Pajiba Love 02/03/10

The Edge of Dickness (Ha Ha, See What I Did There?)

By Stacey Nosek | Posted Under Pajiba Love | Comments (30)

Some local television news reporter in Chicago had the nerve to ask Mel Gibson a perfectly reasonable question about how the public now perceives him, so Mel did the logical thing and called the guy an asshole. I told Dustin that “I Told You So’s” were unbecoming — but I can at least say that he totally told you so. (Litelysalted)

Because geriatrics like to get their sexeh on too, here are six films featuring “old people fucking.” I can already tell this is going to be the most commented on link. (PW)

Hole. Lee. CRAP. Jon Stewart is going to be appearing in a two-part interview on “The O’Reilly Factor” tonight and tomorrow night. If they don’t rip each other apart with their bare hands before the second part, anyway. (Warming Glow)

Dan hasn’t killed himself yet, so he lives to bring us another recap of “American Idol.” (Hairballs)

Here’s a list of seven “Travolta Gone Wild” roles — you know, like before he was making creepy daddy-daughter music videos. (Cinematical)

Shammy film critic Pete Hammond, who — true story — once actually applied for a job at Pajiba but we turned him down (ed note: may not actually be true), is taking credit for Sandra Bullock’s Oscar nomination. (Film Drunk)

Dave Eggers put down his thoughts on J.D. Salinger after his passing — but it’s not exactly what you’d think. (Unlikely Words)

Zooey Dechanel is going to be on a new show on HBO where she bangs a bunch of musicians. Well, basically. (The Playlist)

Betty White is going to be the last “Golden Girl” standing if she literally has to cut a bitch. (Evil Beet)

The CW network, home of my beloved “Supernatural,” has greenlit a new series about changelings which actually sounds like it may have potential. But hey, I’m just glad it’s not another stupid vampire soap opera. (Bloody Disgusting)

Vanity Fair has released their Hollywood issue portfolio of photos of actors alongside directors and the results are actually kind of beautiful. (Celebitchy)

Will Smith wants to be President Fresh Prince of Bel Air. With Vice President DJ Jazzy Jeff, naturally. (Celebslam)

Some Australian dude totally got caught checking out sexy pictures of Miranda Kerr at work. This is why all you should look at at work is Pajiba:

Pajiba Love brought to you by Stacey Nosek, who can be reached via email here.

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Comments

I love the look on the guy's face in the video when he turns around at the end and realizes they're live.

Also, Betty White Rules!

Posted by: Jadine at February 3, 2010 1:13 PM

Monkey McLadybits saw the header picture, rubbed her temple and grumbled, "A pet beaver? You've GOT to be kidding me."

In other news, Jeremy Renner continues to be sexy and I think I have a crush on Christoph Waltz.

Posted by: Pinky McLadybits at February 3, 2010 1:16 PM

I'm going to be using "taking the skin boat to Tuna Town" on a regular basis from now on.

Posted by: Tracer Bullet at February 3, 2010 1:33 PM

I hope Jon Stewart rips Bill O'Reilly a new asshole. I won't be watching because that kind of stuff stresses me out.

Betty White keeps getting more and more awesome. How is that even possible?

Posted by: Jeni at February 3, 2010 1:36 PM

The guy WAS being an asshole! He's not a hard-hitting reporter; it's fucking fluff piece! Gibson is there to promote his movie, not to answer rude questions about his lowest moment in life.

Again I'll say it; NOBODY should be judged on their worst moment. Otherwise, we'd all be bigots. We'd all be liars. We'd all be cheats.

Goddamnit -- people who thrive on hating Mel Gibson are no different than people who buy those trashy tabloid magazines. "They drink water!" "They take their kids shopping!" "They pump gas!" Yeah, and occasionally they get fucking hammered and say something intolerant and stupid. Show of hands if you've never done it. Better yet, throw the first stone if you've never done it!

Insane. It's not like he raped a little girl, for fucks sake.

Posted by: superasente at February 3, 2010 1:44 PM

Tomorrow's headline: "Bill O'Reilly strangles Jon Stewart with his own tie on live television."

That Tarantino/Waltz photo is a thing of magnificent beauty.

Posted by: Snath at February 3, 2010 2:00 PM

Monkey McLadybits saw the header picture, rubbed her temple and grumbled, "A pet beaver? You've GOT to be kidding me."

Hey. HEY! you tell that kid of yours to be nice to beavers! Especially beaver puppets! And Beaverpuppets!

Posted by: Anna von Beaverpuppet at February 3, 2010 2:13 PM

The guy WAS being an asshole!

Antoine shoulda fucking known better. You're on the TeeVee!

Posted by: Jay at February 3, 2010 2:17 PM

I'm really super happy that the cuh-raz-y internet commenter on that Eggers/Salinger link was called "willowfog." That's beautiful. It's like a cliche, wrapped in sanctimony, shoved up its own ass.

Posted by: The Wandering Parakeet at February 3, 2010 2:18 PM

I'd say the odds of O'Reilly walking out in a huff in the middle of their interview are pretty damn good. Still, I love that this is gonna happen. Can't wait.

Posted by: figgy at February 3, 2010 2:18 PM

The reporter who popped the question to Mel Gibson may well _be_ an a$$hole. But Mel doesn't get a pass on the "worst moment" of his life. Considering what is known about his father (an antisemitic bigot, whose beliefs Mel never disavowed) and his own stated religious beliefs (fundie Catholicism, same as dad's), that was not an unfortunate "moment". Mel likely had harbored the belief all his life, and for a drunken moment, the mask slipped.

Posted by: True_Blue at February 3, 2010 2:39 PM

TrueBlue, I didn't realize you were Mel Gibsons good friend. You should've said so earlier. If I had known earlier that you had intimate knowledge of his personal belief structure, I would never have come to his defense.

Unless *gasp* you have no idea what he believes! But, if that were true, why would you claim differently? Could it be that you're parroting the press?

Well, if that's the case, I'm cool with it. Everyone knows the press doesn't lie or exagerate. Just ask Lady Gaga and Angeline Jolie. I read recently that they're having a torrid affair.

Posted by: superasente at February 3, 2010 2:56 PM

Dave Eggers is my new hero. If I can one day be a fifth as erudite, justifiably self-righteous, and all-around cool as he is, my life will be beyond complete.

Posted by: esme at February 3, 2010 3:13 PM

re: The Dave Eggers comment

On one hand, yeah: dude needs to bring it down to around Rainman level, when he's freaking out way up there around Cocktail. (tm "Family Guy).

On the other hand: what if you've read Proust (I haven't), or what if you have this experience that makes you qualified to expound in some of the ways that guy chooses to expound? If one is smart about something (and that guy is smart about something; I'm just not sure what it is), how does one communicate that without appearing assy?

And maybe the guy isn't assy. Maybe he's not over the top, it's just our screens that got too small? Maybe he thinks he's being both pompous and humorous at the same time?

I guess, bottom line: I like anyone who is that passionate about books.

Posted by: Mike B. at February 3, 2010 4:09 PM

You know, one way to keep reporters from asking about really embarrassing public displays of stupidity/drunkenness etc. is to not do that shit in public, in front of police officers, who then write that shit down and it becomes a matter of public record.

If Mel had said some shit like that at a private family gathering, maybe it would never have been made public and he'd still be respected director/family man, but he didn't. So, he gets to answer questions about it for a good long while, maybe the rest of his life. The reporter guy probably deserved a smart-ass answer, but for Gibson to expect everybody to act as if the statute of limitations on drunken screamin' about Jews has passed is ridiculous. Reap what you sow, Mel.

Posted by: Slash at February 3, 2010 4:19 PM

Mike B, I have read Proust. It has exactly jack shit to do with what that crazy was ranting about. He mostly just wanted to name-drop I think (It's a huge temptation. HUGE. I try to work it into as many conversations as possible myself. Sadly, with my social circle the response is usually "Who's Proust?") But no seriously, dude is just waving around the fact that he READ PROUST, THANKS FOR NOTICING.

** fun fact: the high literature equivalent of "jizzed my pants," is "shed my pleasure." That's in Proust. I am not joking.

Posted by: dr. pisaster at February 3, 2010 4:23 PM

"You OBVIOUSLY have never read Proust." will be my new favorite douchey thing to say when I'm drunk and feeling superior.

Posted by: Optimus Rhyme at February 3, 2010 4:25 PM

Look, I like books too, but that commenter to the Eggars post was a world class twathole. The whole semi-articulate diatribe reminds me of far too many people I know and have to put up with on a nearly daily basis. They all tend to have their heads so far up their own twatholes that they cease to make any actual sense and instead just make me angry.

Like, drunk Mel Gibson angry!

Posted by: Your Mom at February 3, 2010 4:32 PM

@ Your Mom and dr. pisaster:

But isn't the whole rant sort of in the style of what, say, a Holden Caufield or a Zoey Glass would say if either had access to the Internet?

Also, "twathole" is a deeply unsettling word -- especially when used twice in such close succession.

(And to the good doctor: I would talk to you about Proust. And I'd be appreciative of the fact that you read him. Not that we should be married -- it would make things awkward with my boyfriend -- but you should send Proust-related things my way.)

Posted by: Mike B. at February 3, 2010 4:42 PM

Mike B., soooooo....you think the poster was being ironical?

I dunno. I still smell quite a lot of smug twatholery coming off his masturbatory semi-thesis.

Posted by: Your Mom at February 3, 2010 4:47 PM

I've not read Proust, but I think any time one creates a shibboleth in order to judge who gets to have a valid opinion on something, one is asking for trouble. And I'm as elitist as they come.

Yay! I got to use "shibboleth" in a sentence! I'm gonna call my mom.

Posted by: The Wandering Parakeet at February 3, 2010 4:51 PM

You guys are crazy, that reporter wasn't "being an asshole" he was doing his fucking job. It also is a fair fucking question. The question that this dude had the BALLS to ask Riggs to his face is the one that we've all been talking about since promos started showing for this movie anyhow. Awfully telling too, isn't it, that there was not even a hint of the apologetic from Riggs, just more of the outrageous self-righteous attitude that led to his drunken ranting in the first place.

He state, as well, that he's "done all the necessary mea culpas" implying that his not starring in anything for four years and attending rehab is enough. Yet nowhere have we heard an actual, honest to goodness, heartfelt apology. Even if we HAD that honest heartfelt apology, when you say (and mean) hurtful racist things, one apology probably isn't going to be enough. A simple apology is never enough for debasing an entire race based on the genetic lottery that you think you've won.

I say hold him to task until he provides honest and thoughtful answers and doesn't respond with the same anger that got him there in the first place. If ever get the opportunity to interview him in any meaningful way, you'd better fucking believe I'm going to try and talk about it as well.

Posted by: Roaddog at February 3, 2010 4:55 PM

@ The Wandering Parakeet:

If you don't call your mom, I will. That's some serious, "Put this gold starred paper on the 'fridge" shit. Shibboleth for the win!

Posted by: Mike B. at February 3, 2010 5:02 PM

The ITGeek is pretty sure that Miranda Kerr thing was some administrator abusing the awesome powers of remote access to play one hell of a practical joke. (This may be because the ITGeek is also an administrator with Remote Access Powers who has played the same joke on workmates. He's a little jealous he's never got the chance to do it on camera).

Posted by: ScienceGeek at February 3, 2010 5:19 PM

*Non-sarcastic slow-clap and head-nod for The Wandering Parakeet*

I tip my hat to you, little birdie.

Now, if you'll all excuse me, it's time for my kid's bath. I'm going to see if I can teach a 1-year-old to say "twathole," and, barring that, "shibboleth."

Posted by: Your Mom at February 3, 2010 5:32 PM

roaddog (and certain other commenters from yesterday) - you're starting to piss me off.

The fact you posted on Pajiba means you have access to the internet and, presumably, fucking Google.

Google "Mel Gibson's apology" (thanks Ned). You may find the below:

"There is no excuse, nor should there be any tolerance, for anyone who thinks or expresses any kind of anti-Semitic remark. I want to apologise specifically to everyone in the Jewish community for the vitriolic and harmful words that I said to a law enforcement officer the night I was arrested on a DUI charge.

"I am a public person, and when I say something, either articulated and thought out, or blurted out in a moment of insanity, my words carry weight in the public arena. As a result, I must assume personal responsibility for my words and apologise directly to those who have been hurt and offended by those words.

"The tenets of what I profess to believe necessitate that I exercise charity and tolerance as a way of life. Every human being is God’s child, and if I wish to honour my God I have to honour his children. But please know from my heart that I am not an anti-Semite. I am not a bigot. Hatred of any kind goes against my faith.

"I’m not just asking for forgiveness. I would like to take it one step further, and meet with leaders in the Jewish community, with whom I can have a one-on-one discussion to discern the appropriate path for healing.

"I have begun an ongoing program of recovery and what I am now realising is that I cannot do it alone. I am in the process of understanding where those vicious words came from during that drunken display, and I am asking the Jewish community, whom I have personally offended, to help me on my journey through recovery.

"Again, I am reaching out to the Jewish community for its help. I know there will be many in that community who will want nothing to do with me, and that would be understandable. But I pray that that door is not forever closed.

"This is not about a film. Nor is it about artistic license. This is about real life and recognising the consequences hurtful words can have. It’s about existing in harmony in a world that seems to have gone mad."

THAT IS PRETTY DECENT APOLOGY, YOU PEANUT. I WOULD PERSONALLY FORGIVE A LOT ON THE BACK OF A PUBLIC APOLOGY OF THAT CALIBRE.

Sorry, but simply posting for effect without any effort WHATSOEVER to determine the veracity of your comments is pretty unattractive.

Full disclosure: I dislike the guy immensely for, you know, his personality.

Fulle Disclosure 2: I am Australian, and appreciate that he didn't fuck up 'apologise' by using 'z' instead of 's'.

Posted by: Peter G at February 3, 2010 6:10 PM

Oh, but no one gives a fuck that he calls a female police officer "Sugartits?" That's not offensive? He doesn't have to apologize for that? Why, cause it's funny? Cause we've all used it in everyday conversation? Cause I've even named a misguided series of ceramic molds I pour with a pair of hearts over the chest of various seasonal creatures "The Sugartits Collection?" You people make me sick.

Posted by: Robert at February 3, 2010 6:36 PM

Superasente--no, I don't know Mel Gibson. Never met the man. But his father's religious beliefs are documented fact. He made antisemitic comments to a interviewing reporter, and did not disavow it when it was printed.

As for Mel himself--it is known that he has his own church (rather than attending services at a regular Catholic Church), which is described as "traditionalist" and opposes Vatican II reforms.

Given his background, I don't buy that Mel's antisemitic & sexist comments were a one-off utterance (rather than something he usually keeps quiet about, vino veritas and all that). Obviously, you _do_ buy it.

Posted by: True_Blue at February 3, 2010 7:13 PM

Peter G
Fair enough. You got me on that one, I didn't search for his apology before I wrote that. Although inexcusable, I was posting from my phone making normal googling for evidence a tad more arduous. That said, let's look at what he stated himself in his apology:

"I am a public person, and when I say something, either articulated and thought out, or blurted out in a moment of insanity, my words carry weight in the public arena. As a result, I must assume personal responsibility for my words and apologize directly to those who have been hurt and offended by those words."

Which, from what I can tell, he didn't actually do. He never stood up in a public forum and admitted his wrongs or looked the people that he slandered in the eye and asked forgiveness. (Again, to the best of my knowledge. I'm sure you'll call me on the rug again if I'm incorrect.)What he did, was release a statement through his publicist to the media and then hid out for a few years. So, of course, on his re-emergence people are going to ask about the issue that sent him "underground" in the first place.

And, as I stated previously, I don't feel like you necessarily get away with one blanket apology for that kind of behavior. You're going to have to humbly own up to it for some time to come.

If I stand on the roof of my house and scream racial slurs through a megaphone for an hour or so, and then slip a typed apology into the whole neighborhood's mailboxes the following afternoon, I can probably expect to still have some angry encounters with those I've slandered in the future. The proper way of proving that the apology is sincere would be to continue to apologize when necessary. NOT to point to the statements I've made previously, angrily assert that the situation is over and then insult the person questioning me.

Yes, it sucks that this is going to follow him, and that things said during a weak moment to a small group of people were broadcast nationwide so we could all hold him in contempt. However, if you can't say it in front of everyone, maybe it shouldn't be said in front of anyone.

His attitude about the issue says that he still has a ways to go. I didn't see contrition and humility, I saw self-indulgent indignation that someone would call him on his shit.

Posted by: Roaddog at February 3, 2010 9:15 PM

Racist, sexist assholes are dicks, man. I used to like Mel, now I look at him suspiciously at all times. Kind of like that guy at Barnes and Noble who walks around talking quietly to himself and moderately gesticulating. I'm positive he's attacked random people in a fit of self-induced rage before. I enjoyed him immensely at first, but he scares children and puts off an attacky vibe so he requires constant vigilance when present. (That's right! I just compared Mel Gibson to a schizophrenic bibliophilia! Suck it!)

Posted by: Kballs at February 4, 2010 8:46 AM

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The Edge of Dickness (Ha Ha, See What I Did There?)

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