Reality TV Going Too Far?

I have been a huge fan of the E! network for many years. I love the new shows they come up with, from Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Kendra, and now my newest guilty pleasure Married to Rock. I watch E! News daily and laugh along with Ryan, G, Jason, and Catt, and must watch all the E! True Hollywood Stories. But the latest reality show the network is promoting has be a little disturbed. Bridalplasty showcases 12 bride-to-be’s competing for a different plastic surgery each week as they prepare to walk down the aisle. The last one standing gets her dream wedding (paid for by the show) and the rest of her plastic surgery “wish list.”

Am I the only one completely freaked out by this idea? I think there will always be a debate over plastic surgery and why women (and men) choose to go under the knife. Many say it is to give them confidence, better their own opinions of themselves. But with a show like this, I can’t help but feel disappointed in E! for making plastic surgery seem like it is some big extravagant prize. Especially for brides. Women who are getting married are under enough pressure as it is, with all the planning, choosing the one dress, the most fabulous cake, perfect DJ, but now to tell woman that your face must be free of wrinkles, breasts that rival Pamela, and any cellulite sucked off your bod? I can’t believe woman would compete to get a complete overhaul of their body done before their big day. Didn’t their boyfriends propose to them because they loved them, body imperfections aside? Do these brides want their husbands to recognize them as they walk down the aisle?

I enjoy reality TV, including the competitions. But people are usually competing for money, vacations, a modeling contract. I don’t think I need to remind people that plastic surgery is actually dangerous, that serious complications can arise from cutting into a person’s body. And the format of the show sounds like these women could be getting several procedures done in a short amount of time, which can be even more dangerous.

I guess my bottom line is that I just hate to see reality TV coming to this. Let us follow celebrities, let us watch ordinary people turn into singing superstars, but why do we have to ask women to completely change themselves to fit into this stereotypical world?

Chelsea Handler to Host VMA’s

Outspoken E! comedienne Chelsea Handler has been tapped to host this years MTV VMA’s. Handler, who hosts her own late night comedy show and has penned three books, says in a statement, “”This has been a huge year for hip-hop and rap, and it is well-known that I have the closest ties with these communities – musically and sexually. I am to rap and hippity-hop what Warren Buffet is to finance, minus the sex.” MTV said they have put “the censors have been put on high alert,” in order to prepare for the funny woman to take the stage. Handler, 35, will be only second woman to host the VMAs solo, following Roseanne Barr in 1994. The VMA’s will air live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Sept. 12 at 9 p.m. ET.

Photo Credit: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

Are You There Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea

I have been a fan of Chelsea Handler since the beginning of her popular late night show Chelsea Lately on the E! network. When I learned she had books out, of course I had to scoop them up. I started with Are You There Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea. And I loved it! The story speeds through Chelsea’s life, ranging from her as a young girl up until she is an adult, highlighting some of the most bizarre and hilarious events that has taken place. From telling her classmates that she is a major movie star with Goldie Hawn, a girl-on-girl stint in jail, and all her crazy family issues in between, this book kept me laughing until the end. Handler’s uninhibited point of view and sarcastic remarks kept me laughing out loud, and even though at times the story line seemed a bit all over, her narrative kept it all flowing together. If you can appreciate cynical, self-deprecating humor and raunchy situations, be sure to check this one out! If you have seen Chelsea Lately and don’t find her funny, or are sensitive to racy content, I would suggest passing.