When Sibling Rivalry Goes Very Wrong

First Kourtney Kardashian got knocked up by her on-again-off-again boyfriend (and didn’t she catch him cheating on their show?). Now Khloe Kardashian is marrying her boyfriend, NBA player Lamar Odom. The two have been dating for a month, and they’re getting married this weekend. I don’t know, maybe I’m too cynical, but doesn’t this all just reek of sibling one-upmanship? Is this their way of getting out of sister Kim’s shadow?

R.I.P.

We all knew this was coming, but it doesn’t make it any less sad or shocking–Patrick Swayze died today after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 57. We’ll miss you, Johnny Castle.

In Remembrance

I just wanted to take a moment to remember all those we lost on and during the aftermath of the terrorist attacks September 11, 2001. I’d also like to again recognize the selflessness of the thousands of rescue workers, volunteers and ordinary citizens who helped during the attacks and in the years that have followed.

The Roller Rink Diaries: Week 4

Sometimes when we face a challenge, we experience a few setbacks. The lesson, though, is to overcome the setback, and keep striving for the goal. Or so I’ve been telling myself since Monday’s lesson. Yeah, it wasn’t a great night on the rink.

R.I.P.

The nation lost a great leader and champion for the common man as Senator Edward Kennedy passed last night after a long struggle with brain cancer. He was 77.

The youngest son of the iconic Kennedy clan, Ted felt the burden of continuing the legacy of his older brothers. Though his presidential bid didn’t pan out, he found his rightful place in the Senate, serving for more than four decades, and helping pass monumental legislation such as Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act and the 1993 Family and Medical Leave Act.

Though he made his share of mistakes, and weathered some major controversy, his lasting legacy is that of a man who despite his privileged upbringing, fought long and hard for the little guy. Rest in peace, Senator.

R.I.P.

Photo: Special Olympics.

Ten years ago, I got the privilege of working as a goodwill ambassador at the Special Olympics World Games in Raleigh, NC. Among my duties, I served as a resident advisor of sorts for athletes staying in the dorms on my college campus, and I volunteered at some of the actual sporting events themselves. I’ll never forget some of the incredible people I met during that week, one that I still rank as one of the most rewarding of my life.

So today when I heard Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics, passed away at 88, I was especially saddened. I witnessed first hand the amazing impact her work has had on those with special needs in our country. The games bring joy and a sense of accomplishment to the athletes, and a feeling of intense pride and fulfillment to those who help make them possible. It’s fitting that Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s legacy will live on through the thousands of lives Special Olympics touches every year.

The Roller Rink Diaries: Week 2

Still bruised from last week’s roller skating class, I laced back up last night for another lesson. And y’all? I wasn’t half bad!

As I mentioned in last week’s post, this week’s lesson was to involve skating backward, as well as something called “crossing corners.” Since I could barely make it around the rink without busting my ass, it was a dubious prospect, to say the least.

R.I.P.

By now, you’ve probably heard writer/director/producer John Hughes died yesterday in New York of a heart attack. He was only 59.

As someone who grew up watching his movies, I’m saddened to lose a man who so succinctly captured what it felt like to be a teenager. I don’t know if kids today can relate, but my guess is they can, because the feelings of not fitting in, loving a boy/girl you can’t have and wanting to break free are universal teenage truths.

If you want to read an incredible tribute, check out this blog.

To Die For

This ad popped up next to my email inbox the other day. Am I the only one who thinks this is, well, a little too morbid? And maybe a little freaky?

The Roller Rink Diaries: Week 1

I have a confession: I don’t know how to roller skate.

It’s always been my secret shame that I never learned how to skate as a kid. I can’t tell you how many skate parties I suffered through, forlornly watching from the sidelines, or busying myself with the snack bar and arcade. We didn’t have a proper rink in our town, so lessons and practice time weren’t readily available to me. I owned a pair of plastic Fisher Price beginner skates, but after skinning my knees a few times on the sidewalk, I gave those up.