On the Street Where Bert and Ernie Live...
Can you say "Tongue in cheek"?
Of course Ernie and Bert are an old married couple--as were Oscar and Felix (probably whom they were originally modeled after, at least in part), Laurel and Hardy, and Abbott and Costello. Whether they solidify their bromance in a ceremony is up to them.
The important thing is they have found the secret of remaining together for more than 40 years. No need to cheapen it by speculating on any irrelevant sexual issues.
Grow up, people. Watch "Sesame Street."
Read the article SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE/Bert and ernie wed? An idea divorced from reality?
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Are Bert and Ernie gay? Should Big Bird go back inside the birdcage? Will Cookie Monster ever face up to the fact that he has a problem. And does Oscar the Grouch have anger management issues? So much for the innocence of childhood.
Read the article SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE/ShOuld Bert and ewrnie tie the knot?
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It's been a really long time since I watched Sesame Street, but I don't remember ANY of the puppets being married.
I always thought most of the puppets were too young for adult relationships; I still do. It's what makes the puppet characters identifiable to young children.
I loved Ernie because I thought he was like me: messy, immature, happy-go-lucky. Marry him and he turns into a careless, irresponsible grown-up. It doesn't matter who he marries.
Most of the puppets are NOT adult characters!
I'd support adding new characters to broaden representation for the variety of people in the world; I do not support converting youthful characters into adults.
Read the article SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE/ShOuld Bert and ewrnie tie the knot?
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I am queer. I believe in LGBTQ rights. However, I also think its great to show that two males or male puppets can share a room, can be close and not have it be implied to be a gay relationship. I think there a a valuable message in that imagery for kids -gay or straight.
Read the article SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE/ShOuld Bert and ewrnie tie the knot?
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The insinuation that people who are gay want to shove homosexuality down your throat is ridiculous. There's a small group that thinks changing Bert and Ernie's relationship in such a way is a good idea. That goes for most ideas like this - someone touts it, it makes the news, and suddenly "the gays" want it. Not the case in reality. I am certain that many of us think this not a good idea, but just an idea of how to try and desensitize children to discrimination - there are much better ways.
While it may be well intentioned, it would be just as irresponsible to marry Bert and Ernie off to a couple of woman just for the sake of teaching marriage lessons using two long-time characters who have always taught kids about friendship. When kids are this young I think we can let parents be responsible for determining how they want to teach a value system around topics like this that are still so sensitive for adults. It would be nice if those teachings didn't include discrimination because you never know what your child's future will bring and it would be unwise to possibly teach them at a young age that they are already wrong for who they are, even if that hasn't fully developed yet.
Children should learn to build peaceful, friendly relationships at the Sesame Street age. The "gay agenda" doesn't exist, folks. Newsflash: we're an incredibly diverse group even within the gay community. The unsubstantiated fear that we're coming to get you and your kids with an agenda is so tired. Let's let Bert and Ernie maintain a non-sexual friendship. Until three year olds can vote and need to learn about abortion, gun control, and nuclear war, we should keep gay marriage out of their shows too. Some lessons need a little more sensitivity when it comes to shaping a small child's view of the world.
Read the article SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE/ShOuld Bert and ewrnie tie the knot?
Joy and Pride: Team Japan Wins Women's World Cup
I wished this victory for Japan even before I knew that the coach had them watch tsunami videos before the quarter finals to remind them that they are playing for something bigger than themselves, that they are the road to recovery for their nation. What a year to be preparing for a championship.
I am happy for their deserved victory. They came from behind in every sense of the word, including from a 1-0 and and a 2-1 before the penalty kick round was all theirs from the start.
The US has great individual players, but how about single-minded focus of the team in the penalty kick round? It wasn't there that I could see. The US team didn't have what it took to win.
The best all around team won the World Cup, and that is as it should be.
Read the article NEW YORK TIMES/
Left on the Sideline as an Underdog Celebrates
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Team psychology is a fascinating thing. When the team from Japan withstood the furious and sustained Team America onslaught in the first twenty minutes, you could sense the dawning of blue team belief, the firming of their resolve, and mounting frustration on our side.
The late tying goals brought team psychology into the realm of near mysticism. Finally, as both teams prepared for the shoot-out, the Japan coach felt a need to relieve pressure and somehow got his team laughing hysterically! Our team bore faces, to me, reflecting some anger, some worry and a whole lot of tense frustration.
The result seemed inevitable before the first kick. But it sure was the best soccer game I ever saw!
Read the article NEW YORK TIMES/
Left on the Sideline as an Underdog Celebrates
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I was at the game sitting 16 rows up behind the goal. I have a first hand account of how both teams played and the author of this article must have been sitting somewhere on Mars.
The Japanese were for more tactical and played according to their strengths and avoided their weaknesses where possible. They knew they could not physically match up with the Americans but for sure they had the advantage of speed and excellent passing technique as their weapons of choice.
The Americans did not play a great game as seen in the defensive mistake that cost them the first goal (I was 20 meters away watching and it was a complete mental mistake). The difference in the entire game was the shootout where the Americans just collapsed.
I was sitting behind the goal where the shootout took place and the shots by the Americans (except Abby) were terrible. They were poorly executed. How can you blast the ball several meters about the crossbar or kick it so gingerly into the goalkeeper's hands?
The only people who gave any effort in that shootout was Abby and Hope. The rest of them let down their team. Therefore to the author, the Japanese were just better prepared and played smarter. Leave the Hollywood "mush" stuff to Hollywood.
Read the article NEW YORK TIMES/
Left on the Sideline as an Underdog Celebrates
2018 Winter Olympics Go To PyeongChang, South Korea
I was an Artillery Officer in Korea in 1953 and 1954. I have pictures of children wearing sandbags pilfered from our gun parapets because they had no clothes, and of a Seoul of ruined buildings. I have mental pictures of children knee deep in fetid garbage looking for food, of legions of war orphans looking for some manner of existence, and of a proud determined people.
This year I purchased a car manufactured by a South Korean company - an excellent car. Whenever I meet a Korean American who learns I am a Korean War vet, I am thanked with heartfelt enthusiasm.
I couldn't be happier with this choice, and knowing of the grit and determination of these people, I have no doubt they will overcome any obstacles, including an alleged shortness of ski runs. They'll just add height to the mountain, as they have since 1953.
Read the article NEW YORK TIMES/2018 Winter Olympics to South Korea
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When I think of the problems in the world it is always good to think of South Korea and smile. All of
the people I meet from there are friendly and hard-working and thoughtful. The dictatorships of
forty years ago have given way to a democracy with a solid citizenry.
I'm no fan of the Olympics -- like #1 I lost interest when it turned pro with the Dream Team. But I
am a fan of South Korea. They just won a key world conference in my area (Mathematics) -- there
is really a sense that they do things right.
Read the article NEW YORK TIMES/2018 Winter Olympics to South Korea
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Pyeongchang is roughly the same latitude as Salt Lake City, they didn't seem to have any problems with the weather. It's in the mountains and has ski hills. Considering how well South Korea has been performing over the last couple of Olympic Games this is a deserved honour. I won't enjoy getting up in the middle of the night for the hockey games though.
Read the article GLOBE & MAIL/Pyeongchang to host 2018 Winter Olympic Games
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What excellent news! South Korea is a spectacularly beautiful country and the Koreans are gracious, welcoming hosts. They have hospitality second to none (though Brazilians and Australians definitely give them a run for their money) and I hope the enthusiasm for the Winter Games will continue through the years to come. Congratulations!
Read the article GLOBE & MAIL/Pyeongchang to host 2018 Winter Olympic Games
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Poor Bastards, the IOC found another sucker to line their pockets. Hosting was great fun but we still have the financial hang-over. There's nothing like being a second rate citizen in your own city as traffic is held up for some IOC officials' motorcade, shuttling back to their ultra luxury hotel after they've spent an afternoon of watching exploited athletes give their all at an event I can't afford but had to pay for anyway. This will be a great feeding trough for the construction industry cronies of the Korean politicians. They really should be happy. There's a sucker born every minute.
Read the article GLOBE & MAIL/Pyeongchang to host 2018 Winter Olympic Games
Glory, Glory Rory McIlroy
It's not so much the tributes being paid to Rory, but rather the people who are making them that strikes me as being profound. When a man like Jack Nicklaus speaks in such superlatives, it's a pretty good indicator that McIlroy is special!
This is surely the golden age of Irish golf, long may it continue!
Read the article NEW YORK TIMES/
A Fresh Young Star Easily Wins the Open, and the Fans’ Affection
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You can't not like this kid. When was the last time you heard a professional athlete speaking with both intelligence and humility after what must have been a devastating loss at the Masters?
One can't help but contrast McIlroy's attitude and remarks with Lebron James post NBA Finals rant. Mr. James came across as spiteful, unsophisticated, and incredibly wealthy man for whom it was "all about me."
For those of us that love the game, the purity of this kid's stroke is something to behold. Different than the tightly wound Woods, be equally inspiring.
May this be the beginning of the McIlroy era in professional golf.
Read the article NEW YORK TIMES/
A Fresh Young Star Easily Wins the Open, and the Fans’ Affection
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I think it should be pointed out a telling difference between Rory and Tiger.
Woods would use his antics around the green, staged, to compliment his incredible talents with McIlroy using only 'his' talents.
Woods is great, don't get me wrong. Amazing comes to mind. But he relied on the 'Tiger roar' with these green side antics to get into the heads of his competitors, besides being pretty darn rude to those in his three- and two-somes who had to try and concentrate on their next shot.
He used this behavior on the greens to egg on so many of those behind the rope lines to carry on like party animals, most of those screaming "Get in the hole" dumped out of bowling alleys and onto golf courses when the oversized club head arrived during the early and mid nineties. Current club heads measure 460cc's versus the 285cc persimmon heads( a hard wood) used by club makers prior to the nineties.
Read the article NEW YORK TIMES/
A Fresh Young Star Easily Wins the Open, and the Fans’ Affection
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He seems to have learned to much from Augusta in terms of mental strength - when you saw him bent double over his driver after hooking his tee-shot into the trees on Augusta's 13th you'd never have thought he'd bounce back to this effect. Not only to win the US but in the way he did it.
His balance is so impressive its ridiculous. No other player holds the finish for so long, he's in complete control. Now he's got his head together, he'll win loads of majors.
Great to see Sergio back as well by the way, thought he played great. That birdie on saturday from the trees was great!
Read the article GUARDIAN/Only two players make me go wow when they hit the ball: Tiger and Rory
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'Ar' (R) Mac .. not Wee Mac any more, his stature has outgrown any superlatives .. 'Ar' Rory is a wonderful human being, reference his ambassadorial role for UNESCO in Haiti, this young man deserves all the accolades which will surely come his way, this is the best example for all 'ar' budding sportsmen. Congratulations to 'Ar' Mac on a massive golfing achievement and best wishes to a very proud Mother (Rosie) and Father (Gerry), may they both be spared to see their son achieve even greater success in his future life.
Read the article BELFAST TELEGRAPH/From boy to superstar, Rory McIlroy in a league of his own
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Rather premature to be "crowning such accolades and comparisons on this talented lad. Michelson and Verplank won PGA tournaments as amateurs and Crenshaw won his first PGA tour event. Seve won 4 majors, Faldo 6, Michelson 4..stellar careers all, but given the depth of fields, the young talent ( Charl, Luis, Jason etal..) - making such comments is "rash" a shows little respect for the amazing accomplishments of Jack and Tiger. Hundreds of players have the talent, but to be mentally wired to compete for decades is a far different story.
Read the article BELFAST TELEGRAPH/Rory McIlroy hailed as new Tiger woods
"The Book of Mormon" Sweeps Tonys
So thrilled about the awards and accolades for TBOM!
Have been a South Park fan since the beginning. Anyone who knows South Park, knows that its got lots of crazy, irreverent and downright offensive stuff going on. But they are masters of satire, and manage to integrate the positive alongside the cussing and toilet humor. The Book of Mormon is the proof that they are more than just a one trick pony.
How unfortunate for the closed minds out there, who turn off their brains and their powers of reason as soon as they hear anything that threatens to topple their delicate house of moral cards.
The songs in the show tell the story, if people would just take the time to listen from beginning to end.
The show has a very positive, uplifting overall message. That some folks might miss or ignore that fact, instead choosing to wring their hands in a show of faux, fabricated outrage, well.....it's their loss.
And it's funny as hell. Win/Win.
Read the article SALT LAKE CITY TRIBUNE/‘The Book of Mormon’ wins nine Tonys
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I am a Mormon and, though I haven't seen the Musical, I have seen how they portray Mormons on Southpark and have had some really good laughs at my own expense. They are pretty crass and rip on just about anyone but I have never been offended by it nor have I seen it as slamming Mormons. They have had there turn at just about everyone's expense.
Read the article YAHOO NEWS/"Mormon" ,"War Horse," the big winners at Tonys
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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a very misunderstood religion and there are many misconceptions out there about the church. Latter-day Saints (Mormon is a just nickname that comes from the book of the same name) do have a sense of humor and it doesn’t concern me that they have done a play on The Book of Mormon.
I just hope nobody gets the wrong impression about what members are really about and realize that this irreverent play is just Matt Stone and Trey Parker goofing around.
From what I have heard, it sounds quite offensive, but I’m not going to get upset over something that I can’t do anything about and ultimately will not matter in the long run.
Read the article YAHOO NEWS/"Mormon" ,"War Horse," the big winners at Tonys
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I find it rather interesting that our priesthood lesson on Sunday was about how God uses many different mediums to get his message out to people and the Book of Mormon wins 9 Tony awards as a Broadway show......
Read the article YAHOO NEWS/"Mormon" ,"War Horse," the big winners at Tonys
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Anyone in the USA Heartland surprised that a Broadway show which promotes anti-religion, anti-USA, anti-family, wins Tony awards? Who would, in this bad economy, go to NYC, plunk down $300 for a ticket to a Broadway show, no matter its agenda? Garbage in, Garbage out.
My time is limited, so I don't waste it living someone else's life. I don't get trapped by liberal/socialist dogma - I do not allow these people's thinking to interfere with my life. Therefore, when this show starts traveling across the rest of the USA, most especially into the Heartland, it will receive the rejection it deserves
Read the article FOX NATION/Raunchy Broadway Show Attacking God, Mormons, Wins Big at Tonys
READ MORE BEST COMMENTS: JUNE 2011
