Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

The newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness around the world.

Carol’s Corner

Jan 24, 2007

Can Monkeys Sing?

Carol Roach

The new season of American Idol starting on January 16^th and most of you know I love the show.  I have already written how much I look forward to it and how I love to see young talent prosper.  Some of these kids are really good and really do deserve a break in such a cut throat industry. 

It has always astounded me how some really talented people never get discovered while other totally untalented people make it really big.  But then the music industry can be like writing, you need to know how to market. Madonna is a prime example of that, she admits she isn’t a great singer but she can market herself.  She is a real business woman.  I read once that Stephen King also mentioned he did not write all that well but he knows how to market. 

It has been said that you need connections to get ahead in the music industry, or just about any major industry these day.  So many careers have been launched by Puff Daddy and so on.  I read that J. K. Rawlings tried for 5 years to get her million dollar series “Harry Potter” published and only after she found a friend in the big publishing house did she get a chance to publish her work.  Having said all that, most people don’t know anyone remotely connected to their aspired profession or craft.

Therefore, when I hear stories of a Texas waitress or a poor single mom from North Carolina making it to the big times it makes me happy.

What doesn’t make me happy is the recent attitude of Simon Cowell.  The man has always been down right rude and nasty but this season he has gone over the top. He sat there in the judges seat all night slumped with a scowl on his face; clearly reflecting his vile mood. He was totally unprofessional in his demeanor.

As usual his comments were not called for.  There is one thing telling someone they can’t sing and quite another to personally attack them.  Albeit, this year there are some very strange looking contestants, a few of them looked like they were mentally ill and to that I say so what.  I revel in their courage to try out for such a tough competition. One had large bulgy eyes and Simon told him he looked like a monkey.  Now tell me, how can anyone said to be a professional say such a thing, let alone be allowed to say it on public TV.

The young man was terribly hurt, and who could blame him?  My personal opinion is that if Simon doesn’t shape up then he should step down and give someone else a chance who cares about the job and the kids he/she will be judging.  I am surprised that nobody has sued him yet.

Carol Roach

winterose@videotron.ca

A Native of Montreal, Quebec, Carol is a graduate of Concordia, and McGill University.  She holds a bachelor in psychology and a Masters in counselling psychology.  Carol Roach is a published writer and newsletter editor.  You can purchase her book: Picking up the Pieces: A Woman's Journey at www.publishamerica.com, or www.amazon.com.  You can also go to your local bookstore and order it there as well.  Be sure to quote the isbn number: 1-4137-1921-X for local purchases:  Carol’s second book: Angels Watching Over is currently looking for a home. Stay tuned for details. 

If you are interested in other stories feel free to join her newsletter: Storytime Tapestry at: http://subs.zinester.com/98907 , or email her directly at winterose@videotron.ca and she will be glad to accommodate you.  Carol enjoys email and responds to every inquiry.