Mi casa is not really su casa until you start kicking in on el alquiler.
The slave action figures based on the movie D'Jango: Unchained have not only bern discontinued by the manufacturer, but also banned from Ebay, where some had been listed for auction by people who bought them before the line was stopped. What is a nostalgic Klansman who's into collectibles to do?
A 31-year-old Oxford mom called 911 after trying for an hour to get her head out of her child's high chair. Firefighters were able to free the mom, who also had a friend record the event. Did I mention that before putting on the high chair, she'd polished off a bottle or two of wine with her girlfriends? See? This is why there are no high chairs in my house.
First, the fascination with celebrity built an entire entertainment news industry. Then, along came TV competitions to make stars out of talented unknowns. Then, the increase in reality TV shows made stars out of unknowns with no talent. I think more and more people are measuring success with being famous.
I was watching a Different Strokes marathon (a tribute to Conrad Bain a/k/a Mr. Drummond, who died last week) when it dawned on me that Angelina Jolie, Madonna, and Sandra Bullock got all these props for adopting black babies, but there was no love for the trailblazers like Mr. Drummond and the couple who adopted Webster. Not fair.
Ronaiah Tulasosopo, who has confessed to being the mastermind of the hoax of an online romance with Manti Te'o, has revealed that his motivation was "intense emotional feelings" for Manti. In response, Manti is publicly and vehemently defending his heterosexuality. Once again, real life is proving more intense than fiction.
Whoever came up with the idea that corrupting the lyrics to classic hit songs would be useful in marketing? Tragic.
Another crime that often goes unpunished: dimming the stars in the eyes of an optimist.
Quietly ignoring mistreatment is like shaking a sealed can of beer; eventually, it's going to explode.
You are the one who defines who you are... even if that definition is someone who lets others define who you are.
Agape' -- P
Friday, January 25, 2013
Friday, January 18, 2013
January 18, 2013
Why do people get a pass on bad behavior just by saying, "I was in college"?
I know it's shallow, but it bugs me that the TMZ tee shirt I won last year is not as valuable now that I can buy one at their store.
It's a reflection on the current state of the media explosion that I can wake up one afternoon (don't judge me), and a news story has so saturated the press in a few hours that I feel like Rip Van Winkle.
Have you heard about the vaportini, a new apparatus that enables one to inhale vodka, rather than drink it? Among the selling points used to promote the product are that inhaled alcohol is calorie-free, and because the consumer gets inebriated almost immediately (the alcohol gets into the bloodstream without going through that pesky digestive tract), it is more responsible imbibing. Yes, what this world needs is something to make getting drunk faster.
Another new innovation in the world of alcohol consumption (I promise you, I don't go looking for these stories), is an ice cube designed by a 23-year-old MIT student. The ice cube is designed to change colors as more alcohol is consumed, so the consumer can measure how drunk he/she is getting. The irony in this is, the drunker you get, how sure are you that the ice cubes are really changing colors?
Remember planking, owling, Tebowing, and other trends in posed photographs of social media? The newest trend is called Teoing, or posing with your arm around an invisible companion. The concept comes from the story of former Heisman trophy hopeful Manti Te'o and the story of his deceased girlfriend, who, as it turns out, never existed. So, now, even imaginary people are starting trends!
After Australian Matt Corby went viral with his complaint that his Subway footlong sandwich only measured 11 inches, a spokesperson for the international chain suggested this was an isolated incident and that the one restaurant was at fault. I think we should all keep our rulers handy.
While Lance Armstrong's confession to doping while collecting Tour de France championships for years doesn't erase his effort to inspire millions of fellow cancer survivors through his Livestrong organization, it is proof that the end does not justify the means. Even his confession to Oprah Winfrey is being criticized by some as a heart-tugging publicity stunt.
Both Arnold Schwarzenegger, 65, and Sylvester Stallone, 66, have recently released action movies, respectively, The Last Stand, and Bullet to the Head. I feel so old.
A traveller may be forced to change direction, but he isn't really lost until he gives up on his destination.
Agape' -- P
I know it's shallow, but it bugs me that the TMZ tee shirt I won last year is not as valuable now that I can buy one at their store.
It's a reflection on the current state of the media explosion that I can wake up one afternoon (don't judge me), and a news story has so saturated the press in a few hours that I feel like Rip Van Winkle.
Have you heard about the vaportini, a new apparatus that enables one to inhale vodka, rather than drink it? Among the selling points used to promote the product are that inhaled alcohol is calorie-free, and because the consumer gets inebriated almost immediately (the alcohol gets into the bloodstream without going through that pesky digestive tract), it is more responsible imbibing. Yes, what this world needs is something to make getting drunk faster.
Another new innovation in the world of alcohol consumption (I promise you, I don't go looking for these stories), is an ice cube designed by a 23-year-old MIT student. The ice cube is designed to change colors as more alcohol is consumed, so the consumer can measure how drunk he/she is getting. The irony in this is, the drunker you get, how sure are you that the ice cubes are really changing colors?
Remember planking, owling, Tebowing, and other trends in posed photographs of social media? The newest trend is called Teoing, or posing with your arm around an invisible companion. The concept comes from the story of former Heisman trophy hopeful Manti Te'o and the story of his deceased girlfriend, who, as it turns out, never existed. So, now, even imaginary people are starting trends!
After Australian Matt Corby went viral with his complaint that his Subway footlong sandwich only measured 11 inches, a spokesperson for the international chain suggested this was an isolated incident and that the one restaurant was at fault. I think we should all keep our rulers handy.
While Lance Armstrong's confession to doping while collecting Tour de France championships for years doesn't erase his effort to inspire millions of fellow cancer survivors through his Livestrong organization, it is proof that the end does not justify the means. Even his confession to Oprah Winfrey is being criticized by some as a heart-tugging publicity stunt.
Both Arnold Schwarzenegger, 65, and Sylvester Stallone, 66, have recently released action movies, respectively, The Last Stand, and Bullet to the Head. I feel so old.
A traveller may be forced to change direction, but he isn't really lost until he gives up on his destination.
Agape' -- P
Friday, January 11, 2013
January 11, 2013
The worst part about having the flu this week is that almost everybody else has it, so nobody wants to listen to me complain.
I may be nitpicking, but I think fried chicken restaurants should at least offer chicken gravy for their mashed potatoes.
I'm not sure which fascinates me more, that people unconcerned about the influence of Justin Bieber on their underage children are blaming his marijuana use on the influence of his peer Lil Twist, or that a former Bieber bodyguard, also a former Israeli Army soldier, claims that the (maybe) 150-pound Bieber beat him up.
Charlie Sheen has called out Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who's downplaying their New Year's Eve partying as nothing more than an brief photo op. Is this news? Not really. But it's rather smarmy to lie about someone else just to change perceptions about yourself.
I understand collecting action figures based on hero/fantasy movies; I have an action figure of Wolverine from the X-Men around here somewhere (and I was an adult when I bought it). Thus, I'm not surprised that someone decided to sell action figures based on the characters from the movie D'Jango Unchained; nor am I surprised that people are extremely offended by this.
The Guthrie theatre in Minnesota has designated a section of balcony seating "Tweet seats". For half the price of a regular ticket, those in these seats can use their smartphones during performances without disrupting fellow patrons. The times, they are a-changin'.
I really don't think anyone is going to avoid the latest GQ magazine because the cover photo of Beyonce was photoshopped.
An aggressive drunk who began attacking his fellow passengers on an international New Year's Eve flight was subdued by his fellow passengers and bound with duct tape until the end of the flight, where he was taken into police custody. My question is, who travels with that much duct tape on New Year's Eve, and why?
Kudos to Miss Alabama Katherine Webb, whose sensible defense of sportscaster Brent Musburger (after the media skewered him for referring to her as beautiful) makes her even more attractive.
I apologize if this week's blog is more newsy than insightful, but I spent more of this week coughing, suffering, and sleeping than I did actually thinking.
Agape' -- P
I may be nitpicking, but I think fried chicken restaurants should at least offer chicken gravy for their mashed potatoes.
I'm not sure which fascinates me more, that people unconcerned about the influence of Justin Bieber on their underage children are blaming his marijuana use on the influence of his peer Lil Twist, or that a former Bieber bodyguard, also a former Israeli Army soldier, claims that the (maybe) 150-pound Bieber beat him up.
Charlie Sheen has called out Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who's downplaying their New Year's Eve partying as nothing more than an brief photo op. Is this news? Not really. But it's rather smarmy to lie about someone else just to change perceptions about yourself.
I understand collecting action figures based on hero/fantasy movies; I have an action figure of Wolverine from the X-Men around here somewhere (and I was an adult when I bought it). Thus, I'm not surprised that someone decided to sell action figures based on the characters from the movie D'Jango Unchained; nor am I surprised that people are extremely offended by this.
The Guthrie theatre in Minnesota has designated a section of balcony seating "Tweet seats". For half the price of a regular ticket, those in these seats can use their smartphones during performances without disrupting fellow patrons. The times, they are a-changin'.
I really don't think anyone is going to avoid the latest GQ magazine because the cover photo of Beyonce was photoshopped.
An aggressive drunk who began attacking his fellow passengers on an international New Year's Eve flight was subdued by his fellow passengers and bound with duct tape until the end of the flight, where he was taken into police custody. My question is, who travels with that much duct tape on New Year's Eve, and why?
Kudos to Miss Alabama Katherine Webb, whose sensible defense of sportscaster Brent Musburger (after the media skewered him for referring to her as beautiful) makes her even more attractive.
I apologize if this week's blog is more newsy than insightful, but I spent more of this week coughing, suffering, and sleeping than I did actually thinking.
Agape' -- P
Friday, January 4, 2013
January 4, 2013
Every year, Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin host New Year`s Eve on CNN. Every year, Kathy Griffin gets in "trouble" for doing something. Every year, the two of them are together again. Do they really think they`re fooling anyone?
The idea that survival builds strength is inspiring, but very little comfort while you`re suffering.
We were born humans, but have to work at being humane.
Kanye West and Kim Kardashian are expecting their first child together. Speculation is that this baby will be one more Kardashian family member getting more respect than Bruce Jenner.
Every time I see Eddie Money spoofing himself in that Geico commercial, my heart breaks a little.
Spike Lee`s boycott of the movie Django Unchained because of its liberal use of the "n" word has me wondering: would the word be so controversial if not for Mark Fuhrman and the OJ trial? A whole generation has been raised since then; what do they think when they hear the word used rather casually on reruns of Sanford and Son and The Jeffersons?
Is the title character in Django Unchained named after a real person? I understand the D in his name is silent. If the name is totally made up, why bother?
I was more intrigued by President Obama singing along with a LED Zeppelin song than I was hearing him croon a few Al Green lyrics.
I can`t imagine any other actress but Mary Tyler Moore playing opposite Dick Van Dyke. The same is true of Bill Cosby and Phyllicia Rashad, and Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt. Does that mean they`re better actors or not as good?
Who came up with the idea of calling a child by his/her full name when he/she really makes you angry? And do you still do it when you`ve given the child three or four middle names?
Agape` -- P
The idea that survival builds strength is inspiring, but very little comfort while you`re suffering.
We were born humans, but have to work at being humane.
Kanye West and Kim Kardashian are expecting their first child together. Speculation is that this baby will be one more Kardashian family member getting more respect than Bruce Jenner.
Every time I see Eddie Money spoofing himself in that Geico commercial, my heart breaks a little.
Spike Lee`s boycott of the movie Django Unchained because of its liberal use of the "n" word has me wondering: would the word be so controversial if not for Mark Fuhrman and the OJ trial? A whole generation has been raised since then; what do they think when they hear the word used rather casually on reruns of Sanford and Son and The Jeffersons?
Is the title character in Django Unchained named after a real person? I understand the D in his name is silent. If the name is totally made up, why bother?
I was more intrigued by President Obama singing along with a LED Zeppelin song than I was hearing him croon a few Al Green lyrics.
I can`t imagine any other actress but Mary Tyler Moore playing opposite Dick Van Dyke. The same is true of Bill Cosby and Phyllicia Rashad, and Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt. Does that mean they`re better actors or not as good?
Who came up with the idea of calling a child by his/her full name when he/she really makes you angry? And do you still do it when you`ve given the child three or four middle names?
Agape` -- P
Friday, December 28, 2012
December 28, 2012
Take care; even eternal life can be squandered.
According to statistics, 80% of living Americans over 100 years old are women. See, women? In this world, you always get the last word.
I love gummi bears and gummi worms as much as the next guy, but I`m a grown man. You can give me the regular vitamins.
A recent Nielsen study reveals that 1/3 of Americans are using social media from the bathroom. I have two things to say about this: (1) I will never do this. (2) If you do this, please don`t tell me.
When will people (especially celebrities) learn, if you have to get drunk, party at home?
The soon-to-be ex-wife of CSI creator Anthony Zuiker is expected to be awarded a sizeable chunk of the $6,000,000,000 he`s worth when their 20-year marriage soon ends in divorce. Ironically, she discouraged him from selling the CSI concept which made them rich. The message? Prenups aren`t just for the wealthy.
Okay, have we heard enough about the Chris Brown/Rihanna reunion? At this point, What`s Love Got to Do With It? (pun definitely intended)
A teenage girl in New Jersey has petitioned Hasbro to design an EasyBake oven for boys (the current model only comes in pink). Somebody enlighten this girl that there are better ways to make cupcakes than with a lightbulb.
Clay Aiken has his Claynation, Hulk Hogan his Hulkamaniacs, and Justin Bieber his Beliebers. Have you ever wondered what you`d call your fans if you reached megastar status? I think mine would be... delusional.
Some people prefer waffles to pancakes, some prefer salt to sugar... as a fat man, I beg you, "Can`t we all just get along?"
Agape` -- P
According to statistics, 80% of living Americans over 100 years old are women. See, women? In this world, you always get the last word.
I love gummi bears and gummi worms as much as the next guy, but I`m a grown man. You can give me the regular vitamins.
A recent Nielsen study reveals that 1/3 of Americans are using social media from the bathroom. I have two things to say about this: (1) I will never do this. (2) If you do this, please don`t tell me.
When will people (especially celebrities) learn, if you have to get drunk, party at home?
The soon-to-be ex-wife of CSI creator Anthony Zuiker is expected to be awarded a sizeable chunk of the $6,000,000,000 he`s worth when their 20-year marriage soon ends in divorce. Ironically, she discouraged him from selling the CSI concept which made them rich. The message? Prenups aren`t just for the wealthy.
Okay, have we heard enough about the Chris Brown/Rihanna reunion? At this point, What`s Love Got to Do With It? (pun definitely intended)
A teenage girl in New Jersey has petitioned Hasbro to design an EasyBake oven for boys (the current model only comes in pink). Somebody enlighten this girl that there are better ways to make cupcakes than with a lightbulb.
Clay Aiken has his Claynation, Hulk Hogan his Hulkamaniacs, and Justin Bieber his Beliebers. Have you ever wondered what you`d call your fans if you reached megastar status? I think mine would be... delusional.
Some people prefer waffles to pancakes, some prefer salt to sugar... as a fat man, I beg you, "Can`t we all just get along?"
Agape` -- P
Friday, December 21, 2012
December 21, 2012
Lindsay Lohan sent roses to Charlie Sheen to thank him for the $100,000 he gave her to pay her IRS debt. This was after he publicly slammed her for not thanking him. Her excuse was that she lost his phone number when her phone broke. With excuses like that, is it any wonder that she`s always in trouble with the law?
The Christmas holiday season is almost over. Soon, the premise that you can buy the love of the people in your life will be temporarily replaced by the premise that you can ensure a happier year by not being alone when the year begins.
Hatred does not crush your spirit... insignificance does.
A company known as Baubles has marketed scrotum-shaped Christmas tree ornaments to raise awareness of testicular cancer. Further proof that you don`t have to be tasteful to support a worthy cause.
ABC is developing a sitcom based on the adolescence of 18-year-old Justin Bieber, focusing on his unorthodox experience of being raised by a single mom. Nevermind that he`s still an adolescent. Nevermind that there are millions of people currently being raised by single parents. How do they greenlight ideas like this, while they cancel quality programming?
Several discussions were sparked last week by ESPN commentator Rob Parker`s reference to Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III as a "cornbread brother" because Griffin is a black man engaged to marry a white woman. Parker, who is also black, did praise Griffin for wearing braids as an "authentic black person", but considers him not "down for the cause" because of his choice in women and possibly politics (he might be a Republican). Further proof that you can be foolish and have a career in television. Meanwhile, how ironic is it that Griffin plays for a team named after a slur against native Americans?
There are exponentially more people treated like crap than there are people who deserve to be treated like crap.
Last week, numerologists anticipated the date of December 12, 2012, because the next date with digital significance won't occur until January 1, 3001 (1/1/01). This week, it's December 21, 2012, anticipated by followers of the Mayan calendar, as well as, perhaps, numerologists with dyslexia.
How do you reach that level of celebrity that makes you forget (or not care about) underwear? Don't complain about papparazzi invading your privacy when you don't wear drawers to an event where you know you'll be photographed.
My heart goes out to those suffering after the horror of last week's tragedy in Connecticut. Have you noticed that people immediately try to place or deflect blame? Was it caused by violent entertainment? Who is responsible, the producers, or the consumers? Is it the fault of legislators who don't write stronger gun laws, ineffective law enforcement, or an imperfect judicial network? How do stronger gun laws affect people psychotic enough to break the laws alrrady in place? And is the concentration on placing or deflecting blame overshadowing the tragedy?
Agape' - P
The Christmas holiday season is almost over. Soon, the premise that you can buy the love of the people in your life will be temporarily replaced by the premise that you can ensure a happier year by not being alone when the year begins.
Hatred does not crush your spirit... insignificance does.
A company known as Baubles has marketed scrotum-shaped Christmas tree ornaments to raise awareness of testicular cancer. Further proof that you don`t have to be tasteful to support a worthy cause.
ABC is developing a sitcom based on the adolescence of 18-year-old Justin Bieber, focusing on his unorthodox experience of being raised by a single mom. Nevermind that he`s still an adolescent. Nevermind that there are millions of people currently being raised by single parents. How do they greenlight ideas like this, while they cancel quality programming?
Several discussions were sparked last week by ESPN commentator Rob Parker`s reference to Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III as a "cornbread brother" because Griffin is a black man engaged to marry a white woman. Parker, who is also black, did praise Griffin for wearing braids as an "authentic black person", but considers him not "down for the cause" because of his choice in women and possibly politics (he might be a Republican). Further proof that you can be foolish and have a career in television. Meanwhile, how ironic is it that Griffin plays for a team named after a slur against native Americans?
There are exponentially more people treated like crap than there are people who deserve to be treated like crap.
Last week, numerologists anticipated the date of December 12, 2012, because the next date with digital significance won't occur until January 1, 3001 (1/1/01). This week, it's December 21, 2012, anticipated by followers of the Mayan calendar, as well as, perhaps, numerologists with dyslexia.
How do you reach that level of celebrity that makes you forget (or not care about) underwear? Don't complain about papparazzi invading your privacy when you don't wear drawers to an event where you know you'll be photographed.
My heart goes out to those suffering after the horror of last week's tragedy in Connecticut. Have you noticed that people immediately try to place or deflect blame? Was it caused by violent entertainment? Who is responsible, the producers, or the consumers? Is it the fault of legislators who don't write stronger gun laws, ineffective law enforcement, or an imperfect judicial network? How do stronger gun laws affect people psychotic enough to break the laws alrrady in place? And is the concentration on placing or deflecting blame overshadowing the tragedy?
Agape' - P
Friday, December 14, 2012
December 14, 2012
Charlie Sheen revealed to the press that Lindsay Lohan has yet to thank him for the $100,000 he gave her to pay a huge IRS debt. Ordinarily, I couldn't care less, but come on, how bad are your manners that Charlie Sheen can call you out on being rude?
I don't advocate immodesty or indecency, but have you ever noticed that the people who walk around in the least amount of clothing are usually the ones who need the most amount of clothing?
I know I'm the one to blame, but I still rue the day I learned how easy it is to operate my deep fryer.
I don't mind that my standards dictate the entertainment I choose, but I refuse to believe I'm supposed to enjoy something because of my age, race, or nationality.
Why do people sing in the shower, but not in the tub?
How messed up is it that a store called Crate & Barrel sells neither crates nor barrels?
This week was the 20th anniversary of the text message. It was also the week that the Pope made his first tweet. And you were there.
The much-anticipated date of December 12, 2012 occurred this week. A lot of people have been waiting for something of galactic enormity to happen on this date. I caught a cold.
If the phenomenon of reality TV has taught us anything, it is the power of the video editor.
Is it weird that I have no issues about losing at Words With Friends with real people, but get really ticked off when the 3 virtual people kick my behind playing Hearts?
Agape' -- P
I don't advocate immodesty or indecency, but have you ever noticed that the people who walk around in the least amount of clothing are usually the ones who need the most amount of clothing?
I know I'm the one to blame, but I still rue the day I learned how easy it is to operate my deep fryer.
I don't mind that my standards dictate the entertainment I choose, but I refuse to believe I'm supposed to enjoy something because of my age, race, or nationality.
Why do people sing in the shower, but not in the tub?
How messed up is it that a store called Crate & Barrel sells neither crates nor barrels?
This week was the 20th anniversary of the text message. It was also the week that the Pope made his first tweet. And you were there.
The much-anticipated date of December 12, 2012 occurred this week. A lot of people have been waiting for something of galactic enormity to happen on this date. I caught a cold.
If the phenomenon of reality TV has taught us anything, it is the power of the video editor.
Is it weird that I have no issues about losing at Words With Friends with real people, but get really ticked off when the 3 virtual people kick my behind playing Hearts?
Agape' -- P
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