I've always wondered about that Angelina Jolie, bad-ass or bat-shit crazy? Today as I caught a quick glance of a tabloid in line at the grocery store... (While fielding questions about Hershey's Chocolate Bars from the 5 year old, and the peremptory huffing warning of "I'm tired and want a nap. You people better not cart me anywhere other than my crib, because I've already been to the doctor & the pharmacy, and I will lose it" from the 1 year old.) As I read "I love being pregnant"-Angelina Jolie, printed over-top her smoldering demure smile...I leaned in the direction of bat-shit crazy. Who loves being pregnant?!? Oh yeah, a bad ass.
And while I'm on the topic of tabloids, let me just say, People magazine intrigues and perturbs me. Historically the talented and physically-advantaged-elite have always been a source of admiration and curiosity. I feel that in order to indulge in celebrity gossip as a guilty pleasure, there are a few rules of requirement. The rules are structured to position yourself from an objective & 3rd party perspective, in order to enjoy the full spectrum of salacious scandals.
Number one: You must acknowledge that these creatures exist in a reality so far removed from the common person. Examination into their drama laden lives as a source of entertainment and distraction from the hum-drum monotony of the endangered middle class. Never as a measurement of attainability. (You don't want to be that 15 year old starlet that moved to Hollywood to become the next Reese Witherspoon to find themselves a homeless/prostitute.) Number two: Never compare yourself to them. Celebrities have a team of people working for them. Personal trainers, chefs, housekeepers, nannies, Feng Shui specialists, lawyers, designers, accountants, make-up artists, pool boys, etc. Number three: Acknowledge that the rich & famous are elevated to these pedestals by the media. Because it is lucrative. Financially advantageous. It's all about selling stuff. Look at it from that angle, and then knock yourself out with the mind numbing prattle. Jennifer Aniston pregnancy rumors, yes please...
Although, the Washington end of the celebrity circuit usually gets more of my attention than the Hollywood version. Politicians, Lobbyists, etc. Same scenario as the actors/rock-stars/artists, the spectrum vacillates between actual talent and fame-seekers that have either physical or social prowess, and/or deep pockets. Somehow they all get muddled up together. The "scandals" sound surprisingly similar. The main difference is the measure of power that politicians hold over our lives, communities, and country. Perhaps that is why I speculate the motivations of those that aspire to positions in politics. I have a difficult enough time keeping my little world in a functional revolution. I can't fathom the desire to take on the problems of an entire nation for $400,000 a year. Especially when Will Ferrell made $350,000 during one season of SNL.
Dont' get me wrong, I'm glad there are people that are willing to advocate on behalf of the masses. I'm just not convinced that the individuals the masses would select even have a fair shot at public exposure in this all-mighty-dollar-media-frenzied-anti-bipartisan reality. Yet regardless, I believe the potentials deserve our close scrutiny, especially when it comes to their diplomacy, job efficiency, and simply how they get things done. I have to say as far as bad ass and bat-shit crazy goes on the political circuit? (Namely Congress, the slew of GOP nominee contenders, and any number of Lobbyists pushing self-serving agendas?) For the majority? I'm afraid I'm leaning towards bat-shit crazy.
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