Some people think American Idol is too mean. They don't like the way Simon treats the contestants, and they criticize the producers for choosing to air the auditions of so many angry and inherently untalented people. I just cannot agree, as this meanness is precisely the reason I watch.
I think Simon is great. I cackle maniacally and pump my fists in glee when he asks the sad sack standing hopefully before the panel, "Whaaaat was that?" with his snooty British accent. "Thaaat was terrible," he'll snidely, affectedly sputter.
Yet, for whatever reason, the Simon haters prefer to coddle poor performers and spare their feelings. They hate his honest approach because it often makes people feel bad. Sniff. I think he's doing these delusional freaks and pathetic no-talents a favor.
The freaks themselves and their families love to hate Simon for this. Usually they manage to make themselves look even sillier than their singing did by ranting nonsense. During the San Antonio auditions earlier this season, the angry mother of a rejected contestant asked why Simon didn't just go back to France or wherever he is from. Ryan Seacrest helpfully pointed out that Simon is actually British, not French, which prompted the mother to suggest he "go back to British."
Honestly. If this woman doesn't have enough sense to know the correct form of the word would have been Britain or even England, it is no great suprise that she's not a good judge of her daughter's singing talents, either.
Here's my bottom line: If you put yourself and your singing out there for public scrutiny, you don't have the right to get your panties in a wad when you don't like the response. Simon is performing a public service by telling people the truth about their lack of talent. If no one else has leveled with them yet, it is high time someone does, and Simon is the man for the job.
The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus
This
was a cute, fluffy read. I am impressed by these authors' ability to
make the horrible, selfish mother quite sympathetic in many ways. I
liked the main character and believed her conflict between telling the
selfish parents to kiss her ass and staying because the child needed
her. I read their other book, Citizen Girl, which I found disappointing. This one was a much better story.
The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
Since it has taken me forever to get around to reading this, I'm sure there are much better reviews out there than I will provide, but I always like to share my thoughts. Aside from a couple of overly lengthy passages related to hunting wild boar and mushrooms, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The subject matter is incredibly fascinating and written in a very engaging, personal way. I highly recommend it. It will make you think, no doubt.
