MindyM's Comments (119)

“Susan Boyle's success proves that there are millions of people who want to hear good songs sung by someone who actually has a great voice! No autotune, no synthesized over production, no over the top sexually explicit absurd performances. Nothing but a woman standing on stage in the spotlight with a mic in her hand and a voice that can soar. It's the songs and the voice that stands the test of time. The truly great artists from the past understood that. But today it's all gotten lost under a mass of image, shock value, digitally enhanced vocals, and wretched excess.

Let's bet back to basics. I love how the people who are buying Susan Boyle's cd in record numbers are being described as "older". I think her music appeals to many age groups. But maybe it's because all of us so-called "older or middle-aged people" remember the great artists we heard when we were young. The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Motown, Sam Cooke, Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, the Doors, Jefferson Starship, Queen, and too many more to name, have spoiled all of us "older" folk. We were spoiled by all this amazing talent.

It's not complicated. The music industry just has to get back to basics, what's really important. Susan Boyle's success is too massive to ignore. There is a real hunger for someone with a real voice.”

“With Kathy Griffin, you know what you're getting. I assume this is what CNN wants or why bring her back again? Maybe the contrast between her crass, brazen crudeness and Anderson's uptight, reserved behavior, is the dynamic that they think will attract viewers. She makes Anderson uncomfortable and sometimes makes him laugh uncontrollably. It's not high brow stuff.

For myself, Kathy Griffin gets old really fast. I can take her in small doses. I think it was a given that she would say something inappropriate. It's what she does. I was hitting the remote and going back and forth. I don't think I could watch her for any length of time. But outrageous is her thing. She says what other people might think, but would never say.

It's easy to change the channel. There's lots to choose from, so I just tune her out when it gets to be too much.”

“The issue is not what I want, it's life and death. Period. This woman may do as she likes. I am just saying it like it is. The abuse WILL happen again and the next time she may not be that lucky.

I strongly disagree with you that every marriage that has a violent episode doesn't have to end in divorce. Violence is NEVER okay! It doesn't happen once, it happens again and again and escalates. I know that if I didn't finally call the police and throw my husband out, I would most likely be dead. There is no in-between and no rationalizing this kind of behavior. Are you aware of Charlie Sheen's history of abuse towards the women in his life? This is a dangerous pattern throughout all of his relationships. The man is one sick puppy.

I think these two need to stay apart. I sincerely hope the court does NOT grant the petition by the lawyers to change the terms of the restraining order. Charlie Sheen needs to get his ass to rehab asap and his wife needs to get out of denial and think this through with a clear head. This is the "honeymoon period", in which the man will promise anything to get the woman to stay. She is currently apart from him and needs to keep it that way. Anger management counseling doesn't work with many abusers. Their violence is too deeply rooted. These men are seriously psychologically sick.”

“This is beyond disturbing. As a survivor of domestic abuse, I am concerned that this woman now wants to reconcile with her husband. If he did indeed hold a knife to her throat, then he should be prosecuted. If she made up the story in a drunken haze or out of anger or revenge, then she should be prosecuted for filing a false police report. Domestic violence is too serious to allow anyone to frivolously fabricate such a serious charge.

We may very well never know what really happened that night. I am sure that Charlie Sheen's pr reps are working overtime to minimize any possible damage to his career. Maybe his wife is being pressured to recant her story. All I know is what I heard on that 911 call and it sounded all too real to me. If a woman says that she was in fear for her life for an hour, well, that says it all. Why on earth she would even want to salvage this marriage is beyond me. The one thing I do know from personal experience is, if a man hits or abuses you one time, he will do it again. The violence will escalate and you may end up being seriously injured or dead. This is not a game. It's life and death. Both these people need a lot of help and fast!”

“I am thrilled that David Goldman's long nightmare is finally over. He has been reunited with his beloved son. This man has waged a hard fought battle to regain custody of the son who was wrongfully taken from him by his late wife. He never gave up, despite the many legal defeats that needlessly prolonged his suffering. The boy's stepfather is apparently a well-connected lawyer, who has successfully managed to manipulate the Brazilian legal system. This has been an outrage and a disgrace. There was never any question that this child belonged with his natural father.

I think the Brazilian family showed just how little respect they have for this child by brazenly and willfully paragding him through the streets of Rio de Janeiro. Is this in the best interests of the child? They were just caught up in their own selfish anger. If they stopped to think for one moment about this child, then they would have taken him privately to the U.S consulate in a dignified manner.

A terrible wrong has been righted. I wish David and Sean Goldman a very happy and special Christmas celebration. Sean will know that he is a much loved son. A father who would fight the way David Goldman fought, is a man who dearly loves and cherishes his son. Now Sean can be reacquainted with his paternal relatives. He is back where he belongs. Thank God that justice finally prevailed.”

“What on earth is with all the defensive and hostile comments about this designer? Am I to understand that it is expressly forbidden to criticize Michelle Obama's fashion sense? The comparison to Jackie O was always ridiculous. These two women come from different eras. There shouldn't be any similarity. Jackie was a fashion icon, a woman who put her unique stamp on style as a First Lady. No one will ever compare to her.

I have had issues with some of Michelle Obama's outfits. I don't think it's mean or petty or unfair to not gush over every single thing she wears. You would think it was a capital offense to dislike anything she wears, after reading many of the comments. What is with all the hyper-sensitivity?

No one had a problem going after Hillary Clinton when she was First Lady. Some of the comments about her fashion style and figure were outrageous and totally insulting. So why the kid gloves for Michelle Obama? I am sure she is strong and confident enough in herself to handle someone not loving what she wears.”

“It is interesting to note that this will be a pre-taped appearance. I guess ABC isn't willing to take any chances with a live performance. What is that old saying, once burned, twice shy? They seem to be trying to settle this whole brouhaha once and for all. I also think they don't want even the appearance of discriminating against a gay performer, although I personally never felt the cancellations had anything at all to do with that.

Adam wasn't honest about the sexually explicit content of his live performance on the AMA's. ABC was right to be initially upset. Hopefully, this appearance on the View will put the whole thing to rest. It's time to move on.”

“Let me make this perfectly clear - I stand with the gay community in their struggle to achieve equal rights in our society. I have no tolerance for those who preach or advocate discrimination against gays in any form.

However, ABC cancelling two additional appearances by Adam Lambert has nothing whatsoever to do with discrimination against gays. I have already posted my feelings on this issue, but felt the need to respond to your comment. We should be honest about what transpired here. Adam Lambert deceived the producers of the AMA's and ABC regarding the explicit content of his performance. He has not had the guts and integrity to come out and apologize in a forthright manner for this egregious behavior.

To allow Adam Lambert to conveniently play the victim and cry discrimination against gays, is an insult to those in the gay community who have actually experienced the horror of real discrimination in our society. Adam made a mistake and exercised extremely bad judgement. He should stand up and take responsibility for it and not hide behind being gay.”

“Whether people here like it or not, ABC has the right to decide who gets to appear on their programs. Even Adam seems to understand what is going on here. Networks have to answer to the FCC, their sponsors and their audience.

What has gotten lost in all the brouhaha, is that Adam deceived both the producers of the AMA's and ABC. In the rehearsal, Adam admitted that he did not do any of the sexually explicit things he did in the live performance. He knew that if the producers saw it, they would shut it down. So he took advantage of a very generous opportunity to appear on an awards show featuring established artists who have proven themselves commercially. They have sold millions of records, concert tours, and have the accolades to show for it. Adam hasn't done a thing yet. He is a newcomer who was given the privilege of sharing the stage with successful musical artists. He blew it by giving one of the worst performances I have ever seen. Even his usually stellar vocals were awful.

Don't feel sorry for Adam. He is not a victim. He made his choice and now he has to live with the consequences.”

“Let me be blunt in my answer to this article defending Adam Lambert's performance at the AMA's. No I do NOT have a double standard! Period! The very idea that women have gotten away with anything in this society, would be laughable if it wasn't so insulting. Sorry to enlighten Adam but, guess what! You are not the only minority who has been discriminated against, wronged, treated unfairly. So deal with it!

I disliked Adam's performance because it stunk! The vocals were the worst I have ever heard from this very talented young man. The choreography was a hodgepodge, a total mess. Adam was so concerned with what sexually explicit, titillating act he had to do next, that he forgot to sing and also tripped and almost fell on his face! What a farce! This is not enlightening, artistic freedom, creativity or entertaining in the least. It was garbage and has nothing to do with Adam being gay, as far as I am concerned.

I will tell you the lesson that should be learned from this - Adam shouldn't deceive producers of a tv show and a network, by not letting them know the real content of his performance. Then to tell everyone that he just did it on the spur of the moment, well, give me a break! Shocking for the sake of shocking is not revealing and will not enlighten our society. It's just dumb and not even original.”

“Adam Lambert is trying to use his being gay as an excuse for his inappropriate, vulgar, tasteless, pathetic excuse of a performance. He couldn't even sing on key because he was too busy worrying about what sexually explicit move he had to make next. For a guy with his voice, his talent, to stoop to gimmicks and shock for the sake of it, well, that's just sad. Doesn't he think his talent is enough to see his album?

Every other word of Eminem's song got bleeped out. So it's not like it's just Adam. It's network tv and they have to deal with the FCC, their sponsors and their audience. The worst thing was that Adam didn't let the producers know just how far he intended to go. He decided to take advantage of a great opportunity and give us a hideously off key, poorly choreographed, cheap and tawdry performance.

You blew it, Adam! Now own up to it!”

“Adam Lambert isn't that special. Everyone is subject to censorship on network tv. Did anyone try to actually hear the words of Eminem's song? You couldn't, because every other word was bleeped. Maybe the network didn't consider a tape delay because they had no idea that Adam was going to do all this vulgar nonsense. It was stupid, mindless and totally unnecessary. If that's entertainment, then we are all in trouble.

This is a guy who is great looking, with an magnificent voice, yet he feels that he has to go for shocking and outrageous just for the sake of it. Is this what he thinks he has to do to sell his album? What a shame! Unlike Madonna, he actually has a great voice. He doesn't need all this garbage. I was a huge Adam Lambert fan, but I am over him. It's not just the AMA's. That was the last straw. He has been courting controversy for the sake of it. That gets old really quickly. Stop playing the victim, Adam! This is not about you being gay! It's about a talented young man who has to stoop to the lowest depths out of arrogance, cockiness and just plain cluelessness!”

“First of all, let me say that it was ridiculous the way the lyrics to Eminem's song had to be bleeped every thirty seconds. I mean, why bother? If it's that obscene, then forget about it for primetime TV.

As for Adam, I have been a huge fan, but I was extremely disapppointed with this performance. However, I do have to agree with those who have pointed out that female singers have done this stuff all the time. So why is it not okay for Adam? My issue is that Adam doesn't need all these gimmicks. The choreography was a mess, he even tripped for heaven's sake, but covered it well. Adam's vocals were not good, off pitch and so unlike him. Maybe if he wasn't doing all that stuff with the crotch grabbing and the leash thing and whatever, he might have been able to concentrate on his singing.

This guy has a voice like no other. He could have come out and just stood there alone with the mic and let that voice soar and blown the roof off the place. That's the shame of it. He has the talent, unlike so many others these days. Why Adam?”

“I am so not a fan of soap operas, but I feel compelled to watch just to see what James Franco will do here. I watched the first episode, but there wasn't much of him to see until the end. He is gorgeous, charming, charismatic and incredibly talented, so I will watch him in anything.

It was the movie Milk that introduced me to James Franco. I thought his performance was simply brilliant. He was the true supporting role in that movie. Now I see that he has been around for a while. This young man is a gifted actor and the sky's the limit for him. I am sure he has his reasons for doing this. It's his career, so good for him.”

“The sexual mores of the early 60's would preclude people from sleeping together to see if they were sexually compatible. That's probably why there were a lot of unhappy marriages. People dated, then got married and THEN had sex. I know it seems hard to believe these days, but that's the way it was. Also, keep in mind that this was before the pill, before Roe v. Wade in 1973. Women did not have reproductive freedom.

Some people did have sex before marriage and if it ended up with a pregnancy, welcome to a shotgun wedding. That's just the way it was. There were illegal abortions, but that wasn't an option unless you had money and were willing to take that risk. It's hard to fathom just how difficult life was for women at that time.

I don't see Betty being anything like a Betty Friedan at all. I am not sure that she will ever escape her rather limited identity. Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique was written for the Bettys of the world. It came out of her own frustration being a housewife stifled by her cloistered existence. It was a clarion call for all women who had been living lives of quiet desperation. But change comes slowly. Feminism evolved over decades. It was a long, hard battle.

I just don't think Betty has the capacity to evolve into anything other than what she was brought up to be - a trophy wife.”

“I have mixed emotions regarding Betty. I am not going to idealize her or condemn her outright. No matter how emotionally repressed she may seem, this woman has just been through a major emotional shock in learning of her husband's true identity. Her whole world has collapsed around her. She has been living with someone she didn't even know. Now she has to find a way to get out of this intolerable situation with precious little avenues open to her. I remember the early 60's all too well. I was still a young girl, just on the verge on entering my teen years. Thank God! I wasn't a grown woman who had to survive the pre-feminist era.

I know how limited Betty's options truly are. Divorce was considered a scandal in and of itself. Those divorce laws were no joke. I know why Betty is grabbing onto this guy Henry. She wants him to be her savior, her knight in shining armor. But as much as she didn't really know Don, she really doesn't know much more about Henry, either. Will he be a good husband? Will they be happy together? I don't condemn Betty's actions. I understand that she is extremely limited and in an untenable position. I hope somehow things work out, but I don't have a good feeling about it. The truth is that life was pretty grim for women at that time. Yes, things will change but not overnight, not by any means.”

“As a survivor of domestic violence, let me state unequivocally that you cannot make someone hit you, nor are you in any way responsible for someone else's violent act. I am concerned by some attempts to justify or rationalize Chris Brown's actions. This is dangerous. No one deserves to be hit or physically abused in any way, ever!

This has brought back painful memories for me. I was lucky, because I got out alive. Not all women are so fortunate. It took a long time for me to recover and a lot of help and support. I was concerned about Rihanna wanting to go back to Chris Brown. This is so typical. But if a man hits you once, he will do it again. There will always be a next time and ultimately, you may end up dead. Abusers have serious emotional problems that cannot successfully be treated. It's not like you get anger management and you are okay. There are deep- seated problems that result in people acting out violently. But society must take a stand and never make excuses for physical abuse. I am happy that Rihanna has seen the light and realized what she had to do to save herself from any more abuse.

I am here as a living testament that you can survive domestic abuse. I try to pass on the lesson of my own experience to help other women.”

“lilibelle,

Oh, now the tears are falling. This was so beautiful. Thank you for that. I didn't even know if I would be able to write anything about watching this episode. It's amazing that, even after all these years, my heart just broke all over again watching John Kennedy taken from us far too soon. So much unrealized potential, so many dreams that died, so many hearts broken, the end of the age of innocence. John Kennedy made me feel as thought I could do anything with my life. This was before women's lib, when our lives were planned out for us in advance.

I remember when I woke up the next morning after that terrible day. In those first few moments, before I was full awake, I thought that it had all been a terrible dream. I thought that John Kennedy was still alive. It was all a mistake. Then I was fully awake and I realized to my horror and grief, that the nightmare was all too real.

I have always wondered - what might have been. Helen Thomas, the grande dame of White House reporters, said it best. She said that the presidents she knew over the years all had their feet on the ground, but John Kennedy had his eyes on the stars.”

“Thank you for a great review. I campaigned for Bobby Kennedy in the Democratic presidential primary in 1968. I was fortunate enough to meet Bobby in 1964 when he ran for the senate in New York. I remember how blue his eyes were, but there was no questioning the sadness behind them. I never forgot it. When he was assassinated, I think a huge piece of me died with him. I have never really recovered from his death.

I decided to watch this episode, even though I knew it would be incredibly painful. I was thirteen years old, yet I remember every detail of that day. All I could think about amidst my endless tears, was that I would never see his smiling face and hear that wonderful Boston accent ever again.

I think the writers did a great job with this shattering event. It wasn't maudlin, but very real and honest. I totally understand what is happening with Betty. At a moment like that, when the whole world comes apart, you start to wonder what happened to your own life. You want to make it better, make it count, while you can. My favorite part was the very end, when Don gets that drink alone in the office and then you hear one of my favorite songs, The End of the World. I have always loved that song and it was the perfect way to end this episode.

Yes, it truly felt like the end of the world.”

“I have to say that this is one of the most intelligent, well reasoned articles I have read on the Roman Polanski case. The final paragraph really illuminates the inevitable basic truth here - a crime was committed in violation of existing US law. There is no escaping it. I will never understand why Polankski didn't just serve out the remainder of his sentence. No matter how or why the judge acted as he did, this was an extremely lenient sentence for a very serious crime.

Polanksi should stop fighting extradition and come back to the US to face the consequences of his actions. It is true that he could face the additional charge of unlawful flight. This is so unfortunate. I am a great admirer of Polanski the director. His genius and talent cannot be denied. But this has been hanging over his head for decades. It's time to face the music. We all have to answer for our actions. There are no "get out of jail free cards", even for the rich and famous. Let him get this over with once and for all, so that he will then be free to live his life and resume his career as one of the preeminent directors of our time.”

“I have been trying hard to get into this show. All of the critical acclaim has gotten my attention. But for the life of me, I just couldn't stay with it. For one thing, I have no desire to revisit the early 60's. To look back and relive how awful things were for women in that era, is beyond depressing. Feminism was nowhere in sight. I hated the fashions so much.

However, this episode was the one that finally got me truly involved. The whole dissembling of Don Draper was stunning with impeccable acting. I do think that Betty's woodenness is a function of her character. She really is the epitome of the pseudo-perfect housewife of that era. But watching these two go mano a mano was simply mindblowing. I was mesmerized. I also kept waiting nervously for Suzanne to pop in to see what happened to Don.

I do not want to see the Kennedy assassination revisited in any detail. If it happens, I won't watch. I can't do it. I was thirteen years old when it happened and I don't know that I have ever really completely gotten over it. Just when I think I can look back at President Kennedy or see a documentary about what happened, I fall to pieces. I understand that it is a key reference point for this period series, but I am not up for it.

I think that I am now hooked on this show!”

“Una,

I love reading your blogs, but I don't know if I can stick with this show. Where oh where is my old friend, the real Project Runway? I don't recognize this pale imitation. I am trying to be patient, but with all of the changes and Michael and Nina being m.i.a. for most of this season, it's been difficult.

I find it unbelievable that the likes of Chris, Logan and Nicolas stayed on longer than Epperson or even Ra'mon and especially, Shirin. Chris may have started strong, but he has lost his way. He is struggling against designers who have much better training and experience. They risk making a mockery of the show when someone is allowed to be in the bottom two for FOUR weeks in a row.

I don't even have a favorite this season. It's obvious that the women have the talent this time around. I actually did not like Irina's 80's style get-up for Aspen. Cowl neck sweaters were fun, but that was some time ago. This was a challenge that gave the designers a lot of creative freedom, yet the results were mediocre. I would have chosen Carol Hannah's Palm Beach print with the braided detail on the bodice. Who cares if Uli did prints a few seasons ago?

If Irina wins, that will be a disappointment. She has talent but it beyond obnoxious. I just hope the show can rebound and be its old self. I miss you, Project Runway!”

“Slarabee,

Thank you for a reasoned explanation of the legal shenanigans in this case. There is real reason for concern over the manner in which Polanski's original plea deal was handled. A valid argument can be made for a denial of due process in this case. The victim has rights and so does the defendant in our legal system. There was shameless manipulation on the part of the judge. When he reneged on the plea deal already agreed upon by both the prosecutors and the defense, then all bets were off.

I don't excuse what Polanski did in any way, shape or form. But I do understand why he fled when he realized that the plea deal would not be honored. He had no faith or belief in the justice system. I happen to think that he should probably not fight extradition and go back to L.A. and resolve this once and for all. The judge who has been handling his case indicated that he was receptive to some of Polanski's arguments. But he also said that it cannot be addressed until Polanski comes back to the U.S. He should show some courage and go back and fight.

Maybe reason will finally prevail, instead of rampant emotion.”

“I think January Jones carried off that interesting white gown very well. I also think Olivia Wilde managed to pull off that slightly risque white gown with the cutouts and low back. Only she could get away with it, though. I liked Drew Barrymore's, but it did look like a ripoff of Penelope Cruz's Oscar gown from a year or so ago. I didn't love the soft pink because I thought it washed her out, but the design was lovely and she wore it well.

As far as Heidi Klum, well, she went for it with that tight strapless gown. I think she would have rocked it if she was her usual slim self. I have mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, it's nice to see a woman celebrate her pregnant body, but on the other hand, it really looked strange.

I didn't even see Jennifer Carpenter when I watched the arrivals show, so this was a pleasant surprise. I am not generally a fan of the short dresses for this type of event. I didn't like Kristen Chenowith's shiny white number. I thought it was a little tacky for the Emmys. The same thing with Mary Louise Parker's purple number. Not classy at all. Debra Messing played it kind of safe with her red Michael Kors gown.”

“What an insightful review! I found myself thinking exactly the same thing as I watched it last night. With the two talented actors in the lead roles, I kept wondering why I couldn't get more caught up in their story. I certainly wanted to become involved. This is a rare glimpse at the private world of an extraordinarily talented and gifted woman. It should have been riveting, but instead it left me feeling kind of cheated.

Thank you for helping me realize why I found it a rather unsatisfactory experience. I would have loved more emotion and raw feeling between these two people. They had a tumultuous relationship, but I never felt it.”