The Lankan Little Prince

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Shaq gets down with America's Best Dance Crew

M.I.A.'s baby has arrived

Message from M.I.A.'s MySpace page:

T O F A N S F R I E N D S O N F A M I L Y .
M Y B A B Y I S H E R E
HAPPY VALENTINES!
SUNDAY NITE I CA M E HOME FROM THE GRAMMY'S STILL IN THE MOOD TO PARTY , I COUDA EASILY GONE OUT BUT I WENT HOME INSEAD , LUCKY I DID!! COZ MY EARLY STAGE LABOUR KICKED IN AROUND 2 AM .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vfndz8pW9WY

MY BABY WAS BORN WEDNESDAY , HE IS HEALTHY , FINE , BEAUTIFUL AND THE MOST AMZING THING EVER ON THIS PLANET, OF COURSE IM HIS MUM!!! ME AND BABY ARE PUTTING OUR TOUR DATES FOR 2010 TOGETHER AND MAKING MIX TAPES AND FIGURING OUT A WAY TO BREAK OUT OF THE HOSPITAL ! HOPEFULLY THE WORLD IS BEEN TICKING ALONG AND I AINT MISSED MUCH!C U SOON , AND MY BABY BOY SAYZ HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When “No” is not an answer

I thought things would be different. I thought the GOP had gotten the message from the electorate that a policy based on inertia is not a policy. I thought certain GOP leaders said they realized that they cannot be a party of naysayers and instead must offer constructive proposals. So what happens when perhaps the most crucial legislation of this era is debated? The GOP retreats en masse into a voluble sign of "no". Instead of proposals we get the tired call for additional tax cuts; instead of stimulus ideas we get the "no spend" ideology. Of course, the latter position is ironic given the record spend by the Bush II administration. I think we all agree that the economy needs to be stimulated in some way. Tax cuts alone are not the answer as the failed Bush II efforts showed. War is not the answer as the Iraq occupancy has only mired us in monumental debt for very little return. So then what? Adam Smith's invisible hand? The hand seemed to be asleep as the banking system imploded. That was free market capitalism purportedly in its most pure form; no regulation; incentives for entrepreneurs to forge value and wealth. But the model did not factor in exogenous factors such as greed nor did it address intrinsic flaws in the model, i.e., how does the market value something that is impossible to value, and still is impossible to value – the mortgage derivatives. So we are left with two simple options – do nothing or government spend. We all agree that the banks cutback of lending is stagnating the economy; how then will these banks react if we do nothing and endure a spate of bankruptcies. Is further devaluation of their assets going to increase their willingness to lend? It is patently obvious that there is only one viable option – government spend. Yes, it is a monumental risk. But so is the threat of a depression. People do not want to be laid off; they do not want to wonder when their unemployment benefits will run out. They want jobs and the Obama administration is trying to provide that while at the same time addressing crucial infrastructure needs. It is not as if this money is being thrown down a drain; it will be invested in roads and fiber; it will be invested in the American working class. GOP Governors, supporters of the need for stimulus, get it. They know their states will be bankrupt if no action is taken. There is no risk to inaction, just a guarantee of more regression. Inaction is a policy devoid of ideas and hope. Yes, the Obama Administration is rolling the dice, but it provides the best set of odds for our country.

Monday, February 16, 2009

No Umbrella for Chris

Chris Brown still does not seem to get it, clinging to a notion that the "facts" coming out will paint a different picture. Unless Rihanna had a gun or other weapon, and was poised to use it, there really are no other "facts" that could come close to explaining the beating he allegedly administered. People are incredulous that "sweet" Chris could perform such an act, but as some have noted, he is also very immature. Not surprising giving the fact that he is 19 and been thrust into a world of luxury and coddling. Stars begin to feel a sense of entitlement, including, apparently, an entitlement to treat your significant other as chattel.

The Blog's new ace reporter, Beautiful Disaster (who in a revolutionary new pay arrangement is actually paying the Blog for the privilege of being a reporter) reports that what pushed Rihanna over the edge was a texted booty call. Notwithstanding the amazing technological advancement that is the texted booty call (increasing the efficiency of our stars), one can understand why she was upset. Chris, who was so lovey-dovey the night before, was playin' her. And, of course, he felt that that gave him every right to hit her.

As for those who think this has ruined Chris' career, that is wishful thinking. After all, isn't Ike Turner in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Chris is only 19, and has plenty of time to "rehab" his image. He claims to be getting counseling from his pastor and mother. I think he needs more than that – some type of aggression therapy at the very least. And, yes, a few years in jail.