Give Me Some Real News.

I had a moment today where I had to ask myself... "Why is the news covering the fact that Snooki had her baby?"  I mean, seriously.  Is this really what the American majority really cares most about?  They'd like to make me think this to be true.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not an always listening to NPR and reading BBC World News type gal - I do on occasion enjoy some celeb gossip here and there (probably because our society is so curious to find out more about the lives of these people and often include it in our news sources).  But, I'm curious as to why I would be interested in learning more about Snooki's birth experience.  Maybe I'm slightly annoyed with the fact that she makes way more money than I do by making a fool of herself on national television.  And then I wonder why people are so interested in this type of television - I guess people feel like they want to escape their own reality to see what crazy thing she's up to next...

I just feel like news stories such as the one above, tend to overshadow real news events that deserve the attention.  So, here's my plea to American news sources to include some more news with substance.  If I want to know more about the Jersey Shore, I'll watch MTV.  

I Want to Be English.

As the flames were extinguished to officially end the 2012 Olympic games, I couldn't help but think I want to at least for one day be English.  And this is why:

• The Music. The Beatles, David Bowie, and Queen have all been products of a good English upbringing.  I mean, this in my opinion, includes some of the greatest rock music of all time.  Can you really argue that Freddie Mercury has one of the great singing voices of all time?  I rest my case.
• Harry Potter.  JK Rowling created one of the greatest children's stories ever and really got me into reading as a kid.  So, thanks JK.
• The Royal Family.  I'd like to think I was ahead of the game thinking Price Harry was a looker.  Fun Fact: I had a picture of him hanging in my locker in the 8th grade.  Overall, I just love the royals in general - I mean, the national anthem is dedicated to the Queen.  She even was a good sport for the opening ceremonies and agreed to do a segment with James Bond. And I just happen to think her grandson is extremely attractive.
• English Comedies.  Right?  Such funny flicks.  And my personal favorite, Love Actually (maybe not a comedy in total, but some very comedic parts throughout) states it well..."We [England] may be small, but we're mighty.  Home to Harry Potter, The Beatles, David Beckham's right foot.  David Beckham's left foot come of that."  
• Shakespeare. Some of the greatest phrases of all time come from his work.  We may say, "love is blind" but its really all thanks to Two Men of Verona.  Thanks, Bill.
• Jane Austen.  She made all women want to find a Mr. Darcy.  I both love her and hate her for that.

So, as you can see, this is only a starting point as to why I would love to be English and I appreciate that the London 2012 games strengthened this desire by doing such a phenomenal job opening the doors of their city and countryside to the world.  And as the English proverb says that "all good things must come to an end", I want to send out my personal thanks to London for hosting such a wonderful Olympics.  Bravo.