Showing newest 43 of 68 posts from February 2009. Show older posts
Showing newest 43 of 68 posts from February 2009. Show older posts
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Buffett Not Completely Worried In Face Of Financial Apocalypse
Apocalypse may be a too-strong word for our current financial standing, but looking at 
Warren Buffett's annual letter to shareholders, it could have been right-on had the government not stepped in. The letter, released this morning, is widely viewed annually as an inside look at Buffett's investing wisdom. In 2008, however, his Berkshire Hathaway lost billions of dollars in the economic downturn. The decrease in net worth was over $11-billion. ELEVEN-BILLION-DOLLARS!
Buffett went on to say things are really, really bad, but they could be worse. He cites bigger wars and bigger recessions/depressions in the 20th Century in saying things really aren't as bad as certain people are making them out to be.
In fact, his insurance businesses (as a matter of full disclosure, I'm employed by one of these insurance businesses) did very well in 2008 by making $2.8B in underwriting gain. In layman's terms, that's REALLY good in a bad economy such as this! Buffett called his insurance businesses an "economic powerhouse."
Read the full letter here.
Warren Buffett's annual letter to shareholders, it could have been right-on had the government not stepped in. The letter, released this morning, is widely viewed annually as an inside look at Buffett's investing wisdom. In 2008, however, his Berkshire Hathaway lost billions of dollars in the economic downturn. The decrease in net worth was over $11-billion. ELEVEN-BILLION-DOLLARS!Buffett went on to say things are really, really bad, but they could be worse. He cites bigger wars and bigger recessions/depressions in the 20th Century in saying things really aren't as bad as certain people are making them out to be.
In fact, his insurance businesses (as a matter of full disclosure, I'm employed by one of these insurance businesses) did very well in 2008 by making $2.8B in underwriting gain. In layman's terms, that's REALLY good in a bad economy such as this! Buffett called his insurance businesses an "economic powerhouse."
Read the full letter here.
Hannity Tries Condemning Gay Kisses; Makes An Ass Of Self
Earlier this week, following Sunday's Oscars telecast, Fox News' Sean Hannity decided to take on the gay scenes that showed two men kissing. He argued children were being subjected to too much adult content. He didn't make a single mention, however, of how many times hetero kissing was shown on screen.
GLAAD did.
GLAAD did.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Dolly Parton Is Not Gay, Again
Just because we gays are in love with Dolly Parton, doesn't mean she's on our side of the fence. She appeared on Larry King last week and told us again she loves us, but she's not gay.
"I have always been myself. I'm not intimidated by how people perceive me. I don't judge nor criticize people." That's why we love you, babe!
"I have always been myself. I'm not intimidated by how people perceive me. I don't judge nor criticize people." That's why we love you, babe!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
'Oh, God,' It's Bobby Jindal
Did anyone else think 
Gov. Bobby Jindal's Republican Response sounded more like a cheap PSA than a nationally televised address to the American people? If this - along with Sarah Palin - is the future of the Republican party, late night talkers have plenty of material for a good long while.
Hilarity last night during MSNBC's coverage. As Gov. Jindal entered view, Chris Matthews could be heard uttering "oh, God." See the video here.
Oh, and Rachel Maddow had a few words to say about it.
Gov. Bobby Jindal's Republican Response sounded more like a cheap PSA than a nationally televised address to the American people? If this - along with Sarah Palin - is the future of the Republican party, late night talkers have plenty of material for a good long while.Hilarity last night during MSNBC's coverage. As Gov. Jindal entered view, Chris Matthews could be heard uttering "oh, God." See the video here.
Oh, and Rachel Maddow had a few words to say about it.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Ellen's 'Today' Show Prank
On today's Ellen DeGeneres Show, Meredith Viera tries a prank on Matt Lauer, but she quickly finds out the joke is on her.
The Oscars: A Wrap-Up
Overall, last night's 81st Annual Academy Awards were very good. Obviously, a few others agree with us there. Viewership was up over last year's dismal ratings - 36.3-million viewers. That's more than any other non-Super Bowl event in the last two years.
With that huge crowd watching, gay rights took center stage a couple times. First, when Dustin Lance Black won for Best Original Screenplay for Milk.
Later, in a huge upset, Sean Penn picked up the Best Actor trophy and he brought up the Fred Phelps protesters outside the theater.
To win Best Actor, Penn beat out favored Brad Pitt (The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button).
In a hilarious moment, Kunio Kato, who won for animated short, wrapped up his acceptance speech with "Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto." No, seriously, he did.
And a couple other notes about last night's Oscars presentation...
With that huge crowd watching, gay rights took center stage a couple times. First, when Dustin Lance Black won for Best Original Screenplay for Milk.
Later, in a huge upset, Sean Penn picked up the Best Actor trophy and he brought up the Fred Phelps protesters outside the theater.
To win Best Actor, Penn beat out favored Brad Pitt (The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button).
In a hilarious moment, Kunio Kato, who won for animated short, wrapped up his acceptance speech with "Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto." No, seriously, he did.
And a couple other notes about last night's Oscars presentation...
- Disagreement is noted. Kate Winslet looked stunning! She was timeless! And gracious in accepting her Best Actress award! Even though, it would have been better to see Meryl Streep win.
- Loved! Loved! Loved the multiple presenters in the best actor, actress and supporting roles awards.
- What was with the super hot trophy slinger this year?! He can hand out my trophy every year!
- What's with Robert Pattinson!? Why do girls think he's hot? I don't get it.
- And, as controversial as this may sound, I don't think Heath Ledger would have won had he not passed away.
Why Can't I Know About These Things BEFORE They Happen?!
Last week, the third annual National Underwear Day took place in Brazil. Thirty-two models strutted the streets in nothing but underwear. What else did you think it meant?
My only problem is... I didn't know about it ahead of time.
My only problem is... I didn't know about it ahead of time.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Is Burger King Really This Evil?
A couple interesting facts about this video that I didn't previously know:
- Goldman Sachs is one of the primary owners of Burger King.
- Goldman Sachs lost $53B in 2008, but doled out $6.5B in bonuses.
- A $6.5B payout to BK employees would have meant each employee of BK would have received $18,000.
- $18,000 is more than the average yearly income of a BK employee, which is $14,000.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Oscar On The Move
Final preps are underway in Hollywood for tomorrow night's Academy Awards. You can look back on previous posts for this blog's predictions (here). Producers, who have never before produced an awards show, say we should expect some surprises.Insiders have leaked word that some presenters - none of which have been announced - will be 'smuggled' into the theater and not announced until they take the stage to present.
If anything, the secrets will make me watch... just to see if it really is going to be different. If you'll recall, last year's show was the lowest rated since the beginning of television ratings programs.
The 81st Annual Academy Awards air Sunday night on ABC.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Kenny Chesney's Not Gay? You're Kidding!
I have this thought that anytime someone has to say "I'm not gay," they are just adding to the public perception that they actually are. Case in point... 
Kenny Chesney. He's one of us. Period. However, in the new edition of Playboy, he says, quote, "I've got a long line of girls who could testify that I am not gay." And he did this in Playboy, of all places.
Now, does that sound like something someone deep in the closet would say? Yes. On the other hand, I'm not in the business of outing celebrities. There's another blogger who's made a living doing that. I'm just here to point out the facts. And my biased opinion. And the obvious. Ahem.
Judge for yourself.
Kenny Chesney. He's one of us. Period. However, in the new edition of Playboy, he says, quote, "I've got a long line of girls who could testify that I am not gay." And he did this in Playboy, of all places.Now, does that sound like something someone deep in the closet would say? Yes. On the other hand, I'm not in the business of outing celebrities. There's another blogger who's made a living doing that. I'm just here to point out the facts. And my biased opinion. And the obvious. Ahem.
Judge for yourself.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Does Anyone Else Get The Heeby-Jeebies Outta This Creep?
After their first interview, Drew Peterson and his current fiancee broke up. They're now back together. Peterson - also known as "The Devil" to his current fiancee's father - is a scary, sick, demented man. His fourth wife is "missing," and has been for over a year and he's been dating "a few" women since then.
In his marriage to Kathleen Savio, who died under suspicious circumstances, Peterson had the cops called on him 18 times for domestic disturbances in a two-year window. He also had a history of abuse during his marriage to Vicki Connolly, Peterson's second wife.
Did I mention the 30-year gap in age?
In his marriage to Kathleen Savio, who died under suspicious circumstances, Peterson had the cops called on him 18 times for domestic disturbances in a two-year window. He also had a history of abuse during his marriage to Vicki Connolly, Peterson's second wife.
Did I mention the 30-year gap in age?
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Former CNN Anchor Goes Fake
Former CNN anchor Bobbie Battista has made her debut on Onion.com. Battista was with CNN for nearly 20 years, including CNN, CNN International and what's now HLN. Below is a video of the most-recently released Onion News Network video featuring the former serious news anchor.
Battista says it's important to never take yourself too seriously, which is why she decided to accept the offer from ONN to anchor several videos. All will air in February.
FDA Approves Depressant Drug For The Annoyingly Cheerful
Battista told CNN Observer earlier this year she is also working on a deal with a new documentary and reality content company.
Battista says it's important to never take yourself too seriously, which is why she decided to accept the offer from ONN to anchor several videos. All will air in February.
FDA Approves Depressant Drug For The Annoyingly Cheerful
Battista told CNN Observer earlier this year she is also working on a deal with a new documentary and reality content company.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Sykes To Roast Obama
During this May's White House Correspondents Dinner, 
Wanda Sykes will roast Barack Obama. Oh, this should be good. The now-out comedian is never shy of speaking her mind and this traditionally roast-like event will surely be no different.
In commenting on the invitation, Sykes said the first thing she did was make sure her taxes were paid!
Wanda Sykes will roast Barack Obama. Oh, this should be good. The now-out comedian is never shy of speaking her mind and this traditionally roast-like event will surely be no different.In commenting on the invitation, Sykes said the first thing she did was make sure her taxes were paid!
Showrunners Refuse To Confirm Shake-Up Rumors At 'Grey's'
Grey's Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes continues to deny rumors that 
T.R. Knight and Katherine Heigl are leaving the show. Fellow star James Pickens, who plays "The Chief," told an entertainment rag last week we wished both stars well in the future and the reporter interpreted that comment as Heigl and Knight leaving the show.
During this week's NAACP Image Awards, Rhimes said there were no plans to write Heigl and Knight out of the show. She rieterated they are both under contract for two more years and that leaving the show would be a breach of that contract.
I'm on the fence with this one. If it meant Heigl was gone, I could live without hottie McKnight, but I'd rather see him stay on the show!
T.R. Knight and Katherine Heigl are leaving the show. Fellow star James Pickens, who plays "The Chief," told an entertainment rag last week we wished both stars well in the future and the reporter interpreted that comment as Heigl and Knight leaving the show.During this week's NAACP Image Awards, Rhimes said there were no plans to write Heigl and Knight out of the show. She rieterated they are both under contract for two more years and that leaving the show would be a breach of that contract.
I'm on the fence with this one. If it meant Heigl was gone, I could live without hottie McKnight, but I'd rather see him stay on the show!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Urie Sings In Broadway Backwards
Ugly Betty's Michael Urie and Becki Newton appeared at last week's Broadway Backwards 4 singing Sondheim's "Getting Married Today." "Paul" was played by Christopher Kale Jones of Jersey Boys.Can't Get Enough Of This
From Chicago's WGN-TV, a commercial break is loads of fun for these two anchors.
The 13-Year-Old Dad, No Really
Have you heard about this 13-year-old boy in Britain that is now a dad!?!? 
This appears to be a serious story, as reported by the UK's The Sun (here). The paper's web-site has a video of a child, who hasn't even hit puberty himself - holding his newborn baby with his teenage lover.
Alfie Patten was only 12 when he impregnated his 15-year-old girlfriend. Then, they decided to go ahead and have the baby. The two have said they will live with her parents and continue with their schooling.
Britain Prime Minister Gordan Brown, while refusing to comment on this story, said it's important for the country to step up their teenage pregnancy avoidance education programs. You think?
It's when stories like this surface that make me think about all those members of the religious right who think gays are ruining the world. No, it's teens - and now preteens - having children when they can't afford to raise them right. It's teens - straight teens - who haven't yet learned the lessons of life getting pregnant and taking government money to help them (because they aren't even old enough to have a job).
This appears to be a serious story, as reported by the UK's The Sun (here). The paper's web-site has a video of a child, who hasn't even hit puberty himself - holding his newborn baby with his teenage lover.Alfie Patten was only 12 when he impregnated his 15-year-old girlfriend. Then, they decided to go ahead and have the baby. The two have said they will live with her parents and continue with their schooling.
Britain Prime Minister Gordan Brown, while refusing to comment on this story, said it's important for the country to step up their teenage pregnancy avoidance education programs. You think?
It's when stories like this surface that make me think about all those members of the religious right who think gays are ruining the world. No, it's teens - and now preteens - having children when they can't afford to raise them right. It's teens - straight teens - who haven't yet learned the lessons of life getting pregnant and taking government money to help them (because they aren't even old enough to have a job).
Evan Rachel Wood Stops By 'The Soup'
"Baby oil?" This clip isn't about The Wrestler or Evan Rachel Wood or, surprisingly, Joel McHale. It's about a shirtless, oily, shaved Matt!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Amazing Turnout With HRC Action Alert
At about 3:45 this afternoon, the 
Human Rights Campaign sent out an Action Alert asking its members to contact WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The station was scheduling a one-hour paid program called Speechless: Silencing The Christians. The American Family Association, a notoriously anti-gay organization, was slated to purchase the Saturday time slot to air the program.
Less than an hour later, the station had retracted the offer and said they would not air the program. The AFA created the program and promoted as "revealing the truth about the radical homosexual agenda and its impact on the family, the nation and religious freedom."
HRC President Joe Solmonese expressed his gratitude that the community stood up and "would not let those lies stand."
It's my perception we learned a lesson in November when rights were stripped from the gay community in California. We now know we have to stand up and say "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH." It's time to take back our rights and not let the right trample us. We are not doormats. We are not second-class citizens. We deserve the same rights as every other human in this nation.
Human Rights Campaign sent out an Action Alert asking its members to contact WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The station was scheduling a one-hour paid program called Speechless: Silencing The Christians. The American Family Association, a notoriously anti-gay organization, was slated to purchase the Saturday time slot to air the program.Less than an hour later, the station had retracted the offer and said they would not air the program. The AFA created the program and promoted as "revealing the truth about the radical homosexual agenda and its impact on the family, the nation and religious freedom."
HRC President Joe Solmonese expressed his gratitude that the community stood up and "would not let those lies stand."It's my perception we learned a lesson in November when rights were stripped from the gay community in California. We now know we have to stand up and say "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH." It's time to take back our rights and not let the right trample us. We are not doormats. We are not second-class citizens. We deserve the same rights as every other human in this nation.
'Angels & Demons,' The New Trailer
A new trailer for Angels & Demons has been released. The film, which stars Tom Hanks, has been made as a sequel to The DaVinci Code. Both are books by Dan Brown.
Here's the link to the full trailer. The shortened TV version is below.
Here's the link to the full trailer. The shortened TV version is below.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
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