Pop Culture + Politics = Poplitics

No Posts until Monday

2010-05-25T18:47:00.000-07:00

Because...I'm on vacation. Every girl needs a break, and this is mine. So! Watch some bad TV for me, I'll have a mojito on the beach for you.

Toodles!

iThink the white glow...

2010-05-20T08:04:00.000-07:00

...hypnotizes you to a point of blind ignorance! I'm so sick of freaking Apple. After going to one of the most expensive private universities in the country (as the poor kid on fellowship) for graduate school, the past two years of my life has been filled with iPhones, iBooks, and iThinktheworldrevolves around me. So many Apple lovers all over the place, usually at Starbucks or in plazas on campus, using every opportunity to demean lowly PCs. So when the iPad came out, the foam around my mouth grew thicker.

I'm not tech geek or anything, but isn't an iPad just a GIANT iPhone or iPod Touch? Or a small computer with no keyboard? I didn't understand the hype, and to be frank, I still don't. I just don't understand the benefit of carrying around this awkward sheet of glass in your backpack that is too awkward to use like a computer, but too big to truly be handheld. Why the anger you ask? Because I read this ignorant article and thought "no sh*t!" and felt the need to vent.

Essentially, the iPad is great because it preys on the ignorant, I mean loyal Apple fans as they will blindly buy any new Apple product, despite already owning a similar (if not superior product).

However, for me my iPod circa 2006 is working just fine (despite a few hits and foreign travel...at which point I would like to not that most newer Apple products can't stand being breathed on too hard, let alone dropped) and I plan to use it until it dies, and when I do decide to upgrade I'll get the iPod touch for its wireless connectivity (I don't like the iPhone, just because I value separate devices). Basically, its just bird-brained (or apple-brained) to own a iPad, iBook, and iPhone because they are the same f-ing device. Okay, maybe you can have an iBook and iPhone...in which case you definitely don't need an iPad.

Grey's Season Finale Tonight!

2010-05-20T06:48:00.000-07:00

Check out this little preview of the Grey's Season Finale:

For those who haven't been following, the crazy mf-er shooting up the place is a disgruntled family member of a patient. Long story short, one of the interns messed up something leading to his wife going brain dead at which point Derek decided to pull the plug. Crazy mf-er goes and gets a lawyer, and after brawling with the administration they all side with Derek and just apologize to the man. Apparently this pisses him off. I would like to note how American it is to just go shooting up sh*t when you're unhappy about it, its like apple pie at this point.

Anyhow, my predictions for deaths:
--Meredith, because killing Derek is too obvious
--Meredith's unborn child
--Owen
--Arizona
--The Chief (or old Chief rather)

My predictions for injuries:
--Yang
--Bailey
--The guy with the gorgeous eyes from Mercy West
--Little Grey

I will be watching and you should too! Screw DVR and watch it live, its a finale people!

How can a song about dying be so beautiful?

2010-05-20T06:33:00.000-07:00

This song is a bit of a downer, I'll admit it, but for some odd, eerie reason, I find it beautiful. Plus, its been stuck in my head since David Bazan covered it at his living room show, so enjoy.

Mhmm, I bet

2010-05-19T10:05:00.000-07:00

I wonder how much BP paid scientists to say this. I find it hard to believe since le oil has met the Gulf current loop that would propel the gunk up the east coast. Even if its true, I need BP to be more aggressive in saving my oceans because I am not impressed with the oil straw despite an alleged 40 percent capture rate.

Fist Pumps, Guidos, Orange Skin, and Big Hair

2010-05-19T08:25:00.000-07:00

Is there anything good in New Jersey? According to this hilarious parody...no.

It's Brewing

2010-05-19T08:01:00.000-07:00

The Tea Partiers are steeping, and sadly gaining Congressional seats, along with average Republicans as the tea baggers go increasingly rabid in their pursuit for Washington in November.

I think its important to note that Specter was once a Republican who switched to the Democratic party following the wave of liberalism and Obama lust. He followed the trend in an effort to gain political capital and popularity. With that said, I can't help but wonder if Rand Paul is capitalizing off of the popularity of the tea party "movement," and is in fact a more moderate Republican like his father Ron. I guess only time will tell.

Moving on, I blame the village idiot, Sarah Palin, for a lot of this (I mean look at her, don't you think she has a touch of the crazy eye?). For a woman who barely graduated from college, lacks an advanced degree, can't form a complete sentence on the fly, and butchers Snooki's infamous bump, I just need her to shut up and sit down. Instead, she's riling up the ignorant masses of the rural U.S. to vote for policies that ultimately hurt them. Why's that you ask? Here's why. Despite an allegedly diverse following, a majority of tea partiers are White (well duh), older men, whom earn higher than average incomes, and claim fundamental Christianity to be their worship of choice. Additionally, there is the perception among tea drinkers that the country is moving toward socialism.*Bottom line: The tea party movement is composed of old white men who are afraid the black man (President Obama) is going to go all Robin Hood and steal their ridiculous amounts of wealth.

So given the bottom line I find it odd when middle class to poor Americans rock out to the message of this movement. Lets look at Pennsylvania, a state with right lean and a number of official tea groups. The poverty rate is 15.1 percent, only three percentage points below the national average, and the poverty rate among whites in the state is only 0.5 percent lower than the national average. The number of whites uninsured is also ridiculous given their proportion of the population; nearly 25 percent of whites lack health insurance which means of the states nearly 8.5 million white citizens, a bit over 2 million of them lack coverage. Given these social statistics, it would seem that the ideals of the tea party would not be exactly be beneficial and perhaps universal health care and other social programs would be helpful, but hey what's common sense?

Adding to the zoo, married Conservative House Member Mark Souder has decided to step down after a hot and sexy...well probably a lame and dull....affair with a staffer (whom was also married). I just think its HI-Larious when Republicans get stuck in these sex scandals because they usually run on that whole family values crap. Anyhow, check out his peace out:

So, thats a quick wrap up of the pendulum shift, I just hope it calms down by 2012...

*It seems that no one knows the definition of socialism, so as a Political Science degree holder I thought I'd clarify. Socialism is a political philosophy that encompasses various theories of economic organization based on either public or direct worker ownership and administration of the means of production and allocation. (Source: Wikipedia) Cuba and the former Soviet Union are the closest things to socialism that has existed, however, capitalistic tenets remain. So, all the baggers need to chill.

Vote for Poplitics!

2010-05-19T05:34:00.000-07:00

So I have this wicked dream of becoming a blogging sensation that travels the world. In order to do that I need your help!

Poplitics is in the running for the 2010 Bloggers Choice Awards, so please vote for me!

Blog name: Poplitics
Blog URL: www.populitics.blogspot.com

You have to register on the site in order to vote, which is a bit of a pain but I know you've all got email addresses used exclusively for junk mail. So use that gimp email address and send me to victory!

Gleeful for Glee! (Part 1)

2010-05-18T21:33:00.000-07:00

Okay, I was really starting to dislike Glee despite being an ardent Gleek. But tonight things turned around and I'm Gleekier than ever! Sadly, due to family visiting I only caught the end of the episode (womp womp). So I'll first sum up the things that made me giddy, then I'll watch the episode tomorrow on Hulu, and finally I'll write Part 2 of the Gleeful for Glee post. Sound good? Great!

--Yay to Artie being able to walk...well in his dreams. But I loved his little Safety Dance montage. But I'm sad his legs don't work. Also, I'm not too impressed with his voice...maybe it was just that song? I wouldn't know because he hardly gets to sing.
--Woah! to the whole Rachel's long lost mother thing. Is that her mom in real life, because those two were like identical! Creepy!
--Yipee! to next week's Gaga's inspired episode! I love how Kurt was stomping his leg on the ground a la Rocky Horror picture show (at the :26 mark). My sister and I laughed (and imitated this) for a good couple of minutes.

Anyhow, I'll be back tomorrow with full commentary on the return of the Glee I fell in love with.

Most Epic Save (and Win!) Ever

2010-05-17T17:22:00.000-07:00

This is a pretty epic fire back from Lance Baxter, whom got dragged through the mud for drunk dialing radical, right-wing Freedom Works. During this drunk dial he called tea partiers "mentally retarded," something that Micheal Stone feels is an insult to the retarded (I agree). Granted, he's got a good voice (hence his Geico voiceovers) but really, this man is HI-LARIOUS and needs to team up with Colbert or Stewart and do something great.

My favorite part is at the 2:10 mark, and that generally summarizes how I feel when trapped in conversations with right wingers. I also enjoyed the Latino man asking (in Spanish) about police using German accents when asking for proof of citizenship! Love it, I'm glad that other people think that this is is absolutely xenophobic, rather than an issue of national security.

To close this amazing piece of "F-you Fox News," the descending tea bags and fireworks are a good close. Bravo D.C. Baxter, Bravo!

Swagger Wagon

2010-05-17T07:08:00.000-07:00

Brilliant marketing. However, when I have babies, I plan to roll around in this.

Ignorant + Racist = Pennsylvania Cop

2010-05-11T20:09:00.000-07:00

Attention white people, please stop blaming "African-American males" for your issues. Susan Smith, runaway brides, bank robbers (well thats different because he posed as a black man) now this dumbass.

I'm still not clear why he shot himself?

Oh no they didn't.

2010-05-11T16:37:00.001-07:00

The red-headed stepchild of Poplitics (cough cough, THIEF!)

Corporations are not people

2010-05-11T09:48:00.000-07:00

Okay, this BP thing is about to make me go and start a more militant version of Greenpeace. In fact, look at my people at work. PS: I'd love a copy of that press release.

Anyhow, after weeks this thing is stilllll freeaaaaking GUSHING! Ludicrous. Now, if you recall, I wrote an entry about a week ago, that has one of the few images that shows how much oil is pouring into the ocean. Given the horror of that video, it makes sense that BP representatives, executives, and managers only want you to see that hellish orange sheen lurking to the Gulf shore.

I'm a bootleg body language expert. Now if you take a look, BP's COO Doug Suttles is looking down and shaking his head no. What does that mean? He's lying. Now while the COO lies, the PR machine is putting up all types of videos about "responsible" and "responsive they are." Bullocks and poppycock. I thought that maybe if I used British slang these idiots would rub two brain cells together, make a little heat, and do more to plug the gush and not with trash! Who's ignorant idea was that?!

This weekend I watched Black Wave on Planet Green, a documentary about the Exxon Spill of 1989. It was depressing. In Alaska, over twenty years later oil is still present in the soil, along the rocks, and washing on the shore. The Valdez disaster pales in comparison to the Gulf gush in my opinion. Even though I'm horrified by these some experts and scientists assert that this isn't a big deal and has been sensationalized...I'm sure they will retire nicely thanks to BP.

So, screw you Tony Hayward, Rupert Bondy, Sally Bott, Iain Conn, Robert Dudley, Byron Grote, Andy Inglis, Lamar McKay, and Steve Westwell* for ruining my beaches and raising the price of local seafood.

*I spelled out the executive management staff of BP because I feel that it is important to realize corporations are not people, and as a society we need to push to make each of these individuals responsible for their poor decisions based upon financial greed.

Also, I love Keith Olberman. But Keith, Sarah wasn't the only idiot, she was just the loudest.

Live in a Living Room | David Bazan House Show

2010-05-10T21:42:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows that I love David Bazan. His gritty and booming voice, melodic and dissonant chords, and matter-of-fact and story telling musical musings puts him as one of the most often played musician on my iPod and in my car on these things called "CDs" (not everyone got the iPod jack option). Over the years, I have seen Sir Bazan many times live, the first being in Charleston. At this show he was playing as part of Pedro the Lion, so I was merely intrigued as I really did not know much about him. My second Bazan siting was at New Brooklyn Tavern in Columbia, SC, and by this point I'd back trailed in his music and fallen in love. This is also when I learned of the beauty of his solo material. Time endured, and I made my way up to DC and so did David. I saw him again at the 9:30 club, this time playing as part of a band but singing solo material...In other words he was Michael, they were Tito. Then there was tonight.

Tonight, I saw the most intimate performance of Mr. Bazan. It was a living room show. As the name implies, it occurred in a living room on Capitol Hill with about 30 of DC's finest hipsters ready to hear one man and his guitar with only a tiny amp and tapping foot serving as backup. To give you an idea of exactly how intimate this show was, take a look below:

Those brown things are my feet, that man with the guitar is David Bazan. Awesome.

Most of the material hailed from the most recent album, Curse your Branches, but there were also songs played from Fewer Moving Pieces and Control. In his normal style, a cover was also played by Bazan. Tonight he played Flirted With You All of My Life by the late Vic Chesnutt. What I love about Bazan covers is that he doesn't just replay the song. He feels it, makes it his own, and makes you want more.

He also explained the song Options, which is one of my favorites but the lyrics are a bit rough. Basically it describes feeling trapped in a relationship, and the constant wonder if you're settling and if you should escape. Here's a taste:

Options | David Bazan | Living Room Show, 5.10.10 from kashiad on Vimeo.

Anyhow, during one of his legendary Q & A parts of the show, someone asked how his wife took the above mentioned song, given its content. His response was that he let his wife in on "the first floor" rather than letting it be a surprise and presented the song and its lyrics to her as a universal theme, with the assurance that he was not going to be the guy that he is singing about. Also, during another Q & A (yes, another...there were at least 5) things got political. In his dry, sarcastic humor Bazan mentioned how ironic it was that he was "so close to where they are plotting to take away our freedoms" going on to mention that "people are scary when they think you are trying to take their shit....and they have guns." Obviously a bit of commentary on the teabaggers and all other ridiculous things that lie within the beltway.

"I got a question," someone belted, "why do you always sing with your eye closed?" This is something I've also wondered. He said (as I hypothesized) that he keeps his eyes closed because he does not want to be distracted. He went on to say that given the intimate nature of a living room show, he keeps his eyes closed to keep from awkwardly staring at one or a few people. But he comforted us all like little children at story time, telling us that just because his eyes are closed doesn't mean we're forgotten. The last thing that I thought was interesting from the open forum was that when producing the Headphones album he was shooting for a different sound, in fact he went on to call the Headphones EP "sterile." This shows the beauty of songwriting: you can go in with an idea, but that it usually changes.

Even with an obvious sore throat, Bazan did not disappoint; in fact he impressed me more. By changing progressions and chord structures he still made these songs work. At one point, he did forget the lyrics to a song and stopped, says "wait, that's not right...oh yeah!" and continues on. I loved it. He essentially did a mash up of two songs-- Harmless Sparks and Fewer Broken Pieces-- from Curse your Branches and Fewer Moving Parts EP, respectfully, moving seamlessly from the harmonic Oooos and Ahhhhs of Harmless Sparks into the loaded first words, "If you make a reference to some trouble that you know," of Fewer Broken Pieces. I was also moved to hear Curse your Branches "raw" as its sounds incredibly hi-fi and produced on the album (not in a bad way) due to the presence of a full band. Once again and I don't think I can say it enough, something about Bazan's voice hypnotizes you. Its rich like maple syrup that is cut with a rawness that only years of life experience can bring:

Curse your Branches | David Bazan | Living Room Show, 5.10.10 from kashiad on Vimeo.

One of the songs that signaled the end was How I Remember, a song that I love for the lyric "Red and Yellow, Black and White, they're precious in his sight, but who he roots for in a fight...that's how I remember." I of course have my own interpretation as a listener, but I wonder if that lyric is a nod to David's constant struggle with his faith and how to incorporate it in his life. Listen up:

How I Remember | David Bazan | Living Room Show, 5.10.10 from kashiad on Vimeo.

Hands down, that was the best $20 I've spent on a show in a very long time, and if you get the chance I encourage you to see David Bazan, preferably in a living room, near you.

*Yes, I took all of the photos and videos so please, don't steal*

Put it away, pervert.

2010-05-10T14:13:00.000-07:00

Playboy is planning to launch a safe for work site called "The Smoking Jacket." I think you're gross if you can't wait til you get home to see that madness. We all know its not about the articles, its about the bah-bees (same goes for Hooters...those wings look dry like my hair in summer heat)

That is all.

I knew it was a matter of time!

2010-05-10T11:29:00.000-07:00

Finally. Following President Chavez on twitter has paid off. His latest tweet is:

Ajáaaaa. Qué tal este lunes. Ojalá q bien para todos. Yo ahora voy a taller de trabajo con la delegación China visitante.Alta estrategia!!!

For non-Spanish speakers:

Ah! How's it going this Monday, I hope well for everyone. Right now I am going to a workshop with the Chinese delegation that is visiting. Yay Strategy! (Okay Alta estrategia only has a ring in Spanish).

Now for those who don't know, Chavez has been trying to forge this strategic relationship with China for quite some time. The basis: a) an alternative to the United States with respect to investment, b) Chinese investments in Venezuelan oil exports.

I think this is funny because little birds in the diplomatic and international journalism circles claim that the Chinese dread working with Chavez because he's such a loose cannon. Should be interesting how this turns out....

PS: Does he really need 200 people to manage twitter...you can only type 140 characters. Just saying.

Its a Girl!

2010-05-10T09:19:00.000-07:00

My favorite New York Housewife, Bethanny Frankel, had a healthy little girl. At a light 4 lbs 12 oz*, Bryn will be just as fierce as her mom! Congrats!

*Bryn was born a month early, so shut up to all the haters who speculated she dieted during her pregnancy.

Betty White is a superstar, and SNL is barely afloat

2010-05-09T18:06:00.000-07:00

As a little girl, I loved staying up to 11 PM, turning to Lifetime, and eating Cheesecake with my grandmother and mother to watch the Golden Girls (obviously, you must have cheesecake while watching the Golden Girls!). In fact, I still (much to the horror of most people my age) still watch the Golden Girls, as if each episode is new.

As we all know, Betty White played Rose Nylund, the innocent, fumbling, ditzy blonde from St. Olef, Minnesota on the show. She was one of my favorites because she always threw a curveball that showed people she wasn't as naive as she portrayed herself.

Anyhow, given my love of the Golden Girls, I love love love that Betty White has somehow become a modern day pop culture icon. Its fabulous, and she doesn't even do nudity (see little girls, you can be famous and keep your damn clothes on). So of course, I had to tune into SNL to see where how they were going to use this lovely woman. First, I preface this with: I hate SNL, I think it should have died long ago, and the skits aren't funny. Much to my delight, most of the skits from tonight's show that involved Betty were pretty good...she was the grandmother of McGruder, a chef making and selling 'muffins,' and some random person in the "Weekend Update." (sidenote: wasn't quite sure about the Whitney Houston section of that skit...I thought we were done making lame ass Bobby Brown jokes about her...) But by far the most heinous use of Betty White was in this Dominican talk show:

Back to the failure that is SNL, I was also really put off by the "Really, Greece?!" section:

I know I'm a global economy nerd and most people don't understand what "budget reductions" mean in the world of global finance. So I will explain it for those who just repeat the term that hear on the news. In the global economy "budget reductions" does not refer to reduced government spending as in "waste." It means cutting social spending, privatizing state owned companies (thus making them crazy unaffordable), devaluing currency, and pandering to international financial institutions and governments as they lend you the money and thus force your already economically troubled country. Whats's the problem with this you say? Well...most countries that borrow mass amounts of money to "economically recover" are also incredibly corrupt and Greece is no different, in fact corruption is what got the country into its current mess. Therefore, the Really Greece?! section of this skit was ill informed and in poor taste (in my opinion) since the youth of Greece will be paying off this debt for generations to come. [end rant]

So, SNL sucks, and Betty White is a rockstar...but we all knew that.

Really?!

2010-05-09T17:57:00.000-07:00

I quit. Why is there talk of plugging this oil gush with trash?! My kids may never see a beach at this rate.

Rahm Emanuel eats babies.

2010-05-08T21:03:00.000-07:00

Sigh, well he doesn't really eat babies (to my knowledge),* but I'm convinced he is pure evil. Rahm Emanuel is the Democratic Party's version of Dick Cheney; You know, acting like he's the President when he's not by directing secret stuff (cough cough drones in Pakistan) and leading policy. Except instead of fat evil, he comes in vampire evil. I mean just look at those dark circles:

Nonetheless, White House staff is dropping like flies. One by one they bite the dust. I think the first was Louis Caldera after his womp womp 9-11esque photo shoot in NYC, followed by Van Jones because of his harsh anti-Republican rhetoric; Then there was the OH so fly Desiree Rogers who got blamed for that whole party crasher crap (yes, blame the Black woman with the awesome outfit and NOT you know, Secret Service or Metro police). Now, Daniel Meltzer has decided to go back to his cushy tenure teaching position at Harvard.

So I'm sure you're wondering "So, what does this have to do with Rahm Emanuel and his (possible) appetite for babies?" I'll tell you. Rahm marches to the beat of his own little drum and tries to (in my opinion) bully, er, I mean "pressure" politicians to do what he wants. This includes Obama, and last I checked Rahm was not elected President or Vice President so he needs to shut up, and sit down. Adding to his arrogance, he wasn't exactly helpful in the healthcare debate, burning bridges all over the hill and calling people who wanted universal healthcare, "retarded" (pardon me for not wanting to go bankrupt over a major illness). Not to mention confronting Congressman Eric Massa in a shower (really, is this high school?! not to mention awk-ward) Basically, this (from a HuffPo-Politics article) sums up my feelings on Emanuel:

Emanuel is a Bush Democrat - but not in that he has learned the lesson about the value of holding firmly to core values. He is a Bush Democrat in that he has allowed Republicans to traumatize him into submission. Emanuel operates on a battlefield as defined by Republicans, where the terrain is littered with the specter of imaginary but profoundly terrifying GOP attack ads. His reflexive approach is the strategic retreat.

So to close. Fire Rahm. Stop loosing all the good things your administration had going because this fool is hard to work with. In fact, hire Michael Moore. Okay, maybe not really. BUT! Rahm needs to be put in check or sent packing.

PS: The oil leak is still gushing. Fan-freaking-tastic. And BP stock has fallen to a stank-a-dank $49.00/share. I need their stock to maintain some value just to ensure they can pay those fishermen and clean those beaches. Maybe even buy some sea turtles and other animals seeing that they're killing them all.

*People like to sue for slander and such these days, so one more time...for the record: Rahm Emanuel is not a known consumer of babies or any other human tissue. I just thought that would help me explain how evil I think that he is.

Gush Baby, Trickle?

2010-05-07T06:16:00.000-07:00

After weeks of trying to cap the oil leak, BP has finally lowered the second containment dome. In the cover of darkness (told you they were evil), BP started lowering the 4-story containment, save as much of our oil so that we can turn a profit dome to the site of the leak; officials expect that the dome (assuming it works) will be operational (capturing and pumping oil) by Monday. This is good news since this monstrosity is gushing a disgusting, murky 5,000 barrels of oil A DAY.

Now if anyone is anything like me, they've been curious to know: "What the hell does oil gushing at the bottom of the ocean look like?!" Well, here it is (this is BP capping the first leak, and the oil becomes truly apparent around the 1:50 mark):

Sadly, the oil has already reached the delicate nature reserves off the coast of Louisiana...booo BP hissssss boooo. Also, speaking of economic impacts, I'm curious if this oil gush* will drive BP convenience stores out of business (at least in the Gulf and in left leaning states) as people protest the giant. Thoughts?

*I refuse to call this a spill as a spill is an event with a clear beginning and end; this is a gush as oil has been pouring non stop into our fragile, and once sexy ocean.

On birth control, but wanting Babies....

2010-05-06T17:00:00.000-07:00

...as in this adorable documentary! Check out the trailer:

First, I'm going to provide some subtitles to the opening clip, otherwise know as the Baby Knock Down:
:10 mark: Baby 1: You know you're not really grinding that mud right; Baby 2: Oh, really.
:15 mark: Baby 2: Why don't you just mind your mud pile
:18 mark: Baby 2: No really....mind your mud pile!
:20 mark: Baby 1: Screw you, I have a tooth.
:29 mark: Baby 2: I totally went Chris Brown on her...not cool...but she bit me! Oh well back to my rock...

Now my favorite parts of this adorable snippet is of course EVERYTHING, but mainly:
-The child essentially crawling into the dog's mouth
-The child bound so tightly that it moves like a snow angel

My one criticism of babies already is that there is no Latin American and/or Caribbean representation as the babies hail from: Mongolia, Nambia, Japan, and the U.S. But, aside from that it looks good and maybe I'll go see it.

Where the hell have you been?

2010-05-06T07:51:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know its been a while...and by a while I mean months since I've posted. It was a travesty, it was disgusting, unprecidented, and uncalled for. But, guess what bitches. I'm back! Now that I'm finally done with all things grad school, I have time to pander to my hobbies...which includes this blog! So, given the fact that I haven't given you poplitics goodness in so long, I think its appropriate for my first post to be a "what in the hell is going on in the world right now" summary of all things dirty....

Thanks to BP, my children may not ever know what the hell an ocean, a sea turtle, or a tastey seafood dinner is. May I just say this is absolutely freaking ridiculous for so many reasons its sick. First, I love love love how BP under reported the leak size by you know, a measly couple of thousand gallons! Not to mention their "we've got this under control" attitude for the first few days....you know then riding around on their boats saying "Oh Sh*t, Oh Sh*t!) Then you got the crazies (cough cough, Rush Limbaugh) saying this was a left wing conspiracy to make Obama explore alternative energy by illustrating the dangers of offshore drilling. Really?! That's like PETA shooting puppies to raise awareness about animal cruelty, its stupid and it makes no sense. Furthermore, I'd like to add that its mandated in both Norway and Brazil (you know two nations that would be classified by most Americans as "third world" despite their emerging market statuses) to have a remote control shut off valve. Adding insult to injury we've got oil soaked politicians comparing the spill to chocolate milk (why don't you go have a drink of it Congressman Taylor?) or writing it off as well "accidents happen."

Adding to the world zoo, you've got Faisal Shahzad trying to kill us via a Wal*Mart quality bomb parked in the middle of Times Square. Then dude tried to get all James Dean and tell ICE agents "I've been expecting you." Puh-leez. This pretty (well pretty to be a terrorist with a horrid unibrow) boy won't make it 5 minutes in jail.

Greece is over there staging protests and such given the fact that their economy is in shambles and the IMF and EU had to bail them out...this is bad, I mean lets look at the IMF's track record in fiscal recovery shall we? First, devalue the hell out of your currency, privatize everything (people now can't afford things because of the previous point), and cut all social spending! Sounds like a recipe for success...

Oh and lets not forget about the little platform shoe wearing man that is Kim Jong-Il trying to ease over to China with his nonsense. I need him to know that behind the guise of communism, China is a market economy that moves to a Western beat...aka they aren't going to sacrafice their status for your crazy, so womp womp KJI.

To ice the cake, President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela has joined the ranks of people who have no damn business on twitter. I follow him and I can't wait for him to tweet something ignorant.

In the pop world you've got Beyonce begging for love in this unfortunate video, Rhianna singing that god awful Rude Boy song in this Andy Warhol meets Bob Marley hot mess of a video, Ciara pulling out the same old hip swivel in bad outfits in "Ride" (hot song though), K-e-$-fail bombing on SNL, Bret Michaels laid up on a deathbed (but still with a weave and bandanna!) and Christina Aguilara having a midlife sex fueled crisis.

In happier news, Glee! is back much to my delight and every Tuesday I have a close desire to become a singer. Adding to my TV, the Real Housewives of New Jersey is back with enough boobies (pronounced bah-bees) for all. Also, last night I watched Ninja Assassin (thanks Redbox!) for the first time, late I know, but this isn't about the movie...this is about Raiiiiiiiiin (imagine me saying it like a 15 year old girl). He's HOT like Asian fire! I didn't realize it, especially because he's a pop-tastic Korean singer, but boy oh boy what the gym and growing your hair out can do! Anyhow, if you're interested in his music, this is his new single.

And to top all of this off, our troops have lost their damn minds (in a good way) and have paid homage to Gaga! My favorite part is definitely the breakdown at the 1:37 mark.

Anyhow, given the above I'm starting to think the Mayans were right...2012.

Que Triste..

2009-12-21T20:34:00.000-08:00

Brittany Murphy, star of Clueless and a myriad of other films and also the voice of Luanne from King of the Hill died of natural ages at the oh so young age of 32.

Although some blogs are wasting no time with the drama reporting (ie: Perez Hilton) mentioning her eating disorders, body image issues, and even accusing her husband to be suspicious because he opposed an autopsy (maybe it has something to do with the fact that he wants his wife to remain beautiful and untouched rather than a science experiment), I think its more important to remember that a pretty, young woman literally dropped dead something that should make us mere mortals refocus on the value of life.

Thoughts are with her family.

We all knew Colbert was an O.G.

2009-12-17T08:45:00.000-08:00

Check out Alicia performing her latest single, Streets of New York, that has New Yorkers in tears--who knew that could happen?!

I wonder how long they rehearsed? But I looove this Keys/Colbert duo! He can actually sing...not sang, but he's doing good with the rapping and harmonies :)

Gifts for us Colored Folk

2009-12-13T07:06:00.000-08:00

Every Christmas (or Hannakuh or Kwanza...but I'm on the record for saying Kwanza in my opinon is not a holiday) we make mad dashes to the store in search of the perfect gift for our friends and family. You think you've found the perfect thing, then comes the doubt; do they like the color red? Do they already have this? Is this too cheap?

Well these days are over! At least for your "ethnic friends," because the New York Times has published a lovely guide, "Of Color | Stylish Gifts," to help you out! That's right because apparently people of color don't like iPods, books, gift cards, etc., we instead like gifts that remind us that we are the marginalized groups of U.S. and global society.

Some recommendations? For your black friends Carol's Daughter's Princess and the Frog Beauty kit, presumably because it kills two birds with one stone...recognizing Disney's First Black Princess while simultaneously taming your friends wild negro hair; to reinforce the erroneous idea that we live in a post racial society, what about Nikki Grimes' book, Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope, since obviously Barack Obama's election signaled the end of racism; and well because since all blacks have kids out of wedlock what about Baby Jamz a collection of remixed nurury rhymes by Beyonce! It probably comes with a lace front wig as an accessory.

Don't feel left out Latinos! The Wise Latina t-shirt seems to be a shoe in for your liberal girlfriends, and for their kids (because along with blacks, Latinos are the other race group with children out of wedlock) what about the bilingual childrens book, Sonia Sotomayor: A Judge Grows in the Bronx/La Juez Que Crecio en el Bronx by Jonah Winter?

Now, now....Asians you too fell victim to the list. Because your face is so different from that of a white person's, despite the presence of eyes, ears, a nose, and a mouth you are very likely to find Asian Faces: The Essential Beauty and Makeup Guide for Asian Women by Taylor Chang-Babaian stuffed in your stocking! And because all Indians wear Henna all the time and they all love Bollywood what about Ash Kumar’s Bollywood Henna Kit

Really New York Times...REALLY!?! What made you guys think this was a good idea? Believe it or not but minorities are people too, meaning we don't need special gifts to let us know we're minorities. Trust. We are well aware. The writer of this article is actually African American, and Poplitics is frantically searching for photo evidence. Nonetheless, NYT issued this statement regarding the article:

Our online gift guides are intended to offer holiday gift ideas for a wide variety of audiences and interests, with Times writers and editors making smart, informed choices that might appeal to those different audiences.

The "Of Color" guide, in the Style & Travel category, is in keeping with that philosophy, and with the efforts of a diverse Times staff to directly address minority readers with our content.

Of course, we expect our readers to use the guides however they choose, and we hope they'll find interesting ideas in many different categories. But we'll continue our effort to provide content that's relevant and appealing.

Here are the issues I have with that lame statement:
1. Our online gift guides are intended to offer holiday gift ideas for a wide variety of audiences and interests: Then why wasn't there a "What to buy for your White friends" guide?
2. The "Of Color" guide, in the Style & Travel category, is in keeping with that philosophy, and with the efforts of a diverse Times staff to directly address minority readers with our content.: Umm, the way the article was written illustrates that it was geared toward readers who were not any of the races/ethnicities spoken about in the article. So I call BS on this one.
3. Of course, we expect our readers to use the guides however they choose, and we hope they'll find interesting ideas in many different categories. But we'll continue our effort to provide content that's relevant and appealing.: This isn't relevant! It reinforces the idea that minorities are "different" and should be treated as so, right down to Christmas shopping.

So in an effort to do what the NYT didn't do, I've composed a short list of things you should buy for your white friends. Just like the NYT article, I was sure to play up on stereotypes (many of the ideas taken from Stuff White People Like):

1. Learn Hip Hop Dance DVD, beause White people love to bust a move...or try to, especially around their one black friend.
2. An Apple gift card, because White people love (and can actually afford) Apple products
3. An "I heart my Prius" bumper sticker, because White people love bumper stickers and being environmentally conscious, two birds, one stone!
4. A loofah, anyone who saw Tyra's show on race knows that White people prefer loofahs to wash cloths.

See its not very funny when its the other way around, is it? Three Boo's for all involved at the NYT in this "post racial society" Christmas list. BOOOO.

Gaga does Christmas

2009-12-11T14:35:00.000-08:00

Anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas. I like cooking, baking, spending time with family, and drinking...a lot, be it coquito or mulled wine (a la Peru). As I get older, I even like Christmas music, yes. Christmas music. But Lady Gaga has found a way to make Christmas more dirty than a marketing company:

In case you are unsure of why my mouth is agape, here are the lyrics because Gaga can be a bit difficult to understand. Plus, I'll admit the beat is catchy and after a drink or two the music can distract you from the lyrics that might inspire you:

Ra pa pam pam (whoa) (4x)
Light me up with me on top lets falalalala lalalala
Light me up with me on top lets falalalala lalalala
The only place you wanna be is underneath my Christmas tree
The only place you wanna be is underneath my Christmas tree
Light me up with me on top lets falalalala lalalala
Light me up with me on top lets falalalala lalalala
Ho ho ho (Ra pa pam pam) under the mistletoe (Ra pa pam pam)
Yes everybody knows (Ra pa pam pam)
We will take off our clothes (Ra pa pam pam)
Yes if you want us to we will you
Oh oh a Christmas, My Christmas tree is delicious
Oh oh a Christmas, My Christmas tree is delicious
Space Cowboy
Light you up with you on top lets falalalala lalalala (lets go!!)
Light you up with you on top lets falalalala lalalala (lets go!!)
Ho ho ho (Ra pa pam pam) under the mistletoe (Ra pa pam pam)
Yes everybody knows (Ra pa pam pam)
We will take off our clothes (Ra pa pam pam)
Yes if you want us to we will, you
Lady Gaga
Oh oh oh Christmas, My Christmas tree is delicious
Oh oh oh Christmas, My Christmas tree is delicious
Here here here (Ra pa pam pam)
The best time of the year (Ra pa pam pam)
Take off my stocking’s we’re
I’m spreading Christmas cheer
And i’f you want us to we will, you
Oh oh a Christmas, my Christmas tree is delicious
Oh oh a Christmas, my Christmas tree is delicious
Space Cowboy, Lady Gaga, Lady Gaga and she goes
Space Cowboy, Lady Gaga, Lady Gaga
Here we go
Cherry cherry boom boom!

Personally, the LAST place I'd want to be is underneath her Christmas tree...especially since its a questionable tree.

Ya Basta, Zelaya!

2009-12-10T12:55:00.000-08:00

Elections in Honduras have come and gone, the new president has been recognized by most in the international community, but Manueal Zelaya just will not go away! Zelaya is now demanding asylum!

Really...Zelaya created and fueled this mess by refusing to negotiate, just make demands, a trend he doesn't seem intent on breaking.

If Lula likes him so, why doesn't HE grant Zelaya asylum into Brazil...yeah, exactly.

I'm just waiting for the love child...

2009-12-10T12:40:00.000-08:00

This Tiger Woods mess is getting out of control...well not getting. This Tiger Woods mess is OUT OF CONTROL. Last count, brings us to 9, thats right--NINE sidechicks!

Here is my advice to Tiger:

1. Fire your PR people, they obviously are not on your side. In fact, you should try to find a firm that specializes in Caublasian disasters like your own.

2. Cheat up! If you're going to cheat, cheat with sidechicks who look better than your wife, who's pretty smokin.

3. Get tested for syphillis and chylamdia, both STIs are making a comeback with resistant strains

4. Hit it and leave it, no texts or staying over, yes you read right...he stayed at her house! Hit it and quit it is the mantra for cheaters for a reason.

5. Hide the golf clubs, because Elin is likely to go Chris Brown on your ass again.

Now, to bring up a serious issue...race...in this debacle.

Check this out, look past the boob jobs and the ignorance:

Really, the "whitest black boy" you've ever met. Did she really just say boy in America's post racial society, proving my point of how it is far from post racial?! And do black men only have sex doggy style...are they dogs? I'm at a lost and unfortunately, this chick lacks the brain matter to clear things up.

But anyhow, poor Elin. Last I heard she's bought a house that can only be reached by ferry. Obvious that she doesn't want to see tiger because at least one-third of him is adverse to water. If its any solace Elin, we the Black race, have given you a card.

I'd hail a pink taxi!

2009-10-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

I love Latin America. I love the adventure. But, I don't love skeevy taxi drivers that I have often encountered there. Well a Mexican entrepeneur has solved that problem--she has started a fleet of taxis that are driven by women and that only picks up women! I love it. Although women's rights advocates (presumeably Anglo) call this a bandaid that doesn't address core social problems, I think (having being a gringa travelling alone in the region) this is a fabulous idea that will hopefully spread. Read for yourself :)

Plus....aren't these taxis way cuter than that beat up one with the dents and duck tape...

Its just like a mini-mall

2009-10-18T19:20:00.000-07:00

While procrastinating, I was watching the Cleveland show....which I have absolutely fallen in love with. Long story short is that it is a spin-off from Family Guy, following the life of a post-divorced, mid-life crisis Cleveland that has moved back to his hometown and haphazardly remarried.

Tonight's episode was good, but this bit of hilarity made me literally roll around laughing for a bit. I warn you this video is bootleg, but thanks for the YouTube-er who put it up!

Here is what they are spoofing:

Well done!

For all of you waiting...

2009-10-18T19:13:00.000-07:00

I will write a post about the awesome David Bazan show tomorrow :)

In the meantime, enjoy this stream of Bless this Mess, one of my favorite songs by him and his band of cool bearded dudes.

Another reason Europe kicks our butt

2009-10-14T21:14:00.001-07:00

Musical stairs! This would be a hit in DC, especially considering the number of "artists" singing and such in the metro:

Hey, it's a recession!

2009-10-14T19:56:00.000-07:00

So for anyone who knows me, knows that I'm frugal...okay I'm just cheap. So imagine my happiness to discover Wise Bread, a blog who's tag line is living large on a small budget. I dig it, I mean I live in DC a city for the grown and sexy, but I am not grown enough for shelling out the cash necessary to keep it moving in this city.

Also, thanks to Wise Bread I got a free pair of Pink undies from Victoria's Secret and a 12-oz beverage at 7-11. I also got some advice from the site regarding what it would take to make Poplitics a blog of household recognition a la Perez Hilton.

Bottom line: Check out Wise Bread for free stuff, funny stuff, and overall utility.

I like funny stuff too!

2009-10-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

Today has been a heavy day for Poplitics, so lets lighten things up :) This video is HILARIOUS:

and here is the spoof!

Maybe his Mom didn't hug him enough?

2009-10-14T11:48:00.000-07:00

I'm appalled that a black man made a 10 minute hate filled YouTube tyraid against black women, generalizing us as all as baby mama's, "anchor-baby" creators and child abusers, hoodrats, uneducated, divas, materialistic, and sexually deviant. Furthermore, I loved that strong black women were associated with dead beat dads, jail birds, and wedlock while strong black men were associated with success and stability. Need I mention Ambassador Davis, Fmr. Secretary of State Rice, and of course...Oprah (she is more than an entertainer...which is what he implies...she is a businesswoman.)

I personally am a strong independent black woman that holds two Bachelor's degrees, and will hold a Master's degree with honors in May. I will enter the foreign service, a branch of our government not only responsible for diplomacy, but also has a small number of women and minorities present. At 24, I have no children, my parents are still married, I am in a stable and loving relationship with a gainfully employed man (who for the record is not black, showing that other races are attracted to black women contrary to the video creator's belief) and my sisters and I share the same two parents and last name. My mother, also a strong independent black woman, instilled in me the value of a work ethic, earning things, having patience, and a solid education.

I am not alone. I have many black female friends that I consider to be strong, independent black women...these women are tomorrow's leaders and they don't have kids, baby mama drama, or no education; instead they have excelled in academia earning prestigious fellowships and have met men (of all races..so contrary to his commentary strong independent black women do date outside of the black race and don't see a need to "preserve" the race) that can handle their intellect and grace. So to address the quote "she's not strong or independent, she's a pathetic child" --I sir, am not a child nor are any black women regardless of their behavior that may or may not meet your standards for approval. Furthermore, there are countless black women excelling in their professional and personal lives, and those who have made mistakes are actively seeking to right the wrongs, therefore....they are strong, independent black women.

Also, I really enjoyed the perception that women of other races don't consider themselves to be strong, independent [insert race/ethnicity here] women. I mean, in 2009, most women in the Western world seek independence in their decision making, be it personal or professional. So, this is not an "epidemic" of black women, but women of the world. With respect to the negative aspects, there is baby mama drama, low education levels, and loud cell phone conversations across the races...sadly, black women are jut quicker to be labeled "ghetto" by society for fitting into any of the aforementioned criteria...I blame colonialism as these perceptions resonate in nations that once held slaves. I have personally witnessed it throughout Latin America while travelling and living abroad.

As for the creator of this video, he mentions repeatedly that black women are belligerant. Well in my opinon his video is an example of him being beligerant, racist, and close minded...the same things he accuses "strong, black women" of.

This pole is only big enough for one of us

2009-10-14T07:20:00.000-07:00

An exotic dancer was given probation after stabbing a fellow stripper with her stilletto. The motive: the accused felt that the club didn't need anymore dancers.

Hey, jealousy!

Rep. Grayson was right...if you get sick, "die quickly"

2009-10-14T07:07:00.000-07:00

With all the talk about death panels and conservative cries that the government would kill your Granny, I thought this was important to show:

So conservatives and people who don't support the government run health care plan, the government won't kill Granny because private companies have beat them to it. Although the video is about the electric company denying her access to the critical customer program, I thought it was very neoliberal for the company to suggest that this woman dying of cancer, who can't pay her electric bills, and who is spending God only knows how much on drugs should purchase a $1,100 battery operated tank. Yes electric company that is logical...if she had 1,100 don't you think she'd pay her electric bill?! Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

The bottom line is this. I understand capitalism is our global economic system. However, I am tired of capitalism, privatization, and "the system" taking over human beings making them uncompassionate, dillilusioned, self people.

I'm thinking about raising some money for this woman so she can buy a nice pump to sleep through the night. She's in stage four of cancer, she should at least be able to live her last days comfortably.

Pre-Child Abuse

2009-10-09T20:22:00.000-07:00

While reading Perez Hilton's blog, I snagged this picture. I also have the following commentary:

Please don't wear mini dresses while pregnant your vagina is a little to close to being out there, also heels just aren't safe especially when your equilibrium is thrown off because of...you know...pregnancy.

Adorable!

2009-10-09T20:14:00.000-07:00

You know, I like this version a lot better than the apocalypse-like version done by the grown ups!

What?! My best friend is black!

2009-10-09T19:23:00.000-07:00

So a Georgia man who has a black friend, frequently uses the N word, has a klan mannequin and pictures of MLK for decoration in his restaurant has brazely put this sign in front of this restaurant:

Check out the report accompanying the sign.

I find it ironic that:

--They sent a black woman to report the story

--This man is a member of the NAACP

--A person asked about the restraurant owner says, "He's a racist, I hate him"

Bottomline: the man says that its about health care and how Obama needs to fix it...others say its racist. I vote for the later, especially considering the definition of n*gger rig. Here are two that I was partial to:

Source: urbandictionary.com

1. To fix something in a very cheap way, using whatever materials are handy.

2. A term used to describe a temporary fix or quick fix for an object using any tools at hand. Derived from the ingenuity of early African-Americans who did not have the means to fix every day objects and had to come up with these temporary fixes.

3. To repair something in a lazy and wrong manner. So the item will work for a short time but the repair won't last very long.

Using the above definition, Obama's health care plan is not a cheap fix (see defintion 1). In fact its a multi-billion dollar overhaul of an already n*gger rigged system (see definition 3, think of insurance companies and state run options), if you want to be technical. Also, the materials handy--our congressmen--are far from helpful on the subject. Secondly, assuming the bill passes, this is not a termporary fix (see defintion 2), instead this will be something that will improve the health of Americans, in addition to the broken system since currently many do not have the means to provide health insurance for themselves.

After seeing the video...

2009-10-09T13:33:00.000-07:00

...I can totally see why Jessica Biel might think Justin cheated! This video is HOT, and only for the grown and sexy. I will also say that the song sucks though, but once again... video and choreography: hot.

OH! My...

2009-10-09T11:17:00.001-07:00

I love 3OH!3 the more and more I listen to them. Its fun music, with two guys that are obvious goofballs, and it always has a touch of the pop culture I love. Check out this video:

Where is Kanye when you need him?

2009-10-09T10:54:00.000-07:00

Yes, less than a year into office and not passing a single piece of significant legislation, President Obama has "won" a Nobel Peace Prize. Check out his acceptance:

My commentary as it came after viewing the above video:

--Yeah I'd be surprised if I won a prize for not doing a damn thing...

--Really....a call to action?! Aren't millions of uninsured American's a call to action? What about the thousands of wounded and injured troops being sent home in a different way than they left? What about energy dependency? What about the millions of students drowning in predatory student loan debt?! These are just a few examples of how people have been yelling at you to come to action, Mr. President.

The Prize Committee said that they "decided to honor Obama for his 'extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples'." Umm, he just extended the Cuban embargo...like he said he wouldn't do and did I mention Gitmo won't be closing on time? On top of leaving our troops in the sand for a couple more years...also a blatant policy shift.

Sorry Barack, I call bullsh*t. A Nobel Prize should not be your call to action, the millions of global citizens waiting for you to make decisions that in some way affects their daily life is what should be your call to action.

Point blank, the rockstar treatment is only going to go so far. Unfortunately, Obama is riding a wave of international coolness that causes many to forget that he has yet to do anything. I'm not saying that he won't wow us with results some day, but he should not be able to post-date his accomplishments, if I can't post-date a check a couple of days before payday. Furthermore politically, this delegitimizes the liberal cause and your administration.

I've composed a list of other people who deserve a Nobel Prize, since they just give them away now:

1. Me: I've worked (within academia and volunteering) to make Latin America more equitable.

2. Lula: He's reduced Brazil's GINI coefficient and implemented successful social welfare projects

3. Just about every Costa Rican President: They don't even have an army! Plus they broker peace deals, making them the most peaceful country in the hemisphere.

4. The group of Thai doctors that has gotten the closest to curing AIDS than ever before

5. My mom, because she had me.

6. Your mom, because she had you and you're reading my blog.

In the words of Kayne:

Yo President Obama, I'm really happy for you, and I'mma let you finish but Jimmy Carter was the best Nobel Peace Prize Laureate of ALL TIME!

Latino in America

2009-10-09T10:19:00.000-07:00

Last night I attended CNN's special screening for Latino in America. For those who don't know this is a documentary-style program that is intended to expose the average American to the realities of being Latino in the U.S. Over the course of 18 months, Soledad O' Brian (a CNN anchor, who happens to be of Afro-Cuban decent) interviewed Latinos from all walks of life in an effort to expose viewers to the diversity and what it means to be Latino. The CNN executive producer was there to explain the special:

First off, while standing in line waiting for Newseum to be opened for check in, there was a little anti-Lou Dobbs protest. The crowd wasn't big, but the chant was catchy:

Once inside, contrary to the frenzy stirring emails, there was cushy theater seating for all and I got comfortable to prepare for a night of cultural awareness...or anger...I mean honestly, as with any documentary, it really could have gone either way.

First my overall opinion: I was very pleased with the 46 minutes of film I did see. I think CNN definately listened to the criticsm from Black in America when Latino in America began taping and production.

Now lets dig in, once again baring in mind that this was a PREVIEW not the entire 4 hour special. I, a self-proclaimed Latin Americanist, learned some things from the documentary. For example, did you know there was a town named Pico-Rivera that is middle-class, and 92 percent Latino? It's residents call it the Latino Mayberry. Or did you guys hear about Luis Ramirez being beaten to death in Shannadoah Valley, Pennsylvania for being Mexican in an overwhelming white town, or that Cold-War era "Children's Villages" still exist to detain...I mean "care for" children caught trying to cross the border solo? And to satisfy my food and cultural yearnings, I even learned about Lorena Garcia, a fiesty Venezuelan chef that has potential to be the next Rachel Ray (personally I love her cookwear and home goods line, very spicy!)

Problems I have with the show associated with the content of the preview:

-There were no Afro-Latinos in the screening material
-There was no mention of intra-cultural issues and conflicts: ie: everyone vs. Argentina, Puerto Ricans versus Cubans, etc.
-Where's Brazil? Where the considered?

Problems that I have in general, that I'm sure will be evident in the actual special:

-The use of derogatory langauge such as "spick" and "wetback." I think CNN should have edited it out to raise cultural awareness, I mean we'd shudder if we heard "nigger" on TV, so I think these racial slurs should have the same social consequences.
-Type casting based on country of origin

After the screening there was Q & A and a panel disaster. Most of the questions centered around Lou Dobbs and why CNN keeps him on the air, which I thought was counter productive. Also, there was a man who I will call "the angry blogger" who went off for a good 5 minutes about how much damage this documentary is doing for the Latino community. I wish I could find his blog, and unfortunatly my mouth was so agape during his tyraid, I didn't even think to start recording him. But, here is what I could catch:

All in all: Latino in America is defnately worth watching over empanadas, sangria, guac, and pisco. So I'll be tuning in on October 21 and 22nd and you should too!

All photos and videos where taken by me, Nakashia Dunner, so please, don't steal-- its bad manners.

GW is apparently a treasure chest....

2009-10-08T12:18:00.000-07:00

Every day my campus inbox is flooded with GW crime alerts. I just don't get it. I mean, I've been robbed. I was a gringa with other gringas in a shady area of Buenos Aires...in retrospect, it was imminent. But I am often left confused by GW crime alerts since GW is located in one of the safest parts of DC, not to mention the high number of police--actual or campus. I just feel like thieves don't even try here...they just prey upon the young, white, often drunk, and rich...which constitues over 95% of GW's population...talk about diversity! See for yourself.

Robbery
On Wednesday, Oct. 7, at approximately 9:30 p.m., a robbery occurred off campus at 25th and Eye streets, NW. A male student was approached by three African American males who asked him for a cigarette. One of the subjects immediately struck him in the face and took his backpack, phone and wallet. Metropolitan Police Officers responded to the scene and GWPD officers observed them in the area and responded to assist. There is no further description of the three subjects.
If you have not yet programmed the GWPD emergency number into your cell phone, please do so, 202-994-6111.
Avoid walking alone at night and use 4-RIDE if traveling within the service boundaries or take a taxi.
GWPD needs members of the GW community to immediately report anything suspicious or out of the ordinary and let us check it out.
This information is provided by:
The George Washington University Police Department
Non-Emergency 994-6110 EMERGENCY 994-6111

and this one...this one really confuses me:

A robbery pickpocket occurred on Saturday, Oct. 3, in the 2000 block of F St., NW, involving three female GW students who were on their way home from a party. The students asked two unknown males on the street to take a photo of them, and the subject took one of the student's BlackBerry device while the photo was being taken. The photo to the right shows the suspect's hand in the student's purse. The following information was included in a "be on the lookout" flyer that the Metropolitan Police Department has issued for these two males.
The suspects were described as:
Suspect 1 - approximately 6'-6'1", 25-years-old, 220 lbs., heavy build, dark complexion, short-cut hair and wearing a green shirt and black pants
Suspect 2 - approximately 5'11", 25-years-old, 180 lbs., slim build, medium complexion and wearing a green cap, green jacket, green shirt and indigo pants.
Anyone with information about the identity of these subjects is asked to contact Detective Neil Jones at neil.jones@dc.gov or 202-730-1903 or the MPD Command Information Center at 202-727-9099. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call 1-888-919-CRIME (2746). Anonymous information may also be forwarded to the MPD's TEXT TIP LINE by text messaging 50411.
The GW community should be on the lookout for these two males and should contact GWPD at 202-994-6111 immediately if they are seen on or around the campus.
Crime prevention tips: Do not ask strangers for assistance. Be cautious walking around campus at night. Use 4-RIDE or take a taxi when traveling around the city at night.

So tell me, am I missing something or are these kids just way to naive for their own good?

Do the Helen Keller and talk with your hips....

2009-10-07T17:44:00.000-07:00

The new Hellen Keller statue was debuted today at the Capitol! What do you think?

I want an Obama Doll :)

2009-10-03T20:08:00.001-07:00

This is hilarious! Thanks France!

From Crossroads to Auschwitz

2009-10-02T13:12:00.000-07:00

Now I applaud Britney Spears for decreasing her hot mess ratio, getting her kids back, and wearing shoes.

I do not, however, think she needs to ever be in a serious film...let alone one set in the Holocaust. Read for yourself and shake your head....

Political Purgatory

2009-10-02T13:04:00.000-07:00

Oh Honduras, taking us back to a time before Latin America's third wave of democracy. As you know, President? Zelaya is hiding...I mean, symbolically residing in Honduras...in the Brazilian Embassy. Despite low levels of food and bare resources, the interim government has yet to "smoke him out of his hole" (who knew I'd ever quote President Bush?) and Lula refuses to boot Zelaya from the Embassy.

Anyhow, some Senate Republicans wanted in on the action and wanted a CODEL (Congressional Delegation) visit to Honduras. Pump your brakes guys. The State Department has an official no playing with the interim government rule (and that White House seconds that rule)! The rule exisists because of that whole undermining democracy thing that Micheletti did when his people forced Zelaya on a plane with a gun in his face!

Jim DeMint (R-SC *sigh*) has called this Obama administration and John Kerry bullying, and they have a right to know the truth about the situation in Honduras. Fine, Senate Republicans...here is the truth. President Zelaya broke the constitution and was holding a referendum so that he could have the chance to run for President...again. What makes this sketchy is a.) the ballots were printed in Venezuela and shipped to Honduras and b.) there are some articles in the constitution that made the referendum and Zelaya's seeking it illegal. This lead to the government coming, Latin American style, to his door with guns and putting him on a plane in his PJs, this is the coup part of this. To try to solve the problem, the hemisphere's most peaceful country, Costa Rica drafted a deal that could have resolved the problem BUT both Zelaya and Michiletti rejected it. Zelaya then went on an international feel-sorry-for-me tour, danced on the border, then illegally snuck back into the country to....well I'm not sure what he planned to do since he hasn't left the Brazilian Embassy yet.

The point is this, Zelaya was kooky and breaking the law but he was forcefully removed from office, the first coup since Latin America's fresh new democracies. In my humble opinion, both Zelaya and Micheletti have some guilt and 'splainin to do to the internationl committee but what occured is a coup and is not okay.

Nonetheless, as U.S. Senators, you need to stand behind U.S. foreign policy on this matter meaning no rum and cokes with Micheletti and friends. It is important for all U.S. public officials to send the same and clear message to Honduras' interim government that is unacceptable to stage coups, that is soooo 1980s.

My theory: These guys are trying to pull a Mark Sanford and have Honduran mistresses. Just saying.

Muy Flyte, Mr. President

2009-10-02T12:39:00.000-07:00

Ah, Menem. The President that put Argentina into the economic black, has been charged with killing Jews! Okay, let me clarify. Carolos Menem has been charged with obstructing justice during the inquiry of the 1994 AMIA bombing.

The blast killed 85 people and injured hundreds more, and to date no one has been charged for the crime...sketchy to say the least, especially considering the rampid anti-Semitism that plagues the country.

First Natalie Holloway, now Diplomats!

2009-10-02T12:29:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I will be entering the Foreign Service next year. The experience is scary enough, without reading news like this!

Being a diplomat is dangerous work, I'm sure they got him because he refused a visa or something. After all, he was the vice consul...which means he manages the consular section aka the visa mill.

Que Triste.

This is also a good time to say that anything read on Poplitics isn't an official view from the US government and should not be understood as such. Hey you can't blame me for covering myself!

Parabéns a Brasil!

2009-10-02T09:59:00.000-07:00

The 2016 Olympics will be held in sexy and vibrant Rio de Janeiro, beating out racist Madrid, odd Tokyo, and crime riddled Chicago! Highly regarded President, Lula da Silva and soccer legend Pele, will team up to promote the games.

Get the details here, and once again--Parabéns! (that means congratulations)

Sin Mapa, think again Calle 13!

2009-10-02T09:25:00.000-07:00

Known for their mainstream hit Atrevete, which means "I dare you" in Spanish, Calle 13 has once again dared to push the limits of their creativity in their new album, Los de Atras, Vienen Conmigo. The CD has elements of crunk, reggaeton, salsa, funk, samba, and the list goes on and on making Calle 13 far from average.

Tracks such as Electro Movemiento take you back to the days of 80s dance parties with a catchy and sexy chorus the includes a whispered "Toca, toca, toca, toca" which is a hint that a special touch is desired, if you know what I mean. Que Lloren has a beat comparable to today's dirty and southern crunk, Tal Para Cual reminds you of a modern cumbia waiting to be danced to, and Bienvenidos a mi mundo will remind you of a hot, sweaty Reggae dance hall. These are just some highlights, but the entire CD is a winner and you will dance in your room, writhe in your car if you listen to it while driving, and sing at the top of your lungs.

Personally, I have fallen in love with Nadie Como Tu, check it out. It has a sassy samba beat and an amazing message...there is no one else in the world like you, everyone is different and should be respect as so. If you speak spanish listen to the lyrics, and if you kind of speak Spanish here are the lyrics in Spanish and English. I actually heard this live in Uruguay this summer, so I'm really happy to hear a clean version of the song!

CALLE 13 - NO HAY NADIE COMO TU, EN EL JUEGO

Now you may have noticed that this entry is entitled "Sin Mapa." Calle 13 embarked on a tour with the purpose of discovering and understanding indigenous music, as well as seeing how their music touches peoples lives in South America. Here is the preview:

Needless to say, this is one amazing group that has taken Latin music and understanding to a new level and beyond the expected and stereotypes, Bravo!

Religion + Morals + Ethics = Michael Moore and not Capitalism?

2009-10-01T14:06:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, I will ironically go pay to see Michael Moore's new film: Capitalism: A Love Story and after reading this interview I can't wait! What I really liked is how he clarified that he isn't a leftist or a Marxist, but a Christian who understands how to treat his neighbor and divide the pie. Take that free-market, religous right!

So in Style Dolls are SO Stereotyping

2009-10-01T13:41:00.000-07:00

Ever since Obama became President, White people are fascinated by Blacks! Funny, since we've been here all along. Anyhow, here is a new product Mattel has launched to break into the black doll market:

Obviously, I have an opinion about this...here are some key concerns raised:

1. Why isn't a book or laptop one of the accessories?

2. Why does each doll come with a "little sister?" Seems more like a kid to me...

3. Why are all the dolls light skinned, light eyed, and long haired?

4. Why is it called "So in Style?" Why not "So Well Educated?" "So INformed?"

5. Why is the product description written in what Mattel likely perceives as "black" instead of English?

6. Why are So in Style Barbies dressed like hoodrats?

7. Why are So in Style Barbies only into fun, friends, and fashion?

8. Why is that ghettofabulous music playing in the background?

9. Why is Grace from Chicago?

Mattel...let me help you out...as an African American woman.

1. My primary "accessory" is my PDA

2.I volunteer, and the kids I help don't follow me. I've also beat the odds and at 24 don't have a kid.

3. My skin and eyes are dark...not "tan" and my hair isn't long or flowing...unless I get a weave done, but I can't even get into all that here.

4. I'm usually not in style, and I don't care.

5. I say the whole word and completely spell out the word "in"

6. I like wearing clothes, normally suits from the Limited and sweaters from Express, not hoodies and shorts or shrugs and tights

7. I'm not into fun and fashion...I'm into politics and reading. I'm also into friends, but even more into networking

8. I listen to Radiohead, Death Cab for Cutie, Shakira, Daddy Yankee, Whitney Houston, etc...so don't try to identify my blackness with R & B

9. All black people don't live in Chicago

As condescending as my list is, I'm trying to make a point and that is: stop stereotyping and calling it outreach. And just because you got an African American to design the dolls, doesn't make them legitimate or politically correct. (Yes, I know your best friend is black.)

Instead, why don't you talk to African-Americans rather than market them or market to them.

Way to be a Parent....

2009-10-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

...after being a party ho, Jon Gosselin! Apparently, the responsible dad has put a halt to the filming of Kate + 8...in particular the 8. He presented TLC with a cease and desist order, to stop the filming of the children because he is worried about the affect the show is having on them.

I suspect this has more to do with TLC's new formula: (Kate + 8) - Jon, which cramps his expensive, new bachelor lifestyle.

You're lame Jon.

I like my Bojangles in the form of chicken, thanks

2009-10-01T12:53:00.000-07:00

I think Pitbull is getting pretty damn lazy, pa' que tu lo sepa. I know he's Cuban and trying to be a good Communist and save words and dance moves...but REALLY! See for yourself, this is the video for his new single "Bojangles:"

Can you walk and chew?

2009-10-01T12:48:00.000-07:00

Hopefully you can walk and chew, its a basic motor skill. However, texting and driving or holding the phone and driving can't be done, no matter how well you think you're doing at it, or

These stories are so sad...I can't imagine the guilt of the survivors, they probably have a phone phobia now. As for the families...they probably want to punch everyone who's using a phone and driving.

My only question: Is anti-cellphone legislation possible...if so can it really be enforced? There's already so much UNCHECKED douche-baggery on the road.

Anyhow, please use your ear piece at least and don't text at all.

The Real Housewives of DC?

2009-10-01T12:39:00.000-07:00

Bravo is allegedly scouting women to be cast for the Real Housewives of DC. How interesting! I guess the show would primarily film in Georgetown if they plan on keeping it strictly DC as that's where the money is, but the suburbs in Virginia hold some major money and powerful women. My advice to Bravo: open it up to the entire DMV area, not just DC.

As much as I love the Housewives, I don't want to see a RHofDC because...well I'm not a fan of DC (despite going to school here). The Housewives of location's past are already irritating enough. Considering that the average bug-eyed sunglass wearing, big purse carrying, Blackberry wielding Washington woman makes me want to trip her since well she's looking at her phone and not the space in front of her, I don't think I can take a season of it, nor am I willing to risk transit delays and closures because of filming.

Also, what would the thing be for DC? You know, the Orange Country wives hold an orange; Atlanta a peach. Would DC hold a dollar? A soul?

Angie will leave you Brad....

2009-10-01T12:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Brad Pitt,

You look a hot mess, actually make that an inferno of a mess. Please shave immediately and don't wear slippers. And if you wear slippers, don't wear ones that look like you stole out of the hotel room, you are too rich for that ridiculousness. Angie looks good in anything, you however...work harder.

Yours,

Kashia

You're mean Rep. Grayson!

2009-10-01T12:21:00.000-07:00

Embarrassed that Democrats called out Joe Wilson for his outburst, Republicans just couldn't wait to demand an apology from Representative Grayson. The freshman legislator, clearly outlined the Republican healthcare plan, and sums it up quite nicely:

So wait. Let me be clear (in the words of T.I. in the film ATL): Republicans could complain about death panels and how democrats want to kill your grandma....

but Rep. Grayson is out of line for telling the truth? Mess.

Lucy, you got some 'splainin to do

2009-09-26T06:56:00.000-07:00

Or Iran rather, I just felt like writing that after reading this headline.

I just love that former President Clinton is still turned to for advice, foreign policy, and opinions. He's a pimp.

Hewolf puts Shakiwolf to shame!

2009-09-24T13:11:00.001-07:00

As you can recall, I HATE that stupid "She-Wolf" song by Shakira, but...this is pretty damn funny.

Move over Obama!

2009-09-23T17:29:00.000-07:00

Brazil's Lula da Silva is the world's most popular politician, according to Newsweek.

Enjoying a 70 percent approval rating, Lula is quite bashful about his success. Since he won't brag, I'll do it for him. Lula rocks. Brazil is the only country not sinking because of the global recession, and is actually experiencing growth. He's been able to up the minimum wage, and extend education, health care, and other social benefits without sinking the economy because he has done so pragmatically and logically rather than to please the people or advance his career. Last point, land redistribution for indigenous peoples and affirmative action round out Lula's awesomeness.

Bravo Lula!

Hopefully Kanye will let me finish my blog entry...

2009-09-23T11:15:00.000-07:00

...or maybe not! I've been Kanye-ed

Also, check this out--pure HILARITY.

And, since this is also a politics blog, I thought I would share this:

For the blind, it reads: "Thanks Obama, and Imma let you finish, but Canada had the best healthcare of all time!"

Its Tea Time!

2009-09-23T09:23:00.000-07:00

Sigh. Honestly, once was enough guys. After their "successful" coast-to-coast journey, the teabaggers (synonyms include racists, closeminded people, the uninformed, FOX news viewers, Glenn Beck followers, Klan, and crazies) are at it again and will be at a city near you!

The "Our Country Deserves Better" Committee (I'm not even going to take that shot, its too easy) announced the next tour will begin on October 25 in California, and become a complete clusterf*ck in Florida on November 11.

Hopefully they won't have to use the Million Man March photo as evidence of success this time.

No more dancing on the border...

2009-09-21T17:13:00.000-07:00

President? Zelaya is back in Honduras!...at the Brazilian Embassy to avoid arrest. Hopefully this time he got off the plane, he wasn't in pajamas and a gun wasn't in his face.

Taking it back to the old school Latin American military rule of the past, the current government has imposed a curfew but Zelayistas are partying in front of the Brazilian Embassy celebrating his return.

President? Zelaya is attempting to negotiate with the interim government, so he can take his throne...I mean office anew. Need I remind him that Costa Rican President, Oscar Arias, (you know the leader of the most peaceful country in the hemisphere) had a pretty solid negotiation that would have restored order and democracy in Honduras, and the interim government refused. What makes him thinks he can broker something better? I mean the interim government hates him, something about changing the constitution, et cetra.

Thanks for taking it back to the Cold War, Honduras!

Psycho Killer....

2009-09-20T04:06:00.000-07:00

I was relieved to see no "DC" after Washington, in this case. Why were they taking crazy, literally, CRAZY inmates on field trips to the county fair?! Hope they catch the guy though!

And just to continue the theme, here's a little music until they get him. Yes yes, I'm going to hell. Enjoy!

Is it me, or does this sh*t look photoshopped?

2009-09-20T04:00:00.000-07:00

Mexican officials say they caught this man on security surveillance killin' up a metro station (personally I think the image looks a lil suspect). Police say that Felipe Hernandez Castillo (what an original, one-of-a-kind-name) began shooting up sh*t after they made him stop working on his art, er I mean grafetti-ing walls in the station (because Mexico City is spotless and grafetti-free, *eye roll*) The incident has spawned Mexican officials to up the security in the subway system; by up the security I mean--they sent an additional 1,000 police officers to protect the capital's 175 stations. What makes this all the most suspicious is that Mexican authorities can't even get their story straight, I mean read for yourself.

Honestly, I think they're just mad that once again, the target included a police officer. But hey, police officers are killed everyday in drug violence in the country and the bumbling law can't seem to make an arrest there. This leads me to believe that maybe they're swift with the metro killer because that's the only thing they and/or aren't afraid to do? Or maybe this guy was too broke to bribe them. Yo, no se.

However, I've often wondered why there was no security in the DC metro system. I mean I've seen a ton of crazies wandering the streets, and I'm supposed to go on the honor system that they won't act a damn fool underground. Me thinks not, and I drive my car.

Umm....this caused me to write a few letters.

Dear Mexico,

You currently have a drug problem that parallels what occurred in Colombia in the 80s and 90s. Therefore, I think 1,000 police officers would best be used in border and drug towns. Also, 175 metro stations is ridiculous. Please condense them, everyone needs a little exercise, especially when the primary diet is beans, rice, and tortilla. Thus, I think the Health Ministry would agree with me in saying that metro stops every 50 feet is a bit much. Also, the Transportation Ministry would save a ton of money and with that money you could hire private security guards to protect the metro, and use real police to do real work. Obvio.

Please get your act together.

Love,

Kashia

Dear Mayor Fenty/Department of Homeland Security,

Has no one really, ever thought about DC Metro Security?! I mean Mexico is getting metro security, and Chile HAS metro security and surveillance.

Are you going to let these countries beat AMERICA?! (say this with the W accent, its more powerful).

Get me some damn security, you know people in the DMV (especially the D and M) are crazy.

Love,

Kashia

We always knew she wore the pants

2009-09-18T15:15:00.000-07:00

We all know that deep down, Michelle Obama wears the pants in that family. This also made us wonder why she hasn't slapped some sense into her newfound, moderate, husbandent (that's husband and president). Well, things may be a changin'. Some analyists think that Madame Obama will be the secret weapon in this health care battle. Hmm, so Obama, at least one of theme, may not fail us after all!

Michelle knows the health care system, well because she was a part of the system--a hospital administrator to be exact, so its great having an inside ally. Aside from her knowing how the system works, she reminds us that she is human by describing urgent health matters that have affected her family, causing her to think "what if I didn't have health insurance."

Of course, women helping their husbandents isn't a new idea. Hilary Clinton was the key advocate (and drafter) of health care reform legislation during the Clinton era...that failed. Hopefully, history won't repeat itself!

Pearl Jam just keeps jammin...

2009-09-18T12:01:00.000-07:00

I have always loved Pearl Jam, so I'm happy for new material. Their new single, The Fixer, is catchy but you can still hear the dirty old Pearl Jam we fell in love with in the 90s. I know I'm a little late on reporting, the single was released in July, but in my defense, I was out of the country.

Anyhow, I definitely plan on buying their new album, Backspacer, and I encourage you guys to as well! And if you don't, you can read my thoughts about it on Poplitics.

The reason birth control should be affordable....

2009-09-18T11:35:00.001-07:00

...and sex education should be comprehensive. So people who don't need kids, don't have them.

Pot calling the Kettle black, I call them both dumb.

2009-09-18T08:52:00.000-07:00

Cleverness by me and Paint technology

Nice try.

Mark Sanford is apparently stating that "it's time to move on," when asked about Joe I-don't-know-how-to-act when-grown-ups-are-talking Wilson's outburst...you know when called the president a liar in Congress:

Sanford asserts that Joe has apologized, and that should be good enough..yeah, tell that to Jenny Sanford...oh wait, she's divorcing you.

Sorry, gov-a-nah, but you're not the one to be giving out advice...might I remind you that you skipped THE COUNTRY to go have an affair, possibly on my tax dollars? If I were you I'd shut up and keep learning Spanish from your mistress, who is rumored to be in SC with you.

Amigos Nuevos

2009-09-18T08:21:00.000-07:00

Diplomatic relations between Colombia and Ecuador are restored! Following that little incident where President Uribe invaded...I mean "accidentally and unknowingly" sent his troops into Ecuador on the heels of the FARC, Ecuador said screw you and sent Colombian diplomats packing. Now the two nations look forward to restoring diplomatic ties and working together on the betterment of both of their nations.

Negotiations have been ongoing since the incident with a number of ups and downs, and of course Hugo Chavez throwing his two cents in, threatening war.

The important thing is that these neighbors can now borrow cocaine, er I mean sugar from one another.

Something cool is in Iowa!

2009-09-18T07:52:00.000-07:00

And its called Leslie & the Ly's! Its a quirky woman, with a bedazzler, sweaters from the thriftstore, a keyboard, and a lot of free time--and I freaking love it. You can check out all of her music on the myspace page, but I especially liked "Zombie Killers," I feel like the guys at Vicious Cycle Software and people who plays Left 4 Dead will especially enjoy it.

PS: She plays weddings.

Oh, and here's the remix featuring Elvira:

Happy Birthday Greta Garbo!

2009-09-18T07:23:00.000-07:00

The sexy Swede would have been 104 today! Greta Garbo was a silent film siren in her day and is a part of Hollywood's "Golden Age." Also, for a song that references Ms. Garbo along with other legendary women, check out Cary Ann Hearst's "Glitter."

PS: Love the eyelashes!

Oh my, 3OH!3 Strikes Again!

2009-09-17T21:46:00.000-07:00

3OH!3 doesn't want you to do the Helen Keller anymore, they want you to "whoo-whoo." Check out the video for their new single. Its painfully crude, and seductively catchy.

To freshen your memory, you probably know them from this jam:

It's dirty. It's pop. I love it.

Another reason I drive my car even though there is public transit...

2009-09-17T13:06:00.000-07:00

A person decided to leap in front of the metro today. Not only did it cause delays, it made a big mess.

It gets better and better...

2009-09-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

Thanks!

Which Potty to Use?

2009-09-17T10:45:00.000-07:00

(Above photos courtesy of: Flickr user Badjonni)

A Toliet Revolution will be occurring in Chicago this Saturday to question gender norms of using the potty in public. Call me conservative, but if you have a functioning, pre-op penis you go to the boys bathroom; functioning pre-op vaginas go to the girls restrooms. I'm not trying to discriminate, but concurrently I don't want to see someone with stubble come in when I need to change my tampon, pee, pull my wedgie out discretely, or gossip with my girls. Furthermore, especially in places with children like restaurants and stores, it might cause some confusion and no one questions how the rights of parents and children could be stomped on.

I understand parents need to teach children tolerance and understanding, but I also don't think society has the right to accelerate this process or take a child's innocence. I plan on having lovely progressive children, but I don't want to spend the rest of my dinner explaining how it is okay for some boys to use the girls bathroom and vice versa. Like I said, I'm sorry if you feel like a man as a woman or vice versa, you should be pulling out the goods in the restroom designed to reflect your biological, not psychological gender.

Alternatively, why not establish a gender neutral bathroom for those who feel that they don't identify with one gender or the other? My solution is a third bathroom with the below sign:

Shakiwolf can't move like Shakira

2009-09-17T09:58:00.000-07:00

Before starting, I hate Shakira's music in English, and I especially hate this "She Wolf" song. Maybe its because I first heard it in Argentina or maybe its because she howls multiple times throughout it.

On America's Got Talent Shakiwolf sang her hit, and I was left confused. More disturbing than lipsynching allegations, is the awkward non rhythmic way she "dances" across the stage throughout the performance, you be the judge. Normally I love to watch her dance,but this looked kind of like an upright seizure. Que paso Shakira? Why are you don't the robot? On another note, her hair looks FAB!

Why Reading is Fundamental

2009-09-17T09:44:00.000-07:00

WTF. The army notified a family that their son, Jesse Jasper, was dead when in fact he was very alive. The girlfriend of the "fallen" soldier was confused to be on the phone with her "dead" boyfriend and see condolence groups forming on Facebook around his death.

The liason, wife of a deployed soldier, apparently misread the message that should have read:

"Sergeant Tyler A. Judin ... was killed in action while conducting combat operations in support of Bravo Troop 473 Cav."

to:

"I'm sorry to inform you that on September 12 Sergeant Judin and Sergeant Jesse Jasper were killed in Afghanistan,"

Big difference lady!Chick can't read. Note to army: Don't get people to read messages to be delivered verbatim if they can't read.

Note: Video is included just because I wanted to hear the themesong, and thought others would too.

Touching!

2009-09-17T09:25:00.000-07:00

Honoring a promise to his fallen commrade, Barry Delaney attended his best friend's funeral in a lime green and hot pink 80s ensemble. What a friend!

Also, three snaps to the photographer for this emotion evoking photo:

Haven't these wars gone on enough? Now I see how our parents and their peers felt during Vietnam...

Dick Cheney Hospitalized at GWU

2009-09-17T08:46:00.001-07:00

See, God doesn't like evil. Get the details.

Most expensive insurance ever :)

2009-09-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

Finally, some numbers to feed the economist in me. The proposed health care bill now has an official price tag, something critics and supporters alike have been asking for. So, for health care reform that includes affordable public options for the uninsured akin to co-ops rather than the government option proposed by President Obama, we will have a new $856 billion bill to foot. The breakdown:

$507 billion will be provided from cutting down government-funded health care
$349 billion will come from new taxes, fees, etc.

Honestly, I think the co-ops may not be all bad, at least it provides and alternative to overpriced insurance with high deductibles from giants such as Atnea, United HealthCare, and Kaiser to name a few. For critics who think it would be a waste of money and a failure, one word: Iraq. To date, the War in Iraq is costing:

and we have yet to withdraw, successfully transfer power, or meet our so called objective--oh wait there wasn't one just a personal family vendetta. Afghanistan, different story and I can throw my weight behind that war, at least there was a clear, not contrived, reason for it.

So, I think we can afford to take a risk with something that will at least meet its objective.

Another reason to go to Raleigh

2009-09-17T08:02:00.000-07:00

Aside from visiting my wonderful boyfriend, I now have another reason to drive from Virginia to North Carolina! What is it you ask? To see Chris Brown doing his community service! As you know, Virginia native and girlfriend-beater Chris Brown, is completing his community service here. He was recently spotted in Richmond, beautifying my drive:

Police say they will be flexible in allowing him to complete his service...hmph. Rhianna wasn't very flexble after she got beat up, in fact she was quite sore. Put him in a jump suit and take away his blackberry, which can be spotted in his back pants pocket.

Now for those you don't remember, he only has to mow the grass after beating RiRi damn near dead (see side-by-side below, courtesy of Afro-Romance.com).

Way to go justice system!

Anti-Free Speech or Anti-Bad Music?

2009-09-17T07:48:00.000-07:00

Now, we all know Cuba is no paradise. In fact its bad politics, social policies, and a crazy leader who apparently found the fountain of youth during the revolution in the jungle, drained and bottled it, and didn't share. This post is inspired by an event to be held by GWUs Students for a Free Cuba. Elena Ros-Lehtinen (ERL) will be speaking...I'm sure you guys can imagine how I feel about her...and a Cuban punk band will be performing.

ERL frightens me for a number of reasons. One is superficial, she has no neck. People with no necks and people with yahoo email addresses can't be trusted, ie: Dick Cheney and Sarah Palin. (It is not confirmed that ERL uses yahoo, but she does fit the first criteria for mistrust). The second reason she scares me is because of her ardent, hard lined stance against the Cuban government, seemingly forgetting that there are other people aside from the Castros on the island. Check her out on Fox "news":

Cuba needs to be a part of the OAS, was never a true threat against the United States (and in my opinion, we kind of made this mess for ourselves as Castro was once a moderate nationalist a la Eddie Chibas), and the OAS for the good of the whole of the hemisphere, needs the U.S., its largest donor, to continue contributing. PS: The Cold War is over.

Gorki Aguila is a punk rocker that has been jailed for his outspoken and deep lyrics like "I'll piss in his soup" and "I don't want to be a cosmonaut" and is now on trial for "dangerousness." These bad lyrics and bad music to put them on, lead me to believe that Castro didn't jail him for speaking out...but instead for adding to the misery of the island with this hideous musica:

Now if you actually watched that video, I'm surprised he wasn't jailed for disrespecting the Comandante, I mean am I the only one who noticed the floating penis in front of a post-op Fidel's mouth for the entire first video? In all seriousness though, not cool Fidel, let him be. You should have just taken his amp away or something, or exiled him to Europe; he'd have freedom and they'd have more bad post-Cure era music.

Miki Flow has never been arrested and to me has a more compelling and more peaceful form of social protest in his music, his stuff also pleases the ears...or at least mine. He's from the poorest region of Cuba, which is also the capital of Cuban Hip Hop, surprise surprise, that this part of the island also has one of the largest concentration of Afro-decendents. Miki Flow is pretty freaking amazing. I actually met him last year at a Cuba conference in Miami, very well spoken and politically involved, he wants to see a free Cuba and criticizes those who make this such a divisive political issue while forgetting about the people. Bravo, and pay attention ERL! The music? Put Calle 13, Common, and the Roots in a blender and tweek it a bit, oh and put it in Cuban (hey they speak faster than your drunk grandma at New Years) and then you have Miki Flow:

For those in the DC area, Miki will be performing at GWUs upcoming Festival for a Free Cuba, come check him out, and of course it will be covered by Poplitics. And if you're glutten for punishment Gorki and the crazy Congresswoman will be speaking next Wednesday, luckily I'll be in class.

Possibly Crazy, Purely Fabulous

2009-09-16T21:21:00.000-07:00

So love or hate the crazy broad, Lady Gaga is pop's current princess. With the style of a crazy art kid, musical depth of Britney Spears, and the marketing team of Wal*Mart, Gaga is always in the press and trying to be bigger, better, and more outlandish.

This year's VMAs (I didn't watch them, too old) was a perfect place for Madam Gaga to display her keen sense of fashion. She and fashionistas think she's cutting edge, me and psychatrists think she may be cutting herself. Here is a great decoding Gaga's VMA get ups and it is HI-LARIOUS. Also, check this out:

Since earlier discovering Paint, I have created a new look for Gaga:

Notes:
-She is in a bubble, b/c lets face it Gaga is to fabulous to be touched by the outside world

-Her eyes are red because she is FIERCE!
-Why the bird? Honestly, do you think she knows whats in her weave? That bird has been there for months.
-The sun and moon jumper reflects Gaga's control over the universe, while the cardboard box boots humble the performer. The sun rays also conveniently cover her alleged penis (around the 1 minute mark):

(PS: Really, Lady Gaga...pop...festival...sweaty, dirty? Am I missing something?!)

Jokes aside, I like Gaga even though she's nuts, so this really was just me having fun with Paint. So Lady, if you're readying don't go all crazy like you did here:

I'm a NoVa Snob for more than parking :)

2009-09-16T19:59:00.001-07:00

I knew there was a deeper, more subconscious reason I preferred tranquil Northern Virginia to Fenty-led DC! Apparently noisy roads (which are abundant in DC) are bad for your health, particularly your heart!

Cracker Barrel the new Denny's?

2009-09-16T17:17:00.000-07:00

Now everyone knows I love me some Cracker Barrel, so I was so dissappointed to hear that Cracker Barrel is apparently turning into Denny's. An African-American woman, and Army reservist, Tashawnea Hill was beaten and called various racial slurs (in front of her child might I add!) by the below gem.

This guy, was apparently very hungry and wanted to make sure his biscuits were hot and in the process gleefully swinging the door open...into the above mentioned small child. Maternally, Ms. Hill told Mr. Hungry Pants his transgression and in response he turned into Mr. Crazy Pants and punched her in the head! He also was Mr. Racist Pants, shelling out a number of slurs during the beating. CNN reports that the FBI is calling this a hate crime and Cracker Barrel is cooperating fully.

Calm down, there is enough hashbrown casserole for everyone!

Divorce ---> Makeover?

2009-09-16T12:03:00.000-07:00

Kate Gosselin, who's abrasive porcupinesque coif has been deemed a "no-no" in People's Best and Worst Dressed of 2009, has been recently spotted rocking a new do! Thank Jesus. On the view Miss Gosselin (what is her maiden name?) is styled in romanitc waves, ironic no? What do you think about the new style?

(Photo courtesy of the LA Times)

I must agree, this is an improvement from the porcupine hair, but still isn't quite Kate. So, I have taken the liberty to use the advanced technology of Microsoft Paint to see what she'd look like with long hair.

I say grow it out girl, but rock the waves in the meantime and remember: you will always have more hair than John.

We're afraid of Venezuela and not North Korea?

2009-09-16T08:22:00.000-07:00

So, Washington is concerned that Venezuela is going to incite a South American arms race thanks to the country's recent weapons purchases from Russia. Missiles that go an astonishing 55 miles...to what, land in another part of Venezuela? Or those technologically cutting edge Soviet-era tanks. What about anti-aircraft that has an astonishing 185 mile range. If you can't tell by my sarcasm, I don't think this is much of a threat.

To prove my point, lets rewind to Cuba, because Venezuela is haphazardly following the same path which I'm sure will lead to the same destruction. Exception, the Venezuelans will throw a successful coup before they completely sink like Cuba did. Cuba began depending heavily on the Soviets for trade and weaponry. When Russian realized capitalism would be far more fun, they slowly put a squeeze on the Cubans until eventually all trade and sweetheart treatment ceased, and the nation sunk into a depression that it has really never recovered from.

Fastforward: Hugo Chavez and his Bolivarian Revolution idolizes Fidel Castro's failed revolution. With said, why wouldn't Chavez be pretentious enough to believe that he can execute what Fidel couldn't. This will lead to one big epic fail.

So State Department, why don't we refocus our attention to North Korea, a country with proven capabilities and crazies. Also, if any country in the region should be viewed as an arms threat it should be advanced, stable Brazil.

DC Sniper Sentenced to Death!

2009-09-16T07:54:00.000-07:00

Remember John Allen Muhammed aka the DC Sniper, the crazy man who was randomly shooting people in the DMV (thats DC, Maryland, and Virgina for non-natives/implants) area and inciting terror? Well, he was sentenced to death today for crimes committed years ago. Malvo, the teen accomplice, has already been hanging out in jail for a while serving his life sentence. Despite a November 22 execution date being set, Muhammed's lawyer has said that his client will be appealing to the Supreme Court.

Well, here's a little flashback...he's guilty and didn't want to appeal, the conveniently was found to be mentally unable to defend himself...whatevs, November 22 should stand, don't waste time and tax dollars taking this to the Supreme Court

Hopefully, they'll be able to find a vein...

Go big or go home!

2009-09-16T07:14:00.000-07:00

France Francois is no stranger to controversy, politics, societal commentary, and giving her 2 cents and is not shy about voicing her opinion by voice or the pen...rather computer. A few weeks ago France wrote a note on facebook, detailing the dynamics, difficulties, and joys of being a black woman with a successful black man in a healthy black relationship, a rare it seems or is expected since all black men are perceived as dogs, inmates, or wanting women of different races to exhert power and black women are bitter, baby mammas, and control freaks. [Note: these are stereotypes and generalizations, get your panties out of a bunch]

In the following weeks, the note not only started a frenzy on facebook, but was also picked up by blog, Black Snob, and now Essence!

Read France's note below or one any of the above sites. But the point of this entry is to give kudos where due. As your friend and fellow writer, congrats France!

When Love Is Black

by France Francois

When my boyfriend and I first made our relationship official almost a year ago, the most common question I was asked by my friends was, “...Is he black?” As an educated young black woman, the meaning and weight behind the question never ceased to surprise me and is continuously reflected in the dynamics of black relationships. While I've dated inter-racially before, dating an African American man in the U.S. brings an endless amount of joys and challenges like no other. Our relationship has functioned as a sounding board for many issues facing black people in America, and it is necessary to note that this has become an inescapable reality. To date a black man in America is to date the entire race and over 500 years of history.

Statistically, our relationship should have failed a long time ago. News articles and TV constantly remind us of the violence, misogyny, institutionalized racism, police brutality, and class issues that the black community faces. We are also often reminded about stereotypes against the “angry black women”, “promiscuous black men”, “dark skin vs light skin”, inter-racial and even inter-ethnic dating both consciously and subconsciously. Through many articles about the Obama's, aspects of our own relationship are scrutinized and dissected for deeper meaning and shortcomings. And, most interestingly, is how older black couples will offer us advice, often without provocation, because they feel invested in the success of our relationship.

We've found that these dynamics are inescapable. We can no more deny them than we can deny our own history. Neither of us fit any mold or black stereotype but we've found a safe space in our relationship to have honest discussions about how these statistics, stereotypes, and realities effect us both overtly and covertly. To date a black man in America is to understand that he may have been raised by a single mother and this will resonate throughout your relationship. That he has to be ten times better to be thought of as a equal, even if he is not treated a such. That getting pulled over for DWB or “fitting the description” can cause him to lose his life, or cost him his pride. That there is no single definition of success or progress, and at times he may fall short. That being upheld by society as an example of masculinity, sexuality, and athleticism can often rob him of his own manhood and humanity. That everyone else wants him, but no one else would trade places with him. That, at times, his anger is justified.

We have stumbled along the way, but we do not allow these things to define us or consume our relationship. As his girlfriend, it has been important to offer an understanding ear, support, and criticism and advice when needed- and to laugh. We've defined our own relationship without CNN and others spewing constant negative statistics about being 'Black in America'. If our relationship continues to thrive, its not because we've defied the supposed odds, its only because we loved each other.

France Francois is a vocal activist and student hailing from Miami, Florida. She currently is pursing her Master's degree at American University, and holds a Bachelor's degree. You can usually find her protesting, writing, organizing, and getting people informed and involved.

He's the gingerbread man

2009-09-15T21:49:00.000-07:00

Apparently an Ohio man on death row didn't meet his maker after over 20 years of anticipation. Scheduled for death by lethal injection following conviction in 1984 for the rape and murder of a 14 year old girl, he surprised everyone...and lived. No, no, he's not bionic. After hours of vein searching by "professionals" to no avail, the governor gave this dog his day, or rather, his week. But don't you worry, he's rescheduled for September 22.

If I were him, I'd pray for the same "professionals" who couldn't spot a vein. But then again, who wants to live waiting to die, I'm sure he was pretty psyched up only to still be alive right now. Seems stressful, even more torturous than death row!

But, really?! Get this man a bottle of water or five! What do you mean they couldn't find a vein!? Jeez, I feel like they let him watch TV extra this week or give him an extra belt so he can do it himself in his cell! What a mess...check out the full story here.

Oga-Booga-Obama?!

2009-09-15T21:33:00.000-07:00

Oh the good ol' boys. Check out the blog of Texas Fred. It frightens me, especially the comments left by his followers.

I came across Texas Fred, while searching for the below photo, which lead me to this Miami Herald article.

Why ever would I, as an African-American, be offended by the photo of Obama, a President who is half Kenyan, depicted as a tribal person on this website? Silly me. *note: sarcasm.

Also, should you as Americans be concerned that this photo was passed around by Dr. David Kalip, a vocal opponent of Obama's healthcare plan, leader in the medical community, and practicing physician and surgeon? Well, for your convenience here are ways you can contact him and express yourself:

Doctor David McKalip

727-822-3500
727-822-3228 (FAX)
dmckalip@neuro3.net

Put your pitchforks down (but still feel free to email or call him), he's since resigned and admits to the St. Petersburg Times that "he was worried about the impact on his private medical practice" [referring to the fact that the world knows he, a doctor and medical leader, forwarded an offensive image to his closest gchat friends] and he also told the paper that he hopes to focus on community service, building on past work in African-American youth development...

I have a sneaking suspicion Doc that you're not welcome anymore in the African American community, I mean minorities compose a majority of the uninsured, so they can't afford to pay for your back peddling, I mean guilt, er rather community service. Plus its highly probable that they can't afford your medical services either, so don't worry Dr. Kalip, I doubt you'll loose many patients.

Sometimes I miss Argentina, just a little.

2009-09-15T21:00:00.000-07:00

This video makes me laugh and remember how absurd I found things in Argentina. And, FYI he won and "tengo plan" was really his platform. This show is kind of like SNL there, to give some background.

You can learn from reality TV

2009-09-15T20:21:00.000-07:00

I love the Real Housewives of Atlanta, sophisticated hoodrats I say. The best is Sherree, failed marriage and failed fashion design, but she swears she is on point. Enjoy:

Now, you may not think so, but "who gone check me boo" (around the 2 minute mark for you lazies/technologically impaired that didn't watch the above) can be applied to really anything, even politics. For example:

Congress: Representative Joe Wilson, you need to apologize for calling the President a liar
Joe Wilson: No, who gone check me boo?!

State of SC: Please disclose all account information to the Ethics Commission
Mark Sanford: Sure, but who gone check me boo?!

Pro-Health Care Reform Camp: President Obama, we really need a public option for health care. Please don't eliminate this from the bill.
President Obama: But I have to be moderate, who gone check me boo?!

Argentine government officials/Argentine public: There will be no cabinet changes following the recent elections
President Christina Fernandez de Kirchner (following her impromptu cabinet change): Por favor, quien gone check me boo?!

As you can see "who gone check me boo" adds sass, but most of all makes you believe your argument is legit when everyone else knows its flawed.