“He was a warrior-poet who loved life and loved people.”
–Anderson Cooper
It’s only Wednesday, and already, it has been an especially rough week for news, and for those who report the news: Continue reading
VOTE: What woman should host the Daily Show?
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Jon Stewart
Who will sit behind Jon Stewart’s news desk to helm the empire he built? That’s what Daily Show viewers have been asking since Comedian Jon Stewart announced Tuesday—as though you haven’t heard—he is stepping down as host after 16 years.
“It is time for someone else to have that opportunity,” he told a surprised audience at yesterday’s taping. And while viewers are curious about what he’ll do next, even before the cushion on his chair had cooled, fans began speculating about who will fill Stewart’s role as cultural commentator and political/media watchdog and critic.
The blogosphere chatter is calling for a woman to take the lead. People are saying Comedy Central should step away from the tradition of male comedians hosting late-night shows in favor of selecting from an abundance of female comedians.
Vote for the next Daily Show Host! Continue reading
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Peace of mind
Quote
Kayla Mueller
Peace is not something you wish for.
It’s something you make.
It’s something you do.
It’s something you are.
And it’s something you give away.
−Kayla Mueller,
American humanitarian aid worker
held hostage and reportedly killed by ISIS
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Do Not Attempt!
Is it really necessary for a car company to post the “Do not attempt” warning on its TV commercial that shows a few rock climbers slam an abundance of over-sized blocks of plastique on the face of a cliff before an explosion neatly shapes cars in stone? Other than an expectation of Johnny Knoxville accepting that challenge based on its superfluous advisement, are there people stupid enough to attempt this?
Can’t you just hear the advertising guys standing in front of a bunch of Honda suits displaying their sketched version of Mt. Rushmore and pitching this idea that further deteriorates the remaining respect for Presidents’ Day?
All images courtesy of Honda and CNN
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A mountain of small steps benefit humanity
StayUNITED Founders Ismini and Mark Svensson
“It is our belief that every kindness, every moment of empathy and compassion, every act of true sharing, elevates humanity’s potential and all of our actions are aimed to influence the progress of our world. “
–StayUNITED
On a brighter note…Hope is a wonderful elixir. No matter how malicious some people can be or how cruel they can treat one another—regardless of that behavior occurring in your own neighborhood or in another country—it is profoundly refreshing to learn about people whose life mission is to improve the world, strengthen community and lay the foundation for a more cooperative, thoughtful, creative, generous future.
I am speaking of StayUNITED: an organization created by two people who discovered they shared the common goal—the hope—of finding ways to improve the world. They didn’t act to prove their devotion to one faith over another; rather, for they created their own journey to do what they can to help others while inspiring more people to do the same. Continue reading
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Advocating Jewish stereotypes via Machiavellian tactics
A friend (I’ll call her RZ) made a comment on Facebook in response to my voicing my opinion about Pastor Smith’s message of hate on the church billboard and in his sermon.
I’ve known this woman for many years through our sons who attended some of the same schools. It’s no surprise to RZ that she has a reputation as an outspoken parent regarding issues focused on improving the schools and education. I’ve had my moments, as well, and I’m glad to find people speaking up about issues on behalf of positive change.
That is why I was (sort of) surprised to read her short message when she suggested I “take a deep breath.” I had to shake my head at her comment and wonder, is that the only response you can come up with after seeing this church billboard message? Others have had opposite reactions: some locals told me how they thought the same as I did when they saw the sign.
RZ, it’s not a matter of taking a breath. I sat on this issue for a couple days as I considered how to approach the glaringly prejudice undertones of this pastor’s hostile message. I would suggest you read what I wrote about the offensive messages advertised by this church/pastor. I researched the issue and found various leaders’ opinions (including two popes). I can’t say the same about this pastor who chose to apply broad strokes of hateful generalizations in his incendiary sermon. Continue reading
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California church’s message ignites hatred, anti-Semitism, Part 2
(Please first read Part 1 to this post)
Church promotes anti-Semitic message 24/7
I’m more of a secular Jew than religious. I am married to a Methodist man and we have raised our children Jewish. I’m a native Californian, and I’ve lived in the San Francisco Bay Area most of my life. My mom grew up in San Francisco in the Marina and doesn’t remember experiencing much bigotry. My New Yorker dad was raised in the Bronx of New York City where he thought everyone in the world was Jewish. When he was very young, his filter of the world was shattered one Easter when a gang of Catholic kids crossed a big boulevard and entered his neighborhood with clear intent to hunt for Jewish kids walking alone. My father was beaten up for being a “Christ killer.” He was called many names, including “Kyke.”
I remember my own early Easter experience when I came home from school and asked my mom if the Jews killed Jesus. Continue reading
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California church’s message ignites hatred, anti-Semitism
“Justice Mocked by the Jews. Pt. 1.” That is the Berean Baptist Church’s disturbing message posted on its billboard facing traffic on one of the busiest corners in my town. If you visit their website, you will see this is the topic of two Sundays’ sermons (Feb. 8 and 15, 2015). They have also posted the following excerpt (http://www.bbaptist.org/) from Pastor V. Mark Smith’s sermon:
“There is not a whole lot more that can be deduced from the Jews’ determination to murder Christ other than Continue reading
JOELLE B. BURNETTE 