Good thing I planned ahead. TEXASSSSS, here I come. Figured if the world didn't end, I'd celebrate down South.
Body rock. Girl, I can feel your body rock. Take a bow, you're on the hottest ticket now. We gonna party like it's 3012 tonight. I wanna show you all the finer things in life. So just forget about the world, we young tonight. I'm coming for 'ya. I'm coming for 'ya. (Beauty and a Beat, Justin Bieber ft. Nicki Minaj)
I'd just like to take a moment and thank all of you for taking an interest in my blog these past two years ... and taking the time out to read my sometimes rambling, sometimes inane, sometimes brilliant thoughts on life, love, and the like ... Because come tomorrow, December 21st ... we will apparently all be dead and gone.
If the Mayans say so ... It must be true.
Even though, apparently some Mayan priest has recently said it's not true ... But, whatever, I'm gonna go with the consensus here.
If you do plan on trying to survive the apocalypse, I leave you with this advice.
If not, so long, farewell, and thank you.
So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, good night. I hate to go and leave this pretty sight. So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, adieu. Adieu, adieu to you and you and you. (So Long, Farewell, The von Trapp Children)
Graduates of the St. Martinville, La. Senior High School Class of 1973 have proven themselves no better than their previous alumni.
While they had decided that after 40 years of having segregated class reunions, this would be the year to change it all ... invitees received a letter announcing that there would be a whites-only after party at one of the classmate's homes.
Photo c/o abcnews.com
According to an ABC News article, while this was the original plan, after some hard soul-searching (::sarcasm added::), the organizers decided that having an event for "white graduates only" was not what they were going to do. She stated that the old plans were sent out prematurely.
Yeah, I bet they were sent out prematurely. Just own up to it - 40 years later, your classmates, and maybe even you, are still a bunch of thickheaded racists, whose reunion would end up looking quite like Romy and Michelle's.
(No, really. Did anyone else wonder if they had more than maybe two or three non-white classmates at their reunion?)
Don't you forget about me. I'll be alone, dancing. You know it, baby. Going to take you apart. I'll put us back together at heart, baby. Don't you forget about me. Don't, don't, don't, don't, don't you forget about me. [Don't You (Forget About Me), Simple Minds]
Three employees from Hands of Our Future daycare center have been arrested ... and released on $10,000 bail ... after they were caught running a baby fight club. Guess those kids didn't get the message ...
No, in all seriousness though, these women were encouraging toddlers to punch and kick each other! In a video that was captured, one child was heard crying and yelling that another child was pinching him, and the response from his "caregiver" was that there was to be no pinching, "only punching."
WTF. Clearly the three women involved have some real daddy issues or something, or God-forbid, were seriously mistreated as children ... because how on Earth, can you stand there and watch children be physically hurt? It's just not right.
Photo c/o http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com
If you've been reading this blog for some time now, you know that I substitute teach ... and the ages are from pre-school through high school. When I am in a classroom with little ones, I am scared half the time that someone will trip and fall, or hit their head, or cut their finger with a scissor ... It's nerve-wracking! HECK! The same thing goes for the damn high school students who act a'fool half the time climbing on chairs and desks ... Lookin' like their gonna break a leg or something.
How these women got through days and days of this, I haven't a clue - It's heartless.
I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside. Give them a sense of pride to make it easier. Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be. (Greatest Love of All, Whitney Houston)
A Baptist Church in Mississippi recently turned away a couple and refused to marry them, citing that the couple were black and that there had never been a black wedding in the church since its founding in 1883.
Despite the fact that the couple attended the church frequently, according to ABC News, some congregation members felt so opposed to the wedding that they threatened to oust the pastor if he did not cancel the wedding, which he then did.
So, let me get this straight ... you'd rather choose to not marry a black couple then to stand up to your clearly misguided congregation with the possibility of losing your job? Hey, here's a thought ... Isn't your job as a pastor to teach those who are misguided!? --- It seems to me like most of your 1883-thinking congregation are a bunch of misguided fools who are stuck in the past and are hanging onto a bunch of clearly racist traditions.
Charles and Te'Andrea Wilson, c/o abcnews.com
This couple wanted nothing more than to marry in the church that they frequented. It's a sad state of affairs when people are turned away by those that they feel are the ones that have accepted them into a house of worship. This was a disgrace and shines a bad light on religion, overall. It makes those who follow any faith seem close-minded and backward in their thoughts.
Here's hoping that the congregation of Crystal Springs First Baptist Church learn a little lesson in inclusion as time goes on and as the shit begins to hit the fan in this media frenzy it has created ... Too bad it had to come to that.
I am colorblind. Coffee black and egg white. Pull me out from inside. I am ready. I am ready. I am ready. I am ... (Colorblind, Counting Crows)
Today begins the Holy Month of Ramadan for billions of Muslims around the world and I would just like to take a moment and wish all those observing a very joyous month ahead.
He gave the day and night. He gave us our sense of sight. He created the sun so bright and the moon so pure and white. He saved us from our plight. He led us towards the light. He led us to the straight path through his mercy and his might. (The Creator, Sami Yusuf)
So I'm currently in Lake George, NY for a little vaca but as always when it comes to BSB there is no waiting ... and yesterday BSB announced that they will be performing TOGETHER in Central Park on August 31 for the Good Morning America concert series.
Now I have tried in the past to attend these concerts and it never works out because they start at 7 am and getting to the city is a hassle but I don't care if I need to sleep next to a hobo in Central Park overnight in order to make this happen ... because there is no way this can be missed. This is the concert to begin the next phase of BSB greatness. (And, yes, I say "next phase" because I choose to believe that they will never, ever stop making music for their fans even if they are 80 and attached to oxygen tanks).
So ... I just needed to share that bit of news with everyone ... and here are the boys with the announcement, in case you missed it.
(Did anyone else get chills and tear up when they just sang a little bit of "I Want It That Way" ... Because I certainly did ... and that's coming from a die hard fan who goes by the notion that "I Want It That Way" is the worst song they ever released. Yeah, I'll say it. Pshhhh ... Whateva.)
Guess who just got back today - them wild-eyed boys that had been away. Haven't changed, haven't much to say, but man, I still think them cats are crazy. They were asking if you were around. How you was, where you could be found. Told them you were living downtown, driving all the old men crazy. The boys are back in town. The boys are back in town. (Boys Are Back In Town, Thin Lizzy)
I recently returned from a destination wedding of a friend ...
And before that I had five weddings in the month of June.
Let's not count the number of engagements that happened in between the weddings ... or the list of people having babies ... or moving in with their significant others ... It's gotten to the point of no return. It's gotten to the point where I cannot sign onto Facebook without seeing another hand-over-hand, shiny engagement ring finger picture thing or sonogram that I feel the need to congratulate people on ... It's getting a little crazy.
And I know I'm at the age where this is going to happen ...
Let's face it ... mid-twenties ... It's like people begin to pair off and find their own special spot in the wild.
But can't they keep it to themselves so that the rest of us ... the ones just chillin' ... trying to get our lives together and find jobs and scrape together enough money to pay car payments and buy Ramen don't need to be consistently reminded of the fact that we are doing it alone.
I mean I can take solace in the fact that I have a whole freakin' savanna to search and meet potentials ... while the others are stuck with their one and only ... But other times it might be nice to have that one and only, so quit reminding us gazelles of it.
If we could talk with the animals, learn their languages, maybe take an animal degree. We'd study elephant and eagle, buffalo and beagle, alligator, guinea pig, and flea. (Talk To The Animals, Bing Crosby)
Yesterday Oreo posted the following picture in support of Gay Pride on their Facebook page ...
photo c/o buzzfeed.com
.... And people went crazy! ... Threatening to boycott Oreo (albeit not Nabisco or Kraft Foods ... people really need to do their research if they want to boycott something), bashing gays, and losing their shit over a multi-colored cookie "made with creme colors that do not exist," according to that photo.
One of my favorite comments included something along the lines of "I'll stick to black and white. Fuck gay Oreos." Well, sir - I was unaware a cookie had a sexual orientation but it's cool if you think so ... That was most definitely one of the nice comments.
Seriously, how can anyone boycott a freakin' cookie? You know these people are gonna wake up one night and get a cravin' for one of milk's favorite cookies and forget their vendetta against that chocolately, cream-y goodness and go buy a pack. People just need a reason to act a fool and cause a commotion over what they consider their cause (and, hey, they have every right to do so) ...
But leave the cookies out of it.
Even Lindsay Lohan eats Oreos ... and she doesn't eat anything.
It's everywhere you look, if you look hard enough. It's really not too hard to see. Yeah, once you put your arms around it, you can never get too much. Love is a sweet, sweet thing. (Love Is A Sweet Thing, Faith Hill)
Can we talk about how I never wrote a freak-out post about this? I'm not sure how that happened ... It must have been because of the thesis-ing and graduating and working and the rushing around (which I wrote about in the last post ... see what I mean ... It causes problems!) ... But seeing as how I seem to document all things BSB ... I will freak-out in 3 ... 2 ... 1.
KEVIN'S BACKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!
And BSB are releasing a new album ... which will basically solve all the world's problems. I have nothing left to ask for ... All my prayers have been answered. Life is good. Everything is in sync. The world is at ease.
On this perfect day - nothing's standing in my way. On this perfect day - when nothing can go wrong. It's the perfect day - tomorrow's gonna come too soon. I could stay forever as I am on this perfect day. (Perfect Day, Hoku)
It's been a little while since I've blogged for y'all and I can say that is because I have a J.O.B. What uppppp?!?!!! I've technically had one since graduation but it's getting kind of crazy in the office because we are down to the wire for a shoot we are doing in the coming weeks ... And that's all I can say about that.
But ... BUT ... the fact that I am using work as an excuse is the main reason for this blog post ... I have been working ten hour days and running around like a chicken with no head and have noticed that a lot of the world is doing the same. It's just all rushing, all the time.
People need to calm the heck down. The world is not going to end, people. I mean maybe considering that whole Mayan 2012 thing ... But, it's not going to end because you didn't finish your expense report or because you didn't log some silly tape or you forgot to ask some customer if he needed fries with that or some other odd job that needs to be done before so-and-so a time. Everybody just needs to take a chill pill and calm down.
... And I found the best site for it - I mean at least for me, who falls asleep to nature sounds almost every night. It's called calm.com and you go to the site and do nothing. Literally. You set yourself up for either two or ten minutes of either guided or unguided nothingness ... And it's awesome. I can't say that it will change the course of your life or greatly alter your stress levels ... But if you want a little peace in your life, check it out. And if you're having a particularly hectic day at work, throw on some headphones and do a little bit of nothing for two minutes - it's better than finding out about the twelve new people from high school who are now engaged, married, or pregnant (or all of the above).
So go ahead, take a second, stop rushing, and just be.
Before you went to work this morning in the city, well did you spend some time with your family? Did you kiss your wife and tell her that she's pretty? Did you take your children to your breast and love them tenderly? You've got to stop and smell the roses. You've got to count your many blesses everyday. You're gonna find your way to Heaven is a rough and rocky road if you don't stop and smell the roses along the way. (Stop and Smell the Roses, Mac Davis)
A few posts ago I wrote about the whole YouTube Kate Upton shenanigans and who would have thought that I would be writing about another Sports Illustrated: Swimsuit model within the same month! ... Not me! Especially because I don't really care too much for the magazine, in general ... But when I stumbled upon this article earlier today I was stunned!
Now I have been following Crystal Renn for years. She's modeled for loads of stores that I have shopped in and I am aware of her consistent up and down weight issues, as well as her battle with anorexia ... AND I worked on a show focused completely around the SI: Swimsuit Edition (heck, I met Kate Upton ... although that photo has never seen the light of day - never pose next to a supermodel ladies ... It never makes you feel good) but I did not even recognize Renn in the photos within the magazine. She has had a complete transformation - to looking generally healthy, not that as a previous "plus-size model" at a size 8 or 10 she didn't look healthy.
I am happy that Renn seems to have finally taken control of her body and seems to be at a happy and healthy place with herself. The fashion and modeling industry can take a toll on women and it does not seem like an easy world to navigate so I really do commend her for what she seems to have done here.
We go out to a party somewhere, the moment we walk in the door, people stop and everybody stares. She don't know what they're staring for. She don't know she's beautiful - never crossed her mind. She don't know she's beautiful - no, she's not that kind. She don't know she's beautiful though time and time I've told her so. [She Don't Know (She's Beautiful), Sammy Kershaw]
I don't have much to say except that ... I GRADUATED!!!!!!!! I'm done with graduate school. It's official. I passed my classes. I passed my thesis. I crossed the stage ... And I'm done. All I'm waiting for is a piece of paper to say it. Rutgers tends to take their time with the diplomas but I can handle that because it's all good!
... But trust me on the sunscreen. [Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen), Baz Luhrmann]
We have now come to understand that there is no such thing as moderate Islam. It is therefore time for the United States to make our intentions clear. This barbaric ideology will no longer be tolerated. Islam must change or we will facilitate its self-destruction.
- Lt. Col. Matthew Dooley
If you are shocked, appalled, in disbelief, etc. of what you just read ... Join the club. Especially considering that those words were spoken in a course presentation in Virginia last year. I also cannot believe that a it took a top military officer and the Pentagon condemning the class which advocated a war against Islam (and Muslims, in general) before having the course and the professor suspended.
The story broke after course material, entitled "So What Can We Do? A Counter-Jihad Op Design Model," for the course entitled Perspectives on Islam and Islamic Radicalism, was posted on wired.com.
The thing that really upsets me is that there must have been numerous high-level military officers who sat through Dooley's presentation and did not report him to whomever was in charge. I understand that military academies are going to have classes based around the Middle East, based around Islam, based around Islamic Extremists ... that all makes sense to me and I don't have a problem with that ... It probably keeps our military men and women (and us, in turn) safer ... But when this guy started "teaching," did no one notice that something was a little off with his ideologies?
Another thing that is bothering me is that this guy teaches this class ... gets condemned by the U.S. military and government ... and then gets suspended, but still gets to keep his job? Doesn't that seem a little off too? My guess is the school had known about this course for awhile and had known how it was being taught and did nothing to stop it and now they are caught in a bind.
It appalls me that such hate can exist --- I mean, this guy taught a whole class on basically waging war on over 1.6 billion people - the majority of whom don't bother anyone. The majority of whom are chilling at home praying or watching "American Idol" or whatever their country's version of it is ... because God knows that show has taken over the world quicker than any type of extremism I know.
Hopefully after the investigation into this guy and this class, he will learn that he isn't as smart as he thinks he is.
You treat me just like another stranger. It's nice to meet you, sir. I guess I'll go. I best be on my way out. You treat me just like another stranger. It's nice to meet you, sir. I guess I'll go. I best be on my way out. Ignorance is your new best friend. Ignorance is your new best friend. This is the best thing that could've happened - any longer and I wouldn't have made it. It's not a war, no, it's not a rapture. I'm just a person but you can't take it. (Ignorance, Paramore)
Hey All. It's been awhile ... But it's getting down to the wire for me and my thesis is due in ... a week. AHHHHHHH. So I've been crazy busy!!! Research, research, and research. That's all I've been doing ... But I'm taking a few minutes out of my time to comment on this.
Not the video in general ... But the fact that this past week the video was banned from YouTube for violating its nudity policy. Ummmm ... As far as I can tell, Kate Upton is not naked in this video - damn near close to it, but not naked. The woman is a bikini model what do they expect her to be wearing in most of her videos? She is barely recognizable in clothing.
There are hundreds of videos on YouTube of women in bikinis dancing that have not been banned - so why her? She's too sexy? Too curvy (don't even get me started on how she's being called the new face of modeling because she's "voluptuous"). It's ridiculous.
On Wednesday, YouTube brought the video back with an age restriction ... but apparently that was a mistake too ... because by the end of the day that was gone too. Can we cool it with the double standards here? Yes, the woman has boobs. Yes, they are jiggling around. Yes, she is famous. How does that make her naked - because last time I checked if you are violating a nudity policy ... I'd assume you'd have to be naked.
I don't think your ready for this jelly. I don't think your ready for this jelly. I don't think for this. Is my body too bootylicious for ya, baby? (Bootylicious, Destiny's Child)
Just read about an entrepreneurial student at the University of Michigan who started her own company ... which I find ingenious. It has everything you need to grab the attention of college students ... affordability ($5), accessibility (just call and she's there), and usefulness (WAIT FOR IT ...)
Now back when I was at Rutgers we had something scarily similar to this - surprisingly provided to us by Rutgers ... It was called the Knight Mover. Lovingly entitled the "Drunk Bus" by students. You would stumble out of whatever God-forsaken place you were in, call that lovely little number that your Orientation Leaders made you program into your cells as an incoming student, and it would give you door-to-door service (for free, might I add), any time between 3 and 7 am. Unfortunately, we were not offered the bottle of water or Plan B coupon. I'm sure that would have helped a lot of people out.
Personally, I think this Michigan girl is onto something with her company ... If her Walk Of Shame Shuttle is as popular as the Knight Mover was, she may have to expand in the near future.
They said what you drinking? Let me buy you a couple of rounds. And I said what you thinking - I ain't the type of girl to get down but I can party with ya and bring my girls aside. Tell the bartender bring the ice and let them know I'm on Patron Tequila, I'm drunk on margaritas. (Patron Tequila, Paradiso Girls ft. Lil Jon, Eve)
If anyone understands how the U.S. Government is working right now, it is this man right here. His rant is not only pretty much on point but HIGH-LAR-EE-OUSSS! I'd explain it ... but really, you just need to watch it to get the most out of it.
Enjoy!
When we all finally washed ashore, it was clear there was no one else around. We declared a national holiday, a chance to build it from the ground. So far away from everyone and everything starts today. Let's keep it together. Can we keep it together? (Keep It Together, Guster)
Now I don't condone domestic violence of any kind ... not against women, not against children, and not against men ... But, seriously, this story did get a little chuckle out of me when I read it ... Not even gonna lie.
Inez Nunez, a woman in Coral Springs, Florida was apparently arrested on Tuesday, April 3 when police were called to her home for a domestic violence dispute ... and the story goes a little something like this.
Nunez told police that she had been living with her boyfriend since October 2011 and on that fateful morning of April 3 he decided to call her "ugly" and because of that would not have sex with her. After that, Nunez proceeded to slap her boyfriend in the face and push him around.
According to NBC Miami, she told police that he also choked her and punched her in the chest but her story was inconsistent and changed frequently. Nunez was arrested and booked, then released on $2,500 bond.
I wonder who paid the bail money ... Was it her boyfriend? Because that would make this all the more entertaining. Because if he paid out $2,500 of his own money, he doesn't owe her anything else, and she can't ask for any other favors, if you know what I'm saying ... And who knows, if she would have stayed in jail, maybe she would have met a nice guy who would have made all her, ahem, dreams come true.
Baby, you and me been getting along for way too long. Life's been a bed of roses and sweet, sweet song. I know I should not complain. This is gonna sound insane, but let's fight. Let's cuss, get mad, throw stuff, maybe call each other names. Slam doors, break glass. I'll leave, come back, and I'll take all the blame. Let's scream, let's shout. Make up, make out. Baby, just for tonight, let's fight. (Let's Fight, Thompson Square)
HOLY HECK ... It's been forever since I've blogged! Sorry for the non-bloggi-ness but thesis-ness is in full-bloomi-ness! It's due in less than SIX weeks. AHHHH. Can you believe it?!
Either way, I thought I needed to post this video for your viewing pleasure, not in jest but in pure loving fun ... because I think Tim Tebow is, well, just so freakin' God Dang adorable and cute.
Yes, I searched for the cutest picture of Tebow I could find.
Yes, I love children.
Yes, Tebow with a child makes him even more adorable.
As you already know (unless you live under a rock ... or have the sports knowledge of said rock), Tim Tebow is now a J . E . T, Jet Jet Jet, and he is super excited ... and he just can't hide it!!!
Now, let's just hope Tebow doesn't get overwhelmed by his new team and his new city and have a Jesse-Spano-like freak-out on the field ... although, not going to lie, it would be kind of entertaining (and I wouldn't complain if Zack Morris showed up on the scene either because he didn't grow up so bad if you know what I'm sayinnn').
I want to love you, feel you, wrap myself around you. I want to squeeze you, please you. I just can't get enough and if you move real slow, I let it go. I'm so excited and I just can't hide it. I'm about to lose control and I think I like it. I'm so excited and I just can't hide it and I know, I know, I know, I know, I know I want you. (I'm So Excited, The Pointer Sisters)
Today is Dr. Seuss's birthday and I suggest everyone crawl up with their favorite Seuss adventure (because we all have one!) and just be a kid again!!! Or you can watch this ... and feel awful about growing up.
I believe last year, I wrote how my fave Seussical book is "Oh, The Places You'll Go" ... and it still is. ENJOY!
Also, Justin Bieber turned 18 yesterday ... So I am officially, legally allowed to say that he is super adorable ... and, yes, I'd marry him for his money. Justin, call me.
Happy Belated Bieber Birthday Day!!!!
Hey, I just met you and this is crazy but here’s my number, so call me (maybe). It’s hard to look right at you, baby, but here’s my number, so call me (maybe). Hey, I just met you and this is crazy but here’s my number, so call me (maybe). And all the other boys try to chase me but here’s my number, so call me (maybe). (Call Me Maybe, Carly Rae Jepsen)
PS. Click the link for the official video! It's hilarious. I can't find it to post here.
If you ever partake in casual news-watching ... or news-browsing on the web ... (Or haven't been living under a rock) ... I'm sure at this point, you have heard of the NYPD's intrusive, (in my non-lawyer mind) highly likely illegal surveillance of Muslim students across the Northeast ... and, you know what, it's some ...
Maybe I'm mistaken but I always thought this was country was founded on the principles of life and liberty (and the pursuit of happiness), as well as some basic civil, human, God-given rights ... Like, for example, the fact that (in case you need a little Civics refresher course on the Bill of Rights):
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. (Amendment 1)
and, you know, maybe this one ...
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. (Amendment 4)
Both those amendments are straight up in the CONSTITUTION of the United States of America ... Basically, uh, the supreme law of the land.
So, when did it become okay to basically target a whole group of people - in this case, students! - pretty much labeling them as terrorists before anything connects them to acts of terrorism.
OH WAIT ... Some of them talk about Islam and pray four times a day while whitewater rafting. Totally makes sense now.
Ummmm, these are MUSLIM college students. Obviously some will pray while out and about ... Obviously some talk of religion will come about. It was an Muslim Student Association trip ... and, despite that, WHO CARES!? ... They have a right to do both of those things without being covertly spied on and then having a SECRET document sent back to the NYPD about their actions. This past Sunday, I attended an event sponsored by Muslims For Peace, Inc., which focused on the NYPD surveillance, as well as the human rights issues in Bahrain. In attendance were NJ Congressman Rush Holt, NJ Senator Linda Greenstein, and Councilman Stephen Dalina of Monroe Township, NJ, as well as close to 40 attendees. Speakers described the actions of the NYPD as "tragic and un-American," citing that Muslims deserve the same rights as all other Americans. One speaker stated that if the NYPD wants cooperation they should not be secretive and "come through the front door" as it is a "religious duty to obey the laws of the land." Holt started speaking by simply stating that, "It's troubling what fear will do to a people."
He went onto describe the actions of the NYPD as "intrusive, reprehensible, and pointless," as well as counterproductive.
"People should be as much troubled by the bad police procedures as they are by the intrusive actions," said Holt.
He said that the fear people demonstrate ultimately leads to an unraveling of our society.
And, if you ask me, that is one of the truest statements I have heard to date. It is fear that led to this surveillance of Muslim students. Fear that has grown after 9/11. And, while I know that there are threats everyday that need to be investigated and looked into, this was not the way to go about it. Yes, keeping this country safe and secure is important but infringing on the rights of an entire group of people because of their faith goes directly against the same rights and freedoms we are trying to protect.
Counterproductive, don't you think?
First they came for the communists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew.
Then they came for me,
and there was no one left to speak out for me.
- Niemoller
Judge not before you judge yourself. Judge not, if you're not ready for judgement. The road of life is rocking and you may stumble too. So while you talk about me, someone else is judging you. (Judge Not, Bob Marley)
If you have ever been to Victoria's Secret and offered them up your name and email address, you have undoubtedly received one of these in the mail ...
And been uber excited to run to VS that moment to grab your freebie undies and, if you're anything like me (meaning broke and/or cheap), nothing else.
So, yesterday, I received a similar coupon for a free lace-trim hip-hugger and even though the coupon said it was valid starting on the 28th, I ran there anyway - hoping they would accept it ... and they did. The nice salesgirl showed me the table where all the lace-trim hip-huggers were laid out and I was in undie heaven.
Until confusion stuck. I mean I always knew they hid the dreaded EXTRA LARGEundies at the very bottom of the displays, in the bottom drawers, where they could be hidden from sight ... but I didn't see the drawer marked XL. So then I circled the display and I didn't see a single drawer marked XL. So I grabbed a large, thinking, "They're free. Who cares if they're sold out."
I walked over the counter to "pay" and asked the girl about the XL undies and her response ...
VS stopped carrying extra large's in every style of underwear (except one) for almost a year at this point. They also stopped carrying a size 40 bra.
SKINNY BITCHES WHO RUN THE FASHION INDUSTRY SAY WHAT?!?!?!
Now, as Joy Nash pointed out in this hilarious video, I know the fashion industry thinks some women "barely deserve to be allowed to wear clothing ..." but has it come to the point where we can't buy underwear either?!
Damn, son. That's just wrong.
Oh, and for the record, even when VS had an extra large, it never really was an extra large... It was more like a large disguised as an extra large ... because those things ran small, so why I even picked up that large is beyond me.
All I know is ... VS is not making anymore money off of me. (The little that they were.)
Whatcha gonna do with all that junk, all that junk inside your trunk? ... I drive these brothers crazy. I do it on the daily. They treat me really nicely. They buy me all these ices. Dolce and Gabbana, Fendi and that Donna Karan. They be sharing, all their money got me wearing fly. Brother, I ain't asking. They say they love my ass in Seven jeans, True Religion. I say no but they keep giving. (My Humps, Black Eyed Peas)
So, it's been awhile. I'm generally not this non-bloggy but work and grad school kind of own my life ... But when I have something to say, I have to say it ... and if you've been following me for a while, you know there are two things that I am very violently vocal about (HELLO ALLITERATION!) ... One being women in the media and its effect on their body image and the other being shit that pisses me off.
So, here goes one about something that pissed me the heck off ... If it sounds similar, it might be because almost a year ago, I wrote a blog entry on a very similar topic.
If you are a frequent reader of my blog, you know that I substitute teach in my (very) spare time for some pocket change and to cover the bills, bills, bills ... and lately I have been noticing an alarming trend in a growing number of school districts that is PISSING ME OFF.
Back in the day when I was in school, we'd get off the bus, go in, put all our stuff away, go to homeroom or whatever ... and the first thing we'd generally do after attendance was the Pledge of Allegiance.
Nowadays, I barely go to any schools that do the Pledge every morning. Honestly, it would not surprise me if in some districts, there were students who did not know the Pledge, which doesn't piss me off ... it saddens me, because, you know what ... that's not the fault of the children, it's the fault of the districts.
Whether they are doing it to not offend because they have foreign students or because they are scared of saying "God" in school ... It is completely unacceptable.
We are a country of immigrants and I am completely aware of that (and proud of our diversity) ... and, yes, I know there are some things that we need to be sensitive of - I get that too.
I understand that some children may not want to say the Pledge because they are not American and they have their own countries that they pledge their allegiance to, and you know what ... I'm fine with that too. But, there is nothing wrong with still having it said every day and teaching children that they should stand and honor the country they live in, and presumably, their parents (or guardians) work and make a living in.
Yes, I am proud of my Italian heritage and, yes, I am proud of my Pakistani heritage, but when it comes down to it, when people ask me what I am ... After I give them a snide look and say "Human? How about you?" ... I always say American.
I am an American Italian. I am an American Pakistani. I was born and raised in this country, and despite the fact that there will always be policies and issues that I may not agree with from time to time, I am proud to be here and proud to live here ... and proud to pledge my allegiance to it.
And, I think that school districts need to remember that they have a part in instilling those values in the future leaders of our country.
I think my rant is over. But, seriously, if you are a parent ... Ask your child if they do the Pledge in school. Or at the least, make sure they know the Pledge, and be sure that they know to stand when it is said. It's a matter of respect, people!
He’s got the red, white, blue flyin’ high on the farm. Semper fi tattooed on his left arm. Spend a little more in the store for a tag in the back that says USA. He won’t buy nothin’ that he can’t fix with WD-40 and a Craftsman wrench. He ain’t prejudice, he’s just Made in America. He loves his wife ... She’s Golden Rule, teaches school, some folks say it isn’t cool, but she says the Pledge of Allegiance any way. (Made in America, Toby Keith)
(Sidenote:As I wrote that ... I heard the Star Bangled Banner playing from the television outside my door ... I guess my brother is watching some sporting event right now ... and on that note, I must commend some districts on their policies of both doing the pledge and playing the national anthem every morning.)
By this point, I am sure a lot of you have heard about Karl Lagerfeld and his demeaning comments (and the subsequent apology he issued) to Adele ...
But still, I have one question for Karl Lagerfeld, the man behind the Adele is an amazing singer but she's just "a little too fat" comments ... Have you looked in the mirror lately??!!? Because you are one hella ugly, old-ass dude, who has no business commenting on others looks.
Adele on the other hand is a talented, strong, beautiful woman who represents the majority of women in this country ... And she owns it.
She apparently told People magazine, "Weight has nothing to do with my career. Even when I was signing, most of the industry knew if anyone ever dared say [lose weight] to me, they wouldn't be working with me."
It is refreshing to see a woman in the entertainment industry speak out like that and own her body for what it is ... Because far too often we see women beating themselves up and attempting to fit into the Hollywood ideal of perfection.
Nicole Richie
Victoria "Posh" Beckham
Kiera Knightley
Adele seems to go against the grain and own her body for what it is, and not let others try to put her in a category. I was ecstatic when I saw her on the December 2011 cover of Cosmopolitan magazine because, 1) its nice to see someone on the cover who looks ever so slightly maybe more like me than the usual cover girls, and 2) Cosmopolitan did not use a head shot of her, as magazines will often do when the cover model is anything above a size 4 (OMG! God FORBID!).
I just hope Adele is able to keep up her kick-ass, give-'em-hell attitude when it comes to her image as she becomes increasingly famous, and is in the spotlight more and more, because there are hundreds of thousands of little girls out there who need a role model like her.
I know I could have used one growing up.
You don't own me. Don't try to change me in any way. You don't own me. Don't tie me down 'cause I'd never stay. I don't tell you what to say. I don't tell you what to do. So just let me be myself. That's all I ask of you. I'm young and I love to be young. I'm free and I love to be free - to live my life the way I want, to say and do whatever I please. (You Don't Own Me, Lesley Gore)
