I am sick and tired of these motherf!#*! skits on this motherf!#*! show

"SNL" NEWBIE DROPS THE F-BOMB ON AIR
(NBC WASHINGTON)

This past Saturday was the season premiere for the newest season of the classic late night laugh-fest, Saturday Night Live. I was sitting on the couch with a few friends, sipping a Coke and discussing the nasty injury of Tim Tebow only hours before. We paused our conversation during "Biker Chick Chat," a new sketch featuring one of SNL's newest players, Jenny Slate, with comedy vetern Kristin Wiig. It started off normally enough, if not a bit redundant with all the "freakin' this" and "freakin' that." And that's when IT happened -- the slip-up that is every performers worst nightmare. She dropped the F-bomb loud, clear and on live television. After utilizing our TiVo's rewind mechanism at least twenty-seven times, we were abuzz with what had just happened. Naturally, the censors were unable to react so quickly and the entire east coast heard her blunder.

According to the article, "Whether Slate's expletive was intentional wasn't clear, but the actress did puff out her cheeks after the swear word to indicate her embarrassment and apparent regret at her slip-up." I feel like it's fairly obvious that she wouldn't swear on air on purpose. Especially considering she had been saying "freakin'" so many times, it seems like a natural diction accident. Yet, many have been quick to attack this, calling Slate "foul mouthed." It was a verbal gaffe and nothing more. Currently, it is unknown whether or not disciplinary action will be taken against Slate.

Let it go, America, we all make freakin' mistakes.



For link to story at nbcwashington.com
http://www.nbcwashington.com/entertainment/television/NATL-SNL-Newbie-Drops-the-F-Bomb-On-Air-62104947.html

If You Can't Stand the Heat, Get Outta the Dorm

AT TUFTS, AN ATTEMPT TO PROHIBIT SEX WHILE A ROOMMATE IS IN THE ROOM
(THE NEW YORK TIMES/THE CHOICE)

I can sense an overpowering theme in my entries as of late -- common sense (or a lack thereof, nowadays). Back in the day, when you wanted a roll in the hay, you didn't actually want your roommate sitting there watching. Unless you're into that whole Peeping Tom fetish, it's just not something one generally would want to engage in -- or so we thought. According to complaints that had surfaced in the residential life office of Tufts University, many students were complaining that their roommate's sexual activities were becoming disruptive, to the point where they could no longer sleep or study in peace and wholesome quiet.

Alas, we have come to the point in society in which it's necessary for a university to make a "new stipulation to its guest policy" dictating that we cannot engage in sexual activity in the presence of our roommate. No. Freakin'. Way. According to the article and Carrie Ales-Rich, assistant director for community and judicial affairs in the residential life office, "...the policy was not intended to dictate behavior."Well, I should hope not. It seems students today are babied enough, they're hand being held throughout the entire transition process between home and college. As a college freshman myself, I can assure you I did not need seminar after seminar of eating healthy, getting along with roommates, and other basic human functions that others apparently need to be spoon-fed. It's honestly quite pathetic that a school must intervene in the personal lives of students because some are too thick to think of such acts as irresponsible and rude. Simply put, if you don't have common courtesy, you don't belong in college.



Link at blogs.nytimes.com:
http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/29/tufts-sex/

Swhine flu

SOME DOUBT HAND WASHING STOPS H1N1
(CNN)

Swine flu. H1N1. Piggy sickness? Whatever you want to call it, it's the flu. And come flu season, there's suddenly a spike in Purrell sales as everyone from hobos to year-round germaphobes break out the hand sanitizer and scrub themselves down as if they were performing open heart surgery. Yet, as these Monk clones are saddened to learn, studies show that, unlike the common cold, rigorous hand washing isn't a particularly effective measure to preventing strains of influenza. While the common cold is transferred by hand-to-mouth/nose/eyes contact with bacteria, the influenza virus is most potent when airbourne or mixed with water. Simply put, you're more likely to get the flu from someone sneezing than shaking their hand.

"Everyone's eager to promote hand washing, and certainly it won't do any harm, but to rely on a hand washing as a way to prevent influenza is a serious mistake," said Arthur Reingold, professor of epidemiology at the University of California-Berkeley. Frequent hand washing has become merely a security blanket -- it does not substitute for coming into work sick or making allowance for those around you who could potentially be carriers for the virus. Our society is legitimately bound to Germ-X, I can't go anywhere without seeing mini bottles dangling from key chains or belt loops. Not to say that sanitation is unnecessary, I scrub my digits before every meal and occasionally just when I feel icky. But my science teacher in my freshman year in high school admitted that hand sanitizer was the worst thing for humanity as our immune systems are officially caput thanks to their dependancy on foreign substances to do their job for them.

While hand washing is a perfectly viable means to stay clean, exercise good judgement when it comes to sickness. Thomas Paine (whom I fondly refer to as T-Pain) emphasized it best -- common sense.



Link to story at cnn.com
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/09/24/hand.washing.helpful/index.html

GOIN 2 STOP ON 23RD ST LOL, C U L8R

FEDS WEIGH CELL PHONE BAN FOR BUS, TRUCK DRIVERS
(MSNBC)

After safety studies (and a few high-profile accidents) have shown, cell phone usage by mass transit drivers is dangerous. No. Freaking. Way. But, unlike the Bush administration, the Obama administration is actually pressing the issue farther, rather than letting it stagnate on a nebulous To-Do list. According to the article, "The NTSB's recommendation was prompted by a 2004 accident in which the driver of a motorcoach carrying students on a trip to Washington became so engrossed in a cell phone conversation that he failed to notice signs that said the height of an upcoming bridge was nearly 2 feet less than the height of the bus. The bus slammed into the underside of the bridge, shearing off the roof and injuring 11 passengers."

Yeah, the article had a liberal slant. Yeah, it was justified. Honestly, bus drivers texting? Common sense, people. The wheels on the bus go 'round and 'round until they get tangled up in a tree because the bus driver was having a fight with his girlfriend.


Link to story at msnbc.com
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33001645/ns/technology_and_science-wireless/

I am not a crook. But I MIGHT be a pervert.

WHY ARE SOME POLITICIANS FORGIVEN IN SEX SCANDALS?
(CNN)

A spattering of new allegations have surfaced condemning Democratic senator John Edwards concerning his extramarital affair with one Ms. Hunter back during his run for presidency last year. While always the classy man, he apologized to his ailing wife, his Lord, and then laid to rest claims that he is, in fact, Hunter's baby daddy. While we moved on with our lives and left Edwards to wallow in his shame, alas, new information is being gathered in Yente Central! A recent article from The New York Times alleges that he might be the father after all. No, this isn't an episode of General Hospital, our nation really does prioritize this over health care reform and stability in Afghanistan.

Another charge includes a claim that Edwards promised his mistress a wedding after his dear wife met her maker. Okay, look -- if this is true, Edwards needs to find a pothole of boiling goo and fall in it. If it's not, then the bastard who made this up needs to meet the same fate. Yet, aside from these raw allegations, the true question is what allows some politicians (namely Billy Clinton, ahem ahem) a "pass" so to speak, while others such as Eliot Spitzer will forever be simply "That Guy with the Hookers." For crying out loud, Newt Gingrich was having an affair while he was impeaching Clinton...for having an affair (and who the f*!# would have an affair with NEWT GINGRICH? Ew.) Is it charisma? A seemingly-genuine apology? "There is an unseemly factor to what they did that sort of disgusts people that makes people think there is something fundamentally wrong with them," Leonard Steinhorn, a professor of political communications at American University said. "And I think that is why they may never recover fully unlike Bill Clinton."

Lather, rinse, repeat. Rape, repent, respite? Not so much.



Link to story at cnn.com
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/09/21/politicians.sex.scandals/index.html

Rubber Ducky saw something he shouldn't have

BATH TIME PHOTOS PROMPT CHILD PORN ALLEGATIONS
(ABC News)

It was an average day for AJ and Lisa Demaree when they decided to get a batch of family photos developed at their local Walmart. However, when an employee found some photos that raised suspicions, the Demarees were slammed with allegations of child pornography over photos nearly every American family has -- bath time shenanigans.

"The Peoria, Ariz., couple had their home searched by police and worse, their children -- then ages 18 months, 4 and 5 -- were taken from them for more than month. Their names were placed on a sex offender registry for a time, and Lisa Demaree was suspended from her school job for a year. The couple said they have spent $75,000 on legal bills."

Although the judge threw out the case, now the Demarees are sueing the state for the "nightmare" they had to endure over something so trivial. To have one's children taken away, and to subject the children to such trauma at such a young age, is completely outrageous. I'll admit that I have those embarrassing photos that my mother likes to show my aunt..and her friends...at lunch dates. But I can guarantee 95% of my peers (at least) have suffered similar humiliation. A baby with a bare tush on a bear skin rug? Classic. Heinous? Not particularly.


Link to story at abcnews.com:
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/arizona-couple-suing-bathtime-photos-prompt-wal-mart/Story?id=8624533&page=1

Only the Smart Die Young

YALE'S LE ABLY BALANCED SOCIAL LIFE, SCHOOL, LOVE
(CNN)

The body of slain Yale student Annie Le was found Sunday inside the wall of a university basement, the day in which she was to be married to her sweetheart.  Named "most likely to be the next Einstein" at her high school, Le certainly was of high academic caliber. But what truly set her apart was her commitment not only to her studies, but her love to her boyfriend Jon Widawsky and her friends. According to the article, "New Haven police spokesman Joe Avery has said Le's killing was not random, and authorities and those familiar with the campus say there are only a handful of people with access to the building where her body was found." The unsettling notion that the killer lives among them has shaken the Yale campus to its core.

The article itself brings a truly human perspective, highlighting Le's passions, not only her achievements. In light of this tragedy, the article's feature-esque style allows the reader to appreciate who Le was as a person, as opposed to simply the victim of another violent crime.

My thoughts are with Le's friends and family.



Link to story at cnn.com
http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/09/15/connecticut.yale.student.profile/index.html

Gay fish are SUCH divas...

 

 KANYE SEES TAYLOR'S VIEW -- CALLS TO APOLOGIZE

(TMZ)

I was prepared for another dull Sunday night. I received a phone call from a buddy to come over and watch the VMAs and I accepted the expectation of oogling at Lady GaGa's insane choices in "fashion" (check!), oogling at Katy Perry's cleavage (check!), and staring with my mouth agape at just how vapid pop culture has become (check!) However, what caught my attention was the infamous Kanye West/Taylor Swift incident that included him busting on stage during her award acceptance speech, saying Beyonce deserved the award.

Yeah, Kanye. We get it -- you've convinced yourself that you've revolutionized hip hop forever and that you're the voice of a nation. That's great, we get it. But seriously, you didn't even apologize to the poor girl after your serious conduct misjudgement until she embarassed you on The View. What would your mother say, Mr. West? (oh, I went there.)


Link to story at tmz.com
http://www.tmz.com/2009/09/15/kanye-sees-taylors-view-calls-to-apologize/

Old McDonald had a farm, and on that farm he had a...blue bird?

WHO'S DRIVING TWITTER'S POPULARITY, NOT TEENS
(The New York Times)

 Despite the usual demographic who favors social networking technology, teens have not responded to Twitter as positively as venues such as MySpace and Facebook. However, given this fact, it would seem that the microblogging site would simply not take off. Quite the contrary, as it has found a solid fanbase in the older social set, as well as celebrities. “Adults are just catching up to what teens have been doing for years,” said Jeremiah Owyang, an industry analyst studying social media.

As a journalist, I view Twitter not as a useless venue for broadcasting your every thought and action (as it would be commonly misused by the general populus), but as a means for sharing photos and news updates, and even marketing purposes. The flight that landed in the Hudson River was not immediately covered by newspaper or CNN, but by Tweets. The Everyman is now a citizen journalist with the means at his fingertips to share photos, video, and other amateur coverage of events the typical reporter simply could not get to in time. It's on-the-spot reporting like this that is saving journalism as an industry -- it's relateable and we as journalists are no longer stuffy unknowns behind a Moleskine, but a part of society . As well, catering to the older crowd may prove to enhance Twitter's longevity as we have seen from the slow demise of MySpace, Livejournal and Friendster to the mercy of Facebook that teens are a very fickle audience. 


Link to story at nytimes.com:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/26/technology/internet/26twitter.html?_r=1&hp

Another year, another thought

A FORTRESS CITY THAT DIDN'T COME TO BE
(The New York Times)

Gorgeous narrative. That's my first thought when I read through the article. Yes, it's like many other 9/11 recollections (though the coverage of the day after was particularly striking) but, nevertheless, there is rarely an event in which such narration can be explored, especially in the United States. We're not particularly used to attacks on our own territory -- we're the stronghold, are we not? Alas, there comes a time when even we as one of the strongest nations in the world put our strength on hold as we take the time to heal from a tragedy of this magnitude. And, on the eighth anniversary of these events, I can only take this opportunity to reflect back upon my  own experiences. I was but a lowly fifth grader -- scared, lost and confused. My parents surprisingly did not pull me out of school, as they kept me blissfully unaware of the events unfolding. However, unbeknown to them, I was staying tuned in to MSNBC all throughout the day on my classroom's television (even as a wee child, I was news hungry). I began to worry: I had family in New York, what has become of them? Will the bad men attack Florida? As these inquiries clouded my thoughts, I came to slowly learn what had happened, though I do not think I could fully appreciate them 'til much later. I lost a dear friend to my mother's family, a devoted New York City fireman who never again came out of the wreckage of the towers. I take this day to remember him, to remember every gorgeous narrative I've heard and will hear in the future. On this day eight years ago...

where were you?


Link to story at nytimes.com:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/11/nyregion/11dayafter.html?_r=1&hp

Photo credit: Johnathaneric on flickr.com

Watkins & Wilson; woefully wasted

EXCLUSIVE: MICHAELA WATKINS 'SHOCKED' BY SNL FIRING
(Entertainment Weekly)

**DISCLAIMER: I'm a huge SNL fan since I could walk and talk. Don't hate.

Fans of the sketch comedy legend Saturday Night Live were shocked when producer Lorne Michaels announced that he would be laying off two of the show's newest and most popular players Michaela Watkins and Casey Wilson. Entertainment Weekly, unable to get word from Michaels himself, caught up with Watkins and interviewed her on the matter. What came as a shock to not only myself but to the many, many outraged commentators below the article, was that, despite being only a featured comedian as opposed to a full time cast-mate, Watkins was given much airtime. She has personified many notable characters and even admitted to having surpassed her own expectations when it came to just how much she was featured on the show. She was undoubtedly a fan favorite as I can see before my very eyes SNL enthusiasts rising with pitchforks to go wreak having on 30 Rock.

Although disappointing that the article did not contain commentary from either Michaels or Wilson, Watkins gave a pretty decent inside as to what may have led to her firing (coughLorneneedsmoneycough). Am I curious to give the new chicks a test run? Sure. But why waste a good thing? (especially since SNL is, quite frankly, a mere shadow of its former glory nowadays, aside from the Lonely Island craze) Personally, I respect Michaels as a producer, but it truly is a shame to have let go such a talent for the sake of business ventures.


Link to story from Entertainment Weekly:
http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2009/09/04/exclusive-michaela-watkins-shocked-by-snl-firing/

Jon and Kate Plus Hate

JON GOSSELIN ON GOOD MORNING AMERICA: 'I DESPISE KATE'
(Entertainment Weekly)

Speaking to interviewer Chris Cuomo, Jon Gosselin of Jon and Kate Plus 8 fame spoke out, stating that not only does he "despise" his ex, but that their relationship is beyond repair. Ironically enough, Gosselin has kept a low profile despite being seen as the inflammatory half of the couple thanks to his pleasure romps post-seperation from Kate.

From a journalistic perspective, it was a fairly short piece that more or less just promoted the hour long spot aired on Primetime Family Secrets on ABC. The article was fairly biased in Gosselin's favor as it pointed out his blatant flame, but made an exception for his temperment merely as a response to Kate's thriving public profile. I found while reading the article that I don't particularly feel for either parent in this situation -- Kate is certianly not doing anyone any favors by prolonging the limelight, nor is Gosselin's "tit-for-tat" snark or romantic rendevous acting as damage control. As if those poor half-Asian children weren't scarred enough, Daddy's quote on Good Morning America will certainly be fodder for dysfunctional Thanksgiving chatter for years to come.


Link to story from Entertainment Weekly:
http://watching-tv.ew.com/2009/09/08/jon-gosselin-good-morning-america-i-depise-her/

BidenMyTime: Yo O, how does MySpace work?//BarackO: Ask Malia

OBAMA'S HEALTH CARE MESSAGE HARD TO CONTROL ONLINE
(CNN)

Since former Illinois senator Barack Obama announced his decision to run for the presidency what seemed like eons ago, he has become the hipster spokesperson for all things young and cool in politics. He's the president on a BlackBerry (which is apparently so fascinating it sparked this surprisingly hilarious literary gem, Obama's Blackberry)! He gives speeches on YouTube! It's a new era! The mindless youth of the nation give a shit! Hurrah! Yet, despite his grip on the current technological palooza, the messy health care debates have seemed to diminish his influence over the Internet community. According to the article itself, "The health care fight is the first time the U.S. has had a major policy debate where all sides are represented and haggling openly online, said Joe Trippi, author of The Revolution Will Not Be Televised: Democracy, the Internet, and the Overthrow of Everything."

Personally, I'm in agreement with how the article is presented -- it addresses the question and analyzes the situation fairly. The Internet is political phenomenon that was never used to this extent to debate an issue. Health care is certainly a factor that spreads across a wide demographic as, naturally, everyone is concerned about their well-being. What was once a Democratically dominated medium, the Internet has exploded into seemingly-endless debate that the Obama administration certainly has no means to control (not that any force, especially a federal one, should ever attempt to do. Who do they think they are, 4chan?) While it seems like the Obama-rama is diminishing as his viral cult seems to be disbanding, the Internet is merely fostering much-needed bipartisan debate. Obama supporters still have his back, and NObamas still have their gripes. All of the online shouting matches and obsession with verbal gaffes has seemed to overshadow true issues and real debate; if the social media can chill out and let the issue run its course, the Internet will prove to be a truly effective outlet for stimulating argumentation between a variety of perspectives. Obama will continue to Tweet, Republicans will continue to bitch, and I will sit at my desk and watch the races. And they're off!



Link to story on cnn.com
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/09/03/obama.social.media.health.care/index.html

What? Stan Lee couldn't live out just ONE childhood fantasy?

 

STAN LEE SEES DISNEY-MARVEL AS A SUPER DEAL

(MSNBC)

 

Earlier this week, it was announced the The Walt Disney Company purchased the rights to the famous Marvel comic book franchise. Stan Lee, the creator of Marvel, has commented on the potential synergy for these two entertainment powerhouses to come together as a "historic deal" and benefit both parties. Lee is apparently already versed with Disney-esque business as, according to the article, "...his new company, POW! Entertainment, has a first-look deal with the company, and at the San Diego Comic-Con in July, he unveiled his first Disney project, the digital motion comic Time Jumper."

Okay, so MSNBC does a fairly unbiased account of the deal from strictly a business point of view on behalf of Lee (though, I would've liked to hear more from Disney). However, as both a comic geek and Disney fanatic since age...well, since womb, the article just rubs me the wrong way. It's not the writing, it's not even the article itself -- I just have a strict divide between Disney fantasy and comic fantasy. They are on completely different stratospheres and God help the day when Mickey Mouse joins the Fantastic Four. Don't get me wrong, though -- I'm not simply bashing Disney for being an entertainment conglomorate. Disney has been a beloved part of my childhood. However, from my perspective, Lee simply has seen the the monetary success of big budget films based upon the comics and has decided to cash in using the Disney Corporation as a vehicle to do so. Is it financially savvy? Heck yeah. Is it a let-down to comic geeks everywhere? As Sarah Palin would say, "You betcha!"

Link to story on msnbc.com:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32645353/ns/business-media_biz/

Three times the charm? Not this time.

MISSING GIRL'S MOM FINDS HOPE IN CALIFORNIA CASE
(CNN)

The recovery of the long-missing Jaycee Dugard struck the interest of other families whose daughters have met a similar plight. After being found living in a compound behind Phillip Garrido's home, Sharon Murch, whose daughter went missing around the same time as Dugard, has been given hope that her daughter may still be alive. Other sources, such as MSNBC, have discussed the issue, though CNN has given the perspective of other families in a similar circumstance a more in-depth analysis and background.

Personally, I really feel for this story. I'm trying empathize with how the families of these other young girls must feel and, quite honestly, I'm coming up short. It's simply too deep an emotion to even fathom at my ripe young age of 18. Yet, the article itself, namely the interview with Murch, really does allow the reader to see not only the feeling of loss, but the hope that this breakthrough in the case of Dugard has given her.


Link to to story on cnn.com
http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/09/01/missing.girl.cases/index.html?iref=mpstoryview