January 11, 2010

SIMON COWELL'S 'X FACTOR' POLITICS, ANYONE?


My dear readers, another wonderful week is starting here in Andalucia although it rarely stops raining which translates into flooded roads and overflowing gutters! But at least that’s preferable to all that dreadful snow and ice my dear readers in the UK and the rest of Northern Europe have had to contend with these past few weeks not to mention floods and mudslides in Brazil. How is the weather behaving in North America, Australia and New Zealand?

Next I would like to thank all my dear readers and also new followers who visited or commented recently. They all write such wonderful blogs which everyone should visit! I Do visit all their great sites now! I’m thinking especially of From Donuts to Delirium
, French Fancy, Rose Tea Cottage , Little Bear Studio ,Dustjacket Attic ,Information is Everything ,La Boheme ,Shopping in Suffolk ,Under Lock & Key ,The Vintage Kitten , Work of the Poet, The Adventures of Gingeyginge ,Sunbonnet Cottage . But there are sooo many more too - too many to list unfortunately!

Now, as you all know I’m hopeless with computers but Alfie, my puppy-nephew (left), is a computer geek who spends hours on end in chatrooms with his Harley Davidson pals all over the world (so long, in fact, his Mom, Sadie, is still convinced he’s downloading porn) and he’s again managed to post for me Nora’s latest article in her Breaking Views column in
EURO WEEKLY NEWS about Simon Cowell’s idea for a new reality TV show, a "Political X Factor". If this happens in the UK, the odds are it will also happen in North America, Australia and elsewhere too! What are your thoughts on this kind of new Simon Cowell-type reality show in your country? Do let me know if you’d rather Simon remained in Madame Tussauds (below)!
‘EXIT FACTOR’, ANYONE?
Simon Cowell’s proposed new TV show, a "Political X Factor", as recently described on Newsnight - in which hot, political topics are voted on by members of the public in instant referendums - is the best idea I’ve heard so far this decade!


But will turning Britain into a huge reality game show really be all that different from er, reality? We already have elections to decide who’ll be starring in that great, ongoing soap opera, Westminster, and our evil, money grubbing bankers and peers are straight out of some dreadful Edwardian melodrama. And while the police think they are playacting in a Dirty Harry movie, are the media - in all their manifestations - so very unlike pantomime dames? (Oh no, they’re not!). What Simon’s giving us here is the chance to wallow in pretend referendums, in make-believe. So not much change then...


But why stop there, Simon? How about the ‘eXit Factor’? Imagine the tearjerker you could squeeze out of that. The final journey to the final room on the trolley. The relatives wailing like banshees. The artificial flowers by the window as sunlight pours in.... epitomising a brighter, better world beyond. A ‘Simon Cowell’ kind of world.

But let’s face it: much as we might dislike the idea of government by ’phone poll, it's only one step removed from government by Ipsos-Mori/ YouGov poll or tabloid headline we currently have. Might even help engage young people in British politics too, taking into account the fact that more 18-25 year olds vote for Big Brother than the General Election and watch Dr Who than Newsnight. And at least the Jedwards and Joes are easier on the eye than the Mandelsons and Millibands we currently have to put up with - until the General Election, that is...

How this all brings back such wonderful memories of a cataclysmic Colin Baker-era episode of Dr Who called ‘Vengeance’ where the leader of a planet was at the whim of public opinion to the point where his life was totally at its mercy! Oh, Gordon Brown, those truly were the Good Old Days!

But, back to reality. Would anything actually get done using Simon’s ’phone poll method? Given how the X Factor managed to spin itself out for months at a time making the simplest of decisions, I'd hazard a guess we'd have to wait, at the earliest, until after the break a year next Saturday before knowing whether capital punishment was coming back. So, Gordon, looks as if your life’s safe, if not your job ...
 
Remember you can catch each article every Thursday online! Nora would really love to know what you think about it (and later articles too) but, better still, email dear Mrs Ed at
mrsed@euroweeklynews.com. And my apologies that, because of Nora’s work commitments, I’m not able to get out and visit all your great sites as often as I used to ’cos, as you know, it’s Nora who types up all these deeply profound thoughts of mine!


Well, that’s all for now, dear readers, but before you go do help yourselves to a glass of champagne:














Mwah!
XoXo LOL LOLA:)




28 comments:

tania said...

what a great post -liked the article too though don't like simon cowell or his shows! Let's hope his silly idea has an "eXit Factor" end too!

All the best

michelle

Michelle said...

Yes,it'sbeen raining here too in Alicante.Though not as much as youve had in Andalucia!So much for Spanish winter sun...

Loved both the article and the postbut hate simon cowell & what he'sdone to music!And don't get me going about those x factorshows of his...lol
xx

Mike said...

agree with comments above about Simon (no relation!) and his dreadful shows that aim for lowestcommon denominator!
Interesting article but lets hope nothing comes of his latest BIG moneymaking idea!

simon

Holly said...

Hate, hate, hate Simon Cowell!!And his shows are the pits too!

Trouble is hes become too rich &powerful.. Always a fatal combination!

Love the post though lol

xxHugs, Linda

Jan said...

Here in Granada we've had snow so count yourself lucky down there on the coast!

Like the article -wish I couldsay the same for Mr Cowell...!

xxx Hugs

linda

The Vintage Kitten said...

Hi Nora and Lola, Thanks for the mention (I do so love seeing my name in print LOL!) Im definately for the EXIT factor. I have had enough of reality shows and the following onslaught in the media of the fame hungry wannabes. I have just started watching this years Dancing on Ice that started at the weekend. I like this programme because although its celebrities and I use that term loosely LOL! they are at least skating with professionals and I enjoy watching them. Celebrity Big Brother however I refuse to watch its a load of old rubbish. I hadnt even heard of half of the so called famous people.............How I long for 'real' stars like those of the golden age of Hollywood films, now that is what I call famous and if you chuck in the mix Michael Caine and Clint Eastwood then Im a happy bunny (or kitten even)!!! Great post as always Lola X

Creations by Marie Antoinette and Edie Marie said...

Thank you,
I would love a glass of Champagne.
Thanks for stopping by Dear.I never heard of the X-Factor, so I really cannot say much about it.Simon although an arrogant ass is very savy. Here in the states,most of the peoples voices arn't heard, maybe by phone the majority voices will be heard. It depends if its corrupted or not, and there lies the problems.I'm a cynical as they come and I think most things are fixed.I still get out and vote, but in all reality,the goverments will do what the goverments want.But I'm not hip,so what do I know...except to go with your first gut feeling.With that,
I wish this new year will bring you all the best it can offer Hon,
XXOO Marie Antionette

ChloƩ A. said...

hey,
thank you so much for your lovely comment and for linking me back on your also wonderful blog!!!

Love,
ChloƩ

i'd love to see you soon too!

Unknown said...

Daaaaaaahling, thank you for the mention *kisses* its totally mutual. I so enjoy reading your blog. You always have such sage advice!
*kisses* HH

Melissa said...

I truly am so glad that you are back. You always teach me much and brighten my day.

Love Melissa

Anonymous said...

Thank you for naming me on your spectacular blog...So glad your back...Binksy said hi to Lola, he loves her so! xxx

Dimple said...

Well. I am completely uninterested in reality shows and only somewhat interested in television, so I can't comment. But there is very good red in that picture!
Hope you have a wonderful week!

maryt/theteach said...

Not too crazy about Simon Cowell, Nora. I don't know if his show will make it... That eXit Factor sounds like something SC would think of and I'm sure everybody at least in the US would watch it! OMG! Great Ruby Tuesday post! :)

maryt/theteach said...

Nora, I forgot to say thanks for the shout out for my blog! And welcome to Ruby Tuesday and the our wonderful bunch of bloggers! :)

trishie said...

Hello! I'm not a fan of Simon Cowell but great post from you, as usual!
Thanks for adding me to your blogroll, i'm adding you as well.
Have a great day!

laterg8r said...

not sure how i feel about listening to joe public debate politics - could be an exercise in stupidity or like a train wreck that you can't look away from LOL :D

somehow fell off your followers list so i'm glad you let me know you are back - i'm following again!

thanks for the champagne - i soooo could use it today :D

EJ said...

Thanks for sharing about Simon.

Art Enthusiast

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Nora and Lola,

Lovely post and do not like Simon Cowell ~ he has such a big ego!
You asked about the weather down under, well it has been lovely but we have had wind and it has made the sea very cold. Our Son and his friends are the only ones brave enough to go swimming.
Thanks for the champagne dear.

Have a wonderful week
Hugs
Carolyn

Chubskulit Rose said...

I'm no fan of Simon, but I like his frankness.
Great Find Ruby

❀~Myrna~❀ said...

I don't think I could stomach a political X factor show . I hear way too much about politics on TV . I would rather watch something entertaining , If I chose to watch at all.lol Great , entertaining post!Happy New Year to you!
~Myrna

Bhavesh Chhatbar said...

Thank you so much Lola for thinking about my blog, and thank you so much Nora for helping Lola type about me :)

bj said...

Just by to say happy Ruby Tuesday.

The Cunning Runt said...

Simon Cowell and his so-called "reality" farces, you can keep...

...but can I have Alfie, pleeeeasepleaseplease??? What a little doll!

LenoreNeverM♡re said...

he's made his fame & fortune!
Sorry for my late reply & MIA darrrling!
Been busy at work as well.
Fabulous week to you~
xo as always*

Duchess of Tea said...

My darling Nora and Damette so nice to hear from you both. I thank you so much for the mention, I am like a Hollywood star, I love seeing my name shine like that. Thanks darling, you are both very kind. As for Simon Cowell, well I dislike this man so much that I wish someone would buy him a one-way ticket to the sun. Nice post darling, it is so lovely to have you back.

Love & Hugs
Duchness

debra@dustjacket said...

Ha I do like the Duchesses comment! Thanks for the mention darling, too kind.

re comment, am afraid I'm down to four posts weekly...slipping and usually only have time to vist those who have left a comment. But I do enjoy it and them.
xxx

Tracey said...

First, American Idol without Simon is a bad move. Next,, reality tv needs to take a break. Loved reading this post, it really gave me food for thought!

French Fancy... said...

Well one good thing about Simon Cowell is that he is a very doggy person and is a patron of the Battersea Dogs Home. I once saw him on 'Who wants to be a Millionaire' (you know they do the celeb ones now and then) and his chosen charity was the dogs home - go him, if for nothing else than because he loves best what we love best.