Tammy Bruce: Relationships Archives

Relationships Archives

The Audacity of Not Keeping His Mouth Shut

Wright at the National Press Club

I know I'm not the only one not impressed by Obama's oddly late repudiation of Jeremiah Wright. After all, he knew of the “divisive and destructive,” “ridiculous,” “outrageous” and “wrong” paranoid and hate-based Wright comments long ago. When he first addressed the issue he further embraced Wright in the famous Gramma-Under-the-Bus speech. Now, when Wright had the audacity of not keeping his mouth shut, Barry decides that he can disown a man he suddenly realized his father-figure for all his adult life "gives comfort to those who prey on hate."

My question is this: If Barack Obama had no idea what his father-figure's intentions and beliefs were after two-decades plus of knowing him, how can we trust this man to be able to assess the intention of men like Ahmadinejad and Jong-Il? One of two things is happening here: Either Obama truly is clueless and completely unable to judge people, or he feels a kinship with those who are bitter, angry and hate this nation. In his own life we have his bitter and recriminating wife, Wright, and unrepentant terrorist Ayers. On the international scene Obama has already expressed an interest in establishing talkative, friendly relationships with the world's monsters.

In the meantime, word is slipping out from Wright's friends that he didn't intend to hurt Obama, he was just hurt and lashing out in the moment. I guess that makes everything okay. But it does make us question if it's a good idea to have a man in the White House who has such a vengeful and hateful father-figure in the wings always ready to strike out. Really, is this a soap opera we need in the White House during a time of war?

Father Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Church said he has been speaking to both men as the events of the past 24 hours unfolded. He counseled Obama Tuesday morning, and while CBS 2 talked to him Tuesday evening, Rev. Wright called his cell phone. "I don't think he had any intention to hurt Barack. He loves Barack," Pfleger said. "I think the pain and the moment took over." That moment was in a place Pfleger called "a lion's den" – The National Press Club.

Yeah, the pain of not having the Man Who Would Be President be subservient and respectful to you? All of these people are reaping the rewards of living in a world of contempt and bitterness. What do they want from each other? Emotional healthy response from each other?

Whether his problem is a pathological inability to see bad people for who they are (and good people for that matter, too. His issue is very probably a Malignant Narcissistic lack of empathy, an inability to comprehend the feelings and motives of others), or identifying sympathetically with those who hate this country, we and he are in trouble.

It Just Never Ends

The new governor of New York appears to be as pathetic as the last one. And this man has the gall to take the office after knowing the circumstances that brought him to it. Astounding. I'm simply speechless.

Gov. Paterson admits to sex with other woman for years

The thunderous applause was still ringing in his ears when the state's new governor, David Paterson, told the Daily News that he and his wife had extramarital affairs...In the course of several interviews in the past few days, Paterson said he maintained a relationship for two or three years with "a woman other than my wife," beginning in 1999...

Given the call-girl scandal that erupted last week and forced Spitzer's stunning resignation, Paterson conceded that top government officials are bound to come under closer scrutiny for their personal actions.

The governor flatly denied what he called a "sporadic rumor in Albany that I had a love child" by another woman. "That's just not true," he said.

"Don't you think he'd take care of a child if he'd had one?" Michelle Paterson said, in obvious disgust over that persistent rumor. Asked if he had stayed with anyone else since 2001 at the same West Side hotel, Paterson said, "From time to time I used to take Michelle to that hotel."

Please read the whole thing. You simply can't make up this stuff.

Posted by Tammy · March 17, 2008 11:21 PM · Permalink · Comments (9)
Death of Right and Wrong | Just Plain Stupid | Relationships

On O'Reilly Factor Tonight

Due to Mississippi primary coverage, the O'Reilly Factor will air at 9pm ET instead of the usual 8. I'll be on at the top of the hour right after his Talking Point memo. The subject? The Spitzer debacle, but with a focus on how certain idealogical groups have been handling it.

I believe I got some good points in but I also think I've done better. At any rate, I hope you can tune in. I'm also hoping that SOB will resign sooner than later.

Posted by Tammy · March 11, 2008 05:09 PM · Permalink · Comments (9)
Malignant Narcissism | Relationships | Television

Hillary: "I Can Always Work in a Diner"

Now we have Hillary's confession, an off-handed but rather telling remark, and it's not exactly presidential in scope. This sort of comment is not made by a person who expects to win, and belies any sense of confidence. At the same time, working in a diner might educate her about the importance of tips.

Ultimately, while I do not want the Clintons near the White House ever again, I do find it difficult not to feel sorry for her.

I can always get a job in a diner, says Hillary

Hillary Clinton joked yesterday that if her bid for the White House failed she could always work in a diner.

The former First Lady may have been speaking in jest, but her remarks betray an awareness that she may lose one of the potentially decisive primary elections in Ohio and Texas next Tuesday. During a campaign stop at the Bob Evans restaurant in Rio Grande, Ohio, Mrs Clinton shook hands with kitchen staff and then stood behind the counter to pose for pictures.

"I am just going to take a few orders here," she smiled, adding: "In case this other endeavour doesn't work out I can come back to Bob Evans."

Diana Lemaster, a waitress photographed with Mrs Clinton, said: "She would be welcome working here any time. She was very, very nice."

Believe me, this is not the sort of exchange Obama is having with diner owners, or anyone else, for that matter.

Posted by Tammy · February 29, 2008 10:12 AM · Permalink · Comments (11)
Relationships

OJ Simpson's Girlfriend Hospitalized With 'Severe Head Injury'

She apparently "keeps falling down." You know, like how Nicole kept throwing herself onto his fist. And how she fell down on that knife in 1994 so many damn times.

O.J. Simpson's Girlfriend Hospitalized With 'Severe Head Injury'

O.J. Simpson's girlfriend Christie Prody was hospitalized Tuesday in Miami for what police are calling a "severe head injury," Entertainment Tonight has reported.

An anonymous caller reported a woman falling and was taken by Fire Rescue to Baptist Hospital of Miami with a severe head injury, according to a police report obtained by the television show.

Prody had been "intoxicated and always falling down" during a trip this month to San Antonio, a witness told police, according to the report. She "went out for breakfast only to be found later that day in the hospital," a witness told police, according to ET.

Me, too!

Posted by Tammy · February 13, 2008 09:38 PM · Permalink · Comments (7)
Domestic Violence | Malignant Narcissism | Mental Health, Lack Of | Misogyny | Relationships

Did Anyone Ask the Dog?

I say Go Girl! I think it was time for that relationship to end. Now if only the dog could move out...

Woman doesn't want dog in bathroom during couple's shower

BREMERTON, Wash. (AP) - A 25-year-old woman was arrested for investigation of second-degree assault for getting into an argument with her boyfriend over whether his dog should be in the bathroom while the couple were taking a shower together.

A police report said the 26-year-old man wanted his dog to join them in the bathroom, but the woman objected on Thursday night.

She told him if the dog wouldn't stay out, she didn't want to be his girlfriend anymore. He replied that maybe his next girlfriend would appreciate the dog more, and called her a name.

The police report said the woman punched him in the face several times and the man dislocated his shoulder when the naked couple grappled. He told police his girlfriend threw a picture frame, which broke and cut him.

The woman was taken to the Kitsap County Jail in Port Orchard. Bail has been set at $50,000.

That bail, IMHO, is ridiculously high. She was provoked. To say nothing of the boyfriend attempting to force pron on the puppy. Isn't that a crime?

Posted by Tammy · December 30, 2007 10:04 PM · Permalink · Comments (11)
Animal Issues | Nature | Relationships

Good News: Robin Wright and Sean Penn Divorcing

His reputation regarding his treatment of women has never been good. I've watched that beautiful woman's face change through their marriage, and it wasn't a glow of happiness. Now their children are in their mid-teens, perhaps she finally felt she could get out with the least amount of harm to their children.

Good for her. At dinner tonight, have a toast to her future without that MalNar Ball-and-Chain Sean Penn.

Sean Penn and Robin Wright Penn Divorcing

Sean Penn and wife Robin Wright Penn are divorcing, their rep, Mara Buxbaum, confirms to PEOPLE exclusively. No other details were immediately available. The couple, who've been married 11 years, have two children together, Hopper Jack, 14, and Dylan Frances, 16.

Oh, Defamer has what they say may be video of their break-up fight. Hmmm....

Babe News Anchor Punches Cop

Alycia Lane. Just watch out for the right hook.

Sends cop to hospital. Which may get babe sent to jail. Babe then wishes she watched more "Bad Girls" when she had the chance.

News anchor busted for punching cop

An Emmy-winning news anchor from Philadelphia is in hot water for punching a police officer here in New York, officials said.

Alycia Lane, a Long Island native who co-anchors the nightly news for a local station in the City of Brotherly Love, was arrested for hitting a female police officer in the face early this morning in Manhattan, and charged with assaulting a police officer...

Earlier this year, 35-year-old Lane made headlines when she e-mailed photos of herself clad in a revealing bikini to NFL Network anchor Rich Eisen. The images were discovered by Eisen's wife, but Lane insisted the pictures were only meant as a good-humored joke.

I don't think she'll be going where Martha went. But those pics might get her a few more smokes.

The Tiny Gay Squirrel says: "Wow, two Babe posts in a row. It's good to move past Huckanut rage (for a moment) to things that are really important...like Babes."

UPDATE:

Apparently Alycia used a derogatory phrase against the woman cop that a) could also be used in prison, and b) get her sent to the hospital, just after she becomes everyone's wife. For at least an hour.

Philadelphia News Anchor Alycia Lane Calls Officer 'Dyke', Lands in Jail

Alycia Lane, the evening news anchor on CBS affiliate KYW-TV in Philadelphia, was arrested on early Sunday morning in Manhattan after an altercation with a female police officer, according to the New York Times. Lane and her boyfriend Chris Booker, and another unidentified couple were reportedly traveling in a taxi through Manhattan and became upset over a slow vehicle blocking their way. Philly.com reports Lane confronted the passengers of the slow vehicle, which happened to be a group of police officers in plainclothes. [Oops.]

When one of the officers asked Lane, who was taking photos with her iPhone, to step back, the news anchor reportedly began verbally assaulting the officer. According to Philadelphia Weekly, Lane screamed at the officer, saying "I don't give a f*ck who you are, I am a reporter you f*cking dyke." Lane then punched the female officer in the face, according to the Associated Press, resulting in several lacerations and swelling. The officer was treated at a local hospital and released.

Drug-Addict, Wife Beater Ike Turner Dies

Good riddance. Via the controversial New York Post headline, if a freak like Turner is going to 'beat' a woman to death, let it be like this.

'No comment' says Tina Turner as Ike dies

Ike Turner, the legendary American musician who was perhaps better known for his abusive relationship with his former wife, Tina Turner, than for his contribution to the history of rock’n’roll, died at his home in San Diego last night at the age of 76. It was not immediately known what caused his death.

Tina Turner declined to comment on her former husband’s death. “Tina is aware that Ike passed away earlier today. She has not had any contact with him in 35 years. No further comment will be made,” said her spokeswoman, Michele Schweitzer...

It was Turner’s relationship with a mixed-race Tennessee girl called Anna Mae Bullock, that came to define his public image — much to his later despair and frustration. [His despair?!] [...]

The relationship with Tina was doomed, with Turner allegedly cheating on his wife and becoming addicted to cocaine. The drug addiction culminated in his allegedly beating his wife before a concert in Dallas in 1976. Tina Turner later described how she fled with only 36 cents and a petrol station credit card and spent months in hiding...

His career recovered slightly in his twilight years but many found his denials of abuse towards his wife unconvincing. In his 2001 autobiography, Taking Back My Name, Turner wrote: “Sure, I've slapped Tina. There have been times when I punched her to the ground without thinking. But I never beat her.”

As I said, good effing riddance.

New iPhone Update and Patches

While the update fixes things, it will also likely turn your phone into a brick if you've done some shenanigan modifications. This update is available only though iTunes. This update, of course, is meant for and works just fine with regular, unmodified iPhones.

Apple patches 10 iPhone flaws

Apple today released 10 iPhone security updates, including 7 within the MobileSafari browser. The update is available only through iTunes and is not available from the Apple Downloads page. The version users should see within their iPhone after applying this update should be 1.1.1 (3A109a). Further, Apple refuses to discuss pending security vulnerabilities not patched here, stating "For the protection of our customers, Apple does not disclose, discuss, or confirm security issues until a full investigation has occurred and any necessary patches or releases are available."

And if you've done the shenanigans, Gizmodo tells you what will happen. Brace yourself.

Posted by Tammy · September 27, 2007 09:18 PM · Permalink · Comments (1)
Relationships | Science & Technology

Scientists Need to Get Out More Often

Obviously these scientists have never been to my part of town.

Bizarre Gender-Bender Bugs Baffle Scientists

Scientists have discovered a real gender-bender of a bug, a species in which most females impersonate males. Past research had already revealed the male bugs possessed fake female genitalia.

"We ended up uncovering a hotbed of deception," said evolutionary biologist Klaus Reinhardt at the University of Sheffield in England. "Nothing like this exists anywhere else in the animal kingdom." [...]

"We had to work in containment suits with full-faced respirators in sweltering temperatures for hours at end," Reinhardt said.

Sex among bat bugs (as with bed bugs) is violent. During copulation, males of these species pierce the abdomens of their mates with their genitals and ejaculate directly into their blood. The researchers originally set out to investigate bat bugs in the hopes of shedding light on "one of nature's strangest phenomena — why males had female genitalia," Reinhardt said.

The Tiny Gay Squirrel says: "They already found out why females had fake male genitalia--it makes their girlfriends happy."

Posted by Tammy · September 22, 2007 01:30 PM · Permalink · Comments (6)
Animal Issues | Gadgets/Toys | Relationships | Science & Technology | Squirrels

Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!

My sister...My bride!

Maureen McCormick. Hmmm...yep.

Three words as uttered by Jan which will forever have a new meaning.

Brady Bunch Star Reveals All About Lesbian Fling With TV Sister

Wholesome former THE BRADY BUNCH star MAUREEN MCCORMICK is set to reveal the beloved 70s TV series' most shocking secret in a new book - she and her on-screen sister had a lesbian fling. MCCormick's tell-all, Here's The Story, won't hit bookstores until 2008, but publishers are already buzzing about the big reveal. As well as talking candidly about her well-documented eating disorder and drug problems in the book, TV's Marcia Brady will come clean about a romance she had with co-star Eve Plumb, who played her sister Jan on the hit show. A source tells America's National Enquirer, "The most explosive comments will be how the then-blonde, blue-eyed cutie developed a crush on Eve Plumb, which led to some sexual play. "This book will certainly come as a shocker. While Maureen is not a lesbian [of course not!--T], she reveals there were some sexual hijinks going on behind the scenes. "It's bizarre because she played such a virginal character on the show."

Jan, Jan, Jan!

The Tiny Gay Squirrel says: "And Hillary's not gay, either. She just likes Jan. A lot."

Tom and Katie Sleep in Separate Bedrooms...

Breathe Right or separate bedrooms? Apparently a tough call for Tom Cruise.

Because he snores. And Angelina Jolie and I sleep in separate bedrooms because she snores. Or maybe it's because we really don't know each other. Actually, I'd have trouble breathing with Katie in my bed, too, but only at first :)

Katie blames Tom Cruise's snoring for sleeping in separate bedrooms

It's an age old problem, and many a wife has suffered because of it - but not Katie Holmes.

Tom Cruise and wife Katie Holmes are reported to sleep in separate bedrooms, so she doesn't have to suffer his snoring.

A source told US magazine, Star: "It's a situation that works for both of them"...

"In fact, they even joke about having separate bedrooms to their friends – Katie says Tom snores, and this way she can get her beauty sleep!"

"Of course they spend time together alone at night like most married couples; after all, they conceived Suri!"

Hey, what's this doing here?!

Taking a Woman to Bed

I couldn't resist. Swiped from Patsy, Patsy Stone, a friend on MySpace.

What is the difference between girls/woman Aged: 8, 18, 28, 38, 48, 58. 68,
and 78 ?

At 8 -- You take her to bed and tell her a story.

At 18 -- You tell her a story and take her to bed.

At 28 -- You don't need to tell her a story to take her to bed.

At 38 -- She tells you a story and takes you to bed.

At 48 -- She tells you a story to avoid going to bed.

At 58 -- You stay in bed to avoid her story.

At 68 -- If you take her to bed, that'll be a story!

At 78 -- What story??? What bed??? Who the hell are you???

Posted by Tammy · August 10, 2007 09:18 PM · Permalink · Comments (3)
Humor | Relationships

Los Angeles Mayor Headed for Divorce

Photo of Hilton and L.A. mayor Villaraigosa at the Grammy after-party just before she turned herself in for her grueling 72-hour stay at the city jail. Swiped from Defamer, they wonder if this has anything to do with the mayor's marriage woes. I wonder if this has anything to do with Paris' original very brief jail stay.

This is the same L.A. mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa, who liked to appear at the illegal alien marches and has made Los Angeles a sanctuary city. I guess sanctuary for those who a) don't respect American immigration law and now b) those who don't respect marriage vows. I suppose that pesky "''til death do we part" thing should be changed to "'til the pressures of the job or that affair I had or that there's-so-much-sexy-ass-out-here-I-don't-want-to-be-limited-now-that-I'm-a-political-superstar-
and-someday-might-be-governor-so-who-needs-the-old-ball-and-chain do we part" part.

I'm just sayin'. Luke Ford has the details.

Supplemental comment by Maynard:

The Los Angeles Times has run this gentle article describing Villaraigosa's marital woes. It says things like:

A spokesman would not elaborate on reasons behind the split, but the mayor and his wife, Corina, 49, a longtime teacher in the Montebello Unified School District, have struggled to keep their marriage together as he works long hours away from home....

...Villaraigosa declined at the time to discuss his marriage at length. But he acknowledged that he and Corina had weathered some difficult times, saying that "in a 20-year marriage, there are many ups and downs." And he added that his hectic job — he regularly works 15-hour days and often travels out of town on city business — had added to the strain.

Hmmmm...struggles and difficult times and strains and ups-and-downs...the kind of stuff that could happen to any hardworking man, right? Are they this generous when describing the antics of Newt Gingrich or Rudy Giuliani, I wonder?

An extensive New Yorker article is less sanguine:

On the night of the primary election [at the beginning of his political career], Villaraigosa held a victory party at the Plaza de la Raza, a Latino cultural center. Xavier Becerra, a congressman from Los Angeles, gave a speech praising the courage of Antonio and his wife, Corina, who had been battling thyroid cancer throughout the campaign.

The next morning, Corina phoned friends, asking if they had any idea where Antonio was. She learned that he had left town for a few days with the wife of one of their close friends.

Villaraigosa's supporters were outraged. The Macho Dogs held a meeting; some wanted their money back, and there was talk of recalling him. Many were appalled at his recklessness. He had run as a family man, sending out pictures of himself with Corina and their two small children. (He also has two older daughters, whom he helps support, from relationships before he was married.) Initially, Villaraigosa defended his actions, saying, "It is a matter of the heart." He eventually acknowledged his error. That did not help much with many people, including his wife, who remained estranged from him for two and a half years. "He was a pariah," Cedillo told me.

Posted by Tammy · June 9, 2007 02:24 PM · Permalink · Comments (5)
Malignant Narcissism | Relationships

If Hasselbeck Is to Mothra...

As O'Donnell is to Godzilla, what would you think if Mothra still wanted to be friends with Godzilla despite knowing how destructive, hostile and disturbed Godzilla truly is?

Yeah, well here's what I'd hand her immediately:

Coping with Infuriating, Mean, Critical People: The Destructive Narcissistic Pattern

Amazon book description:

For all of us forced to deal with an infuriating, mean, critical person, seasoned counselor Nina Brown has a word of warning. "You must accept that your usual coping strategies are not effective, and will not be effective, with this person," she advises. "You cannot expect them to react and behave as adults." So what's a victim to do? Start with the suggestions in this book. In Coping with Infuriating, Mean, Critical People, Brown explains why many people, who may not display all of the characteristics necessary for a formal, full-blown narcissist diagnosis, still display what she calls a "destructive narcissistic pattern" that results in much the same anguish for those with whom the individual interacts. Thankfully, she also provides specific methods that will help victims of this behavior deal with the narcissistic colleague, supervisor or boss, parent, or intimate other. Only the extremely lucky among us have never faced or felt the effects of narcissistic behaviors and attitudes, displayed by colleagues, bosses, friends, parents, or lovers. These individuals may boast and brag constantly, take credit for other people's work, expect favors but return few or none, never listen (but always know all the answers), be sure of what is right and best regardless of the topic. They devalue others, micromanage, are hypercritical and mistrustful. Other characteristics of this harmful personality include an inflated sense of importance, although achievements are exaggerated and actual outcomes don't support feelings of superiority. They are exploitative, without empathy, and believe they are envied by all. Brown's excellent advice will help you cope.

Posted by Tammy · May 29, 2007 07:05 PM · Permalink · Comments (1)
Animal Issues | Books | Politics | Relationships | Television

Rosie May Never Speak to Hasselbeck Again

Ah, the life of a MalNar. Me, me, me, me, meeeeeeee!

Here's an AP video report (it takes a second to load) about the current behavior and habits of the MalNar when its environment is disturbed by the rare but amusing Frothy Blond Bird. [Tell me what you think of this video clip service, btw. There's a commercial stuck at the beginning, but I think it provides another resource for info. Thoughts?].

It must be interesting the commit the sin of reminding a MalNar like O'Donnell that there are other people and other opinions out there in the world. It's at least nice to see it happen. It's also a good lesson to see what MalNars do when confronted, even by the reticent, they fall down like a very large house of cards.

On a video blog posting on her site (why does she insist on having her girth reproduced on camera?) O'Donnell also declares that it was the use of a "split screen" showing both her and Hasselbeck during the argument on The View that was the final straw. She says it made the show look like Jerry Springer. As opposed to her making it look like the Twilight Zone.

Hey, she should have been grateful for that split screen, it made her look exactly half her size. At the same time, it gave equal status to someone else, and we all know for MalNars, where every single thing has to be about them, that's a big no-no.

Posted by Tammy · May 28, 2007 03:15 PM · Permalink · Comments (7)
Animal Issues | Just Plain Stupid | Malignant Narcissism | Not Losing Any Sleep | Relationships

Divorce Rate Lowest In 37 Years

Some see this as good news, others bad. What could be 'bad' about the divorce rate going down? Well, it's not necessarily 'divorce' that's the problem, it's the disintegration of families with children. Some stats indicate that the divorce rate is at its lowest since 1970 because more and more people are just living together, but breakups still happen. Children, you see, don't know or care about 'divorce.' All they know is their lives are changing, and mommy and daddy are breaking up. Read the whole article. There is a legitimacy to both sides of the argument on this one. It also goes to show you that sometimes statistic aren't what matter, but what's going on behind the numbers.

U.S. divorce rate lowest since 1970

By the numbers, divorce just isn't what it used to be.

Despite the common notion that America remains plagued by a divorce epidemic, the national per capita divorce rate has declined steadily since its peak in 1981 and is now at its lowest level since 1970.

Yet Americans aren't necessarily making better choices about their long-term relationships. Even those who study marriage and work to make it more successful can't decide whether the trend is grounds for celebration or cynicism...

Some experts say relationships are as unstable as ever — and divorces are down primarily because more couples live together without marrying. Other researchers have documented what they call "the divorce divide," contending that divorce rates are indeed falling substantively among college-educated couples but not among less-affluent, less-educated couples...

The number of couples who live together without marrying has increased tenfold since 1960; the marriage rate has dropped by nearly 30 percent in past 25 years; and Americans are waiting about five years longer to marry than they did in 1970.

Adding such factors together, Patrick Fagan of the conservative Heritage Foundation sees a bad situation.

"Cohabitation is very fragile, and when unmarried parents split, for the child it might as well be a divorce," Fagan said. "Among those who are marrying there's increased stability, but overall the children of the nation are getting a rawer and rawer deal from their parents."

Posted by Tammy · May 11, 2007 02:51 PM · Permalink · Comments (1)
Children | Relationships | Social Commentary

Suze Orman Knows Money, But Not Men

And just when you thought the celebrity news couldn't get any more personal or surprising. Boy, were we wrong. For some reason, Suze Orman, the world famous money guru, not only announced herself a lesbian to a New York Times Magazine reporter (that I can understand if one is asked and does not want to lie), but then went even further. She noted she's never, ever been with a man, and then labeled herself a 55-year-old virgin. I've been hesitant to blog about this only because I'm probably the last person who should comment on an adult's sexual admissions. But I do know some of you may want to chime in, so here goes.

First, I have a brief Suze Orman encounter story. I had always heard rumors about her, and my gaydar was always off the chart with her, but I never really thought about. Then, in 2003 when my book, "The Death of Right and Wrong," was published, I was booked (for the first and apparently last time) on "The View." There's an entire story with that, as you can imagine, but it will wait for another time. This was way before the Rosie O'Donnell train wreck.

Suze Orman was booked for the same episode and as I was waiting in the green room she walked into the room with her hand outstretched, introduced herself, and had very nice things to say to me. She then outed herself, by introducing her "partner" to me and my publisher's publicist. When she left the room, the publicist, still in some shock, said, "Well, you learn something every day." Yes, indeed we do.

During all of Orman's public life, she has clearly been discreet about her personal life. She's in a business where talking about sexual preference isn't necessary. My work is a different story. Gay politics intrudes in our lives virtually every day. If my being gay wasn't relevant to my perspective on some issues, I would prefer to lead as discreet a life as Orman has. And while I could argue that the focal point of her work transcends gay politics, one indication of why she may have come out now is revealed in the subject matter she addresses next--the financial cost to her and her partner because they are unable to marry.

In the preview article linked to this story, Orman makes a point about estate taxes:

Orman says they'd like to get married, and both "have millions of dollars in our name. It's killing me that upon my death, K.T. is going to lose 50 percent of everything I have to estate taxes. Or vice versa."

Now, I'm not sure if it was arranged ahead of time for her to come out to the NYT, or if the NYT decided it was going to out her, but it will be interesting to see how people react to her admission. Since you're reading this blog, you're probably a group that will have the same opinion of her you did before this. It will be interesting to see how Americans in general respond, and what tack the discussion takes.

Posted by Tammy · February 24, 2007 12:06 AM · Permalink · Comments (18)
Celebrity | Money/Capitalism | Relationships | Social Commentary

Astronaut Gone Wild

Pre-and Post-arrest US Navy Captain Lisa Nowak

Or when the very smart do very dumb things. Kidnap. With diapers. And then the judge thought it would be okay to let her off on bond. Until they figured out that you don't drive 1,000 miles, in a disguise and with diapers (so you never have to stop driving) with a knife, a gun and plastic bags unless you intend to kill somebody. Or go to the moon. Everyone's a genius with this one. Sheesh.

Astronaut to face attempted murder charge

The NASA astronaut who allegedly tried to kidnap a woman involved in a bizarre love triangle with another astronaut will also face an attempted first-degree murder charge, an official said Tuesday...Originally, a judge agreed to release Nowak, who flew aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery last July, after she posted a $15,500 bond and agreed to wear a tracking device and stay away from the alleged victim.

And how is NASA and other astronauts dealing with this? As with the death of right and wrong, with the requisite sympathy for the alleged kidnapper/attempted murderer.

During the morning proceedings, chief astronaut Steve Lindsey, who flew with Nowak, testified that Nowak would return to Houston.

"Our primary concern is her health and well-being, and that she get through this," Lindsey said after the hearing. "Her status [with the astronaut corps] has not changed."

That concern is with the the diaper-clad love-lorn astronaut, not the Air Force captain (Colleen Shipman) who was the intended target, mind you. And I would think her 'status' has changed. She's in jail now. And last time I checked that was on Planet Earth.

No wonder our space program is in such trouble.

And can someone tell me, why do bad things happen to people's hair when they get arrested? Is Bad Hair a pre- or post-arrest event? And if it's pre, I think we have a pretty good argument here to arrest everyone walking around with bed-head past 1pm.

TVNZ has further details of how Nowak "only wanted to scare" her victim. With a knife, rubber tubing, and plastic bags. Hmmm.

Astronaut's obsession ends in jail

US Navy Captain Lisa Nowak, who flew on the space shuttle Discovery last July, drove 1,529 km from Houston to Orlando - wearing diapers so she wouldn't have to stop to urinate - to assault a woman she considered competition for the affections of a male astronaut, police said.

Nowak, 43, a flight engineer with three children, disguised herself in a dark wig, glasses and trench coat to confront Colleen Shipman at Orlando International Airport but said she "only wanted to scare" the woman, police said...Nowak went to Orlando airport around midnight on Sunday night, waited for Shipman's flight from Houston to arrive and then followed Shipman to the parking garage armed with pepper spray, a steel mallet and a BB gun, police said. She also carried black gloves, a folding knife with a 10-cm blade, rubber tubing and trash bags, police said.

In her statement to police, Nowak said she did not intend to physically harm Shipman but "only wanted to scare Ms. Shipman into talking with her."

Yeah, I carry those things to when I want to talk with another woman. Happens all the time.

Posted by Tammy · February 6, 2007 11:58 AM · Permalink · Comments (11)
Crime | Death of Right and Wrong | Outer Space | Relationships

The Difference Between Men and Women

This elusive, up-until-now completely unknown information has finally been discovered after what is clearly Nobel-prize worthy research and insight. How they finally came up with the answer is beyond me, and gives me a new-found respect and admiration for research geeks. Here is the core of their stunning doscovery revealing how men and women differ in relationships and sex:

Overall, women favoured "someone who cares about you" as their top quality in a partner, while men rated most highly that that special someone "enjoys sex".

Amazing, isn't it? Personally, I'm still in shock. I thought this was one of those questions that wouldn't be solved in my lifetime. Now that it is, I think I might not even need my half-a-Tylenol PM tonight, and maybe the world can now turn its genius on curing cancer. But I'm really glad they solved the Man-Woman problem first.

Hey, wait a minute. This discovery was made in Australia, where everything is upside-down. Could that mean that in this hemisphere men favor "someone who cares about them" while women are the ones who rate most highly someone who "enjoys sex"?

Hmmm...

Posted by Tammy · November 28, 2006 10:00 PM · Permalink · Comments (4)
Relationships | Social Commentary

The Toad Less Traveled

Lady contemplates her addiction

The private life of a cocker spaniel is, well, more sordid than we could ever have imagined. This is indeed a cautionary tale for all who will listen.

The Dog Who Loved to Suck on Toads

"We noticed Lady spending an awful lot of time down by the pond in our backyard," Laura Mirsch recalls. Lady would wander the area, disoriented and withdrawn, soporific and glassy-eyed..."Then, late one night after I'd put the dogs out, Lady wouldn't come in," Laura Mirsch says. "She finally staggered over to me from the cattails. She looked up at me, leaned her head over and opened her mouth like she was going to throw up, and out plopped this disgusting toad."

It turned out the toads were toxic -- and, if licked, the fluids on their skin provided a hallucinogenic effect.

"We couldn't keep our dog's addiction a secret any longer," Laura Mirsch says. "The neighbors all knew that Lady was a drug addict, and soon the other dogs weren't allowed to play with her."

In the end, Lady seems to have found a way to manage her problem.

"She seems to have outgrown the wild toad-obsessed years of her youth," Mirsch says, "and now only sucks on weekends."

Wow. Do you think it was her horrible childhood? Low self-esteem? Being teased all the time for being a "dog"? Or perhaps, do I dare suggest it? She just liked the feeling and there was no good reason whatsoever to be a drug addict except for the fact that she was bored, had nothing else to do, it was fun, and knew someone else would take care of her? Lady could have just said no, but she didn't. Say no that is. She did--say no to no. She said no to the wrong thing is what I'm trying to say. She said "yes" to toads, "no" to, uh, no.

Yes, you see, this is the end of the toad, er, road for those who have absolutely no reason to develop any personal responsibility or independence. Lady's childhood was fine, even idyllic. She was confident and happy. Until she put a frog on her mouth. All it takes is that one time. And then you'll be reduced to being thrilled about doing it "only" on the weekends.

Isn't that the way it always happens?

And one last thing--dogs weren't getting high until George W. Bush became president. Think about that.

A Relatively Unrelated Post:

Legends of the Green Faerie

When Supermodels Attack

Let's see, an Arab, an American (the nutty variety) and an Italian. Where's the UN when you really need them? (HT Lucianne)

Now if we could only get her to date bin Laden...

Posted by Tammy · July 17, 2006 12:48 PM · Permalink · Comments (5) · TrackBack (0)
Just Wrong | Relationships | Social Commentary

Mia Farrow: Mud and Trivia

A post in which Maynard observes that what goes around comes around if only you hang around.

Since Mia Farrow has been in the news lately (and Tammy has commented on this story on Tammy Radio), I want to discuss some relevant history. This is more or less mud, so I'm not entirely comfortable dredging it up. But I'm not doing this just to smear her; it's actually a sort of interesting circle.

Once upon a time, a singer/songwriter named Dory Previn was married to conductor/composer André Previn. Dory was not the most mentally stable of people, and she had her issues. (In her autobiography, she describes an incident where an airplane flight is interrupted because "Somebody in my seat was screaming." Some of her madness emerged in her music, which I've found quite compelling; for example, On My Way to Where. There's nothing quite like a musical nervous breakdown to stir my blood.) Anyway, Mia Farrow was a friend of the couple, and then, in a few months in 1970, Dory was suddenly (and much to her surprise) an ex-wife and Mia Farrow was the new Mrs. Previn.

Boys and girls, let me give you a useful piece of advice, for which you should thank me: If you're going to do somebody dirt, choose a victim who is not a writer. An offended artist is going to portray you in his or her work, and it won't be pretty. Dory wrote the savage song, "Beware of Young Girls", about you-know-who. The lyrics, in part:

Posted by Maynard · July 2, 2006 06:17 PM · Permalink · Comments (3) · TrackBack (0)
Maynard Post | Relationships

You Can't Take It With You

Anna Nicole Smith leaving one of the many court hearings

Imagine how much more pleasant the last years of this man's life would have been if he hadn't held such a grudge.

Anna Nicole Smith's Former Stepson Dead at 67

DALLAS — E. Pierce Marshall, who feuded for years with former Playboy Playmate Anna Nicole Smith over his father's oil fortune, has died, his spokesman said Friday. He was 67. Marshall died unexpectedly Tuesday evening in the Dallas area from a brief and extremely aggressive infection...

Smith married Texas oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall II in 1994, when she was 26 and he was 89. He died the following year. Since then, E. Pierce Marshall has been locked in a legal battle over her entitlement to the estate.

The Supreme Court last month revived former Playboy Playmate Anna Nicole Smith's pursuit of her late husband's oil fortune, ruling Monday that the one-time stripper deserves another day in court.

The Marshalls are worth more money than God and Smith gave the old man some happiness. J. Howard Marshall made choices, and she was one of them. Now the fight his son waged against her for 11 years means absolutely nothing. There's a lesson in there about what really matters. Hopefully the younger Marshall's family won't carry on that particular obsessive and controlling legacy of his, and work out a settlement with Smith. Everyone can then get on with their lives, while they still have them.

Posted by Tammy · June 24, 2006 02:00 PM · Permalink · Comments (4) · TrackBack (0)
Authentic Feminism | Money/Capitalism | Relationships

Gay Marriage: Why Not?

A Post by Maynard

The political debate rumbles on, and we've heard the principle arguments repeated endlessly: On one hand, the right of gays to seek the same legal protections available to straights, and on the other hand, the mainstream desire to preserve an ancient and fundamental institution. Perhaps there's a more appropriate way to look at this. Seems to me there's an element of narcissism on both sides of the standard argument: On one hand, MY rights; on the other hand, MY tradition. But maybe it's not about YOU. Marriage may make us happy (or miserable, as the case may be), but its primary purpose is to create a stable environment into which children will be born and nurtured through adolescence. Certainly both our statistics and common sense tell us that children do vastly better if they grow up with loving parents, a mother and a father. For this reason, I'd rather view the battle for marriage as a children's rights issue, rather than a ME ME MINE issue.

Looked at from this perspective, the problem with gay marriage isn't that it's objectively any worse than (and it may actually be better than) the broken homes and single parents and all the other indications that modern marriage is a ruined institution. The problem with gay marriage is fundamentally symbolic: It's the societal acknowledgement of how far marriage has fallen. If not for the specter of gay marriage, we could continue to pretend that we're still functional. We could pay our hypocritical respects to our ideal, even if that ideal no longer translates into any semblance of reali

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