Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. In the case of this picture, I was rendered utterly speechless when I saw it. For those of you who question if there is a God or if he concerns himself with us lowly pions, I believe there is no more definitive proof than this!
With the latest rash of “You Lie” and “Hell No” spewing forth from members of Congress and The House (side eye at Joe Wilson and John Boehner), I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I’ve been holding my breath in anticipation for some sort of MMA or Smack Down match up there on Capitol Hill. I mean, with all the venom flying from across the aisle, doesn’t it seem like it’s only a matter of time before our elected officials resort to fisticuffs?
Honestly, I hope not. Especially now that I’ve seen what politicians behaving badly (while on the clock) really looks like. In Kiev, Ukraine today, lawmakers in parliament clashed, threw punches (and eggs) and set off smoke bombs in response to a Kremlin favored vote which would allow Russia’s navy to continue occupying one of the country’s ports on the Black Sea. You can read more about the political brouhaha HERE.
It seems that the original intent behind the development of social networks as a way to find and keep in touch with important people in our lives has long been forsaken, and in its wake, social irresponsibility, reckless conduct and avenues for collective hate speech has manifested.
Because of an inbox full of Farmville Foolishness, Mafia Invites and Sorority Gifts, I seldom log into Facebook anymore. The day that I did decide to see “what’s new” on the largest social network in the world, I was surprised to come across a new take on a rather outdated and boorish attempt to disrespect the President. An anonymous Facebook page administrator has created a Fan Page that promotes the death of President Barack Obama, and has attracted more than 1.1 million fans on the site.
The page is called “DEAR LORD, THIS YEAR YOU TOOK MY FAVORITE ACTOR, PATRICK SWAYZIE. YOU TOOK MY FAVORITE ACTRESS, FARAH FAWCETT. YOU TOOK MY FAVORITE SINGER, MICHAEL JACKSON. I JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW, MY FAVORITE PRESIDENT IS BARACK OBAMA. AMEN.”
Although the identity of the fan page creator is unlisted (we all know that most people have an astonishing amount of confidence while hiding behind the strokes of their keyboards), the pages’ location appears to come out of Marysville, Ohio.
Facebook, which is always careful not to infringe upon its users First Amendment says that the Obama Prayer page does not violate any of the social network’s policies for use.
“We’re sensitive to content that includes pornography, bullying, hate speech, and actionable threats of violence and we react quickly to remove content that violates our policies when it is reported to us,” said Facebook spokesman Andrew Noyes.
“Facebook is highly self-regulating and leverages its more than 400 million users to keep an eye out for offensive content. We encourage users to report such content and we have a large team of professional reviewers who evaluate these reports and take action per our policies.”
The page could very well be some angry racist’s attempt to stick it to the POTUS, since his or her Tea Party infiltration hasn’t done much to slow the momentum of Obama’s 4-Year Plan (although I highly doubt it, seeing as how Michael Jackson was listed as their favorite singer), or just some simpleton’s perverse attempt at humor. Either way, bandwagon hate is a very dangerous tool, especially when coupled with the instantaneousness of social media. God forbid that any act of violence against President Obama occur based on the beliefs/actions of those who support this page. What then would Facebook have to say (probably the same thing they had to say regarding Phoebe Prince’s harassment, after the fact of course)?
I’m not blaming Facebook or any other social site for the cruel and evil intentions of some of its users. I just feel that by being a venue for hosting the thoughts and opinions of millions of registered users, there should be some mechanism in place (aside from a panel of reviewers) when those users act in an offensive or possibly threatening way toward another person. Hopefully, the Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies are taking the necessary steps in assessing and thwarting any potential threat against the president by these latest Facebook Fan Page fanatics.
The sports world has been awaiting word from Ben Roethlisberger after it was determined by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell that the two-time Super Bowl Champ would be suspended for six regular season games for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. The punishment was doled out in relation to allegations against Roethlisberger of sexual assault of a 20-year-old Georgia college student. Although prosecutors did not charge the Pittsburgh star, Goodell still felt that Ben’s behavior was unbecoming of an NFL player and that the situation warranted tough and decisive action. In an explanation letter written to Roethlisberger, Commissioner Goodell wrote:
“Your conduct raises sufficient concerns that I believe effective intervention now is the best step for your personal and professional welfare. I believe it is essential that you take full advantage of the resources available to you…My ultimate disposition in this matter will be influenced by the extent to which you do so, what you learn as a result, and a demonstrated commitment to making positive change in your life…In your six years in the NFL, you have first thrilled and now disappointed a great many people. I urge you to take full advantage of this opportunity to get your life and career back on track.”
Ben’s six game pine-riding sessions could cost the star quarterback roughly $2.8 million as well as a hefty sum from his organization. Since Roethlisberger’s suspension is the Steelers’ second under the league’s personal-conduct and drug policies, the team must pay 25 percent of the suspended player’s forfeited salary (wow, is the NFL job-shadowing Uncle Sam???).
What’s interesting, (and in my opinion, incredibly telling with regard to Goodell’s assessment of league players and their behaviors) is the fact that Roethlisberger is the first player who hasn’t been arrested or charged with a crime yet received a suspension from Goodell. The commissioner said the league’s conduct policy gave him the right to punish Roethlisberger, regardless of whether or not the quarterback broke the law:
“The Personal Conduct Policy also states that discipline is appropriate for conduct that ‘undermines or puts at risk the integrity and reputation of the NFL, NFL clubs, or NFL players.’ By any measure, your conduct satisfies that standard.” He continued in his letter to Roethlisberger.
Although Ben’s bad behavior has undoubtedly embarrassed Pittsburgh (let’s not forget the motorcycle crash, an allegation of rape back in 2008 and now this latest drama with his Georgia Peach), The Steelers seem to still have his back. They’ve recently offered their first tentative show of support for Big Ben, with director of football operations Kevin Colbert saying the quarterback has earned the right to make up for his behavior. Coach Mike Tomlin has also chimed in, telling the media that Roethlisberger will issue a statement today.
“I know he is going to make a comment regarding the discipline of the commissioner… and I’ll let him do that,” Tomlin said. “My understanding is at this point he’s ready to meet those challenges and take the necessary steps to move forward with his career.”
Now, I’ve expressed on various forums and blogging outlets that as critical as I’ve been of Roger Goodell over the years, I believe he’s aptly addressed this situation, and for the most part has been equitable in citing players for these sorts of infractions. If anything, you’d think that his continued hard-lined stance would make these NFL players rethink their propensity for bad behavior. Not only are they negatively impacting their reputations and their money, but they are totally ruining the fans’ game day viewing experience. In the case of Roethlisberger and the Steelers, who wants to watch an injured Charlie Batch leading the Steelers down the field for their opening game and 2 months thereafter, when it is apparent that Big Ben is the ultimate draw for many fans and the viewing audience (sorry Charlie, that was kinda rude, huh)?
Hopefully though, Big Ben’s poor decision making coupled with this latest high-profile suspension will send the right message to would-be league policy offenders this year that Goodell “don’t play dat!”
With the brief and newfound free-time that I’ve been afforded today, you’d think that I would have been lounging on the porch while penning my memoirs and sipping a strawberry splash. But alas, I do still very much have my mind on sports and sports on my mind.
The annual running of the Penn Relays began this past Thursday and continues through today. Every track enthusiast, aficionado, past and present track athlete who wasn’t there (jumps up and down, waving hand emphatically) and every track athlete who was there with spikes laced and blocks set was geek’d about this multi-day relay mega event. Hosted at Franklin Field by the University of Pennsylvania, Penn holds the record for the best attended track event in the U.S. (well over 50,000 in the span of a day) and is easily the largest and most recognized competition in the states and around the world.
If you’ve never been to or watched coverage of a Penn Relay, trust me when I tell you that the registered participants numbers are just as impressive as the spectator figures. On average, each year the event sees more than 15,000 participants from high schools, colleges, and track clubs throughout North America (including Canada) and abroad, (most notably Jamaica) competing in more than 300 events over several days.
Because of the origins of the Penn Relay’s which date back to 1895, many people still hold fast to the belief that this historic event popularized the running of relay races. Some 90 years later, Dr. Heathcliff “Combustible” Huxtable confirmed this widely held sentiment as he was off to the races with his long-time college nemesis Sanford “Tailwind” Turner (arguably one of the funniest Cosby Show episodes eva!).
As a member and a parent of USATF athletes, track and field is in my blood. Whether it’s Trials, Nationals or Worlds, I’m usually tuned in or checking stats. Penn though, is something a little more special in my opinion. Although touted as “USA vs. The World at Penn”, this event is more inclusive, having participants of all ages, races, creeds, colors and from all walks of life. Of course Track & Field royalty are often in attendance, but most times, their celebrity is no more highlighted than any other qualifying participant. Penn allows those whose heyday has come and gone to get back out in front of a global audience and show the world that they are still alive and kicking, and gives young upstarts a platform to showcase not only their speed and talent, but also their will and determination.
Although as competitive as any sanctioned USATF event, The Penn Relays are easily the “Feel Good” races of the year. That’s why I love them, and am already making plans for 2011.
It is seldom on the weekend that I wake up with a flexible or unoccupied time slot (gasp) in my schedule. Aside from my standard weekend laundry duties, arising well past mid-morning to play my day totally by ear is an experience that I’ve not quite learned how to wrap my mind around.
Usually, my Saturdays are filled with waking early to make breakfast, ironing uniforms, packing coolers full of snacks, loading folding chairs and tents and storing them in my truck for a full day of events. Then it’s attending my baby girl’s tennis matches, swapping out her tennis gear for her track uniform, then toting all of the kids to the field. Their track meets usually begin early in the morning and don’t end until mid-evening, so having the necessities (water, grapes, apples, trail mix, pretzels, roast beef sandwiches, Sun Chips, and some celebratory cookies) are essential in ensuring that not only is everyone satiated, but that my nerves and stress level remain on a dormant plane.
This morning however, was a bit of an anomaly (in the good way). Although forever programmed now to stir at the crack of dawn (thanks to a demanding line of work, and equally demanding children), I was granted the opportunity to lay fixed in an abnormally quite house to witness the purplish-orange hues of a beautiful daybreak, the rise and fall of my honey’s chest in slumber and to relish the tranquility that comes with simply being still.
As someone who is always on the go, I’d be lying if I told you that I didn’t love my active lifestyle, but in all honesty, I take great pleasure in embracing those few and far between “peace be still” moments as well. I’m so grateful to have been afforded one of those moments this morning.
Anytime I travel, whether it’s for business or pleasure, I experience a deep sense of anxiety. Thoughts of breathing in “recycled” airplane air, resting on reclaimed airline pillows and blankets, and the idea of a potentially grungy hotel room practically consume me. It doesn’t matter that the items are wrapped in plastic or that on the lodging website, the hotel has a 3.5 or better star rating or that housekeeping has left a card explaining that prior to my arrival, the room underwent a thorough cleaning and inspection. All my overactive mind can generate are images of someone else’s hair follicles, crummy bed linens and brown commode or basin rings.
Now as dramatic as I’m being, I’ve been fortunate enough to have never experienced an instance of the utter repugnance described above, but that fact doesn’t stop me from thinking about the traveler’s catalog of what-ifs because the reality is, some people’s idea of person hygiene are just all kinds of foul when compared to my own.
So having said that, can you just image how I would have behaved had I been the lucky individual who checked into this LaVista Hampton Inn last week (think: bypassing morgue, funeral home and cemetery and instead ascending STRAIGHT to heaven)!?
According to USA Today, a female guest at a Hampton Inn hotel in La Vista, Nebraska, who was about to sit on her hotel room toilet (really???) suddenly stopped in her tracks after spotting a snake slithering in the bowl. Fortunately for all involved, the woman spotted the surprise snake before sitting down.
But wait, it gets better…the creature turned out to be a 3-foot-long python!
See, this instance right here is exactly why I have traveler’s what-if anxiety in the first place. I have NO DOUBT that had this been me, I would have probably killed my fool-self in a hasty retreat, as I’d have tried to bound out of that hotel room, totally oblivious to my pants on the ground!
In an effort to assuage the startled woman’s undoubtedly shattered nerves, hotel management called in the Nebraska Humane Society to collect the creepy crawler, and its snake experts determined that the slithering beast was likely someone’s left-behind pet since pythons don’t typically like water, especially cold water in sewer pipes (how reassuring). In a further make-it-right act, the hotel chain threatened immediate action against the previous patron, as Hampton Inn has a strict no pet policy. Yeah, good luck getting this person to come forward Hampton Inn. I’m pretty sure no one accidently left behind a potential man-eater!
Nonetheless, The usually drama-free hotel chain, which is a member of the Hilton Family of Hotels, has a statement on their website guaranteeing their guests 100% satisfaction or the stay is free. I hope for Hampton Inn’s sake that their munificence extends well beyond a complimentary stay. With the what-if quotient for this situation measuring through the roof, if it were me, next week you all would be seeing new commercials all over the airwaves introducing a vastly improved Hampton Inn: Under New Management.
Believe That!
If I were as fierce, fit and Strangé as Grace Jones, then I’d probably be as unabashedly eccentric as the 61-year-old icon is and most certainly was in her prime as a model, singer, actress and all around foxy firebrand.
While not what society would classify as a classic beauty, as a child I thought that Jones had a unique and uncharacteristically chiseled magnificence that made her scary, peculiar and extraordinary all at the same time. That coupled with her flippant, do-what-I-please attitude, the mold was broken, busted and in total disrepair with the creation of this glossy, milk chocolate Diva Supreme (anyone who remembers her salacious “Pull Up to The Bumper” knows exactly what I mean). I suppose this is why the Insanely Fabulous One has taken issue with her pop replica (if you let her tell it) as of late.
With a boldness that knows no bounds, Grace Jones recently revealed to a UK paper that she was approached to do a collaboration with the ever unconventional Lady Gaga, but in no uncertain terms declined the offer because to her way of thinking, the youngling stole her swagger.
“Yes, she did [ask about a duet], but I said no. I’d just prefer to work with someone who is more original and someone who is not copying me, actually. Well, you know, I’ve seen some things she’s worn that I’ve worn, and that does kind of piss me off. I wouldn’t go to see her.”
Admittedly, Gaga is definitely more strange than Strangé, but I think that Her Grace is missing the absurdly dressed point here. It seems to me that although clearly inspired by Jones, Lady Gaga is paying homage to her idol in appearance, and evidently with the plan for a duet as well; she’s not out pilfering Grace Jones’ style (OMG, did I just defend Lady Gaga??).
Any loony Lady Gaga fan can tell you that for as long as she’s been relevant popular, the star has cited Old Jonesy as her inspiration, even going so far as likening her to “Jesus” in an interview with Q magazine. Now I’m not sure what cross Jones hung on for the remission of Gaga’s sins, but it’s evident to anyone whose every thought to nominated the pop tart for the show “What Not To Wear” that Lady Gaga is an ultimate Grace Jones stan.
Embrace it Grace. Take her under your wing. Become two peas in a glittery lace and lycra pod. The reality is, you haven’t done a whole lot since Boomerang daaa’ling. It’s either this, or with the impending repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, loaning your infamous gaydar to the military.
Some call it independence, others maturation, but no matter how you label it, the common denominator is that there has been a subtle but definite change in Beyonce Knowles over the past couple of years. Although on occasion we can still hear her southern-twanged thanks to God for her (countless) award wins, long gone is the “Jesus Loves Me, Ooooh Yes He Does” songstress, and in her place a fiery and diva-esque woman has emerged.
This edgy diva reared her pretty little Boy George styled fedora donning head over the weekend when she joined her husband onstage to perform “Forever Young” at California’s Coachella Music Festival. But it wasn’t her surprise appearance or funky headwear and batty riders that shocked the audience though. Fans were taken aback by Queen Bey’s lack of clean-cut pop appeal which she instead exchanged for a flirty hardcore look, with an obscenity laced tee-shirt.
I know that we can sometimes forget that stars are individuals, who oftentimes like to live their lives without the pressure of being a role model or the face of this-or-that, but I can’t help but to wonder if she thought about all the little girls who look up to her before she threw on her swear-word tinged top. I’m guessing no, but let’s just hope that when she heads home to Houston and visits her home church, this isn’t her idea of mid-evening casual for Wednesday Night Bible Study.
In a little more flattering Mrs. Carter news, she and her designer mother Tina Knowles joined forces with Phoenix House (a non-profit substance abuse treatment center) last month for the grand opening of The Beyonce Cosmetology Center at the Phoenix House Career Academy in Brooklyn, NY.
In 2008, After having met with many women at the facility while researching for the role of Etta James in the film Cadillac Records (who was at one time addicted to heroine), Beyonce left the experience inspired and wanting to help enrich the lives of the resilient women she met. Donating her salary from the film, Bey and Tina came up with the idea and the funds for the cosmetology program. The new center offers a seven-month cosmetology training course that will help Phoenix House clients to gain the career skills necessary to lead productive and rewarding lives. Just think, before too long we will be seeing the summer ready, duo-toned, center parted, spiral curled Beyonce inspired coifs all over the city. Yay! (Not so much).
Snarkiness aside, this is a VERY commendable initiative that Beyonce has adopted, and it does so much to prove that in her case, there are certainly two sides to every coin.
Black People Have Great Taste. If you think this phrase is more subjective than factual, you have only to open and peruse your bible to discover the truth…your “Pasta Bible” that is.
In probably one of the more amusing “Let’s Talk About Race” instances in the past few months, an Australian publisher had to stop distribution of a popular cookbook when a recipe within hinted at the tastiness of black people.
Australia’s Penguin Group publishing branch ultimately scrapped and reprinted close to 7,000 new copies of “Pasta Bible” after a typographical error was identified in the ingredients for Spelt Tagliatelle with Sardines and Prosciutto. Upon careful inspection, the recipe called for “salt and freshly ground black people,” as opposed to the other flavorful spice, pepper. A Penguin spokesperson said that almost every one of the more than 150 recipes in the cookbook called for salt and freshly ground black pepper but a misprint occurred on just one page, most likely the result of a computer’s spellchecker program.
Ut-oh race chasers, I can sense that you aren’t buying it. Is this a thinly veiled attempted from our mates to the west to rid the world of black people by encouraging dark-meat cannibalism? And what will they try to serve up next? Cubed steak, mashed potatoes and fried Oprah?
Simmer, simmer folks (sorry, I couldn’t resist). While on most days, issues of race and inequity appear to slap us in the face and dare us to respond, this instance seems nothing more than a quirky proofreading error (I mean really, how long do you think it’d take before your eyes began to glaze over while verifying the exhilarating chronicles of a cookbook?).
“When it comes to the proofreader, of course they should have picked it up, but proofreading a cookbook is an extremely difficult task. I find that quite forgivable,” said Bob Sessions, the head of Penguin Australia publishing.
The funny thing is, I was almost content to let it go and even jokingly forward a copy of the recipe to all my white friends with a boast on how smart, athletic, refined and now yummy black folks were until the publisher decided to have a foot-in-mouth (aka my-initial-explanation-would-have-sufficed-but-let-me-take-it-upon-myself-to-further-exacerbate-the-situation-anyway) moment.
“We’re mortified that this has become an issue of any kind, and why anyone would be offended, we don’t know…[it would be extremely hard to recall the stock but] if anyone complained about the silly mistake, they would be given the new version.”
I mean, why in the world at first glance would anyone be offended by being likened to ground-round in a Tagliatelle recipe? Black people might be tasty, but they are far too thin-skinned, huh Bob?
Spell Check AND Awareness Fail.
Wish List Worthy: Kaitlin Peep-toe, Snake Skins and the Appropriately Named Spotlight Handbag!
Tiffany's Fanny Pack 
