policy with pop

Evolution Gives Kirk Cameron Growing Pains

Once known for playing troublemaker Mike Seaver on the sitcom “Growing Pains,” Kirk Cameron found God and started the Way of the Master, a Christian evangelical ministry. One of his current projects is to dispel the theory of evolution.

On the 150th anniversary of Darwin’s Origin of Species, Kirk and his ministry will distribute special copies of the book that includes a forward, discrediting Darwinism, at top colleges around the country. Watch Kirk explain his reasoning and plan:

Kirk says, “Our kids can no longer pray in public. They can no longer freely open a Bible at school. The Ten Commandments are no longer allowed to be displayed in public places.” Now, if taken literally, Kirk’s assertions are factually incorrect. But, I think what he is really concerned about it that the government cannot force or coerce a religion Christianity on public school children and people in general. Is this concern valid?

To fight the growing atheism in the USA, Kirk opens up with an attack on Darwin’s theory of evolution… well, not the theory itself… more like attacking Darwin. Kirk calls Darwin a racist and sexist. He also cites Hitler’s connection with the theory. If these assertions are true, are they effective in discrediting Darwin? How about discrediting his theory of evolution?

Isn’t Kirk opening Christianity up to similar attacks? The Bible has been historically used to justify racism and sexism. Hitler also invoked the Lord’s name to justify the persecution of Jews. Do these arguments discredit Christianity? Or God?

But Kirk is not done; he tries to make scientific-based jabs at the theory of evolution. He mocks the notion that “nothing created everything” as absurd. That might be true, but what does the big bang theory have to do with the validity of Darwinism? Kirk also mentions the incredible structure of DNA… But he doesn’t explain how DNA disproves evolution. Last, Kirk states that there is an absence of fossil evidence to support evolution. Finally, Kirk puts a dent in evolution! But just because you can’t see the evidence, doesn’t mean that evolution doesn’t exist, does it? You tell me.

In place of evolution, Kirk would like students to believe in creationism (or intelligent design). Kirk states that creationism has scientific credence because famous scientists, including Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton and Louis Pasteur, believed in God. Do these endorsements validate creationism in your eyes?

Aside from Kirk Cameron’s arguments against Darwinism and for creationism, what do you think about his grassroots strategy? Does giving out 1,000 special edition copies of Darwin’s Origin of Species at each top 50 college advance his goal of a less atheist nation?

If you attend a top 50 university, will you try to get your hands on a free copy of Origin of Species – a $29.99 value?

It’s Called Clapping, Ryan Kwanten. You Should Try It.

I clap loud. I clad hard. I clap often. (And, no, that is not a euphemism.)

But, do you know who doesn’t clap? That guy from Summerland. Okay, most people know Ryan Kwanten from True Blood, but I don’t have HBO and I’ve never seen the show.

Anyway, I’m sick and watching VH1’s Divas. Ryan Kwanten is in the front row and the man does not clap. Now I understand that host Paula Abdul’s skits and monologues are not funny and do not in and of themselves merit clapping. But, you should clap out of respect for the event and maybe pity for Paula. Everyone in the audience got the memo, except for front-row Kwanten.

VH1 Divas | Divas Video

Every time the camera pans to Kwanten, he is the lone audience member with his hands either to his sides or on the armrests. It is an awkward pattern. But, it becomes down-right wrong when he is non-responsive when Paula introduces Liza Minnelli, who is sitting in the second row behind him. (Why on God’s green earth did VH1 seat Liza Minnelli behind Ryan Kwanten at a Divas show!?!). I start screaming at the TV and the True Blood star – It’s called clapping! CLAP!

Now I recognize my outburst may be an overreaction – hey, I’m sick and a wee bit cranky – but it’s freaking Liza Minnelli, a living legend. Alright I’ll be honest… I vaguely know why she’s a legend. She’s a famous Broadway actress or something, right? Maybe my ignorance is a pop sin… But, at least I would clap for her.

Clapping is a good thing that should be given generously. Am I right? Or am I right? Or perhaps you prefer Ryan Kwanten’s style – less is more?

Aubrey O’Day Bares All

Aubrey O’Day…  I knew the girl during college. We had two classes together. In fact, I studied with tutored her.

Then Ms. O’Day became a controversial reality star on MTV’s Making the Band and a member of the defunct girl-group, Danity Kane. With her crazy antics and all the rumors swirling around about her, Aubrey has her fans but also incites the haters.

While I have my own opinions of Aubrey from personal interactions, I’ll keep them private and won’t weigh in on the fray. But I will share one positive incident that made a lasting impression on me.

One night Aubrey picked me up for one of our study tutoring sessions. One of her sorority sisters was also in her car. Aubrey had just come from an interview for a waitress gig at Hooters. She then playfully declares that she had to wear her PUSH-UP, push-up bra for the interview. She goes on to say that she needed it because she wasn’t as busty as her sorority sister and needed all the help she could get for the Hooters interview.

Even in college, Aubrey always dressed… provocatively. We all knew she was confident in flaunting her body. But this incident showed me that Aubrey was truly comfortable with her body.

That was 2003. Since then Aubrey’s breasts have expanded exponentially… Now I’m not saying the girl got implants, as some say. I haven’t seen or talked with her since 2005. For all I know, Aubrey had a natural growth spurt… that only occurred in the chest area.

The very vocal Aubrey O’Day is not letting these plastic surgery rumors go unaddressed. In her new song “Never Fallin,” she sings that she is all real when it comes to her chest. Apparently, you can ask Hugh Hefner.

Back when I knew her, Aubrey seemed secure with her body. And, I respected her confidence in her body image, even if I did not always understand her choice in clothing (or lack thereof). But, if she did get breast implants, did she sell out?

Even though she is famous, Aubrey is not the only person who comes under scrutiny for how she looks. We all deal with body issues. Should we learn to accept our bodies and avoid plastic surgeries? Or is cosmetic surgery a perfectly acceptable means to achieve the body we want?
 

Remember the Time with Michael Jackson

As you’ve probably heard from friends’ Facebook statuses and the constant media coverage, Michael Jackson has passed away. His death nearly killed the internet too.

Michael’s impact is undeniable. His musical career is one that is unparalleled - thirteen #1 US hits as a solo artist, the biggest sell album in the world with Thriller, and selling a total of 750 million albums worldwide (and counting). With the moonwalk, the white glove and unforgettable videos, Michael has created iconic dance moves and set the standard for all music video. Musicians have sung their praise for Michael’s brilliance and credit his groundbreaking music career as inspiring theirs.

That said, Michael’s private life was controversial. There were questions about alterations to his image - from plastic surgeries to his change skin color. He was accused of child molestation in 1993 and then again in 2005, in which Michael was tried and acquitted.  There was also the baby dangling incident. And, since the late-1990’s, Michael was reportedly broke and living off the charity of his rich friends. Now as questions arise about how he died, there are claims that he was addicted to drugs.

While no one can deny Michael’s legacy in the music world is unparalleled, his life seemed complicated.

When we remember those that pass away, how should we remember them? Only the good? Or do certain bad actions discount the positive aspect of one’s life?

How will you remember Michael Jackson?

Vivica A. Fox's Psychic Friends... Seriously!?!

Ummm…

How did Vivica A. Fox go from blockbusters, like Independence Day, Soul Food and Kill Bill: Vol. 1, to spokeswoman for The Psychic Friends Network infomercial? Oh, how the mighty has fallen. Or has she?

Fox released a statement, declaring: “Vivica A. Fox is no friend of The Psychic Friends Network.” She alleges that the network is “using her unauthorized likeness, footage, voice and photographs as an endorsement of their service.” As a result, Fox wants it to stop.

I’m confused. It would be understandable if she’s outraged had the network only used her image in photo ads without her permission. But, Fox is in the commercial with dialog no less. It seems like she consented… sounds like Fox is now ashamed... Could you blame her?

But, really, should she be ashamed? Is it bad to be associated with psychics? Why? Could psychics be legitimate (as a form of religion or science perhaps)? Or do only crazy people need and heed the advice of psychics?

You’d be surprised who uses psychics. In 2002 the British Ministry of Defense spent approximately $35,000 on testing potential usage of psychics. That pales in comparison to the $20 million United States government agencies (Department of Defense, CIA, and NSA) spent over two decades trying to harness psychic powers to find hostages, terrorists and criminal activity.

So what do you think about using psychics? Waste of time and (tax-payer) money? Or innovative tool?

Should the use of psychics be considered a quasi-religion, semi-science or complete nonsense?

And what happened to Vivica A. Fox’s career? Shouldn’t her psychic friends warned her and helped her make better career choices!?!

Bad Michael Phelps or Perfectly Okay Michael Phelps?

Say it ain’t so, Michael Phelps! Say it ain’t so…

As you can see, the Olympic champion was photographed smoking a bong. At first I tried to defend him by saying that the photo was really of a skinny Jason Wahler.  But at last, Phelps admitted and apologized for the picture and smoking marijuana.

His statement: “I engaged in behavior which is regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment. I’m 23 years old and despite the successes I’ve had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have some to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again.”

Unfortunately, this is not Phelp’s first drug-related incident. After the 2002 Olympics, Phelps, then 19, was caught drinking (alcohol) and driving. He received 18 months probation. Phelps was also ordered to speak to youths about the dangers of alcohol and attend a Mothers Against Drunk Driving victims’ impact panel.

Phelps’ pot picture will probably not result in such punishment, if any. Marijuana is not a prohibited sports enhancing drugs. Thus, the US Olympic Committee probably will not sanction him. This incident will probably cost Phelps’ wallet as it could cost him some of his sponsorships.

But, many don’t view Phelp’s weedy behavior negatively. There are many groups calling for the legalization of marijuana. They believe marijuana is not as dangerous as it’s made out to be. These groups say that alcohol and cigarettes, which are legal, are more life-threatening. Moreover, marijuana can be used in a medicinal manner. Thus, these groups see no reason to ban it.

But, smoking weed is illegal. The supporters of pot’s illegal status justify it a few ways. There’s the unhealthy aspect. There’s the notion that marijuana is a “gateway” drug – a drug that causes users to use other illicit drugs. There’s also the whole moral aspect. Some believe that the government should ban weed on moral grounds – that government should not endorse the use of pot by making it legally acceptable.

What do you think? Should marijuana be legalized or remain illegal?

And what do you think of Phelps after the bong picture? Is he still the golden boy? Or is his legacy clouded in scandal?

Jessica Simpson: Weighing Our Judgments

Argue with me if you want but I think Jessica Simpson’s best song to date is 2001’s “Irresistible.”

But Jessica isn’t a teeny bopper pop princess anymore. Her life has changed since then relationship-wise (Goodbye, Nick Lachey. Hello, Tony Romo), music-wise (pop to country) and screen-wise (reality television to movie/direct-to-DVD). But the media and public has taken notice of another change – her body.

The internet was abuzz with photos of her recent Chili Cookoff performance. See.

Jessica received harsh criticism about her weight gain. I mean I felt sad for the girl.

Sister Ashlee came to the defense of her big sis… I mean… her older sis. Ashlee posted the following response to her blog:

I am completely disgusted by the headlines concerning my sister's weight. A week after the inauguration and with such a feeling of hope in the air for our country, I find it completely embarrassing and belittling to all women to read about a woman's weight or figure as a headline on Fox News.

All women come in different shapes, sizes, and forms and just because you're a celebrity, there shouldn't be a different standard.

Is this something you would say to your wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, or even a friend? I seriously doubt it. How can we expect teenage girls to love and respect themselves in an environment where we criticize a size 2 figure?

Now can we focus on the things that really matter.

It’s sweet that Ashlee defended Jessica. But I think Tyra Banks made the point more effectively on The Tyra Banks Show when she faced similar weight criticism. Watch the iconic moment:

Now Ashlee and Tyra are saying criticism of female celebrity’s weight is sexist and demeaning to women. Plus, they argue the comments ingrain a harmful body image in girls and women.

Considering both Jessica and Tyra have used their bodies and sex appeal to further their careers and make money, is it fair for the public to critique their bodies?

Weigh in on this debate. What do you think? Is the weight criticism of these celebrities fair or is it mean, sexist and destructive? And, is Jessica Simpson still “Irresistible”?

Prince Harry: National Treasure or Royal Pain?

Apparently Prince Harry did not heed Mariah Carey’s sage advice - “If it’s a camera up in here, then I best not catch this flick on YouTube, YouTube.”

Prince Harry has set off a storm with his usage of racist language in the video made three years ago while he was serving in Afghanistan with the British army. Since St James’s Place issued a statement that Prince Harry has acknowledged and apologized for his racist remarks, we don’t have to debate about whether they were or weren’t (unless you want to). However, this does raise the question: Should there be a royal family?

This isn’t the first time Prince Harry has brought shame to his family. At 17, he admitted he used marijuana and entered into a drug treatment program. He also reportedly snorted vodka, which is dangerous. In 2004, Prince Harry was also accused of cheating his high school exit exams and was also in a scuffle with the paparazzi. 2005 saw the Prince dress up as a German Afrika Korps uniform with a swastika. He apologized for his costume. This video is his and his family’s latest embarrassment.

His ignorance and mistakes are not necessarily uncommon for a young man growing up. The difference is he is third-in-line to the throne and in the scrutiny of the limelight. Should the public expect more from him given the perks of his royal upbringing (like having a private education)? Or do Prince Harry’s mistakes humanize him and generate more interest in him and the royal family, making them relevant (even if only in a celebrity sense)?

I guess what I’m really asking is what is the royal family’s role when its power is primarily ceremonial? Does that role justify having royals? Obviously British tradition and culture play a role in why the monarchy has survived. Plus, the British royal family generates millions of dollars in tourism ($200 million in 2006-2007) and does charity work worldwide. But, does that all justify its existence and all the taxpayer money and respect it receives? You tell me.

And if you support having a constitutional monarchy, what expectations should the pubic have? How do you keep member of the royal family accountable? More to the point: how do the people punish them, if they can?

Hayden Panettiere: Sign the Petition, Save the Whale

Heroes star Hayden Panettiere loves the whales. As you recall, she went letter-to-letter with the Japanese government over its country’s practice of killing whales and dolphins for human consumption. She argued mercury-filled whale meat is not healthy for humans to eat and killing whales is wrong. Hayden also had an incident with fishermen in Japanese waters. Then she recently held a DC rally to raise more awareness.

Like her Heroes character, her activism can’t be killed. Hayden is continuing her fight online. She just released this video:

So she wants us to join SocialVibe.com and sign the Whaleman Foundation petition to save the whales. She will then personally deliver the petition to the International Whaling Commission (IWC).

The IWC is an international body that studies and issues decisions about whaling. However, it does not have the power to enforce its rules. Countries voluntarily join the commission and have the right to object to any ruling. By objecting, the country signifies it is not under the objected IWC-decision.

Do you think the practice of killing whales for human consumption should be illegal? If you do, will you sign Hayden’s petition? Will you spread the word and help her reach her 1 million signature goal?

Do you think this petition, delivered by Hayden, will be effective in convincing countries to stop whale killing? If you don’t, what would be a better strategy?

Do as Celebrities Say: Register and Vote!

Darn video chain letters. I’m posting this because they told me to…

Oh, celebrities. They’re always making these types of videos – the register to vote/go vote videos. Are they effective?

They deserve kudos for their effort. Let’s recognize other stars who have encourage Americans to do their civic duty. Adam Brody of The O.C. and She’s All That Rachel Leigh Cook did on the ground registration at the University of Michigan. Jay Z is also encouraging Michiganders to register to vote in the battleground state with two free concerts this weekend.

If you are not compelled to vote, what could a celebrity do to change your mind, if anything? Can the stars influence who you vote for? Jay Z, Rachel Leigh Cook and Adam Brody aren't registering Michiganders for nobody...

Anyway, I hope you register to vote. And then I hope you vote.

Oh and please become a Facebook fan of PolicyWithPop.com. (Shameless plug)