Excuse me while I get on my high-horse for a moment...
Over the few weeks, we have witnessed multiple celebrity deaths. However, the two that are covered the most in the social spotlight have been Michael Jackson and Steve McNair, and for obvious reasons. One was possibly the world's greatest entertainer, and the other was a heck of an athlete that was murdered in cold blood. Two very media-friendly individuals, two monster stories to be covered.
However, it seems to me that society has chosen to overlook critical aspects of these two mens' lives that not only are socially unacceptable, but are also aspects that directly influenced each death.
The most obvious case is that of Michael Jackson and how his child molestation accusations became the reoccurring theme for every news story related to him for the past 20 years. We all know what he was accused of, we all had our opinions on the case. Needless to say, the man had major issues and was an incredibly disturbed soul, drug addict (albeit not by choice)... and possibly a criminal. Upon his death, however, all of that was forgotten and the world decided to focus only on the good in his life (which is definitely the way any of us would like to be remembered). But does this excuse everything else that happened these last 20 years?
In a related theme surrounding his death, Steve McNair was a highly-respected NFL Pro Bowl quarterback that brought joy to thousands of sports fans for many years. Yet, regardless of his successes on the field, we now learn that he was unfaithful to his wife (spanning several years) and was even killed by the drug-infested woman at the center of his affair. Turn on ESPN and what do you hear about? You hear about all of the fans coming to mourn his death, completely sweeping his infidelity under the rug.
Let me declare that I understand nobody is perfect. But at what point did a person's wrongs in life become forgiven upon his or her death? Do we remember the good things that Hitler did (if even possible, I don't know)? Will OJ Simpson be remembered for his Heisman trophy and not his murder trial once he dies... in prison, no less?
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Monday, July 06, 2009
Update on The Mickelson Family
OK, now I feel like I can never make fun of Phil Mickelson ever again.
As I wrote in my previous blog regarding the recent breast cancer diagnosis for Phil's wife, Amy, I explained that I am selfishly hoping for her condition to improve so that I can go back to hating the villain of my golf world. However, after today's announcement, I pretty much have lost that privilege forever.
Mary Mickelson - Phil's mother - has now also been diagnosed with this horrible disease.
I really haven't the words to describe how this must make Lefty feel, so I will simply state that I cannot possibly have any additional ill-words towards the man and probably never will again.
My thoughts are certainly with the man and his family.
As I wrote in my previous blog regarding the recent breast cancer diagnosis for Phil's wife, Amy, I explained that I am selfishly hoping for her condition to improve so that I can go back to hating the villain of my golf world. However, after today's announcement, I pretty much have lost that privilege forever.
Mary Mickelson - Phil's mother - has now also been diagnosed with this horrible disease.
I really haven't the words to describe how this must make Lefty feel, so I will simply state that I cannot possibly have any additional ill-words towards the man and probably never will again.
My thoughts are certainly with the man and his family.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Where Have All the Celebs Gone?
It's been a bad month to be famous, my friends. So, please stop reading this blog or you might kill me. You know... because I'll be famous... whatever.
Anyway, let's recap here: Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, Ed McMahon, and Billy Mays have all died within the last few weeks. Out of all four names, the biggest name is obviously that of the world famous white female entertainer.
So let's discuss Michael Jackosn a little bit, shall we? However, before I go any deeper into this post, let me first say that I completely understand the love for this man as a result of his immense talent and entertainment accomplishments throughout most of his 50 years on this planet. I am a fan of many of his songs and will always remember trying to learn Beat It, Billie Jean, and Smooth Criminal on the guitar. Unfortunately for MJ, there are people like me in this world that prefer to look at the reality of his life and not push a few things under the rug... like, oh I don't know, molesting children.
Ok, stop it. Stop it right now... I know that he hasn't been convicted of anything. Now the smooth criminal (zing!) went and died, so now we'll probably never know the truth about what may have occured in the bedrooms and playpens of Neverland Ranch. But here's what we do know:
1993: A lawsuit is filed against MJ accusing him of seducing and abusing thirteen-year-old Jordy Chandler.
Dec. 1993: MJ makes a TV appearance saying he is innocent of the child molestation charges.
1994: Settles lawsuit by paying the plaintiff twenty million dollars. The Los Angeles and Santa Barbara district attorneys do not file child-molestation charges against him.
(Note: Charges are not brought up why? Because Michael paid them off. Let us continue:)
Nov. 19, 2002: Dangles his newborn son, Prince Michael II, from a Berlin hotel balcony, four stories high.
Nov. 20, 2003: Taken into custody by the Santa Barbara County Sherriff's Department on charges of child molestation. He posts a three million dollar bail.
Jan. 16, 2004: Pleads not guilty to child molestation charges.
Apr. 30, 2004: Pleads not guilty after grand jury indictment.
Jan. 31, 2005: The Jackson trial begins with jury selection.
Feb. 28, 2005: Prosecution opens its case with accusations that Jackson used wine and pornography to seduce the 13-year-old boy. The defense counters that no DNA from the accuser has been found in Jackson's bedroom.
(Note: At this point, critics to those accusing MJ start to bring up the possibility of this new 13-year old being told to "play along" with parents who are simply looking for a pay day.)
Mar. 10, 2005: Jackson fails to appear in court and the judge threatens to issue an arrest for him. Jackson's lawyer tracks him down at a hospital where he has been admitted for back problems. The judge gives him one hour to appear. He does, and the trial continues.
May 12. 2005: Actor Macaulay Culkin (who also eventually stars in Party Monster) testifies and says Jackson never touched him sexually in any way, and that yes, he did sleep in Jackson's bed, but that was only because he happened to fall asleep there.
June 13, 2005: The jury finds Jackson not guilty.
Just in case anyone forgot. Kind of a dick move, I know it. But you know what? This stuff happened people. Jackson was a seriously disturbed individual that, if he were alive for a few more years, would have eventually been accused of numerous additional molestation accounts. Ten years between charges? He was only 6 years away from more fun in the courtroom.
Anyway, let's recap here: Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, Ed McMahon, and Billy Mays have all died within the last few weeks. Out of all four names, the biggest name is obviously that of the world famous white female entertainer.
So let's discuss Michael Jackosn a little bit, shall we? However, before I go any deeper into this post, let me first say that I completely understand the love for this man as a result of his immense talent and entertainment accomplishments throughout most of his 50 years on this planet. I am a fan of many of his songs and will always remember trying to learn Beat It, Billie Jean, and Smooth Criminal on the guitar. Unfortunately for MJ, there are people like me in this world that prefer to look at the reality of his life and not push a few things under the rug... like, oh I don't know, molesting children.
Ok, stop it. Stop it right now... I know that he hasn't been convicted of anything. Now the smooth criminal (zing!) went and died, so now we'll probably never know the truth about what may have occured in the bedrooms and playpens of Neverland Ranch. But here's what we do know:
1993: A lawsuit is filed against MJ accusing him of seducing and abusing thirteen-year-old Jordy Chandler.
Dec. 1993: MJ makes a TV appearance saying he is innocent of the child molestation charges.
1994: Settles lawsuit by paying the plaintiff twenty million dollars. The Los Angeles and Santa Barbara district attorneys do not file child-molestation charges against him.
(Note: Charges are not brought up why? Because Michael paid them off. Let us continue:)
Nov. 19, 2002: Dangles his newborn son, Prince Michael II, from a Berlin hotel balcony, four stories high.
Nov. 20, 2003: Taken into custody by the Santa Barbara County Sherriff's Department on charges of child molestation. He posts a three million dollar bail.
Jan. 16, 2004: Pleads not guilty to child molestation charges.
Apr. 30, 2004: Pleads not guilty after grand jury indictment.
Jan. 31, 2005: The Jackson trial begins with jury selection.
Feb. 28, 2005: Prosecution opens its case with accusations that Jackson used wine and pornography to seduce the 13-year-old boy. The defense counters that no DNA from the accuser has been found in Jackson's bedroom.
(Note: At this point, critics to those accusing MJ start to bring up the possibility of this new 13-year old being told to "play along" with parents who are simply looking for a pay day.)
Mar. 10, 2005: Jackson fails to appear in court and the judge threatens to issue an arrest for him. Jackson's lawyer tracks him down at a hospital where he has been admitted for back problems. The judge gives him one hour to appear. He does, and the trial continues.
May 12. 2005: Actor Macaulay Culkin (who also eventually stars in Party Monster) testifies and says Jackson never touched him sexually in any way, and that yes, he did sleep in Jackson's bed, but that was only because he happened to fall asleep there.
June 13, 2005: The jury finds Jackson not guilty.
Just in case anyone forgot. Kind of a dick move, I know it. But you know what? This stuff happened people. Jackson was a seriously disturbed individual that, if he were alive for a few more years, would have eventually been accused of numerous additional molestation accounts. Ten years between charges? He was only 6 years away from more fun in the courtroom.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
NYC Ain't Got Squat on Me
For anyone that is a golf fan, you have seen it on your television constantly this week. For anyone that is a baseball fan, you hear about A-Rod and David Wright on a nightly basis. For anyone who is a football fan, you just can't get enough of Eli Manning. Basketball fans kind of like to forget they are alive... but regardless Knicks fans; you still live in New York.
I get it. I understand that you New Yorkers love your state. I understand that you take great pride in your state's athletic achievements on the grandest stages. And yes, I understand that you traditionally are known for your tough-as-nails, vulgar, rude people in the streets.
But seriously... when will enough be enough? When are we finally going to get sick of hearing about the "greatness" of New York? Since when does being an asshole come off as being a good thing? Is it possible that the media and American society is completely overlooking the greatness of other states due to the cloud of New York ass-kissing?
Take Montana, for example.
Ah yes, Montana! 147,046 square miles of pure God's country! Fishing, hunting, skiing basically anywhere you go. But let us not forget the athletic greatness of this forgotten state in all areas of sport.
For example, were you aware that Dave McNally once graced the ballfields of Billings, MT? He was a 4-time 20-game winner as a pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles and even tied a record of 17 consecutive wins in the AL between 1968-1969. Yeah.... that Dave McNally.
Also, Montana State University's men's rodeo team has won the national championship a staggering six times (1972, '75, '88, '90, '91, '95). The last time you saw a Cowboy in New York, he was wearing football cleats. Or was probably gay.
Speaking of the Cowboys, lest we forget Helena's own Pat Donovan, a four-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman for Cowboys from 1975 to '83. This guy was one of the most famous football players in the NFL for a decade! When was the last time we saw his name mentioned on E60?
Finally, and perhaps the most recent famous Montana native, we have Ryan Leaf.
Alright... so he was just busted on drug charges in Texas... BUT THAT'S IN TEXAS. While in drug-free Great Falls, Montana all Mr. Leaf did was lead C.M. Russell High to the 1992 state title. Later on, he took Washington State to the '97 Rose Bowl and was eventually the second pick overall by Chargers in '98.
So here's to you, oft-forgotten Montana, and all of your athletic greatness. You may be a box on the map of America, but you will forever hold a special place in my heart.
I get it. I understand that you New Yorkers love your state. I understand that you take great pride in your state's athletic achievements on the grandest stages. And yes, I understand that you traditionally are known for your tough-as-nails, vulgar, rude people in the streets.
But seriously... when will enough be enough? When are we finally going to get sick of hearing about the "greatness" of New York? Since when does being an asshole come off as being a good thing? Is it possible that the media and American society is completely overlooking the greatness of other states due to the cloud of New York ass-kissing?
Take Montana, for example.
Ah yes, Montana! 147,046 square miles of pure God's country! Fishing, hunting, skiing basically anywhere you go. But let us not forget the athletic greatness of this forgotten state in all areas of sport.
For example, were you aware that Dave McNally once graced the ballfields of Billings, MT? He was a 4-time 20-game winner as a pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles and even tied a record of 17 consecutive wins in the AL between 1968-1969. Yeah.... that Dave McNally.
Also, Montana State University's men's rodeo team has won the national championship a staggering six times (1972, '75, '88, '90, '91, '95). The last time you saw a Cowboy in New York, he was wearing football cleats. Or was probably gay.
Speaking of the Cowboys, lest we forget Helena's own Pat Donovan, a four-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman for Cowboys from 1975 to '83. This guy was one of the most famous football players in the NFL for a decade! When was the last time we saw his name mentioned on E60?
Finally, and perhaps the most recent famous Montana native, we have Ryan Leaf.
Alright... so he was just busted on drug charges in Texas... BUT THAT'S IN TEXAS. While in drug-free Great Falls, Montana all Mr. Leaf did was lead C.M. Russell High to the 1992 state title. Later on, he took Washington State to the '97 Rose Bowl and was eventually the second pick overall by Chargers in '98.
So here's to you, oft-forgotten Montana, and all of your athletic greatness. You may be a box on the map of America, but you will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Phil Mickelson is a Tricky Son of a Bitch
For those of you that know me, you would agree that golf is an intricate part of my life and everything that I hold dear to my heart. I take this sport more serious than any of the other "major" sports seen on television, and therefore have my "favorite players", just as you may have your favorite quarterback or pitcher. In addition, I also have a few players that I completely hate for no reason other than the fact that they play the game poorly.
However, my golf-loving world has just been turned upside-down. Why? Because my favorite golfer to hate, Phil Mickelson, just threw me a curve ball.
You see... Phil Mickelson is probably one of the most hated professional golfers on the PGA Tour among his fellow competitors. While he has always been a fan favorite because of his nonsensical wedge shots around trees and off of cart paths, he has gone on record as being completely unprofessional, rude, and abrasive to other players on tour and especially the media. He is a man that will forever live in Tiger Woods' shadow despite honestly believing the he, Fat Phil, is the better player. Sure, he has had some success as the World #2, but there isn't a tournament on the calendar that Phil can't find a way to lose due to an errant driver. His caddie, Bones, is constantly on suicide watch as his percentage of Phil's winnings gets lower... and lower... and lower with each bounce of the ball down a ravine.
But now I can't hate Phil Mickelson. And you can't either.
Why? Because Phil's wife, Amy, was just diagnosed with breast cancer... and now I feel sorry for the guy and his family.
Don't get me wrong: I truly have nothing against Phil. But I am sure Yankee fans have nothing against Red Sox Nation, and I am sure Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes can peacefully co-exist at the dinner table. That's not the point.
The point, friends, is that I am missing a very critical and important aspect of my PGA Tour fandom now due to this medical tragedy. I feel as if my entire enjoyment of watching golf is now empty because the villain in this story has been deleted. I don't want to look at Phil Mickelson and hope that he wins the US Open. I don't want to get teary-eyed when he talks about how much he loves his wife. I don't want any of that.
I want Amy Mickelson to beat this cancer, become 100% healthy and allow her husband to get back on the course making stupid decisions while I sip beer and eat popcorn.
So hear this, Phil and Amy: you go and beat that disease, and you beat it good. The golfing world is behind you, because we need Man-Boobs back on the course for good.
However, my golf-loving world has just been turned upside-down. Why? Because my favorite golfer to hate, Phil Mickelson, just threw me a curve ball.
You see... Phil Mickelson is probably one of the most hated professional golfers on the PGA Tour among his fellow competitors. While he has always been a fan favorite because of his nonsensical wedge shots around trees and off of cart paths, he has gone on record as being completely unprofessional, rude, and abrasive to other players on tour and especially the media. He is a man that will forever live in Tiger Woods' shadow despite honestly believing the he, Fat Phil, is the better player. Sure, he has had some success as the World #2, but there isn't a tournament on the calendar that Phil can't find a way to lose due to an errant driver. His caddie, Bones, is constantly on suicide watch as his percentage of Phil's winnings gets lower... and lower... and lower with each bounce of the ball down a ravine.
But now I can't hate Phil Mickelson. And you can't either.
Why? Because Phil's wife, Amy, was just diagnosed with breast cancer... and now I feel sorry for the guy and his family.
Don't get me wrong: I truly have nothing against Phil. But I am sure Yankee fans have nothing against Red Sox Nation, and I am sure Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes can peacefully co-exist at the dinner table. That's not the point.
The point, friends, is that I am missing a very critical and important aspect of my PGA Tour fandom now due to this medical tragedy. I feel as if my entire enjoyment of watching golf is now empty because the villain in this story has been deleted. I don't want to look at Phil Mickelson and hope that he wins the US Open. I don't want to get teary-eyed when he talks about how much he loves his wife. I don't want any of that.
I want Amy Mickelson to beat this cancer, become 100% healthy and allow her husband to get back on the course making stupid decisions while I sip beer and eat popcorn.
So hear this, Phil and Amy: you go and beat that disease, and you beat it good. The golfing world is behind you, because we need Man-Boobs back on the course for good.
Let's Try This Again...
I haven't entirely been hiding under a rock, as many people already know, since I have been maintaining my new blog, HealthFrag.com, on a pretty regular basis. However, ChicagoPolexican has been very much deprived of any attention since April. I was ok with this, actually, and wasn't really looking to go back into this account for any reason... especially after reading some of the trash I wrote about in the past. How did anyone enjoy that snuff?
At any rate, She Who Must Be Obeyed has been giving me a hard time to start writing again on this blog since HealthFrag is "about boring health stuff". Thanks for the support, Negative Nancy.
So, my plan is this: I'll keep this blog open, but I won't write very often in it so I can pay more attention to HealthFrag. However, I will admit that there are some topics that I would like to cover and not necessarily in a "professional" writing style (i.e., I want to cuss). The number of people that will be allowed to view this blog are going to be approved by me, and they will need to provide me their email address.
I'll try to maintain a weekly post here, and there won't be a theme or a niche in which the topics will fall under.
So, that means you readers can give me ideas to write about. I will certainly take requests.
At any rate, She Who Must Be Obeyed has been giving me a hard time to start writing again on this blog since HealthFrag is "about boring health stuff". Thanks for the support, Negative Nancy.
So, my plan is this: I'll keep this blog open, but I won't write very often in it so I can pay more attention to HealthFrag. However, I will admit that there are some topics that I would like to cover and not necessarily in a "professional" writing style (i.e., I want to cuss). The number of people that will be allowed to view this blog are going to be approved by me, and they will need to provide me their email address.
I'll try to maintain a weekly post here, and there won't be a theme or a niche in which the topics will fall under.
So, that means you readers can give me ideas to write about. I will certainly take requests.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Facebook and Twitter and Blogspot... Oh My!
I've become addicted to all three of these Internet social networks now, and there is no escape.
Facebook will forever be my biggest guilty pleasure, especially since I told everyone that I would never fall into the trap after MySpace failed me. And you know what? I'm a fan of the new Facebook layout, so all of you Facebookers hesitant to except change can go straight to hell. What would this country be without constant change? You're all communists.
A close send to Facebook, for me at least, is the newest Internet social craze: Twitter. In essence, Twitter has absolutely no value other than wasting time... which is exactly why I love it so much. Sure, some will say that people will benefit from knowing where everyone is at one time, but in reality, if you are not busy enough to stay focused on whomever you are with at a particular time and instead update your Twitter status, then you don't deserve friends. Heck... let's call a spade a spade: I look up famous people and porn stars on Twitter. Did you expect anything different?
Blogging has always had a special place in my Internet heart, and will always be there when I need to get a few things off my chest. But with the advent of new social networking sites and technology throughout the web, only time will tell when blogging becomes obsolete.
Facebook will forever be my biggest guilty pleasure, especially since I told everyone that I would never fall into the trap after MySpace failed me. And you know what? I'm a fan of the new Facebook layout, so all of you Facebookers hesitant to except change can go straight to hell. What would this country be without constant change? You're all communists.
A close send to Facebook, for me at least, is the newest Internet social craze: Twitter. In essence, Twitter has absolutely no value other than wasting time... which is exactly why I love it so much. Sure, some will say that people will benefit from knowing where everyone is at one time, but in reality, if you are not busy enough to stay focused on whomever you are with at a particular time and instead update your Twitter status, then you don't deserve friends. Heck... let's call a spade a spade: I look up famous people and porn stars on Twitter. Did you expect anything different?
Blogging has always had a special place in my Internet heart, and will always be there when I need to get a few things off my chest. But with the advent of new social networking sites and technology throughout the web, only time will tell when blogging becomes obsolete.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Job Fair
I was asked by my current employer, a private college in town, to attend a Career Fair not far from the campus that was being held at a local high school. My mission: try to talk a few people into going back to school and maybe take a resume or two for open positions at our campus.
With our current state of the economy constantly in the news and on the internet, I was not suprised to see that there were quite a few local businesses looking for help despite current layoffs and other threats to employment.
What I was not ready for, however, was the number of people with college degrees that would be waiting in line to talk to these businesses... many of which were only offering $9.00 an hour jobs. The line of job hopefuls who had just been laid off from careers in retail, banking, advertising, and real estate stretched more than 200 people long. Many of these people were wearing business clothing that cost more than what the business presenters were wearing.
I spoke with quite a few people today regarding their career experiences and where they came from before this unfortunate situation... and very few were looking to go back to school. I spoke with people that were laid off from a job they worked at for 20 years, and even others that were stopping at every booth to submit a resume, regardless of the type of job being offered.
I know what is going on in my world, and I am very much aware of the implications of this current economic situation. However, today was the first time that I realized exactly how lucky I really am to be in the position I am in.
With our current state of the economy constantly in the news and on the internet, I was not suprised to see that there were quite a few local businesses looking for help despite current layoffs and other threats to employment.
What I was not ready for, however, was the number of people with college degrees that would be waiting in line to talk to these businesses... many of which were only offering $9.00 an hour jobs. The line of job hopefuls who had just been laid off from careers in retail, banking, advertising, and real estate stretched more than 200 people long. Many of these people were wearing business clothing that cost more than what the business presenters were wearing.
I spoke with quite a few people today regarding their career experiences and where they came from before this unfortunate situation... and very few were looking to go back to school. I spoke with people that were laid off from a job they worked at for 20 years, and even others that were stopping at every booth to submit a resume, regardless of the type of job being offered.
I know what is going on in my world, and I am very much aware of the implications of this current economic situation. However, today was the first time that I realized exactly how lucky I really am to be in the position I am in.
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