Beatrice Arthur, the tall, brassy voiced actress whose claim to fame was as a foil to her cousin's husband, and later as quarter of old women rooming together, died today, She had been battling cancer for some time.
Born Bernice Frankel in New York City, and long a fixture on stage and Broadway, she landed on television in the early 1970's as Maude Finlay, the cousin of Edith Bunker (Jean Stapleton) on All in the Family. Maude proved to be the perfect liberal foil to her archconservative and bigoted cousin-in-law Archie Bunker (the late Carroll O'Connor.
laughvids/CBS/Sony Television/YouTube
Cool that they have that Plymouth commercial featuring the Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote.
She proved so popular that in 1972, Arthur was given her own show, Maude. This show came on air at the right time for women. The feminist movement was reaching its peak, and about a year after the show's premiere, The US Supreme Court decided on the thorny issue of abortion- Roe V. Wade. Like the show it had spun off from- the aforementioned All in the Family- Maude touched upon social issues like alcoholism and abortion, which Maude had during the series run. This clip features Maude and Carol (Adrienne Barbeau) talking about Maude's dilemma on whether to keep her unborn child, or terminate the pregnancy:
obliomunro/CBS/Sony Televsion/YouTube
This episode aired in November 1972, months before the landmark Roe V. Wade decision.
Arthur won an Emmy in 1977 in the lead actress category/
She gained a second life on TV in 1985 when NBC aired The Golden Girls. Arthur played Dorothy Zbornak, alongside Betty White (who played the ditzy Rose); Rue McClanahan (the sexpot Blanche Elizabeth Devereaux...before Sex and the City's Samantha Jones, there was Blanche Devereaux), and Sophia Petrillo, Dorothy's Sicilian-born spitfire mother (the late Estelle Getty)
jondonrock/NBC/YouTube
She won a comedy leading actress Emmy in 1988.
For both of those TV roles, Arthur was a long fixture on Broadway. One of her notable roles came in 1966 as Vera Charles, acerbic friend of Angela Landsbury's character in Mame. Arthur won a Tony for the role.
Arthur died peacefully today. She was 86.
Copyright (C) 2009, by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.
CNN.com
ESPN: The Worldwide Leader In Sports Widget
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Don't You Think That You Were a Little Too Rough, Officer?
Darren Hunt, a reporter for the ABC affiliate KVIA-TV and his cameraman, Ric Dupont were arrested Monday by an El Paso police officer for interfering with a traffic investigation in progress. The two were preparing to cover an accident on Interstate 10 when Sergeant Raul Ramirez, of El Paso Police, detained the two briefly. Watch the footage below, then see if you agree with my opinion of the whole thing:
Sergeant Ramirez, in my opinion, is in the wrong here. He didn't even give the reporter a chance to move himself to his truck. He's overzealous to uphold the law, even as he denies Hunt- and subsequently Dupont their rights. What Ramirez should have done is just tell both parties toi move back at a safe distance, then allow the cameraman to shoot, and the reporter to do the reporting. Instead, as we can see, the KVIA personnel became the news- and the officer is now on desk duty.
Talk about a public relations nightmare for the El Paso Police. The entire world watching one of your officers do an acting audition. Did Ramirez arrest the two because he was stressed out? Hey, a lot of officers get stressed, but they don't go the lengths this officer did (yes, I know, a lot of officers do...). Then there's Ramirez's conduct, which was unprofessional. But then, the question is should he be fired? I say no, but he needs to be reassigned. Rightfully, an investigation by the internal affairs office is ongoing, and Ramirez will likely face some kind of disciplinary action.
Copyright (C) 2009 by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.
Sergeant Ramirez, in my opinion, is in the wrong here. He didn't even give the reporter a chance to move himself to his truck. He's overzealous to uphold the law, even as he denies Hunt- and subsequently Dupont their rights. What Ramirez should have done is just tell both parties toi move back at a safe distance, then allow the cameraman to shoot, and the reporter to do the reporting. Instead, as we can see, the KVIA personnel became the news- and the officer is now on desk duty.
Talk about a public relations nightmare for the El Paso Police. The entire world watching one of your officers do an acting audition. Did Ramirez arrest the two because he was stressed out? Hey, a lot of officers get stressed, but they don't go the lengths this officer did (yes, I know, a lot of officers do...). Then there's Ramirez's conduct, which was unprofessional. But then, the question is should he be fired? I say no, but he needs to be reassigned. Rightfully, an investigation by the internal affairs office is ongoing, and Ramirez will likely face some kind of disciplinary action.
Copyright (C) 2009 by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Fuck You, Miss California
At the Miss USA pageant, Miss California, Carrie Prejean, told one of the judges, blogger Perez Hilton about her stand on gay marriage. Here's what she said:
ariednaval/YouTube/NBC
Well, I respect her honesty. But I have to say this: FUCK YOU, MISS CALIFORNIA!
You see, as we all know, Prop 8 has passed last November- by a pretty slim margin of 52 to 48- and Miss Prejean says that marriage should be between a man and a woman. Okay, I believe that marriage should be between a man and woman, too. But I'm not going to limit this to opposite sex couples. No, no, no, no, NO! You see, as a gay rights supporter, I believe that marriage should be between anyone REGARDLESS of sexual orientation. So, if, say, my friend Larry wants to marry his partner David, he should be able to do this, no fucking questions asked. Now, the closeted evangelicals- that is, those jackals who say that homosexuality is an abomination of Jehovah (aka Allah or Yahweh), but have a little down low session when they think that nobody's looking- would have us believe that if we allow every gay man and lesbian to tie the knot, the whole goddamned world will burn up in the sky. The Bill O'Reillys of the world would say that America would lose her protections, and allow terrorists to blow up the planet (remember that wonderful comment that Pat Robertson of "The 700 Club", and his late lover, Rev. Jerry Falwell said about gays and lesbians playing a part in the events of 9/11/2001?).
Well, four states- Vermont; Connecticut; Massachusetts (which, by the way, was the first state to have the balls to allow same sex marriage. BRAVO!); and even the middle American (U.S.) state of Iowa (Iowa, for God's-fucking-sake! Who would've thought?!)- allow it, but the most liberal state, where said cunt is from, doesn't (another reason why those Morons...um, Mormons should in Utah, and leave California alone!). If she- and her ilk doesn't like this, that's her fucking problem.
I'd hate to see her in the year I was born, 1967, when they allowed interracial marriage.
Copyright (C) 2009 by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.
ariednaval/YouTube/NBC
Well, I respect her honesty. But I have to say this: FUCK YOU, MISS CALIFORNIA!
You see, as we all know, Prop 8 has passed last November- by a pretty slim margin of 52 to 48- and Miss Prejean says that marriage should be between a man and a woman. Okay, I believe that marriage should be between a man and woman, too. But I'm not going to limit this to opposite sex couples. No, no, no, no, NO! You see, as a gay rights supporter, I believe that marriage should be between anyone REGARDLESS of sexual orientation. So, if, say, my friend Larry wants to marry his partner David, he should be able to do this, no fucking questions asked. Now, the closeted evangelicals- that is, those jackals who say that homosexuality is an abomination of Jehovah (aka Allah or Yahweh), but have a little down low session when they think that nobody's looking- would have us believe that if we allow every gay man and lesbian to tie the knot, the whole goddamned world will burn up in the sky. The Bill O'Reillys of the world would say that America would lose her protections, and allow terrorists to blow up the planet (remember that wonderful comment that Pat Robertson of "The 700 Club", and his late lover, Rev. Jerry Falwell said about gays and lesbians playing a part in the events of 9/11/2001?).
Well, four states- Vermont; Connecticut; Massachusetts (which, by the way, was the first state to have the balls to allow same sex marriage. BRAVO!); and even the middle American (U.S.) state of Iowa (Iowa, for God's-fucking-sake! Who would've thought?!)- allow it, but the most liberal state, where said cunt is from, doesn't (another reason why those Morons...um, Mormons should in Utah, and leave California alone!). If she- and her ilk doesn't like this, that's her fucking problem.
I'd hate to see her in the year I was born, 1967, when they allowed interracial marriage.
Copyright (C) 2009 by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Michael Jackson Means Major Junk
It looks like Michael Jackson is definitely damaged goods- the foreclosure of that monstrosity called Neverland and those court cases in recent years don't help matters any.
Now adding tons of Morton(R) salt to the wound is the fact that his items will not be sold at an auction that was scheduled for next week. I guess that he isn't that desperate for the money, and that he's putting faith in his upcoming "This is It" tour (of course, this author really hopes This is It!), which may- or may signal his comeback.
Personally, I believe that his days as a megastar has been long past. Jackson needs to relax, enjoy retirement- or at the very least, take a break. But knowing our eccentric 50-year-old friend, he probably has something else up his sleeve (of course, he does need the money, right? You know, those bankruptcy rumors...yeah, that...not good).
Click here to http://www.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090414/ap_en_mu/michael_jackson_auction for the story.
(C) 2009 by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.
Now adding tons of Morton(R) salt to the wound is the fact that his items will not be sold at an auction that was scheduled for next week. I guess that he isn't that desperate for the money, and that he's putting faith in his upcoming "This is It" tour (of course, this author really hopes This is It!), which may- or may signal his comeback.
Personally, I believe that his days as a megastar has been long past. Jackson needs to relax, enjoy retirement- or at the very least, take a break. But knowing our eccentric 50-year-old friend, he probably has something else up his sleeve (of course, he does need the money, right? You know, those bankruptcy rumors...yeah, that...not good).
Click here to http://www.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090414/ap_en_mu/michael_jackson_auction for the story.
(C) 2009 by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.
Additional Charges in Cantu Murder Case
As reported yesterday, Melissa Huckaby, 28, was accused of murdering Sandra Cantu, 8, and that Huckaby may face rape and molestation charges. Today, those additional charges came to pass as Huckaby faces one count of murder- in violation of California Penal Code Section 187; with three special circumstances. The first alleges that Huckaby murdered little Sandra while kidnapping the little girl (violations of Sections 207 and 209); the second alleges that Huckaby committed lewd and/or lascivious acts upon Sandra (violations of Section 288, within the meaning of Section 190.2 (a) (17) (E)...); and finally that Huckaby had raped Sandra by use of instrument (violation of Section 289, within the meaning of Section 190.2 (a) (17) (E)...). All of these do have death penalty implications.
At this time, Huckaby has not entered a plea, and the case will be continued on April 24.
Somewhere, John Walsh is in shock- and he'll probably show it on this Saturday's broadcast of "America's Most Wanted". I took a look at the AMW website yesterday, and he- like many of us (myself included) believed that some male creep took away this little baby girl's life. Who would have thought that a seemingly nice Sunday School teacher from the Clover Road Church in Tracy would be a suspect? I sure as hell didn't, that's for damn sure. But it comes to show that what we think we know isn't always true.
I remember when- shortly before I moved back to Portland from New Orleans- that a serial killer was terrorizing south Louisiana. Women were being kidnapped, and in some cases sexually assaulted, before being killed. Many had believed that the killer had fit the "typical" profile- a pissed off, socially awkward white man. But what the investigators didn't mention until the actual arrest that this serial killer was African-American and quite a charming one at that. In other words, not your "typical" profile of a serial killer. Which brings me back to this: there is no such animal as "typical". As I've often times tell friends when we get into debates about the sex trade, not every woman's a prostitute, and not every man's a pimp. I know I've gotten off track a bit, but this comes back to my argument that there is no such thing as "typical". In fact, some definitions of "typical" end up being stereotypical.
Whatever verdict comes to Ms. Huckaby, perhaps justice will be served. Or maybe she's a scapecoat for the real killer. Who knows, except for the fact that I'll be following this case quite closely.
(C) 2009 by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.
At this time, Huckaby has not entered a plea, and the case will be continued on April 24.
Somewhere, John Walsh is in shock- and he'll probably show it on this Saturday's broadcast of "America's Most Wanted". I took a look at the AMW website yesterday, and he- like many of us (myself included) believed that some male creep took away this little baby girl's life. Who would have thought that a seemingly nice Sunday School teacher from the Clover Road Church in Tracy would be a suspect? I sure as hell didn't, that's for damn sure. But it comes to show that what we think we know isn't always true.
I remember when- shortly before I moved back to Portland from New Orleans- that a serial killer was terrorizing south Louisiana. Women were being kidnapped, and in some cases sexually assaulted, before being killed. Many had believed that the killer had fit the "typical" profile- a pissed off, socially awkward white man. But what the investigators didn't mention until the actual arrest that this serial killer was African-American and quite a charming one at that. In other words, not your "typical" profile of a serial killer. Which brings me back to this: there is no such animal as "typical". As I've often times tell friends when we get into debates about the sex trade, not every woman's a prostitute, and not every man's a pimp. I know I've gotten off track a bit, but this comes back to my argument that there is no such thing as "typical". In fact, some definitions of "typical" end up being stereotypical.
Whatever verdict comes to Ms. Huckaby, perhaps justice will be served. Or maybe she's a scapecoat for the real killer. Who knows, except for the fact that I'll be following this case quite closely.
(C) 2009 by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Sunday School Teacher Accused of Murder of Girl
In an unusual case in northern California, a female Sunday school teacher has been accused of murder.
Sandra Cantu, 8, disappeared March 27 from a church that the accused's grandfather is the lead pastor. Her body was found not far from the church on April 6. Sandra's remains were found in a suitcase. The accused, Melissa Huckaby, 28, was arrested Friday in San Joaquin county on suspicion of kidnapping and murdering little Sandra. What makes this even more unusual is that Ms. Huckaby may face additonal charges of rape and molestation.
And in the community of Tracy, the news sent shockwaves. Ms. Huckaby was not only a teacher at the church, but a mother of a five-year-old child, and a friend of the Cantu family.
Sure, women can be molesters and even rapists- recent news reports confirm this. But the majority of us- myself included- still believe that men are the typical perpetrators. This is further evidence that there is no longer a such thing as a "typical"- be it murderer; kidnapper; or even rapist. In towns, large and small, neighbors become suspicious. Close friendships can be broken over the slightest accusation of wrongdoing- even if such is later unfounded. Little Sandra's murder has raised the suspicion level that much higher, and the Huckaby family is no doubt under a searing magnifying glass. All because the woman who is a mother and a daughter may have killed a family friend.
I've provided a link to the news story from KOVR CBS 13. Just click on the title.
(C) 2009 by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.
Sandra Cantu, 8, disappeared March 27 from a church that the accused's grandfather is the lead pastor. Her body was found not far from the church on April 6. Sandra's remains were found in a suitcase. The accused, Melissa Huckaby, 28, was arrested Friday in San Joaquin county on suspicion of kidnapping and murdering little Sandra. What makes this even more unusual is that Ms. Huckaby may face additonal charges of rape and molestation.
And in the community of Tracy, the news sent shockwaves. Ms. Huckaby was not only a teacher at the church, but a mother of a five-year-old child, and a friend of the Cantu family.
Sure, women can be molesters and even rapists- recent news reports confirm this. But the majority of us- myself included- still believe that men are the typical perpetrators. This is further evidence that there is no longer a such thing as a "typical"- be it murderer; kidnapper; or even rapist. In towns, large and small, neighbors become suspicious. Close friendships can be broken over the slightest accusation of wrongdoing- even if such is later unfounded. Little Sandra's murder has raised the suspicion level that much higher, and the Huckaby family is no doubt under a searing magnifying glass. All because the woman who is a mother and a daughter may have killed a family friend.
I've provided a link to the news story from KOVR CBS 13. Just click on the title.
(C) 2009 by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.
Phil Spector Convicted of Second Degree Murder
Music producer Phil Spector was convicted of second degree murder this afternoon. In 2003, actress Lana Clarkson, 40, was found slumped in a chair at Spector's home in 2003, with a gunshot fired in her mouth. At the time of her death, she had worked at the House of Blues' Los Angeles location, as a VIP hostess.
During his first trial in 2007, the jury was deadlocked 10-2, in favor of conviction.
On the night of the killing, Spector- who has a predilection for firearms, and a well-known reputation for threatening women- alegedly shot Clarkson, who starred infilms such as 1985's "Barbarian Queen". Spector himself is credited for creating the legendary "Wall of Sound", a mixture of melody and percussion. This was used in such hits as "Be My Baby", performed by the Ronettes (his ex-wife Ronnie was the lead vocalist); and The Righteous Brothers' "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling". He won two Grammy(R) Awards, and in 1989 was induced into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame.
Now the 69-year-old Spector faces 15 years.
(C) 2009 by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.
During his first trial in 2007, the jury was deadlocked 10-2, in favor of conviction.
On the night of the killing, Spector- who has a predilection for firearms, and a well-known reputation for threatening women- alegedly shot Clarkson, who starred infilms such as 1985's "Barbarian Queen". Spector himself is credited for creating the legendary "Wall of Sound", a mixture of melody and percussion. This was used in such hits as "Be My Baby", performed by the Ronettes (his ex-wife Ronnie was the lead vocalist); and The Righteous Brothers' "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling". He won two Grammy(R) Awards, and in 1989 was induced into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame.
Now the 69-year-old Spector faces 15 years.
(C) 2009 by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.
Porn Star Marilyn Chambers Dead at 56
She was the picture seen on Ivory soap ads, when she- the woman born Marilyn Taylor- went into the adult film industry in the early 1970's, she was axed by the agency that represent Procter and Gamble. Over the course of her career, she made over 25 porn films, including one in which she had sex with an African-American man, 1972's "Behind the Green Door". That film was one of the first released in the US to attract widespread attention.
In 1976, she released this song, "Benihana":
kitsch2spacea/YouTube
Marilyn Chambers was found dead late Sunday at her Los Angeles home. she had bit roles in 1970's "The Owl and the Pussycat", and 1977's "Rabid", but other than those roles, she was never able to return to mainstream roles. In 2004, she ran for vice president under the Personal Choice party ticket.
Chambers was 56.
This entry is linked to the story at Reuters.
(C) 2009 by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.
In 1976, she released this song, "Benihana":
kitsch2spacea/YouTube
Marilyn Chambers was found dead late Sunday at her Los Angeles home. she had bit roles in 1970's "The Owl and the Pussycat", and 1977's "Rabid", but other than those roles, she was never able to return to mainstream roles. In 2004, she ran for vice president under the Personal Choice party ticket.
Chambers was 56.
This entry is linked to the story at Reuters.
(C) 2009 by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Note To Assassin-Wannbe: You've Targeted the Wrong Guy!
A plot was recently uncovered to kill President Barack Obama. The suspect is of Syrian descent, and he reportedly had three accomplices who were supposed to help him.
Now, had he decided to carry out his plot, say...five or six months ago, when George W. Bush was still stinking up the Oval Office, perhaps I would have forgiven the poor sap for wanting to slice and dice the "Decider". But to want to stab Obama, now that's what I call pure stupidity. After all, Obama didn't start the war on terrorism. Nor does he call Syria an enemy state- at least, not that I heard anyway. If this assassin-wannabe wants to start World War III, that's on him (just make sure I'm on one of those Virgin space flights en route to Riegel or Mars when that happens...).
The job of being a head of state- be it President of the United States; Prime Minister of the United Kingdom; or what have you- is tough. The last thing you need is some whack job wanting to kill that head, just because he or she doesn't like the leader's policies. Sure, I could've knocked off Bush because of his acts of jackassery. But then, I would've had the Secret Service, the FBI, and probably the CIA on my ass- and you know how fun that is for people who've been under their withering interrogations. Besides, I love my freedom too much.
This assassin obviously had his reasons for wanting to kill Obama. None of them will probably make sense, but it shows the balls of some people to disrupt what is already a fragile peace.
(C) 2009 by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved
Now, had he decided to carry out his plot, say...five or six months ago, when George W. Bush was still stinking up the Oval Office, perhaps I would have forgiven the poor sap for wanting to slice and dice the "Decider". But to want to stab Obama, now that's what I call pure stupidity. After all, Obama didn't start the war on terrorism. Nor does he call Syria an enemy state- at least, not that I heard anyway. If this assassin-wannabe wants to start World War III, that's on him (just make sure I'm on one of those Virgin space flights en route to Riegel or Mars when that happens...).
The job of being a head of state- be it President of the United States; Prime Minister of the United Kingdom; or what have you- is tough. The last thing you need is some whack job wanting to kill that head, just because he or she doesn't like the leader's policies. Sure, I could've knocked off Bush because of his acts of jackassery. But then, I would've had the Secret Service, the FBI, and probably the CIA on my ass- and you know how fun that is for people who've been under their withering interrogations. Besides, I love my freedom too much.
This assassin obviously had his reasons for wanting to kill Obama. None of them will probably make sense, but it shows the balls of some people to disrupt what is already a fragile peace.
(C) 2009 by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
This is a Test...
This is me at Reed College, Portland, Oregon. Sunday, I graduated from a program called Humanity in Perspective, which is run by Reed and the Oregon Council of the Humanities.
Thanks to the great people of Flickr and Yahoo! for this.
Photo: Gary Davis
(C) 2009 by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved.
Thanks to the great people of Flickr and Yahoo! for this.
Photo: Gary Davis
(C) 2009 by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved.
Monday, April 06, 2009
Afghanistan- A Marital Rapist's Paradise
If you domestic abusers out there want to beat your wives up, and force them into sex, perhaps you guys need to be deported to Afghanistan. Now, before you say I'm fucking nuts for even suggesting this, just think about this. The bitch is giving you a hard time, stepping outside the "traditional" role of marriage- you know, have the meal cooked; beds made; the whole goddamned house spic and span. One little thing out of step, you slap her around and then rip her clothes off, and violate her all you want. And if you happen to be a member of the Shia, that's even better! She goes to the police, she gets beheaded.
Afghanistan, guys! One of several places where you can get away with raping your wife (sorry, queers need not apply, for homosexuality is punishable by death in Afghanistan...).
Of course, you have to deal with all of those feminazis around the world who are protesting Afghanistan's recent decision that shiite women must cede their pussies to their husbands. After all, do you need all of those pussy-whipped Westerners, such as Americans and Brits, telling you what to do in your bedroom...or your living room...or even in the backyard? Hey, if you force your wife to take it up the ass, or even tell her- under the penalty of death, of course- to give you a blow job, Allah would be so happy. After all, it's Allah who tells you that women are property, not human.
Afghanistan. I see all of the American, British, and Canadian domestic abusers packing up and heading there. They won't have to worry about the long arm of John Law grabbing them.
Of course, in all seriousness, this is no laughing matter. Many people are not happy over this bill that allows husbands to violate their wives, and what's more troubling is that Afghan president Hamid Karzai could sign it, and make it into law. But, wait a cotton-pickin' second, Hoss. Karzai says that this law's being misunderstood.
What's more troubling is the fact that 68 women in the Afghan parliament helped get the bill passed. Didn't they know what they were signing, especially when many feminist groups are fighting to give the women in Islamic countries full rights to be treated like the human beings they are?
(C) 2009 by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved.
Afghanistan, guys! One of several places where you can get away with raping your wife (sorry, queers need not apply, for homosexuality is punishable by death in Afghanistan...).
Of course, you have to deal with all of those feminazis around the world who are protesting Afghanistan's recent decision that shiite women must cede their pussies to their husbands. After all, do you need all of those pussy-whipped Westerners, such as Americans and Brits, telling you what to do in your bedroom...or your living room...or even in the backyard? Hey, if you force your wife to take it up the ass, or even tell her- under the penalty of death, of course- to give you a blow job, Allah would be so happy. After all, it's Allah who tells you that women are property, not human.
Afghanistan. I see all of the American, British, and Canadian domestic abusers packing up and heading there. They won't have to worry about the long arm of John Law grabbing them.
Of course, in all seriousness, this is no laughing matter. Many people are not happy over this bill that allows husbands to violate their wives, and what's more troubling is that Afghan president Hamid Karzai could sign it, and make it into law. But, wait a cotton-pickin' second, Hoss. Karzai says that this law's being misunderstood.
What's more troubling is the fact that 68 women in the Afghan parliament helped get the bill passed. Didn't they know what they were signing, especially when many feminist groups are fighting to give the women in Islamic countries full rights to be treated like the human beings they are?
(C) 2009 by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved.
Heartbreak in Detroit
North Carolina Tar Heels are the 2009 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Champions!
The final, 89-72. And for at least 50,000 of the record 72,922 in attendance at Ford Field in Detroit, it's heartbreak city. In East Lansing, the Michigan State sign has been removed, and replaced by just "Michigan". Welcome, Wolverines to East Lansing. As for the Spartans...well, at least their namesakes did give Athens a hard time. But like ancient Sparta, it lost to Athens eventually. If Thucydides were alive to see the 2009 version, only substitute Chapel Hill, North Carolina for Athens.
Ty Lawson, 21 points. Wayne Ellington, 19 points. Tyler Hansbrough, 18 points. Shutting down a pretty good Michigan State. But "pretty good" won't cut it when the game- and the National Championship- is on the line. And Michigan State just couldn't shut down Hansbrough; Lawson; and Ellington. Fouls and turnovers really killed the Spartans on what is practically the home court. Even if home is 92 miles away in East Lansing.
Sure, North Carolina was expected to win, and the Tar Heels played like their lives had depended on this game, and in a sense, it did. Michigan State chipped away, yes, but they just couldn't get close enough to make any difference.
So, congratulations to the North Carolina Tar Heels on their 2009 win.
As for dealing with my friend Patty...let's just say that I'd better enjoy Tuesday.
JJ2006Ice/YouTube
That really hurts.
(C) 2009 by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved.
The final, 89-72. And for at least 50,000 of the record 72,922 in attendance at Ford Field in Detroit, it's heartbreak city. In East Lansing, the Michigan State sign has been removed, and replaced by just "Michigan". Welcome, Wolverines to East Lansing. As for the Spartans...well, at least their namesakes did give Athens a hard time. But like ancient Sparta, it lost to Athens eventually. If Thucydides were alive to see the 2009 version, only substitute Chapel Hill, North Carolina for Athens.
Ty Lawson, 21 points. Wayne Ellington, 19 points. Tyler Hansbrough, 18 points. Shutting down a pretty good Michigan State. But "pretty good" won't cut it when the game- and the National Championship- is on the line. And Michigan State just couldn't shut down Hansbrough; Lawson; and Ellington. Fouls and turnovers really killed the Spartans on what is practically the home court. Even if home is 92 miles away in East Lansing.
Sure, North Carolina was expected to win, and the Tar Heels played like their lives had depended on this game, and in a sense, it did. Michigan State chipped away, yes, but they just couldn't get close enough to make any difference.
So, congratulations to the North Carolina Tar Heels on their 2009 win.
As for dealing with my friend Patty...let's just say that I'd better enjoy Tuesday.
JJ2006Ice/YouTube
That really hurts.
(C) 2009 by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved.
NFTHE Sports At the Half
Okay, it has a nice ring to it. Something the North Carolina Tar Heels seem to have right now as they lead 55-34 over the Michigan State Spartans. And somewhere in Vancouver, Washington, the Warman house is not the place you'd want to be right now (a nod to my friends Doug and Patty there...though if the Spartans don't win tonight, I might be seeing Patty's mug shot on the local news tomorrow...Dougie, beware...).
What's crazier is that Michigan State is pretty much on the home court (although the Spartans are the underdogs). as I've watched the game, I've wondered where the Michigan State who beat the ass of UConn Saturday went. Yes, the Tar Heels are good, and hungry as hell, but I figured that the Spartans would put forth some fight. But instaed, they're on the other end of a 55-34 drubbing. At any rate, 20 minutes to go in this game, and the Heels could bring the 2009 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship Trophy.
So far, the only exciting thing about the Spartans is the CBS Sports interview with Earvin "Magic" Johnson, who beat Larry Bird and Indiana State 75-64 thirty years ago.
The players are returning, so it's back to the game...the Tar Heels are fired up- they're clapping their hands, so it looks like they'll probably continue the momentum they had in the first half. Michigan State needs to wake up- and real fast! Otherwise, it'll be a heartbreak in Detroit. A big let down for the home crowd- even if East Lansing's a mere 95 miles away.
Gotta get back to the game. So you afterward.
(C) 2009 by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved.
What's crazier is that Michigan State is pretty much on the home court (although the Spartans are the underdogs). as I've watched the game, I've wondered where the Michigan State who beat the ass of UConn Saturday went. Yes, the Tar Heels are good, and hungry as hell, but I figured that the Spartans would put forth some fight. But instaed, they're on the other end of a 55-34 drubbing. At any rate, 20 minutes to go in this game, and the Heels could bring the 2009 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship Trophy.
So far, the only exciting thing about the Spartans is the CBS Sports interview with Earvin "Magic" Johnson, who beat Larry Bird and Indiana State 75-64 thirty years ago.
The players are returning, so it's back to the game...the Tar Heels are fired up- they're clapping their hands, so it looks like they'll probably continue the momentum they had in the first half. Michigan State needs to wake up- and real fast! Otherwise, it'll be a heartbreak in Detroit. A big let down for the home crowd- even if East Lansing's a mere 95 miles away.
Gotta get back to the game. So you afterward.
(C) 2009 by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Keira Knightley Beaten in New Ad
CutMovie.co.uk
Keira Knightley getting beaten. Not a pretty sight.
Although both Ms. Knightley is not really being beaten- both she and the man who's kicking her are obviously acting- it's still a disturbing image. This ad by the British charity Women's Aid is being aired to raise awareness about domestic violence. Not surprisingly, it's already generating plenty of controversy..
Did this ad go too far? Personally, I'm mixed on the opinion. On one hand, the sight of Ms. Knightley being kicked and slapped does go a bit too far. It seems a little too real. But on the other hand, I applaud the bravery of the Women's Aid charity for boldly use the image in what is called a "shock ad", to bring to light the very real scourge of domestic violence. No one- woman or man (yes, men do account for about five percent of domestic violence victims)- should ever be hurt by the person who has sworn to love and protect them.
What can we do to stop this? There is support to help victims- and their abusers, too- get help. It's not easy to leave a situation, or even change it. But with the right circle of support, domestic violence can be halted. Let's all stop this scourge before another person loses their life at the hands of their abuser.
Here are a few resources to turn to:
In the United States:
National Domestic Violence Hotline: http://www.ndvh.org 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: http://www.ncadv.org (use the NDVH toll free number)
In the United Kingdom:
Women's Aid: http://www.womensaid.org.uk/ 0808 2000 247 (co-sponsored by Refuge)
In Canada:
Safe Canada: http://www.safecanada.ca
Since I do this blog from Portland, Oregon, I'll list some local numbers and websites for the Portland/Vancouver/Salem area:
Raphael House of Portland: http://www.raphaelhouse.com
Portland Police Bureau Women Strength offers defense training for everyone. Go to the Portland Online website, http://www.portlandonline.com, and type inside the search square "Women Strength" (don't worry about capitalization. it'll get you to where you need to go). Or you can call 503-823-0260
Multnomah County Dept. of County Human Services: http://www.co.multnomah.or.us/dchs/dv/, 1-888-235-5333 (503-235-5333 in Portland)
In Vancouver and Clark County, Washington: http://www.co.clark.wa.us/sheriff/community/domestic.html, 360-695-0501 in Clark County; 1-800-562-6025 throughout Washington state; and the above national number for the NDVH.
In Salem and Marion County: Mid-Valley Women's Crisis Service, http://www.mvwcs.com/domesticviolence.html, 503-399-7722, or 1-866-399-7722.
Together, we can stop domestic abuse.
Copyright (C) 2009 by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved.
The Family That Shoplifts Together Go On "Dr. Phil"
Admittedly, the economy is in the shitter, but that doesn't keep us from wanting nice items. Some even go to extremes to get those items.
Take Laura and Matthew Eaton, of northern San Diego County, for example. They made over $100,000 by shoplifting, and they've did it for six years. $600,000 total. Now, although I don't condone shoplifting, I won't knock them for even having the conjones to even be brave about this- after all, if it works for you, keep it up. And I'll even give them major conjones points for appearing on "Dr. Phil", and reveal themselves on national TV last November.
But I do have one bone to pick with them- that they even shown their faces on "Dr. Phil" in the first place. Now, a San Diego county sheriff's detective is investigating them, as are federal investigators. Last week, toys, a car (a car?!!!) and other items were seized by agents.
"How do you do all of this and not get caught?," Detective Dave Hillen of the San Diego County Sherriff's Office asked.
Easy, deputy. until they played blabbermouth on "Dr. Phil", they were just that good. Sneaky and cunning. And apparently brave enough to risk facing years behind bars.
The full story on this Eatons' five-finger discount shoping can be found by clicking on the title.
Copyright (C) 2009 by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved.
Take Laura and Matthew Eaton, of northern San Diego County, for example. They made over $100,000 by shoplifting, and they've did it for six years. $600,000 total. Now, although I don't condone shoplifting, I won't knock them for even having the conjones to even be brave about this- after all, if it works for you, keep it up. And I'll even give them major conjones points for appearing on "Dr. Phil", and reveal themselves on national TV last November.
But I do have one bone to pick with them- that they even shown their faces on "Dr. Phil" in the first place. Now, a San Diego county sheriff's detective is investigating them, as are federal investigators. Last week, toys, a car (a car?!!!) and other items were seized by agents.
"How do you do all of this and not get caught?," Detective Dave Hillen of the San Diego County Sherriff's Office asked.
Easy, deputy. until they played blabbermouth on "Dr. Phil", they were just that good. Sneaky and cunning. And apparently brave enough to risk facing years behind bars.
The full story on this Eatons' five-finger discount shoping can be found by clicking on the title.
Copyright (C) 2009 by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Hands Off the Queen, Shelly
President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama visited Buckingham Palace yesterday for an audience with Queen Elizabeth II. All seemed fine, and Michelle even placed an arm around Liz. Of course, this was seen all around the world.
wjr1ftkt/YouTube
And it has the Brits' knickers all tied up in a bunch.
There appears to be a violation of royal...or is it international (I could never figure these crazy things out) protocol that forbids anybody from laying a hand on the Queen. All I can say is, from the video footage I've watched, if Lizzie was complaining, I couldn't tell. Besides, it shows the friendship between the two nations that share the first name of "United". Of course, had Obama's predecessor did this, she probably would've kicked him- and/or Laura where the sun doesn't shine.
Lighten up, you crazy Brits. The queen didn't complain about it. And neither should you. Got it? Great!
Copyright (C) 2009 by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved.
wjr1ftkt/YouTube
And it has the Brits' knickers all tied up in a bunch.
There appears to be a violation of royal...or is it international (I could never figure these crazy things out) protocol that forbids anybody from laying a hand on the Queen. All I can say is, from the video footage I've watched, if Lizzie was complaining, I couldn't tell. Besides, it shows the friendship between the two nations that share the first name of "United". Of course, had Obama's predecessor did this, she probably would've kicked him- and/or Laura where the sun doesn't shine.
Lighten up, you crazy Brits. The queen didn't complain about it. And neither should you. Got it? Great!
Copyright (C) 2009 by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Perhaps Obama Needs To Start Smoking Again
Last night I went to my friendly neighborhood tobacco store- in this case, Riverside Tobacco on West Burnside st. and Southwest 3rd Avenue- to get a pouch of Midnight Tobacco. Imagine the look I had when I got a case of "sticker shock".
In the past, a pouch of Midnight Special set people back a buck-fifty, or even a buck seventy-five. A lot of people on very limited incomes would get this, plus many- such as myself- like to roll our own smoke. Oh, I'm not against the tailor made ones, but rolling reminds me a bit like rolling a joint. It's so fun.
But now, something's gotten in the way- and it's called the federal tobacco tax. And that pouch that once cost me $1.75 has now set me back $4.25- 41% tax increase! Yes, it's the current administration and the anti-smoking lobby's doing, and I expressed a bit of anger about it- though it wasn't targeted at that hottie cashier (she knew that). This is not one of Obama's best choices, and I won't like everything Obama does between now and January 20, 2012- or even January 20, 2016, but in many cases, I'll take it all with a grain of salt- with a lime inside the Corona.
I feel for you folks in New York City, where the pack of cigarettes have probably inched close to ten bucks. The anti-smoking lobbyists really have it in for the smokers, citing health risks. but some of us have pretty damn good genes in our bodies, and yes, a lot of us exercise, too. Smoking is the one vice we feel comfortable with. It's kind of, like, comfort food to us, and now some entities are attempting to take those away from us. Just like they did here in Oregon when, on January 1, those same nanny state cretins down in Salem forced the bars to become smoke-free. What's next? No smoking in our own houses, apartments, or cars? I'm beginning to wonder if the conservative commentators are right, and the United States is becoming a socialist nation. (Okay, it's not. Besides, I never did take Rush and his disciples seriously anyway...).
Now, if you excuse me, I need to light up this snipe...oh, never mind. I just need another smoke. I'm having a nicotine fit, baby!
Copyright 2009 by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved.
In the past, a pouch of Midnight Special set people back a buck-fifty, or even a buck seventy-five. A lot of people on very limited incomes would get this, plus many- such as myself- like to roll our own smoke. Oh, I'm not against the tailor made ones, but rolling reminds me a bit like rolling a joint. It's so fun.
But now, something's gotten in the way- and it's called the federal tobacco tax. And that pouch that once cost me $1.75 has now set me back $4.25- 41% tax increase! Yes, it's the current administration and the anti-smoking lobby's doing, and I expressed a bit of anger about it- though it wasn't targeted at that hottie cashier (she knew that). This is not one of Obama's best choices, and I won't like everything Obama does between now and January 20, 2012- or even January 20, 2016, but in many cases, I'll take it all with a grain of salt- with a lime inside the Corona.
I feel for you folks in New York City, where the pack of cigarettes have probably inched close to ten bucks. The anti-smoking lobbyists really have it in for the smokers, citing health risks. but some of us have pretty damn good genes in our bodies, and yes, a lot of us exercise, too. Smoking is the one vice we feel comfortable with. It's kind of, like, comfort food to us, and now some entities are attempting to take those away from us. Just like they did here in Oregon when, on January 1, those same nanny state cretins down in Salem forced the bars to become smoke-free. What's next? No smoking in our own houses, apartments, or cars? I'm beginning to wonder if the conservative commentators are right, and the United States is becoming a socialist nation. (Okay, it's not. Besides, I never did take Rush and his disciples seriously anyway...).
Now, if you excuse me, I need to light up this snipe...oh, never mind. I just need another smoke. I'm having a nicotine fit, baby!
Copyright 2009 by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved.
Guiding Light- RIP
This entry produced in association with the sister blog The Trash Bash
In 1937, a new soap opera hit the airwaves on NBC radio. This soap dramatized the going ons of the citizenry of a the (ficticious) Chicago suburb of Five Points, Illinois, and the minister who did his best to help the town, Rev. John Ruthledge. Religion and drama go hand in hand, indeed.
Fifteen years later, it moved to Springfield (though I don't know if it was in Illinois or not) and CBS television- while that medium was still in its infancy. For many years, it was among the top rated soaps (and definitely one that was watched in the Bannister, Davis, Holt, Lewis, and Patterson households. So good to be around my aunts Eileen; Gail; Patty; and my great aunt Minnie; my grandmother Valdine, and yes, my mother Reida. I could picture their reactions to the going ons about Springfield...). Guiness Book of World records cites it- at 57 years- as the longest-running television drama. The current soap centers around the Cooper; Lewis; and Spaulding families.
And now, after 72 years total- and over 15,700 episodes- fans will soon be without their "Guiding Light". Reasons for its demise: the economy and the Nielsens- the show in recent years have been in the ratings basement, as is sister soap "As the World Turns" (which also airs on CBS). Thus far CBS has no replacement for GL (at the risk of playing mind reader, I think that "The Bold and the Beautiful", one of the top rated soaps- also on the Tiffany network- could be expanded to an hour. But that's my guess...).
So, let's go down memory lane, and remember the storylines seen- and heard- over the years, beginning with this radio episode from 1950:
ClassicGL/P&G Productions/CBS/NBC
In 1984, Kim Zimmer joined the show, and has become one of the most popular actresses, not only on GL, but in the soap world as well. However, you'd find this hard to believe, as her character Reva flips out on her husband Josh:
celebratingthesoaps/P&G Productions/CBS
And finally, from an episode from this year, Olivia attacks Doris, the mayor of Springfield:
GLDaily/P&G Productions/CBS/YouTube
The final episode will air September 18.
Copyright 2009 by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved.
In 1937, a new soap opera hit the airwaves on NBC radio. This soap dramatized the going ons of the citizenry of a the (ficticious) Chicago suburb of Five Points, Illinois, and the minister who did his best to help the town, Rev. John Ruthledge. Religion and drama go hand in hand, indeed.
Fifteen years later, it moved to Springfield (though I don't know if it was in Illinois or not) and CBS television- while that medium was still in its infancy. For many years, it was among the top rated soaps (and definitely one that was watched in the Bannister, Davis, Holt, Lewis, and Patterson households. So good to be around my aunts Eileen; Gail; Patty; and my great aunt Minnie; my grandmother Valdine, and yes, my mother Reida. I could picture their reactions to the going ons about Springfield...). Guiness Book of World records cites it- at 57 years- as the longest-running television drama. The current soap centers around the Cooper; Lewis; and Spaulding families.
And now, after 72 years total- and over 15,700 episodes- fans will soon be without their "Guiding Light". Reasons for its demise: the economy and the Nielsens- the show in recent years have been in the ratings basement, as is sister soap "As the World Turns" (which also airs on CBS). Thus far CBS has no replacement for GL (at the risk of playing mind reader, I think that "The Bold and the Beautiful", one of the top rated soaps- also on the Tiffany network- could be expanded to an hour. But that's my guess...).
So, let's go down memory lane, and remember the storylines seen- and heard- over the years, beginning with this radio episode from 1950:
ClassicGL/P&G Productions/CBS/NBC
In 1984, Kim Zimmer joined the show, and has become one of the most popular actresses, not only on GL, but in the soap world as well. However, you'd find this hard to believe, as her character Reva flips out on her husband Josh:
celebratingthesoaps/P&G Productions/CBS
And finally, from an episode from this year, Olivia attacks Doris, the mayor of Springfield:
GLDaily/P&G Productions/CBS/YouTube
The final episode will air September 18.
Copyright 2009 by Darren W. Alexander
All Rights Reserved.
University of California-San Diego Invites Rejects
Picture this for a moment: you get a letter in the snail mail (or by the slightly faster e-mail method) from the University of California- San Diego stating that you've been accepted. You jump, cheer, even throw a party. However, that party is cut short when you learn that they fucked up. Which in English means that you've been rejected.
Now picture this scenario times 29,000.
Yes, that's what happened.
UC San Diego mistakenly sent out 29,000 letters of congratulations, instead of sending to the 17,000 that actually made the cut. Understandably, those 29,000 are quite pissed at the gaffe, and if it were up to me, those 29,000 would get free admission for an entire academic year- be it at UCSD, or at some other university or college. Of course, I'm thinking that other universities are jumping at the chance to grab any one of those kids and sweetening the deals, up to full scholarships. No matter what, those prospective students deserve something for their troubles. They don't need any more heartache. Not after what they've been through.
Copyright 2009 by Darren W. Alexander.
All Rights Reserved.
Now picture this scenario times 29,000.
Yes, that's what happened.
UC San Diego mistakenly sent out 29,000 letters of congratulations, instead of sending to the 17,000 that actually made the cut. Understandably, those 29,000 are quite pissed at the gaffe, and if it were up to me, those 29,000 would get free admission for an entire academic year- be it at UCSD, or at some other university or college. Of course, I'm thinking that other universities are jumping at the chance to grab any one of those kids and sweetening the deals, up to full scholarships. No matter what, those prospective students deserve something for their troubles. They don't need any more heartache. Not after what they've been through.
Copyright 2009 by Darren W. Alexander.
All Rights Reserved.
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