How Reality TV Eats Its Own

Fairly good piece up on Reuters about the reality tv genre, making the claim that it killed the Real Housewives guy who committed suicide.

When I heard that Russell Armstrong, the estranged husband of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Taylor Armstrong, committed suicide, the first thing that came into my head was “the show killed him.”

I was discussing this issue with a pal, who pointed out that perhaps a majority of the Housewives (who I've given up watching) have been through some sort of financial ruin, whether bankruptcy or foreclosure, and another huge number have had their marriages ruined.

She wanted to understand who would put themselves up on tv, break the bank to show off imagined wealth, to prove exactly what?

I think it's a pure snapshot of America, where the American Delusion replaces the American Dream. The real estate bubble is mirrored here. People finally reach some height, have a fame-whore wish to show it all off to the world, and then roll back down the hill like a stalled car. Most of these people don't get their own shows, however.

We revel in watching the delusions of others, branded as real.

Earthquake?

New York is rockin', and not in a good way, although it's bouncy!

SEC Shreds, Burns, and Zaps Evidence of Past "Non-Investigations"

Matt Taibbi reveals a whistleblower's case of dark doings at the SEC, where cover-ups are job one, and no evil deed goes unrewarded.

Flynn discovered a directive on the enforcement division's internal website ordering staff to destroy "any records obtained in connection" with closed MUIs. The directive appeared to violate federal law, which gives responsibility for maintaining and destroying all records to the National Archives and Records Administration. Over a decade earlier, in fact, the SEC had struck a deal with NARA stipulating that investigative records were to be maintained for 25 years – and that if any files were to be destroyed after that, the shredding was to be done by NARA, not the SEC.

But Flynn soon learned that the records for thousands of preliminary investigations no longer existed. In his letter to Congress, Flynn estimates that the practice of destroying MUIs had begun as early as 1993, and has resulted in at least 9,000 case files being destroyed. For all the thousands of tips that had come in to the SEC, and the thousands of interviews that had been conducted by the agency's staff, all that remained were a few perfunctory lines for each case. The mountains of evidence gathered were no longer in existence.

There's a good list of some buried cases, but it looks like there was a whole lotta greasing of wheels and other objects involved.

Shocking, but not surprising. I predict a full inquiry, and try not to laugh too loud.

Another Hypocrite Anti-Gay Closet-Case Lawmaker Flushed Out in Indiana

He voted for an anti-gay-marriage bill, but then offered, allegedly, money to an 18-year-old male for his companionship.

Is this getting to be a dog-bites-man story?

Via indystar.com:

Emails shared with The Indianapolis Star suggest that state Rep. Phillip Hinkle -- responding to a local posting on Craigslist -- offered a young man $80 plus tip to spend time with him Saturday night at the JW Marriott hotel.

The emails, sent from Hinkle's publicly listed personal address, ask the young man for "a couple hours of your time tonight" and offer him cash up front, with a tip of up to $50 or $60 "for a really good time."

 The guy, who said he was 20 in his ad, gets offered hush money via his sister, who somehow "intervenes." Those details look VERY dodgy, since the sister goes to meet the guy's daughter in a hotel, apparently to prove she has the e-mail evidence.

Obama Admin Set to Kick Out Married Gay Partner

First we heard they'd hold off on these expulsions, now they're going right ahead. Via SF Gate:

 Citing the Defense of Marriage Act, the Obama administration denied immigration benefits to a married gay couple from San Francisco and ordered the expulsion of a man who is the primary caregiver to his AIDS-afflicted spouse.

"Bradford Wells, a U.S. citizen, and Anthony John Makk, a citizen of Australia, were married seven years ago in Massachusetts. They have lived together 19 years, mostly in an apartment in the Castro district. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services denied Makk's application to be considered for permanent residency as a spouse of an American citizen, citing the 1996 law that denies all federal benefits to same-sex couples.

So, let me get this right. The administration is refusing to defend DOMA in court, saying to the world that it is unconstitutional. WHILE at the same time, using it against a couple where one is the primary caretaker for his in-need spouse?

Obama Plans to Put Pentagon on a Diet of Growth Hormones

An old Soviet tank rusts away in Afghanistan.

(Nothing to do with today.)

Missed this one, amidst all the austerity and shared sacrifice. From Army Times (which I've never heard of, honestly, but assume is something).

 "The Obama administration’s five-year defense plan is putting the Defense Department on a path toward serious budget problems in the future, according to new Congressional Budget Office estimates of long-term defense costs.

"Citing increased costs for operations, support and weapons, a new analysis from the nonpartisan budget office predicts the Defense Department will need a $631 billion base budget in 2015 and a $735 billion budget by 2021. The administration’s five-year defense plan proposes a $611 billion budget in 2015, growing to $694 billion by 2021."

I must research this more. If it's true, this is my vote for most under-reported.

I suppose one can say this is just a report, but then, during all the deficit hysteria, the House voted a Pentagon budget of $649B, up $17B. That was in early July, and almost completely unreported!

The recent "debate" and talk of the family budget would make sense if your family had an arsenal in the back yard while the garage and porch were falling in, the house's plumbing and heating needed fixing, and the wiring was frayed and sparking away.

Suspected Psychopath on the Loose and in Search of Writers

From Craigslist. I quote in full (emphasis mine):

Anonymous Writer (and Others) on the Verge of Suicide (National) (Upper West Side)

---

Date: 2011-07-29, 12:21PM EDT
Reply to: [withheld]

---

Anonymous Writer (and Others) on the Verge of Suicide (National)

NATIONAL SEARCH FOR WRITER (OR ANYONE ABLE TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES IN WRITING)
who is at the end of their rope and contemplating killing themselves - for real.

If your story is genuine, you could be part of a very special project by best-selling nonfiction author.

This opportunity is not for someone who is looking for it to be a conventional paycheck or immediate compensation. You will need another job for that. However, the rewards can be very worthwhile in the long run in more ways than one.

You will not be required to reveal your identity, however you must convince and verify that your circumstances are real and that you have come to the realization that ending your life is an option for you.
You will not come into direct contact here with any doctors, psychologists, counselors, life coaches or experts in suicide prevention. You are encouraged to seek professional help elsewhere to save your life. You will not be required to meet anyone in person.

To apply, please (1) introduce yourself by reply e-mail (gender, age, city of residence, profession, first name or pseudonym), and (2) go to the web address below to share your true story that lead you to the point of seriously contemplating suicide:

[deleted. not giving this alleged human the time of day.]

We will match your e-mail with your posting and you will be contacted with additional information about this project.

Compensation will come contingent on the project moving forward and based on a portion of potential grant or other project monies. This is an invitation for you to express your deepest feelings and share your experiences and thoughts ... to be heard and acknowledged anonymously. Again, this is for someone who wants to be involved in something unique, positive, and rewarding beyond the possibility of monetary payment. (If you need a GUARANTEE of payment from this, please do not reply.)

APPLY NOW
Reply to e-mail in this ad and post comment at:

[link deleted.]

You will be contacted.

Thank you for your sharing and trust.
________________

PERSONAL NOTE / CLARIFICATION:

I want to express that I am aware this ad - especially the headline - is extreme, blunt, harsh, and can be offensive to some. I didn't know any other way to express what this is and who I am looking for than to be direct and honest ... and use the word "Suicide." Let me be clear that this project is for a good cause, is sensitive, and comes from a good place with wonderful intentions. I have a history of doing impactful and inspirational projects. I believe it will touch many people in a positive and powerful way, and, hopefully save lives. If it generates revenues, those who participate will benefit in this way too. The Project was sparked by the loss of my childhood friend who killed himself - it is my way of hopefully helping others in his name. Thank you.

• Compensation: Payment Contingent on Project Green Light (Portion of Grant or Other Monies)
• Telecommuting is ok.
• Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
• Please, no phone calls about this job!
• Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

Telecommuting? Like with an ipad from a bridge?