Ezzie's Blog Roundup, 2/24: Kindness Over Money

I don't watch very many TV shows, but I do enjoy watching American Idol, in particular from this point and on. The show is in the process of narrowing the field of a dozen guys and dozen girls down to a Final 12, and most of the talent is quite good. But it was something that happened tonight that really stuck out at me, and I was very impressed.

Every Thursday, they eliminate those who received the least votes that week for their performances. This week, that meant 2 guys and 2 girls were to be sent home from their dream. The elimination process is quite long and excruciating, meant to draw in as many viewers as possible - often taking a commercial break right before announcing who is to be eliminated. As it is a live show, this translates into a couple of contestants standing and waiting anxiously to find out if their dreams can continue.

Tonight, there was one contestant who seemed simply saddened. She had sung her heart out the night before, but she is a trained opera-style singer and had trouble trying a different genre. When she finished, the judges pointed this out clearly, and it seemed clear she would not get the votes across the country. As the host, Ryan Seacrest, was telling groups of contestants to remain sitting because they were safe, he finally called on this girl and another one to 'please walk to the middle of the stage' as is normally the case, where one is eventually told that their journey has ended. But Seacrest took one look at this sad girl, walking head down to the middle next to her friend, and said to the friend, "You know what, please sit down, you're safe." Rather than drag it out for television, he took the high road so as to shorten the pain she was sure to meet. I don't think he was supposed to do so, and it was an impressive display of derech eretz (proper conduct).

And now, on to the roundup:

In case you didn't know, I took the controls of Robbie's blog and wrote a post. Hehehehe... :)

*Post of the Day*

Irina recalls her childhood in doubt in the Soviet Union, dreaming of Israel.

*Quote of the Day*

Gotta read this one by IsraellyCool.

Friendship:

Shoshana has a beautiful post at BeyondTshuva about keeping in touch with old friends. Life in Israel goes to a wedding of a friend who's been through incredible hardship - incredibly uplifting. This, after his sister graduates with her new friends from a special part of the Israeli army.

Brilliant:

This post by Romach.

Blogging:

Gil, who hit 700,000, tells how to increase readership.

Public Service Announcement:

I seem to have one of these a day... AirTime gives advice on how to stop sexual abuse, particularly among children.

Parenting:

Orthomom has to deal with a poor one in her daughter's class, while Orthonomics demands better parenting. On the Fringe provides it.

Escape:

Shifra would love to escape to a fantasy island. Meryl's not looking to escape her fabulous new job. TelChaiNation points to a fantastic Muslim who is speaking out against its extremism after escaping their reach.

Israel:

ZionReport has a wonderful piece about Kadima digging their own hole.

Check it out!

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