How did Bill Maher get a free pass?

I am amazed over his choice of Halloween costume, this year. I realize that "politically incorrect" is understating Bill Maher's persona, but he crossed way over the line of good taste when he chose to wear a Steve Irwin costume, complete with blood and stingray barb, for Halloween.

The man's ego is amazing. Why is no one screaming about this appalling lack of sensitivity? If any Republican pundit had tried this, he'd be the first to condemn him. I am not a fan of Rush Limbaugh, but I thought he had a point in questioning whether Fox was exaggerating his symptoms for a political ad. Maher went ballistic and openly condemned Limbaugh for his actions. Yet, it is okay to find humor in the recent death of a well loved man?

Maher's hypocrisy is only exceeded by his ego. He should be ashamed of himself. Let's hope that his show doesn't reach Australia. I can't imagine how Irwin's wife and children would react.

Jane

5K Run

October 1, 2006 was the day after my 55th birthday. I spent it running what was supposed to be a 5K cross country run. I participated in my first run three years ago. I enjoy them, especially this one which takes you through a state park.

Things did not go smoothly, this time. The lead runner ploughed through a stop sign and didn't make the initial turn. The rest of us, like lemmings, followed him. This added distance to the race. It got worse. Some of the teenagers who were posted along the field misdirected a few of us, as well. Did I mention it was raining buckets?

The 5K (3.1 miles) officially was called a 4.1 mile run, but those of us who put on the extra distance figured it was closer to 5 miles. I did it all in 48 minutes, so for an old lady who just started competing three years ago, I thought I had done well.

Despite everything, it was a lot of fun. It was the first race for a young woman in her late 20's or early 30's. She had never gone beyond 2 1/2 miles before. She fell in with me. Another lady, who was a few years younger than me, was just ahead of us on the course. We caught up with her after I had to make up some time when a kid sent me right instead of straight. The three of us foraged ahead.

The organizers knew something went wrong at the outset. Eventually, they sent out golf carts to check on people. We did give them an earful! One lady, who was older than me, hitched a ride back to the finish line. The three of us told them that we were going to finish, no matter what!

At that point, we were still about a mile away. We plodded on! I had the fastest pace of the three of us, when we saw the finish line from the distance, I slowed down and said, "Give me a minute to catch my breath." Then I said, "Okay ladies, let's finish this." We did!

The organizers joked about it turning into a 6K (I told them it was more like a 7!) The lady who hitched a ride won first in her age group (since no one else ran against her!)

I didn't place first in my age group, but I did win a cherry pie as a door prize. They gave us a neat backpack and two t-shirts as goody bag items. I had a lot of fun, met some really nice people and crossed the finish line! Life is so short; moments like this, however fleeting, make it worthwhile.

Jim McGreevy's Book

Oh, please! The man wrapped himself in the gay flag to cover his illegal activities while he was in office. A large percentage of the New Jersey population knew the man was gay. His activities while mayor of Woodbridge was legendary.

He refused to leave office, immediately, upon being caught. Now he has a book so that he can profit from his disgrace.

The man is an embarrassment.

Mea Culpa

How often should the Pope apologize for his remarks? He has apologized three times now (once in person) but this is not enough for the Muslim community. I would be more sympathetic if those angered by his remarks had stuck with protesting, but burning churches and the possible murder of a nun is hardly worthy of sympathy. They are reinforcing the very stereotype they are fighting! They are protesting being called violent and evil by being violent and evil? Is the irony beyond their narrow minds?

If a religion has value, if it has truth, it will stand on its own. No one need defend it.

Survivor, Cook Islands

Am I the only one that thinks that this has got to be the nastiest ratings ploy of all times?

They have segregated tribes by age and gender before. Now, they are segregating by race. I thought it was a terrible idea. It will reinforce stereotypes. They would have been much better served by mixing the four groups at the start and the first episode bore this out.

Who won the first challenge? The Asian tribe won. Who lost the first challenge? The African-American tribe. Who does the African-American tribe pick to go to Exile Island? They didn't pick someone from the tribe that won, but a member of the white tribe. They should have gone for the strongest member of the strongest team.

Will I watch it? Sure, this is going to be fascinating, but I still think it is a terrible idea. What would happen if a white person wins? Will they become the poster child for every white supremacy group in the country? What happens if they don't? Will there be groups that resent them for losing and not proving them right? How about the African-Americans? If they lose all their team members first, will that reinforce stereotypes, as well?

Of course, Survivor's producers are holding all the cards and they will manipulate the situation to suit themselves. I just think it sets a bad precedent. What is next, religions competing against each other? How about four teams, the Muslims, Christians, Jews, and the Politically Correct? Will that be when they are finally told that they have crossed the line?

I am setting up this blog as a reflection of my thoughts. Most of my ramblings will be "For The Birds." Feel free to peck at them at your will.