Entertainment vs. Serious Journalism

A video clip of Robert Downey Jr walking out of an interview with Channel 4 broadcaster Krishnan Guru-Murthy has gotten people talking recently, with an overwhelming majority of people sympathising with Robert Downey Jr.

I think it was perfectly reasonable for him to walk out of an interview that unnecessarily pried into his personal life, touching on personal and sensitive topics that should be handled with tact. Guru-Murthy hadn't developed any kind of chemistry with him, and he was trying to turn a run-of-the-mill promotional interview into a televised counselling session.

As much as I respect Krishnan Guru-Murthy as a journalist, especially when you look at his body of work that includes shows like Unreported World, this was cringe worthy: he came across as a smug, smarmy reporter trying to set up and antagonise a celebrity - an interview style reminiscent of Martin Bashir.

Why Kim Kardashian Divorced Kris Humphries

So back in 2011, Kim Kardashian was the subject of tabloid ridicule when her much-publicised marriage ended after just 72 days.

It led to accusations of a publicity stunt and a ploy for ratings, with many doubting the authenticity of the union in the first place. Even the groom, completely blindsided by the entire thing, prolonged the divorce proceedings wanting an annulment instead.

Since the whole spectacle, Kim Kardashian has now moved onto a relationship with Kanye West, with whom she has a daughter. Kris Humphries has slowly drifted back into obscurity.

He has obviously been keeping up with the Kardarshian’s antics (ok, I didn’t even plan that) however, and more recently stepfather Bruce Jenner has shocked us all with the announcement that, after years of gender confusion, he has decided to transition into a woman.

This was Kris Humphries take on the news:

The Difference Between Men & Women

Pre-warning: this post contains high levels of cynicism.

You sometimes hear females saying "Oh, I have more male than female friends... I just get on better with guys".

Well, we all know my view on "platonic" relationships between males and females (i.e. impossible, unless you find each other unattractive or if one/both of you are in a relationship), but let’s explore the difference between men and women, and the dynamics of their relationships.

Friendships

I think it’s fair to say that male friendships come with less pettiness, drama and bitching than female friendships.

Guys can have full-on fist fights with one another, and then be cool and go for a beer together a week later. They tend to not hold grudges.

Women, however, will sulk and do passive aggressive things when they have a disagreement with someone, instead of having an open discussion like an adult and resolving the issue. If/when they eventually get over it, they will often sweep everything under the rug and act like nothing happened, while silently holding onto a tiny bit of resentment.

Sounds healthy.

Comment Of The Day #2

Backstory: Danny Strong, of Buffy fame, has recently found success as a co-creator of hit television series Empire. This showbiz news story focuses on him splashing out on residential property.



[Read original article here: "Empire co-creator Danny Strong drops $660K on modest one-bedroom condo in West Hollywood" - Daily Mail, 01/04/2015]

Comment Of The Day #1

Backstory: house partially demolished due to gas explosion. Couple luckily avoid injury as they were out when the explosion happened.

[Read original article here: "Couple Amazingly Survive Gas Blast" - Daily Mail, 06/04/2015]

Why Do So Many People Care More About Animals Than People?

I’m honestly sick to death of seeing things like this:

Yes, it is "really awful" for you to compare the suffering of an animal to that of a human being, showing indifference towards the latter (Comic Relief by the way, for my non-UK readers, is an annual televised charity event focusing on the plight of Africa).

Not that animals deserve to be neglected or treated cruelly. It’s sickening to hurt a poor, defenceless animal for no other reason but unadulterated cruelty. But comments like this, which show a blatant disregard for human life in comparison, really grinds my gears.

We seem to live in a society which has a warped sense of values. At lease this idiot can acknowledge there's something not quite right with this scenario.