Oh, Paula! The "N-word" isn't Nutella.

Hello my Dear Friends! I see that Paula Deen has gotten herself into hot butter (or budda, as she would say) again! Apparently, when she was asked during a deposition if she ever used the "N-word" she said "Yes, of course". Frankly, coming from a woman who grew up in the 1950's South, I'm shocked! This story is so odd to me. First of all, and I think this is the oddest part, the woman who filed the lawsuit that led to all of this, is white. Next, the bulk of her claim revolves around sexual harassment. It seems Paula's big brother, Bubba, who runs her restaurants, is a bit of a dog. The "hostile work environment" part of the claim, which led to all of this, came as an after thought to include Paula's "deep pockets" in the lawsuit. So, if Paula would have just kept her mouth shut, this would have simply gone away. But no. She just kept digging and digging until she got herself in so deep there was no way out. The media reports, big surprise, took everything out of context making her statements appear more inflammatory than they were. Was she wrong? Absolutely. Do I think Paula Deen is a racist? No, I do not. Do I think this will end her career? Yes, I do. Her video "mea culpa" was, well, ridiculous. The Food Network immediately put out a statement saying they would not renew her contract, which expires next month. Seriously? If the Food Network had ever intended to renew her contract, don't you think they would have already done it? Her show was on the chopping block before any of this ever happened. The Food Network just took advantage of a bad situation and turned it into magnanimous theater. Now they don't have to explain why the Belle of Southern Cooking got the ax. So, if you're looking for a new casserole (cass-a-ROE, as Paula would say), you'll have to look elsewhere. We can now add Paula Deen to the infamous list of celebrities who speak before they think. Off to sensitivity school you go! In the meantime, two other interesting things caught my attention this week. first, and this is somewhat related, The George Zimmerman/Trayvon Martin trial begins on Monday. Jury selection was completed this week and the big story was that "people are up in arms that there are no African Americans on the jury".  Apparently that question is not racist. Last time I checked, and believe me it does change daily,  the Constitution of this great nation states that the accused is entitled to be judged by a jury of their peers, not a jury of selected race. Finally, while we were so distracted by important issues like Paula Deen and Kim & Kanye's baby name (don't even get me started on that one) a little, less important issue slipped by. In the midst of the IRS scandal, new IRS chief, Daniel Werfel made his presence known by handing out $70 MILLION DOLLARS in BONUSES to the staff!! I guess the media missed that one. You just can't make this stuff up! Enjoy the weekend!
Po