Well, as hard as I bent over backward to keep myself completely anonymous during Living Oprah, I'm afraid the bird escaped the cage. (I just made up that whole avian metaphor. As you know, Oprah likes to make up words and phrases, ie: "schlumpadinka", so I'm always proud when I can do the same). I've recently noticed my full name attached to online news sources and folks' blogs regarding Living Oprah and then a biggie happened today: I went downtown to record an interview with NPR's All Things Considered* about LO and found out less than an hour beforehand that they won't do anonymous interviews. ARGH! I flipped out a bit. The whole anonymity thing was quite important to me, but on the other hand, this was a huge opportunity to spread the word about the project nationally. Plus, I'll admit, I love ATC. I have been floating on air since they asked for an interview. I don't feel entirely settled in the choice I made, but instead of canceling the interview, I allowed them to use my name on the show. And, as Oprah's finance guru, Suze Orman, says in her book Women and Money, "If you want to own the power to control your destiny...SAY YOUR NAME." So, hi everyone. My name is Robyn Okrant. Nice to meet you. Now let's move on to Living Oprah...
I did get to watch the last half of yesterday's show, pre-empted by GWB last night. I remembered most it from the first viewing in February. I remembered the "must have" list with which we were to fill our closets and I remembered Lloyd Boston's safety orange turtleneck sweater. What I had repressed was Oprah's insertion of herself and her show into the incredibly emotional greeting, via satellite, between Timothy, serving his fifth tour in Iraq, and his recently made-over wife, Jazzmin. I actually felt terrible watching it. It was a beautiful, emotional, painful moment for a wife who misses her husband, a man who lives daily in harm's way. I felt like the moment could have been setup on camera and then Jazzmin could have spent time privately with her husband's image backstage. I also wondered why Oprah felt the need to do most of the talking to Timothy during the segment. My husband watched with me last night and his face was drawn into a grimace, he was so distressed by what he was witnessing.
It was worse than the Ruby Slipper debacle...but similar in that we were able to witness Oprah's sense of entitlement. Does anyone else feel that her self-insertion into events crosses the line at times? Or do you think that it's part of her job description?
While last night's show was cringe-worthy to me, today's episode with Dr. Christiane Northrup was terrific. I admire that woman so much and I am really thrilled when Oprah makes one of her "favorite doctors" accessible to us. I think Dr. Northrop empowers women to be the bosses and the experts of their own bodies. She expels the reflexive reaction toward embarrassment that many of us have when talking about sexuality, health, aging, etc and speaks plainly and supportively. As you can tell, I'm a big fan and I owe this one completely to Oprah. I didn't know about Dr. Northrup before this project, but due to Oprah's desire, bought the book, Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom. It has a place of honor - sometimes on my nightstand and sometimes on our coffee table, depending on where it's needed most.
I think Oprah is right about Dr. Northrup and every woman should own this book.
_____
* My interview with Michele Norris should be airing on All Things Considered today, July 16th, in the latter half of the first hour of the show or later tonight on the website.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
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81 comments:
i love all things considered. congrats on landing that interview. i continue to admire your commitment to this project.
thank you SO much amanda! i'm so concerned i allowed my freakout about the whole name thing to ruin the interview. i can be a real spaz at times! :) i guess i'll find out soon if i was a wreck or not! xoLO
I'm so glad I checked into your blog just this minute, because I don't want to miss your ATC interview! More than your name, I've wanted to hear your voice talking about this project. Congratulations!
So you are in fact RO instead of LO? Well, that changes everything!
Congratulations on the interview, what a pity they insisted on blowing your secret identity. Did they never watch "Wonder Woman" as a child?
Just listened to your interview here in South Africa. You're weird. But interesting.
Good luck!
Just heard the interview, and you didn't sound wrecked at all. In fact, you sounded very prepared. I wouldn't be calm enough to answer those questions as smoothly as you did! I think it's only a matter of time before Oprah calls you. Do you think it will be a friendly call?
LO,
You are to funny! I am enjoying this site. I'm actually curious, If Oprah calls you to be on her show. What will you do?
You have a great sense of humor.
I was LOL @ the part when you introduce yourself. That part was really funny. It made my day!
I too! Am excited about your commitment to this experiment. I look forward to the book your working on at the end of this.
I bet Oprah will promote it on her show as MUST HAVE ITEM!
Rozie
ATC! ATC!! OMG! I LOVE All Things Considered!
Congratulations!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to hear it!
Oprah's magazine is fun to read once in awhile (except when she recommends obscenely expensive stuff for gift ideas), but I cannot make it through the TV program when I periodically try to watch. Oprah's insistence on inserting herself into emotional reunions and her perpetual checking herself on the monitor are just too much for me. I wonder if the show would be as successful as it is if she did not do these things?
Heard the interview on ATC; then, came and read your blog. Liked it; very interesting. Will come back again.
I am one of those Oprah-haters. Used to listen to her religiously when I was home with kids. Now, think she is the ruination of all things female.
I work at an NPR station and I just listened to your interview. That is how I came to find your little corner of the web.
This is a fun little site!
Congratulations on the interview. :)
I agree with you that most of the time Oprah does interject with her thoughts, words and deeds too much on her show. I'm not sure if she was like this before she became famous or not, but fame can do these things to you. Enjoyed your interview.
hey y'all!
paula, awesome! i'm so glad i hid the dry mouth and flop sweat! :) thanks for listening to the segment. i'm excited!
jen-yeah, i was totally bummed. i am not sure why they won't do anonymous interviews. i asked if they knew my name and did a background check, could i be anon on air, but they said no. sad, but i guess it's just a new page in the project. HAHA! i was JUST joking with my mom about becoming RO instead of LO. i have to mull that one over. what do you think? WWDPD (what would diana prince do?)
briantw, my husband would agree with you. :)
hey rozie, that is such a good question. you know, i think my first reaction would be fear. i am not as brave as i pretend to be! i have always so strongly believed she would ignore me and NOT ask me on the show, that i've not given it deep thought. what do you think i should do?
LMS, your excitement made me so happy. i'm such a geek!
hey anon, when i read the magazine, i actually look at those gift ideas and play a little game about what gifts i'd give whom if i won the lottery. there's NO WAY i can afford most of what's on those pages. to be honest, it's a little depressing to read.
thanks everyone! have a fab afternoon!
xoLO (force of habit. i'm kind of comfy with the nickname, i think!)
pat, wowza. those are some strong words and you are not alone out there. i hear many people feeling the same way as you. thanks for writing!
hi nikole, thanks for visiting! welcome!
danielle, i think you're right about how fame really changes a person's reality. if you're always told you're the center of the universe, would you come to believe it? i did when i was a teenager, but it passed :)
xoLO
I'd never heard of this website or the project until hearing ATC today and I must admit that when Michele was introducing the concept, my thoughts were "doing everything OPRAH says to? OH NOOOO when did the soulless, middle-aged TV robots take over?"
But as soon as you started talking I realized I was happily mistaken. Great job on the interview and I like the project. Or at least it makes me laugh.
d - hahaha! my biggest fear is that people believe i am doing this without irony. glad you didn't turn the radio off too soon! best, LO
I just heard you on NPR and decided to check out your site. I think your experiment is really cool. I'll be checking back to see how everything goes. Good luck!
LO, Funny how under show ideas this is listed as one of them.
How has The Oprah Show affected you?
What does The Oprah Show mean to you? Has it touched you, changed you, or caused you to look at your life and the world differently? Did a particular episode cause you to have a life-changing "a-ha" moment? Or was there a certain guest you've never forgotten? Is watching the show a tradition that you've shared with generations in your family? The Oprah Show wants to hear your personal story! Please respond only if you are interested in appearing on national television.
I believe you would be picked. if, you responded to this.
I personally believe Oprah will enjoy the fact that you committed to a year of living O.
To me this is a sign you will appear on the show.
I think you should apply and see what happens.
Rozie
First off I have to admit I'm pretty "anti-Oprah". Now, how long has she had a talk show? 20 years? I think that probably at some point after years of interjecting yourself into someone else's emotional life you would kind of forget people might not want you to. Especially when you're the TV tycoon that is Oprah... Just some of my brain leakage there...(that's a lovely picture...(and a lot of ellipsis...)) Okay, shutting up now.
Oh! and PS: You'll always be "LO" to me ;)
I, like Nikole, work at an NPR station and love, love, love ATC. I just heard your interview on my way home and decided to check out your blog. You did a great job and didn't sound a bit nervous to me. Good luck with your project.
jan, that's so great! i'm going to trust you that i didn't sound like a nervous-pervis since you're a professional! thanks for checking out the blog. all the best, LO
I also love Christiane Northrup and have Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom - great book!
If I could take Oprah more seriously in a journalistic sense maybe I could let some of her entitlement go. But still, tacky is tacky.
I heard the end of your interview on ATC today and was intrigued but after checking out your website and the responses that you are getting to your blogs.... what makes you or any other blogger different from Oprah? You are putting your opinions forth for dialogue and why we should care is a mystery to me. At what point has Oprah ever indicated that we (her viewer/readership) should live exactly like her? Most of her magazine is about empowerment, examples of empowerment, finding your way in life by listening to yourself and tools to help do that. If you object to the emotionalism of her show - don't watch it. I don't. If you remember the old days of Jerry Springer/Geraldo and the many other examples of daily talk show nastiness - you should appreciate her commitment to use her show as a force for good instead of pandering to all the worst impulses in people. If Oprah is an empire and you don't like it - ignore her and... don't indulge in sour grapes. If her magazine has too many ads and too much expensive consumerism, use your intelligence and skip it.This so- called social experiment is as flawed as only eating McDonalds for 30 days - it's ridiculous. Who would be so silly. It's like sculpting/tattooing yourself to look like Barbie - who would consider that rational behaviour? I suppose that by attaching yourself to Oprah you hope to get your 15 minutes of fame but I certainly hope you don't succeed.
I hope you can be as self centered and annoying as Oprah too.
Start a magazine and put yourself on every cover! Pat yourself on the back everytime you help someone! Give away products at your show and let people think YOU actually paid for them out-of-pocket!
Oprah = blech!
I'd say that there are better role models out there than the BIG O.
Goodness! The voice on the radio today was vaguely familiar, when the name Robyn Okrant was given at the end I ran over to my yoga schedule. Yes, Robyn Okrant was the instructor for the Yin yoga class I took this past Saturday, we spoke after the class about yin yoga, body transformations and taking care of ourselves first. I'm excited to learn about this project and will spend some time reading this blog. I've also decided to take the Paulie Zink class this fall because your class was a revelation. You go!
I just heard your ATC interview, so I had to drop by and see your blog.
I read Oprah's magazine, and while l love MANY of the articles, I sometimes wonder how out-of-touch Oprah is, suggesting we buy a dozen mail-order donuts for $48, or thinking a $900 purse is a must-have.
I just heard the ATC interview and thought I would check out your site...I think you are taking on an admirable (and perhaps burdensome :) endeavor! I'll continue to check back to find out if it is really necessary for me to purchase and wear leopard shoes in order to be happy (part of me secretly hopes that they ARE the secret to my “best” life!).
The interview was great! I hope Jezebel.com picks this story up. I sent 'em a tip!
I quit Oprah about 2 years ago - I got so tired of her better than anyone attitude and her acting so uppity. It broke my heart when she was like a "daughter" to Maya Angelo even though there were millions of us who knew and read Maya before Oprah was out of grade school. She seems so fake. There are greater role models out here to find answers from than Oprah.
Just heard your interview on NPR in Chicago and I was interested in learning more about your idea. I think its a great experiment and so far it sounds like your feelings of exhaustion and diminishing bank roll are right on. Puts a good perspective on all of the advice she gives out to those who watch her show. The absurdity of doing all of them in a year is pretty hilarious though.
wandering coyote, i feel like i'm now part of the Christiane Northrop fan club! glad you're a co-member.
lisa, muchas gracias!
rozie, that is so funny AND terrifying at the same time. ok, maybe i'll gather up the courage and do it. it might be fun to make my application to public to you guys and see what the show does...
ashley...first of all, great point...second of all...i am addicted to ellipses...cool beans about my "LO"ness...
anon, fair enough. i think it's important that this is an open forum, whether you respect the project or not. since one of my biggest troubles with oprah is that her show tends to sway solely to her POV, i need to open myself up to critique. please feel free to stop back and add your feedback as the project continues...thanks!
and to the second anonymous poster - do you think there are any celebrities that can actually be good role models? or do we place too-high expectations on them?
victoria! small world! enjoy the workshop...
leah, maybe reading her magazine is more like window shopping than living in the real world? for me at least! :)
anon #3 - haha! sister, if my leopard print flats are going to help me transcend to a better life, i'm going to start wearing them more often!!
terincognita, wow. thank you so much. that is really awesome of you.
dreaming, i am totally fascinated with the phrase that you "quit" oprah - did you actually make a decision to stop watching, or did your interest simply fade?
smilesalot, glad you like to irony involved in the project - it's a really important aspect of LO, i think. plus, it keeps me sane!!
thanks for your feedback, folks!
best,
LO
LO said:
leah, maybe reading her magazine is more like window shopping than living in the real world? for me at least! :)
I find myself just skipping the fashion/shopping/makeup pages and just reading the articles, especially after a columnist said it was disgusting for grown women to wear shorts in public. I live in Texas, and I guess that would probably be news to a LOT of people. Besides, it goes so much against the "love yourself" message the magazine tries to give.
if everyone in texas stopped wearing shorts, there would be many people with heat exhaustion, i'd imagine. :)
i really like martha beck. i think she's got practical advice for spiritual/emotion dilemmas. she's one of my favorite contributors.
best, LO
LO,
I caught the end of the ATC interview as I was running errands an hour ago. You sounded GREAT!
And I just want to say to the Anonymous poster who asked at what point did Oprah say we must all be like her, that she does it almost every show. With her "you MUST make these cookies that I'm having an orgasm over for your kids!" or "you have to get your girlfriends together and go see this movie!" And don't get me started her Favorite Things shows. Frankly, that's really the whole point of LO's experiment . . . is to see if doing all these things Oprah talks about that we must do or have to "live our best lives" actually works. And if you read the blog and the comments, you'll see that there's actually quite the recurring discussion about whether Oprah herself walks her talk or if she's just talking. Finally, there are obviously a lot of people who believe Oprah when she says to do something. The way she can turn an unknown author into an instant best seller is the perfect example.
LMS, i'm so glad you liked the interview. i was thinking of all you 'regulars' and hoping i'd do you proud. and thanks for responding to the anonymous poster. my husband has advised me to step back a little bit from responding constantly so more of a conversation can take place between commenters. i was so happy to see your response. you rock, girl. xoLO
Heard about your experiment for the first time on NPR today. Did you ever give any consideration to whether or not Oprah is actually living Oprah? That is, is she walking the walk or just talking the talk; is it for the show or is it really her? I would guess you'll have to contact her to actually get an answer on that one. Without knowing for sure, you will never know whether you are the only one living Oprah.
hey sweetie! So your cover is blown, I love ya anyway! Way to go landing that interview! Wish I had not been sitting in the car with a loud little 9 year old when ATC was on here. Oh well! Just one more step toward a great book!
take care my dear!
Garsy
Congrats on your interview on ATC! I LOVE that show! I will definitely track your progress here. It's definitely an adventurous undertaking and I applaud you! :)
By the way, is that your kitty???
I just heard the piece on ATC and I'm very curious as to why you would even bother to do this experiment. Is it just for kicks or are you trying to get on her show? I agree with you totally that Oprah would think this is ridiculous since her whole thing is "living YOUR best life" not Oprah's best life which we all know is impossible. I don't think even Oprah lives her best life all the time. I know you said on the air that you are not making fun of her but I admit, I have to wonder.
I heard the interview today and laughed all the way to my computer. Thanks so much for taking on this project. Oprah is a fabulous feminist icon and a talented woman, but how can you not deplore the blatant consumerism and sentimentality that goes with all of her good work? The combination of wit and genuine admiration I heard in the interview on ATC made me think you are the PERFECT person to do this. Good luck!
In the interview, you quote Oprah as saying that women "don't ask 'why' enough". Oprah's guests (Jenny McCarthy, Psychics) don't seem to get questioned very well. Are you sure Oprah is a shining example of skepticism and critical thinking? She seems to happily drink whatever Kool Aid her guests are pushing.
Secondly, in what way is it an exercise in self-determination for Oprah's fans to become an army of servile drones? It hardly seems like a statement of freedom to surrender your life to The Divine Vowel.
a, first of all, i'm impressed you managed to get the handle "a" - that in itself should be rewarded. yup - that's been one issue we've been talking about on this site. many of us definitely have doubts about it and wonder if it's a "do as i say, not as i do" situation!
garsy, you're so funny. you can always hear it online, if you have time...i know you're a busy gal though!
cynthia, thanks for checking in. yup! that's my cat. his name is Wasabi and he was a stray we adopted. he's turning one any day now...
anon, i hear you. read some more of the site, if you get a chance and let me know what you think. i do think it's really important for us all to question the advice we're bombarded with from the media. not just me. and nope, no need to be on her show. this project is my priority.
adn, much much much appreciated. it's so difficult - i get so torn - between thinking she's amazing and thinking she's beyond out of touch and part of the "problem" as she helps keep this media/consumerist machine churning. you hit the nail on the head!
anon - there is SO much kool aid shared on that show - i think everyone's serving it AND drinking it. i have a question for you - do you think the results of this project would effect your opinion of it? i sometimes ask that of myself, so i'm curious what you think!
ok. i'm exhasted. i'm hitting the hay early...have a great night, y'all!
best, LO
Had a "driveway moment" while listening to you on ATC today, decided to check you out on-line....fascinating! Will visit again. I am a closet Oprah watcher....some days I am fed up by the topics, some days I feel like I learn something. I like your blog as you seem open to what she is saying, but you still question it! Keep going!
just heard your interview on ATC... simply amazing! i've been following your blog since the beginning, LO! keep going on with your experiment. can't wait to read what's next!
Heard you on ATC so I thought I would check it out. Good interview and an interesting project for sure. Sounds more difficult than Supersize Me, only 30 days pshh.
Wow, LO! Your fan base has certainly grown. I'm happy others have found out about you because I think your project is quite worthy. However, keeping up with all the comments (mine included) will surely be cutting into your Oprah Life.
About applying to be on her show, I kinda think you have to now don't you? After all, she did say the Oprah Show wants to hear the story of anyone whose life has been changed or touched because of her. I think that's a "must do." What do you think?
Interview was great! My husband told me about it, so I couldn't wait to look it up online this evening.
I will be following your blog from now on! So impressed with your idea, and more importantly with the chance for more social awareness.
Yay for you!!
Looks like your cover was blown and your blog blew up all in one day. Hey, don't let all the fame go to your head like Miss O. :-)
Just keep in mind that a lot of the newbies probably haven't read your blog from the beginning and may have misconceptions about your project. I wouldn't worry about constantly trying to "set the record straight," so to speak. But I do like hearing your responses when people ask the deep questions.
Just keep doing what you're doing, girl.
Wow! I, too heard ATC today, I was a little miffed at the host who didn't seem to get it...I thought she was a bit snippy. You are brilliant! After listening, I felt that maybe, just for a moment, I'm not alone in this world anymore! I've always been cynical, and usually, friends and accquaintances will ignore my snide comments about celebrity. But, I learned a long time ago not to mess with THE OPRAH...even people I love and respect suddenly turned on me like wolverines, or pretended they didn't hear...they were embarrassed FOR me. I have so much to say, I've found a kindred spirit (isn't spirit a favorite O word?)...I'll shut up for now, but can't wait to follow your experiment, again, brilliant, bravo, thank you. I will sleep so much better tonight...I can just hear her saying "just knowing you are not the only one out there with this 'problem' must be so empowering Jen" WAAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA!
I heard you today and I was tickled when you replied, "OH NO!" to the question regarding if you are making fun of her. I love your social experiment and blog!
Hi
Just want to tell you that you even got in the news in Norway (Europe). So your story is definitivly world spread :-)
Sorry for the loss of your anonymity...I hope this turns into a blessing in disguise by opening new doors to you. May I suggest a new nickname?
RO/LO
TB-FLO - The blogger, formerly LO
Congrats on the national exposure. I didn't hear the interview, but it sounds like you pulled it off with aplomb!
I listen to ATC on NPR all the time and was actually disappointed with your interview. At no point were you directly asked if you believe your life is better now that you've begun this social experiment. I was most interested in that point and less about the steps you've taken to make sure that Oprah doesn't sue you. I know that at the beginning of the interview you stated that you're stressed and tired from running around trying to keep up, but I didn't feel that the interview actually answered this question of mine. Clearly, this interview was enough to make me want to look up your site and I think that what you're doing is really fantastic. Kudos!
I heard your interview on ATC and it brought me to your site. I think your project is really cool! The interview was great!
Don't stress!
Just found your blog thanks to All Thing's Considered, and I'm glad I did. I did a brief post on your project and linked you on my 'lil (completely different themed) blog. I love what you are doing with this project...
And if you do ever appear on Oprah, I'll be leaving work early for once to catch it.
I had not heard about LO until I heard the All Things Considered piece yesterday afternoon. As soon as I got back to my computer after I heard the interview, I checked out your blog. Interesting. I look forward to watching your progress over the next six months. Good luck
Forget about Oprah. Hell, OPRAH HERSELF is trying to forget about Oprah. In case you haven't been paying attention, her main focus in life these days is transcending away from Oprah the Ego, ego meaning identification with the body (including abs), career, money, hobbies, who you know, what you think, (what you think you know), and how others perceive you. Why? (Oh, it's just that wacky O, being all hollywood woo-woo nutty spiritual again!)
Why would someone who "has it all" --money, fame, great power and influence-- still feel empty inside? How many Hollywood actors do you see on the show who, under their shiny veneer, still seem kind of tortured inside? Most of them? Yeah. Why, after all their success, do they still seek for something more to fill that hollow feeling?
Forget about trying to be what others think you should be. Oprah is a pointer, Eckhart Tolle is a pointer, and right now they're pointing away from your abs and your butt and your wrinkles, and yes, away from emotional overeating, to not being so tortured by trying to become just like Oprah. Try it.
Tom B.
Columbus Ohio
LO! you go girl! ATC...wow, just wow! and you'll always be LO to me also! now that you are "global", I can say "I knew her when..." lol
~~MTV
I caught some of your interview on NPR and decided to look up your site. Even though you seem to be very careful to not trash Oprah, your site is a forum for a lot of other people to do just that. Don't y'all think it's time we women stopped sitting around bitching about other people and took responsibility for our own lives. I mean, advertising can't make us buy anything.
Hi there, heard you on NPR yesterday. Great interview. Re: baking, to me, it's magic. You take ingredients that are in one form - liquid, solid, oil, water - mix them together, subject them to heat, and they all become transformed into something completely different, both physically and in taste. It's alchemy! I feel connected spiritually when I bake. Thank goodness that people say I'm good at it! But I'm not great with meats, veges, salads, etc. They seem boring because they stay the same, no matter how you flavor them ....
Totally agree with you on Oprah inappropriately inserting herself into the serviceman and his wife's reunion. She did do most of the talking and it seemed really weird - highly cringe-worthy. I am wondering about O though - she has put on so much weight this past year and looks even more desperate, neurotic and sad in 2008 episodes than in, say, 2005 and 2006. Like there's something wrong in her life she's not being upfront about ..... it's very odd and disconcerting.
Cruising through the mountains of Colorado & I had to click through dials to find the next CPR/NPR station with your show yesterday. Well worth it. What a cool and ambitious experiment. I can't wait to read the finale! Let's see... you made it over half a year anon.-- pretty darn good in this cyber world! I once ran into a guy who had an interesting Oprah story... He had gone to a dinner party where she appeared, and then his hosts left him (with wife and perhaps a few others) to eat and hang with O. Seems she never gets to spend any time with "real people". He said she was sad that she couldn't shake hands with people after the show anymore, because people would always want/need something... pass her notes, etc. And she really did miss connecting with regular people. ---Ever since I heard the story, I felt a bit sorry for her. Life is tough in a fish bowl... no matter how big it is, if enough people are surrounding you. Hope you fare better and wish you much luck!
Tom B. - Oprah is long past being able to accept criticism from her peers, since she has no peer anymore. Remember when she praised Dr. Phil for giving it to her straight? There's no way she would allow a Dr. Phil into her life at this point. I believe this is why the shows have become so hard to watch, with the blatant consumerism, voyeuristic emotionalism. I feel the kool-aid made Oprah believe that it's true what the megachurch preachers say - if you are saved, God will reward you materially. There's nothing else to strive for spiritually.
I heard about you as I was getting out of the car at Kroger and thought you were completely off your rocker, so did my son. I'm glad I was wrong and that you aren't as wacked out as I thought. I don't watch Oprah anymore becuase I just got bored with her and her candles and affirmations. How goes the money tally? Is it posted? Broken down by category? Good luck and take a nice trip to the store to cook whatever you want on January 2. (I assume January 1 is recovery/deOprahfication day.)
Wowza! I've been reading this blog for several weeks, and enjoying the thought provoking discussions on it. I am shocked to see so many replies today and so many votes on the polls. I guess the ATC interview is responsible (to blame?). I wonder how all the extra comments, and replying to them, have affected your project? You don't have to answer LOL.
Woman Wearing Shorts In Texas
Loved your interview on ATC. Found your blog through the show and if possible, it would be great to see somewhere an overview of the "assignments" and the list of recommended things to buy in one entry/place.
dreaming in colors: It broke my heart when she was like a "daughter" to Maya Angelo even though there were millions of us who knew and read Maya before Oprah was out of grade school.
I love Oprah and it doesn't bother me when other people don't.
But I find it very interesting that you say that "millions of us knew and read Maya before Oprah was out of grade school."
Maya Angelou's first book (I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings) was released in 1970 when Oprah was 16.
I'm just sayin...
I just so happened to turn on NPR a minute before your interview. I had no idea anyone was doing what you are. It's absolutely fascinating. Now I'm hooked although I've never even watched Oprah. Good Luck!
ce
ce, i love that you love the project even though you don't watch oprah. please come back - i think your perspective is really important because you'll have a totally different viewpoint on these topics!
geckoverde, i like that you reminded us here that her life isn't easy and sounds pretty lonely. i think we can forget that she can use compassion, too. she has so much power, she's rarely looked at as "wanting"
bt - my new favorite phrase is "driveway moment." may i borrow it?
d2 - awesome! i'm thrilled you've been with us since the very beginning. one of my favorite parts of this project is the community on this blog. i am so grateful for you guys. that might sound cheesy, but i'm being totally honest.
yeah ted, 30 days? HA! maybe i should challenge him to a duel. (or maybe he's WAYYYY smarter than me in not commit that much of his life away!)
dawn-michelle, i KNOW! isn't it crazy? my teenie tiny little project expanded rather quickly! oh, aren't you smart, playing by my rules to get me to apply to get on the show?! pretty sneaky sis. i think i need to NOT be on the show until the project ends, but i will be really open at the very end of the year, perhaps? can you wait a few months?? :)
jen! fabulous! and i'm so glad your husband mentioned it. clearly, this is a project with more female interest, but i really want guys to chime in, too.
laurajeanette, thank you so much for your advice - you kind of hit the target on the bullseye - i've been worrying about being misinterpreted. you are very wise - i should probably just let control of that. girl, you already have me figured out!
nurse jen, i read your comment over and over again because i loved it so much. please come back. please comment again. you're so funny.
shoegirl, i have a couple friends who keep imitating the "ooohhh noooo" - they said it spoke a thousand words.
ellingzine, wow! awesome! thanks for letting me know this.
jenn_ky, as usual, i love seeing your comments. i love TAFNALO (the artist formerly known as LO). i mean, i'm not going to rush out and get it tatooed on my lower back or anything...but i'll consider it.
lisa, i really do hear you on what you felt was missing from the interview. i'll tell you what. i'm going to think a lot about this over the weekend and post about it next week. you've kicked me in the butt to address this online.
betsyradish - "don't stress" is totally going on my vision board
libby, i am a big old knitter and loved checking out your blog! thanks for the link! xo
yo Tom. i can assure you this project is not at all about trying to become just like oprah. girl scout's honor (actually, i only made it to brownie)
hee hee - and MTV, i can't even imagine you have a real name, either. that's so funny. thank you so much for your support during this project. you've been awesome and i don't even know who the heck you are. (my mom marvels over this, btw).
anon, i do think we need less yappin' and more action - this is why i'm doing this, actually. i was tired of hearing myself complain and felt like i needed to do some information gathering. but, i do want to challenge you on something...i think advertising DOES sway folks or else it would be a GAZILLION dollar industry. but i think we should feel empowered to turn our backs on it.
kate, i love that you added to the metaphor. brill. now, please bake me something...
kate (are you the same kate, or a different kate?) - i agree. she doesn't seem well. i do hope she's all right. money certainly can't buy health.
paula - keep an eye out next week...i've been thinking a lot about the voyeurism aspect to the Oprah show and will be posting about it next week. your insight and opinions will be really valuable - please chime in...
nike, this was my husband's favorite comment - he loved that you thought i was "wacked" - he laughed and laughed. your comment is great and i'm glad my blog redeemed the project in your eyes!
yo Texas! yes. yes. it's going to be a stretch. i don't know if i'll be able to keep up. but i'd like to try!
sabrina-you got it girl. as soon as i move to the new blog server, i'm totally adding an assignment page. i think you all will get a big kick out of it.
nichelle, thanks for the comment and research.
ok guys, my eyes are burning. i'm going to bed.
xoLO
Holy moly Batman - tons of comments!! Fantastic. And ironically, you may be related to Batman...you know, the whole Robyn (Bruce Wayne) by day/LO (Batman) by night thing :)
Hi-
Interesting project, but to be honest you seem like a cynical person. It seems hypocritical to me that you are seeking fame yourself yet criticizing how fame has affected Oprah. That's messed up. And I'm sticking to MY "anonymous policy" even though you didn't when fame came a callin'.
Oh Anon, just stop.
Heard the announcement re your ATC interview while--you guessed it--just pulling into my driveway, but it was important enough to me to look it up and listen to it on the website. I think you're doing a fascinating thing--wish I had been creative enough to think of it! I am writing primarily to respond to your question about Oprah's "inserting" herself into things a bit too much. I felt this so strongly a while back that I actually swore off her, her show, etc. for awhile, but have since decided that her virtues outweight her flaws. Anyway, the time I was so outraged was when she was doing her show(s) on her trip to Africa (before she started her school). It seemed like at least 50% of the comments were about the times she cried or other varieties of her reactions to conditions rather than the conditions themselves. During those shows I really felt she had finally let her ego take charge and was pretty disgusted. On the other hand, if you've accomplished what Oprah has, isn't it some sort of a miracle that she keeps her ego in check as much as she does? So I guess that's where I am w/ Oprah...ambivalent!!! I mostly admire her but, like the rest of us, she sometimes succumbs to the flaws of being a real human being. After all is said and done thought, I think she has done far more good for the public than she has done any harm. Another time I cringe is w/ the Oprah's Favorite Things shows--the frenzy of materialism just really turns my stomach. Sorry...this is a very disorganized response...but you now have one more reader of your blog (actually, I'm sure the NPR interview--whether you had to give your anonymity or not--will bring you lots more readers).
Jax, Very timely, pop-culture-wise, on that Batman comment. Isn't your finger on the pulse of entertainment!? Oh and hey - thanks for covering my back there... I appreciate it!
Anon, I think NPR would be thrilled hear they are now considered part of the "fame" machine.
And to the second Anonymous commenter, I have nothing to say because you've hit the nail on the head about how I feel about almost each and every one of these issues. I am thrilled to hear about your Driveway Moment!! HAHA!
Take care everyone!
Best,
LO
no need to respond anymore,though I appreciate your response... there's no way you'll be able to answer everyone now that you are a household word. Any day now YOU'LL be the one tellin me what kind of cocktail napkin would be appropriate... I'm finding the posts, especially the anonymous ones to be even more hilarious than the project. See what I mean about people being embarrassed FOR you? Ha! so far, the most interesting respondants are the ones who feel the need to protect the big O...worried that "the little people" like us will somehow offend her, or tarnish her image, ( I think there's something about this in the Bible...just substitute the word "Oprah" for "Jesus" or "God" and you'll see what I mean) I do it all the time, s'really fun. I actually bought two women's magazines today and plan to spend my weekend at once feeling inferior, fat, poor, ugly, and like a failure then inspired, spiritual, hip, trendy, and in touch with my spiritual nature. have a wonderful time this weekend, keep up the good work, and as a nurse, I must say, don't exhaust yourself. Bye.
I heard the interview on NPR as well and came to check your blog out - will be checking it regularly and shared the link with my friends, who range from "love Oprah would lick her feets" to "cannot stand that ho anymore".
I used to watch her regularly when I was a SAHM, stopped when I went back to work, and a few years ago, began recording her shows while at work and watching them later to try and recapture a show I had loved.
Was really surprised at the change. Not sure how to even describe how I perceived the change after a 10 year lag. It was as if so many of the topics that interested me, as well as some of the warmth, had gone. Replaced by a show that sought to teach me to be a better person in her eyes.
I have a great admiration for all she's done in her life and her success. However, I absolutely cannot stand to watch her interview ANYONE anymore. The experts are just verb candy for her - they need not be there. She is the expert and one word from them just launches her into her own diatribe.
Same with her subjects. The subjects begin to describe their experience (whatever it is) only to be interrupted as she superimposes her own translation of what she imagines they are about to say.
I get nothing from her interviews other than the desire to politely ask her to please let someone finish their sentence, their story, their train of thought. That the interview is supposed to be about them, and not about her.
It soured the entire show for me and I could care less about what she thinks I cannot live without, because she can't even let me get wrapped up in her interviews.
Anyway, keep it up and I'd really love to see ongoing lists as to what you've done/are doing to complete this project.
nursejen, i always enjoy reading your comments. i frequently get emails from people furious with me for "attacking" oprah. i don't think they've read very much of the site, clearly. how'd the fashion mags leave you on the self-esteem-o-meter? :)
anon, GREAT comment. very funny too, regarding the range of oprah-loving/oprah-hating friends you have. i frequently feel as you do - as if i can't fully invest myself in the emotional story of her guests when she/and her producers are so tightly orchestrating the show.
have a lovely evening!
all the best,
LO
Thanks for the response! But I can't claim the phrase "driveway moment"...I got it from one of the NPR fund drives, so feel free to use it, I did!
I am telling all my friends about your blog...keep it up!
I'm loving your blog so much! I'm late to the chime in comments on this one, but wanted to add that if really like Christiane Northrup, you will love reading the articles on Womentowomen.com -- website for the holistic women's health clinic Northrup founded in Maine. If Oprah wanted to create an empowering medical practice, this would be it! I'm having fun reading your other entries, but just wanted to add that note because I always love running across fellow Northrup fans.
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