The Scariest Statement You Could Ever Hear

President Sarah Palin

Bone-chilling, ain't it? But the former governor of Alaska and Vice Presidential candidate is saying that her campaign for President of the United States in 2012 is a possibility. Certainly, her campaign is a possibility (living on Mars is a possibility). Getting the citizens of the free world to elect her is a different story, entirely.

I say this now, if ever Sarah Palin is elected President of these here United States, I will be on the next plane out of the country. I will not live in a country led by a woman who can't so much as give a straight answer when asked a direct question. Really, Sarah Palin? Do you really think you have what it takes to run this country and maintain its status in the world?

Were you oblivious as to the real reason McCain didn't win? This country was utterly terrified at the thought of you being next in line. I know I was. And this is not a question of whether or not it's time for a female Commander in Chief, it's certainly time. This is a question of competency. Under no circumstances would I ever want our country in danger (again) because of incompetent leadership. Case and point, former President George W. Bush.

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photo taken from www.hailtothechiefs.com

Public Transit Etiquette: 10 ways to improve the system

I'm a New Yorker, born and raised. I’ve dealt with my share of pushing and shoving on the buses and trains, but now that I live in Massachusetts, I have to say that the T-riders take the cake, no contest. There's hardly any concept of moving in to the car, here. I get the craziest looks.

I’ve often joked that the transit system needs monitors (or rope) to direct the flow of traffic. This would work for the buses at the T stations, especially. To get home, I take the bus from the T and that place is an absolute mess. Everyone is trying to pack on the bus at once, instead of boarding single-file, and it’s so annoying. (Don't even get me started on the lack of chivalrous behavior from the foreign men.) Now if there was a rope—much like the one you see at the movie theater and the bank—I truly believe that it would create some order and actually get riders on more quickly. I figure, if the system won't make a change then the riders should change the way they use the system.

Here are 10 things that we all can do to facilitate a more efficient transit system:

1. Have your method of payment in hand when boarding the bus or approaching the gate/turnstile.

2. When waiting to board the train, stand to the side and let the riders off first.

3. When boarding the train or bus, move as far in as possible to allow others to board behind you.

It’s rude to stand at the door when there are a dozen people behind you.

4. When exiting the bus, use the rear door.

5. When on the train or bus, remove large backpacks that will obstruct riders from moving past you.

6. Seats are for people, not shopping bags. Place your bags under your seat.

7. When travelling with little ones, it is usually best to break down strollers and hold your child.

8. Stay to your right! This is useful when going up or down the stairs, walking on the street or whatever.

It’s just a good practice.

9. Purchase/refill your card or ticket before your next trip. Nothing like avoiding a long line at the machine.

10. Mind your manners. “Excuse me,” “Please,” and “Thank You” go a long way.

Like so many things in life, if everyone did their part, the world would be a better place. I'm just sayin'.

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photo from www.wired.com

Perfection

Question: Why do so many female celebrities find it necessary to create this self-imposed, larger than life image of perfection and then want to "empower" women to love who they are on the inside? 

The reason so many young girls and women find it hard to accept their own body image is because of all the "perfect" celebrities they see covering the magazines.

Maybe young girls find it hard to love the reflection of themselves, despite what mom and dad may say, because all the boys their age are head over heels for Rihanna who is half-naked in her music videos and practically naked on the cover of GQ magazine looking more like a sculpted goddess than a real woman. Of course, they will then believe that that's what it takes to be noticed.

Now, this is not to suggest that any woman should have to downplay her self-assurance and confidence for the sake of another woman's self-esteem, but when you have so many young girls and women looking up to you and wanting to be like you, why emphasize one side? Why sexualize yourself at every chance you get?

And for our young boys and men, they need to see that women as more than sex symbols. They need to see these young women looking real and being human. As parents we have a role to play, but the powerful people in our society have to change the images our children are exposed to day in and day out, as well. Young boys are very impressionable when it comes to their views of women. We need to show them early on that women are more than their curves. We need to teach them to equate sexy with a kind heart, intelligence and strength, not just hips and butts and breasts. Agree or disagree, I'm just saying...

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Oscar buzz

So, now that the Grammy hoopla is all said and done, the countdown to this year's Oscars can begin. I won't comment too much about the Grammy's simply because I was disappointed and I don't care to dwell on the negative. Instead, I would like to look toward the future with optimism. [10-second time out: Did anyone else feel robbed by A.Keys' absence?]

I am delighted to know that Mo'Nique and Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe have both been nominated for their roles in Precious. I'm so thrilled for both women. Mo'Nique has been sweeping through the awards circuit and I'm hopeful that her jaw-dropping performance will be awarded the highest of honors. Gabby has been nominated with no wins as yet, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed for her. Not only that, but the Precious has been nominated for "Best Picture" (along with nine other films, but I won't get into how I feel about the expansion of this category) which is beyond fabulous. Director Lee Daniels must be on cloud-9 these days.

This is a bit of a side-bar to the wonderful news above... So many times a phenomenal film of mostly African-American actors will "take the country by storm" and spark a discussion on race, the lack of work for black actors and "what this film will do" for black actors. We saw it with Dreamgirls a few years ago, I'm sure there was the same buzz surrounding The Color Purple. Precious is no different, but instead of just color this time around, we are all a buzz about how this movie will change the face of the leading lady. Will she no longer have to be fair-skinned and thin or a sexy Latina? We'd all like to believe that things will change. My God, with a black First Family, we all wanted to believe that SOMEthing would change. I'm sad to say that, honestly, I believe that not much has changed at all.

In any case, I'll be tuning into the 82nd Annual Academy Awards show on Sunday, March 7th and I hope you will be too.

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Oscar photo taken from i.ehow.com