commentopia What the World Is Saying A SERVICE BRINGING YOU THE BEST READERS' COMMENTS FROM TOP NEWS SOURCES ON THE WEB
PEOPLE WEEKLY ARCHIVE
JULY, 2009 -- SEPTEMBER, 2009
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SEPTEMBER 21, 2009 - SEPTEMBER 27, 2009 PEOPLE PATRICK SWAYZE — NOBLE SON OF HOLLYWOOD
I remember seeing Dirty Dancing in the lobby of my dorm in college on a Sunday movie night. My girlfriends and I went out after for some beers. We danced the whole way home from the bar..twirling and dipping each other. We declared that we would marry men who danced like Patrick Swayze. [HUFFINGTON POST/Patrick Swayze dead] <> Watching Dirty Dancing became a sort of rite-of-passage movie for me -- as a mom! My then 12-year-old daughter fell in love with the movie -- and Patrick Swayze. When we saw the movie together, I realized that for the first time, my daughter and I thought the same man the sexiest, best-looking, most desired man in the universe. What a feeling! To this day, I think she thinks I just really liked the dancing! [NPR/Actor,dancerPatrick Swayze dies at 57] <> Just as he said, “Horses never lie”, Patrick Swayze lived a life of truth. He manifested authenticity and a genuineness that is so foreign in the world of entertainment. He had a style and graced that will be sorely missed. We are fortunate to have his legacy in the films he made. RIP to a man who showed the world his strength and truth! [NEW YORK TIMES/Patrick Swayze dies]
SEPTEMBER14, 2009 - SEPTEMBER 20, 2009 PEOPLE JIM CARROLL — KNOCKING AT THE DOOR OF THE HOTEL CHELSEA
In 1978 I lived at the Chelsea Hotel in New York City. One afternoon I
heard a knock on my door. When I opened it there stood a tall, drugged-
out looking, skinny guy about my age with stringy red hair. With him
“Listen, I know you don’t know me but my name is Jim Carroll and I
have a band called The Jim Carroll Band and I am on Rolling Stones Records and Tapes. I have a single coming out next month called “People Who Died”. I just this minute got back from England and what I
have here in my hand is a copy of the new Rolling Stones album called
The album did look authentic though with the Rolling Stones logo and the red-head’s story had a ring of authenticity so I let them in.
[ROLLING STONE/"Basketball Diaries" author,Punk Icon Jim Carroll dead at 60] ALAN TURING, THE ENIGMA CODE-BREAKER -- AN APOLOGY FOR INHUMANITY TOWARD A HERO
Turing was a first-rate mathematician, and the father of the theoretical foundations of computer science. He developed the concept of a "Turing Machine", which thousands of computer science students learn about every year. He also proposed the "Turing Test", a test which can be used for determining a machine's ability to exhibit intelligence. <> It strikes me that an apology on behalf of the British state is especially apt in this case, because it owed him an unimaginable debt but instead repaid him both with this appalling and unacceptable abuse and ostracism which led directly to his death. I heard the always-wrong polemicist Andrew Roberts (I do wish people would stop calling him a "historian", he is not) on the radio at lunch-time complaining about making making judgments on the mores of another era. That is to so miss the point, which is that things like this are NOT about the contingencies of societal mores at a particular time and place; it is to say this, and attitudes and actions like this, were/are wrong in an absolute moral/ethical sense regardless of whatever societal framework - to accept that they were wrong, and horrifically so, then just as now. That is also important in countering contemporary politicians and others in other cultures (parts of Middle/Eastern Europe, Africa, Jamaica, Middle-East and elsewhere) who want to float the canard that it IS merely a social/cultural difference, to excuse their own abuse of gay people. It is not; it is/was wrong in an absolute sense, any time and any place, and this kind of admission helps underline that. That this was just 50 years ago, and other people who suffered similarly (including men who fought for this country, in a lower profile than Turing) are still alive, is also relevant and makes it all the more shocking. As is the fact that just 25 years ago the Prime Minister of our country felt she could stand up and even win praise for attacking the idea that anyone, "had an inalienable right to be gay." [U.K.GUARDIAN/No 10 apologizes for "appalling" treatment of Alan Turing]
His work shortened the war by two years and doubtless saved thousands of lives, both military and civilian but this is the way he was treated? That was all the thanks he got from the British government at the time? They couldn't see the good he had done, they only saw his sexual orientation and tortured him because it was not within their range of approval? I thought I was beyond being shocked but it seems I'm not. That poor man, I hope he's at peace now. [DAILY MAIL/Gordon Brown apologizes to gay WW2 codebreaker.]
SEPTEMBER 7, 2009 - SEPTEMBER 13, 2009 PEOPLE ERICH KUNZLE — CINCINNATI'S PRINCE OF POP
Having sung with him in many Pops concerts since I joined the May Festival Chorus in 1981, I can now only sing his praises. While sometimes his concerts were a bit kitschy, and sometimes over the top, they were always energizing and fun. [CINCINNATI ENQUIRER/Erich Kunzel dies at 74.] LAURA LING AND EUNA LEE: "A MINUTE WE DEEPLY REGRET"
I find it difficult to excuse them for what happened. First, if their intention wasn't to go into NK, then they should have refused to go further when their guide took them onto the river. They're responsible for their own actions, plain and simple. Crossing the river to look at a NK village in the distance adds absolutely nothing to their story and yet puts their lives at risk, so why even take the chance? You can be sure that any North Korean women who have been caught and sent back to North Korea as a result of the behavior of Laura and Euna are facing treatment that is magnitudes worse than any torment Laura and Euna have faced or will face. This should have been the focus of their piece, as well as some contrition. [HUFFINGTON POST/Journalists laura Ling and Euna Lee break silence on North Korea capture, release] AUGUST 31, 2009 - SEPTEMBER 6, 2009 PEOPLE DOMINICK DUNNE -- CHRONICLER OF THE RICH AND INFAMOUS
During the O. J. Simpson trial, Mr. Dunne was often the bellweather; he reported all the little-noticed events in the courtroom in the days before blogging.
[NEW YORK TIMES ARTS BEAT/Dominick Dunne dies.] <> Ah, this is sad. I have always found his articles in Vanity Fair to be entertaining, and he wrote both passionately and honestly about his daughter's murder. He could be something of a name-dropper, but with a circle of friends like his, how could he not? I'm not sure if I believe in a heaven or in seeing our loved ones in the afterlife, but I'd like to think that he was greeted somewhere today by his daughter [GAWKER/Dominick Dunne/Author]
MICHAEL JACKSON - A FINAL FAREWELL AT FOREST LAWN.
He donated millions upon millions to charity, he visited orphans and sick children, I honestly doubt he could have done more. His musical genius was tremendous - spend some time at youtube listening and watching his work. No need to compare him to Beethoven, because we need them both. [WASHINGTON POST/Michael Jackson's resting place among greats.] <> Even though Michael Jackson lead a very public life, I think a part of him deep inside fought to keep a certain privacy. He seemed like a person hiding a lot of pain and grief to me. Apparently people very close to him did not even know about his involvement with prescription medicines and those who did apparently for what ever reason chose not to get him help. Maybe his family thought that keeping this one part of his life, his burial private was what he would have wanted. I am glad for all the TV coverage of his life we were able to celebrate a truly remarkable musical career that most likely will not be recreated in our lifetime. Now I think the decision by his family to keep his burial private must have been the right one for them. He gave us all he had to offfer as a public image, let him have his privacy in his final resting place. [BALTIMORE SUN/Michael Jackson burial -- and rituals of TV mourning.] AUGUST 24, 2009 - AUGUST 30, 2009 PEOPLE LES PAUL - "NOW THE TIME HAS COME TO PART..."
Paint this vision......A limo pulls up in front of a recording studio......out comes Les carrying his axe.......you can hear the click of his heels as he walks down the hall....in the background he hears the monitor of a studio pouring out a hot track.......he pauses for a moment and picks up the beat.....following the sound he enters the studio in the middle of a recording.....seated around are Django, Chet, and many others jammin'.....there are smiles and nods as he sits down and plugs in just as the break starts.....he and Django do a few runs, the he and Chet pick a few......all join in for the finish......at the end Chet says "Dang Paul I thought you were going to be late" "The tape's still running, Let's do another........" [ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE/Les Paul (1915-2009)] <> I had the once in a lifetime experience of playing a 1959 Gibson Les Paul. My neighbor a 94 year old jazz bebop player for 60 years in Richmond CA was talking about his two biggest influences, Django and Les. We went into his house and there it was... The most crudest, worn down guitar. Rusted and rough at the bridge, varnish and finish burnt and spotted into raw rubbed wood, the neck worn and primitive looking, but once plugged into his amp a thing of beauty. The feel and tone of that guitar took on a life of its own. I have yet to get that type of response from any other guitar... [SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE/Les Paul, guitar innovator dies at 94] <> A man or woman who so clearly finds a vocation for which he or she is perfectly fitted is indeed fortunate. Added to that fortune, a working life of such length is really a blessing. Of course, Mr. Paul isn’t the only one who was blessed. So were his listeners. [NEW YORK TIMES ARTS BEAT /Les Paul dies ] THE SPECIAL LEGACY OF EUNICE KENNEDY SHRIVER
Eunice set up an organization that celebrates, honors, recognizes the many with special needs. She felt they too deserved not to be hidden, but seen and heard, taught and allowed to participate in activities we take for granted. It was this spirit, this inner beauty, compassion, respect and kindness that made her who she was, will be fondly remembered. The Kennedy family did not look at what could not be done, but what must be done for the good of all. They did not look at social class, but every class, race, size and mind. Each one is a gift, and she made sure nobody got left behind. Watching the faces light up as they would race to the finish, huge grins is what made Eunice happiest of all. I think we all could learn from this wonderful woman, this amazing family. Its not what you do for yourself, but what you do for others, that allows you to give back. It does not have to cost a thing, only your time, compassion, humility, willingness to look outside of the box, instead of inside of it. Thank you Eunice, you were a gift to many without a voice. God bless, and may the road find you and keep you in the palm of your hand. Peace. [HUFFINGTON POST/Eunice Kennedy Shriver dead at 88] <> My daughter, who was born Down Syndrome, has had a more fulfilling life because of Mrs. Shriver's giving of Special Olympic's. She made it possible for all those who otherwise would not have had the opportunity to compete, to experience the thrill of accomplishment on a playing field, court, pool, or bowling alley, but even more importantly, Mrs. Shriver gave the non-disabled population the opportunity to give of themselves for the benefit of their fellow citizens. She gave special meaning to "huggers" and "volunteerism". At the age of 37 yrs., we continue to participate in one of the most successful programs ever developed for citizens who are mentally challenged. The world is a better place because of Mrs. Shriver and the rest of the Kennedy Family. They have shared their wealth of money, love and devotion so others could live a better life. Mrs. Shriver was the best example of what can be achieved when those "with", reach out to those "without". [HUFFINGTON POST/Eunice Kennedy Shriver dead at 88]
AUGUST 10, 2009 - AUGUST 16, 2009 PEOPLE ALL QUIET FOR PRIVATE HARRY PATCH
Many men who survived WWI wrote definitive accounts of their experiences a very long time ago, and lived long lives, though not on the scale of Patch and Allingham. We also have the great first-hand war poems whose authors did or did not survive. [U.K.TELEGRAPH/My History Lesson from Harry Patch.] <> Please stop treating the British soldiers of the First World War as 'victims' - take a long look at the flickering black and white film and you will find they look pretty much the same as us. Some were bright and intelligent, some were vain and some were dull witted - alL sorts. Their reasons for serving were as many and varied as the reasons we may have today. What they believed in reflected the social mores of that generation - the same as us. As a young man I knew my badly wounded grandfather, one great uncle twice wounded, another great uncle once wounded and awarded an MC - all stood square and lived their lives on their own two feet seeking no compensation or sympathy or anyone else to blame, proud of what they had done and undefeated notwithstanding their scarred bodies. To my mind they were real men and real gentlemen - and I am proud to carry their surname. [U.K.TIMES/Harry Patch's victory was to die in his bed.]
AMELIA EARHART - FLYING RUMORS
Is it just me, or is there something romantic about leaving the mystery unsolved? Amelia will live in the hearts and minds of not just American women and men, but people the world over for being a beacon of hope, determination and perseverance in the face of tremendous adversity. As she and Frank Noonan took off on that fateful flight, the eyes and ears of an entire world held a collective breath in awe and admiration. Myself, I would like to think that, while it would be noble to finally let their remains rest in peace, it would be more appropriate to allow their legend to live on, for the mystery that has captured our hearts for decades and inspired us to look forward without fear to that unknown horizon. [ABC NEWS] <> Several theories abound attempting to explain the mysterious disappearance of Amelia Earhart. One popular theory is that Amelia successfully landed the airplane on one of the smaller uninhabited islands in the area. Modern day searchers have discovered the remains of what appears to be an Electra craft, on one of the islands. Along with the remains of the craft they found several articles of clothing and evidence the pilots of the downed aircraft may have survived for quite some time. Some zanier theorists hold that Amelia purposely crashed the plane into the Pacific on a suicide run. Others conclude that she was captured by the Japanese and forced to broadcast to America GIs as 'Tokyo Rose'. Another popular theory holds that Amelia guided the Electra north on a clandestine spy mission for the American government to photograph and study the highly secretive Japanese fortifications at Truk, in the Caroline Islands. Shot down or out of fuel, the doomed pilots crash-landed in the Japanese held Marshall Islands and were either executed or jailed. Hundreds of eyewitness reports abound of two Americans pilots, on a woman, coming down in the Marshalls around 1937. To date, the Japanese government has denied these allegations. The fleet of Navy ships and the cutter Itasca, who had never once 'spotted' Amelia's plane, began one of the largest search and rescue missions the world has even seen. 40,000 men in 10 ships and 65 airplanes scoured the Pacific searching for even the smallest trace of Amelia's Electra. [ABC NEWS]
AUGUST 3, 2009 - AUGUST 9, 2009 PEOPLE A YELLOW RIBBON FOR CORAZON AQUINO
We'll always be grateful to Cory for inspiring people to end and fight dictatorship. Although her leadership was put in question by some, she persevered and completed one full term as President. She might not have achieved every Filipino's wants after Marcos but change sometimes takes time - not just years but sometime decades before we fully realize and appreciate all she contributed to the Philippine democracy. So at this time, let's give her credit for restoring the freedom Filipinos lost decades back. [PHILIPPINE STAR]
<> I once saw pictures of Corazon Aquino serving cake at one of her children's birthday parties. This was when Ninoy and she were political exiles living in Boston. When I saw these pictures it was at a friend's house in Manila in 1988 and Mrs Aquino was then President of the Philippines. In the pictures at the birthday party, which occurred years before the assassination of her husband and People Power toppled the dictator Marcos, she just looked like a happy mom serving cake to her kids friends. I was thinking that Corazon Aquino could only go from housewife to President of a country because of a great internal serenity that came from being very comfortable in her skin. The amazing truth is that though she never aspired to the Presidency, when the Filipino people needed her, despite sorrow, and danger, and incredible odds against her success, she answered their call, was victorious and served with a humility rarely seen in political leaders.
JULY 27, 2009 - AUGUST 2, 2009 PEOPLE
Hearing about McCourt's passing reminded me of the time he was a speaker for Fanfare at SELU in Hammond, LA. After being introduced by then SELU Chancellor Sally Clausen, a small, round-ish man got up to the mic to speak. I turned to my daughter and whispered: "That can't be him -- I've seen him on TV and he's tall and slender." This poor man had a time getting the audience to settle down as they gave the Pulitzer Prize winning author his well-deserved standing O. Finally, the little man was able to thank everyone for the applause, but noted he was only the janitor who needed to warn everyone the bathrooms on one side of the auditorium were experience a major plumbing problem. As gracious and self-deprecating as always, McCourt finally rose to speak and quipped that it was no surprise to him that the school's janitor and bathrooms got more recognition than he did. What a wonderful writer and humble teacher! The world is a bit sadder without him. [NPR] <> I will always be honored to have been in Mr. McCourt’s English class twice during my years at Stuyvesant. He was an inspiration to those students who cared. Yes, there were sandwich throwing types at Stuy. He would stop the class from time to time and read excerpts from his own childhood long ago in the 70’s. I still remember the story of him picking up pieces of coal sitting on the curb, waiting for his father… Mr. McCourt was a great teacher. He wanted the students to tell their own stories and we often had readings of student’s creative writing. One thing we shared was our immigrant experience. Having moved from Taiwan to the U.S. in the early 70’s, life was different in terms of how we lived and how we tried to build a new life this new country. I remember for one class assignment, we were asked to write a book review. I chose Pearl Buck’s The Good Earth which chronicled the life of a peasant family through famine and poverty and hope for better prospects. I compared the hardships of the characters of the book with my own parents who fled the Japanese then the Communists. Mr. McCourt gave encouraging comments on what families experience together. I have saved that one paper since then. I was so proud when I learned that he wrote Angela’s Ashes and won the Pulitzer Prize. Mr. McCourt deserved recognition. Not for the award or that he is a great story teller; but for his humanity. He showed me that the pains of life can also make you stronger and be a better person. In the darkest hours of his childhood, he was able to find those glimmers of hope and move forward. [NEW YORK TIMES]
JULY 20, 2009 - JULY 26, 2009 PEOPLE THE MURDER OF NATALIA ESTEMIROVA
Defending human rights may get you awards in the UK but in Russia it gets you a bullet in the head - two if you're lucky. Litvinenko in London. Politkovskaya on Putin's birthday. Lawyer Stanislav Markelov and journalist Anatasia Baburova in Moscow only months ago. Natalya Estemirova in Grozny this week. All in broad daylight. All for daring to speak against Kremlin-sponsored butchery in Chechnya. Month after month the European Court of Human Rights awards more and more damages against Russia for abductions, torture and killings. Yet you wouldn't know it to look at the press. Not a pipsqueak from Russian politicians - not a sound from leaders in the EU or the US, or the UN. And just as certain as time running out for the next victim on the hit-list is the indifference of UK and European governments. As long as the gas keeps flowing down the pipeline, there will be no political pressure. The world already knows exactly what kind of government Putin leads - that's not the issue. The world doesn't care - that's what the issue is. It wouldn't care if the very last decent voice in it was silenced. Now that's the real price of this winter's fuel. [DAILY TELEGRAPH]
DARRELL "SHIFTY" POWERS - ONE OF A BAND OF BROTHERS
I met Shifty in June 2004 in Normandy for the 60th anniversary of that momentous invasion. It was an amazing three-week excursion into the heart of living history. And Shifty was right in the middle of it. As much as was possible, given the unique circumstances and the intensity of that time, we all came to love him, no more than his brother paratroopers, of whatever age, of which I was one. Chris Anderson — one of our group leaders — warned us that first night in London before the Normandy veterans began arriving in earnest. He told us we would come to know the men who had known only from history books and TV documentaries. And we would do so at the site of their greatest triumph. If we were truly fortunate, they would become our friends. Then he added something else. He mentioned that when they departed this world, the sense of personal loss we would endure would be indescribable. That has certainly proven to be true. If I had to offer one observation about Shifty Powers, it would be that he possessed that rare combination of understated humility and deep devotion to his community and country. To meet him away from his role in the crusade in Europe, you would never connect him to those events. He was one of those rare human beings where humility and greatness come together. To say he’ll be missed does not begin to cover the depth of what we’ve lost. Men of his character, commitment, wit and courtesy are rare indeed, sad to say. Those of us whose lives he touched came away so much the richer for the experience. And now that Shifty has received the green light on his last jump, I’m sure he landed on his feet. “Well done, my good and faithful servant. . . Enter into the joy of your Lord.“ — Matthew 25:21 JULY 13, 2009 - JULY 19, 2009 PEOPLE ROBERT S.MCNAMARA, "AN OLD MAN READING HIS BOOK..."
I will never forgive McNamara for, years later, admitting he didn't believe the Viet Nam war was winnable, while at the time, he kept his silence. <> For all of McNamara's faults he finally acknowledged mistakes and the terrible cost he inflicted on countless people. I've yet to see anyone in power or recently out of power admit to their failures. [NEW YORK TIMES] <> To his family, I offer my condolences and hope he exercised better judgment as a father and husband than he did in his public roles. I believe he was as much a patriot as I or any other citizen is. Perhaps his ambition and his early accomplishments encouraged him to move beyond his areas of expertise.
Today, I feel as I did when LBJ (and our Viet-Nam adversaries) died...slightly safer and more secure. For me, his too-late apologies reeked of hypocrisy and self-pity. Characteristics of a weak person. His hubris & arrogance, his reliance on and secrecy behind numbers and inability to evaluate individual motives and character, his need to maintain false appearances while sacrificing truth and facts are among his and our culture's shortcomings. Let us learn from his mistakes and work towards a world he may have sought but was ill-equipped to lead himself. [NPR] JULY 6, 2009 - JULY 12, 2009 PEOPLE MICHAEL JACKSON,"THE CANDLE TAHT BURNS TWICE AS BRIGHTLY.."
I don't get all the complaining about the coverage of Michael Jackson's death "going on and on" and too much being made of this and there's more important news to report that's being overshadowed and waah waah. The man's funeral is just being held today, for crying out loud. Like it or not, his music affected many people all over the world. As a white child growing up in the deep south, I wasn't even allowed to listen to MJ's music. I bought my Thriller album on the sly at the age of 12 and hid it, listening and dancing to it only when my little sister and I were home alone (one of us watching out the window for the grown-ups to return!) Not only did we love this music, but it gave us joy, hope and something to be happy about growing up in a very abusive home where there was very little joy, hope or happiness. Even then I felt that this music helped me to hold on to my sanity many times. Those were dark days, and Michael Jackson's music was a light in the darkness, and I'm sure there are many people for whom it means something on that emotional level as well. The news headlines will return quickly enough to the Middle East, the economy, and everything else the complainers are deeming more "worthy" of airtime. It'll all be back soon enough It would be nice on the day of his funeral if people didn't need to complain and spread hatefulness and negativity. If he meant nothing to you that's fine, but consider silence out of respect for those he meant something to and who do feel affected by his death, and out of respect for others who grieve. He had children who grieve. If people don't want to watch the coverage of Michael Jackson's death, maybe it's a good time to read a book or get out for a walk or volunteer. Do something productive; spread some positivity! [ABC NEWS] <> A lot of people seem to forget, or are just willfully ignorant of the facts and history. Way back when, despite what it looks like today–MTV wasn't playing black videos and artists. Along came Michael Jackson who changed all that. He was an undeniable force who couldn't be stopped. He broke down racial barriers and allowed a platform for black artists to display their talents in the electronic medium. He was one of the first black artists, that was considered "non-threatening– whatever that means?" to white America in a televised forum; and clearly paved the way for Barack Obama to even be possible. The same Barack Obama who would later rely so heavily on the televised medium! Other's that did the same thing & carried the torch were Michael Jordan, Bill Cosby, Oprah Winfrey… Michael Jackson also was a big democratic party supporter and fundraiser. Not to mention his symbolism as a worldwide iconic representation of American pop culture. I think the president was slow with his response and could've been more appreciative and solid in paying respects to Michael Jackson[CNN] I can still remember secretly listening to Thriller at 2a.m. when I was 13, hiding underneath my bed covers using a Walkman & headphones. It was being played in full for the first time on UK radio by Radio Luxembourg. Meant a lot to me at the time. My Mother would have been livid that I was listening to the radio so late at night. <> His influence was felt throughout the whole culture he helped to create. A magnificent dancer, a great entertainer, awesome singer, yet he helped many to become more than they were as he was helped by his mentors in later life.
Karl Malden was one of the quintessential character actors of his generation. His salt-of-the-earth demeanor, emotional honesty and authenticity rang loud and clear, even in roles that seem far removed from his background. And it's in that honesty and clarity that we can relate to. <> Rest peacefully Karl, your legacy will be remembered. Karl was indeed a class act - loved his voice and the characters he played. He and his wife married the year I was born - a strong love to have survived all those years in and near Hollywood where short, unhappy marriages are the norm. He put a lot into and got a lot out of his life. How his dear wife will miss him. I often watch the old movies - they were the best! [EW.COM - ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY]
Twenty years ago, as a young nanny shepherding twin four-year-olds to tee-ball practice, I sat down in the bleachers next to a blond mom, hoping to make small talk. As her head swung my way, I was hit by that smile and immediately recognized Farrah — the most physically beautiful person I ever met in person before or since. So much for small talk: I was stunned speechless, feeling that she must surely think I was crazy for plopping down right next to her in an otherwise completely empty set of bleachers. As I plotted a decent escape, I looked around and saw Ryan O’Neal by the diamond, coaching a red-headed little boy on his tee-ball swing. In other words, this wasn't ‘Farrah’ and ‘Ryan,’ but just a regular mom and dad watching their son play ball on a gorgeous afternoon in LA. I stayed where I was for lack of any better ideas, and although I never mustered the strength to say anything to her but hello, I remember that Farrah was wonderful to me. Beautiful on the inside too. [NEW YORK TIMES ARTSBEAT]
JUNE 29, 2009 - JULY 6, 2009 PEOPLE
Ed may have been second banana, but his entire character formed the basis for one of the funniest SNL skits of the tonight show ever made - as Johnny was talking and called to Ed, who was just offstage gobbling large spoonfuls of Alpo dog food and washing it down with Bud. I've never since laughed so hard, but still laugh at that image, and although it's belated, thank him for that. I hope you two are together again and one day we all get to see your new venue - The Forevernight Show. [NEW YORK TIMES]
Whatever anyone thinks about this slightly dubious, obviously corrupt system, there is no doubt whatsoever that Mercy will be better off on all counts with Madonna than otherwise. Mercy can always return to Malawi when she is a young adult, working towards improving situations for others in her home country - Madonna has just borrowed her, good luck to them both.[DAILY MAIL UK]
JUNE 22, 2009- JUNE 28, 2009 PEOPLE
Happy Birthday to this brave courageous lady............. Cry Burma Freedom went
As a woman, I would love to be a politician who does the same. Ha. Think of how harshly I would get ridiculed for wanting to make sure everyone was having a good time by "hiring" hot men and women to my affairs. Who cares, my orgies are my business. I like the idea. Sign me up. [TIMES, U.K.]
Tim Russert, An All Round Good Guy
Tim Russert was a fair journalist and all around good guy. It's to bad that we have the extreme wacko's on the right (Hannity, Limbaugh, O'Reilly, Krauthammer, Savage, etc ad nauseam) and all their counterparts on the left (Olberman, Maddow, Schultz etc.). We need to remove commentary from news and return to just the facts. I don't care what your opinion is, just give most relevant facts pertinent to our country and the world. One of the fairest journalist currently on TV is Jim Lehrer. Unfortunately the demographic that watches him is not in my age group. The people that watch Lehrer are Senior Citizens (for the most part).
Tim Russert's life also reminds us that we have no guarantees in life. You can be extremely successful and have it all and fall over dead tomorrow. So lets be thankful for what we have, be happy, and treat each other a little nicer.[Politico]
JUNE 15, 2009 - JUNE 21, 2009 PEOPLE I am so happy for this young man. And so disgusted with the media that tries to rabble rouse in the first few hours. Will he repay his family's debt?? Give me a break. Let's celebrate this young man's good fortune and not hairball stories about how his neighbors wait with baited breath to see if he repays their debt. I doubt that any neighbor is doing this. Some screwy editor in some much larger town, however, thinks he see a story. The sad truth is that you can’t copyright a story idea… But you can copyright the characters in your story. If this writer has changed the names of all of the characters that were in Salinger’s original story, then this sequel simply becomes a new work of fiction. However, if the writer incorporated Salinger’s original characters into his book, then he should have the book thrown at him. Pardon the pun. [SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE]
JUNE 8, 2009 - JUNE 14, 2009 PEOPLE
Carradine was a strange individual. I met him in 1995 and he struck me then that he was sort of odd. However, he does not deserve the ridicule that people are throwing at him in these TMZ columns over the manner in which he died. His death is so sad. How anyone else like it if they passed away and were being made fun of by the public, in media which is read world wide? One lady said on another TMZ comment column that Carradine's life was a waste. carradine was an accomplished actor, musician, with several Golden Globes to his credit. I do not condone autoerotic asphyxiation. It is a dangerous thing to do. However, this man was not a child molester, not a threat to society.He had his private sexual desires of adults that was his business. leave this man and his poor family alone. [TMZ] How Sad! I remember him during the Kung Fu series and always wondered how he kept so cool in the provocation. His deliberate walking and talking style left an impression on me. Sad that he had to go this way. His zest for life in the series literally translated as his own discipline in real life I think. [BBC] Wow the Shaolin Gun Fu must have gotten him with the vibrating palm technique for revealing their secrets just as they silenced Bruce Lee; at least if you believe the conspiracy theorists. [Daily Beast]
JUNE 1, 2009 - JUNE 7, 2009 PEOPLE I always liked this kid. I'm glad he is following in his mom's footsteps. She was a blessing in this world. [Daily Beast]
19 to life for Phil Specter gives him hope that he'll get out someday before his miserable life is over. I have a problem with that. His victim never had a second chance! The legal system in this country can be so stupid. I say nothing less than life if you murder, end of story. There should be no hope for people like Specter. [Boston Herald] |
