Dear American Idol, I Hate You

Dear American Idol[atry],

I hate you.

You might be wondering what has caused my sudden outburst. You want to know what set me off? Paula Abdul getting booted from-- excuse me; I mean, 'quitting'-- the show. You mean to tell me that the ONLY person that Americans have ever actually idolized on that show is getting the boot??

And, dear old American Idol[atry], I’ll have you to know that Paula Abdul looks damn good for her age! Simon and Randy are old too! Why don’t they get the boot? Oh, I forgot-- they’re men.

My Very Brief List of Grievances:

1. Ryan Seacrest

2. Simon is not American; why is judging American Idol?

3. Randy says “dog” and “dude” waaayy too much

4. The winners are arguably the losers (except for Carrie Underwood & Kelly Clarkson AFTER she cut all ties with American Idol[atry])

5. The theme song is loud, annoying & old

6. Ryan Seacrest

7. If Randy brags about working with Mariah Carey "one mo’ ‘gen…"

8. Simon just happens to find only young, attractive people to be talented

9. Simon’s Baby Gap tees

10. Simon’s haircut

11. Ryan Seacrest

12. Runner-up Adam Lambert’s sexuality was conveniently exposed via personal photos a week before the final vote

13. I still haven’t forgotten about the big fuss over Fantasia’s baby on the show (not that it was the judges faults or anything…I’m just sayin)

14. Can’t even count the number of times the REAL talent gets overlooked

15. Simon is not American; why is judging American Idol?

16. Ryan Seacrest

17. Paula Abdul, the only star on the show is 'quitting,' aka getting fired because she's not a spring chicken

18. Ryan Seacrest's salary. Are his spectacularly mediocre hosting abilities worth $5 million more than Paula’s bizarre judgements of people who have more singing abilities than she ever did?

19. Did I mention that no one really cares about the winners?

20. Ryan Seacrest

On behalf of all Americans who are sick of this never-ending nightmare of a show, American Idol, we hate you.

--Shana

Sarah Palin *shakes head*

I'm not going to speak about policy and party affiliations. That's getting old. Governor Sarah Palin has been the leading act in recent interviews and other media events. She's been highly criticized for her interview with Katie Couric. I can't really blame people, either. When was it ok for the next possible VP to say "I'll get back to ya?!"
But I think that these are testaments to what I initially thought of Senator McCain's VP pick. I feel that Gov. Palin is little more than a figurehead for the McCain campaign. In a desperate and selfish attempt to renew interest in his campaign, McCain has found his secret weapon-- A WOMAN! And not just a stiff, man-ish VP, but a hockey mom of 5, one of which is volunteering in the military & one of which has Down Syndrome. Through marriage, she is of Native Alaskan heritage (DIVERSITY!). She's just a PTA mom who wants to make a difference. There you have it-- "SARAH PALIN: A FRESH PERSPECTIVE"!
All of these qualities are great, but does she have enough experience & knowledge of her running mate/ D.C.? CAN SHE RUN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA?
Sarah Palin is being used. And what's worse? It just might work. As a feminine feminist (lol, but seriously), I am a proud supporter of female leaders and professionals. However, the standards of quality should not be lowered just to satisfy an unofficial quota. Appointing an unqualified woman is equivalent to no woman--or man, for that matter--serving in that position in the first place. The VP debate this past Thursday made it clear to me that Palin is not ready to do this. Her rehearsed answers, "John is a maverick," and superb ability to divert the questions proves that a 5 week crash course cannot prepare her for a debate or interview or (drum roll please)........ the vice presidency.
And a note on that Catie Couric interview. Yes, Palin doesn't really know her stuff about MCain's policy. BUT, please don't forget the dog-eat-dog nature of the media. Most people have awkward moments in their interviews, but I think Gov. Palin was denied the luxury of the fancy editing that most others get. Furthermore, the questions appeared to be tailored to show her in the worst light possible before she even began to answer the questions.
My rant has come to an end. =)