Tag: Popular Culture

Jamie Foxx: Secret Feminist

Trish

It’s hard to know what to think about Jamie Foxx. First he releases the song, “Blame It” which seems a cautionary tale to women about the effects of alcohol, an unusual subject for hip hop. The video, of course, is mostly getting press not for its content but for the star-studded and in some cases unlikely cameos. Ron Howard? I’m just sayin’.

Still, the song has a message.

Girl what you drinkin, go on let it sink in…
I was unaware how fine you was before my buzz set in

Now there’s this interview.

Foxx tells “Entertainment Tonight” that when he was on the Philadelphia-area set of his new flick, “Law Abiding Citizen,” last week, he was shocked to hear how local women discussed their experiences with domestic violence on a radio talk show about Chris Brown’s disastrous relationship with Rihanna.

“It was disturbing because a lot of the women were like, ‘Maybe I did deserve it, maybe I did bring this on myself,’ ” said the Oscar winner.

“I want to say to all the women in Philly … that’s hurting. No man should ever put their hands on you.”

Who knew Jamie Foxx was such an enlightened advocate for women? Now could someone please get Rhianna on the phone? I think Jamie Foxx needs to have a talk with her.

At Last, a Political Use for Pink Underwear

Trish

There’s a great campaign going on in India against a very, very bad campaign. It takes as its symbol the pink “chaddi,” or “underwear” in several Indian languages, and seeks to fight the Taliban-style oppression by both Hindus and Muslims that leads to things like the recent Mumbai massacre. Sourahb Mishra explains.

Right-wing Hindu organizations have, over the last few years, taken on the role of moral authority, policing against what they perceive to be activities going against the grain of Indian and Hindu culture. This moral policing often takes on the form of vigilantism, which is a sure-fire recipe for media coverage. They typically target young couples in parks and beaches, and the smaller shops selling Valentine’s Day-related merchandise. They physically intimidate these soft-target victims, usually after giving sufficient notice to the press and TV channels, to ensure that the cameras are there to put them in the news.

The latest such incident took place on Jan. 24. Hooligans claiming to be from a little known right-wing Hindu outfit called Shri Ram Sena attacked a pub in the coastal city of Mangalore and mercilessly beat up the young men and women spending a Saturday afternoon there.

Enter the Pink Chaddis, via Facebook.

A bunch of agitated people, mainly women, created a group called “A Consortium of Pub-going, Loose and Forward Women” and launched the “pink chaddi campaign,” which exhorts everyone to send the Ram Sena a pink chaddi on Valentine’s Day, “because chaddis are forever.”

The Pink Chaddis plan to do more than mail as many pairs of pink underwear as they can to the Sri Ram Sena on Valentine’s Day, although that holiday is when they’ve chosen to fire the first shot.

On Valentine’s Day we do a Pub Bharo action. Go to a pub wherever you are. From Kabul to Chennai to Guwahati to Singapore to LA women have signed up. It does not matter if you are actually not a pub-goer or not even much of a drinker. Let us raise a toast (it can be juice) to Indian women. Take a photo or video. We will put it together…and send this as well to the Sri Ram Sena.

And after that?

After Valentine’s Day we should get some of our elected leaders to agree that beating up women is ummm…AGAINST INDIAN CULTURE.

I hear you, sista.

Here’s Who Obama Plans to Watch the Super Bowl With

Trish

Here are the folks invited to the White House Super Bowl party. I’m not familiar with a lot of the representatives.

  • Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA)
  • Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL)
  • Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
  • Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA)
  • Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD)
  • Rep. Artur Davis (D-AL)
  • Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT)
  • Rep. Charlie Dent (R-PA)
  • Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA)
  • Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ)
  • Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ)
  • Rep. Paul Hodes (D-NH)
  • Rep. Eleanor Holmes-Norton (D-DC)
  • Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA)
  • Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI)

The Year of the Ox is the Year of the Obama

Trish

Chinese New Year began Monday, Jan. 26, ushering in the Year of the Ox. As is customary, many Chinese, Vietnamese, and other Asian families spent a few days cleaning their homes to sweep away the bad luck from last year and make way for the good fortune to come.

Understanding the symbolism of the ox helps appreciate the meaning of this new year.

  • The ox is the second icon in the Asian zodiac. Because of its position near the top of the zodiac hierarchy, the ox typically represents a period of renewal and rebirth, or a fresh start.
  • For this Lunar New Year, the ox falls in alignment with one of the five important elements (fire, water, metal, earth and wood) identified in feng shui. This year may also be referred to as the Year of the Earth Ox. The earth element is commonly associated with stability, growth and a solid foundation.
  • The ox is strong and is viewed as a beast of burden. This year’s ox isn’t overly aggressive, and is viewed as more thoughtful in its approach to business and relationships. Oxen pull rather than push.
  • People born in the Year of the Ox are supposed to inspire others to become leaders. Oxen are also considered patient, dependable, hardworking, ambitious, modest, logical, resolute, and tenacious.
Pres. Barack Obama was born August 4, 1961 — the Year of the Ox

So who’s an ox? Anyone born in 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997 or 2009. Pres. Barack Obama was born August 4, 1961.

If that doesn’t make the hair on your arms stand up, consider this. The Vietnamese use a water buffalo instead of an ox, meaning the animal is more closely associated with the element water.

Since water and earth are considered opposites, some Asians and Asian Americans may view this year as a year of turmoil, instability and conflict.

Let’s just go with the Chinese version and leave it at that.

Except for one more thing. George W. Bush was born July 6, 1946, which was the Year of the Dog.

[Dogs] have a deep sense of loyalty, are honest, and inspire other people’s confidence because they know how to keep secrets. But Dog People are somewhat selfish, terribly stubborn, and eccentric. They care little for wealth, yet somehow always seem to have money. They can be cold emotionally and sometimes distant at parties. They can find fault with many things and are noted for their sharp tongues.

There might be something to this zodiac stuff after all…

Super Bowl Players are Among Obama’s Biggest (and We Mean Biggest) Fans

Trish

Cardinals mascot “Big Red” sends a message


The world (well, except for Buck and Jon) will watch as the Arizona Cardinals, who have never been to a Super Bowl, try to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have won the big game five times. The winners will take home gold and diamond rings, along with bragging rights that last right up until their next big loss.

But even though the Cardinals would like to show the world once and for all that they are a real football team by actually winning the Super Bowl, not just finally playing in one, there’s another reason they want to prevail: the team that wins Super Bowl 43 will have a chance to meet President 44.

“History has been made with Obama,” Arizona receiver [Steve Breaston] said. “I would be ecstatic if we could be the first team to go in and shake his hand.”

A day after the Steelers won the AFC championship and the Cardinals added to their surprising playoff run by claiming the NFC title, Obama took the oath of office in the nation’s capital. In central Florida, Arizona defensive end Bertrand Berry was filming a promotional spot with his daughter, but he took time off to watch history unfold.

“It was really emotional for me,” Berry said. “I don’t believe I stopped crying the whole time.”

You would think the team from John McCain’s adopted home state would be a little bitter toward his rival. But who besides Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter would stoop that low? In fact, the same opportunity to meet the president is motivating Pittsburgh.

“That would be very special,” Steelers linebacker James Farrier said Wednesday. “Everybody is excited about our new president. Being the first African-American president, it’s a great time in our country. We definitely want to be the first team to go meet him after the Super Bowl. That would be one of the highlights of being in the Super Bowl and winning the Super Bowl.”

Pepsi Lowers the Bar on Obama Rip-Offs

Trish

Sure, there are a lot of shameless attempts by marketers to capitalize on the Obama “movement,” turning the inauguration into an advertiser’s political version of the Super Bowl.

But the web site launched by Pepsico, refresheverything.com, has to be among the most egregious. Besides ripping off the Obama “O,” the site features just plain awful language intended to show how Pepsi and Obama are after the same things: refreshing the nation.

Come on! Join the high fructose corn syrup-based national renewal

Refresh everything. It’s the guiding spirit behind everything Pepsi does.

This site will feature a series of fun experiences that let you participate in that spirit. And to start, it’s time to speak your mind as a new president prepares to refresh the nation.

So c’mon and take a look around. And be sure to check back for more ways to change our world into a fresher, funnier, more optimistic, much better place.

Does it get any worse than this? Well of course it does, as such stars as the ubiquitous Will.I.Am, Lady Gaga, Tracy Morgan, Eva Longoria, and NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon (whose video is the most sincere), lead the way in the tired practice of posting a YouTube for the incoming president. You are urged to do the same but of course, you’ll need to sign up for Pepsi email at the same time. That’s so you can continue to be a part of the great high fructose corn syrup-based national renewal.

Another Reason Not to be a Christian: Mark Driscoll

Trish

That people are willing to sit and listen to this filth says a lot about the state of Christianity today. I realize not all churches go in for this sort of thing, but Mark Driscoll is the next “It” guy in the born-twice world and he’s not only a throwback to the Pat Robertson/James Dobson school of spleen venting by portly angry white guys who can’t get real jobs, he goes them all one better.

Driscoll, like many zealots, says he knows what God thinks. But Driscoll says he also knows how God feels, and how He feels is that He hates you. From the Mars Hill Church web site:

Driscoll, based in Seattle, strikes us as the kind of pastor Sarah Palin would high-five and pray with. What is it about cold climates and religious whack jobs?

the Total Depravity of Man

We believe that man was created in the image and likeness of God, but that through Adam’s sin the race fell, inherited a sinful nature, and became alienated from God; man is totally depraved and of himself utterly unable to remedy his lost condition…

Driscoll, based in Seattle, strikes us as the kind of pastor Sarah Palin would high-five and pray with. What is it about cold climates and religious whack jobs? Makes me want to stay right here in the South, where our religious whack jobs are at least happy.

Mark Driscoll is American evangelicalism’s bete noire.* In little more than a decade, his ministry has grown from a living-room Bible study to a megachurch that draws about 7,600 visitors to seven campuses around Seattle each Sunday, and his books, blogs and podcasts have made him one of the most admired — and reviled — figures among evangelicals nationwide…

With his taste for vintage baseball caps and omnipresence on Facebook and iTunes, Driscoll, who is 38, is on the cutting edge of American pop culture. Yet his message seems radically unfashionable, even un-American: you are not captain of your soul or master of your fate but a depraved worm whose hard work and good deeds will get you nowhere, because God marked you for heaven or condemned you to hell before the beginning of time. Yet a significant number of young people in Seattle — and nationwide — say this is exactly what they want to hear. Calvinism has somehow become cool, and just as startling, this generally bookish creed has fused with a macho ethos.

Watch as much of this video as you can stand, just to get the drift. Then hit the “stop” icon and never give this guy one more second out of your life. That goes for every one of his friends and followers, too.

* Literally, “black animal”

Hallmark Warns Public About Killer Snow Globe

Trish
Frosty! How could you?

We are not making this up. Hallmark has issued a recall for this dangerous snowman snow globe. As a public service (and because we think it’s funny), we are passing it along.

We have learned that under certain conditions, Hallmark’s Jumbo Snowman Snow Globe (Stock #1XAG5093, measuring 11 by 12 by 17 inches) for a suggested retail price of $99.95, may pose a risk of fire.

When sunlight passes through the globe, sufficient light may be concentrated to ignite nearby combustible materials. Upon obtaining this information Hallmark immediately decided to recall this product and reported the matter to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

If you purchased this product, please remove the snow globe from exposure to any sunlight by covering it up or moving it to an area without access to sunlight. Then, at your earliest convenience, please return the Jumbo Snowman Snow Globe to a Hallmark Gold Crown® store for a full refund.

The recall pertains only to the large, $99.95 snow globe. A smaller snow globe of similar snowman design is not affected by the recall.

The safety of our consumers is always the priority at Hallmark. We apologize for any inconvenience this recall action may cause you. Your cooperation and assistance with this matter is greatly appreciated.

Coming to America, the New Version

Trish
Dinesh, left, and Rinku in their new Under Armor wear

Maybe the holidays have us feeling mellow, but we think we’d love this story any time of the year. A search for “Rinku Singh Dinesh Patel javelin throwers” turns up a lot of hits, but the best version of the back-story is Bruce Reed’s on Slate.

Before last Monday’s signing, few in India had ever heard of the Pittsburgh Pirates, which is just as well…

But in India, baseball is such a novelty that the Pirates might as well be the New York Yankees. The Hindustan Times reported, “Two Indian teenagers created history in the US sports Monday when they were signed up by prestigious baseball team Pittsburgh Pirates, five times World Series Champions.” Never mind that the Bucs’ last world championship was 30 years ago…

In many ways, the whole episode is like the Pirates themselves—endearingly ridiculous. Pittsburgh discovered the two Indian pitchers, Rinku Singh and Dinesh Patel, thanks to an Indian reality show called The Million-Dollar Arm, the brainchild of Miami sports agent J.B. Bernstein…

Bernstein promised a cool million to any Indian who could throw a baseball accurately at 85 mph. Of the 20,000 Indians who competed, Singh and Patel came closest, doing well enough to earn some cash and a chance to try out here in the United States.

The boys, who reportedly learned to speak English by watching Baseball Tonight, have their own blog, subtitled “Our Baseball Yatra.” In Hindi, a yatra is a kind of pilgrimage or, alternatively, a procession. The blog is brimming with grin-inducing posts about which Hollywood (not Bollywood) movie has the best special effects:

i think we have a new favorite – dethroning BAD BOYS… We did not think it was possible, but the movie WANTED has even better special effects than any movie seen yet by us. They somehow got bullets to curve in order to hit target. There is no way we can explain the special effects… You just have to see it.

And what they eat:

We getting many email asking question about what we eating. We mostly cooking home.

Breakfast favorite banana pancake. I making Super Cakes with banana cook inside. We liking pizza and pork ribs.

Sometimes lunch we going University Village. This wonderful place of eating. many shops with the many foods. Rinku and I always liking to eat the Chinese food. 27 fish combo or combo 2 B… That is best dishes to us.

And their new, unwavering allegiance to an actual sponsor:

Dinesh and I very happy and excited today. We get first deal with the Under Armor company. they makings us shoes, cleets, knickers, shirts. It was very awesome to return from the practice and received such kind gifts.

We only wearing Under Armor so this great fortune to us.

Last night we also seeing the movie Earth Stand Still. good action scenes but also many talking.

I couldn’t agree more with that film review. For more of the boys’ adventures, complete with YouTube videos, check out the The Million Dollar Arm blog. Hurry, before they get all major league on us.