It is what it is (09.18.24) – Jen Brien

by Jennifer Brien, contributing writer, commentary

Photo provided by J. Brien

WHO STILL WATCHES THE EMMYS?

I could be wrong, gang, but I don’t think many people watch any of that junk anymore. Before the internet people were somewhat of a mystery and had private lives. Now, everyone and their Aunt EDNA wants to be seen for whatever and people literally post everything online from the zit on their back to the type of butter they use on their burnt toast, daily.

Saturation is a massive turnoff and that’s why I THINK millions have tuned out everything HOLLYWOOD. J LO is a prime example. Too much of her EVERYWHERE ALL THE TIME. NAH. All set with “Jenny from the BLOCK”. THE other glaring reason is the political lecturing that goes on at these events and the majority of these ridiculous self absorbed people don’t get it. We don’t want to hear all about their politics – we want to see them sing, dance or act. IT REALLY SEEMS SIMPLE, RIGHT? I know – because it is. We want dancing BEARS not the twisted face of Bette Midler threatening to leave AMERICA IF TRUMP IS ELECTED… (BYE, FELICIA)

I totally agree with the singer / producer Pharrell Williams who was quoted as saying “SHUT UP. NOBODY ASKED YOU” when discussing political endorsements and stars who offer “opinions” in HOLLYWOOD at these events.  IF ONLY they would listen to him… maybe their pathetic ratings would improve. Maybe. Don’t hold your breath.

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THE STUPID ABC DEBATE

WHAT a ridiculous excuse for a so-called debate, folks. At this point its last week’s news, it’s talked out and the news cycle has us now discussing yet another assassination attempt on TRUMP. UNREAL. I’ll have something to say about that later, but for now, I want to say a few things that have lingered in my noggin regarding the debate.

Only a few people have said this (that I saw) and it’s true, TRUMP was undisciplined in that debate and took the HARRIS BAIT like a child grabbing a lollipop. ALL he had to do was talk policy. THAT’S IT. POLICY. ANY snarky comment about ANYTHING could have been countered with POLICY failures tossed back like a grenade into her trench… but alas – TRUMP is TRUMP and couldn’t contain himself. I did think it made him look weak. He’s been down this road before, so at this point one would hope he has learned what works and what doesn’t. How to respond to whatever and how NOT to respond to whatever. He knows what their playbook looks like so he should have had the expertise to attack back even if they tossed the kitchen sink at him with an Oldsmobile thrown in.

What worked in 2016 won’t work in 2024. With the hard-core base… sure the same stuff will work on the same people, but when you’re looking to expand to a new group of voters that are peeking in your store front window for the first time you’ve got to be able to deliver. I said 2 years ago TRUMP is his own worst enemy because I don’t think he’s pliable. He has got to learn how to beat the people looking to beat HIM down at their own game. That takes some instruction and guidance and willingness to say ok, I have to do A, B, AND C differently to get better or do better. He hasn’t done this because he thinks he’s always right… about everything. 

Look, I’m not saying all this because I’m trying to be provocative and tick people off, I’m trying to have an honest conversation with people about a guy who could be the next President (again) if he plays his cards right and it doesn’t get stolen. True, the moderators screwed him, and KAMALA had her AGENT 86 earrings in and was being spoon fed EVERYTHING to say (STRICTLY MY OPINION….and for those who just got triggered… get a life. You know what I do when I don’t like a TV program or something I’m reading in a magazine? I CHANGE THE CHANNEL or turn the page… simple and RATIONAL. I don’t call or EMAIL the network and try to censor it), but nonetheless TRUMP had to know he was getting AMBUSHED, and he didn’t have an answer except to scowl and give the media soundbites, and the HARRIS CAMPAIGN attack ads.

THERE’s a lot of time left between now and then and who the hell knows if TRUMP will even still be alive by election day at THIS POINT (I can’t believe I have to even say that!) but I know for sure he has got to use each of these experiences as examples of what not to do next time. I don’t blame him for not wanting another debate, but if it were on FOX I’d say go for it. Why the hell not. Home field advantage. Let her prove she can hang with the big boys on the porch while leaving her earrings in her jewelry box at home. (LEAVE comments below in the “COMMENT SECTION” and let me know what you think!)

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BE KIND AND GENEROUS

A real nice woman in my neighborhood walks past my house now and then. I always hollar her name and we laugh and smile and wave to each other.  We became friendly one day after I approached her as she power walked by with her son and I said to her “wow, you have such an amazing light – it’s super bright!”… I also told her in a fallen world that’s so refreshing to see. Ya I know, sounds weird if you not plugged into God (stay with me) but I had to tell her what I was seeing because it was unreal. Come to find out she’s a Christian, too, and we started talking about life things and what not for a few, and then said our goodbyes.

The years and seasons have passed and her husband started joining her on her walks so now I wave to all three! Such decent people. Kind and  joyful from the inside out. Well, today, I saw my friend and was pulling into my driveway and I did my usual! Yelled “HI” and waved, but she didn’t wave back… she burst out into tears.I went over and we talked. She told me about her child’s medical diagnosis and I stood before her wanting to say all the right things but not really knowing what to say. I asked God to help me and he did. I wanted to be a person she could count on in that moment for whatever she needed. I understood the enormity of the assignment God gave me on this day.

She was struggling on so many levels on this morning,  but she never waivered when it came to trusting God. I told her the basics. God is good and he’s right beside her holding her hand through it all. We hugged and she cried some more. There was more to this, but that’s all I’m going to share here. I tell you this story because I’m trying to impress two things. Being kind and supportive of people is free and God knows we all step out of our doors struggling or wounded at some point. Secondly, God can pull you through each day if you let him. Each day I thank God for a hot shower, a bowl of food, a car that starts up… running water… etc… you’ll find whatever you’re looking for in this world, good or bad, so why not focus on the good.  I didn’t do anything extraordinary… I  just listened to someone and let her know I am there for her. Its such a simple thing that can shift someone’s spirit and fill their heart. You want to change this world because it’s so gross? Be kind and listen… and do good. That’s what this dance is all about.  

Well gang that’s all I got this week… IT IS WHAT IT IS

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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.