Letters to the Editor
had_enough
Published Letters: 817 Editor's Choice: 48
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charisma, defined
[Read the article: "Idol" watch: The final two contestants revealed!]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]A rare personal quality attributed to leaders who arouse fervent popular devotion and enthusiasm.
Personal magnetism or charm: a television news program famed for the charisma of its anchors.
Christianity: An extraordinary power, such as the ability to perform miracles, granted by the Holy Spirit.
(American Heritage Dictionary)
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not the greatest definitions I ever saw, but they'll do. And, of course, this is all subjective. After all, George W. Bush is very charismatic, apparently, to some people. He's a dry-drunk, prick-frat-boy to me, with all the charisma of yesterday's lunch. Nevertheless...
The fact that Dolittle "interacted" with the musicians, and the audience, means nothing. That does not define charisma.
The fact that she "performed" her songs, in contrast to nearly everyone else on the show this season, also counts for almost nothing in the end.
What counts, is that she does not project that indefinable something that great performers usually have. She might develop that something, with more practice as a lead singer. I think the necessary self-effacement required in a good, professional back-up singer finally did her in.
And, for the record, I was appalled that she was sent home last night. She is clearly a far better musician and singer than the finalists. But that, as has been observed by nearly everyone who watches this show for a living, or otherwise, is not enough.
Now, I don't see where Blakie-boy has shit. No charisma there, for me, at all. He's a pop-wannabee, and can't sing his way out of a paper bag. A total poseur. I'm very far from his target demo, too. Makes me weep for the young ones, is all I can say, if they think this kind of no-talent hack is a quality singer.
Sparks has potential, but I do agree, she's very, very green.
I watch the thing because my girlfriend likes it. I wouldn't bother, myself. It's just more confirmation of the pathetically low-brow taste of the American public. I get enough of that every day just living life. Who needs more in a TV show? Any TV show?
But, I watch, I'm a musician, so I have an opinion, and it's probably worth exactly what was paid for it. [g]
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One thing's bothering me...
[Read the article: Gonzales loses another senator, faces "no-confidence" vote]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]...Tim, if you have a moment, can you give us a little analysis about WHY these GOP Senators are abandoning Gonzo?
Surely they must understand the dangers to themselves and the party when the Congress begins confirmation hearings for a new AG. Right? No telling where the confirmation hearings might go. Do these GOP Senators think they can control the damage, and prevent the Dems from finding out enough to put the President and Vice-President in some very hot water?
I'm just kinda bewildered here. I can't help thinking confirmation hearings for a new AG would be very, very tricky for the GOP... starting with a drive to get Karl Rove in front of the Justice Committee.
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Here's how far the Idol finalists are from being real performers...
[Read the article: "Idol" watch: The final two contestants revealed!]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]...just heard Terry Gross interviewing Alice Cooper. She played "I'm 18" from 1972. Cooper had more talent in one fingernail in 1972 than Blake-baby will every have in his entire life. Not only could Cooper SING, in his style, but he singlehandedly, with his band, created an entire genre of rock-n-roll...and did it with a sly panache that the Idol singers couldn't summon if their lives depended on it.
Ah well. Like noting the sky is blue, I suppose. And, the best is always the enemy of the crappy, to coin a phrase..
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interesting thing
[Read the article: White House rejects timetable concessions]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]The problem here is that there is no downside--for the President and Vice-President--of continuing the Iraq War as long as they want to. There is no punishment. No consequence. They can continue the war until they leave office and they will not be held to account for it. Not now. Not later.
So, why should they admit to having made such a heinous blunder? Why should they admit to having carried on even when it was obvious to anyone who knew that it was a blunder? They have no reason whatever for doing so. And every reason to keep the war going. Certainly this war is very good for their primary constituencies: various large defense contractors, and the oil industry. And, so, good for the President and Vice-President when they are ex-officials. Their constituents will be very sure that the two of them are well-taken-care-of.
It is fascinating to me how simple this is. Cheney and Bush made a terrible mistake, but there is no punishment for it. Indeed, there is only reward. All they have to do is tough out the last 18 months, and they're home free.
'course, if Congress grew some balls, things might be different. But only Congress can change this equation.
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is it just me...
[Read the article: Finale wrap-up: "Grey's Anatomy"]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]... or is it simply a fact of nature that after becoming addicted to television like *The Wire* a show like this is so intensely boring that if I don't immediately leave the house for a long walk after seeing more than 2 minutes of it, I might break a piece of furniture out of sheer ennui??
Or is this purely a function of having XY chromosomes instead of XX?
I never understood the appeal of this show. It seems to have all the same flaws as nearly all network television today: Badly written. Badly acted. routinely directed, at best. Who cares?
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buddies..
[Read the article: King Kaufman's Sports Daily]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]"Selig simply refused to discuss it. "
Sounds like he and GW Bush attend the same Practical Politics 101 class.