Why We're So Shocked By Brit Sensation Susan Boyle

If you're one of the few people in the country who still haven't seen the marvelous Brit with the spectacular voice, on England's version of "American Idol," "Britain's Got Talent," here's your chance.

Susan Boyle on Britain's Got Talent
by dwarthy

And while everyone is rightly applauding her wonderful talent, some of us are examining why we're so shocked that this seemingly unremarkable woman even has such a talent. 

The reason is we're so conditioned to only expect talent in young and pretty, slick packaging.  Ms. Boyle instead looks like an ordinary, middle-aged housewife you might spot at your local supermarket.  Some might call her a bit frumpy, some might call her fat, some might even say she needs a drastic makeover, like Joy Behar did yesterday on "The View."

But instead of focusing on the labels we'd like to attach to Ms. Boyle, we should instead be looking at why we feel the need to trot out those labels in the first place.

We so worship nipped and tucked, photo shopped and shaped images on television, movies and in print anything else is seen as sub par and not worthy of our notice.

Despite our public noises about how "looks don't matter" and "it's what's inside that really counts," when it does really count, we don't act that way.  We don't give all people the respect and dignity they deserve despite their looks.

That's awful.

Makes you wonder how many others out there we wrongly overlook and wrongly underestimate because they don't look like what we think they should.

As far as Ms. Boyle's performance, Jon Trainer at From The Cheap Seats puts it quite eloquently:

The cynicism of the audience toward Susan’s dowdiness is palpable.  The judge’s skepticism is writ clearly on their faces.  On the other hand, her clarion confidence and sense of purpose are intoxicating.  World’s collide and Lady David slays the giant on a global stage.

As off this morning, Ms. Boyle had made the rounds on all the American morning shows and reportedly had an invite from Oprah Winfrey to appear on her show as well. 

She's still in the "Britain's Got Talent" competition and if she wins, she gets to sing for the queen.  Good on you, my dear.

Star Jones On Oprah: Trying To Revive A Career

Every time I've seen Star Jones since she left "The View," I've thought of how badly she handled the whole weight loss/wedding/leaving "The View" drama. She's a textbook case on how a public figure should not handle such public events in her life.

Last week Oprah Winfrey did a show about celebrities and weight loss which included Star. In the interview, Star finally admitted her dramatic 160 pound weight loss while she was on "The View" was due to gastric bypass surgery. She also said the reason she didn't say so at the time was because she was too emotionally fragile and ashamed to talk about it.

Though I sympathize with Star, my sympathy only goes so far because she had plenty of opportunities to make the entire situation better for herself.

One opportunity Star wasted was having a prominent colleague, Barbara Walters, ready and eager to tell her story with compassion, and not taking advantage of it. That's in addition to ignoring how many viewers would have supported and respected her for coming clean.

Star was not just a public figure, she was someone on a live, daily talk show, whose show was built around its co-hosts talking about their lives. So for one of those women to go through something so public and act like she was too good to talk about it felt like a betrayal to viewers. And if that sounds strong, you gotta remember that daytime viewers are primarily women and very loyal to shows and personalities they like. Viewers are investing their time in you and they expect something in return.

And it's not like Star wasn't warned. After hearing her say in the interview with Oprah that she warned several of her close advisers that she would fire them all if they ever mentioned coming clean about the surgery again, it makes me think those people were savvy media professionals who deserved a better client.

Good Old Fashioned Link Lovin': "Project Runway," TV's Lack of Diversity & Fat Asses

I've been reading some very good posts lately so I thought it was time to share some good old fashioned link lovin'.

*An interview with "Project Runway" finalist Korto Momolu at Mahogany Butterfly.  Read about what she's up to next. 

*At Aunt Jemima's Revenge, there's a post about the lack of black people on primetime TV.  Come on Hollywood!  What is the problem?  I know you're all afraid of taking risks---ooooo, I'm scared!---but NBC would be ripe to do something different since no one's watching them anyway.  Aunt Jemima has a boatload of ideas for you in her post.  Just make sure you put her name on a check when you use them.

Last year I wrote a post about the USA cable show, "In Plain Sight" and how it should have had a woman of color in the lead.  Just this morning, Whoopi Goldberg was saying on "The View" that every movie role she's had were written for white actors.  Come on Hollywood!  We've got a black President, for God sakes!

*If you haven't read Black and Married With Kids and you're black and married with kids--go read it.  Even if you're not black or married or with kids.

*Just for fun, take a look at Daisy Church's Drawing A Day.  That's what they are, daily drawings by Daisy.  And they're cool.

*Twitter author guidelines by Karel Vredenburg on his blog.  Just because Twitter only allows tweets to be a maximum of 140 characters, doesn't mean those characters shouldn't be well chosen. 

*I got that previous link via @GrammarGirl on Twitter, and she had her own great suggestions about writing on Twitter.

*Fellow BlogHer CE Mir Kamin has penned a post on BlogHer about how one woman thinks the Kindle will destroy civilization as we know it.

*Speaking of BlogHer, the annual conference in July has sold out.  You can still get on a waiting list, but if you've wait too long, you might be out of luck.

* Finally a special thanks to Gena Haskett of Out On The Stoop for coming up with the banner in my sidebar that says, "In Solidarity Kiss My Big Fat Ass!"  It's in honor of Meghan McCain and was her response on "The View" to radio talk show host, Laura Ingraham for calling her fat.  Ms. McCain decided to paraphrase Tyra Banks who gave the same message to the tabloids last year for picking apart a picture of her in a bathing suit.

Fat ass women united!

"Benjamin Button" Leads Oscar Nominations

All right movie fans, the Oscar nominations are out!  "The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button" leads the Oscar field with a total of thirteen nominations.  Among those star Brad Pitt was nominated for Best Actor, co-star Taraji P. Henson was nominated for Best Supporting Actress and the film was nominated for Best Picture.

Coming in second with ten nominations was the feel good movie set in the slums of Mumbai, "Slumdog Millionaire."  Though it didn't receive any acting nominations, it was singled out for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Director and Best Picture. 

Here are the major nominations:

Best Picture
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
Milk
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire

Election '08 Media Coverage: The Highs and The Lows

Halleluljah!  The 2008 election is almost over.  It's been exciting, inspiring, historic and incredibly contentious.  Soon we won't be hearing anymore about John "Mr. Grumpy Puss" McCain and Barack "Mr. Tax and Spend" Obama or Sarah "We're Mavericks" Palin or Joe "I"m From Scranton" Biden.  But before we move on to the next act in this political drama, let's take a look back from a media standpoint. 

In a campaign year when many Americans got their news from the internet: YouTube, Facebook, campaign websites and hundreds of blogs on the internet that helped shape public opinion and motivate voters, it would be a mistake to forget the power the mainstream media (MSM) still holds over shaping a candidate's image.  

Here are some Election 2008 MSM highs and low.

"The View" Heats Up Over Palin "Terrorist" Accusations

Note to Elisabeth Hasselbeck:  You're credibility would increase significantly if you would not spout the Republican party line no matter how stupid.  Or as Whoopi Goldberg told you today, stuff that's "crap."

It's true, I've defended you in the past from unfounded attacks, but honey, like Sherri Shepherd, you're making it harder and harder for me to treat you fairly.

Here's the background.  Over the weekend the McCain campaign hit a new low with attacks by running mate Sarah Palin trying to link Barack Obama with a "terrorist."  Obama didn't hesitate to respond.

Look people, I knew things were headed in this direction and it's only a matter of time before Reverend Wright makes a return appearance, but to try to link Barack Obama to William Ayers, a Weather Underground member forty years ago, and a guy who's paid for his crimes, is just pathetic.

On "The View" today, the Gabby Girls sans Joy Behar, rehashed the Vice Presidential debate, the "SNL" parody of the debate and then got into Palin's charges against Obama.  Elisabeth continued the attack that Palin started over the weekend, saying how Obama hasn't "come clean" about his associations.  Barbara Walters mentioned that the Obama campaign has now brought up John McCain's involvement in the Keating Five which occurred eighteen years ago.

Now, let me remind you, Palin is the same person who last week during the debate kept telling Joe Biden, in between winks to the camera, that his references to George Bush's administration were irrelevant because the last eight years were in the past.  Last time I looked, the last forty years were in the past as well.  But I digress. Back to "The View."

Sherri Shepherd Of "The View" Wants Bill Maher To Interview God

Yesterday on "The View" Sherri Shepherd suggested comedian Bill Maher interview God.

Yeah, you heard me...God.  And the result was she came off looking like an idiot and Maher told her she needed to be carted off to Bellevue.

You see, Maher, who's very anti-religion, was there to plug his new movie documentary "Religulous"  I haven't seen it but it's Maher's critically humorous take on religion, kinda like Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11" was his critically humorous take on 9/11.  Except in "Religulous," God takes on the George Bush role.

Here's the video:

If Sherri had asked the question as a joke, Maher would have probably laughed it off and come back with a zinger and they'd have moved on.  But she didn't.  She was totally serious when she asked him the question, so she opened herself up for being called an idiot on national TV.  How many times is this now?  Remember when  "she didn't know if the earth was flat?"  I defended her then, but she was still new on the show.  Then there was this incident.  Now I'm running out of defenses.

The thing is, she always gets into trouble when she talks about religion.  She should have known if she asked Maher a question like that he was going to slap her down, hard.  Hasn't she seen his show?

Sherri, if you don't want to continue to look like an idiot, here are two pieces of unsolicited advice:  don't talk about history 'cause your facts are always wrong.  Unfortunately the only history you know is from the Bible and believe me, there are other very legitimate historical texts out there. 

Don't talk about religion because you can't do it without trying to convert people.  Even Elisabeth knows how to emphasize that her beliefs are hers alone, and doesn't try to make people who don't believe as she does feel like they're going to hell.

A Cheer For Fatherhood: Video PSA

Last week Whoopi Goldberg introduced the following PSA on "The View."  It's from the Ad Council and the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse.  Not only did it have me rolling on the floor laughing, but it touched my heart, because every little girl should have a father like the one in this video.

McCain, Palin and Fey...Oh My!

Last week, John and Cindy McCain were on "The View," Sarah Palin was interviewed by Charles Gibson on ABC, Tina Fey did a spot-on impression of Palin on "Saturday Night Live," and Barack Obama brought up the rear and started getting tough.

It's almost too much to comment on so I'm going to do a Megan's Digest version of these recent political events.  But first, in case you missed it, here's the SNL clip:

Whoopi Goldberg, Elisabeth Hasselbeck & The "N" Word

I'm nearly a week late on this one, but what can I say...I've been busy. Last week there was another big brouhaha at "The View." 

What is with those blasted women?  I go out of town for a couple of days and a whole new race war starts.

I'm exaggerating, but damn, I can't leave those Gabby Girls alone for a second.

What happened was Whoopi Goldberg and Elisabeth Hasselbeck got into over the use of the word n*gger.  It came up because of another loose comment by Jesse Jackson, but I'm not even gonna talk about him. 

When the discussion came up, Whoopi argued that while it is not okay for white people to call black people by that lovely little word that holds so much history and hatred in its six assorted letters, it was fine for black people to call each other n*gger.

Elisabeth countered that no one should use the word.  She argued that just like Italians, Poles and Jews don't run around calling each other the most heinous word that's been used about them throughout history, black people shouldn't either.

The heated discussion became even more press worthy when Elisabeth choked up while saying she hoped that we could all live in a world where the races were together.  This was in response to Whoopi's blunt and true comment that racially speaking, she and Elisabeth don't live in the same world.  To add to the drama, Sherri Shepherd agreed with Whoopi that black people had "retaken" the word n*gger and had every right to use it the way they wanted.

Here's my opinion.

It's horribly offensive if a white person calls me n*gger and it's just as offensive if a black person calls me n*gger.  There really is no difference.

I am and always have been on Elisabeth's side on this one.  No, ifs, ands or buts.

Michelle Obama Enjoys "The View:" A Recap

Michelle Obama, wife of Senator Barack Obama and potential First Lady of the United States had her toughest test of the whole campaign this morning.  No, she didn't go on Fox News Channel.

She co-hosted "The View."

Here's a recap:

First the "important stuff."  Michelle---I'm going to call her Michelle, 'cause she and I are like this---wore a cute little sleeveless, summer black and white sheath and her hair and makeup looked modern and lovely.  She said she often uses a designer, Maria Pinto from Chicago and "It's fun to look pretty."

After she came out and was introduced by Whoopi Goldberg, Michelle made fun of the whole "terrorist fist bump" by fist bumping all the ladies around the table.  Heh.

She said she started doing it because of the young people on her staff.  It's considered a modern version of a "high five."  Actually, in my tennis playing circles, it's also supposed to represent "respect."

The first thing Michelle and the Gabby Girls talked about was the hits she's taken in the press, specifically over the "For the first time, I'm really proud of my country" quote."  They played a clip of the original quote and as Whoopi said, it's the "really" that changes the context of the quote.

Several of us at BlogHer talked about that months ago, the omission of the "really" part, but hey it's nice when the rest of the world catches up with the BlogHers.

What Michelle said said was:

"Of course I'm proud of my country.  Nowhere but in America could my story be possible."

"When I talked about it in my speech what I was talking about was having a pride in the political process."

Resident republican, Elisabeth Hasselbeck---and no, she and Michelle didn't come to blows---pointed out that current First Lady Laura Bush had sent a supportive note to Michelle after the whole incident. 

"I was touched by it.  That's what I like about Laura Bush.  Just calm, rational approach to these issues.  And I'm taking some cues. There's a reason why people like her.  It's because she doesn't sort of, fuel the fire."

Michelle said that she sent a thank you in return but the First Lady might not have gotten it yet.

Barbara then asked why Michelle felt that she was a target for so many attacks.  Michelle said that in today's 24 hour news cycle she "fills up some space," but she also realizes that it goes with the territory.

Glenn Close On "The View"

Glenn Close was on "The View" this morning trying to make sure that everyone knew that just because her alter ego, Patty Hewes had a dog killed on "Damages," and she played Cruella De Ville in "101 Dalmations," doesn't means she really hates our canine friends.

Daisy for one, is very happy to hear that.

Glenn, looking very lovely in a smart grey pantsuit came out to chat with the Gabby girls accompanied by her two adorable, fluffy "terrier mutts, Jake and Bill."  She was there to plug a new website started by her husband David Shaw and others called Fetchdog.com.

For the most part, the site is a shop where you can buy items for your dog, but the best part is Glenn's blog where she interviews dog owners about their pets.  It's called, "Lively Licks:  Portraits of Dogs and Their People."  Some of the dog owners she talks to are celebrities, like fellow "Damages" co-star Ted Danson and his wife Mary Steenburgen but some are people like Bill Campbell, an Iraq war veteran whose dog helps him cope with post traumatic stress.

She even has a post about prepping for her guest spot on "The View."  It's very cute stuff and Daisy and I will be checking back with Glenn and Fetchdog often.

Michelle Obama To Co-Host "The View"

ABC-TV announced today that Michelle Obama will co-host "The View" with the Gabby Girls on Wednesday, June 18th.  She'll be following in the footsteps of Cindy McCain, who co-hosted a couple of months ago, and of her husband, Barack Obama who was a guest in March.

I'm guessing Michelle will get plenty of questions from Barbara Walters, Whoopi Goldberg and the gang about the campaign, being a Mom of two young girls on the campaign trail, and what she plans to do if she becomes First Lady.

Of course I'll be watching and bring you all the action as soon as the show is over.

Congratulations Danica Patrick

Image details: Bridgestone Indy 300 served by picapp.com

Danica Patrick was on "The View" this morning and that was as good a reason as any for me to take note of her historic Indy Japan 300 win last Sunday.  If you hadn't heard, the 26 year old Danica had her first IndyCar Series win.

Melinda W at Gather.com has a very interesting post comparing Danica's achievement and that of the amazing Marlee Matlin who just this week got bounced from "Dancing With The Stars."  Here's a quote:

Breaking barriers, fighting the good fight, that's why as little girls we were all sat down and told we could do anything boys could do, and likely do it better.

Now I'll be the first to admit I don't know a Nascar from a kiddie car, but any woman who can beat the big boys at their own game, on their own turf, is someone I have to acknowledge.  You go---fast---girl.

Barack Obama On "The View"

Democratic Presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama made an appearance on "The View" this morning.  He's been on the show before, but this was the first time he's been on the show since he became this much closer to becoming President of the United States.

Here's my recap.

They start off the show with a clip from Jay Leno talking about how Barack is going to be on "The View."  Leno says, "He thought his pastor was loud and opinionated.  Wait 'til Joy gets hold of him."  That's probably his funniest joke in years.

Moving on.

We start off with a lame "Hot Topics" segment. This show was supposed to have been taped yesterday when Barack was in New York for that speech at Cooper Union, so whenever the show is taped the "Hot Topics" are never but so topical.

Bizarrely they start off with a discussion about how some motel in Oregon is no longer going to leave a Gideon Bible in the nightstand of their rooms, but allow you to order your own particular bible from room service.  Sherri didn't like that so much 'cause she'd have to wait 45 minutes to get her bible and then tip the bellhop who brings it.  Dumb topic.  Moving on.

We now get back to a rehash of the Reverend Wright/Barack Obama controversy, which as far as I'm concerned has run its course.  It's time to drop it now folks.   Obama answered everything he needed to answer about Reverend Wright with his speech on race.  He condemned the comments, he said he doesn't agree with the comments, people...it's time to move on to issues like health care, the economy and how we keep those crazies who want to nuke us all from doing so.

Moving on.

Something that has absolutely nothing to do with anything, but which was very funny.  There are now greeting cards for families with people serving time in prison.  Cards like, "No More Promises:" that pleads with the prisoner to stop making promises they can't keep. 

Sherri Shepherd read from the one called "Family:" "You may be behind the walls, but we are still family.  That will never change."  Heh.

Whoopi then reads from one of the Christmas cards that has a little pair of handcuffs and a picture of barbed wire as part of the Merry Christmas graphic.  "You had a choice to be naughty or nice, and you chose.  Now you have to do your time.  But Christmas won't be the same without you here.  Stay safe."

You think I'm making this up don't you?  I swear, I'm not.

Moving on.  Here comes Obama.