This Week in Pop-Culture

Fri, 16 May 2008 19:06:41 GMT

I decided to separate the politics from pop-culture this week because like I said in a previous week, it was an eventful week:

America’s Next Top Model Winner is “Regular Size!” - Can I get an Amen somebody? Finally, a model that looks like the average American Woman (see the picture) is crowned the winner of that little show, ANTM. But this is not sitting well with some folks calling it a “shocker” or “TV stunt” from Tyra Banks. Ok, the latter sentiment is not far-fetched when it comes to Tyra but this should have happened a long time ago. The average America woman is between a size 12 and 14 and NOT a size 0 and 2, the fashion world so readily shoves down people’s throats. This was the reason I called the model a “regular size” while other news outlets say “Plus size” or “Full size.” I guess it was time to turn a new leaf especially with the controversies of models deaths for not eating and the banning of unhealthy thin sizes from the runway in Europe (Bravo Spain for taking the lead.) I hope this is a good sign of things to come.
Vintage and New Flubs of TV Anchors: I got a kick out of the news stories featuring Vintage Bill O’Reilly (check out the dance remix of the video here). Seriously, someone must really hate O’Reilly’s guts to release this video after twenty years. Then a recent flub from iconic NY anchor Sue Simmons saying the F-bomb. Let’s just say all anchors were extremely careful this week.

Charles Barkley Owes $400K to Casino: Anyone who follows sports knows “Sir Charles” gambling habits isn’t a shock. In fact, he’s quite open about his gambling. But you never hear any reports that he is overwhelmed by the so-called addition. Chuck says he’ll pay back the money; the $400K just slipped his mind. Gosh! What kind of money are you making Chuck for $400K to slip your mind? Please pay this ASAP, no need for any criminal charges to be brought against you because the sports world will REALLY miss your unabashed brand of humor.
Once “Fastest Man in the World” Gets 46 Months: Another example of never lying to the grand jury is Tim Montgomery, once dubbed the fastest man in the world is now getting 46 months in prison. Montgomery once was linked to another fastest woman in the world, Marion Jones as her fiancée. Anyway, both these love birds doped but lied about their burgeoning muscles and check-scamming and it seems both achieved the same fate; time in prison.
HIV Positive Man Gets 35 Years for Spitting on Police: I’m quick to point out police brutality on other individuals but I’m also a “fair is fair” kind of girl when the story is reversed. That’s why I have no problem with the latest sentencing of a Dallas HIV positive 42-year old man getting 35 years for endangering a police officer by spitting in his eye and mouth . . . what do you guys think???

*P.S. Sorry for any formatting issues (Spaces sucks at times)

Musings About A Muddled World

Fri, 02 May 2008 17:18:26 GMT

We’re living in some confusing times and I’ve got a lot to get off my chest on various issues and gosh was it a slow week (not!):

Miley Cyrus and the Vanity Fair Photo fiasco – Note to self: I will not buy the latest Vanity Fair since I have an almost six year old Goddaughter who for the past year is obsessed with everything Hannah Montana – no need to dash her fantasy of a heroine, it’s like telling a kid there’s no Santa Claus. Note to Miley’s handlers: Give due diligence to this girl’s (not woman’s) career, pay attention to perception. Note to Miley: You made a mistake, too bad it had to be so public but keep your chin up; this is all part of growing up. Also, a side note: Enjoy being a girl at the moment; you’re only 15, you will have a lot of time to be sexy (trust me). Note to all the public: leave Miley Cyrus alone!

Supreme Court Justice Scalia on 60 Minutes – Anyone caught 60 Minutes last Sunday? That is your vote at work! I will never tell a person not to vote for a candidate for President of his/her choice but please really think because such person might elect a position (Supreme Court Justice) which is for a lifetime. This guy arrogantly told folks to “get over it” on the 2000 voting debacle in Florida. Not only that, he said torture is not a “cruel” or “unusual” punishment. My request to the Justice: How about I try it (especially waterboarding) on you since it’s not such “a cruel or unusual punishment?”

NBA Playoffs – My prediction: The San Antonio Spurs will win it back-to-back for the first time and Basketball fans like me are relegated to another year of BORING playoffs.

Rev. Wright Mania – I’ve dedicated two posts to this issue this week, my plea to the media is to now concentrate on the REAL issues.

The President Public Address On the Economy – You gotta love W for his ostrich-like tendency to keep his head in the sand rather than being real. Nice green (money) tie Mr. President. The President called the economy having a “slow patch,” “a little downtown,” “not having a magic wand,” everything else so as NOT to say the “R” word. Mr. President, I spent time in business school and can I just spell it out what my textbooks, classmates, and professors would call this time: R-E-C-E-S-S-I-O-N.

Paula Abdul’s “IDOL” moment – I want to know why this particular Paula confused moment became news on all morning and evening shows for a couple of days? Paula is one-of-a-kind and thus the charm of the American Idol show? So now people are wondering if the show isn’t really “reality” but a scripted one. Those folks really need to get a life! I mean the outrage! How do you confuse reality and scripted when you could always count on Randy to say “Dawg, the song is kind of pitchy,” Paula to say “you look lovely/beautiful (forget the singing) tonight,” and Judge Dread (I mean Simon) to say “that was utterly forgettable, it was like being on a cruise ship?”

Grey’s Anatomy is Back – Boy am I glad to check in with my favorite doctors at Seattle Grace! Welcome “McDreamy” and “McSteamy” (love you) with their boyhood shenanigans and “the Nazi” who always keeps them in line.

That’s a few things to mull over about our muddled world as I head into the weekend. I’ll try to escape reality a bit and watch the “Iron Man,” maybe even catch McDreamy (I mean Patrick Dempsey) in “Made of Honor.” Make your weekend a great one!

Afro-America Writer's space: Issues

This Week in Pop-Culture

Musings About A Muddled World