Driving around Johannesburg I’ve noticed several huge billboards advertising the new show on M-NET, Ugly Betty. The reviews are all positive in the South African media like this one by Tashi Tagg. And this is to be expected because we live in a politically correct country or some would say world. Now I have not watch this television show and have no intention of doing so based on my opinion of this show. And what may this opinion be you ask?

Ugly Betty is meant to make women feel like there is more to life than being a physically attractive woman. And most men would likely agree, to avoid being labelled a sexist, or a misogynist, that this is true. Now let’s look the reality of the situation. There are many brilliant books on evolutionary physcyology and sexual behavior that proves, scientifically, that men are attracted to attractive females because they are more likely to produce healthy offspring and that in turn ensures the long term survival of the species. Just tow books you can reference to this effect are as follows:

• The Mating Mind by Geoffrey Miller
• The Red Queen by Matt Ridley

There have been many studies to show that more attractive people get more opportunities in the workplace, in social circles, etc. So this negative role model does not in my opinion help any woman understand what the reality is in the world. In America where obesity is now almost at epidemic proportions there is anecdotal evidence that this show is giving fat women an excuse not to try and loose weight. Most people are plain lazy when it comes to working on their physical appearance yet these same people are likely to judge others on their first impressions and therefore on the their physical appearance. So what I am saying here is that we should rather point women to role models like Charlize Theron and Angelina Jolie. These women work exceptionally hard in their careers and still manage to look stunning whenever they make a public appearance or film.

Popularity: 17% [?]

The Apprentice is a new reality show on SABC3 on Wednesdays from 19h30 to 20h30. It replaced the long running 2nd season of the Weakest Link, in which I starred on 12 August 2004. This show is great fun, entertainment and can teach you business savvy from one of the most succesful real estate entrepreurs in the world. Donald Trump is the executive producer of the show and the star. He appeared on the cover of the 10 May edition of Fortune magazine with the success of his new reality show. The 2004 Forbest magazine ranks him as the 74th richest American with nett worth of approximately $2.6 billion from real estate and casino’s. Also checkout NBC’s The Apprentice website if you want a sneak preview of the winner.

Popularity: 15% [?]

This is the famous words spoken by Dr Frasier Crane played to perfection by Kelsey Grammer for the last 11 years. Besides the X-Files, Frasier was the only TV show over the last couple years I’ve always made an effort to watch. The X-Files also ended it’s run on SABC2 in 2004. I regularly record this show on my VCR. Tonight a 1-hour long show was broadcast. Frasier’s brother Niles (David Hyde Pierce) and his wife Daphne (Jane Leeves) had their first baby. Frasier’s dad, Martin got married to his fiancé Ronny (Wendy Malick) just after the birth of his 2nd grandson. Frasier and Niles were very competive from their younger days and become a great duo in the show. My best friend Rehelda once commented that I needed a “Niles” in my life. I’ve often felt a close affinity for the character of Frasier.

Most of my life I’ve felt slightly misunderstood like Frasier. I have idiosyncrasies like enjoying classical music as well as good R&B or Hip-Hop. I’ve always had an undying thirst for knowledge like Frasier. And perhaps the area I’ve felt mostly drawn to Frasier is in his continued search for love. Being a perfectionist Frasier always found fault with his dates or girlfriends. The few who came close to perfection always left him for some obscure reason. But the happiness with which he enjoyed every new adventure in love or life is what I’ll miss most. Just by the way one of my favourite coffee shops is Seattle Coffee Shop. Frasier lived in Seattle for the last 11 years and his favourite coffee shop is Cafe Nervosa!

You can watch a re-cap of the last 11 years on SABC3 on Monday, 30 August 21h30.

Popularity: 12% [?]