26 Magazine » Entertainment

Why violent video games?

andrea — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:31:50 +0000

It was earlier this week in my Mass Communications Ethics course that we discussed the negative effect that violent video games have on the youth of America. Of course this is all debatable, and this post isn’t meant to challenge or condemn anyone for playing these games.

The point is to examine America’s obsession with these games. A prime example of this is the new video game, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, which was released on Tuesday, earned $310 million in opening-day sales alone. According to Daniel Terdiman, a blogger for CNET news, 4.7 million copies were sold in the United States and the U.K. alone in order to break this record.

This is more than the next highest selling video game, “Grand Theft Auto IV” which also made $310 million in first-day sales worldwide. (Modern Warfare made $310 million in just the U.S. and U.K.) Also, just to put this into perspective, last year’s Batman movie “The Dark Knight” made $155 million in the opening weekend… WEEKEND.

Obviously, “Grand Theft Auto” and “The Dark Knight” are a little bit on the violent side. “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2” is the same.

As the title suggests, this game revolves around… a war. According to a review by the Associated Press, “You’re really a good guy who has infiltrated the terrorist cell.” If you’ve heard any press about this video game then I’m sure that you’ve heard about the terrorist aspect of the game.

A tad controversial? Yes. Although, critics say it’s essential to the game.

The “Call of Duty” saga includes six versions of the game. Two different companies are responsible for the creation of the games. This year’s version came from Infinity Ward and has been seriously popular just within the few days of its release.

Now, it’s easy to blame video games on the violent tendencies of American youth. According to the American Psychological Association, “High levels of violent video game exposure have been linked to delinquency, fighting at school and during free play periods, and violent criminal behavior (e.g., self-reported assault, robbery).”

The truth is that the average age of a video-gamer is 35-years-old, according to a survey conducted by Ipsos MediaCT for game industry trade group the Entertainment Software Association (ESA).

The war and violence obsession in America is nothing new really. It’s nothing really new though, is it? Violence is a part of everyday life. We may not see it in America but it happens all over the world.

Could it be our sheltered lives that give us such a hunger for blood?
If the average American saw half of the amount of bloodshed that they see in this video games and movies, they would be shocked.

So, I’m confused… Can anyone tell me why so many people are interested in violent video games like this?

Escapism?

Masculinity?

Hidden violent tendencies?

I just don’t get it. Sure, I’m female so maybe I’m missing the proper chromosome.

I’d like to know. If you’re interested in shooter video games, tell me why.

What did you have for dinner?: Americans’ obsession with social networking

andrea — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:16:38 +0000

It’s hard to remember what we did before the Internet. I think I was around 10 when we first got it. I mean, it wasn’t extensive, but it worked. It was awesome. I remember playing “Where in the World is Carmen San Diego?” online.

That being said, it’s easy to agree that the Internet has BLOWN UP! We have it on our phones. We have it in little mini computers. It’s all over the place.

And what would we do without it?

I mean, it hasn’t been around that long. It just doesn’t seem like there was anything to do before we could update our statuses on the latest happenings.

I will be the first one to admit that I love some Twitter and Facebook and iPhone applications. The question remains, “Has it gotten out of hand?”

When America thought that Balloon Boy was floating around all over eastern Colorado, the Blogosphere and social networking sites were lighting up with witty remarks and updates about flying Falcon Heene, 6 years old.

Just in case you don’t know the story, I’ll do a short summary. (You can find more in-depth information if you search for 6-year-old Falcon Heene in your favorite search browser.)

Earlier today in eastern Colorado, Falcon’s parents, Richard and Mayumi Heene, told authorities that their son had untethered their mylar balloon and was suspected to be inside of it. Well, it ends up that the little child wasn’t in the balloon at all. He was hanging out in a box in the attic.

Sure, it’s amusing that the kid that everyone thought was up in the air is named “Falcon.” I guess it’s also pretty cool that we could see it all happening. (Thank you television and YouTube.) I also guess it’s a bit interesting that the kid’s family used to be on Wife Swap.

(Actually, that’s REALLY interesting. Can we say attention-seeking family anyone?! That’s not the point though…)

The best thing about what happened today is that it shows us how Americans really enjoy their freedom of speech. Don’t believe me? Check out Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and the like.

The expansion of technology has allowed every…single…kind of American to express themselves and their needs. There are Facebook groups for all kind of hobbies. YouTube is an outlet for even the most unintelligent people. Then Twitter… well, I’m not so sure about Twitter yet. It’s definitely viral though.

I’m not saying that every update on the Internet is necessary. In fact, I’d dare to say that over half of the updates on Twitter, Facebook, etc. are necessary.

I am saying that we are pretty lucky to be able to express ourselves like this. Ask anyone who lives in a Communist country. They can’t do anything like this.

I’m not usually one to toot my American horn, but it is seriously tooting.

Let’s not take for granted that we can talk crap about whoever we want (um… within legal limits) and we can lets the whole world know what we’re having for dinner.

Arguably we’re losing a sense of boundaries.

Eh, it’s America! Tweet away!!

P.S. I had chicken Parmesan for dinner.

Top 10 strangest phobias

Brittany — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:16:16 +0000

I always find it interesting to learn the fears of others, things that make people cringe, shiver and shudder. Most of the time I can relate as mine are rather common: spiders, AKA arachnophobia, and dark, open water, AKA hydrophobia (sort of).

However, the list I’m about to surrender to you, Associated Content’s Top 10 Strangest Phobias, is something I can’t relate to in the least, let alone pronounce most of the names. Good luck.

1. Zemmiphobia – Fear of…wait for it…the great mole rat.

Yeah, most are naked and crazy looking — those ones usually tiny — but what’s so bad about a big fat rat? Okay, never mind… I think I can understand this one.

2. Anablephobia – Fear of looking up.

Is this for real? Who doesn’t love a blue sky? Suck to be these people.

3. Consecotaleophobia – Fear of chopsticks.

But forks are no fun when it comes to sushi!

4. Geniophobia – Fear of chins.
This one makes me think of the “Ball-Chinians” from Men in Black II (the one that sucked and doesn’t count). I guess big fat butt chins might make sense…but (no pun intended) I don’t get it other than that.

5. Taphephobia Taphophobia – Fear of being buried alive or of cemeteries.

Duh. This one actually makes sense. Finally.

6. Cacophobia – Fear of ugliness.

And all along I had no idea what to call this fear I had lurking inside of me… Just kidding. I’m not that shallow, but now I know what to tell people who are. If only I could pronounce this one…

7. Cherophobia – Fear of gaiety.

This one should be easy to tell. Sounds like “cherub” to me, and I’ve always had a slight aversion to those little winged, soft-skinned, naked baby-like angel things on most Italian art pieces and my grandmother’s bathroom walls. I guess this combines that with the whole saccharine sweet happiness that seems to surround them. Who likes happiness and flying angel babies? Me either.

8. Lutraphobia – Fear of otters.

How in the world anyone could be afraid of those cute little water creatures is beyond me, but, apparently, since there obviously was good enough reason to design a word of this length to describe this ridiculous fear, it exists. I truly feel sorry for you people. I happen to love otters.

9. Phronemophobia – Fear of thinking.

I know plenty of people with this fear. Heck, it’s like 90 percent of our society…right? Certainly all the people who Jay Leno catches on his Jay Walking segment. Wow. Of all the crazy fears on this list, this one’s the one I’d least like to admit to, say, if it actually were true. Who, honestly, if afraid to think? Can’t we not help but think? Even on the most minimal of levels? I’m getting too deep. Thinking too critically. Excuse me.

10. Bogyphobia – Fear of bogeys or the bogeyman.

Who isn’t afraid of the bogeyman? He hides in your closet at night and freaks you out with his strange shadow puppet creature shows. What’s not to fear about this dude?

Letterman scandal should be more scandalous

andrea — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 06:28:52 +0000

David Letterman has held the rating high for his late night talk show on CBS since 1993.

With his name in the tabloids this past week, Letterman appears to be benefiting from this sex scandal. Surprising?

No, that’s show-business!

On Thursday, Letterman announced that he is a “victim of extortion attempt over charges of sexual affairs with staff members,” according to the New York Times.

Letterman says that about three weeks ago he received a package from Robert “Joe” Halderman, a producer for the CBS documentary news program 48 Hours. Halderman was threatening a screenplay outlining the “terrible, terrible things” that Letterman had done. He also asked for $2 million.

These “terrible, terrible thing” that Halderman was talking about are the many affairs that Letterman had with his female co-workers. (Doesn’t he know that office romances are never a good idea?!)

Letterman went straight to Manhattan’s district attorney where he was advised to write a fraudent check to Halderman. Now, Halderman is facing attempted grand larceny charges.

———-
Who is the wrong here?

Sure, Halderman could have been bribing Letterman just for the money. But… I really doubt he needed the money. I’m assuming this whole attempt was just to raise awareness about how much of a creep Mr. Letterman is.

Letterman has been with (now) wife, Regina Lasko, for around 20 years and they have a six-year-old son. Undeniably, his actions are unacceptable. Letterman apologized to Lasko during a taping of his show on Monday.

He told People magazine that she is “hurt.”

What a surprise! He’s lucky that his son doesn’t understand what’s going on or else he would also be ashamed of his father.

The worst part of this story is that the American public seems to have no problem with the situation at all. The top story surrounding the David Letterman scandal reads, “David Letterman Scandal will help CBS“… scary.

According to the United Press International, a study was conducted by HCD Research using its MediaCurves.com Web site Oct. 1-2 to obtain viewers’ opinions of the late-night talk-show host. This study of about 500 viewers, 55 percent said that their views of Letterman were not changed whatsoever. 22 percent of respondents said yes, they have a more negative perception of him now, and 23 percent said yes, they have a more positive perception of him now.

Um… does this sound right?

Why is the question: “Where are America’s ethics?” considered a stupid question?

The shame that should be surrounding this scandal is nowhere to be found. Five minutes after Letterman admitted what should have ruined his career, he was making jokes and amusing the studio audience.

Maybe the shock was edited out.

Apparently we are a predictable nation. Adultery? Sure, no problem! We will get REALLY pissed off at you though if you’re not living a “Green” life.
Save your environment, but don’t worry about your dignity.

Halderman is facing up to 15 years for bringing this trashy situation into the limelight.

Although Letterman is laughing it off, we shouldn’t be.

Roman Polanski v. U.S. Government: Who is the ultimate fighter?

andrea — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 03:56:51 +0000

As for many artists, Roman Polanski included, a troubled past is a must. This comes in handy for their art as it all translates into masterpieces. Some of Polanski’s masterpieces include such famous films as Rosemary’s Baby and The Pianist.

This director, writer, producer and actor was on his way to Switzerland to accept an honorary award at the Zurich Film Festival when he was intercepted and forced to deal with a crime he committed back in 1977. This, brought to you by the U.S. Government.

Polanski’s life has been less than easy. Born in Paris in 1933, Polanski moved with his parents to Poland right in time for the Nazis to come barreling through. He escaped the concentration camps but his parents spent time in numerous camps. His father survived and his mother lost her life in Auschwitz.

At 21, Polanski began to exercise his acting skills and even directed his first feature-length film, Knife in the Water, in 1962. His career began to blossom and soon he earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Film.

On Aug. 9, 1969, terror struck thanks to a little man named Charles Manson.

The Manson Family broke into Polanski’s rented home in the Hollywood Hills and brutally murdered his wife, Sharon Tate, their unborn baby and many more people. Polanski was at his home in England at the time of the brutality.

In 1974, Polanski directed Chinatown, a film focusing on the land and water rights disputed in Los Angeles at the tale end of the 1930s. That year it won Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards. It was also nominated for: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Jack Nicholson), Best Actress (Faye Dunaway), Best Film Editing, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Mixing and Best Music Score.

Three years later, things got a little out-of-hand…again. This time it was Polanski’s own fault. And this is the thing that he’s still dealing with: his alleged sexual conduct with a minor.

Now, at the time of this situation, Polanski would have been just shy of 45 years old. Samantha Gailey Geimer, the girl who alleges the criminal relationship, was 13 at the time.

Geimer testified that Polanski offered her a photo shoot for the French edition of Vogue. While at the second shoot for the editorial, in the Los Angeles home of Jack Nicholas, Geimer states that Polanski inhibited her with champagne and Quaaludes and sexually took advantage of her.

His official charge is “engaging in unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor,” which mandated a psychiatric evaluation, which he completed. He then fled to France where he held citizenship and avoided extradition from the U.S. government. Basically, Polanski hasn’t wanted to deal with the situation. Geimer isn’t pushing for it either but the California government has wanted to prosecute him since it happened.

So, the U.S. sent out an international warrant in 2005 and finally someone decided to act on it. The Swiss got him this weekend and are holding him there. The Swiss Justice Ministry said in a statement that Polanski is in “provisional detention” as they wait on the pending extradition from the U.S. arrest warrant.

The fight is far from over. Polanski could fight the extradition and can definitely fight the lawsuit. Regardless, more news will follow on this story.

Does it matter that this is a crime from 30 years ago? Apparently not. I guess sometimes that the law likes to remind you that when you fight it, it will win.

People of Walmart Web site brings controversy

andrea — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 01:59:31 +0000

Every so often a Web site is so amazing and so viral that whoever stumbles across it cannot help but become totally, utterly engrossed.

Twitter. Facebook. Now, People of Walmart.

The People of Walmart Web site was designed by three college students (AJK, ADK, LDW) who were inspired to create a site with picture of the “Wal-creatures” that come out to Walmarts all over the country.

If you’ve been to Walmart late at night then you know exactly what I’m talking about. You may even have the pleasure of seeing a ridiculous looking person there midday.

Their Web site features pictures of people and their cars. People and cars you might find at your own local Walmart.

The pictures are truly inspirational.

“Let’s face it. We’ve all have seen people who obviously don’t have mirrors and/or family and friends to lock them in a basement, and they all seem to congregate at Walmart. It’s not everywhere that you can shop for milk at 10 a.m. next to a 400-pound mother of six wearing a pink tube top, leopard tights, and hooker heels,” The People of Walmart’s About section reads.

They do have a point, and a valid point at that.

Why hasn’t this been created until now?

In August, the three friends and roommates showcased the site, and people are really reacting to it. As always, and not surprisingly, the reaction isn’t all positive.

On the Web site, there are Hate and Love sections, which show responses that the creators have received. One that I particularly enjoy is from “Alla.” (Remember the god Allah has an “h.” Still, it’s worth noting.)

“What gives you the right to ridicule your fellow man (or woman) for the way they look. I do not see YOUR photo displayed here. Is this the case of ugly mocking the poor to make themselves feel better…You guys are worse that anyone on those pictures, because you are ugly where it counts, on the inside.”

Other negative feedback ranges from “classist bullshit” to “cruel natured.”

To Alla and the other pessimists, I would like for you to take a deep breath and dig down deep inside of you to find a sense of humor. This site is no more classist or cruel than any other comedy show or film that you would watch on a normal basis. So, if you don’t find stand-up or popular comedy films offensive then there’s no reason to find this offensive.

It’s actually all about your perspective. I looked through every one of the pictures on the site, all 38 pages, and I laughed at every single one. I laughed because those people are so ridiculous. How is it acceptable for a man to wear sheer tights while shopping? How is it acceptable for someone to glue plastic dinosaurs to their car?

It’s not acceptable. It’s not acceptable at all. It’s strange and people love strange. I hope this Web site is here to stay. It has great potential. Understandably this will get some negativity. The truth is that humor should be a part of life. Taking life too seriously can really get you down. You know what they say: Laughter is the best medicine.

And… it’s always nice to know that you’re shopping with someone who thought it was a good idea to glue rainbow Trolls to their car.

Latest media crockery: Kayne West mess staged

Brittany — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 00:29:22 +0000

Oh yay. Another story that’s taken the news by storm… And is continuing to do so. This time, however, it’s not a dead pop king, but someone who claims to steal that title someday soon (because it’s his turn), just like a certain spotlight he stole this past weekend.

Kayne West is back, or should I say hasn’t left the news recently, ever since his brilliant act on MTV’s Video Music Awards this past Sunday. You know, of course. The whole Kayne West and Taylor Swift ordeal. All West’s senseless, insulting, and in my opinion disgusting demonstration of his true self. Rude, rude, rude Kayne West.

The latest on the rapping egomaniac is that his little “stunt” on stage might actually have been just that, an act, as reported by Pop Eater.

Honestly, it was the first thought to pop into my mind while watching the live performance. I mean, there wasn’t a whole lot else that was “lively” about the live show. I was bored out of my mind, just like the entire audience seemed for the portion of the show following the very beginning, after Madonna’s speech and Janet’s performance, both in honor of the true dead King of Pop.

So, perhaps, this was indeed a staged act, meant to garner some real attention, though highly negative as it was. I think I heard all of four “boos” while the thieving was going on. And if it was truly a staged event purposed for that reason, or simply to gain any attention whatsoever, I guess it worked, now that every media outlet and their mothers are covering the incident.

But then again, in reviewing some past Kayne Mess, ahem, West incidents, performances or whatever you’d like to refer to them as, I somehow doubt that theory.

Mr. West was once quoted as saying something along the lines of — since I’m pulling from memory and can’t find the exact wording — ‘The only thing in life I will regret is not being able to watch myself live in concert.’

Wow. Besides making you want to double over and laugh until your breakfast, brunch and lunch come spewing out of your mouth from sheer disbelief, awe and an otherwise dumbfounded “WTF” moment, can anyone say ego?

I think West has enough to share with the six-plus billion on our planet right now, though I doubt he’s willing to give any up.

No matter what these media mongrels are saying, I don’t think the act was staged. Just look at this guy’s ego’s record to see for yourself. (Yeah, its got its own record, and mugshot, if you really must know.) If that last quote, excuse me, unquote, didn’t give it away, what else do you need? The man’s all about himself and obviously believes he can do anything.

Well, he’s certainly provided the world with one more pointless story to cover as “news,” as I’m sure Kayne’s big mouth will continue to do in the future. I just hope this one doesn’t last as long as the true King of Pop’s, may he rest in peace, finally.

If the man was stranded on a desert island, I can just hear his only request: A mirror.

Presidential Donkey Punch

Awesome Rob — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:34:01 +0000

The MTV Video Music Awards started the week off in grand fashion, and as usual, it had nothing to do with the ‘greatness’ of the awards show.

MTV is a lover of controversy, and the VMA’s provided plenty of that in the form of Kanye West, or Kanye Mess if you want to follow popular Internet dialogue. When Kanye West stormed the stage and essentially ripped whatever joy Taylor Swift felt for being the first country star to win an MTV VMA award straight out of her heart and stomped it flat in front of millions with his proclamation that Beyonce made a better video.

Needless to say, the crowd, the fans, the celebrities, and even Kanye’s betters (yes Kanye, there are a lot of people who are better than you in both financial terms, entertainment terms and everyday importance) all rallied against the fool and filled the start of the week with attacks both politically correct and the more common unfiltered commentary.

Even the president had words to say about the matter.

It’s not every day Obama slams Kanye or anyone else with weighted words. Obama’s labeling Kanye a “jackass” has become the best news of the week, in a move I call the Obama Donkey Punch.

There is something a bit ridiculous about the whole situation now though, and that is the political nut jobs that have jumped up and screamed foul at the president’s comments, saying they were “un-presidential.”

Hey there pro-politically correct people! Your case here is as ridiculous as the Redskins being sued by Native Americans for defamation (you don’t see them suing Disney for Peter Pan now do you?)

Political correctness is a cancer that has been left to fester and spread through American society by those with unrealistic expectations and a wish to protect everyone and everything from feeling bad.

I’m sorry, life is about experiences and interactions, both good and bad, and between good and bad people. To say that something is unacceptable simply because it doesn’t sit well with you, yet it had not physically harmful (like murder) is a social crippling mechanism. You prevent people from ever communicating the truth and instead put them behind a blanket filter that sets the rules for what things are okay to feel and think.

What is the point of having a free will in a free country if we are unable to exercise it?

I am not an Obama fan. That is easy to discern from the commentary of many of my articles, but I will say that Obama had every right to say what he did about Kanye.

Kanye is a jackass and no one will disagree. Obama simply stated what was on everyone’s mind and what everyone said to begin with. I would rather have a President be candid in his commentary and run without a filter in the matters that don’t require political manipulation (such as healthcare). Obama’s the first President who was really in touch with the majority of things going on outside of the political spectrum, and I can respect that, even if I don’t agree with his policies.

Plus, the Obama Donkey Punch is just awesome.

The perfect mix: Live TV and idiots

andrea — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 01:33:58 +0000

The U.S. is full of wonderful things, ranging from food to liberties. However, if I would have to choose my current favorite things about the U.S., they would have to be First Amendment rights and live television coverage.

Those two things remind me of Oreos and milk. They’re great separately but even better when they’re together.

Live television has brought us many candid, hilarious, shocking and downright awkward situations. Nearly all of these moments have been brought to you by some of the most famous people in the world.

Take for example Michael Jackson who, after his 2004 molestation trial, left the courthouse and began dancing on the roof of his car. Arguably, this could be a popularity stunt but it was also a great candid moment.

That is what live TV junkies live for.

Then, there are other people who are an embarrassment to TV and entertainment in general. Before we get to the most popular of the bunch (clue: 2009 MTV VMAs… he didn’t win), let’s look at some other winners who are in the public eye.

This event in 2004, to me, is the best example of how serious live television can be. It took place on Feb. 1 at a little game called the Superbowl and involved, shall we say, a little peep show. Planned or not, that really got critics raging. To those of us who didn’t have children in the room, it was quite amusing.

There is truly nothing like the look on Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake’s faces after the “wardrobe malfunction” occurred.

Next, we’ll look at the concept of lip-syncing. It’s quite adorable in the car or at a concert… as long as you’re not supposed to be performing the concert. You can just ask Ashlee Simpson.

Simpson, who is now married to and has a child with Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy, made an absolute fool of herself in 2004. (2004 was a magical year for live TV.) She was the closing act for “Saturday Night Live” and decided she wasn’t going to do anything live…other than a weird little jig once everyone figured out she wasn’t singing.

Cute, cute and classy. It’s apparently a genetic trait.

Enough of the past, let’s talk about our favorite small man who has been all over the news since the fiasco at MTV’s Video Music Awards on Sunday. You know who I’m talking about. He’s our favorite metrosexual rapper: Kanye West.

It’s difficult to imagine a world without Kanye West. There would be peace, harmony and far less autotune. It would be a world where Taylor Swift could proudly win what she deserves. It would be a world where Americans wouldn’t be ashamed of their musicians.

Ahhhh, just imagine it.

We would be free from his wild actions: like this and this.

But… This is America people. Wild people like Kanye West are what make the world go around. West is good at what he does: making music and being a jerk.

I’m sure we can expect many more awful/amusing things from Mr. West as well as other celebrities.

For now, only one song comes to mind: “Proud to be an American.”

Girl undergoes plastic surgery over Simon Cowell comment

Brittany — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 21:59:09 +0000

I’ve always found Sir Simon Cowell’s comments to be harsh, but most of the time they sting, ahem, ring true. This time, however, I think the brutish Brit’s gone a tad too far. It was five years ago, actually, that Simon spoke the words that would change a young woman’s life — and body — forever.

During an audition for the “U.K’s largest talent search,” according to its Web site, known as X Factor, Cowell told then 18-year-old Katrina Lee, “I just wish I could put your voice in another body.”

Apparently the young girl just wasn’t pretty enough for Mr. Cowell’s tastes. Blonde, green eyes, a well proportioned face and body… What’s so wrong with that? I mean, the girl was certainly no Susan Boyle, and no offense to Ms. Boyle, I’m just saying. (What was the worst Simon said to Boyle, again?)

Lee was so upset by Cowell’s comment that she took action. And I’m not talking putting on a little more rouge here, a couple strokes of eyeliner there or eating a few less candy bars, serious. I’m talking about endangering her own life serious.

Simon said, and Ms. Katrina Lee did, exactly what he asked. She and changed her entire body.

As reported by Mail Online, in addition to the bout of anorexia she suffered from immediately after the audition took place because she was so emotionally distraught over Cowell’s crushing words, the now 23-year-old Lee had laser surgery on her face, liposuction, dental work and hired a personal trainer to lose weight so she could again try out for the show this year. She also went from bleach blonde to bright red.

This time ’round, Cowell told Lee she was a “good-looking girl.” (I personally think she looked better before.)

All that cutting, shaping an shifting to get rewarded with a comment like that? Not worth it to me. I wanted to see flowers and a sincere apology, though Mail Online did report that Cowell seemed “surprised” at the affect he had on the young girl.

Oh boo-hoo.

I guess that’s really all we can expect out of Britain’s premiere crass comment slinger.

In case it hasn’t hit you like a bulldozer by now, the point I’m trying to make here is how sad it is the magnitude of power the media, essentially, have on our lives. A single comment from the oh-so-perfect Mr. Simon Cowell meant dangerous and drastic surgery for one young woman, a desperate attempt at looking “better” in his eyes.

It just appears to me that we’re so absorbed with this one commonly accepted realm of beauty that we’re stuck on it and we have to constantly push ourselves in that direction, especially women. It’s disgusting, revolting and overall disappointing in my very grounded opinion. Not to mention, who cares about Simon Cowell’s perspective on beauty? Has anyone taken a look at the women he’s dated? C’mon. Honestly!

To me, this story is plain embarrassing to me. Our country, their country, whatever people or peoples feel this way should be ashamed. No person should have to change their face to fit someone else’s perception of beauty. And certainly not Simon Cowell’s.