President Obama's Peace Prize Acceptance Amidst Controversy
-President Obama accepted his Nobel Peace Prize in Ozlo, Norway this morning. This feat comes one week to the day of the President announcing the decision to deploy an additional 30,000 US Troops to Afghanistan. The irony that he was to publicly accept an award at such a time of war and conflict in the Middle East, came as a shock to many, inclusive of myself. Here are a few excerpts from the President's press conference, courtesy of abcnews.com:
"Upon receiving news of the prize it was a great surprise to me," the president stated. "I have no doubt that there are others who may be more deserving."
The president continued that his "task here is to continue on the path that I believe is not only important for America but important for lasting peace and security for the world.
"That means pursuing a world free of nuclear weapons over time and strengthening our mechanisms to avoid nuclear proliferation," he said. "That means addressing climate change in an effective way. It means stabilizing counties like Afghanistan and mobilizing an international effort to terrorism that is consistent with our values and ideals. It means addressing issues of development and understanding the connection between economic justice and peace.
"So on a whole host of initiatives that I've put forward this year, some of which are beginning to bear fruit, the goal is not to win a popularity contest or to get an award -- even one as esteemed as the Nobel Peace Prize -- the goal is to advance American interests, make ourselves a continuing force for good in the world. Something that we have been for decades now," he said.
"And if I'm successful in those tasks then hopefully some of the criticism will subside, but that’s not really my concern," he concluded. "And if I'm not successful then all the praise and the awards in the world won't disguise that fact."
Congratulations President Obama, the third United States President to ever receive the award. I look forward to witnessing the peace and change you so passionately speak about.
Itallians Want NO MORE of "MTV's Jersey Shore"?!?!?!
For those who were as in the dark as I on what a Guido is:
*a slang term for a lower class or working class urban American. The Guido stereotype is often portrayed as humorously thuggish with an overtly macho attitude.
*Clothing associated with the stereotype includes gold chains (often Figaro chains, cornicellos, or saint medallions), working class clothing such as plain T-shirts, muscle shirts or "guinea ts" (derived from the term "guinea," an ethnic slur for Italians), leather jackets, sweat or tracksuits, scally caps, unbuttoned dress shirts and bowling shirts, and dress suits. Slicked-back hair or pompadours, as are mustaches are a common stereotype. Recently, heavily gelled spiked hair has become a common stereotype. The hairstyle is commonly referred to as the Blowout or Brooklyn Fade – "Brook", for short. (Definitions courtesy of Wikepedia, 2009)"Jersey Shore" is now in the midst of stirring controversy as several Italian American groups are citing offense at its airing, and corporate sponsors such as Dominos Pizza and American Family Insurance are pulling their ads. New York Post critic Linda Staci angrily stated,
"('Jersey Shore' furthers) the popular TV notion that Italian-Americans are gel-haired, thuggish ignoramuses with fake tans, no manners, no diction, no taste, no education, no sexual discretion, no hairdressers (for sure), no real knowledge of Italian culture and no ambition beyond expanding steroid- and silicone-enhanced bodies. Would that programing ever have been allowed if the group were African-Americans, Asians, Hispanics, Jewish people?"
-Really?? I say that if BET can continuously exploit an entire race (See BET entire programming lineup) for insane profits, I see nothing wrong with Viacom extending a similar opportunity for another class of ignorant Americans. Ignorantly exploiting stereotypes while passing them off as reality in spite of the televised delusion, have become the sole character ingredients in successful reality television shows. Let the Guido's play... and maybe other Americans can benefit from their publicized mistakes and behaviors. HELL. It's GREAT entertainment and equal opportunity Coonery!!!!!!
- Los Angeles Supreme Court Judge David S. Cunningham III, ordered Nas (Nasir Jones) to pay almost-ex-wife Kelis (Kelis Rodgers) a staggering, pulse-racing, fifty-one thousand dollars ($51,101.00) a month??!!!! This was an increase as Nas was paying nearly 40,000.00 monthly to Kelis and his newborn son Knight since July.
This ruling was given in spite of Nas being presented as "cash-strapped" by his attorney, and highlighting his debts, inclusive of $700,000.00 to his former manager and (allegedly) millions to the IRS for tax evasion. Nas' last studio album was released in 2008, so maybe the judge thought his money would come from publishing or royalties?? Maybe the judge got Nas' money confused with Jay-Z's money...no idea why he would think Nas could afford that, or that a child would need that much to grow and become a respectable adult. Tough breaks. :(
**Small Doses**
-The song that left me wanting more, has been revamped, re-recorded and officially dubbed "sexified" now that Ursher has jumped on the traack!! Not the "Papers" a breath-away-from CORNY Ursher, but that ol' skool, smooth, swag on a trillion Ursher that we all fell in love w. I almost forget those other two artists are on the track (which should've gone STRAIT to Ursher anyway)Condolences to Tyler Perry
-Tyler Perry lost his mother, Willie Maxine Perry, Tuesday. She was only 64 years young.
Howard University Student Suspected of Terrorism
-Well, he's technically an HU student. Five Americans were recently arrested in Pakistan after they were reported missing in Washington, DC by their families at the end of November.The students allegedly left behind suicide videos stating that the Muslims must be defended, leading the FBI to search the Middle East. One of the five was a Dental student enrolled at Howard University, a predominately Black institution. SMDH. Chilllle....
That should satisfy you for a few hours kids... till the next post!! Please leave a comment, and check back! Have a GREAT DAY!!!!
Peace,
Dawnavette
