Oh, hey, “The View;” your ignorance is showing

Originally published at brigidkeely.com/wordpress. You can comment here or there.

Since having a baby I’ve spent a LOT more time watching really damn boring and frequently offensive daytime tv. I was watching “The View” today while cuddling a very cranky post-vaccine baby when Justin Long came on as guest to promote his new movie “Drag me to Hell.” “Drag me to Hell” is a simply HILARIOUS movie about a woman who is cursed by a disgusting, toothless, greedy Gypsy. Oh ho ho! Those Gypsies! They are almost human! Look at how ugly and backwards they are, tossing about their magical demonic curses! In fact, they are so non-human that most reviews don’t even bother to capitalize the “G” in “Gypsy.” Well, you know. It’s not like gypsies can READ or anything. Well, anything other than chicken entrails. HAW HAW HAW it sure is fun to mock a frequently maligned minority and set them up as the constant villain! Then, of course, there’s also the question of why Long was featured as a guest since apparently he does next to nothing in the movie.

While interviewing him, someone (Whoopi?) asked if he believed in curses. He says that no, of course not, he doesn’t! But he was raised Catholic (lolcatholiclol) and they have ALL SORTS of curses! Uh… what? Seriously? What flavor of Catholicism would that be? Because I was raised Roman Catholic, went to religious schools and everything, and I don’t remember any mention of curses. I have to admit, that caught me by surprise; I was waiting for some cannibalism or vampire joke (loltransubstantiationlol) so the whole “hot bed of curses” allegation really came out of left field.

Of course none of this was questioned. Because Gypsies aren’t a real group of people; they are fantasy caricatures who toss off curses left and right and are non-Christian and animalistic and ugly and thus it’s totally valid to have them be the odious villain. And I’m not trying to claim that Catholics are sooooo discriminated against, OMG you guys, you just don’t UNDERSTAND what it’s like to be a persecuted religious minority! But seriously. Curses? I don’t really get people who mock Catholicism in that way (because dudes, there is so much that deserves deriding). I would never ever EVER make fun of Judaism or Islam or most sects of Christianity and claim they are all about the curses and crazy times. But then, maybe I’m just classier than a gaggle of douchebags on tv.

Oh, that’s scary.

Chicago People: Nigerian Hospital Charity Event

Originally published at brigidkeely.com/wordpress. You can comment here or there.

I received an email from someone I went to high school with. Back then, he was brilliant, kind, funny, and very good looking. I am completely not surprised that he is Doing Something With His Life: something very big and important.

I don’t know if I can make this event because I have an infant, but I’d like to go. I thought those of you in the area might be interested as well.

Check out their fairly heartbreaking reasons for needing a hospital and consider going or at least spreading the word.

I write to you regarding the world-class hospital the GEANCO Foundation family is developing in Nigeria. Please mark your calendar and join us to learn about our progress on this much-needed project. The event will take place on Friday, June 26 at 7:00pm at the Hyatt Center in downtown Chicago. We would be delighted and honored to see you there!

Sincerely,
Afam Onyema

Chief Operating Officer
The GEANCO Foundation

Please join fellow GEANCO supporters for a fun night of tasty food and lively Nigerian music. We will provide a progress report on the hospital project, and a few GEANCO donors will discuss why they continue to support our work. A detailed electronic invitation will be sent to you in a few weeks. Right now, all we ask is that you consider making time for us on June 26.

This is an open event. There will be no charge to attend.

Please Spread the Word!
I also ask that you forward this note to at least three of your Chicago-area friends and colleagues. You can help make this our biggest event yet!

If you have any questions, please contact me at aonyema@geanco.org or 708-439-1462.

Thank you!

Warmest Regards,
Afam

Where & When
Mayer Brown LLP
The Hyatt Center
71 S. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
Friday, June 26, 2009
7:00PM-9:00PM

The mission of The GEANCO Foundation (www.geanco.org) is to develop and manage world-class medical, educational and athletic facilities in the African country of Nigeria. Our projects will improve health conditions and learning opportunities for Nigerians and will provide powerfully beneficial opportunities for collaboration and cooperation between Americans and West Africans for the benefit of all. Our first project is the development of a world-class hospital-Augustine Memorial-in Anambra State.