Kanye is a Gay Fish

In case you missed the latest South Park, here's a taste.

Even Kanye liked it, posting a blog saying that it's going to be a long road to convince people that he isn't a huge douche. But he gave props to the creators, saying the episode was "pretty funny" and saying that the writers and creators are probably really nice people in real life. Who is this guy and what did they do with Crazy Kanye???

Not Hillarious...

It looks like, for some GOD FORSAKEN reason, MTV will not be posting last night's season premiere of the hills until today at 3pm EST! What the hell. I can watch the after show right now, but I have to wait to watch the episode. WHY?!?!?

Why would they do this to me? Why am I being so melodramatic? [insert long pause, during which I stare off into space meaningfully]. I don't know.

The Hills are Alive - Season 5

They're Back. They're Back. Tonight, tonight, tonight!

I can't believe I take so much pleasure in the (fake) shenanigans and (pseudo) dramatics that afflict this un-scripted (scripted) show. But I do, i really, really do.

I have had lengthy discussions about the fact that, for a show where nothing EVER happens, it's riveting television. From the looks of the preview, however, it looks like at some point this season a 'roided up super-douche Spencer does take time out of his busy... um... schedule???? to kick his sister's (eye contact allergic) bf's ass. Real punches thrown. Though my sources tell me all is not as it appears.

According to legal documents filed by the punchee, the producers egged him into sending the texts that got him the "pratt-down", by assuring him that Spencer was in on the joke. Sounds about par. Legal disclaimer: This is all allegedly how it transpired - it's up to the courts to sort it out.

I, for one, would be happy to see Lauren and Heidi getting along again. For some strange reason, I find former friend feuds particularly upsetting. I was probably the only person in America who breathed a genuine sigh of relief when I heard that Paris and Nicole had patched things up. Seriously. I just want everyone to get along.

Looks like this could end up being the very last season of the hills, kids. So buckle up and enjoy the (not very interesting) ride. YEEHAW!

They're Different

It is with heavy heart that I am following today's shootings in Binghamton, NY. As details begin to come in, I think it's telling that the location of the shooting was an immigration services center.

Over the past 2 1/2 years I have watched as anti-immigrant sentiment in this country has grown exponentially. If it was scary to watch this disgusting scapegoating while the economy was still good, it is terrifying now that the economy has shed 2,000,000 jobs in 2009.

There is blood on the hands of the radical right-wing members of the Republican party. There is blood on the hands of every loud mouth on talk radio. And, sadly, there is blood on the floor of a center set up to help everyone achieve the American Dream.

Quitting is All the Rage

The new taxes on cigarettes launched this week and the New York Health Department took the opportunity to roll out a new campaign to encourage smokers to quit.

I have mixed feelings about the tax increase. On the one hand, the additional taxes would help to offset the cost of caring for smokers, especially those on social assistance. On the other hand, I think that cigarette addiction is very powerful and pervasive - addicts, by nature, will find ways to pay for their cigarettes, even if it means going without other necessities which would prove beneficial to their health. This is particularly true of poor and/or disadvantaged smokers.

I have been hearing all week about the new ads running in New York. One in particular has been deemed so disturbing (featuring a child separated from his mother in a crowded train station) that it has made national news.

I tried to find the individual ads on YouTube, but wasn't able to do so. Instead I found a report on the controversial ads. Feel free to weigh in, I would love to know what you think. As the saying goes, "Smoke 'em if you got 'em."

Let's Hug it Out!

I cannot believe that there has been so much fuss about Michelle Obama placing her hand on the Queen's back. Let's get some perspective, people.

1. The Queen placed her hand on Michelle's back first.

2. As a non-subject, Ms. Obama is not held to the same rules of protocol as a citizen of the UK or any of the commonwealth nations (Canada, Australia, Bermuda, etc) would be . Barring appearing to be very rude, MO isn't even required to curtsy to the Queen.

3. With all the problems in the world right now, this is what we have to focus on? Is it a prolonged April Fools joke? I hope so.

One of the Coolest Ads Ever

Hi Kids,

An email came acroos my desk this morning that contained a link to one of the coolest interactive ads I've ever seen. Just want to assure you all that this is 100% legit - check the date, this is no April Fools joke.

Check it out!