Hopefully A Better Today, Tomorrow

During the summer, I enjoy watching the Today show. I enjoy the commentary and it has just the right mix of news and entertainment for me. This morning, however, they disappointed me not once, but twice.

First, an interview with a successful model. She started at a young age and was immediately pressured to lose 10 inches off of her waist. Note that she wasn't anywhere CLOSE to being overweight(or even chunky!) to begin with. After landing in the hospital, she realized that this was not the lifestyle she wanted to live. She went to her company and announced that changes had to be made. It was suggested that she go into plus-size modeling. She is now 5'9, 160 pounds...and classified as a plus size model. Today praised her for changing her lifestyle and puersuing plus size modeling. Shame on you, Today, for supporting that idea that a 5'9 woman, weighing 160 pounds, is "plus-sized." While I agree with this model for recognizing that a change had to be made, she looks healthy, not "plus-size." I'm disappointed that Today bought into the idea that all women above a size 6 are "overweight."

Secondly, the death of crocodile hunter Steve Irwin. His death occurred while he was filming a documentary on sting rays off the Australian coast. For years, Irwin has promoted awareness of crocodiles and other wildlife. He was a passionate zoologist and a proud, loving father. Unfortunately, 2 years ago, he also made an infamous mistake. During a performance, Irwin held his one month son while feeding a 13-foot crocodile. Naturally, this attracted as much attention as Michael Jackson holding his son over the balcony, or Britney Spears holding her daughter on her lap while speeding down the freeway. Today, instead of praising Irwin for all his accomplishments, Today replayed an old interview with Irwin, filmed immediately after the baby incident. Replayed the old interview not once, but two times. While his actions were admittedly dangerous, the man died suddenly, tragically, and ought to be remembered for more than his mistakes. Why bring the incident up again, when the man is no longer able to defend himself? Why not focus on his accomplishments instead?

Shame on you, Today, for poor reporting.