Dad Slams Judgmental 'Child-Free' Busybodies in Amazing, Viral Blog Post

dinsdag 17 september 2013

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AppId is over the quota
by Jenny Erikson 1 hour ago

Matt Walsh is a blogger, talk radio host, and dad to twins, and he recently had some words for a judgey non-parent about his deplorable attitude toward a young mom with a tantruming toddler in the grocery store.

Apparently, Matt was out shopping for ingredients to make chili when two things happened. One, he was recognized by a fan, and two, a mom was doing the best she could to manage her unruly toddler, who seemed to be ticked off because mom wouldn’t let him have the sugary cereal.

Matt writes:

I felt the woman’s pain ... She could bribe her kid into silence, but she was sticking to her guns. Good for her, I thought. Sure, if she’d only meet his ransom demands, my bean purchasing experience would be a bit more pleasurable, but I was rooting for her nonetheless. Not everyone felt the same way, apparently.

This is when the aforementioned fan loudly said, “Man, some people need to learn how to control their f**king kids.” Matt surmised that the guy looked about 19 or 20 and, with that kind of attitude, was obviously not a parent. It was also obvious that the mama heard the rude comment, so Matt said what any totally awesome, ballsy, knight-in-shining-dad-armor would:

Man, some people need to learn how to shut their mouths, watch their language, and mind their own business.

Parenting kids, especially little kids, is tough work, and Matt spends the rest of the post describing how not only non-parents turn into Judgey McJudgersons around young families, but how sometimes the older generation does too. He writes that parents of grown children sometimes “tend to dismiss the fact that modern parenting presents unique challenges, some of which didn’t apply several decades ago.”

And that brings us to one of my favorite lines written on the Internet this week:

I always love the older folks who lecture about how THEIR kids weren’t as 'attached to electronics' as kids are nowadays. That’s probably true, but mainly because, well, YOU DIDN’T HAVE ELECTRONICS. You had a toaster and a black and white TV with 2 channels, both of which were pretty easy to regulate. But, sure, congratulations for not letting your kids use things that didn’t exist. On that note, I have a strict 'no time machines or hover-boards' policy in my home. It is stringently enforced. I’m thinking of writing a parenting book: 'How to Stop Your Child From Becoming Dependent Upon Technology That Isn’t Invented Yet.'

Thank you Matt Walsh, from the bottom of this mama’s heart. If I could reach through the computer and give you a hug, I would.

Has your attitude on unruly toddlers changed since you became a parent?

Image via Jessica Lucia/Flickr

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jenny Erikson

is a conservative chick living in Southern California with her two daughters. She loves politics and hates laundry.

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Amazing Poo-Pourri 'Scent' Will Keep All Your Dirtiest Love Secrets (VIDEO)

zaterdag 14 september 2013

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AppId is over the quota
by Jenny Erikson 22 hours ago

Poop is gross, and I never ever do it. As far as anyone else is concerned, anyway. Like seriously, if you said you’d give me a million dollars to just admit that I do it … I’d have to think about it really, really hard.

Unfortunately, sometimes you don’t have to admit it … the evidence does it for you. How many times have you come out of a one-stall public restroom and said to the next person going in, “It wasn’t me, I swear”? That’s true, what -- half the time? That’s where the ingenious Poo-Pourri comes in.

The website claims “Poo-Pourri is a blend of essential oils that virtually eliminates bathroom odors,” and the tagline read, “Spritz the bowl before you go, and no one else will ever know.”

So when you feel like you need to go (not like you know that feeling, because of course, you never drop the kids off at the pool) (you don’t even know what that means, because you are a lady), you spray the surface of the toilet water with the hand-dandy spritzer. The essential oils create a film over the water, which then traps any unpleasant odors that might otherwise stink up the place.

The company’s latest ad campaign had me cracking up and hopping over to Amazon to order some (for a friend). Take a look:

How awesome does this product look? Can you imagine never having to do the walk of shame from a communal toilet again? Can you think how grateful your guests will be to see this sitting on your bathroom counter? Can you see your grandmother’s face turn bright red as you give her a bottle as a gift? Or maybe she’s the kind of grandma that will nod in approval and say, “About time.” Those grandmas are awesome.

Have you ever tried Poo-Pourri? Would you?

Image via Poo~Pourri/YouTube

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jenny Erikson

is a conservative chick living in Southern California with her two daughters. She loves politics and hates laundry.

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‘X Factor’ Contestant Rion Paige Delivers Most Amazing Performance in Show’s History (VIDEO)

vrijdag 13 september 2013

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AppId is over the quota
by Jill Baughman 15 hours ago

September 11 marked the season premiere of X Factor, and one performance in particular stood out among the rest. This 13-year-old contestant even made Simon Cowell smile, believe it or not. Ah, pending fatherhood. Anyway, Rion Paige went up on stage and belted out an amazing rendition of Carrie Underwood's hit "Blown Away" during her audition in Charleston, South Carolina.

Not only was Simon impressed, Demi Lovato, Kelly Rowland, and Paulina Rubio were also, well, "blown away" (how many times is that gonna happen?). But as you can see, this talented teenager has had her fair share of difficulties in life, and she has risen above them in a way that would make anyone proud and a tad weepy.

Rion has arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, which has made growing up a bit challenging for her. She's had it since birth; fortunately, it isn't progressive. "My hands, like, they’re curved differently because of my joints," she explained. "So I have to learn things differently, and I’m almost permanently blind in my right eye."

Poor, brave girl! But she had her very supportive mom along with her. "The fact that Rion’s getting on stage today ... makes me nervous," her mom said. "I feel like she’s prepared, and it’s not [for] me to hold her back. It’s for me to give her every opportunity and say, 'It’s your time to fly, baby.'"

And fly she did. Sorry, that was cheesy, but this girl is awesome! Of course the judges had nothing but positive things to say as well.

"I remember the day I met Carrie Underwood and I remember predicting this girl was going to go on and do special things with her life," said Cowell. "And I’m gonna say the same thing about you, Rion." Whoa, can't get a much higher compliment than that, can you?

And as Paulina says, "Music heals everything."

All that said, check out her incredible, memorable performance:

Did you see Rion on X Factor last night? Will you be rooting for her?

Image via TheXFactorUSA/YouTube

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jill Baughman

is the copy chief of The Stir and geeks out over all the nuances and weirdness of the English language.

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Father of Bride Sells 'Amazing' Treasure to Pay for Daughter's Pricey Wedding

woensdag 4 september 2013

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AppId is over the quota
by Maressa Brown 9 hours ago

Whether you've experienced it firsthand recently or have drawn conclusions from reality shows like Four Weddings and Say Yes to the Dress, you'd have to be living under a rock to not know that weddings are crazy expensive these days! So expensive, in fact, that some people are resorting to selling precious antiques and other valuable possessions just to get their vendors paid! Well, at least that's the route one father of a Cleveland bride took recently.  

Richard Schaen, whose daughter Jane is getting married in two weeks, was worried about the cost of the wedding. But then he remembered he has amassed a rather valuable comic book collection over the years. One rare find: A copy of Amazing Spider-Man No. 1, which he bought for 12 cents in 1963. He decided to list it for sale online and ended up nabbing $7,900 for it. Nice!

Turns out that if it had been in even better condition, he may have gotten up to four times that amount! Damn, coulda meant even MORE guests/flowers/hours of open bar! Ha. But no, in all seriousness, Schaen was elated, and told the Cleveland Plain Dealer:

I gave my daughter a promissory note for the money with a picture of the Spider-Man comic, which we can use to pay for a big part of the catering for her reception.

Awesome! SO sweet. But at the same time -- ouch ... I guess Schaen didn't seem too emotionally attached to the comic book, but what a statement his sale makes about a typical wedding's price tag. Note how he said "a big part of the CATERING for her reception." Not even all of the catering. And just the catering. That's not even taking into consideration any venue charges, the decor/flowers, hair/makeup, photographers, videographers, photo booth (or maybe slow motion booth!), wedding rings, honeymoon, officiant fee, ughhh.

More from The Stir: Rude Bride Throws Fit Over $100 Gift in Horrible Message to Wedding Guest

Sure, Jane Schaen could have passed on a wedding with that particular price tag, but maybe she and her fiance wanted to include their whole family. And when it comes to a wedding of a certain style, size, and in a particular location (like the east coast or a bigger city), you quickly learn some things simply cost what they cost. Then it's easy to find yourself feeling like you're stuck between a rock and a hard place. But Richard Schaen sure showed us the best fix for that: Be resourceful, start digging, and you may find buried treasure to trade in for wedding cash!

What do you think about what this father of the bride did for his daughter?

Image via Joelk75/Flickr

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Maressa Brown

has enjoyed reporting and writing for a variety of entertainment and women's magazines and websites. More often than not, you'll find her blogging, hitting the gym, reading, researching something on her iPhone, laughing, chatting at an above-"normal" volume, or getting her caffeine fix.

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6 Tips for Planning an Amazing Family Photo Scavenger Hunt

maandag 2 september 2013

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AppId is over the quota

Looking for something fun to do as a family? These final days of summer and early fall are a perfect time to head outside for some bonding and togetherness, and a scavenger hunt is the perfect activity for all ages.

There are all types of scavenger hunts to be had, but my favorite is the photo scavenger hunt. Everyone loves taking pictures; you can do it anywhere; and the biggest bonus -- you don't have to figure out what to do with all the stuff you collect in a typical scavenger hunt. Win. Win.

Here are some tips for organizing a great one.

1. Gather the Equipment

To start, you'll need cameras, of course. From phone cameras, to regular old digital ones or Polaroids, anything that takes a picture works. Film cameras should be avoided, however, since you won't be able to see the photos right away. Depending on the ages of players and number of cameras available, you may want to break up into teams.

2. Make a list.

From colors, to items beginning with specific letters,  to a list of random items, there are limitless ideas for which to hunt. If you're outside, nature items, various streets signs, or pictures of players in various locations are good ones. If weather doesn't cooperate outdoors, an indoor mall provides all sorts of inspiration.

3. Lay Out the Rules

Make sure everyone knows ahead of time what it takes to win. Whether it's the first person to make it back to a set location with his pictures, or the first one to post theirs to Instagram, or whatever you decide, make sure the rules are clear.

4. Safety First

The quest for the perfect pictures shouldn't get in the way of common sense safety, and remind players that everything should be legal (no trespassing, etc.).

5. Pick a Prize

Whether it's a silly paper crown you make, letting the winner pick where you all go for ice cream afterwards, or a small monetary prize, a little reward at the end can make the competition fun.

6. Capture the Memories

Now that you have all those pictures, you can use them to make a great scrapbook page, collage, or online slide show.

Does your family do scavenger hunts?

Image via alaina buzas/Flickr

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Stephen Moyer in 'Sound of Music' Lead Role Will Be Bloody Amazing

zondag 25 augustus 2013

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AppId is over the quota
by Maressa Brown 6 hours ago

Sexy True Blood star Stephen Moyer's next gig is a serious departure from seducing humans for their blood in Bon Temps. He's going to play the decorated World War I hero, Captain Von Trapp, in the upcoming live TV production of The Sound of Music, set to air on December 5. 

He joins Carrie Underwood, already cast as Maria, who the world remembers best as being portrayed by Julie Andrews ... But it sounds like this production may have promise, too. Especially now that Stephen's onboard!

He's actually perfect for the part.

Stephen recently starred as the charismatic lawyer Billy Flynn in the Hollywood Bowl's production of Chicago. He's also been acting on stage since the early days of his career in the U.K.at the National Theatre of Wales, the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Oxford Stage Company and the Young Vic.

While we may best recall the 1965 film version, which featured Christopher Plummer as Von Trapp, the Hollywood Reporter notes that the three-hour production is based on the original 1959 Broadway production of The Sound of Music, which starred Mary Martin and Theodore Bikel. While Bikel is a legend and his acclaimed 1959 production wracked up Tonys galore -- including best musical -- I'm sure he never portrayed a seductive, shirtless vampire, amirite?! That fact alone is sure to Stephen, Carrie, and company a leg up in the ratings!

What do you think of Stephen Moyer as Capt. Von Trapp?

Image via Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia

Click the "Like" button below if you love vampires! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Maressa Brown

has enjoyed reporting and writing for a variety of entertainment and women's magazines and websites. More often than not, you'll find her blogging, hitting the gym, reading, researching something on her iPhone, laughing, chatting at an above-"normal" volume, or getting her caffeine fix.

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Olivia Wilde Reveals Her Disgust for Plastic Surgery and 3 Secrets to Amazing Skin

vrijdag 23 augustus 2013

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AppId is over the quota
by Emily Abbate 3 hours ago

When it comes to fresh faces in Hollywood, Olivia Wilde has got it goin' on. The 29-year-old actress who we all fell in love with as Remy on House has perfectly flawless skin, and lucky for her, she hasn't done any extra procedures to get it that way. Also lucky for her? Because of that young, fresh skin, she can still play any role that spans ages 18 to 35. Hello, opportunity!

In a recent blog for Glamour, the actress expressed her secret to looking young and avoiding plastic surgery. Slamming all the "alien-looking" plastic surgery addicts of today's society, Wilde emphasizes that it is possible to look good without going under the knife. She even goes as far as to give her three token tips to looking your best, and they're actually SUPER simple.

Ready for 'em?

Drink water, sleep eight hours every night, and don't go within 400 feet of a tanning booth. Sounds easy enough, right?

It's not rocket science either. We've all heard that drinking water helps keep skin looking good. When it comes to sleep, a poor night's rest has detrimental effects like a lackluster complexion and increase in fine lines. As for tanning? Hello, ultraviolet radiation! Just don't do it. Don't.

By listening and adopting all three of Wilde's tips, you're at least trying to do something to stay healthy and improve your skin quality. Besides, why would anyone want to spend thousands and thousands of dollars on surgery if there are ways to avoid it altogether? Yeah, my thoughts exactly. I don't know about all of you, but I most definitely don't have an extra wad of cash at home for beauty purposes only.

Do you have any skin secrets?

Image via 2 Top/Flickr

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5 Foods That Make Amazing Face Masks

vrijdag 16 augustus 2013

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AppId is over the quota
by Nicole Fabian-Weber 2 hours ago

"If you can't eat it, you shouldn't put it on your skin" is an adage people wishing to eliminate toxins from their lives have long adhered to. While, on a daily basis, I try to make decisions for myself, my family, and the environment that are as healthy and chemical-free as possible, I'm not quite there yet. No parabens in my beauty products, but I definitely wouldn't drizzle any of my serums over a salad.

That said, there are all sorts of foods, or food combinations, that work wonders on the skin. Foods that work almost just as well as something you buy in a store. Here are 5 things in your fridge that make amazing face masks.

1. Papaya. So many store-bought face masks contain papaya, and with good reason -- they're filled with the enzyme papain, which helps exfoliate and moisturize the skin. Mash one up and apply directly to skin, leaving on for a few minutes. Skin will appear smoother and refreshed after you rinse it off. Papayas also contain vitamin C, carotenes, and flavanoids, which are great for anti-aging.

2. Hydrating Coconut Oil Mask. If you have sensitive skin or a tendency to break out, it's probably best to skip this mask, as it can clog pores. But for everyone else, simply mix together 2 tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil; 1 tablespoon honey; 1/2 a mashed avocado or egg (well whisked). Apply to face (or desired body part), leave on for about 15 minutes, and thoroughly rinse.

3. Oatmeal. Oatmeal is known for its exfoliating properties, but when left on the face as a mask (after combining with either heavy cream or a mashed-up overripe banana), it acts as a fantastic moisturizer. Warning: It will take a while to dry, so make sure you have a decent chunk of time carved out.

4. Green Tea. Rinsing your face in cool green tea is ideal for those battling red or inflamed skin. Or even better, soak a washcloth in green tea and place over your face for 10 minutes. Rinse with water and follow with moisturizer.

5. Egg Whites. The old home remedy that's been featured in Seventeen magazine since 1980. And with good reason -- it works. If your skin is oily, simply whisk an egg white or two and apply directly to the face. After it dries, you may feel like you've been mummified, but once you rinse off, you'll notice a nice change in the tone and texture.

What foods do you put on your skin?

Image via billysavanh/Flickr

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Soldier's Amazing Rendition of 'At Last' Will Leave You Speechless (VIDEO)

woensdag 14 augustus 2013

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AppId is over the quota
by Emily Abbate 3 hours ago

It always warms my heart when I hear stories of men and women overseas trying to have a little fun during a deployment. Hey, they deserve it! The tiring ins and outs of an average day are anything but easy. For one Army soldier, Paul Ieti, he unwinds with his voice. We all ooh-ed and aah-ed over this soldier's emotional Rihanna cover, and now he's back from his tour in Afghanistan with another treasure -- Etta James' classic song "At Last."

Seriously, it's mind-blowing. Like, as if a man in uniform isn't handsome enough. A man in uniform that can sing? Forgettaboutit. Watch this hunky soldier's cover of "At Last," and be amazed that that voice is coming out of that man, here:

Yeah, told you it was fantabulous. How cute is it, too, that he's taking requests over there? Hey! I have one Paul! How about a little Billy Joel?

What song would you want to see Paul sing?

Image via military.com

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'Glee' Creator's Sexy New Lesbian Drama Has an AMAZING Cast

woensdag 31 juli 2013

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AppId is over the quota
by Linda Sharps 1 hour ago

Do you like Ryan Murphy shows like Glee or American Horror Story? How about that gorgeous actress from Fringe? Jennifer Jason Leigh? Or HBO dramas, do you like those? Lesbians? Lesbians having sex? Yoga? Wes Bentley, the guy with the super-bitchin' facial hair in Hunger Games?

Basically if you said yes to any of those things, you're going to want to hear about the HBO pilot Open from Ryan Murphy. Fringe's Anna Torv just landed a role in what's being described as "a modern, provocative exploration of human sexuality and relationships," and based on what's been released so far about the premise, cast, and crew, this potential new show sounds MIGHTY intriguing.

Open is written by Ryan Murphy and Dexter co-executive producer Lauren Gussis, and Glee/American Horror Story's Dante Di Loreto will executive produce. Anna Torv will play Windsor, a yoga instructor in a long-term relationship with Holly (Jennifer Jason Leigh), an actress intensely committed to her career. When Windsor meets Grace, the wife of Jonathan (Scott Speedman), she feels an instant connection. Grace (a part that has not yet been cast) is described as a gynecologist who's confused about her sexuality after a tryst with Windsor.

Hunger Games alum Wes Bentley also plays Evan, "an arrogant blowhard who loves espousing his theories on human sexuality."

The specific details of the plot and characters remain secret, but Open is being called "a multi-character exploration of the complex, ever-evolving landscape of sexuality, monogamy, and intimacy in relationships."

HBO president Michael Lombardo has praised the Open script, saying,

I was hooked. I think it is a perfect marriage of an idea and execution. This is an area we’ve been talking about doing something in for some time, and Ryan did it in a way that is enormously engaging.

As for Murphy, he says HBO is the perfect home for the would-be series:

I’m thrilled about it. They have great projects, and this is really an adult show that is very frank in its depiction of sex.

No word on when the Open pilot will make it to the small screen, but filming is set to begin this fall. It definitely sounds like it has potential, doesn't it? The Dexter/American Horror Story pedigree has my interest, and love Ryan Murphy or hate him, he's definitely a talented guy who has the ability to deliver challenging and innovative television (... at least for the first season or two). (SORRY.)

Plus, Wes Bentley. Mmmmmmmmm.

What do you think of Open so far? Will you watch it?

Image via Fringe/Fox

Click the "Like" button below to get Linda Sharps's stories on Facebook. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Linda Sharps

lives in Eugene, Oregon with her family, where she works from home while wrangling two rambunctious boys. She always has a caffeinated beverage in hand and a LEGO embedded in her foot.

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Hero Commuters Move 32-Ton Train Off Woman in Amazing Rescue (VIDEO)

dinsdag 23 juli 2013

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AppId is over the quota
by Adriana Velez 3 hours ago

Here's some more happy news that will restore your faith in humanity. Yesterday morning a woman fell in the gap between a train and the platform at a Tokyo-area train station. She was trapped. That's not the happy part -- I'm getting to that. In response, about 40 commuters pushed the 32-ton train, tilting it so they could help the trapped woman out of the tracks. Amazingly, she survived with just minor injuries. And eight minutes later, the train was running again.

Everyone cheered after the woman was rescued.

Don't you love that? I like to believe people would do the same thing in New York City, though I know if that happened, it would be at least 45 minutes before the train was running again. But still, it's great to see how people are willing to go out of their way to help someone in danger.

I think it would have been easy for any of us to see the woman fall and then kind of back up and look for someone else to help. Maybe you would try to find a conductor or a train employee to do something. But instead, people thought to push the train out of the way. They actually thought, "Hey, if we all push as hard as we can, we can move this train!" They immediately recognized this situation as something that would require a group effort -- and they knew it was possible if everyone worked together.

I wonder how often we think that way. Would you have enough faith in your fellow humans to believe you could all work together to solve a problem? Or would you watch this woman fall and think, "Well, there's nothing I can do." I wonder how many other problems we encounter that look too big for one person to solve alone pass us by just because it never occurred to us to organize a group effort.

If you had been there, would it have occurred to you to get everyone to push the train out of the way?

Image via CNN

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Adriana Velez

is a staff writer who dabbles in food, parenting, news, entertainment, molecular biology, and anything else that that pops into her head. She lives with her elementary school-aged son in Brooklyn, land of urban farms and artisan everything.  

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Amazing Kids Make Racist Cheerios Commercial Commenters Look Like Idiots (VIDEO)

woensdag 17 juli 2013

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AppId is over the quota

I believe the children are our future ... teach them well and yada, yada, yada ... no, but really. What with all the crazy, less-than-inspiring things going on in the world right now, it's tough to believe -- as a parent or simply as a human being -- that there are SOME people out there who are trying to raise kickass kids on a daily basis, but you know what? Those people do exist, and this video is proof. 

Here's the deal: Remember that racist Cheerios commercial? (Of course you do, because the backlash is neverending, so it's not like you've had a chance to forget.) Well, the Fine Bros. decided to devote an episode of their YouTube series "Kids React" to the disheartening debacle, and the result will -- no joke -- actually rekindle some hope in the dark recesses of your jaded soul for the future of mankind. 

Out of the mouths of babes, y'know? You've really got to see this one for yourself, but just in case you're not convinced yet, here are a few of my favorite quotes:

On whether or not the commercial is, in fact, worthy of controversy:

"That's it? That's just a Cheerios commercial!"

On racism in general:

"That's just the color of their skin, what matters is if they're nice or mean."

"As long as it's a person, it's a person."

On people's outrage over the depiction of a mixed-race family:

"That's messed up!"

On personal experiences with racism:

"It's annoying when people say, 'Uh, you're Asian, that's not fair, of course you're gonna ace that test.'"

On the multitude of mean comments:

"It's that mob mentality ... they see everybody else do it, so they do it. Monkey see, monkey do."

The wisdom is sort of staggering, isn't it? What happens to human beings as we grow older? How do we get LESS smart?! 

Watch the rest of this video; I promise you won't be sorry:

Truly and profoundly inspiring, right? (Go ahead, watch it again.)

What was your favorite part of this video?

Image via TheFineBros/YouTube

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