What's the Scoop? (12:22)

Before I begin, I have to apologize. I didn't do a very good job keeping up with the news this week. I usually check the news on my lunch break, but this week I didn't take too many of those because of the busy holiday season. However, I think I caught some of the bigger stories, so here I am to throw my opinion in with those of PolicyMic, TIME, The New York Times, CNN, and Fox News.

As a continuation from last week, I'd like to share this article entitled, "8 Photos You Didn't See From Obama's Trip to South Africa." Author Nina Ippolito shared my opinion that most major news providers took the wrong approach when writing about Mandela's memorial, as they seemed to focus only on the negatives. Ippolito shed a positive light on selfie-shamed Obama, sharing photos of him spending quality time with George and Laura Bush, and Hilary Clinton on Air Force One on the way to the service, among other important moments.

Also continuing with another of last week's themes, it seems like the government's creative ways of catching terrorists doesn't stop with infiltrating the world of online gaming. Now the National Security Agency is trying to collect data on phone calls. All of them. Every single American phone call is, err, was, being documented. Luckily, it sounds like the NSA is going to be ordered to cease and desist considering this is an incredibly unconstitutional invasion of privacy.

We've come to, what I believe is going to remain, a very rare moment where I am quite proud of CNN. Not only did they write a story that I wanted to read, but they were actually kind of witty when writing their lead of, "Ho ho - huh?" Before I get into the story, I'd like to preface it with a confession: I've said some dumb things. Just this Monday morning, I had this conversation:

Me: Good morning, this is Kelly calling you back from... Oh, God! Where do I work? Chicago Title!

Woman: ... Are you alright? Do I need to hold while you get some coffee?

I've also heard some very dumb things. For example, "What state is Delaware in?"

But to hear about a teacher telling a child, "You can't be Santa because you're black," is so unbelievable that there isn't a word for this degree of stupidity. Fortunately, he did the right thing and reported himself to the principal, and action has been taken. As in, they took the kid out of that teacher's class so the poor little guy doesn't have to put up with him anymore.

Last but not least, I certainly couldn't post this blog without saying something about the recent Duck Dynasty fiasco. While I can't defend Phil's beliefs (because homosexuality isn't a sin), I also understand he's very old fashioned, very Christian, and very crass. Is anyone at A&E actually surprised and shocked? No, they're not. They're just disappointed and embarrassed that they weren't around to censor him when GQ was allegedly speaking with Phil "off the record." Yes, because that has happened. Once. Maybe.

The thing is, while what Phil said was indecent, he also has preached that, "I would never treat anyone with disrespect because they are different from me. We are all created by the Almighty and like Him, I love all of humanity. We would all be better off if we loved God and loved each other." I feel that this Lennon-esque sentiment is a message that should spread throughout the world. Religious or not, racism, sexism, homophobia, and all other forms of oppression are getting us nowhere as a society. It's a ridiculous waste of emotion and energy that holds us back, and causes so much unnecessary unhappiness. 

Homophobia has particularly piqued my interest as of late, as it seems to have done around the world with many other millions of people. We are progressing toward a world of tolerance and acceptance, which also means happiness and less violence. Before this, the big pushes were for racial and gender equality (though the argument can't be made that we're completely done), and I wonder what will come after. Hopefully, "after" comes very soon, because I would like to see a whole lot less of this:

Probably because you were so stupid in life that St. Peter
couldn't justify letting you into heaven.

I believe in this woman's approach, which, much like Phil's statement post-GQ, is "agree to disagree." What's kind of depressing is that sometimes the LGBT activists turn around and meet the word "f**" (I can't even type it) with "zealot" or "bigot," or some other equally hateful word...or string of words. If you want an example, look in the comments section for "JesusWasABrownGuy," who has some particularly intolerant things to say about Phil, and all Christians for that matter. I feel like it doesn't happen very often, at least a lot less often than gay hating, but it needs to not happen at all. You can't win a war against hate by being hypocritical.

Then again, sometimes, when I see signs like the one above, I can't help but have the same knee-jerk reaction. Because I also believe in Morgan Freeman's words.

Sources

http://www.policymic.com/mobile/articles/76375/8-photos-you-didn-t-see-from-obama-s-trip-to-south-africa

http://swampland.time.com/2013/12/16/judge-says-nsa-program-likely-unconstitutional/

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2013/12/17/us/politics/federal-judge-rules-against-nsa-phone-data-program.html?from=homepage

http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/16/us/new-mexico-teacher-black-santa/index.html?c=homepage-t

http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2013/12/18/phil-robertson-suspended-after-comments-about-homosexuality/

http://prayeatcreate.wordpress.com/2013/12/19/everyone-else-is-sharing-their-opinion-on-this-heres-mine/

What's the Scoop? (12:15)

This week in the news... there was a lot going on. I know I promised you that I would only bring you inspiring and informative stories, but there haven't been a whole lot that I've come across. However, I can promise a little hilarity and a lot of mind-boggling entertainment.

First of all, I'd just like to say congratulations to CNN, because they've done it again. Last week it was big news that the Pope once held a job as a bouncer, and this week Obama takes a selfie. While I do agree that taking a selfie during the memorial service of Nelson Mandela was tasteless, but still harmless, what CNN had to say about it was pretty stupid.

CNN states, "Nelson Mandela's memorial service Tuesday was supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime event where dozens of world leaders join thousands of South Africans in a massive stadium, all to honor the anti-apartheid icon. Instead, it turn into a media sensation...about a selfie."

Yes. And bravo, you fueled it by writing your own story about a selfie. I also think you're being a little dramatic. Truly, there is no "supposed to be" about it. The event still took place, and all of our leaders came together to honor the life of a great man. How about, instead of writing about how tragic it is that this once-in-a-lifetime event (which, I can assure you, wasn't completely undone by President Obama's momentary indiscretion [one of my favorite phrases, thank you Kristen Stewart), you write about the actual event?

I wait with baited breath to see what gems you come up with next week.

Somewhere in the USA, where journalists are slightly smarter, there was different news on Mandela's memorial service. Unfortunately, it still wasn't about how wonderful the service was, nor did it at all commemorate South Africa's late and great hero. It was about the jack-ass standing to the left of the speaker who clearly has never learned a lick of sign language.

I read a couple of stories about this, including the account of deaf actress Marlee Matlin. From watching the video, I learned that facial expressions are a huge part of sign language. I watched the video of Thamsanqa Jantjie, the false interpreter, and I did note that his face never changed, and he seemed to be doing the same motions over and over again, maybe with some occasional, slight variances. He also wasn't signing a lot of the time that the speaker was talking. Even though I've read multiple articles, I'm still not sure how this man was appointed to sign at Mandela's memorial.

On Monday of this week, the NY Times informed online gamers that their sacred grounds have been overrun with spies! As a former gamer, I find this to be quite awesome. Were I still in the fantastical and bright land of WoW, I would probably be drilling every newcomer, "Are you a spy? Are you? You can tell me, I won't tattle."

The reason the American and British spies are infiltrating our interwebs is because it's believed that "terrorist or criminal networks could use the games to communicate secretly." So there is just as much chance that gamers may run into spies as criminals or terrorists. Good thing my parents taught me from a young age to practice safety when giving out information online.

And, lastly, I have for you my favorite story of the week. I'm sorry to admit that this story made me laugh, but I can't feel all that bad about myself because every time I re-tell it, the person who is hearing the story also laughs. Maybe because they are uncomfortable. Or maybe because they think it's just as ridiculous as I do.

Reportedly, a couple was out Christmas shopping at a mall. The man was getting irritated because they'd been there for over 5 hours. He was telling his companion that they have more bags that they can carry, and it was time to leave. The woman replied that there was a shoe store nearby with a very good sale. Last store, she promised. He argued with her that she already owns more shoes than she could possibly wear in her lifetime, and when she accused him of killing her Christmas spirit, the man drop the bags and threw himself over a balcony. Because that is the logical reaction. 

Clearly, there was more of an ongoing issue between these two than the media reported. Otherwise, he might have just thrown the bags down and walked away, or said, "Carry them yourself," or, "We're through." Instead, he chose to make a very bold, very irreversible statement. My bet is that the woman he left behind will take the advice of Robin Scherbatsky and never go to the mall again. I don't think I ever would.

Before we part, I'd like to leave you with this article. It's more pictures than words, so if you have 5 minutes, click it!

Sources

Obama Takes a Selfie

Online Gaming Overrun by Spies and Drug Lords

Fake Interpreter at Mandela Memorial

Boyfriend Kills Himself over too much Christmas Shopping

What's the Scoop? (12:8)

After consulting with my sister (read: attorney), I've decided to take a slightly different direction with my blog. I'll still be writing short stories and personal memoir, because that's what I love. But in an effort to become more cultured and informed, and to help others do the same, I've decided to do a weekly cap of the news. So every Sunday evening you can look forward to reading a shortened version of the most controversial, hilarious, informative and uplifting stories that I've found, Monday through Sunday.

I'm sure we've all heard that on December 5th, 2013, Nelson Mandela passed away. Unfortunately, he passed away at a very unfortunate time for Paul Walker. Just for a second, before I launch into why Mandela's life is worth remembering, I'd like to talk about how not to honor someone in death via Paul Walker and Nelson Mandela. They both died. They've both gotten equal amounts of recognition. Except that we've used Nelson Mandela's death to belittle Paul Walker, who was a son, a father and a charitable man, not just an actor. The world lost two good men, and I highly doubt Mandela would appreciate how his death has been used to make others feel ashamed.

This is not okay.

Okay, my soap box is back in my closet.

For those of you who don't know, Mandela was the President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, but not before winning a Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. Additionally, Mandela is to South Africa as Obama is to America. At least when it comes to people getting their heads out of their asses and realizing that skin color doesn't make a bit of difference when it comes to intelligence and leadership capabilities, or anything else for that matter. As far as their rule... well, that remains to be seen where Obama is concerned. However, Mandela used his time in office to fight against racism, poverty and all types of inequality.

What makes all of this extraordinary is that Mendela was once regarded as a traitor because of his actions as a member of the African National Congress. In 1964, Mandela was sentenced to life in prison, and wasn't released until 1990. (To put it into perspective, I like to think of it this way: in my 25 years, I haven't yet outlived the length of his sentence.) Mandela's entire political life was spent leading the fighting against apartheid, sometimes more peacefully than others. When he and his comrades were waiting to be sentenced, "they agreed that even if sentenced to hang, they would refuse on principle to appeal." That's pretty badass.

Nelson Mandela's accomplishments in life were many, and there are few who can stand next to him and claim they have done half as much. We are better people, a better world, for having him in it. Rest in peace.

                                                                                               

If you have some extra time, here are some stories I found interesting (or silly) that didn't make the cut:

News on Detroit's recent bankruptcy. 

CNN thought it was important to let us know the Pope was once a bouncer.

Did you know that Microsoft is developing a bra that will text you, telling you to avoid the kitchen because you're too stressed? That's right, a health-concious bra that teaches you not to stress-eat. Read the hilarious article here: This smart bra will stop you from eating your feelings. Ladies, rejoice!

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson_Mandela

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25249520

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/06/world/africa/nelson-mandela_obit.html?pagewanted=2&_r=0

Lastly, I've noticed recently that a lot of my pictures are no longer able to be viewed, not just from long-ago posts, but from recent ones too. This is unfortunate since I post a lot of pictures. I'll do my best to replace what I can, but I simply don't have all the pictures any more.