Blind Items: I Guess, You Guess

I love those boots! I'd wear them with hot pink and orange colours. Not all red - that's too 'baby seal'.

+~~~+~~~+~~~+~~~+~~~+~~~+~~~+~~~+
Rock Paper Scissors Lizard Spock

Submitted by madam s. on Fri, 12/26/2008 - 7:58pm.

angel_i,

charitynavigator.org is a good place to bookmark and check,
***********************************

That's very cool. I have Charity Village too.
Those sites are a great place to start, at least they've done that preliminary check for you.

But here's the other thing. I found myself getting really overwhelmed - it's like everyone's got a hand out. And, to be fair, I'm kind of a charity case myself;p...

So I've got 3 that I devote time and effort to, with the idea that, if I spread myself too thin, I can't really, really help anyone. Also - I know those organizations inside out, it's helpful that way too.

♥ ThreadKilla!
A DListed YouTube Gallery
It might seem like I'm stalking you. I'm not.
You just go on about your business:)

Used tissues skeeve me, (unless they're mine!). For many years I worked in restaurants. Old ladies are the worst culprits for "accidently" dropping their snot rags on the floor, or on their seat.
My nose runs too, but I don't expect restaurant staff to clean up my germy tissues. Ick!

"JUST SMILE LIKE A NORMAL FUCKED UP PERSON."
Charles Manson

angel_i,

charitynavigator.org is a good place to bookmark and check, although obviously it's not the only research to do. It's a good starting point. xo!

Submitted by madam s. on Fri, 12/26/2008 - 7:47pm.

Charities are tricky. I certainly don't always think they are the solution and you definitely have to do research because many of them are just bunk.
************************************

Excellent advice!

♥ ThreadKilla!
A DListed YouTube Gallery
It might seem like I'm stalking you. I'm not.
You just go on about your business:)

Keane,

Thanks for the tip... I just ordered a few books by Paul Theroux (including Dark Star Safari). Although I don't agree with some of his theories that you just presented, I'm always excited to read travel literature from people with interesting ideas. I JUST finished J. Maarten Troost's three books (hilarious) and then all of Eric Hansen's and was feeling kind of sad that I didn't have a fun travel writer to read. I have a serious sickness when it comes to buying books.

Charities are tricky. I certainly don't always think they are the solution and you definitely have to do research because many of them are just bunk. But on the other hand as an individual it is often the best option. As opposed to say, handing money to begging children when you are in third world countries. It's a step up from there at least. (You feel devastated in that situation and just want to hand over all of your money, but it's just not a solution). I'm a fan of the idea of microfinance, and like kiva.org because it seems more empowering at least.

That outfit! -- Has Mimi taken up hooking? Where's her pimp?

Submitted by Keane on Fri, 12/26/2008 - 7:03pm.

I enjoy discussing this with you, BTW. Africa has so many problems, but I don't think they can all be blamed on colonialism.
Western Europeans aren't the only ones who have conquered others. It has happened and is happening all over the world.
I don't think the peoples of Africa were in a worse place with colonial rule, than they are now with self-rule. I do not condone colonialism. But it's done. And I'm sorry, but I can't feel guilt for what anyone else has done but me.
I don't know what the answer is, but I think emptying Africa into western Europe and the Americas is not it.

"JUST SMILE LIKE A NORMAL FUCKED UP PERSON."
Charles Manson

Brad Pitt may have dumped Jennifer Aniston for Angelina Jolie and then rubbed it in her face by being photographed with Jolie and their growing family every other day for two years, but, so far at least, Aniston's movie is whupping Brad's movie's butt!

Big Hollywood just came out with preliminary box office numbers for Christmas Day, and "Marley & Me" has edged out "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" for the Number One slot.

"Marley" clocked in with $13.9 million in ticket sales, while "Button" lagged slightly behind with $11.1 million.

"Bedtime Stories," "Valkyrie," and "The Spirit" round out the Top 5, which means Adam Sandler also beat Tom Cruise, although, since the two were never married, that's not as interesting.
*************

This was reported by Fox news. I don't give a rats ass if Jen's movie sucked balls. I'm just glad she came out ahead on Christmas day! Choke on that dick, Mr. Pitt! Yes, people prefer to see Jen with a dog than to see an asshole age backward!!

What our company did is to pool the employee money and give a donation in the name of our company and our boss. She was very touched by it since it went to help wounded soldiers.

That felt nice because it was the right gift for her. Last year we gave her a Kindle that just stayed on her desk.

===============

Pretty looks fade...dumb is forever -- Judge Judy

No that's not my personal view, but the argument given by Theroux comparing the Africa he witnesses in the new millenium to that he knew in the 60's. What he's saying is that we have pumped literally billions and billions of dollars into Africa and if anything it is in a worse state now than in the 60's. He is arguing that we may as well have invested that money in bringing people to the west as thats what they're doing by asylum seeking or by the back door anyway and it is very difficult to stop it. Basically he says that our desire to make Africa work as it were is ultimately pretty selfish as we were hoping we could throw money and projects at it so ultimately it could help itself. A more selfless move would be to share the wealth within our own economies.

My personal view is that the west is responsible for fucking up Africa with colonialism and creating countries where there are no obvious tribal loyalties. We ravaged Africa of its riches, enslaved its people, got wealthy off it and left it in an entirely fucked up political, economic and social state. As we got rich off the back of colonialism it is our responsibility to try to resolve the problems we have left behind. Our charitable efforts aimed at making Africa work for itself would have been the best for us but unfortunately in 40 years it hasn't worked at all. Comparatively the issues in the west with people losing their jobs and houses is nothing when compared with people who are starving; dying of Aids, Cholera, or whatever; being massacred or displaced by civil war; or just have no hope of ever working themselves out of poverty. So perhaps our quality of life may have to suffer to pay for the havoc our ancestors have caused.

Believe me I've had an extremely tough 4 years myself. I've been on welfare due to chronic illness and it has been very difficult both coping with my physical symptoms and my financial issues. However, I still consider myself to live a life of luxury in comparison to most people in the devloping world. I live in a nice flat in a nice part of town and can just about pay the bills and get by, even if I can't actually do a lot with my time. Last night I watched an item on the news about a man in Afghanistan selling his 2nd son who was 8yrs old (i.e. he'd sold one already) to feed his other 4 children. They filmed the child saying goodbye to his family forever. It was heartbreaking. Meanwhile people up and down my road spend a small fortune on xmas decorations. When people in the west moan about the economic crisis I wonder whether we're all living on the same planet.

Keane

"We would have been better off allowing more people to migrate to the west and supporting them or allowing them to support themselves here."

No offense, Keane, but the US is on the verge of if not in a depression.American citizens are losing their jobs and homes at alarming rates. We have approximately 20,000,000 illegal aliens in the country NOW.
I don't think this is the smart time in history to start importing poverty-stricken foreigners.

I admire your obvious empathy for the poor.

"JUST SMILE LIKE A NORMAL FUCKED UP PERSON."
Charles Manson

Migration of Africans to countries in the west where work is available. I mean it's been happening for decades anyway and no-one even refers to all the people coming here as asylum seekers any more even though that's the law they use to gain entry to the Uk, they call them "economic migrants". Basically life sucks if you're an African because you can't work yourself out of poverty cause there ain't any business or jobs to be had, so the only way they can do that is to leave. Theroux basically says that all the billions of dollars we have pumped into Africa over the last 40 years have been completely wasted as it has all been stolen by corrupt govts or used ineffectually and the problems have actually got worse rather than better since he taught there in the 60's. We would have been better off allowing more people to migrate to the west and supporting them or allowing them to support themselves here. Our attempts to create viable industry, employment and health services in Africa have proved entirely fruitless.

Plus he says the Africans he meets don't want to stay in Africa and take over teaching the village school previously taught by a westerner or whatever, they want to go to New York and be a cab driver. In short they want the choices and opportunities we have, not the charitable enterprises we have idealistically tried to give them. I think the problem is that it would take Africa centuries to develop economically to the level of the west and Africans don't necessarily want to have to wait that long. If it means seeing some improvement to their lives in their lieftime, they would rather go elsewhere.

#1 I could definitely see that as being Mariah, she probably doesn't even wipe her own asshole after a dump.

#2 ???

#3 was in the papers the other day but it was about Tyra Banks and we all know she is not an actress.

Submitted by M.E. on Fri, 12/26/2008 - 6:23pm.
Hopefully she was excited.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Once her bed is made for nite nite...I'll bet she'll have the most beautiful dreams ever.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
That lil' lint bastid will be back within the hour snorting your Borax with a rolled up dollar bill. Trust....TigerLilly 10.24.2008

My spoiled shits ripped through their presents in 15.2 minutes.

And we got them A LOT of presents this year since they are the only ones to buy for this year.

Submitted by M.E. on Fri, 12/26/2008 - 6:23pm.

I did my good deed this season, while at the bank, I took one of the stockings, with the name of a 3 year old little girl, inside was her list to Santa.

So, we decided, that we'd give her the biggest present on her list. Princesses bedding. We bought the sheets, blanket, comforter, pillow case, throw pillow and soft throw blankie.

Hopefully she was excited.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Something tells me she was. Awesome. Good job and Merry Christmas.

We all count on our Christmas bonuses. Give the
workers their wages and let them decide how to spend it.

................................................
Living takes courage. So what if we look a hot mess sometimes? (original putas)

M.E., that is sweet. I'm sure she loved it!

"JUST SMILE LIKE A NORMAL FUCKED UP PERSON."
Charles Manson

I did my good deed this season, while at the bank, I took one of the stockings, with the name of a 3 year old little girl, inside was her list to Santa.

So, we decided, that we'd give her the biggest present on her list. Princesses bedding. We bought the sheets, blanket, comforter, pillow case, throw pillow and soft throw blankie.

Hopefully she was excited.

The bigger any organization grows, the more "administrative" bills are incurred.
Food, water, and supplies do not deliver themselves.
Staff doesn't get to the disaster, or war zone, or WHATEVER free.
The bigger ANYTHING is, the more planning and organization are involved.
Their vehicles, phones, internet, all the materials they use have to be paid for.

Think of it this way. You can give your money to the charity of your choice, knowing that you are helping the charity itself to survive, so YOU don't have to schlep down to New Orleans, or the Congo, or Afghanistan. When you think of it, it's still a good deal.

"JUST SMILE LIKE A NORMAL FUCKED UP PERSON."
Charles Manson

Keane
Bizarre huh? He argues that the only real solution to Africa's poverty and other problems is emigration. A very desperate view but I must say I tend to agree with him.

I agree with much of what you say, but please clarify for me. Emigration to where by who?

"JUST SMILE LIKE A NORMAL FUCKED UP PERSON."
Charles Manson

Submitted by Hekki on Fri, 12/26/2008 - 5:38pm.
I am very skeptical of charities, too. A lot of them have very high "administrative" costs.

Yup. There was an expose this week on the SoCal charity "Cars for Causes" (donate your old car, get a tax deduction for the FMV). In 2007, out of $1.1m in cars donated, actual cash donations to the causes were only $26k (or so). This is a charity that advertises daily in the local media.

On the subject of charity I've never been entirely sure its the right way to go about addressing the world's problems. If there is an issue there i.e. help the aged, the homeless, hospices etc etc, wouldn't it be better to have some sort of co-ordinated program which was funded through taxation (i.e. higher for the wealthy who can afford to give more to charity anyway) so these essential services would be properly, reliably and permanently funded. It seems such a bad system that certain essential services have to rely on the random donations of different amounts of money by different people at different times. Plus, I hate the way animal charities are always more highly donated to than say homeless charities as people prefer to help a cute puppy than a stinking, desperate drug addict who's had a dreadful life and no-one's ever helped them.

Plus I think in certain circumstances such as the aid given to Africa charity actually proves to be counterproductive. If you read a travel diary by author Paul Theroux called Dark Star Safari he comes to the conclusion that after 40 years of charity in Africa aid has achieved nothing. He argues that it in fact enables corrupt and lazy govts to not do any thing to help its people because the worse off they are the more likely they are to get aid thus the govt doesn't have to do anything. He also recounts stories of people waiting around near to where a natural disaster has previously occurred in the hope that it will happen again and they will get a nice shiny new house built like the last victims. Bizarre huh? He argues that the only real solution to Africa's poverty and other problems is emigration. A very desperate view but I must say I tend to agree with him.

Edit
Sorry! On my first drink and I can't type!

I think the idea put forth recently that instead of exchanging gifts, donating to the charity of other person's choice is a good one.
But to choose for someone else is rude. Besides, bonuses are supposed to be compensation for a job well done, not a "gift".
Fuck whatever self-rightous ass did this. I hope the next time she makes a shitty movie, the studio will take a chunk of her pay and give it to the charity of THEIR choice.

"JUST SMILE LIKE A NORMAL FUCKED UP PERSON."
Charles Manson

When in doubt where to donate, trust me, donate to a food bank. there are NO paid workers there, and you can take it from me, all the cash/food, etc goes exactly where it needs to be.
feed the hungry, espcially the children.

-----------------------------------------------
"I'm pretty sure I asked you to pick up some Pecan Sandies."

So glad to hear that everyone is bothered by the donation thing. I am too. It hasn't happened so far, but I'm waiting...

It's a bad idea.

AND. I'll go a Grinchy step further and say that I am very skeptical of charities, too. A lot of them have very high "administrative" costs. And I haven't seen evidence of good-doing by any of the million charities out there, except the American Red Cross and The Children's Aid Society. I'd prefer to give when I KNOW that it's going directly to help someone. Like when we donated socks and single-serve coffee and SLimJims to a big package my kids' school was sending to a unit in Iraq. Or the cans of food the school's Spanish teacher was sending to her old neighborhood in the DR after a hurricane last year.

the whole donation thing just reminds me of some pissy ass snobs I worked with that were all vegan and totally assholes about it.
I so very badly wanted enough money to secretly enroll them in the "Meat of the month club"
At Hickory Farms...

-----------------------------------------------
"I'm pretty sure I asked you to pick up some Pecan Sandies."

LMAO K2...it does seem Angiepoo never learned to share, or to respect others. Karma is going to bite her in the ass when Brad finds another soulmate on another film, and she's left with a gaggle of kids. Something tells me that she's the clingy one in their relationship. Pitt will move on and leave her high and dry.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Interviewer: You're playing one of the most famous characters in movie history. How come we don't see you in all the tabloids?
Daniel Craig: Because I don't want to be in them.

Submitted by Mustang Sally on Fri, 12/26/2008 - 4:56pm.
I got one of those "donation gifts" - aka, a piece of paper - yesterday and thought it was really cheesy. I'd rather have received nothing.

Merry Xmas and Happy Boxing Day to you, too!

My negative feeling about donations in my name is probably influenced by the donors who've done it (thanks, mom!). I think it often means the donor is holier than thou. It also implies you're too lazy or cheap to make your own donation. Then, as Idiots Loco said, what if I make a gift to the NRA or to Free Tibet in your name, and you're opposed to guns or yak butter?

"Mr. Hankie, the Christmas poo, I he loves me, I love you"

-----------------------------------------------
"I'm pretty sure I asked you to pick up some Pecan Sandies."

Submitted by idiots drive me loco on Fri, 12/26/2008 - 5:09pm.
Giving a donation is rather lame...what if you don't support the charity that your donation was made in? Especially if its for an employee that you probably treat like shit all year Angie Jo, and lord knows, those asshats have more than enough money to give them a decent present or bonus and STILL donate
*****************

But you know how Jolie loves to USE everyone else's income to contribute to charities and then say it's all from her! Sorry, but I think I would've put the $14mil into a trust fund for my babies. It's their money! They posed for it. It was because of them that they were offered that extreme amount of money. I could see her taking the staff's money and pissing it away - she's a twat like that. SHE LOVES TO TAKE THINGS THAT DON'T BELONG TO HER.

Submitted by Sandbitch on Fri, 12/26/2008 - 5:09pm.

SPEAKIT!

___________________

Why is your turd yelling at me?

And don't respond dammit IT'S A DRIVEBY.:P

Srsly, have to go. xoxox

*wiping tears* & *wiping bum*

Speakit, so glad you plopped a quick post christmas post. Bin wondering how you been doing, bitch...

Submitted by speakit on Fri, 12/26/2008 - 5:07pm.

A late "Merry fucking Christmas" to all!

*this was a driveby. Content may not be suitable for all viewers. Parental discretion is advised.

=====aaaaaeeeeeeeeiiiaaaaaahahhaaaaa

SPEAKIT!

Giving a donation is rather lame...what if you don't support the charity that your donation was made in? Especially if its for an employee that you probably treat like shit all year Angie Jo, and lord knows, those asshats have more than enough money to give them a decent present or bonus and STILL donate.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Interviewer: You're playing one of the most famous characters in movie history. How come we don't see you in all the tabloids?
Daniel Craig: Because I don't want to be in them.

Submitted by christine the hoff on Fri, 12/26/2008 - 4:51pm.

your avatar rules my world.

==Post Christmas POO times. I POO therefore I AM.

A late "Merry fucking Christmas" to all!

*this was a driveby. Content may not be suitable for all viewers. Parental discretion is advised.

At first I thought maybe #3 was Madonna because she's such a stingy fucker towards people (she would give a Christmas bonus away). But then I remembered the only charity I've ever heard her give to was after she took the kid from malawi! That was just so she could secure her adoption.

As for Jolie - she does have staff. A bodyguard and nanny for each kid (we're already up to 12 salaried employees right there!). Then of course she has to pay the chef since she can't cook anything other than cereal and Stupitt is on location all the time. Then you have teachers since the kids don't attend any REAL school. I would assume they have hired drivers since they have their asses cartered all over the green earth and neither of them get behind the wheel of a car. I think it's safe to say she's capable of sending Christmas bonuses off to some worn torn refugee camp!!!

@ Sheeps and TITS

A belated Merry Christmas.

- Sheeps, I got one of those "donation gifts" - aka, a piece of paper - yesterday and thought it was really cheesy. I'd rather have received nothing. I felt kind of guilty about how dumb I thought it was so I'm glad someone else finds that whole idea really lame. (It was from my son's on again/off again girlfriend so I couldn't say, "WHAT KIND OF STUPID GIFT IS THIS? YOU WERE GOING TO MAKE THE DONATION, ANYWAY. WHY STICK MY NAME ON IT?". Yeah, I'm an ingrate.)

- TITS - what the hell is your avie? Going blind, here, I guess.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erEoQH33B70

Submitted by Sandbitch on Fri, 12/26/2008 - 4:30pm.
your avatar rules my world.

-----------------------------------------------
"I'm pretty sure I asked you to pick up some Pecan Sandies."

Submitted by Sandbitch on Fri, 12/26/2008 - 4:30pm.
#3 is not AJ. She doesn't have 'staff'. She does everything herself. Cooking, washing, cleaning, mowing the lawn, EVERYTHING.
***********************************

LOL! I thought this was gonna say: "She doesn't write notes. She sends psychic energy waves."

♥ ThreadKilla!
A DListed YouTube Gallery
It might seem like I'm stalking you. I'm not.
You just go on about your business:)

Submitted by Sandbitch on Fri, 12/26/2008 - 4:30pm.
#3 is not AJ. She doesn't have 'staff'. She does everything herself. Cooking, washing, cleaning, mowing the lawn, EVERYTHING.

hahahahaha. With her magical powers?

The other prob with MB-SJP is they haven't announced any divorce, same as Will-Jada. But Kate Walsh and hubby have now filed for divorce. And, the way it's worded, only one of them is an actor; that eliminates MB-SJP and Will-Jada. (I don't really know if it is Kate Walsh; as usual, could be a buncha perps.)

#3 is not AJ. She doesn't have 'staff'. She does everything herself. Cooking, washing, cleaning, mowing the lawn, EVERYTHING.

#3, That sounds like Skeletina.
Of course, over in Crazy land today, in another interview they swear is The Brad's pledge of infinite love for Skeletina and how "X" was a dead end...
Yes, it has been a REALLY boring day.
Going to JJ is like a little Xmas to myself when I window shop for my sanity.

"Going gray is like ejaculating. You know it can happen prematurely, but when it actually does, it's a total shock." MAH BOO!!!

Submitted by Charles Manson on Fri, 12/26/2008 - 4:19pm.
I'LL TAKE IT AND SAVE IT AND FUCKING GODDAMN INVEST IT AND IT MAY PAY FOR MY GODDAMN FUCKING FUTURE LIVER TRANSPLANT.
----------------------------------------
Charlie, come on! take care of yourself, what are we gonna do without you?
And i'm sure if the time comes, we'll all gladly give you a piece of liver or a kidney.

On Topic: i'm terrible with the damn blind items.

*******************************************
Oh, Santa... i've been killing just for fun..

Well, since I haven't heard their marriage is over, I can't say Will & Jada, but that's still my guess regardless.

Submitted by breaktheleash on Fri, 12/26/2008 - 4:23pm.
HAHAH! Violate me with a wine bottle!
Slap me across the face like a bitch!

-----------------------------------------------
"I'm pretty sure I asked you to pick up some Pecan Sandies."

Submitted by TexnDoc on Fri, 12/26/2008 - 4:11pm.
It's SJP-MB.
******************************

That's what I thought, actually.

♥ ThreadKilla!
A DListed YouTube Gallery
It might seem like I'm stalking you. I'm not.
You just go on about your business:)