Dancing With the Stars-Could They, Would They, Should They?

        I read an article that I believe will bring the house down, if ABC chooses to push the envelope with Dances With The Stars this season on television.  The article had an alledged comment from Cheryl Burke that said something to the effect of; America wasn’t ready to see two men dancing together.  The comment was in reference to a question about a competitor in the upcoming season, Lance Bass.  The question alluded to the idea of whether Lance would have a male, or female dancing professional partner.  Cheryl apparently doesn’t think that would happen.  I agree, i think if it were to happen…ABC would see a huge backlash directed towards one of it’s most popular shows. 

          Lance Bass, a former singer in the boy band N’SYNC, announced that he is gay back in 2006, I believe.  I think that if ABC took a chance to shock viewers by allowing such a trouncing on the mainstream traditional family values they would stand to lose not only sponsors; but, ratings as well.  The sponsors themselves could potentially risk loosing lots of money.  Public opinion carrys alot of weight with television…and with the networks struggling and competing against cable programming…i wonder if they would truly risk such a decision.

        Also, it seems to me that there would also be a question of an unfair advantage of having two partners with the combined physical strength that two male dancers would have, over the traditional dancing partners of one male and one female.  I doubt that the other teams would feel that they were evenly matched in comparison.

          The new season will begin on September 22, 2008.  Who knows whether ABC even seriously considered this idea; or, whether it has been put into the media by the organizations that try to push the gay/lesbian agenda on television.  People are people no matter what and deserve respect, not hate; often these issues push hot buttons…however, i do think that Cheryl Burke was right…I don’t think America is ready, willing, or able to be participants in watching the show if it violates their personal beliefs.

          The question is, Dancing with the Stars…could they, would they, or should they, do something so contrary to traditional family values as to allow a gay man to compete with a dance professional of the same sex during a prime time television show that many families watch with their children? 

Advertisement

Read Full Post »

Memories For Sale-Cheap…Clinton, Flowers, Jones

      I am a little bit surprised by the timing of the announcement, as it seems to me that these ladies would have gotten more mileage out of launching their website during the high point of Hillary’s historic campaign.   There is a new website that is offering to tell you all sorts of memories of Gennifer Flowers and Paula Jones.   They are putting on video, memories of their times with Bill Clinton.  Their website is offering an opportunity for paying customers to listen to what they want us to know about the Clintons; and, their memories of their times together, for a cheap, bargain price of 1 dollar and 99 cents. 

         What is a shame, is that what should be, upon self-reflection, a time of acknowledging a personal low, in the area of accomplishments and deeds; instead, has become a celebration of those sorrowful experiences with financial perks.

        The sheer marketing genius of selling cheap memories for a cheap price is astounding.  Sad but true, there is always a market for such things that exploit the sensational aspects of life.  I am sure there will be no lack of paying customers…but like most things of this nature; it won’t last, and then what?  Isn’t it time to move on?

         Now, I realize that over the years that both Paula and Gennifer have tried other venues to get their thoughts, feelings and points across…but, let’s reflect a little here on the various ways they have expressed their rejection, humiliation, sadness, anger, and low self-esteem, in my opinion.  

            Let’s see… there was a dramatic  (sexual harassment) lawsuit in 1994 by Paula Jones against Bill, there have been media- driven news announcements, television shows, interviews, a book that was written by Gennifer Flowers about her alleged 12 year affair with Bill, musical tours, speaking engagements, nude photos in men’s magazines, boxing matches, offering up recorded conversations to the highest bidder, and last but not least, financial settlements.

         I guess…in my opinion…the circumstances of each woman’s relationship with Bill Clinton was sad enough in it’s very roots.  But the full growth, of each of their sordid stories, has been nurtured and fertilized by their need to have us all feed off of the fruit, of their in your face, here, is what happened to me situations. 

          I am afraid that this whole thing leaves a bad taste.  After all, by charging for your memories of those times…you have validated Bill’s low opinion of you…women he could use (or attempt to use for his own pleasure) and then discard when it no longer suited his needs.  Then, when confronted, he denied his connections to you…he devalued your worth as women.  Now, all of those who said that you had little class will feel justified in their opinions.  Once again, there will be ridicule instead of people understanding your version of past events.

          By capitalizing financially; and, seeking attention, for more fame and publicity….it seems that you’ve succeeded in taken self-destruction to a whole new level by willing jumping into the pool of degradation, after having been coaxed into it by Bill Clinton; and, his political foes and cronies over the years.

          Paula Jones has allegedly said that this website is a way of getting their words out there without someone else’s interpetations or corrections.  However, i think it has only opened them both up to more media attention and public opinion….therefore, more criticism.  It is at times like this, that your mother’s wisdom is best heeded; if you don’t have anything nice to say…it is better to say nothing at all.   Let’s just end this with the thought, that it is always best to respect yourself; so that others, will afford you the same courtesy. 

         

Read Full Post »

Restaurant Owner’s Profit Or Loss-Hair Loss That Is

          There is a story out there right now that is making a huge impact on people’s hearts.  It is about a waitress and a restaurant owner.  As most restaurant owners own their businesses to make a profit; I am sure this particular owner in Ontario, Canada is in some ways regretting his decision to temporarily lay off a certain waitress, by the name of Stacy Fearnall, who shaved her head for charity.  Profit or loss determines alot of business owners decisions when running their businesses…I am sure this decision will be no different in the long run.

         It seems that Stacy has lost a few people to cancer and has friends who are, even now, being affected by cancer.  Stacy wanted to remember and honor them.  She wanted to participate in Cops for Cancer which is a charity that raises funds and awareness about the disease.   So by shaving her head, Stacy was able to raise almost three thousand dollars for the charity.  Kudos to Stacy and to the charity!

           However, when she got to work she was allegedly advised to either wear a wig or go home until her hair grew back.  The owner allegedly felt that his customers would be offended.  He has set standards for his employees about how they present themselves.  It seems as if some of the customer’s support his decision…but many others do not.    The power of public opinion will prove itself in the profit or loss numbers since the temporary lay off began.

           It is normally waitresses who get tips; but, i do have one for Mr. Hilliard…have more compassion in your heart and worry less about what people think in regards to the amount of hair one has on their head.  Do you think less of your customers who have bald or shaved heads?  Hair loss is a sensitive subject and one that people feel very strongly about whether it is from cancer or just natural hair loss.   If Mr. Hilliard thinks less of someone with hair loss, maybe he should try inviting those particular customers to come back when they grow hair back on their heads and see what they have to say about such a statement!  How would you handle this situation?

Ps…remember cancer affects us all support cancer research.  www.cancer.org/.   See some generally related articles that i have written.  https://writeasrain.wordpress.com/2008/06/03/cancer-is-a-thief/. https://writeasrain.wordpress.com/2007/11/15/robin-roberts-strength/

Read Full Post »