Ron & Jen’s Great Escape – Jan. 25, 2023 – Ron St. Pierre and Jen Brien

by Ron St. Pierre & Jen Brien, contributing writers, commentary

ARETHA FRANKLIN CANCELLED? WHAT?

Hey, did you guys see the story in the NYP about some folks in the trans community who wanted to cancel the “Queen of Soul”? Yea, they went after her and said “Natural Woman” was dangerous. No. It’s not a joke. Here’s the original statement on this matter from the organization:

“The Trans Cultural Mindfulness Alliance”  condemns the ballad, citing that it has ignited harm against transgender women. Aretha Franklin’s 1968 song ‘Natural Woman’ perpetuates multiple harmful anti-trans stereotypes. There is no such thing as a ‘natural’ woman.

The song has helped inspire acts of harm against transgender women. TCMA is requesting it is removed from Spotify & Apple Music.”

What this organization didn’t anticipate was a fierce backlash against their ridiculous take that the song was a form of violence. You can’t make this stuff up nowadays. Fast forward 48 hours and now they say after worldwide attention :

“The original post was indeed “satirical” . The group also says they have updated their Twitter bio to now say “PARODY/SATIRE.”

That’s a lie. We all know it.

Here’s why this bothers me so much. Not because stupid people are being stupid, but rather, because these people throw massive piles of lies and crap against the wall hoping things stick causing uproars and strife, but won’t take any responsibility when they get called out for fake trauma around fake issues. They blame shift and gaslight. What we have here folks is yet another example of insanity/ woke stupidity. How much will it take before it ends? No one cares if you’re trans. Just don’t try and force people to like it. That’s where you drive off a cliff.

Enough already. 

P.S there really is such a thing as a “Natural woman”. Believe it.

Till next week my friends – Jen

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TO INSURE PROMPT SERVICE

Social media is ablaze lately complaining about tip requests at drive-throughs. Others are also a tad ticked off over being asked to leave a gratuity for a muffin, donut, or cup of coffee. More and more businesses are switching to digital payment methods where customers are automatically prompted to leave a tip which sometimes hits as high as 30% at places, they normally wouldn’t leave a gratuity. As tip requests have become more the norm, some businesses are actually advertising it in job postings to lure more workers even though the extra dough isn’t guaranteed. With inflation still at a 40 year high a 15 to 20% tip can really add up. And as for that cup marked “tips” at a drive-thru or a quick stop morning coffee shop, George Carlin had it right….you shouldn’t have to tip someone for moving laterally.

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CAN’T IT JUST BE A CANDY?

M&M’s made headlines last year by redesigning the green M&M’S white to go on boots with sneakers. This led to consumers and conservative pundits criticizing the “spokescandies’” for being “too woke.” Now, M&M’s will replace the spokescandies with SNL alum Maya Rudolph in commercials set to appear in the Super Bowl. Remember when the biggest argument over M&M’s was plain or peanut? Ahh, those more innocent days.

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CENTENARIAN  PEEPS

Those little marshmallow delights, PEEPS, are celebrating their 70^th anniversary by unveiling new flavors. Dr. Pepper Peeps will be a Walmart exclusive while Kroger will feature a limited edition Mike and Ike, which have all of that candy’s flavors with Peeps in the same colors as the candy. And for those of you who fancy carnival food, Kettle Corn Peeps will be available anywhere.

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Ron St. Pierre is a veteran broadcaster whose career has spanned over four decades. Ron has programmed, performed on and managed WHJJ, WPRO, WWRX, 790 The Score in Providence, as well as WBZT and WKGR in West Palm Beach and WABC in New York City. Ron also anchored sports on WPRI Ch 12 in Providence. He is a member of both the Rhode Island Radio and Television and the City of Pawtucket Halls of Fame. He was born and raised in Pawtucket.

Jen Brien has over 20 years of radio broadcast experience having hosted shows on WPRO and WHJJ with Ron as well as her own shows on WRKO and WBZ in Boston, WXTK on Cape Cod and WHAM in Rochester, New York. Jen was born and raised in Woonsocket and served six years in the Army MP Canine Unit.

Hazel, Ron’s dog, makes regular appearances.

“Ron and Jen’s Great Escape” podcast, a more lighthearted look at the events happening around us, can be found on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts, with new episodes premiering each Wednesday and listen to Ron and Jen’s Great Escape call in radio show Friday afternoons 2 til 4 on 101.1 FM, 1540 WADK and streaming everywhere on WADK.COM.

Go here to read all Ron & Jen’s columns: https://rinewstoday.com/ron-st-pierre-jen-brien/