Showing posts with label Rant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rant. Show all posts
27 June 2013
RANT
Rachel Jenteal is brave & real. Shame on anyone who makes fun or criticizes her - no one lands on earth knowing how to be a murder trial witness. That phone call, this trial & Trayvon Martin are going to rock her reality forever. And it is for that she needs love and support from the world.
10 March 2011
A Post for The Unions.
Indulge me for a moment, will you? We're going to travel to a far away land in which employees & workers have absolutely no rights.
It's 4:50 and you are just about finished with your work day. Just as you are getting ready to retrieve your things and walk out the door your boss approaches you & informs you that you will be staying on for an extra 4 hours tonight. You will not be receiving any overtime pay, a dinner break, or any other kind of break for that matter. It doesn't matter that you have a child in daycare who needs to be picked up by 6 or that you take public transportation that stops running at 7. Your boss needs you to stay. Your childcare and transportation issues are not their problem. Now get to work.
What would you do?
Well, if you want to keep this job (& in this economy you do) you will stay and keep your mouth shut, because if you even argue your boss could fire you on the spot and s/he has the absolute right to.
Now let's travel back to our world & experience a similar scenario.
It's 4:50 and you are just about finished with your work day. Just as you are getting ready to retrieve your things and walk out the door your boss approaches you & asks if you would be available to stay on for an extra 4 hours tonight. You would receive overtime pay (time and a half) and a dinner break. You let her/him know that you have a child in daycare who needs to be picked up by 6 and that you won't have a way home after 7 due to public transit service ending at that time. Your boss understands & asks if you would be available to stay tomorrow night? You say you will try to make arrangements for childcare and transportation and if you can, sure you'd be able to stay.
Which world would you rather work in?
Without the blood of unions there would be no labor laws in place to protect us from unregulated work days without breaks or compensation for time worked over 40 hours in a week. Without unions there would be no OSHA to keep work environments safe. There are people who find unions to be obsolete. The above scenarios should illustrate how they are not.
Union is a word with potential to stir up so much emotion and aggression. I am still trying to understand why so many are angry with union workers for having pensions, health care at a reasonable cost & the trigger point as of late, collective bargaining rights. They are among the last to enjoy such luxuries and they deserve them. Is that what the anger is about? Union workers having better benefits than others? But here's the thing, we all deserve great benefits so quit shoving. If unions lose their right to collective bargaining (as they did this evening in Wisconsin) they potentially lose it all. If unions lose it all, eventually the rest of us will too.
It's sort of like we're all in elementary school again and Joey is mad at Sally because she gets cookies in her lunch while he only gets an apple. He makes such a big deal that the school outlaws cookies in lunches. Now nobody can have cookies in their lunch just because Joey was jealous of Sally.
Ridiculous isn't it?
xoxx
27 April 2010
"Imagine if the Tea Party Was Black" by Tim Wise
This came from the blog Ephphatha Poetry, it's a powerful piece. I urge to read and while doing so really think. I mean for real think. The kind of thinking that will take over your thoughts for a little while after reading.
Let’s play a game, shall we? The name of the game is called “Imagine.” The way it’s played is simple: we’ll envision recent happenings in the news, but then change them up a bit. Instead of envisioning white people as the main actors in the scenes we’ll conjure - the ones who are driving the action - we’ll envision black folks or other people of color instead. The object of the game is to imagine the public reaction to the events or incidents, if the main actors were of color, rather than white. Whoever gains the most insight into the workings of race in America, at the end of the game, wins.
So let’s begin.
Imagine that hundreds of black protesters were to descend upon Washington DC and Northern Virginia, just a few miles from the Capitol and White House, armed with AK-47s, assorted handguns, and ammunition. And imagine that some of these protesters —the black protesters — spoke of the need for political revolution, and possibly even armed conflict in the event that laws they didn’t like were enforced by the government? Would these protester — these black protesters with guns — be seen as brave defenders of the Second Amendment, or would they be viewed by most whites as a danger to the republic? What if they were Arab-Americans? Because, after all, that’s what happened recently when white gun enthusiasts descended upon the nation’s capital, arms in hand, and verbally announced their readiness to make war on the country’s political leaders if the need arose.
Imagine that white members of Congress, while walking to work, were surrounded by thousands of angry black people, one of whom proceeded to spit on one of those congressmen for not voting the way the black demonstrators desired. Would the protesters be seen as merely patriotic Americans voicing their opinions, or as an angry, potentially violent, and even insurrectionary mob? After all, this is what white Tea Party protesters did recently in Washington.
Imagine that a rap artist were to say, in reference to a white president: “He’s a piece of shit and I told him to suck on my machine gun.” Because that’s what rocker Ted Nugent said recently about President Obama.
Imagine that a prominent mainstream black political commentator had long employed an overt bigot as Executive Director of his organization, and that this bigot regularly participated in black separatist conferences, and once assaulted a white person while calling them by a racial slur. When that prominent black commentator and his sister — who also works for the organization — defended the bigot as a good guy who was misunderstood and “going through a tough time in his life” would anyone accept their excuse-making? Would that commentator still have a place on a mainstream network? Because that’s what happened in the real world, when Pat Buchanan employed as Executive Director of his group, America’s Cause, a blatant racist who did all these things, or at least their white equivalents: attending white separatist conferences and attacking a black woman while calling her the n-word.
Imagine that a black radio host were to suggest that the only way to get promoted in the administration of a white president is by “hating black people,” or that a prominent white person had only endorsed a white presidential candidate as an act of racial bonding, or blamed a white president for a fight on a school bus in which a black kid was jumped by two white kids, or said that he wouldn’t want to kill all conservatives, but rather, would like to leave just enough—“living fossils” as he called them—“so we will never forget what these people stood for.” After all, these are things that Rush Limbaugh has said, about Barack Obama’s administration, Colin Powell’s endorsement of Barack Obama, a fight on a school bus in Belleville, Illinois in which two black kids beat up a white kid, and about liberals, generally.
Imagine that a black pastor, formerly a member of the U.S. military, were to declare, as part of his opposition to a white president’s policies, that he was ready to “suit up, get my gun, go to Washington, and do what they trained me to do.” This is, after all, what Pastor Stan Craig said recently at a Tea Party rally in Greenville, South Carolina.
Imagine a black radio talk show host gleefully predicting a revolution by people of color if the government continues to be dominated by the rich white men who have been “destroying” the country, or if said radio personality were to call Christians or Jews non-humans, or say that when it came to conservatives, the best solution would be to “hang ‘em high.” And what would happen to any congressional representative who praised that commentator for “speaking common sense” and likened his hate talk to “American values?” After all, those are among the things said by radio host and best-selling author Michael Savage, predicting white revolution in the face of multiculturalism, or said by Savage about Muslims and liberals, respectively. And it was Congressman Culbertson, from Texas, who praised Savage in that way, despite his hateful rhetoric.
Imagine a black political commentator suggesting that the only thing the guy who flew his plane into the Austin, Texas IRS building did wrong was not blowing up Fox News instead. This is, after all, what Anne Coulter said about Tim McVeigh, when she noted that his only mistake was not blowing up the New York Times.
Imagine that a popular black liberal website posted comments about the daughter of a white president, calling her “typical redneck trash,” or a “whore” whose mother entertains her by “making monkey sounds.” After all that’s comparable to what conservatives posted about Malia Obama on freerepublic.com last year, when they referred to her as “ghetto trash.”
Imagine that black protesters at a large political rally were walking around with signs calling for the lynching of their congressional enemies. Because that’s what white conservatives did last year, in reference to Democratic party leaders in Congress.
In other words, imagine that even one-third of the anger and vitriol currently being hurled at President Obama, by folks who are almost exclusively white, were being aimed, instead, at a white president, by people of color. How many whites viewing the anger, the hatred, the contempt for that white president would then wax eloquent about free speech, and the glories of democracy? And how many would be calling for further crackdowns on thuggish behavior, and investigations into the radical agendas of those same people of color?
To ask any of these questions is to answer them. Protest is only seen as fundamentally American when those who have long had the luxury of seeing themselves as prototypically American engage in it. When the dangerous and dark “other” does so, however, it isn’t viewed as normal or natural, let alone patriotic. Which is why Rush Limbaugh could say, this past week, that the Tea Parties are the first time since the Civil War that ordinary, common Americans stood up for their rights: a statement that erases the normalcy and “American-ness” of blacks in the civil rights struggle, not to mention women in the fight for suffrage and equality, working people in the fight for better working conditions, and LGBT folks as they struggle to be treated as full and equal human beings.
And this, my friends, is what white privilege is all about. The ability to threaten others, to engage in violent and incendiary rhetoric without consequence, to be viewed as patriotic and normal no matter what you do, and never to be feared and despised as people of color would be, if they tried to get away with half the shit we do, on a daily basis.
Game Over.
********
Let’s play a game, shall we? The name of the game is called “Imagine.” The way it’s played is simple: we’ll envision recent happenings in the news, but then change them up a bit. Instead of envisioning white people as the main actors in the scenes we’ll conjure - the ones who are driving the action - we’ll envision black folks or other people of color instead. The object of the game is to imagine the public reaction to the events or incidents, if the main actors were of color, rather than white. Whoever gains the most insight into the workings of race in America, at the end of the game, wins.
So let’s begin.
Imagine that hundreds of black protesters were to descend upon Washington DC and Northern Virginia, just a few miles from the Capitol and White House, armed with AK-47s, assorted handguns, and ammunition. And imagine that some of these protesters —the black protesters — spoke of the need for political revolution, and possibly even armed conflict in the event that laws they didn’t like were enforced by the government? Would these protester — these black protesters with guns — be seen as brave defenders of the Second Amendment, or would they be viewed by most whites as a danger to the republic? What if they were Arab-Americans? Because, after all, that’s what happened recently when white gun enthusiasts descended upon the nation’s capital, arms in hand, and verbally announced their readiness to make war on the country’s political leaders if the need arose.
Imagine that white members of Congress, while walking to work, were surrounded by thousands of angry black people, one of whom proceeded to spit on one of those congressmen for not voting the way the black demonstrators desired. Would the protesters be seen as merely patriotic Americans voicing their opinions, or as an angry, potentially violent, and even insurrectionary mob? After all, this is what white Tea Party protesters did recently in Washington.
Imagine that a rap artist were to say, in reference to a white president: “He’s a piece of shit and I told him to suck on my machine gun.” Because that’s what rocker Ted Nugent said recently about President Obama.
Imagine that a prominent mainstream black political commentator had long employed an overt bigot as Executive Director of his organization, and that this bigot regularly participated in black separatist conferences, and once assaulted a white person while calling them by a racial slur. When that prominent black commentator and his sister — who also works for the organization — defended the bigot as a good guy who was misunderstood and “going through a tough time in his life” would anyone accept their excuse-making? Would that commentator still have a place on a mainstream network? Because that’s what happened in the real world, when Pat Buchanan employed as Executive Director of his group, America’s Cause, a blatant racist who did all these things, or at least their white equivalents: attending white separatist conferences and attacking a black woman while calling her the n-word.
Imagine that a black radio host were to suggest that the only way to get promoted in the administration of a white president is by “hating black people,” or that a prominent white person had only endorsed a white presidential candidate as an act of racial bonding, or blamed a white president for a fight on a school bus in which a black kid was jumped by two white kids, or said that he wouldn’t want to kill all conservatives, but rather, would like to leave just enough—“living fossils” as he called them—“so we will never forget what these people stood for.” After all, these are things that Rush Limbaugh has said, about Barack Obama’s administration, Colin Powell’s endorsement of Barack Obama, a fight on a school bus in Belleville, Illinois in which two black kids beat up a white kid, and about liberals, generally.
Imagine that a black pastor, formerly a member of the U.S. military, were to declare, as part of his opposition to a white president’s policies, that he was ready to “suit up, get my gun, go to Washington, and do what they trained me to do.” This is, after all, what Pastor Stan Craig said recently at a Tea Party rally in Greenville, South Carolina.
Imagine a black radio talk show host gleefully predicting a revolution by people of color if the government continues to be dominated by the rich white men who have been “destroying” the country, or if said radio personality were to call Christians or Jews non-humans, or say that when it came to conservatives, the best solution would be to “hang ‘em high.” And what would happen to any congressional representative who praised that commentator for “speaking common sense” and likened his hate talk to “American values?” After all, those are among the things said by radio host and best-selling author Michael Savage, predicting white revolution in the face of multiculturalism, or said by Savage about Muslims and liberals, respectively. And it was Congressman Culbertson, from Texas, who praised Savage in that way, despite his hateful rhetoric.
Imagine a black political commentator suggesting that the only thing the guy who flew his plane into the Austin, Texas IRS building did wrong was not blowing up Fox News instead. This is, after all, what Anne Coulter said about Tim McVeigh, when she noted that his only mistake was not blowing up the New York Times.
Imagine that a popular black liberal website posted comments about the daughter of a white president, calling her “typical redneck trash,” or a “whore” whose mother entertains her by “making monkey sounds.” After all that’s comparable to what conservatives posted about Malia Obama on freerepublic.com last year, when they referred to her as “ghetto trash.”
Imagine that black protesters at a large political rally were walking around with signs calling for the lynching of their congressional enemies. Because that’s what white conservatives did last year, in reference to Democratic party leaders in Congress.
In other words, imagine that even one-third of the anger and vitriol currently being hurled at President Obama, by folks who are almost exclusively white, were being aimed, instead, at a white president, by people of color. How many whites viewing the anger, the hatred, the contempt for that white president would then wax eloquent about free speech, and the glories of democracy? And how many would be calling for further crackdowns on thuggish behavior, and investigations into the radical agendas of those same people of color?
To ask any of these questions is to answer them. Protest is only seen as fundamentally American when those who have long had the luxury of seeing themselves as prototypically American engage in it. When the dangerous and dark “other” does so, however, it isn’t viewed as normal or natural, let alone patriotic. Which is why Rush Limbaugh could say, this past week, that the Tea Parties are the first time since the Civil War that ordinary, common Americans stood up for their rights: a statement that erases the normalcy and “American-ness” of blacks in the civil rights struggle, not to mention women in the fight for suffrage and equality, working people in the fight for better working conditions, and LGBT folks as they struggle to be treated as full and equal human beings.
And this, my friends, is what white privilege is all about. The ability to threaten others, to engage in violent and incendiary rhetoric without consequence, to be viewed as patriotic and normal no matter what you do, and never to be feared and despised as people of color would be, if they tried to get away with half the shit we do, on a daily basis.
Game Over.
*******
Tim Wise is among the most prominent anti-racist writers and activists in the U.S. Wise has spoken in 48 states, on over 400 college campuses, and to community groups around the nation. Wise has provided anti-racism training to teachers nationwide, and has trained physicians and medical industry professionals on how to combat racial inequities in health care. His latest book is called Between Barack and a Hard Place. ~
Tim Wise is among the most prominent anti-racist writers and activists in the U.S. Wise has spoken in 48 states, on over 400 college campuses, and to community groups around the nation. Wise has provided anti-racism training to teachers nationwide, and has trained physicians and medical industry professionals on how to combat racial inequities in health care. His latest book is called Between Barack and a Hard Place. ~28 July 2009
The Golden Rule.
I have so much to write but not nearly enough time to do so or articulate or edit properly. Our internet is currently out of order so I have been sipping my coffee very slowly at the neighborhood coffee shop & e mailing from my phone. This is no fun. Nope, no fun at all.
Through this it has been confirmed once again that I am indeed at my best in the very wee hours of the morning. Too bad Perkins doesn't have wifi. At least I don't think they do.
In the last week my blood has reached a boiling point a few times. Quite literally; my hands, arms and cheeks feel really hot as though the blood beneath is truly boiling. I really dislike this feeling (though it is kind of fascinating) thus I have spent a lot of time thinking about what exactly triggers this.
When you take away all the specific details and leave just the skeleton, what is left is the Golden Rule. I have no tolerance for people treating me or others in ways that I would never ever consider treating anyone.
When it's all stripped down it's so simple, right? You would think.
For example, when someone approaches you on the street & asks you for some change, be respectful. Anyone who has come to a place where they need to ask strangers for change in order to survive deserves respect as much as you or me or Barack Obama for that matter. This doesn't mean you have to give them what they want if you are not comfortable or able, it only means that you should acknowledge them and kindly say, "I'm sorry, but I can't help you," or "Sure, here you go," or however you would like to respectfully portray such message. There is no reason to shout "Get a job!" (especially in this economy) or act as though they do not exist. I feel as though these reactions only perpetuate what's going on with this person and class issues as a whole. How would you like to be treated if you were in their situation?
Another example. Racist jokes are not funny. Ever. Even if you have a friend who is of the race you are telling a joke about. This goes for jokes about different creeds and orientations as well. Much like the previous example this only perpetuates stereotypes that are really not positive or helpful in building a strong community of tolerance and understanding
And I could list so many more. But the coffeeshop is about to close & I think I hear the wood starting to give way on this soapbox I've been standing on.
xoxx
Through this it has been confirmed once again that I am indeed at my best in the very wee hours of the morning. Too bad Perkins doesn't have wifi. At least I don't think they do.
In the last week my blood has reached a boiling point a few times. Quite literally; my hands, arms and cheeks feel really hot as though the blood beneath is truly boiling. I really dislike this feeling (though it is kind of fascinating) thus I have spent a lot of time thinking about what exactly triggers this.
When you take away all the specific details and leave just the skeleton, what is left is the Golden Rule. I have no tolerance for people treating me or others in ways that I would never ever consider treating anyone.
When it's all stripped down it's so simple, right? You would think.
For example, when someone approaches you on the street & asks you for some change, be respectful. Anyone who has come to a place where they need to ask strangers for change in order to survive deserves respect as much as you or me or Barack Obama for that matter. This doesn't mean you have to give them what they want if you are not comfortable or able, it only means that you should acknowledge them and kindly say, "I'm sorry, but I can't help you," or "Sure, here you go," or however you would like to respectfully portray such message. There is no reason to shout "Get a job!" (especially in this economy) or act as though they do not exist. I feel as though these reactions only perpetuate what's going on with this person and class issues as a whole. How would you like to be treated if you were in their situation?
Another example. Racist jokes are not funny. Ever. Even if you have a friend who is of the race you are telling a joke about. This goes for jokes about different creeds and orientations as well. Much like the previous example this only perpetuates stereotypes that are really not positive or helpful in building a strong community of tolerance and understanding
And I could list so many more. But the coffeeshop is about to close & I think I hear the wood starting to give way on this soapbox I've been standing on.
xoxx
20 June 2009
The Havoc Reaped by Music Theft.
This week in my home city of Minneapolis a big thing happened. Jammie Thomas was found guilty by a jury of her peers for illegal file sharing. In other words, a major record label (Capitol) sued her for sharing music online and they won. She now owes them 1.9 million dollars.
A lot people are speaking out on Jammie Thomas' behalf.
A lot of people aren't saying anything.
This is what I say.
I think Capitol records should have won. I don't think they'll ever see their money (who has 1.9 million to just hand over? Certainly not Jammie Thomas) but it sets an important precedent.
I feel bad for Jammie Thomas. I do. 1.9 million dollars is a lot of money, probably more than she will ever make in her lifetime. The artists whose songs she shared are revered artists with high sales and probably doing fine. Capitol is a major record label and had the money to sue and pay for legal fees, so they are probably alright too (sort of, more on that in a minute). But let's not forget, she essentially enabled others to steal music.
So many of us have burned a CD for a friend, made mix tapes for our crushes and friends growing up, and even taped songs from the radio. This is not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about people who post songs on the internet for the masses to download for free. This may not seem like a big deal because it is thought that musicians make millions or maybe that it's just a song.
File sharing, whether you are downloading or posting, is stealing. It is not for anyone to give away for free unless you are the person who made it. It depletes the incomes of people who have worked hard on writing songs, recording them and making a name for themselves.
You work on a record for a year, writing music, saving money to get into the recording studio or maybe your label got you in. You record, have it all mastered, put it on an album and distribute it. Sales are alright, you might make a little money or you might make a lot. Then one day you stumble upon some person who has posted your album online for people to download for free. You are now working for free with no say in the matter.
We are a funny culture when it comes to money. We're consumed by it. We need excess amounts of it for lovely houses, shiny cars and beautiful clothes. We loath those who have it but fault those who don't. There is this illusion that since musicians make a lot of money it's okay to give away their work for free. They probably won't even notice. Imagine getting your paycheck & your employer notifies you that they decided they weren't going to pay you for your work on Tuesdays. You're out 2 days of pay with voice in the decision. That's a big deal. 20% of your work. That would never fly and neither should file sharing.
The music industry is pretty bleak right now. The major labels, despite their corporate statures are laying people off. Independent record stores all over the country are going out of business, big box stores like Target and Best Buy are decreasing their music sections or doing away with them completely. People just don't buy physical music anymore, they download it. Whether it be on itunes, a like site, or through file sharing.
The major labels are having a hard time. A few years ago I had a stint working for a major record label. The change is music buying trends had was beginning to set in at that time and lay offs were looming. People were freaking out then, I can only imagine what it's like now. And this is a major label. They have some cushion. Think about how all of this effects the smaller, independent labels.
I'm not saying to stop buying from itunes or stop making mix tapes (CDs) for your pals. I'm simply saying to buy your music. It's respectful of the artists whose music you enjoy.
It's the right thing to do.
xoxx
A lot people are speaking out on Jammie Thomas' behalf.
A lot of people aren't saying anything.
This is what I say.
I think Capitol records should have won. I don't think they'll ever see their money (who has 1.9 million to just hand over? Certainly not Jammie Thomas) but it sets an important precedent.
I feel bad for Jammie Thomas. I do. 1.9 million dollars is a lot of money, probably more than she will ever make in her lifetime. The artists whose songs she shared are revered artists with high sales and probably doing fine. Capitol is a major record label and had the money to sue and pay for legal fees, so they are probably alright too (sort of, more on that in a minute). But let's not forget, she essentially enabled others to steal music.
So many of us have burned a CD for a friend, made mix tapes for our crushes and friends growing up, and even taped songs from the radio. This is not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about people who post songs on the internet for the masses to download for free. This may not seem like a big deal because it is thought that musicians make millions or maybe that it's just a song.
File sharing, whether you are downloading or posting, is stealing. It is not for anyone to give away for free unless you are the person who made it. It depletes the incomes of people who have worked hard on writing songs, recording them and making a name for themselves.
You work on a record for a year, writing music, saving money to get into the recording studio or maybe your label got you in. You record, have it all mastered, put it on an album and distribute it. Sales are alright, you might make a little money or you might make a lot. Then one day you stumble upon some person who has posted your album online for people to download for free. You are now working for free with no say in the matter.
We are a funny culture when it comes to money. We're consumed by it. We need excess amounts of it for lovely houses, shiny cars and beautiful clothes. We loath those who have it but fault those who don't. There is this illusion that since musicians make a lot of money it's okay to give away their work for free. They probably won't even notice. Imagine getting your paycheck & your employer notifies you that they decided they weren't going to pay you for your work on Tuesdays. You're out 2 days of pay with voice in the decision. That's a big deal. 20% of your work. That would never fly and neither should file sharing.
The music industry is pretty bleak right now. The major labels, despite their corporate statures are laying people off. Independent record stores all over the country are going out of business, big box stores like Target and Best Buy are decreasing their music sections or doing away with them completely. People just don't buy physical music anymore, they download it. Whether it be on itunes, a like site, or through file sharing.
The major labels are having a hard time. A few years ago I had a stint working for a major record label. The change is music buying trends had was beginning to set in at that time and lay offs were looming. People were freaking out then, I can only imagine what it's like now. And this is a major label. They have some cushion. Think about how all of this effects the smaller, independent labels.
I'm not saying to stop buying from itunes or stop making mix tapes (CDs) for your pals. I'm simply saying to buy your music. It's respectful of the artists whose music you enjoy.
It's the right thing to do.
xoxx
21 April 2009
Scrambling for Spring.
oh I know this. so well.
Living in a place where spring/summer/fall is amazing and so hard not to go outside I feel I am at best physically by the time August comes around. I am tan, have been riding my bike and walking everywhere so I feel very lean and lovely. Then winter hits and it all goes to hell. Sort of.
I always mean to go to the gym but maybe get there once a week if I'm lucky. This year I have managed to feel pretty great despite my worst gym record in recent winters. My only fall back is that when I put on a dress it looks as though I could be wearing white nylons.
xoxx
Living in a place where spring/summer/fall is amazing and so hard not to go outside I feel I am at best physically by the time August comes around. I am tan, have been riding my bike and walking everywhere so I feel very lean and lovely. Then winter hits and it all goes to hell. Sort of.
I always mean to go to the gym but maybe get there once a week if I'm lucky. This year I have managed to feel pretty great despite my worst gym record in recent winters. My only fall back is that when I put on a dress it looks as though I could be wearing white nylons.
xoxx
08 April 2009
Housewives
Last night Bravo aired The Real Housewives of New Jersey 30 minute preview. I hate to say it, but it was like real life Sopranos ladies without the Mafia. Gigantic houses that are fairly new, shiny cars, lavish home decor, and lots of tawk. Everyone is related (2 of the 5 are sisters and are married to a set of brothers, another woman is married to the brother of the two sisters, and the other 2 are friends) and everyone has money. Yet they are quick to say, "I didn't grow with this, this is new to me."
This should be a good series. I think the suburban aspect is nice and unlike the my favorite ladies in NYC, these ladies are not too prim & proper to let it go when conflict arises. There will be some good fights.
Meanwhile in New York, Luann has become so annoying. I mean, come on! Volunteer your time with adolescant girls from Brooklyn at The Boys & Girls club and talk to them about being a Countess (gag) and tell the girl who said she wanted to be a babysitter she was "cute" and the one who wanted to be a model that her face was pretty, she could still grow tall and "losing weight was the easiest part". Seriously?! Once upon a time Luann was my favorite, but her self absorbtion has become so clear in recent episodes, even Ramona ranks higher.
xoxx
This should be a good series. I think the suburban aspect is nice and unlike the my favorite ladies in NYC, these ladies are not too prim & proper to let it go when conflict arises. There will be some good fights.
Meanwhile in New York, Luann has become so annoying. I mean, come on! Volunteer your time with adolescant girls from Brooklyn at The Boys & Girls club and talk to them about being a Countess (gag) and tell the girl who said she wanted to be a babysitter she was "cute" and the one who wanted to be a model that her face was pretty, she could still grow tall and "losing weight was the easiest part". Seriously?! Once upon a time Luann was my favorite, but her self absorbtion has become so clear in recent episodes, even Ramona ranks higher.
xoxx
06 March 2009
OMG! She's Sleeveless!
Last week Michelle Obama's "Official" First Lady portrait was unveiled. I don't remember the unveiling of Laura or Hillary's even happening let alone being such a big deal. The unveiling of this portrait flooded the media. The lack of sleeves was the most likely comment to be made, though it didn't seem to be with any criticism, just simply noted. Anderson Cooper headlined his CNN "360" show with something to the effect of "First Lady portrait unveiled, will she be sleeveless? Coming up." I laughed out loud at the sense of cliffhanger given over Michelle Obama's sleeves, or lack there of. While I wasn't surprised (her arms and our easy view of them has been a comment in the media for a while) I was a little dismayed by the attention that detail of the portrait received.
I understand the obsession with Michelle Obama's fashion and I too am guilty of it; she is the most fashionable First Lady in the White House in a very long time. I can sort of understand the curiosity behind her preference for sleeveless dresses as we are used the The First Lady dressing either ever so matronly or in the political attire of The Pant Suit. But really, does it matter all that much if she has sleeves or not? She is such a graceful presence and embodies so much class, I wish we would just appreciate that and move along.
I am relieved to have heard very little, if any, negative criticism of her appearance.
I shudder at the thought of Michelle Obama being berated as Hillary Clinton was early in President Clinton's term for wearing a headband. I do believe that criticism was so loud because she was such a presence and clearly a woman who speaks out. That cannot be criticized in this day and age, but her appearance can.
Last night I was on the internets pretending to be productive and decided to look up the First Lady portraits of the past. I am struck by the backgrounds chosen, the poses, and of course what they were wearing. Obviously there is in image one tries to project and uphold when they are First Lady and I suppose the Official Portrait is the way set that up and set in stone forever. Fresh cut flowers seem to be a common prop and I suppose the kind of flowers chosen is something that is as well thought out as wardrobe and background.
As I look through these portraits I am reminded of standing in Art Museums through out my life and staring at the antique portraits of Royalty. When I was a child I would bide my time with those portraits by imagining the life the person led, and the moment captured (or invented) on canvas - what that moment meant for them. I always made note of those who went against the grain by smiling and decided that I would have smiled too. It is in that vein that I salute our First Lady, Michelle Obama for not wearing a sleeved dress in her portrait. It seems so silly to see someone as going against the grain for not wearing sleeves, but it is just what she did. Her quiet determination to stay true to herself despite her latest station in life has spoken volumes to me and says so much about the entire First Family. And that is just one of the many factors that gives me so much Hope for the next 4 years.
P.S. Former First Ladies L to R: Betty Ford; Rosalyn Carter; Laura Bush; Hillary Clinton
03 February 2009
I've almost had it. Almost.
Is anyone else out there watching The Real Housewives of Orange County?
For the 3rd season in a row, I am. But unlike any other year, I cannot wait for this season to be over.
This season has been so intensely caddy and two faced that I've been sent into horrific 8th grade flashbacks (My Girbaud jeans are real, I promise and no I was not flirting Josh at lunch). Tonight Vicky called Gretchen a copycat (behind her back, of course) for having Dirty Vodka Martinis with bleu cheese stuffed olives as her favorite cocktail. Okay Vicky, as if that cocktail is so original that you would be the only one. Why can't they just have that in common? Then there was the eye rolling from Tamra and touts of feeling embarassed by Lynn & Gretchen's dancing in a Vegas night club. Tamra, could it just be that they both are comfortable with themselves (or had enough cocktails) to dance, have a good time while looking great with little self conscience? Obviously something you are unfamiliar with.
I guess the caddyness is contagious.
I'm ready for the season to end, and complain as I might, I will tune in next week and see this season through.
xoxx
For the 3rd season in a row, I am. But unlike any other year, I cannot wait for this season to be over.
This season has been so intensely caddy and two faced that I've been sent into horrific 8th grade flashbacks (My Girbaud jeans are real, I promise and no I was not flirting Josh at lunch). Tonight Vicky called Gretchen a copycat (behind her back, of course) for having Dirty Vodka Martinis with bleu cheese stuffed olives as her favorite cocktail. Okay Vicky, as if that cocktail is so original that you would be the only one. Why can't they just have that in common? Then there was the eye rolling from Tamra and touts of feeling embarassed by Lynn & Gretchen's dancing in a Vegas night club. Tamra, could it just be that they both are comfortable with themselves (or had enough cocktails) to dance, have a good time while looking great with little self conscience? Obviously something you are unfamiliar with.
I guess the caddyness is contagious.
I'm ready for the season to end, and complain as I might, I will tune in next week and see this season through.
xoxx
25 February 2008
I don't even know.
"Ralph Nader says he will run again as an independent for the US presidency." -bbc.com headline.
Seriously?
Unreal.
He has lost his f--ing mind.
These are the thoughts I experienced when I heard this on NPR late last night.
Read the article in its entirety and listen to the interview. It's quite stunning.
xoxx
Seriously?
Unreal.
He has lost his f--ing mind.
These are the thoughts I experienced when I heard this on NPR late last night.
Read the article in its entirety and listen to the interview. It's quite stunning.
xoxx
08 January 2008
eye of the tiger.
Has anyone else been following the Tiger Attack at the San Francisco Zoo? I am plagued by it & check the San Francisco Chronicle website everyday for new information. This event is very tragic. A young man and tiger died, two more people were seriously injured. Nothing good has been accomplished except maybe a brief press frenzy regarding conditions in zoos, and even that has been a little too hysterical for my taste. While it is looking as though these individuals taunted and teased Tatiana prior to her escape, the zoo completely F'ed up by not complying with recommendations for enclosure heights. But at the same time, who goes to a zoo and F's with the tigers?
And then there is the issue of zoos in general. They're bad, they're good, they're important educational tools, they're a stressful place for species to live. I agree with all of these statements and am obviously conflicted. I know that I wouldn't want to be on display 8 - 10 hours a day for all the world to see and I still avoid a certain local Polar Bear exhibit because they always look so stressed, but I also know that zoos can be magical place for a child and there are some species that do alright there. It's all very incongruous as you can see.
Salon.com posted a great piece a few days ago and it was the most though provoking piece I've read on the subject so far. Read on.
xoxx
And then there is the issue of zoos in general. They're bad, they're good, they're important educational tools, they're a stressful place for species to live. I agree with all of these statements and am obviously conflicted. I know that I wouldn't want to be on display 8 - 10 hours a day for all the world to see and I still avoid a certain local Polar Bear exhibit because they always look so stressed, but I also know that zoos can be magical place for a child and there are some species that do alright there. It's all very incongruous as you can see.
Salon.com posted a great piece a few days ago and it was the most though provoking piece I've read on the subject so far. Read on.
xoxx
13 November 2007
Now That Ain't Hip Hop
This review of The Hip Hop Live show on Sunday night in Minneapolis set me off on quite a rant today.
A link to the review was posted on mnspeak & I commented giving an abreviated version of what I was thinking so my point would not be lost.
But, alas, I have a blog. So I can continue my response, a little subdued now, but none the less here it is.
This review made me really, really mad. As I worked my shift tonight I tried to figure out exactly what made me see so much red from reading it. I think back to that show on Sunday night & feel lucky to not only have witnessed the show, which was phenomenal, but to have been a part of that crowd. A friend of mine called me yesterday and we gushed about the show together and agreed that if we had the opportunity to travel to another city to see it we would. This is how good it was. Okay, well that's my review of the show, I guess. Despite that, reading Marsh's review really brought me down. I can tell myself as much as I want that race is irrelevant in this - and to me it is - but I realize that for some it is striking to walk into a Hip Hop show & find a colorful crowd raising their hands in the air together, and it should be. It's a beautiful thing. But when you're on that plane and find yourself reading the term "white negro" in a context that is quite sincere it's infuriating, especially when the opening sentence of the column contains an equally odious name & it's all in the name of stereotyping. Aren't we beyond that? I do believe so.
I imagine Steve Marsh discovering Norman Mailer's "White Negro" essay & excitedly saving it for just the right show to review not even realizing how offensive the whole idea is because, well, he's Steve Marsh. Or perhaps I'm giving him too much credit & he knew how offensive & heinous it was but just didn't give a damn.
Shame on him either way.
xoxx
A link to the review was posted on mnspeak & I commented giving an abreviated version of what I was thinking so my point would not be lost.
But, alas, I have a blog. So I can continue my response, a little subdued now, but none the less here it is.
This review made me really, really mad. As I worked my shift tonight I tried to figure out exactly what made me see so much red from reading it. I think back to that show on Sunday night & feel lucky to not only have witnessed the show, which was phenomenal, but to have been a part of that crowd. A friend of mine called me yesterday and we gushed about the show together and agreed that if we had the opportunity to travel to another city to see it we would. This is how good it was. Okay, well that's my review of the show, I guess. Despite that, reading Marsh's review really brought me down. I can tell myself as much as I want that race is irrelevant in this - and to me it is - but I realize that for some it is striking to walk into a Hip Hop show & find a colorful crowd raising their hands in the air together, and it should be. It's a beautiful thing. But when you're on that plane and find yourself reading the term "white negro" in a context that is quite sincere it's infuriating, especially when the opening sentence of the column contains an equally odious name & it's all in the name of stereotyping. Aren't we beyond that? I do believe so.
I imagine Steve Marsh discovering Norman Mailer's "White Negro" essay & excitedly saving it for just the right show to review not even realizing how offensive the whole idea is because, well, he's Steve Marsh. Or perhaps I'm giving him too much credit & he knew how offensive & heinous it was but just didn't give a damn.
Shame on him either way.
xoxx
28 July 2007
a little bit drunk.
so i'm a little bit drunk. but I couldn't sleep at all last night & it sucked.
tonight I hope to fall asleep with little problem and sleep all the way through.
nevermind that it's nearly 6am; I closed the restaurant and arrived home only an hour and a half ago.
so i'm a little bit drunk. but I couldn't sleep at all last night & it sucked.
I kept thinking of the murdered woman down the block and wondering if it was really someone she knew.
every creek, every car door woke me wondering if someone was breaking in.
so i'm a little bit drunk. but I couldn't sleep at all last night & it sucked.
tonight will be different - i've finished a bottle of redwine handsome randy has left and I am tipsy.
i am unsteady with slightly blurred vision and a few pillows to fall upon and I will soon fall.
tonight I hope to fall asleep with little problem and sleep all the way through.
nevermind that it's nearly 6am; I closed the restaurant and arrived home only an hour and a half ago.
so i'm a little bit drunk. but I couldn't sleep at all last night & it sucked.
I kept thinking of the murdered woman down the block and wondering if it was really someone she knew.
every creek, every car door woke me wondering if someone was breaking in.
so i'm a little bit drunk. but I couldn't sleep at all last night & it sucked.
tonight will be different - i've finished a bottle of redwine handsome randy has left and I am tipsy.
i am unsteady with slightly blurred vision and a few pillows to fall upon and I will soon fall.
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