Saturday, December 11, 2010

Barbara Walter's list of the Most Fascinating People of 2010 was weak at best. Weak because she tried too hard to be cool, to be contemporary.

1. Trying to Be Pop Culture Instead of Report On It

She made the mistake of trying to be apart of Pop Culture, rather than report on Pop Culture. It was as if she wanted to be cool. Not the job of a journalist. There is nothing fascinating about the cast of Jersey Shore. What is fascinating is why people watch the show. I can only imagine what Ms. Walters actually thought of this largely uneducated, uncultured crew. Most fascinating? Please.

2. Selection of Some of the Nominees.

What makes Jennifer Lopez so fascinating this year? She has been a phenomenon. Certainly her rise from Jenny from the Bronx to J Lo is fascinating. One of the most fascinating of this year? Hardly

3. Omission of Some Fascinating People

Justin Bieber more fascinating than Lady GaGa? When was the last time Bieber wore a meat dress? Larry King ending 25 years in TV is less fascinating than a repeat Sarah Palin? Not less fascinating but could she have been looking for Tea Party ratings?

4. Selection of Most Fascinating Person

Let's be honest: General Petraeus got his gig because McChrystal gave the interview heard 'round the world. Yes he is a hero and a very important person. But let's keep in mind that if McChrystal still has his gig, Petraeus might be pushing papers or golf balls right now.

5. The List Was Not Original

My dog Tim could have come up with this list. There was no originality and certainly no risk. She chose LeBron James. Selecting Cavalier Owner Dan Gilbert would have been the fascinating choice: an owner who wrote a letter to the fans that cost him $100,000. Or the Cleveland fans would have been a more fascinating, interesting and brave choice.

Barbara Walters managed a first timer. The first time that she had two back-to- back specials on the same night. I guess that is an accomplishment. Great to still be having first-timers at the age of 81. But this one missed the mark. All the people were not fascinating.