Pat's Pet Peeves Daily Blog
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Author - Pat White, BBA
Pat owned and managed a local Entertainment/Events magazine - "The South Florida Party Scoop." She wrote a regular commentary column called "Pat's Pet Peeves." Peolple enjoyed it, so she decided that it would be a perfect platform for a Blogcast. Pat holds an Associates Degree in Advertising and Marketing; a Bachelors in Business and a Minor in Political Science, hence her interest in Politics. She also completed one year of Law School. This is a medium for peolple to voice their views on news, politics and different happenings in their community in a fun environment. In addition to sharing her views, she hopes to engage the community, so please feel free to Join the discussion! Contact - Patpetpeeves@comcast.net
Pat's Pet Peeves
Golfers Attire
Long Pants, belts, well manicured green lawn and heat, just do not seem to go together. I know that golf has always been a sophisticated sport, but isn't it time they change the golfer's outfit to fit the times? Why the long pants? Some even wear leather dress shoes on the green! I might be wrong, but I have never seen Tiger Woods in sneakers. I notice, however, that most of the golfers are now progressing to a more sporty looking shoe, something between sneakers and spikes.
We now have to work on the pants. Is sweat pants too casual for golf? What about long shorts? I notice that the caddys wear long shorts. Maybe, the golfers need to be a step above the caddys. The golf shirt and the cap seems to be the only pieces of their outfit that fit their surroundings.
Golf has always been the Executive's sport. Maybe they feel they have to take a piece of the board room unto the course. Was this meant to keep out certain undesirables? I'm so glad that women golfers have "mowed" their own path and have not followed the men with the stiff, straight laced dressing on the green. Most women tend to wear long shorts, or skirt, golf shirt and sneakers on the golf course. That confirms it. We do have a better sense of fashion.
When you think of it, golfing outfits have always been weird over the times. Remember the plaid knickers and the tie? The high socks and the Sherlock Holmes Cap? Even jackets were acceptable. I guess we have come a long way with golfing attire, but I still think there is room for improvement. I believe the more the sport continues to become more widespread and popular, the attire will change to conform to reflect practicality and good fashion sense.
Blacks and Nail Salons
This one is for the ladies. I have made a decision to stop supporting the Vietnamese Nail Salons. And not particularly because of bad customer service, but more because of the Racial/Economic impact.
Even though it always bothers me to go into their Salons and pay my money, I would always continue to go because I wanted the perfectly shaped eyebrows. The one guy that usually do my eyebrows happened to be out of town, so I decided to take the opportunity to give these salons a break.
Besides the fact that I would prefer to support a Black Nail Salon, the customer service that the Vietnamese give is very poor at times. Sometimes they barely want to answer you when you ask a question. A while ago I went to one of these salons late and was there after closing and the young women were unwinding and shooting the breeze. They happened to be imitating the customers and poking fun at them. I thought that was rather rude. They can be very condescending at times.
I had stopped wearing acrylic nails a while back and was surprised to find that I could actually survive without them. I continued to visit the salon, however, just for eyebrows grooming. Wow, I never thought about it before, but it seems like I weened my self off of these Salons. When I think about it, my eyebrows used to be very well groomed when I was doing them myself . I am going start doing my eyebrows myself again. I will no longer be contributing to the Mortgages and lifestyles of these Salon owners. Again, not so much because of service, but I would rather support a Black owned Nail Salon, or better yet just keep my money.
It seems blacks are always on the giving end of the sales counter. Why do we so willingly pay and pay and pay and give no thought to being on the receiving end of the sales counter? I want to encourage the Black women out there to do your own nails or eyebrows or find and support black businesses. If you do not receive satisfactory service at the Black Salon, do it yourself. There are many products on the market to help you do it yourself. Sometimes you have to make a sacrifice and take a stand.
I would love to see some Black Nail Salons around. I do not know of any. I know there are some Hair Salons that offer full service, but no Black Nail salons and this business seem to rake in the dough. Share with our readers if you know of any. In the meantime take a stand and keep your money in your pockets. Better yet, think about opening a Black owned Nail Salon.
Has Prom Night Turned Into Wedding Night?
This one has me fuming at the temples. Careful as you read on, you might see smoke coming out of your computers. I was watching a program recently about Prom night and was amazed at how it's turned into this grand all night affair where youngsters are expected to loose their virginity, if they had not already. What makes this more outrageous is that parents are enabling this behavior by renting hotels and providing alcohol to propel the night's events. Have we all really lost our minds? Are we that bored, that we are grasping at any excuse to throw a party?
Yes, youngsters graduating from high school calls for celebration, but when did prom night turn into honeymoon night? It used to be the pressures of prom night were finding a good date and a fabulous dress, now the pressures of prom night are much, much more. Kids and parents are going way, overboard about prom night. Its as if they are defeating the purpose and taking the fun out of it, with all the stresses involved. Whatever happen to going to prom, having some good food, some drinks, and dancing the night away with your classmates? People just seem to be looking for a higher high and are seeking a greater thrill, and in so doing end up in reckless behavior. Forget the amount of money they are willing to shell out over this.
Throwing teenagers together in a hotel room with alcohol is nothing less than asking for trouble. Have we forgotten about the youngster who was given a very lengthy sentencing (some twenty-odd years) for statutory rape which took place at one of these hotel room parties. It just so happened that this person had consensual sex with a 14 year old girl but of course she was under aged. Thank goodness Al Sharpton and others stepped in to protest the lengthy sentencing. As I understand it, the young man is now attending college and trying to get on with his life. I am sure he regrets the recklessness of that night.
Parents, as prom season approaches, (if you have a son or daughter graduating) please have a firm hand in your child's Prom Party plans. Please stop enabling and going along with this stupid and reckless behavior. If the students want to throw a party after the prom, plan it at a parent's house or rent some hall as you would any other party and make sure there is adult supervision. Give them some privacy as young adults, but make sure there are adults around to check up on them every so often. They might be graduating high school, but their sense of good judgment still might not be fully developed as yet.
What Can We Do About The Climbing Gas Prices?
If you are as angry as I am about the high gas prices, its becoming harder and harder to take the money out of your wallet or swipe your card at the gas pump, especially when you think about the enormous billion dollar profits these gas companies are making. I feel like I want to riot or protest or something, because I am sure these prices can be reduced, without putting a dent their bottom lines. In the meantime, here are some gas saving tips.
Do Not Run The Air Condition in the Car
I, for one, do not put on my air condition in the car. Luckily it has been quiet breezy lately. A trick is to also put down the back windows as well for good air circulation. Turning on the Air Condition really guzzles the gas. It seems like you use twice as much gas with the air on. A benefit to this is you will drink a lot more water from being hot and thirsty.
Slow Down
You use much less gas if you just slow down a little especially on the highways. Drive in the right lane. You're not in a race with anyone. Give yourself enough time to get where you are going and dive slower. Experts say that if you decrease your speed by 10mph you can get another 3 miles per gallon.
Find a Job Closer to Home
This might be the hardest tip of them all. Its already hard to find a job out there, let alone find a job closer to home. Lucky for me my job is 4 miles away from home, and this makes a huge difference in my gas budget than when my job was about 20miles away. Take the time to search for a job closer to home. Even if you make a little less than the job further away, it might turn out that you will still save if you compare it to what you will be saving on gas.
Stop Idling
When the car just sits, with the engine running, (idling) this takes up a lot of gas as well. Its seems like we have to park and go inside our favorite fast food restaurant and stand in line to order our food. Experts say if you have to sit idle for more than one minute turn off the engine and restart it when you are ready to move again.
Carpooling
There are many car pooling companies out there now. All you have to do is register with them and they will team you up with others in your area who also want to carpool. People have reported that they have saved a lot on gas by carpooling.
Cheapest Gas Stations
Please share with our readers, if you know of a gas station with lower prices. The ones I know of are at 56th Avenue and Sunrise Boulevard (in Sunrise.) They are always 10cents less than most others. Also 19th Street and State Road 7 -ie 441 (in Lauderhill.) They are also about 10-15 cents less than others. If you know of other cheaper gas stations or any other tips to save on gas let us know by adding a comment below.
Betrayal or Politics? The 'Wright" Relationship Gone Wrong
Rev. Wright in one of his animated speeches
The Reverend Wright's animated sermons indicate that he is not one to sit in the corner and be quiet. It is no wonder he organized two news conferences in order to "set the record straight." Here is where I have a problem balancing the equation. The NAACP for the most part supports Senator Obama in his campaign for the Presidency. The NAACP sponsored one of the conferences for the Reverend Wright. So the NAACP supports Barak, and the NAACP supports Rev. Wright, then why are Obama and Wright not meshing? Its not just the NAACP: many Obama supporters have voiced their support for Rev. Wright, saying they can relate to much of what he is saying and much of what he is saying is based on the effects of years of Racism and discrimination, which I can also understand. Then my question again is, if so many of Obama's supporters can empathize with Mr. Wright's frustration about certain issues, then why can't Obama take a stand and embrace and defend some of what Rev. Wright preaches about. We can all agree ofcourse, that some of his statements are a bit radical. But, a lot of it is common truths.
Just the other day, he said he would stand by Rev. Wright no matter what because he is like family. So, is there some truth to Rev. Wright's statement - that Senator Obama is just distancing himself from the Pastor's views because he is running for the Oval Office? He believes in much of what he is saying but he just can't express it because of the risk of loosing the white vote? We all know the Senator's strategy coming into the race. Let's not make any waves in regards to "Black Issues." Lets not seem too radical where race is concerned. Thats how you win the white vote and white supporters. I can just hear Oprah advising him - "Just stay as far away from racial matters and you will surf your way right into the white house. Trust me, thats how I did it. I do what my white advertisers and supporters tell me to do and look at me now!!!" Well this wave called Rev. Wright is causing some problems. Is it a wipe out?
There is no secret to his strategy, but the question is, how far are you willing to go for the nomination. How much of yourself and your believes are you willing to sacrifice for the popular vote? Do you really want the vote of people who would want you to deny what you believe in? Has this strategy turned into betrayal. Not just betrayal of a long time friend and confidante, but betrayal of your core believes and values? Are you willing to ignore certain truths just to glide on into the white house? Is it worth loosing your integrity? Senator Obama barely said 2 words about the verdict of the Harlem Shooting. Would he have stood by quietly if he was not in a campaign? I believe this one thing that he based his strategy on, is probably the one thing that is going to work against him (ie. backfire.) Its like a boomerang - too tricky to ignore. Has Senator Obama crossed the Betrayal line or is this just politics as usual?
Should Ex-Commissioner Salesman be Reinstated?
Mr. Fitzroy Salesman
The Law says that if one is in fear of loosing one's life, during a physical altercation, one is allowed to defend oneself with the use of a deadly weapon. (One is also allowed to use a gun to protect one's home, family and real property from trespassers and intruders.) Ex-Commisoner Salesman says he felt threatened because a young man (during an argument) asked him if he wanted to take it outside. Mr. Salesman's defense is that he brandished a gun during this argument because he feared for his life. This all took place inside a Grocery Store right around the time of one of our most popular holidays. (I mention the holidays because people seem to be running on raw nerves around the holidays.) What Mr. Salesman must realize as well, is that it is against the law to brandish a gun during an argument. Mr. Salesman was charged with Aggivated Assault with a firearm because he threatened the young man with the gun.
The Gun Laws have changed so much in Florida whereas it is ok to carry a concealed weapon for protection. Some people see carrying a gun as their constitutional right, but with this right comes an enormous responsibility. To add to this, being an elected official also comes with enormous responsibility. Also, only months prior to this confrontation in the supermarket, Mr. Salesman had just gotten out of suspension from his office on a completely different matter. This suspension had stemmed from a DUI Charge. He was reinstated as Commissioner only months before this development. The question is how many times does he have to be suspended and re-instated before he is able to fulfill his obligations in a responsible manner?
I have always said that great leaders are born great leaders. Mr. Salesman should not have to walk on egg shells because he is an elected official. As a leader, conducting oneself in an orderly and exemplary manner should come natural, if one has inherent leadership qualities. He may feel constricted and as though he can't be himself and as if he is under scrutiny. Well in that case, maybe this type of job is not for him. Some may think that as an elected official you can lay back and do whatever you want. However, quiet the opposite is the case when you are elected an official. You are elected to serve the people and this comes with great responsibility and one has to conduct oneself in such a manner.
Play Judge for a day. Should Mr. Salesman be acquitted of the charges against him? And, if so - Do you think Mr. Salesman should be re-instated as Commissioner or do you think that maybe Public Service is not the type of job for him.
Hip Hop Videos and Video Vixens
Some rappers who defend Hip Hop Music videos with their raunchy content make a case that its just a video and if its selling music, then no one should complain. Their opponents say that it reflects badly on African-American women and it puts them in a demeaning light. One rapper defended his position by saying we don't make this comparison about white women in raunchy videos. They don't reflect on all white females. That one thing I must agree with. Because, before the Rapper took this position, I said the very same thing. No, these women do not represent me or most African American Women. Yes, they are being exploited, but they are allowing themselves to be exploited.
What these Rappers have to realize and face up to, however, is that these videos are nothing less than soft porn - some of it not so soft. Whatever happen to coming up with a story line - a plot; making an actual short film to music with depth and perception? Is this outside of the realm of their creativity? Their range of creativity is as far as large breasts, large butts, nudity, large bling and grinding motions? That is as far as your imagination goes? And for those who say sex sells, there are still ways to incorporate sexuality into a video without being trashy.
Of course the women are not all victims in this. As I mentioned before, they are allowing themselves to be exploited. Some of these so called Video Vixens have used this as a stepping stone to further their acting or hosting careers. Some have gone on to appear in major films, one is now hosting her own show and another is profiting greatly from a tell-all book about her escapades with these Rappers, most of which are married. She is now speaking out against this profession. However, for most, this is just a dead-end trap of exploitation.
My message to these women is, "have you heard of the internet?" If you are going to make this choice of profession, at least do it your way, play by your own rules. Get a camera, set it up in the privacy of your walls, play some music and shake it like a salt shaker; and you collect the money. I'm sorry , I am not encouraging women to become Internet downloads; but at least, if you are performing in soft porn anyway - do it on your own terms.
Many women take on these video vixen roles out of desperation, some I understand, don't even get paid. They are fooled by self proclaimed producers who tell them that this will launch their acting careers, so performing for free is an investment in their careers. Others do get paid handsomely, but are required to conduct "extra work" after the set closes down. There is nothing wrong with dancing in a video, but most of these videos are right up there (or should I say down there) with porn. This is what most people have a problem with. Some of these lyrics are very catching and children are not only listening to, but are watching these videos which were made to promote these songs.
I agree with the Rapper that these videos are not a reflection of African American women, but at the same time they are soft porn and they must take some responsibility in regards to our kids and the community on a whole. Have some depth and some class for pete's sake!!
A Fighter Who Does Not Quit (When It Gets Tough)
Senator Clinton wins PA. State
Senator Clinton's perseverance shows that she is a fighter and that she is as tough as nails. Honestly, now, don't you want someone like this as your leader - in your corner? Her determination and her commitment shows that she will be a fighter for the people. These are qualities a leader should have. For those who want Senator Clinton to give up, lap her tail between her legs and run away; Do you want someone like that to represent you now or in the future? Absolutely not!! As she so eloquently put it, "The American people deserve a President who does not quit!!"
So for those who are advising Senator Clinton to give up, you should know by now giving up is not in her nature. She came into the race for a reason. She had and still has her convictions. Let the woman run her race and let the process take its place. And for those people who criticize her when she verbally pounces on her opponent; Newsflash - this is a campaign and that is what the candidates do. They promote themselves and they show why their opponents are not as capable as they are. A debate is a fight - a war of words.
A party nomination should not be a free pass. It should be fought for and earned. This is why I believe Mit Romney did his supporters a disservice when he fell out of the race so early. He gave Senator McCain somewhat of a free pass. We do not know if back door deals influenced his decision, but I am sure his supporters would have liked to have their voices heard, through their vote.
Do you think toughness and grit are main qualities a Presidential Candidate should have? If you are not tough I don't think you can be convincing. A candidate must be able to convince voters, when all is said and done.
Try, Try Again
Crystle Stewart, Miss. USA 2008 Rachel Smith, Miss. USA 2007
First, I must say congratulations to the newly crowned Miss. USA 2008, Crystle Stewart. This is a true example of a woman who was determined to achieve her goals and dreams. She tried out for the Miss. Texas Pageant 5 - thats F-I-V-E - times before winning and moving on to the Miss. USA Pageant. Her beautiful smile, and great personality caught the judges' attention, as she won Miss. USA last Friday in Las Vegas. Yes she is a stunning beauty, but thats only half of the package. Her personality and intellect completes her well rounded overall attractiveness. As we can remember from the last Miss. Teen USA, Miss. (Such as) South Carolina did not have the complete package. She had the outward beauty, but disappointed most viewers when she attempted to answer her critical question.
This is the second year in a row that an African-American won the Miss USA Pageant,( last year's winner Rachel Smith being bi-racial,) so we should be very proud of both ladies. Rachel Smith who won last year, had obstacles as well. She was the contestant that slipped and fell, but she got up and held her head high in a dignified manner, completed her walk and went on to win the Pageant. Both ladies have shown that in spite of obstacles or failures, one should not give up, but keep trying. It might not be a pageant; It may be a business you are trying to build, but may have failed numerous times. Crystal shows us that you have to persevere and keep trying in order to reach your goal. She should be a great source of inspiration especially in the black community. As minorities, we have our share of challenges, in so many areas - such as business, education, home ownership, good jobs. Take a queue from Crystle and keep your eye on your goal and Keep trying.............
Is Dr. Phil Addicted to Fame?
Dr. Phil
It seems like Dr. Phil might want to lie on the couch for a while and reflect on his eagerness to gain ratings for his popular TV show. It appears as though boundaries were crossed when members of his production team posted bail for a teenager who was seen on U-Tube in a brutal physical brawl with another teenager. Dr.Phil hoped to have the teenager assailant on his show, so they posted the $33,000.00 bail in order for her and her group/family to appear on his show. Many say he has crossed the ethics line this time if he didn't before. A few months ago he visited with Britney Spears in her Los Angeles hospital room, again with the hopes of having her on his show. At the time I was happy somebody was trying to help the poor girl, but with his latest actions, I am now not so sure that Dr. Phil had the right intentions then.
It seems fame has gotten to his head and he would do anything for ratings. Dr. Phil needs to take the time and pause for a minute and try to remember he is a Doctor and his priority should be to help others. I am sure those were his initial intentions, but they are now slowly being overshadowed by his greed for more fame and high TV ratings.
Should Jamaicans With Dual Citizenship Be Allowed to Run For a Parliament Seat?
Daryl Vaz cought between two countries (Daryl Vaz and wife shown above)
As many of you know by now, JLP MP for West Portland, Daryl Vaz, has been ousted from his seat by the ruling of Chief Justice Zalia McCalla because he held Dual Citizenship. Even though it is in the constitution that one cannot run for parliament while holding dual citizenship, the rule has never really been enforced until now. In the past, members from both parties have held parliamentary seats while holding Dual Citizenships. Norman Manley Bowen former PNP - MP, along with other PNP leaders have started what seems to be a campaign against MP members who hold dual citizenships.
The first question is - is it fair to bring these members to court when in the past members from both parties have ignored this rule and ran for and held office? Or, is this just PNP's latest ploy to express their disappointment and anger from their loss in the recent election? The second question is - should this rule be changed?
At first glance, one might agree that if a person is that passionate and driven to run for public office and is a citizen of Jamaica, he or she should be allowed to. Regardless of the fact that he is a citizen for another country the fact still remains he is a citizen of the country in which he wants to run for office. However, most of us are looking at this from a perspective of one being born in Jamaica, grew up in Jamaica, lived abroad for some time and then returned home and then ran for office.
But what about these scenarios? A person who was born in the US (for instance), lived in Jamaica for a while and attained citizenship. Or, someone who was born in Jamaica, left at a very early age - say one or two years old, lived abroad and then returned home at age 30 or 40 and decides to run for office. With these scenarios one might say the patriotism and allegiance might not be as strong as the person who was born in and grew up in Jamaica. Should they be required to denounce their citizenship of the other country to ensure their allegiance to Jamaica? If the answer is yes, Logic follows that if in this case they have to denounce then everyone running for political office will have to denounce. If the country is ok with the last two scenarios not having to denounce, then maybe the law should be removed from the books.
What do you think about the law on the books. Should it be removed or enforced?
Polygamy
If someone wants to have multiple partners and all people involved are consenting adults, I think most people would say, "pass me the butter please." In other words nobody really cares. Of course if you try to marry more than one man or woman before getting divorced from the 1st man or woman that is not seen as a real legal marriage. But, multiple partners, no one cares. After all, that is the way Hugh Hefner and his girlfriends decided to live and nobody gives a hoot!
When, however, an organization uses religion to have non-consenting marriages and sexual relations with under aged children, then that is quiet another thing. Its now coming out more and more, the atrocities that are going on in many of these polygamist cult camps. We get outraged about pedophiles why aren't we more outraged about these polygamist practices? Maybe they do such a good job of hiding behind the disguise of Church and Religion, the general public have been unaware of some of the outragous practices that have been going on, until recently.
As one former cult member put it, the women and children are seen as things. They are not seen as human beings with rights. I think the women (mothers) are to be blamed in this, as well. Any woman that would hand her daughter over to a man, for him to take advantage of her, has to be insane, totally brain washed or just cruel and inhumane. It is a natural instinct for a mother to protect her child from harm. Some of these women have gathered up the strength to leave these compounds and try to find outside help. Maybe others feel too weak and helpless to fight. As these transgressions against women and children come to light, we can only hope that the compounds begin to crumble one by one. Maybe the public will become more outraged and verbal, in an effort to influence change.
I guess the question now is what do they do about the 415 children who were removed from the Texas compound. Its a very sketchy situation.
Is God an Evolving God?
We know that many of the practices in the Bible are not continued today, mainly because of cultural differences and also because of chronological differences between the very old times and now. Men who want to justify having more than one woman will always refer to the Kings of old times and argue that the men in the Bible had multiple partners so why shouldn't it be the same today. I argue that it was a different time and a different culture. Some would go as far as to say it was uncivilized. One of my girlfriends quiet rightly said, "Dem hav de money whe dem did have fe tek care a more dan one woman?" I guess thats another way to look at it. Back in those days, those men could support multiple women, and men were expected to do so. I mentioned to one man that had this disposition that back in those days with one man and multiple women, they also had barbaric punishment - like hanging and being stoned to death. He quieted down with this point of view. In other words, if you want your ten concubines you can go live in the middle east, but be prepared to accept the barbaric punishment that comes with it when you break the law over there. In other words we consider both practices uncivilized.
One cannot take the Bible literally at all times and you have to look at the context and the times in which a passage was written. This leads one to ask the question - Is God an evolving God? How would God look at gays, for instance, today. I do not understand the thinking of a gay person. I cannot fathom what makes them attracted to their own sex. It is for this very reason of not understanding them, why I cannot judge them. Personally, I believe gays are the way they are because of Psychological effects from their childhood. Some would also say they were born with the mind set of the opposite sex of their physical body. With this in mind, I cannot imagine that God would throw gays in brimstone and fire. While I do not condone the practice of gays, I feel that there has to be some amount of tolerance because of the complexity of the issue. I would imagine that God would want to get to the root of the problem, rather than condemn. (I believe there are two sets of gays. Those who struggle psychologically with their sexual identity and those who just want to venture out of the norm- indulge in sexual deviance - for a greater high.) I would be more tolerant with the first group.
About God being an evolving God, I have played with that question over and over and I want to agree that God is an evolving God. One of God's most profound evolution or change of mind was when he sent his son to die in place of the constant ritual of sacrifices. This leads me to believe that God is capable of changing his mind. Yes, certain things about God is a constant - like love, the word and truth, but when we read stories in the Bible we need to realize the times and contexts in which they were written.
What do you think. Is God an evolving God? Share your point of view. We can always learn from another's perspective. Add your comment below.
Should The China Games Be Boycotted?
I guess this is a question the Olympic participants and officials will have to struggle with. There are protests being held in a number of different countries to Boycott the 2008 Olympic Games because it has been reported that China sold weapons to the Sudanese Government, and as such enabled the brutal killings and genocides in Sudan's Darfur Province in Africa. Congressman Payne reportedly said during a recent interview "We must keep the pressure on China. I’d like to even see, if they continue to sell illegal arms to the government, that we should have a boycott of the Olympics in Beijing in ’08. It would be the blood Olympics, and we can’t let them have it both ways.” Congressman Donald Payne is chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health.
It would be a little ironic to boycott China right now since they are pretty much keeping our economy alive by providing loans, some of which monies I am sure is being used to fund other wars. We are so wrapped up in China right now what with manufacturing and all, that it would seem a little two- faced to just boycott the games. If you are going to make a statement regarding a Government's practices and beliefs you would have to do it right across the board, wouldn't you? That means not taking their money; retracting all manufacturing contracts and so forth. And, that, I would imagine, would be rather difficult to do.
This is why it is so important to think long and hard before becoming economic partners with other countries - because of economic politics. What is this relationship going to say about your views of the countries' beliefs, ideologies and practices. Right now there is an embargo on trade with Cuba, because of this county's disagreement with the views and politics of Cuba. North Korea is another country that US has a limited or no economic relationship with. Should the same go for China? Or does money trump politics in this case?
Olympic participants have waited so long and have worked so hard to showcase their various talents. Now they are faced with this political issue. I am sure this is a struggle for many of them. Should the China Olympics be boycotted?
Colin Powell - Closeted Democrat?
Secretary of State,
Colin Powell
I don't care what anyone says. No one can convince me that Secretary Colin Powell voted for George Bush in the last Presidential Election. Either he voted the other side or he did not vote at all. After the way he was used in the campaign for the war in Iraq, I know there was no way he could have supported those who had put him in such a difficult and embarrassing position. The best thing he ever did was separate himself from the cabinet when he did.
More recently, he was seen on one of the more popular News talk shows evaluating all three of the current Presidential candidates. Of course he did not have anything bad to say about any of them, however, if you read between the lines, its clear to see that voting for McCain is not a given.
When you think about it though, it really isn't fair to call him a closeted Democrat, because after all, its not just him, but many Republicans who are making the change out of frustration with their party. The only difference is, because he was such a high Political Official within the Republican party, it might be more difficult for him to come out and say he has changed parties. Or, he could pull a Leiberman move and slide over to Independent before smoothing his way over into the other Party. I am sure behind closed doors though he will be voting Democrat.
During a heated argument the night of the last (2004) Presidential Election a Republican Supporter said to me, "Look at Colin Powell - a smart intelligent black man - he must be doing something right being a top official of that Party." You know I always admired Colin Powell, but I knew he would come to his senses one day.
Do you feel that Colin Powell is a closeted Democrat?
Obsessed with Nudity
President Sarkoszy and wife, Carla
The new first lady of France showed everyone recently that posing nude does not and should not define someone. Everyone was nervous about what kind of First Lady Carla Bruni would make just because she posed nude when she was in the height of her modeling stunt. Well she proved to everyone during her recent visit to Britain's Royal Family's Buckingham Palace that she could be just as gracious as anyone else. And, I'm glad the modern, liberal President Nicolas Sarkoszy did not buckle under pressure to marry some old boring stuffy prude.
What we have seen happening recently is conservatives who marry the so-called perfect conservative wife are living another life out of the public limelight. They are seeing the young more worldly woman (or man) in the dark. How hypocritical. They put on this grand facade for the world to see, when in truth they are using labels to cover their true personas - the opposite of what the labels represent. I always say if you have to wear something on your sleeve, it means you are covering something up. I don't have to remind you of all the recent so-called conservatives whose true practices have been brought to the forefront. The popular Evangelist who was seeing the gay prostitute; the Senator who was acting strange in a man's bathroom which was a notorious meeting place for gays; and the more recent Governor who was seeing a call-girl under cover.
Here is a man that wanted to be with a pretty, sexy, savvy, young thing and decided to do it in the open regardless of whether she posed nude in the past. Can you imagine the flack the French President would have to take here in the US? You see you have to send the right image. And a woman who posed nude is judged as being less than conservative. As a politician you're supposed to have the picture perfect marriage and lifestyle.
Look at Frenchi - the young lady that tried out for American Idol, but was kicked off because topless pictures of her emerged. (And, this was only a talent show. Can you imagine if she was a potential first lady? There would probably have been a riot.) Now we will not know how talented she really is ( and I hear she is,) because we were more concerned about the topless pictures than her talent. I believe the talent and her personality is more of a character builder than some topless pictures. Don't you think?
Keeping Up with Technology
Today I watched as my son downloaded a bunch of songs into his new IPod given to him by his sister. You see, she just got a new upgraded version for herself. I marveled to myself how all those songs are packed into such a tiny apparatus. Wait, I left out a step. He first downloaded the songs from his flash drive to the computer - the flash drive - even tinier than the IPod and can hold a whole host of information. So we can store all this information on IPods and Flash Drives and we can put money on cards, so my question is - why do woman still carry enormous purses/bags?
When are we going to be able to put make-up and all the other junk in our purses on some type of small techno gadget? Don't count it out folks. Bill gates and others like him are thinking on a whole other level than you and I. I think the fashion experts are moving in the opposite direction as a matter of fact. Have you seen the latest most-have clutch? Its as big as a suitcase. Never mind the bags that you have to put your arm at a 45-90 degree angle to carry.
But anyway, back to technology. What about all the passwords and user ID's you have to remember. I know, I hear you screaming. It would be ok if we used the same ones all the time, but some pesky programs won't allow it. Because they have our best (security) interest at heart, they have the gall to tell us what kinds of characters to use and not to use. Those are the most irritable kind, aren't they? And, lets not start with the pop-up blockers. How can you get anything done with pop-up blockers? I know they were meant to protect our computers, but they're like an overbearing protective school teacher who won't allow you too much freedom. I learned a trick to by-pass this anyway. But its still a little annoying to have to do the trick to bypass the blocker.
Whats your most annoying techno pet peeves? Post a comment and vent away.......
The Bush Doctor and The Medical Doctor (Old Hope and New Hope)
Pastor Jeremiah Wright
You know me and analogies by now. Well, here's another one for you. There is a Bush Doctor living next door to you and for years has been treating you and your family with natural remedies. He's treated your kids when they were babies and sick with colic. He's treated them when they got a little older for the common cold, allergies and upset stomach. He's treated your older relatives for aches and pains and arthritis, and so on and so forth. Now your son went to Medical School and graduated and became a Doctor. Not only do you not need the Bush Doctor anymore, you go as far as talk bad about him through the neighborhood and put him down. This is how I feel the Pastor Wright has treated the Clintons.
Couple of years ago, they were your only hope - your best hope when it came to Politics and Black Issues. Now that you have a black person running for president, they are suddenly the enemy. Just because your god-son is black and running for president, you are going to make racial comparisons between your new hope and your old hope? Why are you punishing Senator Clinton for being white, all of a sudden? She did not call you the "N" Word. She did not drive a cab pass you in time square. No she does not know what it means to be black in America, but did it matter when you were supporting her husband. The last President and his opponent did not know what it meant to black in America either and I'm sure you voted for one of them. I'll bet that you voted for Bush, like most pastors did in support of their so called faith based initiative. Why didn't you make these claims against Bush or Kerry or any other person running for office? Now that someone close to you is running, you're going to put down his opponent for being white and treat them as the enemy? Shame, shame...
The second observation of this whole thing is just filled with irony. Because the one thing that Senator Obama did not want his campaign to be about, is the one thing that his closest confidant and adviser was burdened with - Race. Funny Huh? Of course I wrote about the Thousand Pound Gorilla in the Room already, but I had to make this Analogy. Now don't get it wrong, my analogy is not to say that Obama is any better than Clinton, him being the Medical Doctor. For, as you know holistic healing is very big right now. Also, many see the Medical Doctor more concerned with the bottom line and in big cahoots with the Pharmaceutical Companies.
Well Groomed in The Jungle
Picture from Episode 2 of Survivor - this season
Yeah, she really looks like she is roughing it!
I happened to be watching Survivor( just flipping through - not hooked this season) the other night and it occurred to me that the women's eyebrows were perfectly shaped and groomed. It makes one wonder how much the contestants are roughing it out there in the jungle. Their eyebrows were perfectly waxed, they never have unsightly hair under their arms or any place else for that matter. And the question that everyone wonders about - where do they go to go? You have to admit though, they don't seem to be acting when they get a taste of real food, after being in the jungle for a while.
Even with reality shows, a good amount of editing is done, which makes them not so real after all. The editing is what makes the show, as a matter of fact. Many times when a contestant watches the entire show after the taping they will comment on how they were portrayed this way or that, and how a lot of the tape was not shown. I prefer reality show any day to a sitcom or a running comedy or even a soap opera, but it seems reality shows is just another grand performance. How many of these reality shows can you trust to be candid and entirely spontaneous? Think about it - when a person in a reality show enters a room and we see them entering a room or restaurant or wherever from the front, that means the camera is in that room waiting on them to enter, so it had to have been set up or planned in some way.
The phone calls are what get me. How does the camera man know to be exactly at the place where the person is calling, if its not planned. For instance on one of Snoop's episodes, his wife was calling Keisha Cole to discuss some singing lessons for her daughter. So she called Keisha and we see Keisha answering the phone and the scene is going back and forth between them as they talk on the phone. Well if it were really spontaneous reality, would the cameraman know to be in front of Keisha just as Snoop's wife made the call??? I don't think so. I believe most of the scenes in Reality shows are planned, but I'll take them any day over sitcoms. There is just something about those reality shows that keep sucking us in. By the way, how many seasons will it take for Flavor Flav to find love. Don't answer that one!!!! Poor Flav.
The Thousand Pound Gorilla In The Room - Race - Can No Longer Be Ignored
Ever since Senator Obama began his campaign for the Presidency, he has constantly glided over or outrightly ignored the issue of Race in America. He has been doing this, so as not to appear too black for fear of missing out on the well needed votes from the White community. And, his supporters went along with him saying, "You gotta wait until he is actually in the white house before he confronts the issue of race. Let him get in there first," they whispered. Well the Gorilla has been burping and passing gas to the extend that he could no longer tolerate the stench. He had to address the issue of Race. It could no longer wait. His own pastor, so filled with turmoil over the race issue in America, could not be quiet (even if being quiet meant pushing his beloved son further along in his campaign.) Race and the Black struggle was too much for him to ignore, as he so fervently addressed it in his sermons.
Well, I have mentioned in the past that, for many, who are looking for a Black Messiah to lead them to the promise land, they will be sorely disappointed. Because, as obvious and as conspicuous the issue of Race is, Senator Obama cannot address it, for fear of loosing the white vote. You see, people like Senator Obama and Oprah find themselves in a very precarious position. Trying to appear as main stream as possible to gain the popular vote or support and at the same time address the needs of their race, without denying or betraying the white support.
Its not that Obama does not want to address Race - his hands are tied. Just tonight during an interview with Terry Moran of Nightline, Obama said exactly that. He said his wife and his black friends were much more comfortable with him having the Race Speech than his white friends and advisers were. He said they were very nervous about him making that speech. I am not making this up folks. Go back and look at the tape for yourselves. I knew this all along. And if he thinks its difficult to address Race now, how on earth is he going to address the Racial Issues African Americans face if he gets into the White House. My friends it will be even more difficult. His White supporters and white advisers won't let him. It is the same predicament Oprah has found herself in. She cannot put her face and celebrity behind issues that are too black for fear of loosing her white supporters and her white advertisers. I'm not saying Race is all he has to talk about, but just as women have their concerns, equal pay and the right to choose and immigrants have their concerns and the so call evangelistic community has their concerns, he should address Black Issues as well instead of trying to glide over and ignore it.
Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton did not try to ignore the issue of race in exchange for the popular vote. And you have to commend them for that. I will get excited when Obama has the Audacity to really confront and address the complex issue of race in America even if it means risking loosing voters. If the white voters stick around, then and only then would we really be moving towards change (in regards to Race) in America.
Feel free to post comments below.