Digging Up The Past

It's been a while but, as my husband just said, "life's a bitch and she's back in heat."

Another day, another person in the public eye being shamed for something they did a long time ago. Legend John Wayne did a controversial interview with Playboy in 1971. Internet trolls are hungry for controversy, it's insatiable. Gas was 40 cents a gallon, it was seven years since the Civil Rights Act and John Wayne was not woke-as-fuck by today's standards. Could it be because it was a different time? Was the interview controversial at the time? Let's not condone his comments but understand his comments and, with that, see how far society has come.
It reminds me of people who are obsessed with a certain period of time, saying, "Oh I wish I was alive during the Revolutionary War or during the time of 1700's Scotland because of 'Outlander.' Things were so better back then - it was simpler times." Do you like shitting outside? Wooden teeth? No status as a woman? You can't even go five minutes when you can't find your Smartphone.
People who harp on rehabilitating inmates are the same people who are disgusted with John Wayne and Ralph Northam but champion for the fact people can change. What's the frequency Kenneth? I had a bowl-cut when I was in elementary school. Do I have a bowl-cut now? No. Thankfully I don't need my '80s mother to decide on my haircut - I should note she wouldn't be into bowl-cuts now because she has changed and so have the times! Should I be shamed for the bowl-cut I had decades ago? What does that little girl with a shitty cut have to do with me now other than scaring my soul?
On another note, how can you shame people for things they did a long time ago when we are not that far removed from some atrocious actions? World War II ended 73 years ago. That's not that long ago. The landmark Civil Rights Act was enforced 55 years ago. Think of gay marriage, interracial marriage, abortion ... we aren't that far removed from some shit.
So, leave John Wayne alone. Don't click on those articles. Pay them no mind. Shit happened a long time ago, luckily for us older folk we aren't famous so it wasn't documented - it being the dumbass shit we said and did. Let's move along and worry about more important things.

We All Want To Be Royal So We Can Succumb To Being Ordinary

I'm watching this British monarchy show and it dawns on me. People wonder why non-British folk are obsessed with this genre of entertainment, whether it be historical or current. I think it's because we all secretly want to be royalty. That way we can be wild, crazy, YOLO, etc. but always know we are golden because of our bloodline. We don't need no stinkin' minimum wage job or to take some opportunity that's beneath us because it's an opportunity for growth. We don't need to worry about sex because we are royalty so everyone and anyone is hot to bang. We can do anything without worrying about dire consequences. Could you imagine? It's like someone figuring out life, the universe and everything for you because aren't we all just too lazy?
Now I definitely don't want to be next in line royalty, if you catch my drift. More like next next in line or so on. Pressures on but definitely not fully on you. Long live the average!

Leslie Jones Leaves Twitter, Doesn't Leave Twitter

Leslie Jones has had herself a time on Twitter since the release of her all-female (and one pathetic punchline of a male) film "Ghostbusters." The "Saturday Night Live" star's feed was recently flooded with homophobic and racist tweets, so much so she left the social media platform earlier this week.
"I leave Twitter tonight with tears and a very sad heart. All this cause I did a movie. You can hate the movie but the shit I got today ... wrong.”

She later stated she didn't leave Twitter but signed off for a while, as she is back on the popular site because a celebrity is nobody without an audience. She commented the insults didn't hurt her but the "injustice" of a "gang" of people harassing her was "gross, mean and unnecessary."

It's not a new phenomena for trolls to hide behind the veil of a computer screen to spew vile hatred, especially towards celebrities. In a world where bullying is a significant problem starting as early as the playground, something needs to be done to work towards a solution.

Leslie Jones' solution does not set a good example for anyone, especially impressionable youth in America and around the world. She is not the first person to be harassed and will not be the last. The CEO of Twitter or Facebook or anywhere this type of virtual torment occurs can ban people to their hearts delight. People can report abusive and harmful material and also those seductive pornbots. It will never be enough for these people, these outraged headline armchair activists. There will always be something to be outraged about so why not change ourselves?

Leslie Jones is famous, whether I think she's talented or a racist Tyler Perry-esque caricature of the stereotypical angry black woman (another rant for another day). She has a platform, why not use it for good? Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me. Don't sweat the small stuff. Never let anyone make you feel inferior without your consent (thank you Eleanor Roosevelt). Does she not know her actions gave the trolls what they want, what they desperately need? Attention. Don't feed the trolls!

People make fun of others because they hate themselves and need to release that hatred like diarrhea. I feel bad so you must feel bad too, come down to my level and wallow in misery. The key is to not let it touch you. If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it does it make a sound? If a troll spews vile hatred towards you but you ignore it does the troll exist?

Also, maybe the CEO's of social media platforms could work towards searching Tweets and posts and whatever for things that matter like terrorists and pedophiles. Just a thought.

The President of the United States Doesn't Matter

I was raised to not publicly speak of politics and religion. The main reasons are it isn't polite, you're not going to change anyone's mind, and one side of my family consists of uber-religious right-wing conservatives ... so there's that. At family reunions I kept my mouth shut and a wide-eyed, apathetic smiling face plastered on no matter what the topic and, let me tell you, the topic gets controversial. I consider it training for the real world where everyone has an opinion, hidden agenda and a Smartphone.
With soapboxes at the end of our finger tips, I understand I'm not the norm. The election is months away and social media platforms are swamped with political mumbo jumbo. Trump! Clinton! Some Libertarian from the land of "Sicario" - which my liberal mother refers to as "throwing your vote away." Am I the only person who sees the president as a figurehead?
Does no one worry about Congress and its great ability for making no progress? Politicians who have been "serving" for decades with so many corporations in their pockets they are the biggest whores of D.C. Filibusters and nonsense. Saving themselves from bankruptcy at the last possible moment. Bickering and arguing like school children. Historically you can expect a different majority party in Congress than the elected president. Doesn't that even out, or even cancel out, the absurdity we would get from Clown School Drop Out Donald Trump or Barbaric Predator Kankles Clinton?
At the end of the day, does the president matter? Isn't the president more of a cheerleader than a policymaker? I'm not talking in absolutes but in terms of overall. Do you know your senator? What about your representative - who, like the word, literally represents YOU? Isn't Congress more important than the president in terms of things that affect everyday people? And, if this is true, why aren't we more concerned with Congress?
Or, I could get really apathetic on you and say does any of this matter? If every politician is a puppet with its strings controlled by who knows what then ... what does it matter?

Lamar Odom: People Only Like You When You're Dying

Last night while skimming Twitter, I asked my husband, "Do you think Lamar Odom is going to die?" He looked at me wide-eyed and said something along the lines of: I don't wish the guy harm but, honestly, I don't care either way.
We aren't Kardashian fans (or foes). We aren't NBA fans. The only thing we know about Lamar Odom is he was in the NBA, dated Khloe Kardashian and had a drug problem, knowledge we gained from, most likely, Twitter headlines because that's where most of our news comes from nowadays. We don't dislike or like him or what he's about - it just isn't on our radar.
So, with news he overdosed at a whorehouse in Nevada and is fighting for his life ... well, it's sad but why is everyone coming out of the woodwork to praise the guy? Where were they when he left the NBA years ago and started this doomed voyage?
I find it creepy and happening more in my personal life as well as with celebrities. Is it a fear of death? We are uncertain with mortality so when someone is on the verge of death, whoever they may be to us, we feel frightened for them? We pity them?
Take a person. They are in your life, in whatever capacity, but you don't necessarily care for them so you keep your distance. Bam. They have a terminal illness. Why do we then reach out to them? Show love and support if we don't like them? Stop badmouthing them as if God will strike us down?
Why is not OK to dislike someone who is fighting a disease or illness or someone who is dying or died? That's not to say you wish ill on them but why is not OK to not care?
Someone dies. They weren't the best to you in life - maybe they were mean or hurt you or whatever. Why must we pretend the negatives didn't happen and focus on positives? So we can be at peace? If you would have never made peace with the person during their life, than why do it after death when they aren't here to accept it?
I don't know Lamar Odom and never will. I don't dislike him but I don't like him either. Why must I care he is dying? Why is it not OK to not care?

Why Aren't We Allowed To Not Care About Caitlyn Jenner

Following his divorce from Kardashian pimp Kris Jenner earlier this year, Bruce Jenner came out as a trans woman. Earlier this month he changed his name to Caitlyn and began referring to himself in public with feminine pronouns. He is now she.
When I read the news and saw the now infamous "Vogue" cover, I was happy for Caitlyn. I did not watch the April 20/20 interview with Diane Sawyer but I heard she gave a genuine story of her struggle with gender dysphoria. I hope her story helps to make transgender a more mainstream and less threatening term in society and helps any confused individuals out there fighting between male and female.
That's where it ended.
I never liked Bruce Jenner. I wasn't around for his Olympic success so the only thing I associate him with is Kardashian. An empire of talentless, ignorant whores invading America with plastic bodies and empty minds. What kind of person would marry into that family? His children with Kris are an Instagram porn model (honestly, what else does she do?) and the other is a supermodel who rode to fame on her last name. He married a woman, had two kids, then married another woman the same week of his divorce. Two more kids, who were stars of reality shows, then divorce and a final marriage to Kris which also ended in divorce. Not much to like and, lo and behold, she will have her own reality show.
So, while I can appreciate her courage, I don't understand why we are not allowed to not care about Caitlyn Jenner. If we share this sentiment then we must be a pro-Jesus bigot or deemed insensitive. Even Clint Eastwood can't make a joke - during a taping of the Guys Choice Awards, he compared Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson to other actors-turned-athletes like, "Jim Brown and Caitlyn Somebody." I don't know about you but to me he was joking about how over-saturated the news has become with the name, not about transgender being a negative.
I see the need for shaming people who spread hateful messages (i.e. "Christians" like the Duggar family who forget about the greatest commandment and focus on hating select groups of "God's children") but what about us who don't care? Be a woman. Be a man. Just get off my newsfeed already.
I can't say I like this person much either but I couldn't help but agree with Bob Costas in regards to his take on Caitlyn winning the ESPY's Arthur Ashe Courage Award.
Costas wished Jenner "all the happiness in the world and all the peace of mind in the world," but said, "I think this is a play to pump up audience the way lots of things are put on television, to attract eyeballs, not because of the validity, but because of whatever the kind of gawker factor is."
We don't care about Caitlyn Jenner. Think about all the people commenting one way or another. How many transgender people have you met in your life? How many do you personally know? How many would you call an acquaintance or friend? I can easily assume the percentage for most Americans is very, very low. It's one thing to Tweet your support and tear down people who think otherwise but what does that mean? What does that do? Do you support Caitlyn or do you want to be part of the narrative?
Did you like Bruce Jenner? Did you care about Bruce Jenner? I didn't and I'm sure most of you didn't either. So, since I didn't care about Bruce why should I care about Caitlyn? Would Caitlyn want me to care simply because he is now a she? Should we care about someone who goes from male to female or vice versa, pushing aside who they are as a person?
Caitlyn is currently worth $100 million. Now there's a new reality show, book deals and talk of her motivational speeches going from $40,000 to much, much more. She's fine. She's not a sad, confused teen struggling with identity during one of the hardest periods of life.
I don't care about Caitlyn Jenner just as I don't care about the Duggars and their news that wasn't shocking. I didn't care before so why should I care now?

Apple Debuts New Watch: Is It Smart?

Life isn't easy. You fill your days while also trying to get a solid 7-9 hours of shut eye a night. There are long commutes, difficulties with parenting, annoying bosses, expanding waistlines, adult responsibilities ... you love anything that will make your life easier.
Don't we love the easy way? I don't want to eat healthy and exercise to lose weight, I want a trick or a secret. I don't want to use my remote, I want to talk to my Xbox One and let it do the work. We are lazy growing lazier by the second.
I was late to the Smartphone game on purpose because I didn't think I needed it in my life. Did I want it? Sure. Did I need it? No. Finally Verizon decided to give me a free phone because Big Business wanted me smart! So, I bought a Smartphone and became dumber. Yeah, I could access the Internet anywhere, Tweet and Facebook, use fancy apps and Facetime but is it healthy to be glued to a glowing screen throughout the day? Probably not.
So, when I heard the Apple Watch made its debut I was less than excited. Apparently "notifications and messaging are at the heart of the Apple Watch." The reasoning? Why would you want to waste time digging out your phone from your pocket or your purse when you can look at your watch? Weather, music, apps, information right on your wrist!
Are we too lazy for Smartphones? I can assume the lemmings who need to have something no one else has yet will purchase the (starting at) $349 contraption but will people purchase this smart watch because it will fulfill a need in their life? You still need an iPhone in order to use the Apple Watch. Is this innovation or a gimmick? Does anyone need a smart watch? Depending on use, it will last 18 hours so will it be another thing to plug in constantly?
Are we going to continue to drift away from life, constantly obsessing over keeping constant track of our health, taking filtered pictures to make our lives seem better so our Facebook friends will Like and Comment? Instagram and Twitter followers trump life experiences. What are we moving towards?
Is technology moving in the wrong direction? Are these new inventions a sign of humanity spinning its wheels towards becoming inhuman?

I Did Not Watch The Academy Awards: Oscars Aren't For Us, They're For Them

I did not watch the 2015 Academy Awards. Yes, I have a TV. Yes, I was available Sunday night after about 7 p.m. Instead my husband and I watched The Matrix.
"The first one is great, the second one is not as good as the first and I thought the third one sucked," was his pitch for watching the trilogy. How could I not take the bait?
So, there we sat watching 1999 Keanu Reeves in all his Keanu Reevesness after putting our twin toddlers to bed. I mention my kids because maybe they're the reason I didn't watch the Academy Awards. Having children, especially two at once, depletes your capacity for bullshit. I don't give a shit about some stuff I used to give a shit about - i.e. dramatic friends on Facebook, celebrity gossip, what people think of me, frustrating family members. I got other fish to fry than wonder why Susie Smith wrote: "I am so pissed off" in a recent Facebook status. Keep on fishing Susie Q.
So, we have the Academy Awards. Rich people celebrating themselves - one big circle jerk. They get all gussied up - or not gussied up because they are so hip - and answer mindless, safe questions from smiley, happy reporters and then sit around schoomzing and boozing and being fabulous before we are told who or what was best this year. Then they go and party because why not? The lifestyles of the rich and famous - let's celebrate us!
They love themselves more than we love them. The one thing I can't help but think is they make movies. Movies. Entertainment yet we treat them like gods. Isn't that bizarre? They are strangers. Forever strangers we will never meet and get to know yet we act as if we have a close relationship. Eerie. Do you love Meryl Streep or the roles she played? Who is Meryl Streep anyway? Don't get me started on her and JLo pumping their fists when Patricia Arquette mentioned equality for women. Give me a break. Like it's so hard to be Meryl Streep or JLo or Patricia Arquette. Why don't you take the money you spent on hair, makeup, transportation, etc. for the Oscars and donate it to these women you care so desperately about?
Anyway, I'm not going to lie, some Oscar winning or nominated movies mentioned in news headlines were added to our Netflix list but that's where it ends. I saw "The Grand Budapest Hotel" in the movie theater months ago because my husband wanted to see "Transformers 4" and I needed a reprieve from my children. We got a sitter, he saw robots and boobies and I ate popcorn and candy, drank a soda, and saw anything else. Anything. I would have watched a Kirk Cameron flick if it meant a reprieve. Was "The Grand Budapest Hotel" good? It was weird but OK. I felt like maybe some of the humor was lost on a sleep deprived mother like myself but who knows. Do members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences know? Do you know?
I liked Marilyn Manson's new album, did you? If you didn't, or most likely don't like him or his music, does that mean I don't have good taste in music? What if I think you don't have good taste in music because you didn't like it? What if I watched "Legally Blonde" the other day and enjoyed myself? Am I a rube? I will say the sequel is unwatchable but that's my opinion.
I will leave you with this quote from Neil Patrick Harris who will forever be Dougie Howser to me, who has been in the business of show so long he doesn't know what it's like to be human. After the show he was interviewed about his process for hosting.
"I'm not a big fan of what I call quota comedy where you stand up there and you have to say x number of jokes about each movie and do digs and low brows. For me that just makes the rest of the audience that's not being talked about feel like they're not special and the person you're talking to gets their feelings hurt. So we wanted to make, I wanted to recalibrate the minds of the audience, not only in the room that have gone through the red carpet gauntlet but the people at home who are saying, 'Shush shush shush it's on right now.' To remind people why they're caring about tuning in, why they're caring about making movies."
Recalibrate? Shush shush shush? Worry about celebrities not feeling special? No thank you.

Conspiracy Theory: What News Can You Trust?

Do you fancy yourself a Fox News guy? Perhaps MSNBC or CNN? Maybe you laugh at those who watch a certain news channel or perhaps you ignore the news altogether and don't know names like ISIS or the goings on in Ferguson, Miss.
Lately I've wondered what news channel I should watch, what news blog I should follow. I worked as an editor at a newspaper for four years so I know how easy it is to manipulate the news with a slight slant of opinion. However, I wonder ... what's the most unopinionated news channel or does this not exist? I don't want to be fed my opinion, I want to be fed the truth, what's really go on today in the world.
Where does one go for this?

Family Stranded In Boat With Sick Baby, Needed Rescue: Why Should Taxpayers Pay For Morons?

Somebody call the "Today Show" because there's another family looking for fame. Move over Ma and Pa Duggar! Meet the Kaufmans!
Have you heard about this doozy of a family ...
Charlotte and Eric Kaufman recently set sail on the new leg of their around-the-world journey with daughters, Lyra, 1, and Cora, 3. Two adults, an infant and a small child aboard a 36-foot sailboat. What could possibly go wrong? Also keep in mind it was a "new leg" as in this journey has been going on for quite some time.
Anyway, about two weeks into their trip Lyra became violently ill and they needed to make a distress call. She had diarrhea, fevers, a large rash and was vomiting. According to Master Sgt. Klay Bendle, "She wasn't quite on death's door yet, but a couple more days she would've been." Their boat also lost its steering and communication abilities.
The California Air National Guard and the Navy (a Navy warship and 177 sailors) worked together and sent four pararescuemen, who jumped from a plane into the ocean and climbed aboard the Rebel Heart (of course it has a pretentious name like this) to treat Lyra. The boat was found 900 miles off the coast of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The family was headed toward islands in the South Pacific and eventually New Zealand. In a few days Lyra's condition stabilized and they awaited further transportation.
What happened to the Rebel Heart? It was sunk to the bottom of the ocean.
How much did this rescue mission cost hardworking American taxpayers?!? I understand they don't want people to second guess themselves out on the high seas, thinking they'll get a big, fat bill, because every second counts but ... what about people putting their own lives at risk? However, according to The San Diego Union Tribune, the rescue cost an estimated $660,000.
Also, if you were Eric or Charlotte, what would you feel ... embarrassed? Stupid? Ashamed of yourself for risking your children's lives?
This is their statement concerning the event:

"We understand there are those who question our decision to sail with our family, but please know that this is how our family has lived for seven years, and when we departed on this journey more than a year ago, we were then and remain today confident that we prepared as well as any sailing crew could. The ocean is one of the greatest forces of nature, and it always has the potential to overcome those who live on or near it. We are proud of our choices and our preparation, and while we are disappointed that we lost our sailboat and our home, we remain grateful for those who came to our aid and those family and friends who continue to encourage and support us. Thank you."

Are you serious? Seven years ... wait, that means you were on your adventure and instead of settling down for the sake of your children, giving them the consistency and security babies crave, you continued going because .... because ... why?
It's important when they first set off from San Diego on this part of their adventure, Charlotte was preggers with Lyra. They stopped in Mexico for the birth -- I can just imagine the travel itinerary. How stupid of me to schedule prenatal appointments when I was pregnant and take every precaution. I should have lived my dream of driving across the United States! Also, Lyra had salmonella in Mexico, along with Charlotte, but their pediatrician assured them Lyra was over it and safe to travel when they set off again on their voyage last month.
I obviously don't know these people but I am a firm believer actions speak louder than words so let's take a look at their actions. She said they were prepared ... I guess because Eric is a Coast Guard-licensed captain but I don't care if he's the captain of the USS Enterprise, babies, especially a sick one and a newborn, have no business on a boat in the middle of the ocean. Why is the threat of danger worth it?
In an article about this family I saw a link to Charlotte and Eric's blog, which began in 2007 ...
"We will slowly delete all the comments from the internet armchair quarterbacks who know nothing about us, our life, our skills, or, I might add, sailing."
Internet armchair quarterbacks? So, I'm sitting here on the Internet while you're playing the real game? The only game you're playing is Russian Roulette with people's lives. Also, we know nothing about you? Too bad, so sad honey because you have chronicled your life in a blog since 2007 so, yes, we know a lot about you!
On the blog she also complained about negative interviews her "nuclear family" are giving ... "Then again, these are the same family members who claim that my sister and I are lying about the sexual abuse we suffered from my father, who, to this day, remains an unprosecuted, unregistered sex offender." In her blog this sentence is linked to an entire entry, complete with photos, about her father and how he abused her and her sister. Wow, not going to go there.
This is some of the other shit she writes in her blog:
"April should be a big month. Taxes (ugh). I get the results of the CSET. I find out if I get accepted into a teaching program I’m looking into and ... Eric and I just might decide to move onto the boat. And I mean move onto the boat soon."
We don't have any money and I don't want to work like normal, hardworking Americans do so let's just move onto our boat when times get rough. Am I right? Do they even pay taxes, taxes that will pay for their idiotic rescue?
"I made cake last night, in force five conditions. I actually like force five on this boat (we had the same kind of conditions on our last crossing of the Sea of Cortez and I had a great time.) The only problem is force five with tiny kids on board. Oh well." Oh well? OH WELL? These are human beings. Helpless human beings. Are you insane? How can someone be this selfish? Ever heard of over stimulation? Ever heard of creating a calm environment so your child can thrive and feel comforted and safe? Did you read a baby book?
"When Cora woke up this morning she asked for some of the treat I was making last night because she had smelled it baking as she fell asleep. I lied and told her we ate it up; all the while, the rest of the cake sat on the counter by the dish rack, just waiting for Eric and I to devour it this evening with a cup of coffee, in silence, once the girls were asleep. Sorry for lying to you, Cora. One day, when you are a parent, you will understand."
MOTHER OF THE YEAR. I'm guessing your children didn't get immunizations while you were fulfilling your dreams. Maybe special Mexican immunizations because what's the difference, right? Maybe your own injections of mashed up kelp and sea water?
Your dreams. Your wishes. Your boat. Your adventure. The kids are just along for the ride, right? Oops, I got pregnant. Sure Baby, you can tag along. Why not? A child shouldn't mean I have to give up MY dreams. Selfish, selfish, selfish.
I need to stop reading the broad's blog because I'm starting to get pissed and, more importantly, I have children to raise. My children aren't out in harm's way in a boat in the middle of the ocean so I can go to New Zealand. We aren't at risk for high winds, storms or who knows what. We are in a house, in a calm environment where they can eat, sleep, play and dream. Where they can thrive because everything is new to them.
Do I do this because it's fun for me? No way. I don't enjoy being stuck in the house most of the time but it's what is best for them and that's what is important.
 Charlotte's sister is working with friends in San Diego to collect donations for the Kaufmans because they lost most of their belongings. The best gift would be to take those poor children away from those selfish morons.

Stupid Is As Stupid Does: Swamp Pawn, Party Down South, Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, Duck Dynasty

I haven't posted a blog in some time. I had twin boys in October and turns out it'll take up most, if not all, of your time. I changed so much over the past five months yet here I sit still cynical.
As a stay-at-home mom I've spent some quality time in the front of the boob-tube, both night and day, and let me tell you, there's a lot of crap on there. Now, I'm no stranger to questionable viewing. I enjoy the likes of "Family Feud" and some shitty movies now and then. However, yesterday I was scanning the menu and noticed "Mrs. Doubtfire" was on. As I was in need of a laugh I clicked OK. Easy humor for a stressful day, sounds good right? Even if my boys have psycho-billy-freakouts, I've seen this movie many times so I'll know what's going on. It was all sunshine and rainbows until the commercials came on and I noticed "Swamp Pawn" followed by an advertisement for "Party Down South." I was confused. What channel was I on? I looked and it said CMT as in Country Music Television. What do these creatures have to do with Country Music?
On "Swamp Pawn" a little person was rubbing lotion on the bald head of an older gentleman. Huh? On "Party Down South," redneck youngsters were living la vida loca a la Jersey Shore. I don't understand how there are people living in the United States today who enjoy shows like these. Maybe they will only have one season but did you know 8.5 million people tuned in to "Duck Dynasty" in January. To make matters worse, this absurd number is down 28% from their season premiere the year before. What is wrong with people?
Think about the amazing television gracing the airwaves and those shows recently airing their series finales. "True Detective," "Breaking Bad," "Game of Thrones," "The Good Wife," "Dexter" (although its finale was disappointing) ... do people who watch shows like "Duck Dynasty" or all those Housewives shows watch shows like "True Detective," and, if so, can they tell the difference in quality? I like mindless entertainment like the rest of them but I want to actually be entertained.
Is America getting dumber? Do people like the cast of "Duck Dynasty" or do they think they're stupid and enjoy watching their exploits?

Filibusters Are Stupid: Politics, Ted Cruz, Wasting Time

The other day I logged onto Facebook and, lo and behold, people were talking politics. Not surprising since social media gives everyone a license to be experts on everything and anything. Subject of the day was Obamacare and Ted Cruz, R-Texas.At a dinner the other week a friend of mine, who heads human resources for a county, explained in detail the Affordable Care Act (which almost everyone refers to as Obamacare) because she had to become an expert on the comprehensive healthcare reform. So, I wouldn't say I'm an expert, like her, but I probably know a lot more than most of America because I became informed instead of watching the latest episode of "Honey Boo Boo."
So, back to Ted Cruz. He is being described as a "folk hero" for rightwingers since he took it upon himself to deliver a 21-hour talkathon, discussing everything from his love for White Castle hamburgers to "Star Wars." Cruz wanted to prevent Senators from opening debate on a House-passed bill to keep the government open past Monday and to strip out a provision in that bill that would defund Obamacare.
It's not likely this will happen yet he is still being praised, especially by the Tea Party. It's interesting he targeted Republicans as much as the Democrats in his 21-hour babblethon.
You know, I could go on about Republicans, the Tea Party, Democrats, Obamacare or Ted Cruz. Especially Cruz's politics as he is anti-gay, pro-life and pro-gun because he isn't just pro-gun, he's a gun fanatic. This past March, an announcement was made by Cruz and U.S. Senators Rand Paul and Mike Lee threatening to filibuster any legislation that entails gun control. Filibuster.
Why on earth are filibusters allowed? Twenty-one hour talkathons? Being lauded for babbling on about your love for tiny burgers? How pathetic. America the beautiful is in shambles. We are out of money, yet still trying to solve world problems. There are so many concerns in America today yet the people we elect can't play nice so they waste time and can't compromise? How pathetic. How can anything be solved? Did we elect children or adults?

Jaden Smith: Open Mouth, Insert Foot

As an adult, I typically look to actors and actresses to please me as they are monkeys for my enjoyment. Perform well in your TV show or movie, make me forget about life for a while and, for actresses, show me some fashion. Aside from that, I don't think of them as real people. As for the teenage/young adult actors/actresses, they don't hit my radar -- twerking, yolo, swag ... I have no idea what any of this means.
Now, I didn't always feel this way. As an impressionable teenager and young adult, I definitely looked to celebrities for more. However, especially in today's age, with Beliebers and all sorts of morons, it's a slippery slope. There's Twitter, Instagram and Facebook where celebrities can connect with their young fans, which is dangerous if said celebrity is a moron -- all technology I was without when growing up.
This is why I was disappointed with Jaden Smith's recent wisdom on education (because we all want to know what he thinks about education in America ... ) -- although, I'm not surprised. Jaden tweeted to his more than 4.5 million followers, “School Is The Tool To Brainwash The Youth” and “If Newborn Babies Could Speak They Would Be The Most Intelligent Beings On Planet Earth.” Earlier, he Tweeted, "If Everybody In The World Dropped Out Of School We Would Have A Much More Intelligent Society."
Hmm ... this is stupid, especially since he and his look-a-like sister, Willow, are home-schooled after leaving a school funded by their parents (it closed in June because of lack of funding) that used a teaching method developed by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard.
Cue the Twilight Zone music.
Is anyone surprised he's a good friend of super-baby Justin Bieber and is dating a Jenner/Kardashian? Also his movie career is a little ... well ... pathetic. He made his debut in "The Pursuit of Happyness" (produced by, narrated by and featuring his dad, Will Smith), followed by a remake of "The Day The Earth Stood Still," remake of "The Karate Kid" (produced by his father), "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never," and "After Earth" (produced by his parents, story by his dad and featuring his dad). He was also in a sitcom, "All Of Us" (created by his parents) and an episode of "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody." He's also danced on a couple music videos (including his sister's "I Whip My Hair Back and Forth" aka Yuck) and put out some singles because he's apparently a rapper. He's best known as being Will and Jada's kid.
Can you say silver spoon?
What would happen if the reality TV wannabes flooding the teenage population of the U.S. listened to this moron and dropped out of school? Would their millionaire celebrity parents swoop in and save the day, putting them in a movie and paying for them to put out a crap rap album? Oh wait ... the majority of these kids aren't rich. Their parents aren't celebrities. If they drop out of school, they will hardly have any job opportunities.
Hmm, Jaden. What would your god L. Ron Hubbard think of that? Way to go Jada and Will Smith, you've raised someone who contributes nothing to society.
You could argue he's 15 and no one cares what a 15-year-old says but, with a audience of 4.5 million people, we should be afraid for the future of society.
You could argue he's lashing out against government funded schools. Well, guess what folks! The majority of American youth have to attend these schools because their parents can't afford to send them to private school or, in the Smith case, fund a school just for them. Does Jaden have a concept of what it's like to be a normal human being? He's never been to a normal school. His life is a fairytale.
Also, he and his family are Scientologists so ... yeah ...

50 Shades of Grey: Charlie Hunnam, Dakota Johnson, An Unlikely Story - Is This What Women Fantasize About?

After the media flurry over Charlie Hunnam being cast as Christian Grey in the film adaption of E. L. James' "Fifty Shades of Grey," I figured I'd give the book a go -- yes, I know it came out in 2011. Better late than never.
At 269 pages (halfway there), I can see why "Fifty Shades" lovers are upset. I don't see Hunnam as complicated billionaire Christian Grey. Perhaps it's because I've only seen him in "Sons of Anarchy" and "Pacific Rim," but he seems more tough guy than control freak, dominant sex fiend. I don't know who I envision other than a young Christian Bale (his character is reminiscent of Bale's in "American Psycho") but I'll be interested to see if Hunnam can pull it off because he's a cutie.
With that out of the way, why is this book so popular? Is it because it's directed towards women and it includes taboo items our pretty little heads aren't supposed to think about -- like talk of whips, butt plugs, bondage, vaginal fisting, anal sex? We aren't supposed to even know what that stuff is, right? If we read this then we are living on the edge! I ask this because the premise is far from likely, reminding me of a Penthouse letter detailing scenarios which obviously never occurred.
A young woman, Anastasia Steele, is about to graduate college and has never had sex, never masturbated and never gotten drunk -- she's more interested in English literature and drinking like an adult. She is clumsy and unsure of herself, not popular with guys, yet she's beautiful and attracts the attention of a drop-dead gorgeous late-20s billionaire who borders on obsessed. He is a master pianist, can fly a helicopter, uses his money to help combat world hunger, and enjoys good wine and classical music. He's never had a normal relationship with a woman, including what he describes as vanilla sex and the layman describes as sex. He's never even slept next to a woman yet he lets his borders down for her because isn't that what always happens in women's literature -- we have an unattainable man we are able to change. We'll be the one to make him settle down, we'll be the one he opens up to about his difficult childhood. Oh, did I mention he's into S&M? Like really into S&M. Like the old Ludacris song, "Whips, chains, handcuffs ... smack a little booty with my belt." Of course he's gorgeous, has a generous penis and makes her reach orgasm constantly, like rub her nipples and she's shooting off like a rocket to Pleasure Land, like she has her first wet dream because he's unleashed her sexuality. She becomes obsessed with him and is turned on by a glance from her lover.
I find it hard to believe a virgin, so virginal she doesn't masturbate, agrees to become a submissive in an S&M scheme with a man she hardly knows. Oh wait, they have an electric connection and blah blah blah. I find this book to be a predictable romance spiced with S&M taboo-ness. Also, could this be more of a "Twilight" rip off -- young, demure girl who is awkward yet doesn't know she's beautiful and becomes a desirous object to an unattainable, eccentric man. Maybe I should relax and enjoy the ride -- some of the sex scenes have been decent (I don't know how much will make the movie) -- but I can't help but feel E. L. James is laughing at me and women everywhere.

Christopher Lane, Delbert Belton murdered: Race - Why Does America Only Care About Trayvon Martin

Christopher Lane. Have you heard this name? No? What about Delbert "Shorty" Belton? No bells ringing in your head? Nothing on the news?
Christopher Lane, 23, was gunned down by three teens (two 16-year-olds and one 17-year-old) in Duncan, Okla. while he was out jogging last week. They shot Lane in the back from a moving vehicle because ... well, as the police chief described it, the teens decided to kill somebody at random. One of the teens said, "We were bored and didn't have anything to do, so we decided to kill somebody." Some media outlets are mentioning a gang initiation but this is only a theory.
It was a "thrill kill" by two black teens and one white teen. One of the black teens Tweeted "With my niggas when it's time to start taken life's" before the murder. He also Tweeted back in April, "90% of white ppl are nasty. #HATE THEM." Their names are James Edwards Jr. (the Tweeter), Chancey Luna and Michael Jones. Have you heard these names? No?
Christopher Lane was a promising baseball player from Australia who was here on a college scholarship. After his murder, former Australian deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer called on Australians to boycott the United States because of our lax gun laws and violence.
But let's not forget about Delbert "Shorty" Belton (too bad you probably don't know who he is in the first place), the 88-year-old World War II veteran who was wounded at Okinawa. He was recently beaten to death outside the Eagles Lodge in Spokane, Wash. -- he had serious injuries to his head. It was a random attack by two black youths between the ages of 16 and 19, according to video surveillance. Belton was waiting outside for a friend because he did not want her to walk home alone.
Knock, knock, anybody home? After Trayvon Martin was killed, you couldn't turn on the TV without hearing about it but now? Where's the outrage? Where's the #justiceforchristopher or #justicefordelbert on Twitter? Anybody? Do we not care because the victims were white and the majority of the perpetrators were black? Would we care if it was black-on-black crime? Would we only care if it was white-on-black crime? Do we not care because the media hasn't told us to care?
It's interesting the Rev. Al Sharpton and President Barack Obama, who were so vocal during the Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman case, are silent. Don't white people matter?

George Zimmerman, Paula Deen, Big Brother: Racism is alive and well in America

Do you watch the George Zimmerman trial live on TV or your computer? Do you follow every update and news article relating to the case? Do you discuss it with your friends and family?
Why?
The Facebook statuses and Tweets from people who, pretending they have magical law degrees from Juris Superstar Happy-Time University, have it all figured out make me want to cry for America. A majority of these people are only concerned about this case because Trayvon Martin is black and so are they or they're not black but want everyone to know how color-blind they are when it comes to race. Trayvon is black, Zimmerman is not, so you care. There. I said it. The elephant in the room. If this young man was any other race or if this was a crime between people of the same race the concern would plummet. If people like Nancy Grace and the opportunists of the world didn't suck this trial for all it's worth, the concern would plummet. It's disgusting.
Do I know if George Zimmerman killed Trayvon Martin because of his race or some other ignorant reason? No and neither do you America. That's why we have a court system. We don't know what happened because we were not there. All we know is Geraldo Rivera and his big mustache told us, "You can't rehabilitate the hoodie," Trayvon was carrying a pack of Skittles which is supposed to make him an innocent lamb, NBC played an edited clip of Zimmerman on the Today Show that was taken out of sequence, Zimmerman was some sort of neighborhood vigilante wannabe (maybe), and Florida has a Stand Your Ground Law.
What's also sad is if George Zimmerman is found not guilty by a jury of his peers (this is the same state that let Casey Anthony go free), black people across America will riot. How is this not racist? How is only caring about a trial because the victim is black not racist? OJ Simpson ring a bell? The media is eating this up like chocolate cake, egging on the ignorant across the nation to rise up and get angry over hypothetical, fear-mongering nonsense. They discuss the trial more and more because they know we will listen and salivate. We want justice for Trayvon even though we don't know him and never will. We hate George Zimmerman even though we don't know him and never will. Are the laws in Florida a little kooky? Maybe. That's why I don't live in Florida and am not in political office.
We are quick to listen to what the media tells us and make a decision, which is ignorant. Paula Deen is awful. Why? Well because we heard she said this or that or something else from saying the n-word to wanting slaves at a party. What actually happened? Lisa Jackson, a former employee of restaurants owned by Deen and her brother, Earl "Bubba" Hiers, filed a lawsuit alleging racial and sexual discrimination. Lisa Jackson. Do you know her? No. Should we believe her? I don't know. Deen admitted she's used the n-word, which is awful. However, what about the numerous black people, including rappers, who use the n-word liberally? I'm not saying Deen's use of the n-word is OK because it's not, just as I'm not defending George Zimmerman. It's 2013 for goodness sakes, wake up Paula. However, how come the n-word is OK sometimes and not other times? There's a racist on "Big Brother" apparently (my better half and I were surprised people actually still watch this show but whatever) but that's taken a back seat to the Save Trayvon Crusade.
When is America going to wake up? When are people going to choose what they support and care about not based on race but on injustice? What about the three women found after being held captive for 10 years? Do people even care about them anymore? What about letting our children listen to people like Justin Bieber, who urinate into restaurant mop buckets and curse out former presidents because they're spoiled jerks? Is he a role model? I think not. Are our children going to grow up to be reality television crazed morons who listen to everything the media tells them? Let's hope not.

Abercrombie & Fitch, Michael Jeffries Only Wants The Beautiful People: Duh

Maybe you've heard, maybe not since in the scope of world affairs it isn't important or shocking, but Abercrombie & Fitch is in the middle of a media firestorm.
Abercrombie & Fitch refuses to sell clothing larger than a size 10/L (as they have done forever) because CEO Mike Jeffries (who looks like a scarier Bruce Jenner - yes, scarier) only wants "good looking people" to wear his brand -- coming from a 2006 interview with Salon. You may be thinking what I was thinking when I heard this news - how is this anything new? They've been doing this for years! He said this years ago!
Well a Philadelphia-based writer recently penned a letter about how she was bullied in high school by kids who wore Abercrombie & Fitch - um, bitch please, weren't we all? Anyway, here's the abridged version:

A Note to Michael Jeffries, CEO, Abercrombie & Fitch.

Mike,

I write to you in response to the recent media outburst surrounding your unfortunate decision to further declare the exclusions that exist in your soft-core porn clothing store, Abercrombie & Fitch. I read your statements, your comments, your beliefs and I’ve let them sink in for a few weeks. In fact, I initially decided not to respond at all since I have always chosen to not shop at your store anyway. The fact that your store doesn’t make or sell clothing higher than a size 10 or a “L” is actually news to me. I think your store, quite literally, stinks.

Now, I worked at Guest Services inside of my local mall and I had to deal with the customers who complained about the abundance of musky stench that infects the sinuses of each passer-by, but I did not write you then. I heard that you were targeting girls as young as eight years old in your campaigns over the years, sending them your pornographic catalogs and full-knowingly attempting to engage them into becoming sexual, “cool” teens who would shop at your store, but I did not write you then. But when you specifically called out my plus size ass in your latest statements, Mike, I’m ready to write.

You see, I told you, I’m polite to the point where it makes me uncomfortable to just call you “Mike” (but I’m over it). I know I’m polite because I’ve met impolite people (this is you). I think back to high school, where I attended a “well-off” private, Catholic, college preparatory school. I think of the kids who, when they weren’t wearing a uniform, sported your clothing. I regret to inform you that “cool” doesn’t exactly come to mind, but “expulsion”, “bully”, “pretzel thrown at me at lunch”, and “harassment” actually do. They were ALL on the football team and I bet you, Mike, find them to be cool.

You see, it was the kids wearing your clothing who thought they were so unstoppably “cool” (because you told them they are) that they could therefore harass girls all throughout our class-- girls of all different shapes and sizes. They thought they could write derogatory comments across one girl’s driveway at home, and they were expelled. They thought that they could call the girls at home at night, plaguing them with hurtful words and hysterical laughter, and they were suspended.

I’m 27 years old, Mike, and I received a social media message from one of these bullies just last year, with a wink face… that’s it, just a wink face. It was a cruel reminder, a hurtful flashback.. a wink is all it takes to tell me, almost TEN YEARS after high-school graduation and the last time we saw each other, that he still is teasing me, he is still mean, he is still a bully, he is still SO COOL, and he wanted me to know.

When I re-visited your outrageous commentary today, I discovered the long list of rules that you require that your private jet flight attendants fulfill.

I can’t say I won’t buy your products because, as I’ve said, I never did and, secondly, you’ve excluded me from being able to do so anyway. I know there is currently a young all-American man who is clothing the homeless by donating his A&F clothes because your claims sicken him too, Mike. I know there are a bunch of moms, fully disregarding the former money spent on your clothing, rallying up mounds of their kids’ clothes that display your A&F tags, and ridding of them.

And I’ve got news for you, Mike… in the world, girls with huge hooters are INCREDIBLY cool, and they may require an “XL”.

Get with it,

Colleen Radano

Obviously this woman didn't write this letter so Mike could "get with it." She wrote it for attention because Mike will never "get with it." Why should he? People buy his clothing and he's rich enough to buy plastic surgery until his face falls off and then he's rich enough to buy a new face. (I'm picturing a skin mask a la Buffalo Bill but ... that's just me). In conclusion, he has no reason to "get with it."
Anyway, this woman needs to stop obsessing over high school bullies. I got bullied in high school - as a 6' tall woman, it was likely to happen. A lot of people got bullied in high school and are still getting bullied in high school. My children will probably meet a bully or two along their grade school career. That's life. I used to get pissed about it from time to time but realized (years ago) it's not worth it to obsess over the past.
Yes, I think it's stupid a company can profit off alienating customers but Mike Jeffries has been doing this for years and it seems to be working! Perhaps many of the customers simply like the clothing, perhaps not and it's more of a label thing. He's found the niche - the popular, thin, rich people who are obsessed with image. Too bad it's not against the law and probably won't end.
Yes, I couldn't wear Abercrombie & Fitch. First off, it's expensive. Second off, the only clothing of theirs I fit into was a mens Medium. A generous family member bought me a couple items when I was young (in mens sizes) so I could wear the label but that's about where my relationship with A&F starts and ends. I wear a size 12 shoe and a lot of well-known companies don't carry that size. Maybe they don't want Big Foot (aka me) wearing their shoes, maybe not. I don't care. I shop at the stores that carry my size.
Yes, the canine cologne stench coming out of Hollister and A&F nauseates me but I don't go to the mall enough to fall victim to this absurdness because the mall sucks. Too many people, too much hassle.
Yes, their clothing targets young girls and urges them to sexualize themselves, which is disgusting. Pornographic? Possibly, although I think this chick's idea of porn and mine are quite different. Parents need to have honest and open conversations about this type of thing when it's brought up because it's going to happen whether A&F sells slutty clothing or not.
Yes, I'm not what Mike would define as one of his "good looking people" to wear his brand. I'm too old and I'm too curvy. Cest la vie.
Abercrombie & Fitch only wants the beautiful people but think about this ... when have you seen a clothing ad with an ugly model? Maybe they all aren't supermodels but they're attractive and thin. Interesting ...
The real issue with this whole drama is teaching our children to be happy with who they are on the INSIDE. Promoting self-esteem and self-confidence. Promoting the idea you don't need an Abercrombie & Fitch wardrobe and if someone thinks you do to be cool then that someone isn't worth your time. Promote healthy choices, from nutrition to exercise to peer pressure and sexuality. Don't be who someone expects you to be, whether it's this bitter chick or Michael Jeffries, be who you want to be because that's what makes YOU happy.
Frankly, if you aren't happy with a company, then boycott them. I think it's bizarre that Chic-fi-la spends money to promote anti-abortion and anti-homosexuality causes so I don't buy their food (it's not that good anyway). That's my decision.
I can't wear A&F - the age and size factors. There's a lot of things I can't do. What can I do? Be happy with who I am and live my life. Mike Jeffries is a dickhead but face it, he's always been a dickhead and will always be a dickhead. How pathetic.

Ariel Castro pleads not guilty: Cleveland kidnapping, why pleading innocent makes sense

I was surfing Twitter and what to my wondering eyes did appear: "ALERT: Ariel Castro's lawyer reveals kidnapping suspect's plea." Along with most Americans, I follow this shocking case. I figured he'd plead guilty, given the circumstances, and was shocked to find he's done just the opposite.
According to an article in the New York Daily News, who nicknamed him the Cleveland Creep, Castro's attorneys had this to say:
"I can tell you that Mr. Castro is extremely committed to the well being and positive future for his daughter, who he loves dearly ... And if people find that to be a disconnect from what he's alleged to have done, then the people will just have to deal with it. We just know how he feels about his little girl."
"The initial portrayal by the media has been one of a 'monster' and that's not the impression that I got when I talked to him for three hours ... I know that family members who have been interviewed by the media have expressed that as well."
Apparently we the people want to demonize this man but we don't "know the whole story," which will be "disclosed as the case progresses." What could be his excuse for the house of horrors (also compared to conditions endured by prisoners of war) police found and what about the three young women and one child (who he fathered) who pointed their fingers at him? Are we supposed to believe these women are lying? Did they want to be chained and held captive (there were chains fixed to the walls and dog leads hanging from the ceiling)? If he was so nice why did the women suffer injuries such as bed sores, malnutrition, hearing loss, joint and muscle damage? The upstairs bedrooms were furnished with only a mattress on the floor and padlocks on the outside ...
As for the 6-year-old, this reminds me of wilding Craster from "Games of Thrones" who marries his daughters, has children with them but feeds the male offspring to the mysterious White Walkers and keeps the female offspring so he can marry them later on. In a nutshell, gross. Was he planning to rape her as well? He loved her so much he had her mother birth her in a plastic kiddie pool? If that's not love, I don't know what is ...
When I first read his attorneys' remarks, I was upset. It's unfortunate all this time and money will be spent trying someone we all know is guilty but doesn't have the stones to admit his wrong-doing -- he had the stones to kidnap, repeatedly rape and enslave those young women in a populated area (allegedly). I understand everyone is innocent before proven guilty (although this New York Daily News article has Castro signed, sealed and delivered on a one-way ticket to hell by way of lethal injection and I'm pretty close to this conclusion as well) and everyone has the right to legal counsel, but you'd think this man would make it easier on everyone and plead guilty considering the evidence.
However, I soon realized his not guilty plea makes sense.
This isn't me or you or someone sane-ish. This is a mentally sick man. He is intelligent but lacks a moral compass. Of course his attorneys couldn't tell he's mentally sick even though they spoke with him for three hours. He lived a lie for 10 years, what's three hours with two attorneys? The truth only came out because one young woman was courageous enough to attempt an escape! How much longer would those women be held if she didn't try to escape and her neighbor didn't help? Castro kidnapped three young women and probably lays the blame on them because they were the ones who got into his car -- similar to serial killers who murder/rape prostitutes because, to them, they aren't human beings. Allegedly, Castro repeatedly raped these women, held them captive with chains and leashes, abused them physically and mentally (especially the one he starved and punched in the stomach when she became pregnant with his child - apparently five times. She is being referred to as his "main punching bag"). Who knows what else he did because 10 years is a long time. Of course pleading not guilty makes sense for him because he doesn't believe he did anything wrong. He's crazy!
All I can hope for these young women is justice and the ability to salvage a future because the American public will forget about them quickly!

Door-to-door search violation of Fourth Amendment? Boston Marathon bombing, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, freedom

Haven't written a post in a while ... maybe that means there's no reason to bitch. Signs point to me being lazy because there's always something to bitch about!
The Boston Marathon Bombing Aftermath - what's the deal with people complaining about government involvement, i.e. Watertown on lock down while they tracked down the terrorists, door-to-door searches. People have been bitching and moaning about freedom and rights. Don't tread on me, give me liberty or give me death, Obama's turning the country into a Nazi state (are Jews and the "unwanted" being murdered and enslaved?) blah blah blah.
People who bitch about freedom and rights are typically cowards who have never needed to use their precious guns to defend themselves and have never been in a town where two terrorists were running around using explosives as weapons - in a standoff with police they set off bombs! Bombs! The whizzing sound of bullets, pop pop pop, the boom of shrapnel filled explosives. Is this Watertown, Mass. or Afghanistan?
People have their panties in a twist, more specifically, because the door-to-door search of the bombing suspects was (to them) a violation of the fourth amendment. The Fourth Amendment protects against search and seizure of private property without a warrant but there is an exception under critical circumstances. Terrorists critical enough for you?
Armored vehicles, tanks, heavily armored law enforcement -- what is this, "1984" or a police state?
The ACLU reported they received complaints but none from people whose homes were ACTUALLY searched. You know what? If there is a crazed terrorist running through my town - please, be my guest. Search my home because I have nothing to hide and maybe Dzhokhar Tsarnaev found his way into my home through a window or something ... who knows! I could help find him! Don't people want to help law enforcement? Don't people want to do whatever is in their power to find this man?
Luckily the brave men and women killed Tamerlan Tsarnaev and found (with the help of one Watertown resident) Dzhokhar, risking their lives while we sat at home, glued to our TVs and radios, bitching and moaning about freedom because it's so easy. It's so easy to log on Twitter or Facebook and complain and rant about liberty. How dare they lock down Watertown! How can they do that? What is this? This is the beginning of the end!
These people don't want the government and police telling them what to do, what to think, how to live but when a serial killer or terrorist is on the loose in their neighborhood -- let's see what happens then!

I'm dying, even the dog senses it: Death, dying, afterlife, Heaven, Hell, asteroids - even outerspace is trying to kill us

Another week is coming to a close. Tell me baby, what's on your mind? The weekend, sweet hot Valentine's Day lovin, happy hour, a Whitman's sampler with a map, hours of uninterrupted sleep, life, the universe and everything? How about death?
Yeah. Death.
I have an odd view on death. Maybe it's because I grew up with a family member who passive aggressively wanted to die her entire life: "I'm dying, even the dog senses it." Who says that? What kind of person replies to a Merry Christmas greeting with "I wish I were dead?" Decades later, she's still alive with the same false wish.
Maybe it's because I think too much and can't base my life around someones take on an old, frequently edited and often interpreted collection of tales - i.e. The Bible.
Maybe because my father told me constantly to question everything.
Maybe because a 150-foot wide asteroid will buzz our swiftly turning planet Friday (today) while everyone is busy surfing the net at work and wondering if Honey Boo Boo's mom is going to join "Dancing With The Stars" or if hottie-hot-hot-stuff Hugh "Wolverine" Jackman is gay (he sings, he dances ... have you seen his scary wife - is she his beard?). People are too busy uploading photos of Valentine's Day roses and chocolates and sharing romantic plans and Tweeting and Facebooking their sweethearts sweet nothings so everyone knows they aren't a loser loner on the Day of Hearts or perhaps, passive aggressively or not so passively, loudly hating the annual holiday because they are a loner Dottie, a rebel. This all reminds me of the beginning to "Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy."
According to NASA (you know, that important agency politicians don't want to fund), this is the closest documented encounter of an asteroid this large - not counting the ones that made impact with Earth in the past (comforting). The asteroids that buzzed closer were smaller and burned up in the atmosphere, which the rubes of the world love like fireworks on the Fourth of July.
Look Brandi and LeAnn, it's magic in the sky!
Did you know a smaller asteroid passed within 140,000 miles of Earth in December or were you too busy Christmas shopping and pretending to believe in God by going to church for the first, and only, time all year?
The big bad asteroid - DA14 - will come within 17,500 miles of Earth - the moon is 238,900 miles away for all you big brains out there. It's capable of blasting a crater equivalent to hundreds of Hiroshima atomic bombs. What's scarier is scientists believe there are tens to hundreds of thousands similar but undiscovered objects - most with dimensions in the hundreds of feet - hurtling through space right this very second.
NASA is confident DA14 will not hit Earth but ... is anyone out there scared? Mr. Herman, paging Mr. Herman, Mr. Herman, you have a telephone call at the front desk. I have read so many complaints and so much praise for President Barack Obama's speech, Speaker of the House John Boehner's dry mouth, Pope Benedict XVI's exit, Kim Kardashian and Kayne West's demon child, Kate Middleton's baby bump controversy, guns guns guns ... what about the asteroid? Bueller? Bueller? Anything other than shtick referencing the movie "Armageddon" ... ?
Oh wait, no one wants to talk about that because it's scary so let's just pretend all is well like Kevin Bacon did in "Animal House."
The asteroid reminds me of death. Not in the obvious way (asteroid hits Earth = we could die) but in its unpredictability, especially with the recent news of a large meteor blowing up as it entered the Earth's atmosphere over Mother Russia - a shockwave shattered windows, rocked buildings and injured hundreds. I could die today. There, I wrote the words and now the thought is real. I can't wrap my head around that, which is probably why I can't wrap my head around all aspects of religion except to love God and your neighbor. Couple this fear of death with the fact something from outer space could hurtle to Earth and kill us all and there's nothing we or Bruce Willis (cue "Armageddon" shtick) can do and I'm feeling a bit uneasy.
So, as I struggle to figure out what happens after death, should I follow the path of many heathens and stop thinking about it because, obviously, it's a given and no one has documented evidence what takes place so philosophizing is pointless. There's nothing I can do to stop an asteroid or a crazed murderer or old age and I can't Highlander-ize myself so I should fuggedaboutit.
Or, is this wonder, this pursuit of knowledge the one thing separating us from other animals. We think, we scrutinize, we wonder, we question - isn't this the meaning of being human? If we stopped wondering, would life lose meaning? Would we become savages? Is there a Heaven free from pain, a hellfire blazing with cruelty and suffering or are we reincarnated like the cycle of the seasons? Or, the option which scares me the most, is there nothing? Lights off, game over, nothing ...