On Wednesday MSNBC’s Mika Brzezinski decided to take a stand and refused to report on the latest Paris Hilton news story. Brzezinski told her producers and viewers that it was not newsworthy and the lead-in story when there are real news to report. Bravo! This position has prompted attention on the web, particularly Youtube, from viewers who commended her for taking a stand against soft news and the obsession with celebrities.

If only more shows such as CNN or the right winged FOX could take a similar stance then perhaps we can actually discuss more important, relevant news such as the war in Iraq, the defeat of comprehensive immigration reform, the inadequacy of the healthcare system, or the deterioration of the economy, rather than non-sensical celebrity news. Brzezinski should be applauded for going with her gut and telling her viewers that enough is enough. The aftermath of her actions has yet to be decided but judging from the emails and responses from viewers online and off, this might be the highlight of her established stellar career as a journalist.

Earlier this week Anderson Cooper from CNN lamented the fact that Hilton has received so much attention for basically doing nothing. In fact, he continued that he thought she was insubstantial and made nothing of her fame except to promote her lifestyle. As you could probably imagine, Cooper probably has to vomit during commercial breaks and stab his toes every time he has to report on Hilton. As a creditable and investigative reporter, Cooper has risen to fame during the Katrina disaster for his reports on the real-life crisis of the victims and criticism of the inept system that failed to prepare for the disaster.

The media wheel has fallen victim to soft news and understandably so as what matters most to them is the bottom line. Americans have fallen victim to be consumed by peripheral news which has no qualitative value except to lull them into ignorance. This vicious circle has to be broken. More people should stand up for what they want and not what the media tell them they need - more celebrity news. Let the vomiting begin.

My Thai tutor attempted to teach me conversations normally used at a restaurant, or any food related circumstances. It was not looking well for me as I’ve not studied and the only meaningful time I’ve spent reviewing is when I sit before her with my notebook open, three times a week.

Review, review, review. My brain was whirling with all these different phrases; fish, chicken (gai), pork (muu?), shrimp, noodle (phad), sauce, English food (a han Ang grit), American food (a han A me ri caa), Japanese food, etc.,…

I thought she asked me what kind of food I like. I said seafood.

She looked at me, rolled her eyes, and a long sigh escaped her.

Tutor: “So now you want me to call you Ms. Seafood.”

Me: “I don’t understand. Mai khao jai, kha.”

Tutor: “I asked you what your name was. You said your name was seafood.”

Embarrassed that I made a technical faux pas but not wanting to relent, I said

“Oh, well then my name is Ms. Seafood. That was exactly what I wanted to say. Chai, kha.”

Later, as I was about to leave and was waving goodbye, my tutor waved back and looked at me seriously before she said:
“Bye kha, Ms. Seafood.”

After walking nearly a mile in wildly humid weather and navigating through exhaustive traffic, I was keen to reach my destination and relax with a cup of coffee before my Thai tutor berate me for not studying, again. This was the conversation I overheard while sipping my coffee.

Intro: Male in mid forties, semi balding, quite articulate, and was moving his hands about as he was talking, an obvious American trait. Female in mid forties, long hair, broken English, Thai national, and was quiet most of the time. This was what transpired.

Lets call them Bob and Pai.

Bob: I went through my last relationship and I gave her everything she wanted. I was devoted to her, provided her with adoration and attention. It didn’t work out. I don’t want a woman like that anymore. I’m here for 19 days and I want to meet someone and there’s a real potential that if it works out, she could be on her way to America. You know anyone like this I can meet?

Pai: I have a friend. She speaks English.

Bob: (He moves in closer to Pai.) You do??? How old is she? Does she have any kids? Does she speak English? What is she like? So she’s your friend?

Pai: Yes.

Bob: I’m here to have eye surgery, probably happen in a few days and I’m meeting with the doctors to talk about it. I have this eye problem. Your friend lives nearby? Does she live near you? Is she like you? She doesn’t have kids?

Pai: She no live close. She live other side. No kids.

Bob: Well, I’ve only been here a few days but I talked to an attorney here about starting a business and all, it’s possible that this could be a long term thing. You friend could be on her way to the States. Do you have her phone number? Does she have a cell phone? How about if you call her? I want to meet her and get to know her before taking it too seriously. I could do business here. If not, I hear that Thai Air has a great flying program so flights between Bangkok and New York are reasonable. I could come back and forth until I start my business. I’m tired of women that are not responsive to what I need. I don’t like women that take so much from you and give you nothing back. Your friend been married before? Does she have kids? Does she have a cell phone?

Pai: No, no kids.

Bob: How old is she? I don’t mind. Maybe I should take you to the Metropolis bar.

Pai: Where is that place, Metropolis?

Bob: It’s my hotel. They have a great bar there. You would like it. You can invite your friend so we can meet there. I only have 19 days before I leave and you have her cell number? I want to meet her. You know the Metropolis hotel?

Pai: I ask her. I have to go now, appointment soon. We talk again.

Bob: Ok. I walk you out. You will arrange meeting? I go with you.

THE END