Now listen kids, there are “good touches” and “bad touches”

April 2, 2009 · Posted in Entertainment, Featured, Funny and Odd, Government, People in the news, Political Figures, Politics, Social Issues, The World, Topic Blogs · Comment 

untitledThe G20 summit is under way in London this week and already The Obama’s have been accused of groping her majesty.   Michelle Obama gently placed her hand on the Queen’s back during their initial greeting and whaaaaaaatever you do….dooooooo not lay your grubby paws on the Queen unless she does so before you!! 

Silly Americans can never get this right.  Let me get this straight, so the Queen bends over, no wait, if the Queen slaps you a high-five you have to, no..if the Queen does the churn the butter dance then you can join in, no that’s not it.  Oh brother, all this monarchy etiquette is just soooo hard to remember. 

Once again, it’s stupid, yeah she’s the Queen of England and there are centuries of tradition, history, and regal etiquette but enough already.  Americans and anyone not ruled by the British monarchy will simply not understand and will, from time to time, accidentally slip up.  Even our own Prez’ and first lady are subject to it.   All heads of state are briefed on how to approach the Queen but they’re only human.  Americans are handsy, we like to pat, rub, grope, squeeze, nudge, and it becomes an instinctual motion when we greet others.  The Queen is a pretty hip lady and she’ll get over it, trust me.

Thanks to TIME writer Simon Robinson, here is a quick history lesson about the whole not putting your hands on the Queen thing. 

“The sovereigns of England and France at some point in their nations’ long histories claimed a divine right to rule, a right often amplified by titles bestowed by the Pope in Rome. (The Queen, in fact, still has the title Defender of the Faith, an honor given to Henry VIII before he broke with the Catholic Church and established the Church of England.) That touch of holiness once gave the occupant of the throne the supposed ability to cure certain diseases – most famously, scrofula, a terrible skin ailment that was called “the king’s evil.” Thus, the miraculous contact had to be conserved. And so, whether a touch or a nod or a gaze, royal favor, like that of God, is not a subject’s on demand; it is dispensed by kingly prerogative.”

Obama apparently gave her an IPod as a gift when he arrived.  Hmmm…what would have been on Henry the VIII’s play list.  “Cuts Like a Knife”?…”Head over Heels”?…

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Can I relate to Camelot? Yes I can

November 7, 2008 · Posted in Entertainment, People in the news, Personal Blogs, Things to think about · 2 Comments 
Camelot I can relate to

Camelot I can relate to

I commented on it the morning of the election out loud, but didn’t write about it.  It’s been talked about ad nauseum since the election night, so now I’ve decided to address with just a little post.

I am not obsessed with looks or appearance, but I am in touch with society’s obsession with looks. Michelle Obama’s style has been critiqued, praised and applauded since this summer, with stylists pointing out her contrast to Sarah Palin’s spree at Neiman’s against Obama’s penchant for online shopping at retailers like J Crew and others. I do realize that a lot of this is orchestrated by the campaign to make her seem more relate-able, but I think there’s more to it.

Tuesday morning I was watching the Obamas vote on television. They had the kids with them, demonstrating the process to their daughters. The voting process didn’t spark my interest as much as Michelle’s appearance. It was ordinary.  She had on a track suit, hair pulled back in a headband, no makeup. She looked like every other mom that I see dropping her kid off at school before going home to start her day. Of course Michelle knew there would be tape rolling on their voting excursion, but her priorities were to get their daughters ready for school and everything else that goes on in a scurried morning. She didn’t wake up to a team of stylists swooping in for a early morning hair and makeup session, she had to pack lunches, make sure teeth were brushed and hold things together.

Then this morning CNN showed photos of the Obamas attending a parent/teacher conference and there she was again – playing her most important role – mom. Comfy pants, sweatshirt and a hat. It was these two moments that I gave a big “right on!” to my TV. I can relate to this. This is the type of woman that shows us young ahem, middle-ageish moms that a balance can be found and it is not normal to be Academy Awards-ready at 7:30am.

Much has been made of her style, grace and confidence – so much so the parallels drawn to Jackie Kennedy are abundant. However, with Michelle’s confidence in herself to take care of things she needs done in her own skin, without the razzle-dazzle, I think that she’ll have more of an impact on women worldwide, more so that being the first black First Lady.

I thought I was excited about the prospect of change that an Obama presidency will bring, but now I’m elated to know that this type of role model – a smart, strong, well-educated, confident, stylish when necessary, graceful, REAL woman is taking a role front and center. Camelot meets common.

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