan's Annual Hot Dog Eating contest. Joey downed 69 frankfurters (complete with buns) in 10 minutes, setting a new world's record (the previous record was 68, also set by Chestnut). That's a lot of wieners.

Do you realize how often the word need is misused? For instance, a husband might ask his wife, "Do you really think you need that dessert?" Did the husband really need to ask that question? Do you think he needed the fat lip it got him?

Given that we often want things that aren't best for us, isn't it better that some prayers are answered "No"?

Are you being selfish when you don't share with someone who doesn't share well?

If we're to believe song titles, wouldn't it be sad to have to fall in love to find out you're a fool?

It's odd, how the word consequence is often used as a negative when, by definition, a consequence can be either good or bad.

Samsung exec David Eun's tweets (including a photo) about the crash of flight 214 moments after he survived the crash demonstrate the value of technology a lot better than posts about some drunken celebrity stumbling onto a sidewalk.

I admit, I haven't been watching Big Brother this year, but i do look forward to seeing 22-year-old contestant Aaryn Gries' reaction when she emerges from the isolation and faces the reaction to her numerous racist comments. First up will be her exit interview with Asian host Julie Chen. That should be a ratings blockbuster! If CBS' decision to air her bigotry in anticipation of public interest.. bravo!

Does anyone else find it ironic that Illinois is the 50th state to pass a law permitting the concealed carrying of firearms at the same time that George Zimmerman is on trial for shooting and killing unarmed teen Trayvon Martin?

Agape' -- P

Friday, July 5, 2013

July 5, 2013


If ignorance of the law is no excuse, then "I didn't know" is no substitute for "I'm sorry."

Last week, Sesame Workshop, the production company behind Sesame Street, announced that 10% of its workforce will be laid off due to cutbacks. How sad is an out-of-work muppet?

I understand about Q ratings and all, but it's still very messed up that top billing in the movie The Lone Ranger goes to the actor playing Tonto, even if it is Johnny Depp.

At the risk of pushing the edge of the envelope, why is it that most of the people who insist on walking around nude are the least likely people anyone wants to see nude?

An increasing trend in weddings is the collection of cellphones from the guests to prohibit the taking of unauthorized photos of the wedding party and/or decorations. I think this comes from a desire to feel like Alec Baldwin. Hey, bride and/or groom: get over yourself.

To celebrate the premiere of its second season (doesn't it seem like it's been around longer?), the TV show Here Comes Honey Boo Boo will be a scratch and sniff event. Viewers will be able to, during select moments of the program, scratch special cards that are available in certain retail stores and this week's People magazine, and enjoy significant aromas. But I don't fancy the notion of anything scratch and sniff with "boo boo" in the title, do you?

Is there a more arrogant statement than "What do you mean, 'no'?"

A woman found a snake in th bag of potatoes she brought home from her local Walmart. Another woman was awakened by an exploding jar of homemade rhubarb chutney in her refrigerator. I don't care how many stories like this I see in the news, you will not convince me that food is an enemy.

Just a note to those parents who think they should tell their children everything: are you sure your kids are telling you everything?

I think you hear more about people getting the crap beaten out of them than it actually happening.

Agape' -- P