policy with pop

Tim Tebow: From the Football Field to the Political Arena

Tim Tebow seems a likeable guy. When Oklahoma cornerback Dominique Franks belittled the Heisman winner, he responded in a classy and humble way, earning my respect. Since then, he’s won another national championship, cried, and recently won the Sugar Bowl. But, the quarterback may be making a controversial play by participating in a Focus on the Family ad promoting a pro-life chance.

Liberal organizations, especially pro-choice groups, are criticizing CBS and Tim Tebow for the upcoming Super Bowl ad. The ad will reportedly feature Tim’s mother describing her decision to give birth to him. Obviously, that decision resulted in producing the Heisman-winning quarterback, which implies that every pregnant woman should not choose abortion.

CBS had previously rejected other political ads, stating that its policy was to reframe from such ads. Some feel like CBS has backtracked on this policy by allowing this ad, produced by right-wing religious group Focus on the Family. The group describes itself as a global Christian ministry. Focus on the Family has been described by some liberals as a hateful, anti-gay and anti-women group. Obviously, Focus on the Family is a controversial group.

Women’s organizations are not the only ones hoping to pass interfere with the ad. Some football enthusiasts say a political/religious ad is inappropriate for a day to tailgate, drink, and watch football.

Tim Tebow, like any high profile football player, is either loved or hated by football fans, depending on which college football team they are rooting for. However, Tim has always made his faith known to the public. Besides stories about his missionary trip and his vow to remain a virgin until marriage, he also puts Bible verses on his eye markings. But, I don’t recall him using his public microphone to preach advocate his political positions. This ad would be his first.

Defending himself from criticism over the Super Bowl ad, he argues that he’s just standing up for what he believes in. Sarah Palin also blocked the quarterback’s scramble, by criticizing women’s groups for their criticism of Tim and pro-lifers.

Does the ad’s affiliation with a ultra-conservative group matter?

Is the Tebow ad an attack on pro-choice group and laws?

Is it wise or noble for the quarterback to run into the political thicket of the abortion debate? Or should he concentrate on improving his football techniques?

Should CBS play the political ad? Or is it sacrilegious for the network to mix football with a political/religious debate? 

Illusions of The Hills and New Year’s Eve Grandeur

When one thinks of New Year’s Eve, the images of spectacular parties, champagne, and the magical kiss come to mind. In the first season of The Hills, Lauren Conrad tried to have it all on New Year’s Eve. Watch here:

The Hills (Season 1) - MTV Shows

Now we all know that The Hills is a staged show, even Lauren-substitute Kristin Cavallari admitted to this. But, I have to say that the first season seemed a little more… authentic (these are the pre-Spencer days). But, even this episode seems scripted… at least with the editing. The Lauren-Jason fight seems real, but that midnight kiss… Do you really think that Jason made it back in time for a 12:00am kiss? Or do you think his drunk *ss was late and MTV fabricated the times?

The Hills supposedly shows you a lifestyle - the partying, the fashion, the drama, and the fairytale-endings. And this episode had it all.

But is it realistic to expect so much on New Year’s Eve? Or does the grandeur of New Year’s Eve give people high expectations that set up some/many for disappointment?

Is the New Year’s Eve hype even worth it? The festivities of New Year’s Eve certainly spur economic activity and give many a reason to party. But, does the social pressure of having a memorable night as well as obnoxious drunkards wandering around negate the New Year’s Eve celebrations? You tell me.

With all this said, I had a wonderful New Year’s Eve. Nothing film-worthy but nonetheless fun. I hope you had an enjoyable New Year’s Eve. Oh and happy New Year!

And, I want to thank Bryan Dobrow for generously making a new (FREE!) banner for PolicyWithPop.com to celebrate the new decade! It looks awesome.

Looks + Talent = X Factor for Ethan Boroian? Not According to Cheryl Cole

X Factor is the British version of American Idol but with a twist (the judges act as the contestants’ managers). Cheryl Cole was my favourite judge. She’s fit, flirtatious, cheeky but sweet, and is part of the over-the-top British pop group Girls Aloud. And, with this scene and this scene, who wouldn’t love Cheryl as a judge?

But, my love for Cheryl is on the rocks after she (along with Will Young) unfairly critiqued American contestant Ethan Boroian. Watch:

What were Cheryl and William smoking? I’m not sure what they heard. But, their ability to evaluate talent is questionable.  Ethan’s performance was charming, soulful and had “good vocals.” Is he the best vocalist in the world? No. But was Ethan’s performance was arguably better than the others who advanced with Cheryl’s blessing in the boy’s category.  And he’s definitely a stronger singer than Cheryl Cole. That’s for sure. The American was wronged.

Honestly, I was not really a big fan of Ethan Boroian when the initial hype around him was abuzz. I thought his first audition, singing Kings of Leon’s "Use Somebody," was good but not as great as people made it out to be. Maybe my expectations were higher because of the hype. I kind of assumed he got the initial praise he got more because of his looks than singing.

But then I started watching the other contestants sing, and it was clear Ethan was talented. However, Cheryl, an initial Ethan fan, accused him of being “one of them people that thinks his looks will carry ‘em thru” during this round. Burn! Not only was her statement hypocritical but it revealed how Ethan’s hunky appeal ultimately led to his demise on X Factor. Oh, the pain of being beautiful…

There seemed to be a dynamic in how looks skew evaluation of talent. And this skew happens in the real (working) world too. Good looking people on average earn more 5% and get special treatment than their average looking peers. But conversely, attractive people have the double edge sword of proving that their talent and abilities, not their hotness, merited their success. Oh the burden!?!

So what do you think about appearance and its role on how we evaluate others? Do good looks ultimately hurt or hinder a person’s professional career?

And, what’s your opinion of Cheryl Cole’s judging skills? Am I being too harsh on my former favorite X Factor judge? What do you think of Ethan Boroian and his time on the show?

It’s Called Clapping, Ryan Kwanten. You Should Try It.

I clap loud. I clad hard. I clap often. (And, no, that is not a euphemism.)

But, do you know who doesn’t clap? That guy from Summerland. Okay, most people know Ryan Kwanten from True Blood, but I don’t have HBO and I’ve never seen the show.

Anyway, I’m sick and watching VH1’s Divas. Ryan Kwanten is in the front row and the man does not clap. Now I understand that host Paula Abdul’s skits and monologues are not funny and do not in and of themselves merit clapping. But, you should clap out of respect for the event and maybe pity for Paula. Everyone in the audience got the memo, except for front-row Kwanten.

VH1 Divas | Divas Video

Every time the camera pans to Kwanten, he is the lone audience member with his hands either to his sides or on the armrests. It is an awkward pattern. But, it becomes down-right wrong when he is non-responsive when Paula introduces Liza Minnelli, who is sitting in the second row behind him. (Why on God’s green earth did VH1 seat Liza Minnelli behind Ryan Kwanten at a Divas show!?!). I start screaming at the TV and the True Blood star – It’s called clapping! CLAP!

Now I recognize my outburst may be an overreaction – hey, I’m sick and a wee bit cranky – but it’s freaking Liza Minnelli, a living legend. Alright I’ll be honest… I vaguely know why she’s a legend. She’s a famous Broadway actress or something, right? Maybe my ignorance is a pop sin… But, at least I would clap for her.

Clapping is a good thing that should be given generously. Am I right? Or am I right? Or perhaps you prefer Ryan Kwanten’s style – less is more?

To Glee or Not to Glee

This week marks my twenty-##### birthday… 

With a twenty-something birthday coming up, it’s only natural to question what you’re doing with your life. It’s kind of cliché though. Like a TV show…

Sometimes figuring out who you are and who you’ll become is melodramatic, like Felicity. Sometimes it’s awkward and funny, like Glee.  Here’s hoping my quarter-life crisis is Gleeful, filled with catchy pop tunes, a little bit of dance and sarcastic humor.

As the Glee trophy says, “By its very definition, glee is about opening yourself up to joy.”  Some people follow their passions, regardless of financial insecurity or social expectations. Will Schuester chose the glee club and teaching over being an accountant. Happiness won over money in this narrative.

However, others value wealth and/or prestige as the prevailing objectives and do jobs they don’t like. I have plenty of buddies who eagerly go through the hazing process that is law school - the Socratic Method, class rank, law review, etc. - to gain a $160,000 big law firm job.  Hopefully, the rewards make up for the sacrifice.

As I ponder my life - what I really want and how to achieve it – I want to know your perspective. Let’s call it your birthday present to me. Tell me: What are “good life choices?”

Did Doogie Really Need a Degree?

I am without a TV this summer. Torture. Thank goodness for Hulu.com. It has gotten me through the summer with episodes of Doogie Howser, M.D. And, now I can write a post (plus it happens to coincide with Neil Patrick Harris’ 36th birthday).

You may or may not recall my first Doogie posting dealt with white privilege.

Anyway, in the episode "Educating Janine," Janine has decided to drop out of college and instead work at a clothing store in the mall. She has not told her parents yet… Watch the drama unfold on:

Janine is not alone. About a quarter of Americans over the age of 25 actually have a college degree. That means 75% of Americans do not.

Now Janine couldn’t name very many of those non-college graduates. If she were more educated on the issue, she would be able to name some Americans who became rich and successful without earning a college degree. These standouts include: Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates, Michael Dell of Dell computers and Virgin Group CEO Richard Branson. They didn’t need a college degree, so why should she?

However, her parents could point to the cold-hard statistics. College graduates on average earn almost twice as much as high school graduates over a lifetime. That’ about a $1,000,000.00 more.

What do you think? Should everyone go to college? Or are there legitimate reasons why people should not go or drop out?

And do you really need a college degree to do well in the business world? Is it just a credential? Or do college students develop skills they otherwise would not gain in the real world or at a trade school?

The Torkelsons: Dress Matters

One of the most endearing shows in history is The Torkelsons. You’ve probably never heard of the show as it only lasted one season. The Torkelsons follows an Oklahoma family that has little money but a lot of heart and quirkiness. The most relatable character on the show is Dorothy Jane.

Dorothy Jane is a dreamer’s dreamer. She’s the smart, responsible girl, who’s an outsider. She wishes to be part of the in-crowd. She dreams of escaping her small town life for one of metropolitan sophistication and romance. She pines for the older, boy-next-door Riley Roberts. Essentially Dorothy Jane wants what she cannot have (don’t we all?), and it’s really touching and funny. 

The second episode, The Cotillion, is one of my favorites. Dorothy Jane has a school dance to attend. With no money for a new dress and with hopes of going with Riley, will she have the dance of her dreams? Or will it be a hilarious disaster? Watch:

When Riley steps in and tells Dreama that no one would look better in Dreama’s donated dress than Dorothy Jane, CLASSIC. And when Dorthy Jane declares it her “reincarnated” fall cotillion gown, that was… too cheesy.

This episode made me think of a high school incident I had. But my incident has nothing to do with a dance or any crush. In fact, by recounting this (ancient) story, I will be confirming that I am a bit of a… nerd (shock!), but here goes.

One of my best high school friends – let’s call her “Allie” – loved to shop and dress in trendy clothes. I believe she shopped at Macy’s and Forever 21. One day I wondered if she would be willing to wear clothes from a thrift store or from K-Mart or Sears. So I asked her.

Allie immediately responded, “Hellz no!”  I tried to sweeten the deal. I told her I would pay for an outfit from K-Mart, if she would wear it to school. The answer was still “no.” I then told her I would buy her whatever outfit she wanted from K-Mart and she could tell our schoolmates it was from Macy’s. Yeah… that didn’t work either. She refused to be associated in any way with any thrift store, K-Mart or Sears clothes (apparently she hadn’t seen the softer side of Sears).

This incident and The Torkelsons episode got me thinking. By wearing “cheap” clothes, do we signal to others that we are “poor?” Does it matter?

Apparently it mattered to Dorothy Jane and my friend, Allie, who were both high school girls and came from working class families. Would it be different if they were older? Younger? Male? Richer? Out of school? Working?

Do clothes make a statement about the person wearing them? Should it? Is it superficial to judge people by their clothes? Or is it an important method to analyze people?

Aaron Schock the Republican Party?

Where are the young Republicans at!?! Anyone?  Anyone? No really. Polls indicate that the GOP is losing the younger demographic between 18 and 29 years old. Apparently the party of “old white men” doesn’t appeal to the youngsters. But there is one Republican under 60…

His name is Aaron Schock and he is the youngest congressman at 27. With his good looks, he has been dubbed the "Brody Jenner of Congress." (I’m not sure who should be offended, Representative Schock or Brody?) Even liberals have taken notice of Schock, voting him the “hottest freshmen” congressman. And even Stephan Colbert has a man-crush for the Schockster. 

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Better Know a District - Illinois' 18th - Aaron Schock
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Anyway, Congressman Schock is being heralded as the savior of the Republican Party since he’s young, handsome, articulate and media savvy. In fact, he has reached a new audience that the traditional GOP politician has not, with Schock’s TMZ outreach.

Wonder how many new votes that picture earned Schock and the GOP…  So does he represent the new wave of Republicanism? Or is he just a pretty face?

In terms of voting, the boyish congressman has not schock-ed the House. Schock has been a consistent traditional-Republican vote. No to the stimulus package.  No to stem cell research. No to the Lilly Ledbetter Pay Act. No to the expansion of environmental protections.

Not to be outdone by the boy wonder, the old guard of the Republican Party launched a “listening tour.”  Apparently, they will listen (and talk) to the people, but rest assured their party ideals will not change from these town hall events.

To thrive as a party, do Schock and the Republicans need only present their party principles in a fresh manner? Or do they need to overhaul some of their positions (à la pro-gay marriage and pro-sex ed. Megan McCain) to win over younger voters (or voters in general)?

Essentially how does the Republican Party win elections in the future?

NTV's The District Episode 3: Stop the Presses

The 3rd episode of Newsweek’s The District:

I’ve got to be honest. I’m getting less and less hooked on The District.

I actually got a little perturbed with it. I watched Obama’s first White House press conference. He was not befuddled as the Newsweek spoof made him out to be. The President was really wonkish and had it together (you can read his comments here).

But, that’s when it hit me. Reality television shows usually edit footage to create drama and entertaining moments that didn’t necessarily happen. The juicier the better, right?

But in this instance, we have access to complete, unedited footage of the Obama’s press conference and can watch what actually happened. I don’t mind a little ribbing at any politicians’ expense but it needs to be somewhat true to be funny. Think SNL and Tina Fey’s skit of Governor Sarah Palin’s Katie Couric interview.

What do you think? Was Newsweek trying to make a point about reality television editing? Or was Obama stumped by the press? Or is parody running out of laughs?

Do you still like The District?

NTV's The District Episode 2: "Barack's Friends Let Him Down..."

Newsweek is at it again. Episode 2 of The District follows the tax problems plaguing some of President Obama’s cabinet nominees.

What do you think of Obama taking responsibility of his nominees’ mistakes?

And, what’s up with adding clips of The City and The Hills After Show? I know The District is spoofing them but I personally think the inclusion of those clips detracts from The District. What do you think?