Strollerderby : howard stern

8 Year Old Divorces 50 Year Old In Saudi Arabia

Brett Singer — Mon, 04 May 2009 14:00:00 GMT

An 8-year-old girl was allowed to divorce her 50-year-old husband in Saudi Arabia. The marriage had been upheld by a judge twice; the girl's father had agreed to the marriage as long as it wasn't consumated until she hit puberty. The father arranged the marriage because he owed money to the 50-year-old man.

Ewww.

Despite being previous upheld by "the country's highest religious authority, the Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Shaikh" who said that "marrying girls even under the age of 15 was not against Sharia - Islamic law which forms the basis of the Saudi legal system," the marriage was finally "annulled in a private out-of-court settlement between the two families in the city of Onaiza." The country is now "considering" a ban on marriages involving girls under 18, according to Reuters.

A few days ago on the Howard Stern Show (stay with me here), Howard mentioned that he had been invited to the opening of a hotel in Dubai. He declined, partly because he never goes anywhere, but also because he doesn't want to support a society that oppresses women. Dubai (which I realize is not the same as Saudi Arabia) has become a popular tourism spot for wealthy people looking for a new thrill. Stories like this should make them realize that by traveling to these countries, they are supporting a culture that only began to "consider" changing a barbaric law after someone noticed.

Source: Telegraph

Image: Wikipedia

Baby Dies After Being Left In Day Care Van

Fox News Hates Kids In Political Videos Except When They Don't

Kids Don't Pay Taxes: Get Them Out of Tea Parties

Did Sarah Palin Know That Bristol Was Sleeping With Levi?

The Only In Vitro Center in Maine Closes

Howard Stern To Release CD Of Kiddie Songs

Brett Singer — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:30:00 GMT

Howard Stern wants to sing to your children.

So, like, hey now.

The King of All Media has had a number one movie, two best-selling books, a top-rated television show and is the greatest radio performer of all time. But he has never had a hit record.

Before you say, "Oh come on, why would a guy with that much money care about something like that?" you should know that Stern, who is currently heard on SiriusXM Satellite Radio, frequently complains that even Rick Dees had a number one song with "Disco Duck:"

Howard had a song on the Private Parts soundtrack (The Great American Nightmare with Rob Zombie) but it didn't do as well as Stern's other efforts.

So to rectify the situation, Howard has decided to make a CD of music for kids. Yes. It's true. The man who made his name proclaiming his love for lesbians, strippers and his own bodily functions wants to sing to your kids.

It's not as crazy as it sounds. First of all, as 'Monsters Vs. Aliens' showed us, it doesn't really matter if kiddie entertainment is any good. Market it correctly and it will sell. Second, many of Stern's fans (myself included) are now parents. Third, despite what people think, he's a clever guy. No tracks have been announced, but I doubt he'll put out something with language that will offend anyone. If Howard does something he goes all in, so don't expect a "trick" CD that lures you into buying something inappropriate for your kids. (On-air cohorts Richard and Sal might do that, but they're not involved this time. I hope.)

Last, but certainly not least, say "baba booey" to your kids. I'll bet you anything they laugh.

Look for the CD this fall. I know I will. I mean, could it be any worse than Kidz Bop?

Source

Read more:

Gloria Allred Sits On A Booster Seat

TV Is Neither Good Nor Bad For Babies

It's Monsters Vs Aliens on DWTS

Sasha's Not-So-Green Lunches

On Jett Travolta, Howard Stern Gets It Right

Brett Singer — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:00:00 GMT

This morning on Sirius XM Radio, Howard Stern commented on the death of John Travolta and Kelly Preston's son Jett Travolta. In the past, Howard has ruthlessly mocked Scientology; long before it was de rigeur to poke fun at L. Ron Hubbard's celebrity religion, he would read internal Scientology newsletters on the air, exposing their wackiness to the world at large. So one might expect Stern to go after Travolta with both barrels.

Not this time. He said that while some were going to condemn Travolta and Preston for not giving their son medication for what most people felt was autism, he wasn't going to go there, at least not today. Then he made the best point anyone can make about Jett's passing: "There's nothing sadder than burying your own child."

That phrase, "There's nothing sadder", gets thrown around much too easily in my opinion. For example, I once received an email from a parent telling me that there was "nothing sadder than an empty PTA meeting." So I wanted to give Stern credit for showing compassion, as well as use the opportunity to say something about the phrase "there's nothing sadder". Maybe I’m over-reacting, but it makes me nuts when people use it too freely. While I suppose it's possible that there is something sadder than burying your own child, I can guarantee you that there are many things sadder than an empty PTA meeting.

Now, lest you think that The Howard Stern Show has become an encounter group, he did later joke that kawasaki disease, which Jett reportedly suffered from, is a disease that "turns you into a motorcycle." (It was kind of a funny, throw away line said during a conversation.) So whatever you think of Howard or his long-running radio show, let's give him credit for getting this one right.

[image]

Jett Travolta - The Story of His Death

New Details: Jett Travolta Died In His Father's Arms

Jett Travolta's Death Investigated by Police

Jett Travolta's Death: John & Kelly Break Their Silence

Grieving Chinese Parents Not Allowed To Sue

They Say -- Vaccines Work

Puppies Save Lost Toddler

Brett Singer — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:30:00 GMT

After so many sad stories (winter, I suppose?), this one was a nice find.

3-year-old Jaylynn Thorpe had "wandered away from his baby-sitter" and was missing for almost 24 hours in the woods of Halifax County, Virginia. (That's some babysitter.) Luckily, he was with two 12-week-old puppies. When it got late and cold – 17 degrees – the puppies snuggled up to Jaylynn and kept him warm. The kid is fine, thanks to these two dogs.

The trio had quite a journey – according to published reports, the boy and his two dogs "wandered up to a mile in the dark, even across a highway." Eventually he was found, "sitting by a tree, the two puppies nestled against him."

Even after Jaylynn had been rescued, the dogs didn't let him out of their sight -- "Where he went, they went," said search party member Billie Jo Roach.

When people get dogs to protect their families, I don't think this is what they have in mind. Luckily everyone is OK. I might have a little chat with the baby-sitter, though.

Source: NY Daily News via The Howard Stern Show (specifically Robin Quivers' news)

Read more:

Brain Wave Study Sheds Light On Autism

They Say: Get Some Sleep or Die

Do You Take Your Baby Bar Hopping?

New Zealand Girl Treated Successfully With Cord Blood

Babysitter Made Pornographic Film With 2 Year Old

Daughter's Homework Assignment Leads to Presidential Pardon for Dad

Suri Cruise: Most Powerful Child On The Planet

Babble Podcast for December 8, 2008

Brett Singer — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 04:25:00 GMT

Here is the sixth Babble Podcast.

You can either listen right here

or download the MP3 file by clicking here.

On today's episode:

1.    Quick news update:
       - Barbara Walters' Most Fascinating People may not be all that fascinating
       - Plaxico Burress. Oy vey.
       - The Senate race in Minnesota is starting to sound like one of Al Franken's SNL sketches

2. The Week in Blog
- Pregnant 1 year old, Cream Booties and Britney Spears. Not all at once.

3. Comment of the Week
- Might want to re-think those rules for your son, dude.

4. The Last Word
- Political Correctness is back!

Notes on this podcast:

Songs parodied:

- REM, Stand
- Billy Joel, Captain Jack
- Movin' On Up, Theme Song from The Jeffersons

Posts mentioned:

Pregnant 1-Year-Old

Calculate the Odds You'll Get Divorced

10 WORST. BABY. PRODUCTS. EVER! (Part 2)

Top 10 Black Friday/Cyber Monday Baby Products

Cyber Monday Deals: The Complete List of Online Discounts

Brookstone Item That's Truly Useful for Parents

Organic Cream Booties

Video: Britney's X Factor "Womanizer" Performance! Hot!

Chris Brown Dumps Pregnant Rihanna?!!?

Brad To Apologize To Jen For Cheating (Little Late Now Isn't It)?

50 Rules for My Unborn Son

Do You Take Your Baby Bar Hopping?

They Say: Get Some Sleep or Die

Explaining Plaxico Burress To A Seven Year Old

Suri Cruise: Most Powerful Child On The Planet

Grown Kids Try Forcing Dad To Divorce Second Wife In Court

Past Podcasts:

Babble Podcast for November 24, 2008

Babble Podcast for November 17, 2008

Babble Podcast for November 10, 2008

Babble Podcast for November 24, 2008

Brett Singer — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 03:59:00 GMT

Here is the fifth Babble Podcast. A little late this week, sorry about that. The kids wanted food and stuff -- very inconvenient when you have editing to do.

You can either listen right here

or download the MP3 file by clicking here.

On today's episode:

1.    Quick news update: Ted Stevens loses, Twilight is the top movie, and Artie Lange's Too Fat To Fish is the number one book.
2.    The Week in Blog: Bill O'Reilly doesn't know what a panda is, Angie says sorry, and no more ham soda for Christmas.
3.    Comment of the Week: Never moo at a nursing mother.
4.    The Last Word: A suggestion for Denis Leary.

Posts mentioned:

Oops! Sex Positions Booklet Accidentally Handed Out to Kids

10 WORST. BABY. PRODUCTS. EVER! (Part 1)

Morning News: The Second Thing Michelle Said After Obama's Historic Win

Does This Look Like a Panda to You? Bill O’Reilly Thinks So.

Little Miss Giggles

Frog Prince Coat-Hook

Jones Soda Tones Down the Disgusting for 2008 Holiday Packs

She's Got Legs: Sarah Palin Sunbathing

Michelle Obama To Oprah: "Back Off!"

Angelina Apologizes To Jennifer For Stealing Brad

Let's Play The Super Obama World Video Game!

Things You Should Never Say To A Nursing Mother

Denis Leary Puts Autism Comments In Context

Maybe The 80s Are Retro

Babble's Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide

Disney Pulls Hannah Montana Diabetes Episode

Is Barack Obama Anti-Video Games?

Past Podcasts:

Babble Podcast for November 17, 2008

Babble Podcast for November 10, 2008

Babble Podcast for November 3, 2008

Babble Podcast for October 27th, 2008

Who Do You Like More -- Your Real Spouse Or Your Work Spouse?

Madeline Holler — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 21:31:00 GMT

Are you the one in 10 workers who has a so-called work spouse? You know, the person at the office that you're (platonically) partnered up with? Famous examples include: Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa, Howard Stern and Robin Quivers, David Letterman and Paul Schaffer.

Oo oo, does your actual spouse have a work spouse? How does that make you feel?

Twenty percent of you are feeling jealous, a CareerBuilder.com survey found.

Back in my office days, I was platonically polyandrous regarding work spouses. I had two. But since one was pushing 65 and the other was kind of dumpy, I highly doubt my then partner-now-husband was the least bit jealous. As for him, the husband, he (1) works in heavily male offices and (2) is socially off-putting enough anyway that, no, actually, I'm not jealous at all!

What about you? Wish your spouse's work spouse would get a new job, already? And doesn't this happen all the time on movie sets -- except it often turns into something real? (Angelina and Brad, I'm looking at you!)

Should Your Daughter Save Herself For Her One, True Love, Or Score Big Bucks?

Amy S.F. Lutz — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:01:00 GMT

I haven't had The Talk with any of my kids yet - they're all still too young. But I always imagined that when we did speak about sex, I would tell my daughters and my sons that sex was something special, something they should only do with someone they loved very much.

But maybe they should know there are other options. One 22-year-old woman, using the pseudonuym Natalie Dylan (pictured), decided to auction off her virginity to help pay for graduate school. (I'm sure the experience will be of great help as she pursues a Master's in marriage and family therapy. Oy.)

The auction is supposed to be going on at bunnyranch.com - although I checked the site and couldn't find it. Online reports suggest Dylan has already received an offer of $250,000, although she has said she is hoping to net at least a cool million from the deal, which would be consummated at the Bunny Ranch brothel in Las Vegas (where Dylan's older sister already works).

Dylan has been at the center of a storm of controversy since talking about her decision on the Howard Stern show last week. But I have to say, I'm less shocked by the thought of a woman selling her virginity for a million dollars than I am that someone would actually pay that much for it.

Savage stands by his stupid words

Brett Singer — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:30:00 GMT

Michael Savage meant what he said and he said what he meant. He's really a moron, one hundred percent. (Apologies to Dr. Seuss.)

To paraphrase Tom Petty, Michael Savage won't back down on his "autism is a racket" rant. Here's the latest clip, from Media Matters.

What's so fascinating about people like Savage is the way they defend themselves. He says that he is just being a "skeptic" about issues such as autism, or the "global warming fiction" of Al Gore. "I don't know when it became illegal to be a skeptic," he says.

Michael – can I call you Michael? – no one is saying that what you did was against the law. They are taking issue with what you said, and the criticism ranges from "factually inaccurate" to "deeply offensive." You must have known that you would get a strong reaction when you said it, just as you are getting a strong reaction now. You say, "to thine own self be true" and that you "can't please everyone…but you can please yourself." Standing by what you said is, in a way, admirable. Of course, there's also no shame in admitting that you made a mistake. 99% of autistics are faking it? Really?

In the same clip he bashes pediatricians for prescribing drugs to children with ADD, and other fun stuff. He's a real piece of work, Savage is.

It's worth pointing out that this isn't a free speech issue. No one is saying that Savage can't say whatever he wants to. But he may not be able to say things that are both incorrect and hurtful and continue to make millions of dollars doing it. Radio is a business, and advertisers are dropping out of his show; many radio stations are pulling him off the air. Whether he wants to believe it or not, there are some things that, if you say them in a public forum, can cause you to lose your job. (At least I would think that you would know that, since it already happened to you.) Whether or not you cast yourself as a "hero" of some kind is irrelevant. It's a job. When you tell me you'll do it for free, then maybe we can talk about "free speech."

Media Matters – a group that Savage refers to as "the homosexual mafia…fascist, homo" – is encouraging listeners to call their local stations and ask that Savage be removed. If you want to find out where he broadcasts in your area, click here.

image: Youtube

Michael Savage says kids with autism need to get over themselves

When playgrounds attack, the sequel

Woman goes to jail for adopting children to get money

20 Disturbing Baby Products

S&M Barbie

Top 10 Disturbing Action Figures Marketed to Boys

Creepy Lifelike Dolls Help Owners Grieve

Celebrity Baby Naming Hits New Low

Schools tying up autistic kids

Brett Singer — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:30:00 GMT

This is something that you would hope wouldn't happen anymore, like lobotomies. This isn't that bad, of course, but the fact that it happens as often as it does is pretty alarming.

According to an article in the New York Times, a large number of students with autism, ADHD and other diagnoses are being forcibly restrained when they misbehave. I say "misbehave" because, according to the Times, "defying a teacher’s instructions – 'noncompliance' – can invite a takedown or time alone in a locked room."

And before you say, "well, look, what's the big deal?" the article mentions three children who died because of these "disciplinary measures", including a 9-year-old autistic boy in Montreal who suffocated under a weighted blanket that was being used to restrain him. The harm done is psychological as well as physical: Tim Miller, a 12 year old boy with Asperger's from upstate New York, told his father that he didn't want to go to school anymore "because he thought the school was trying to kill him."

Isn't it illegal to tie kids up? Nope. "Federal law leaves it to states and school districts to decide when physical restraints and seclusion are appropriate, and standards vary widely. Oversight is virtually nonexistent in most states, despite the potential for harm and scant evidence of benefit."

OK, but these are just a few isolated incidents, aren't they? Wrong again. The article states that "one or two a week surface on some parent e-mail lists," which sounds like a lot to me. The Times also implies that for some kids, locking them up is the norm. An 8-year-old California boy was locked in a "seclusion room" 31 times – "at least" 31 times. His parents only found out when another parent "saw the boy trying in vain to escape."

Frankly, once a kid dies, you would think that would spark a major outcry, but that doesn't appear to be the case. This makes the incident where the teacher called a kid to the front of the classroom and invited the other children to berate him seem almost mild by comparison.

While there is a legitimate point about teachers not being properly trained to deal with special needs children, why is violence and dangerous restraint ever the answer? I went to a New York City public school, and I saw some pretty intense behavior, some of it violent. As far as I know, nobody was ever put in restraints or locked in a room. While I of course don't think its appropriate for one child's behavior to dominate a classroom, whatever the reason, there has to be a solution other than what's described here.

image/source: NYTimes

Woman goes to jail for adopting children to get money

Man locks daughters in cage while he works

Mom Arrested After Withholding Cancer Treatments From Autistic Son

Autistic Kids Booted From Yearbook

North Carolina Accused Of Illegally Seizing Autistic Boy

Baby Cages: The 5 Baby Products that Should be Illegal

Green Our Vaccines: Jim Carrey and Jenny McCarthy Get Political

When playgrounds attack, the sequel

Michael Savage says kids with autism need to get over themselves

Brett Singer — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:30:00 GMT

Ah, talk radio. A world where measured political reflections are shared between like-minded folk who only want to make the world a better place.

Survey says: nope.

First, some background. Michael Savage is, according to various news reports, the third most listened to talk show host on radio (numbers one and two are Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity). Like many of the people who have followed in Howard Stern's wake, he has no clue how to be funny or interesting on the air, so he resorts to spewing bizarre and hateful things at anyone who will listen. For example, he once told a caller to "get AIDS and die," and to "go eat a sausage and choke on it." That got him fired from his television show.

Last week, in a bizarre tirade, he said that autism was "A fraud, a racket. ... In 99 percent of the cases, it's a brat who hasn't been told to cut the act out." What hasn't been reported quite as widely is his statement about asthma, where he says that "everyone had asthma from the minority community" because "The children got extra welfare if they were disabled." No, really. He said it. Here's a clip:

I often wonder if these people actually mean what they say or if they're just trying to get attention but saying something outrageous. Autism is a "racket"? If you want to talk about an increase in diagnosed cases, the expansion of the autism spectrum, maybe there's a valid point to be made – MAYBE (really, really, really BIG maybe). But this: "What do you mean they scream and they're silent? They don't have a father around to tell them, 'Don't act like a moron. You'll get nowhere in life. Stop acting like a putz. Straighten up. Act like a man. Don't sit there crying and screaming, idiot.' "

Sounds like somebody has some daddy issues to work out. Personally, I'd prefer he do it in private.

UPDATE: he's standing by what he said. What a guy.

image, Youtube, video source: MediaMatters

Woman goes to jail for adopting children to get money

Savage stands by his stupid words

20 Disturbing Baby Products

S&M Barbie

Top 10 Disturbing Action Figures Marketed to Boys

Creepy Lifelike Dolls Help Owners Grieve

Celebrity Baby Naming Hits New Low

Let's Play Guess The Photo

Brett Singer — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:00:00 GMT

This is a photo of:

a.    Me, at Burning Man
b.    Britney Spears after a weekend with the kids
c.    Dina Lohan, sans makeup
d.    The daughter of an incredibly successful film director
e.    Abe Vigoda in high school

And.... drum roll please.....

It's d. Specifically, Amanda Lucas, adopted daughter of George Lucas, aka "The man who created some of my greatest childhood memories and then set about doing stupid things to them, like making crappy prequels, renaming the first one 'A New Hope' and re-editing them to do things like make it look as if Han Solo didn't shoot Greedo first, even though we all know he did, dammit." Oh, wait. OK, I'm back.

Amanda is a mixed martial arts fighter, which is sort of like kickboxing, and very much like something I'm unlikely to ever do. (It also puts her in the "girls that can kick my ass" category.) She was involved in a series of fights called Princess of Pain.

Amanda had small roles in all three of the crappier "Star Wars" films. Here's proof that she doesn't always look quite so… I don't know, bloodied.

Belinda Dunne, a "Princesses of Pain promoter" (say that ten times fast), said that Amanda "has not once been a prima donna" and stayed in a hostel with the other fighters. In a hostel! That would make me angry enough to fight.

Now, it must be pointed out that since she is the daughter of Mr. Star Wars, and therefore has Star Wars money (and probably really cool Star Wars toys), I must state that I find her quite beguiling.

image: stuff.co.nz
news found via the Howard Stern Show, specifically Robin's News

Political Nanny Cam: McCain Asked Whether He Called Cindy the 'C-Word'

Madeline Holler — Tue, 06 May 2008 18:28:00 GMT

Awhile back, Political Nanny scolded John McCain for calling his wife a "trollope" and the c-word (yes, THAT c-word) in front of a group of reporters back in 1992. The press didn't pick up on it back when it happened, and McCain still hasn't had to answer for it. In fact, McCain has had to answer for very, very little, but let's focus on his temper and language.

So at a townhall meeting in Iowa last week, one guy thought he'd confront the issue: he asked whether it was true. Watch the results. Feel the disappointment.

What do you think? Should Charlie Gibson and George Stephanopoulos tag-team McCain and demand answers?

If you're the kind of person who takes Freudian slips (and Howard Stern) seriously, you may enjoy this little clip from the Howard Stern Show on YouTube, wherein you can hear McCain say the c-word, albeit NOT aimed at his wife.

[via HuffPo]

Howard Stern And Beth Ostrosky To Adopt

Brett Singer — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:30:00 GMT

Looks like The King of All Media will now have a prince.

Sirius Satellite Radio Host Howard Stern and his fiancée Beth Ostrosky will follow in the footsteps of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Madonna and Guy Ritchie, and other celebrity couples by adopting a child. Stern and Ostrosky are in the process of adopting a 2-year-old boy from Vietnam. Stern, who has three daughters from his first marriage, said in a statement, "Beth and I wanted to wait to announce this until we were married, but we were just too excited." Stern, who has stated on the air many times that he did not want to have any further children, went on to say, "I admit that I've always wondered what it would be like to raise a boy. Now I'll finally be able to find out. Besides, I said I'd never get married again, and look what happened."

photo: Yahoo.com

Moms of the Famous Tell Us How To Raise Successful Kids

Brett Singer — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Page Six reports on a new book where the mommies of various famous folks reveal how they raised their offspring.

If the rumors that Brett Ratner is a jerk are true, we may have his mother to blame. Momma Marcia Ratner apparently "coddled, pampered and ultimately embarrassed her son Brett." (Just in case Brett is hiring for "X-Men 4," I would like to point out that I'm not saying he's a jerk. Just that other people say he's a jerk.) Derek Jeter's mom Dot forced him to get good grades if he wanted to play baseball, and Steven Spielberg's mommy thought he would maybe work in a supermarket when he grew up.

The book is "Mother Nuture: Life Lessons from the Mothers of America's Best and Brightest," and while author Stephanie Hirsch did land some good interviews with moms, there are other good stories out there. On the Howard Stern Show, Richard Lewis talked about the time he called his mother to tell her some exciting news: he was going to be on The Tonight Show. Her response? "Who else is on?" Shocking that he's a bit neurotic.

Howard Stern's own relationship with his mother is well documented, including that she raised him "like a veal." Stern's father famously yelled at him in a recording studio when he was 7, something that Howard has turned into a bit on his radio show.

Then there's Eliot Spitzer's dad Bernard, who reportedly used Monopoly to teach life lessons to the future Tainted Gov: during a game of Monopoly, Bernard ordered Eliot, then 7 or 8, to sell him a piece of property, then reduced his son to tears when Eliot couldn’t pay the rent. The lesson he was teaching? “Never defer to authority,” Bernard said. Nice.

I'd actually rather hear from people like Bill and Hillary, since Chelsea seems to have turned out so well. As long as we never have to hear parenting advice from the Spearses.