Being miserable may not be a choice, but staying miserable is.
Jessica Simpson has been criticized this week for her new commercial for Weight Watchers, which does not reveal her alleged progress as a member trying to lose her post-pregnancy weight. But let's face it, everybody loses weight at different rates. They can't all be Jennifer Hudsons, some are Kirstie Alleys.
A Canadian school offering $70/hour pole dancing classes to children answers its critics with the claim that teaching children to climb a stripper pole is no more sexual than teaching them to climb trees. However, I never hear of guys spending their paychecks watching women climb trees.
A Canadian news report this week announced the theft of $30,000,000 worth of maple syrup in Quebec. There have been no leads in the case, but I suggest the police stake out pancake and waffle houses.
These two fascinating stories from Canada does remind me that Canada has legalized marijuana. I'm not saying there's a connection... it may be just a wild coincidence, man.
Everyone has baggage... it's called baggage because it will weigh you down if you don't let go of it.
Okay, the Green Bay Packers defeated the Chicago Bears 23-10 last night. But Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers wussed on his promise to wear a 49ers jersey after losing a bet to Boys II Men last week. So we have a moral victory, right? No, losing still bites.
New York authorities have passed a ban on serving soft drinks in sizes greater than 16 ounces in restaurants and movie theaters. While the proposed motive is to reduce the health risk of too much refined sugar, I can't help wondering when personal responsibility became such a menace.
The meaning of the term celebrity hasn't changed, but the caliber of who the public choose to celebrate sure has. Case in point: the judges of the TV competition show X Factor were recently honored by having their handprints and footprints preserved in cement in front of Grauman's Chinese theater, alongside true Hollywood legends. So, there's Elizabeth Taylor, Sydney Poitier, and then... Britney Spears and Demi Lovato. There's something very wrong there.
Speaking of the absurd obsession with celebrities, I think what Brett Cohen did was brilliant; a virtual unknown, he had friends film him walking around New York surrounded by an entourage of more friends, and generated so much buzz among onlookers that he has himself become a celebrity. You know how I love irony.
Agape' -- P
Friday, September 14, 2012
Friday, September 7, 2012
September 7, 2012
A pair of stained underwear that belonged to Elvis is scheduled for an auction this month. The briefs, which have never been washed, are expected to sell for at least $15,000. After all, he was the king.
The latest episode of the TV crime drama Perception reminded me that sometimes reality hits your dreams and goals pretty hard, and you have to find a new dream and a new goal instead of wallowing in misery. Our ability to change direction like that is more testimony to how well we are designed.
I appreciate that the Perdue Chicken company assures us that their product is of the highest quality, but I don't care to see those healthy chickens walking around in their TV ads, since I know they're about to be slaughtered and plucked for my consumption. One solution would be not to eat chicken... but changing the channel is easier.
A former Ohio corrections officer was arrested after throwing two footballs filled with marijuana and other contraband over a prison wall to two inmates. What's puzzling is that, according to prison officials, this happens more often than you might think.
I received a visit this week from a childhood connection whom I haven't seen in years. What's wonderful is that we could reconnect as adults and not regress to behaving like children.
While reporting on the tragic death of actor Michael Clarke Duncan, one news broadcast mistakenly accompanied the news copy with film footage of recording artist Seal. I'm not suggesting they had trouble distinguishing between the two men, but the faux pas would be easier to overlook had it been footage of Barry Manilow.
There are so many questions unanswered in the universe: how many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop? What are the Kardashians doing in the entertainment industry? And why does the Acme Manufacturing company keep extending Wile E. Coyote's credit?
There are a lot of brilliant, beautiful, well-mannered women out there. But it's the wild, screaming banshees generating all the money on reality TV.
Here's an example of how warped things are: one of the most successful infomercial products is called Insanity.
Three women were arrested for assaulting a Red Lobster waitress. Their complaint was that the server was refilling their water glasses too often. I just don't get that; it isn't as if she'd stop bringing thoae Cheddar Bay biscuits.
Agape' -- P
The latest episode of the TV crime drama Perception reminded me that sometimes reality hits your dreams and goals pretty hard, and you have to find a new dream and a new goal instead of wallowing in misery. Our ability to change direction like that is more testimony to how well we are designed.
I appreciate that the Perdue Chicken company assures us that their product is of the highest quality, but I don't care to see those healthy chickens walking around in their TV ads, since I know they're about to be slaughtered and plucked for my consumption. One solution would be not to eat chicken... but changing the channel is easier.
A former Ohio corrections officer was arrested after throwing two footballs filled with marijuana and other contraband over a prison wall to two inmates. What's puzzling is that, according to prison officials, this happens more often than you might think.
I received a visit this week from a childhood connection whom I haven't seen in years. What's wonderful is that we could reconnect as adults and not regress to behaving like children.
While reporting on the tragic death of actor Michael Clarke Duncan, one news broadcast mistakenly accompanied the news copy with film footage of recording artist Seal. I'm not suggesting they had trouble distinguishing between the two men, but the faux pas would be easier to overlook had it been footage of Barry Manilow.
There are so many questions unanswered in the universe: how many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop? What are the Kardashians doing in the entertainment industry? And why does the Acme Manufacturing company keep extending Wile E. Coyote's credit?
There are a lot of brilliant, beautiful, well-mannered women out there. But it's the wild, screaming banshees generating all the money on reality TV.
Here's an example of how warped things are: one of the most successful infomercial products is called Insanity.
Three women were arrested for assaulting a Red Lobster waitress. Their complaint was that the server was refilling their water glasses too often. I just don't get that; it isn't as if she'd stop bringing thoae Cheddar Bay biscuits.
Agape' -- P
Friday, August 31, 2012
August 31, 2012
You never hear anyone say, "If loving you is wrong... get outta my house."
Been experimenting in the kitchen again. A terrific friend gifted me with some kale, and between the kale slaw, kale pesto, and my low-carb version of zuppa toscana (sausage and kale soup), at least I'm eating healthier some of the time.
I also tried grilling a watermelon slice, like I saw a TV chef do. Just like I'd seen, it remained solid, turned a deep, rosy pink, and brought out its sweetness. But it tasted like... hot watermelon. Check, please.
It may not be time for resolution, but the time is always right for endurance and strength; that's what we should be praying for.
Isn't it ironic that being the better person means not being proud of being the better person?
A hapless romantic living in southern China tried to surprise his girlfriend by having himself mailed to her in a sealed box with no air holes. Although she lived only 30 minutes away, the package was detained in transit for three hours. When the girlfriend opened the package, she found her unconscious beau, who was fortunately revived by paramedics just in time. Surprise!
Talk about false advertising! Whenever you hear that some attraction is "only 20 minutes (or less) from Chicago," don't forget that they're excluding the hour or so it may take to get across town.
If I have to acquire a taste for some food, it better be a nutritious payoff.
Dishonesty, disobedience, greed, slander... all considered minor offenses by the world's standards, but consider the Genesis account and how things ended up.
Is it my imagination, or are there fewer big belly laughs these days? And if laughter really is the best medicine, isn't that a real health crisis?
Agape' -- P
Been experimenting in the kitchen again. A terrific friend gifted me with some kale, and between the kale slaw, kale pesto, and my low-carb version of zuppa toscana (sausage and kale soup), at least I'm eating healthier some of the time.
I also tried grilling a watermelon slice, like I saw a TV chef do. Just like I'd seen, it remained solid, turned a deep, rosy pink, and brought out its sweetness. But it tasted like... hot watermelon. Check, please.
It may not be time for resolution, but the time is always right for endurance and strength; that's what we should be praying for.
Isn't it ironic that being the better person means not being proud of being the better person?
A hapless romantic living in southern China tried to surprise his girlfriend by having himself mailed to her in a sealed box with no air holes. Although she lived only 30 minutes away, the package was detained in transit for three hours. When the girlfriend opened the package, she found her unconscious beau, who was fortunately revived by paramedics just in time. Surprise!
Talk about false advertising! Whenever you hear that some attraction is "only 20 minutes (or less) from Chicago," don't forget that they're excluding the hour or so it may take to get across town.
If I have to acquire a taste for some food, it better be a nutritious payoff.
Dishonesty, disobedience, greed, slander... all considered minor offenses by the world's standards, but consider the Genesis account and how things ended up.
Is it my imagination, or are there fewer big belly laughs these days? And if laughter really is the best medicine, isn't that a real health crisis?
Agape' -- P
Friday, August 24, 2012
August 24, 2012
It's sad when people suggest that God is too busy with the current world situation to care about us as individuals, implying that He has limited capability. It's so sad because it's so wrong.
There's a world of difference between being hated and not being loved. But when it comes from someone you love, it feels like a very small world of difference.
You don't fail when you don't succeed. You fail when you stop trying.
Why is it that whenever I commit a faux pas, like the wrong word at the wrong time, that my memories of all my past whoopsies come flooding to mind?
I thought time was only supposed to fly when you're having fun... not fair.
Don't underestimate the value of good dialogue. How many quotes can you repeat from movies you've never seen?
I hear people saying, "If I ruled the world, there'd be stronger consequences for wrongdoers." Instead of fantasizing, how about looking forward to a world without wrongdoers?
It amuses me that people are three-dimensional while expecting people to be two-dimensional.
I'm not criticizing; far be it from me to suggest anyone is wrong making an honest living for giving people what they want, but has anyone noticed that a lot of successful actors seem to just be portraying themselves carrying a script?
I have nothing against people who imbibe responsibly; personally, experience has taught me that the last thing I need is numbed inhibitions.
Agape' -- P
There's a world of difference between being hated and not being loved. But when it comes from someone you love, it feels like a very small world of difference.
You don't fail when you don't succeed. You fail when you stop trying.
Why is it that whenever I commit a faux pas, like the wrong word at the wrong time, that my memories of all my past whoopsies come flooding to mind?
I thought time was only supposed to fly when you're having fun... not fair.
Don't underestimate the value of good dialogue. How many quotes can you repeat from movies you've never seen?
I hear people saying, "If I ruled the world, there'd be stronger consequences for wrongdoers." Instead of fantasizing, how about looking forward to a world without wrongdoers?
It amuses me that people are three-dimensional while expecting people to be two-dimensional.
I'm not criticizing; far be it from me to suggest anyone is wrong making an honest living for giving people what they want, but has anyone noticed that a lot of successful actors seem to just be portraying themselves carrying a script?
I have nothing against people who imbibe responsibly; personally, experience has taught me that the last thing I need is numbed inhibitions.
Agape' -- P
Friday, August 17, 2012
August 17, 2012
One of the best things that happens to me is learning lessons of great value at little cost.
Chaos begins when you try to control everything; it's much better to prepare yourself for the "whoopsies" than to try and avoid them.
I understand why people spin language to make things sound better, but it's going too far when a kid complains to his parents that he doesn't have a "bonus mom" like all his friends.
Almost a week after his DUI arrest following crashing his car and being found naked in a field, media reported that country recording artist Randy Travis left a convenience store without the cigarettes he demanded after the clerk would not sell them to him because the naked Travis had no way to pay for them. So, apparently, a naked Randy Travis in a convenience store was neither newsworthy or illegal. No wonder he got drunk.
A record-breaking, 17 ft., 7 in., 164 pound python carrying 87 embryos was recently captured in the Florida everglades, then studied, euthanized, and dissected. I wish I hadn't seen the pictures, as I may never again be able to watch a party sub be assembled.
Admittedly, I don't regularly eat sushi, but I have a hard time believing anybody gets full eating it.
Extreme ultra Orthodox Jewish men in Israel have the option of purchasing "modesty glasses" that blur the vision for anything past a few meters ahead, for the purpose of not seeing any woman who might be immodestly dressed. Just another step in the crusade to avoid learning self control, I guess.
I totally respect vegetarians and vegans, but I'm still thankful that chickens have wings; even if they can't fly, they do serve a purpose doused in hot sauce and plated alongside carrots, celery sticks, and with blue cheese dipping sauce.
The kingdom of Saudi Arabia has plans to construct a town for women only, allowing women to have careers without violating their culture of women being limited to taking care of husbands and children. It's ironic that a nation that truly treats its women as second class citizens is allowing women to prove their worth independent of men.
Pretty is as pretty does... internal ugliness is a waste of skin.
Agape' - P
Chaos begins when you try to control everything; it's much better to prepare yourself for the "whoopsies" than to try and avoid them.
I understand why people spin language to make things sound better, but it's going too far when a kid complains to his parents that he doesn't have a "bonus mom" like all his friends.
Almost a week after his DUI arrest following crashing his car and being found naked in a field, media reported that country recording artist Randy Travis left a convenience store without the cigarettes he demanded after the clerk would not sell them to him because the naked Travis had no way to pay for them. So, apparently, a naked Randy Travis in a convenience store was neither newsworthy or illegal. No wonder he got drunk.
A record-breaking, 17 ft., 7 in., 164 pound python carrying 87 embryos was recently captured in the Florida everglades, then studied, euthanized, and dissected. I wish I hadn't seen the pictures, as I may never again be able to watch a party sub be assembled.
Admittedly, I don't regularly eat sushi, but I have a hard time believing anybody gets full eating it.
Extreme ultra Orthodox Jewish men in Israel have the option of purchasing "modesty glasses" that blur the vision for anything past a few meters ahead, for the purpose of not seeing any woman who might be immodestly dressed. Just another step in the crusade to avoid learning self control, I guess.
I totally respect vegetarians and vegans, but I'm still thankful that chickens have wings; even if they can't fly, they do serve a purpose doused in hot sauce and plated alongside carrots, celery sticks, and with blue cheese dipping sauce.
The kingdom of Saudi Arabia has plans to construct a town for women only, allowing women to have careers without violating their culture of women being limited to taking care of husbands and children. It's ironic that a nation that truly treats its women as second class citizens is allowing women to prove their worth independent of men.
Pretty is as pretty does... internal ugliness is a waste of skin.
Agape' - P
Friday, August 10, 2012
August 10, 2012
Anybody can be themselves. Being who you're supposed to be is better.
I find it totally hilarious that Stephanie Pratt's boyfriend, who is such an unknown that he's referred to in the news as "Stephanie Pratt's boyfriend", thinks he's such a celebrity that he defies a police officer who's writing him a ticket, and gets arrested for driving over the officer's foot! I also find it totally ironic, because, if not for this story, I couldn't care less who this guy is. I don't even care who Stephanie Pratt is.
Whenever I hear some "expert" shelling out common sense advice, I'm annoyed for a moment. Then I remember the number of people who have to be reminded not to text and drive, and I realize that common sense isn't as common as it used to be.
Say what you will about Joan Rivers' publicity stunt (selling copies of her book on the street outside Costco, who won't sell it), the savvy comedienne got a lot of free publicity, and managed to sell 100 books. And I must agree with her sentiment: people who buy cases of toilet paper are going to need something to read.
Footloose, Total Recall, Sparkle... I still say I'm too young for movies made in my lifetime to be remade. Sunrise, sunset...
Owners of unreliable GPS systems, don't despair; did you know that it isn't uncommon for planes to land at the wrong airport?
I get a real kick out of reruns of the Batman TV series from the '60s... I think it's because, when I was a kid, I had no idea how funny it was.
It's odd that actors get most of the credit for a good production, when it's really a synergy between actors, writers, directors, etc. For every Cosby, there's a Leonard, part 6.
While I'm very impressed that LifeAlert's statistics show they save a life every 11 minutes, it's disturbing to realize there's a life in danger every 11 minutes.
One of the most fascinating things about the human psyche is its ability to fool itself.
Agape' - P
I find it totally hilarious that Stephanie Pratt's boyfriend, who is such an unknown that he's referred to in the news as "Stephanie Pratt's boyfriend", thinks he's such a celebrity that he defies a police officer who's writing him a ticket, and gets arrested for driving over the officer's foot! I also find it totally ironic, because, if not for this story, I couldn't care less who this guy is. I don't even care who Stephanie Pratt is.
Whenever I hear some "expert" shelling out common sense advice, I'm annoyed for a moment. Then I remember the number of people who have to be reminded not to text and drive, and I realize that common sense isn't as common as it used to be.
Say what you will about Joan Rivers' publicity stunt (selling copies of her book on the street outside Costco, who won't sell it), the savvy comedienne got a lot of free publicity, and managed to sell 100 books. And I must agree with her sentiment: people who buy cases of toilet paper are going to need something to read.
Footloose, Total Recall, Sparkle... I still say I'm too young for movies made in my lifetime to be remade. Sunrise, sunset...
Owners of unreliable GPS systems, don't despair; did you know that it isn't uncommon for planes to land at the wrong airport?
I get a real kick out of reruns of the Batman TV series from the '60s... I think it's because, when I was a kid, I had no idea how funny it was.
It's odd that actors get most of the credit for a good production, when it's really a synergy between actors, writers, directors, etc. For every Cosby, there's a Leonard, part 6.
While I'm very impressed that LifeAlert's statistics show they save a life every 11 minutes, it's disturbing to realize there's a life in danger every 11 minutes.
One of the most fascinating things about the human psyche is its ability to fool itself.
Agape' - P
Friday, August 3, 2012
August 3, 2012
Why do people confuse love with approval? God does love all of us, but that doesn't mean He approves of everything we do. I would think, at the very least, parents would understand the difference.
It's very insulting to label people who disagree with you ignorant or unenlightened. Does it really take a great deal of thought to jump on a bandwagon?
I'd really like to believe that Lifetime TV's upcoming "social experiment", The Week the Women Left, during which the wives and mothers of a small town spend a week away from their husbands and children, will depict how much we need and rely on each other, instead of a one-sided look at how helpless and inept men can be. I'd also like to believe that I could lose weight with a steady diet of beer and jalapeno poppers.
It was in the news this week: Oprah has a new hairstyle. That is all. And you were there.
This is the first I've heard of this pranking trend called "swatting", which is turning in false 911 calls to lure a police SWAT team to your victim's house. This is so terribly dangerous; an innocent person could be hurt by a SWAT squad member keyed up on adrenalin, and what if someone you love is deprived of emergency attention because the needed resources are tied up on a prank call? Why don't they go back to planking?
Seymour Butts, Ivana Tinkle, Hugh Jazz... you know these poor people have the hardest time being paged.
I know it's a double standard: as a black, middle-aged man, I'd rather not be referred to as a boy. But as a black man raised by Southern parents, I might call a female friend girl (as in, "you got it, girl"). Meanwhile, some of my black female friends don't want to be called woman (as in "look, woman"). It can be confusing, if you focus on words instead of the intent behind the word.
You know, the first marriage was performed long before there was government, laws, and judges.
Some of the songs from the '70s make catchy ad music, but nobody's fooled when they change the lyrics. We know it's not "Do a little dance… have a little fun… get down tonight."
Where you were only shows the path you took to get where you are. Where you're headed is far more interesting.
Agape'-- P
It's very insulting to label people who disagree with you ignorant or unenlightened. Does it really take a great deal of thought to jump on a bandwagon?
I'd really like to believe that Lifetime TV's upcoming "social experiment", The Week the Women Left, during which the wives and mothers of a small town spend a week away from their husbands and children, will depict how much we need and rely on each other, instead of a one-sided look at how helpless and inept men can be. I'd also like to believe that I could lose weight with a steady diet of beer and jalapeno poppers.
It was in the news this week: Oprah has a new hairstyle. That is all. And you were there.
This is the first I've heard of this pranking trend called "swatting", which is turning in false 911 calls to lure a police SWAT team to your victim's house. This is so terribly dangerous; an innocent person could be hurt by a SWAT squad member keyed up on adrenalin, and what if someone you love is deprived of emergency attention because the needed resources are tied up on a prank call? Why don't they go back to planking?
Seymour Butts, Ivana Tinkle, Hugh Jazz... you know these poor people have the hardest time being paged.
I know it's a double standard: as a black, middle-aged man, I'd rather not be referred to as a boy. But as a black man raised by Southern parents, I might call a female friend girl (as in, "you got it, girl"). Meanwhile, some of my black female friends don't want to be called woman (as in "look, woman"). It can be confusing, if you focus on words instead of the intent behind the word.
You know, the first marriage was performed long before there was government, laws, and judges.
Some of the songs from the '70s make catchy ad music, but nobody's fooled when they change the lyrics. We know it's not "Do a little dance… have a little fun… get down tonight."
Where you were only shows the path you took to get where you are. Where you're headed is far more interesting.
Agape'-- P
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)