While many people disagree with the recent government bailout of AIG, I think the more important issue is the $165 million paid in bonuses to employees. In the grand scheme of things, it probably was a good idea to not allow the largest U.S. insurer to fail. The economy might not have been able to bear it. But certainly, the bonuses were inappropriate.
Rush Limbaugh, in all of his mumbled wisdom, believes that the AIG bonuses shouldn’t have been taxed. But what he fails to appreciate is that the money allocated was wasted. Yes, normal bonuses shouldn’t be so heavily taxed, but perhaps the bonuses shouldn’t have been paid at all. And maybe, those funds could have been used more proactively.
It’s also disappointing that the government didn’t have a provision to prevent such misuse of the bailout money. But I suppose that’s simply politics as usual. At any rate, I applaud the taxation of these bonuses.
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Brian AIG bonuses, bailout, rush limbaugh
According to the Hurriyet Daily News, Natasha Richardson passed away Wednesday after suffering head trauma from a skiing accident. She was only 45 years old.
The British actress and AIDS activist, who recently appeared on Top Chef, fell during a private lesson on the beginner slopes at the Mont Tremblant resort in Canada. She was not wearing a helmet which lead to a epidural hematoma, or internal bleeding of the brain.
Natasha Richardon was married to fellow actor Liam Neeson and had two sons. She is also the sister of Joely Richardson, AKA Julia McNamara, of Nip/Tuck fame, and daughter of Vanessa Redgrave.
Hurriyet reports that Richardson initially felt ok, but later was sent to the hospital after sever headaches ensued: “About an hour [after the accident], she complained of severe headaches and was admitted to a local medical facility before eventually being transferred to a Montreal hospital where she was diagnosed with severe brain trauma.”
Unfortunately, Richardson eventually passed away after being flown to Lenox Hill Hospital in New York.
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Brian Accident, Natasha Richardson, Natasha Richardson Died, Nip/Tuck, Top Chef
Daylight savings time is awful. At least in the spring when you lose an hour. Think that over for a minute. You’re minding your own business, and then bam! You wake up at 7:15am, except it’s actually 6:15am! The sun’s barely risen and already your day has begun.
How did this horrid tradition begin? According to Wikipedia, Daylight savings time (DST) was conceived in 1907 by the English builder William Willett. Why did he have this ingenious idea? He didn’t appreciate ending his golf game at dusk and also notice many Londoners slept during the summer. Wow, those are pressing issues. Thanks, Will.
DST isn’t without it’s benefits (although they are few). Certain areas such as sporting events and retail thrive in sunlight and therefore are helped by DST. But it’s not all fun.
As Wikipedia explains, “although an early goal of DST was to reduce evening usage of incandescent lighting, formerly a primary use of electricity, modern heating and cooling usage patterns differ greatly, and research about how DST currently affects energy use is limited and often contradictory.” In other words, daylight savings time doesn’t necessarily reduce energy consumption.
I’m still cranky from losing sleep, so I’m a bit biased, but I don’t believe DST is necessary. We should adjust our schedules, not our clocks, if we need more light.
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Brian daylight savings time, dst
Rush Limbaugh is a talentless idiot which he further proved Friday by making harsh remarks about ailing, Senator Ted Kennedy who recently was diagnosed with brain cancer.
According to Yahoo! News, Limbaugh, a triple divorcé and somehow famous host, said on his radio show that “President Barack Obama‘s proposed health care revisions will be championed by ‘the liberal lion Teddy Kennedy‘” and that “before it’s all over, it’ll be called the Ted Kennedy Memorial Health Care Bill.”
Now, granted Rush Limbaugh is too pigheaded to appreciate the implications of his statements, but I suppose when you use to be addicted to Oxycontin, attacking men with serious, sometimes terminal diseases is not beneath you.
Rush Limbaugh should be ashamed for two reasons: 1) I doubt that Obama or Kennedy would put their self-interests before that of the American people and 2) Kennedy has brain cancer! You don’t poke fun at people who may be dying.
Rush must simply be unaware of how idiotic he sounds up in his ivory tower. It’s shocking that the Republicans actually seem to approve of him and welcome him with open arms. He is after all their de facto leader.
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Brian Barack Obama, brain cancer, rush limbaugh, ted kennedy
I was reading Yahoo! site OMG! (please don’t hate me, it was linked from their homepage’s news) and came across an interesting list of bizarre celebrity baby names:
-Apple (Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin)
-Banjo (Rachel Griffiths)
-Bronx Mowgli (Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz)
-Jermajesty (Jermaine Jackson)
-Kal-El (Nicolas Cage)
-Maddox (Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt)
-Moon Unit (Frank Zappa)
-Moxie Crimefighter (Penn Jillette)
-Pilot Inspektor (Jason Lee)
-Satchel (Mia Farrow and Woody Allen)
-Suri (Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise)
-Zuma Nesta Rock (Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale)
My favorite name is either Pilot Inspektor or Jermajesty, but Banjo and Zuma Nesta Rock are also especially, bizarre celebrity baby names. These actors should be disallowed from naming children unless they agree to at least select a name from a normal, baby name book.
Not included on this list was Lisa Bonet’s and Jason Momoa’s son, Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha Momoa. It sounds sort of like a cross between an illness and Indian child. This name would have definitely been included if I were incharge. It’s so complex, so unusual, this child will be spelling it endlessly on customer service phone calls and when conducting business. Imagine explaining your name to “Mark” from Dell customer support. Maybe he can use the nickname “Wolf” or “Nakoa”.
It’s not surprising that celebrity’s have trouble simply naming their offspring commonly. Their lives are uncommon, and filled with excitement, so a name like John or Bob, just doesn’t pass muster. But at the same time a name such as Bryan for example is quite popular. Basically, to these celebs, Banjo is much more thrilling a choice.
At any rate, don’t lose hope! Their are hundreds of celebrities that are still without children and may avoid these bizarre celebrity baby names in the future. Keep your fingers crossed! I know I will.
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Brian baby names, Bizarre celebrity baby name, celebrities, maddox, suri
It’s common knowledge that Michael “I allegedly molested children” Jackson is eccentric to put it mildly. But today, he managed to shock us once again.
At a press conference in London, surrounded by cheering fans, Michael Jackson announced…well something. But what exactly. He seemed aloof and confused and uncertain about his statements.
According to the NY Times, Michael Jackson has plans ot perform what may be his last performances, “Michael Jackson…announced on Thursday that he would perform a series of concerts in London this summer, in what he called a ‘final curtain call.’” We may ascertain from this, perhaps, that Michael is ending his career. But in true, cryptic fashion, he has left us wondering his intentions.
Michael Jackson is probably one of the most influential, pop singers of the 20th century, but he has always been an enigma. And his legal battles haven’t exactly helped his image. Nonetheless, his fans are loyal and have stayed by his side.
It wouldn’t surprise me if this was merely a PR stunt, not unlike what some say Joaquin Phoenix recently did on Letterman. Michael has been out of the limelight for a while, and this is a great opportunity to make headlines.
Brian final performance, Jackson, Michael, Michael Jackson
I’m saddened to admit that I may not have anything to watch on TV now that this season of Nip/Tuck has ended. That’s because the show, despite what its detractors might say (that means you my former co-workers), was arguably the best program on cable. It did win Emmys and Golden Globes after all.
But I digress. The season finale of Nip/Tuck was probably one of the best episodes of the season. I was extremely surprised that Teddy is leading a double life and even more so that Christian isn’t actually dying! It makes sense that the lead character is going to live because you couldn’t replace him. Could you envision the “furniture” doctor from the previous episode playing the “Christian Troy” role?
I found it thoroughly amusing that Kimber actually wanted to marry Christian, again. She’s so pathetic, but equally attractive, and keeps you wondering what she might do next. I suppose she was devastated that Eden stole her husband. I think it’s appropriate that Kimber got her comeuppance for being so cold-hearted.
The best part of the finale of Nip/Tuck would have to be that Christian wanted to cryogenically freeze himself. I couldn’t believe how dillusional he had become. But I’m sure all of that will change next season.
Speaking of next season, will Christian remain married to Liz? I give them six TV months, tops. Better yet, how long will he wait to break the news that he’s not kicking the bucket? I firmly believe that union is solely out of necessity.
The Nip/Tuck season finale was well worth the wait, and staying up past 10pm on a weekday.
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Brian Christian Troy, Nip/Tuck, Nip/Tuck Season Finale, Sean McNamara
It’s painfully obvious to me why Slumdog Millionaire won Best Picture this year after seeing it this evening (and seven other oscars for that matter). The film, which was directed by Danny Boyle, is masterfully shot and has a truly original screenplay.
In case you are unaware, Slumdog Millionaire is the story of Jamal and Salim, two impoverished Indian boys, who brave the tough streets of Bombay/Mumbai after they are left parentless. Eventually, Jamal is a contestant of the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, and wins, only to be arrested on suspicion of cheating.
The film takes the viewer on a journey which chronicles Jamal’s and Salim’s lives, as well as Latika, their female companion, and the controversy and interconnectedness of the game show to their lives.
What makes Slumdog Millionaire special is its heart and grittiness. And it doesn’t hurt that it’s well-acted by a great cast of relative unknown actors. Moreover, the film has you rooting for Jamal, the main character, at each turn.
If you haven’t seen Slumdog Millionaire already, I would highly recommend it.
See the film’s trailer here.
Brian Best Picture, Danny Boyle, Jamal, Latika, Salim, Slumdog Millionaire
