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The Hostess Plan To Come Back From Chapter 11 Bankruptcy: New Chocolate Creme-Filled Twinkies

2012-02-10T01:44:06Z

Boy, oh boy, do you have to admire the gutsy, live by the seat of your pants business decisions of some company like Hostess which hopes to come back from Chapter 11 bankruptcy by pinning all their hopes on new some product. The Irving, Texas based company is no less than $1 billion dollars into major league debt problems due to declining sales for Wonder Bread as well as Twinkies and their other traditional products. With just half a billion in corporate assets including the office equipment, machinery and the trucks, the company is operating on a thin life-line of financial support of just a $75 million last ditch operating loan, only hoping to continue producing products and not shut their doors forever. The best answer that Hostess has to all of this high tension business drama is some bold new business decision to start producing chocolate creme-filled Twinkies. Wow. That’s real guts.

Corporate executives usually earn pretty good salaries. I’m not sure how much Hostess pays theirs. But, I sure bet all of the investors and creditors in Hostess are very happy to have him at the helm, keeping the company afloat with brilliant business strategies such as chocolate creme filled Twinkies decision. How can a scheme that brilliant possibly fail?

Usually, CEOs earn their pay because of their brilliance and their sheer willingness to make some bold business decisions. In all of the history of American business, this chocolate creme-filled Twinkie business decision ranks as a real milestone.

PSYCHOLOGY TODAY Mocks Rick Santorum’s Sexual Ignorance

2012-02-10T00:17:33Z

PSYCHOLOGY TODAY, the pop journal of psychology magazines, is running a critical feature this month on the sexual ignorance of Rick Santorum. PSYCHOLOGY TODAY noted that in a New Hampshire campaign appearance Santorum made the scientifically wrong statement claiming that, “God made man and woman, and men and women come together to have children, which keeps civilization going and provides the best environment for children to be raised”. Well, PSYCHOLOGY TODAY noted that scientifically speaking such observations from Santorum don’t really apply to the human species of animals.

Humans tend to have sex hundreds of times, if not thousands in most cases, before some episode of sexual intercourse actually results in a pregnancy or a live birth. Many animal mammal species on the other hand only tend to have sex during specific periods, so that the act often specifically results in pregnancy to further the species. Rick Santorum doesn’t understand that humans are a far more intelligent species, who give sex a great deal of thought and complexity compared to other animal species. For some odd reason, Santorum thinks that human sex is the same as much animal mammal sexuality which often only takes place during specific ovulation periods.

Santorum is also a fierce opponent of the use of contraception by humans. He sees this as blocking the procreation process. However, it also serves many important components such as disease prevention. Even in monogamous couples, the potential to carry components that could lead to cervical cancer can still be very high. For example, an estimated 20 million Americans, or around 8% are infected with the HPV virus. And this figure can include many married or monogamous persons. Sexuality between an infected person and an uninfected person must include the use of condoms for example. Santorum’s hard-line Roman Catholic view of condom use doesn’t seem to be intelligent enough to comprehend the important medical reasons why condom use is often essential to many people having sex, including married persons. Rick Santorum’s job after being voted of office by one of the biggest landslides for any incumbent senator ever was being a hospital administrator, although he has been condemned by critics for his inept handling of that job as well, where he really didn’t accomplish much more than steer millions of dollars of federal grants to the hospital while fraud, rapes, a murder, and other crimes made the hospital the subject of sanctions from state and federal regulators.

Rick Santorum, like former candidate Michele Bachmann, both signed a pledge to support the ban of all pornography in the United States. However, that was a legally ignorant position as well, as most pornography is perfectly legal for sale, only a tiny portion of material dealing with very extreme material is considered to be legally obscene and can be prosecuted by law. Santorum also doesn’t understand that humans are able to give sexuality a great deal of thought because of their higher intelligence than other animals, and pornography is only a reflection of that higher intelligence of the human species. Dogs don’t have their own version of PLAYBOY for example. But, humans have that title and many more titles because the human can comprehend sexuality in much larger larger and intelligent terms than dogs can.

Santorum also doesn’t seem to understand that the powerful nature of the sexual drive also makes human society and civilization possible. About the only men who aren’t inspired enough to get a job or amass some wealth to attract a mate are complete skid row bums. Writers such as Brandais University Professor Herbert Marcuse wrote books such as EROS AND CIVILIZATION, where he lays out a brilliant theory at how the sex drive makes human society possible compared to other animal species who have all failed to build any civilizations, although some primitive groupings such as bee colonies, wolf packs or ape groups do exist. But, none of these compare to the civilization built by mankind, largely motivated by the sex drive of humans which has only inspired this development.

Unfortunately, Rick Santorum doesn’t seem to give human sexuality much more regard than the sex life of cockroaches. Rick Santorum also well proves that he has little understanding of medical science, psychology, anthropology or numerous other scientific disciplines either. For some reason, Rick Santorum has found an audience of voters who only understand both religion. society and civilization in some of the most primitive of terms. It’s almost like Rick Santorum is the tribal elder of some lost tribe where books or other learning tools don’t yet exist in this civilization yet, because their society hasn’t yet advanced enough. Santorum seems to have made himself a pretty easy mark for the pointed stick of this new PSYCHOLOGY TODAY piece by his hard work to elevate dirt ignorance to the status of some political ideology. But, then again what is to be expected from some politician who has publicly self-described himself as “crazy” at least once before. Rick Santorum just won three primary and caucus contests this past week. Many voters apparently agree with his message no matter how factually wrong it is, although most serious political pundits give him little hope of winning the Republican presidential nomination. His 15 minutes of fame since his very narrow 34 vote win in Iowa are extended for at least another week.

For some odd reason, all of Rick Santorum’s goofy pronouncements haven’t yet caused political suicide. And that’s very perplexing for a civilization where the availability of information is far wider than ever before, thanks largely to the growth of computers as an information exchange medium. Rick Santorum’s brand of politics has apparently tapped into the greatest pool of sheer ignorance since the dark ages. But, it’s difficult to believe that most voters would be willing to elect someone president who lacks basic skills such as good judgment.

Snooki Now Claims To Be Bisexual

2012-02-09T01:07:35Z

Popular and outrageous JERSEY SHORE star Snooki now claims that she is bisexual, and claims to have have “Done stuff with girls”, but she also claims that she would never live with a woman because she claims to love “penis” too much. Well, that’s very nice Snooki. I’m sure there are more than a few penises who also love you very much as well. But, you learn something new everyday, don’t you? See, Wizbang Pop is practically an educational Website.

Randy Travis Apologizes For Drunken Arrest Outside Of Baptist Church

2012-02-08T23:51:35Z

Country and Gospel music legend, Randy Travis, offered up a public apology for his drunken arrest outside of a Baptist church in Sanger, Texas. Travis just had a fight with his girlfriend, and sat outside the church drinking a bottle of wine. Travis is a favorite over on the TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network), and is a frequent guest on programs such as Pastor John Hagee’s CORNERSTONE broadcast. His arrest outside of a church of all places might cause some at TBN to re-evaluate whether Travis is a liability to the network’s reputation.

Although a popular figure in Gospel music, Travis has had a troubled life after he dropped out of school, began using alcohol and drugs and faced some early arrests for breaking and entering and other crimes.

Unfortunately, Randy Travis is far from the only person who has decided to get real drunk and then sing about Jesus. Sometimes it seems like it would take a master detective to find any real differences in behavior in persons who claim to be “Christian” or not. I personally find that very sad.

Taylor Momsen In FHM Magazine

2012-02-07T23:36:09Z

Naughty 18 year old bad girl, Taylor Momsen, graces the cover of March issue of FHM. She’s also interviewed inside. But, she’s not entirely the bad girl brat that you think. Momsen claims that she works so much because of her strong work ethic that she usually only gets just 4 hours a day sleep. She loves working, and is so high-strung that she can work on this little sleep. And she’s actually glad to be past GOSSIP GIRL, because music is her first love.

That’s not a bad thing that Taylor is so much into her music. Her debut album from her group, Pretty Reckless, was a really great album of mostly hard rock that got a rave review here. Taylor has proven herself to be a great songwriter and singer both. Much of the album was written when she was just 16. And her band is playing one show after another for the next few weeks in both Canada and the U.S. Pretty Reckless is a great act, and their shows are well worth catching. Their schedule is posted over on their Website. Check it out.

Yet, you have to wonder what Taylor Momsen’s parents must be thinking this moment. Their little girl, who’s just barely 18, is running around with a bunch of 30 year old musician types, and she just loves ultra-high heel stripper shoes and is best friends with porn star Jenna Haze. Oh, what a lovely Norman Rockwell painting moment that is!

DVD Review: CONTAGION

2012-02-07T22:09:12Z

CONTAGION is a well crafted, all star cast, medical science fiction disaster thriller expertly directed by Steven Soderbergh. Currently available on DVD, this fast paced thriller manages to closely unfold the tale of a serious modern day plague epidemic transferred from a bat, to a pig, to humans, with terrible consequences of around 26 million killed before a cure is found by scientists working around the clock to save lives.

Gwyneth Paltrow plays an especially shocking role in this film as an early victim of this horrible and fast spreading modern day plague. Her path towards her death by this plague are carefully watched via security tape footage by CDC health experts who are trying to understand the method of transmission for this illness.

And, other actors such as Laurence Fishburne and Kate Winslet back up a cast that includes Matt Damon, Marion Cotillard and Jude Law. All all expertly cast, and play essential roles in this well spun thriller. It is also very nice to Elliott Gould back on the big screen as well. The veteran 73 year old actor well plays a deeply concerned medical expert, often just with facial expressions of concern. That’s the mark of a very fine actor there. Often without saying a word, his face does the acting.

CONTAGION may not be for everyone. But, it’s a very fine film certainly worthy of renting or buying on DVD for a nice well stocked DVD library.

The Bottom Line: Not a bad film at all. This medical disaster thrill ride is a fascinating film that will draw you in. It’s a nice new genre version reboot for the old disaster films of the 1970′s, and manages to capture plenty of drama without the big Irwin Allen type gimmicks of the traditional disaster epic. ***(Three Stars, Good. Buy or rent this one. This is a very good movie here).

NBC & NFL Offer Apology For Halftime Show Middle Finger Salute By Singer M.I.A.

2012-02-07T00:36:29Z

Madonna, you remember her, don’t you? She’s like a Britney Spears for old people. Well, her Super Bowl halftime show was an amazing and well choreographed production. However, one of her guest singers, M.I.A., from the UK, decided in the spur of the moment to flip the world the finger and utter a little four letter word. All of this caused both NBC and the NFL to offer an apology. However, it came so quick that it would take some some sort of video stop action specialist to pick out the moment. Even on slow motion on your video recorder, the moment comes and goes in a flash. In fact, most people probably never knew it. So what’s the big deal here?

So what about those pompous asses over at the FCC? Are they going to look at this fleeting moment and want to issue some fine? Holy Christ! If most people didn’t see anything wrong, then why bother.

The Super Bowl was very exciting this year, and the halftime show was exceptionally good. Madonna did the Super Bowl right. She should be very proud. Now, back to the nursing home with her.

NBC Has High Hopes For “Super Monday”

2012-02-06T22:37:16Z

NBC is counting on the big debut of two of their best shows to pull up the ratings of the network. THE VOICE, NBC’s answer to AMERICAN IDOL debuts tonight, along with the brand new and very highly anticipated new show, SMASH. SMASH is the new musical drama that stars AMERICAN IDOL runner-up Katherine McPhee as a woman vying for a lead role in a new Broadway play about the life of Marilyn Monroe. The show actually has been in development since 2009. where executive producer Steven Spielberg hoped to get it on Showtime. The original plan was for each season to involve a new Broadway musical under production.

SMASH features an amazing cast that includes veteran actresses such as Anjelica Huston, as well Debra Messing, the former star of NBC’s big hit comedy, WILL & GRACE. Debra Messing has proven to be star power for NBC once before, and should certainly strike gold the network once again.

If shows like HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL or Glee have been big hits, then SMASH should be as well.

NBC should be very proud of both shows. They are certainly two of the best that they have to offer. Both should draw better ratings for the network, although CBS will certainly walk with the lion’s share of Monday ratings with brand new top comedy episodes of TWO AND A HALF MEN and MIKE AND MOLLY.

CD Review: KISSES ON THE BOTTOM – Paul McCartney

2012-02-05T22:51:45Z

69 year old music legend Paul McCartney has released something of a retrospective album of songs his parents beloved sons that helped to influence his own musical direction. On one hand, it’s a very nice collection of digitally recorded standards crafted by one of the world’s greatest artists. On the other hand, the album is yet another disappointing entry from a musician who once was known for his groundbreaking music when he was part of The Beatles.

KISSES ON THE BOTTOM unfortunately reminds me of one of those type of albums that someone like Linda Ronstadt recorded of easy listening classics after her own music “jumped the shark” and she was no longer a top selling pop act. Certainly, KISSES ON THE BOTTOM is a nice enough album. But, rock fans just won’t be all that happy with this effort. Paul McCartney fans really want more music that’s up to his Beatles’ days standards. And this sure isn’t it.

There are a couple of new songs here by Paul McCartney. But, neither are his best creations ever written.

Fans of The Beatles and Paul McCartney will buy this album solely because it will complete their collections. But, let’s hope that Paul McCartney has a few better albums that this in his future before he decides to retire from music.

KISSES ON THE BOTTOM is Paul McCartney’s 15th solo album. But it’s such a lightweight collection of songs compared to what the legend is really capable of. Paul McCartney’s solo career includes major milestones such as BAND ON THE RUN, but also some junk albums such as WILD LIFE, the first Wings album that sounded more like a quickly recorded contractual obligation album that anything, with many of the songs recorded in just one take, and sure sounding like it. Even the presence of Denny Laine, the former leader of The Moody Blues, didn’t seem to elevate this album to higher standards of excellence. In the scheme of all things, KISSES ON THE BOTTOM is another of Paul McCartney’s weaker effort albums.

The Bottom Line: Far from the best Paul McCartney album ever released, although certainly far more polished than weak efforts such as WILD LIFE. **(Two Stars, Fair. If you need to complete your Paul McCartney collection, or are looking for a soft romantic music album suitable for St. Valentine’s Day, then get this album. Otherwise, you might want to skip it).

BIG BANG THEORY Hauls In Record Ratings!

2012-02-05T00:49:23Z

Who loves nerds? Well, just about everyone it seems! Just as I had predicted at the beginning of the season, THE BIG BANG THEORY would overtake TWO AND AND A HALF this year as the top comedy on TV. Well, this past Thursday, a brand new episode of THE BIG BANG THEORY drew in monster ratings to become one of the biggest hit comedy shows in TV history. The show drew in an awesome 16.3 million viewers, while the new comedy, ROB, actually weakened slightly to 11.2 million viewers. CBS also scored big with brand new episodes of PERSON OF INTEREST with 14.9 million viewers, while a new episode of THE MENTALIST drew a strong 13.5 million viewers.

NBC attempted to explain away the terrible ratings for 30 ROCK by claiming that some mistake in the listed TV description of the show caused many DVRs to malfunction. but regardless, ratings of around 3.2 million viewers are very poor. ABC fared better than lowly NBC, but overall, AMERICAN IDOL and FOX won the night at 17.1 viewers, with CBS hot on their heels.