One of the few instances when Britney Spears is not the right answer
About a week and a half ago I got an email from a producer at CNN asking if I'd like to participate in a round table discussion in New York City about Time Magazine's person of the year. But of course, I said, as who in their right mind would refuse a free trip to what many consider to be the world's most exciting city, the place where anything is possible, or at least mostly possible, as long as you are willing to tip well. They were going to fly me out, hook me up with a nice hotel, and then fly me back whenever I was done having fun in the city. But the catch was that I would have to open my mouth and pretend like I have any business whatsoever giving an opinion on something like this. Because let's be serious here, if you have ever read a word of this website you might have the impression that I think Access Hollywood is serious journalism. And you'd be very correct.
I told a few friends before I left what I was doing, and invariably their responses were the same: CNN HAS LOST ITS MIND. And I agreed. I did several Google searches on Heather Armstrong to see if there was an intelligent and articulate political blogger whom they may have gotten me confused with, but all I could find was a lovely real estate agent in Arizona who has my name. I thought about calling her up and asking if she had an opinion on this, on who had the most influence on the media in this country over the last year, and if she said anything other than Britney Spears I would steal her answer and claim it as my own. If she said Britney Spears? Then I would invite her over for dinner.
The thing about 2006, though, is that there really isn't a clear and fast answer to this question. Everyone I asked had a hard time coming up with even one candidate, so I figured that the odds of something totally outrageous coming out of my mouth were very slim. Ah, but do I ever underestimate my own stupidity, and instead of concentrating on the "who" part of the answer I should have maybe studied up on how to talk in coherent sentences. And this is why I like to hide behind the computer, because here I can go back and re-read a thought I have written down and fix it so that it doesn't say, "The change that we're going toward into for that and everything," a sentence I said out loud on Friday morning while staring directly into a camera.
Before I go any further, I should probably talk about how intimidated I felt by the city of New York itself, a feeling that was totally unexpected. I have been to New York three times in the past, and I can see exactly why it is a perfect place to live out your dreams if you're an ambitious, single 20-something who has life by the balls. There are so many people living there, a literal ocean of humans, and the simplest task requires so much maneuvering. Because of this I think people who live there have learned how to channel an incredible amount of energy and maintain that output at a level much higher than your average human being. It's like, if you can survive a day in New York City, you're well on your way to conquering the world.
But I am no longer a single 22-year-old whose only major responsibility in life is making sure that I pay the rent on time, and even though I was alone on this trip I could not turn off the parent inside me. And I was completely overwhelmed with the idea that people have children in that city, that they have to push strollers on those sidewalks and down the stairs to the subway, that they have to carry those children up and down four flights every time they leave the apartment. The intricacies of day-to-day life with children in that city must feel like an hourly marathon, a race that does not ever end. I have never been more aware of the luxury it is to be able to get into my car and drive to the grocery store, or of the fact that I am a total pussy.
I have also never felt so suburban and quaint, especially when I shook the hand of Soledad O'Brien who moderated the discussion. That woman walked into the studio, and I kid you not, there was a glowing aura around her body, and it was filled with dancing leprechauns and fairies. She was exquisite in every conceivable way, perfect hair and make-up and wardrobe, and when she greeted everyone and made small talk I got the sense that her brain was wired to a digital encyclopedia of everything that has ever happened on Earth, because she spoke with authority on every topic. I know that what I am about to say is going to give my mother a heart attack, but I can't think of a better way to sum up the other-worldliness of Soledad: that woman does not take shits. No way.
So there I am, Gap sweater and khakis that I bought on clearance, and shoes I got two-for-one at Mervyns, and even though my hair and make-up had been crafted by a professional, I felt like a five foot eleven inch thumb. It did not help that the other people who had been invited to the discussion were all male political bloggers, one of whom is currently working on his Ph.D. at Harvard. Where did I go to college? An institution whose administration was so offended by the nudity contained in some of Rodin's finest sculptures that they stuck The Kiss in a dark basement and refused to allow their students to see it. You could say that my education was robust.
Ultimately the hour-long discussion was not all that painful, although there were several moments when I could feel my heart beating in my throat because I thought Soledad was going to turn to me and ask what I thought about the suggestion that Kim Jong Il be person of the year. Ummmmmmm... He's a bad man! Very bad! With much badness! My instinct would have been to frown like a very sad circus clown and boo. And maybe hiss. And then sink to the floor and crawl under my chair.
Who did I say? Well, technically it was a discussion about many people, and one of my answers was apparently so awful that Soledad looked right at me and said, "What?! Do you really think that?" And I defended myself pretty well, although my insides were screaming like a pig whose head has just been severed from its body. I will tell you that I did not say Britney Spears, although her name was brought up by someone else and that was the only time you could see fire under my ass. I even interrupted the conversation at that point to say, "I've got dibs!"
The 5-8 minute package will run as part of a larger program toward the end of the year. Once I know exactly when it will air I'll pass along that info. In the meantime, I'd love to know who you would have chosen, and why. And what you would have worn.
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Heather talks about public tantrums (from kids) on today's Momversation.
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- Hugs and kisses to you, too! RT: @Monkey_Tree: @dooce he probably committed suicide because he was tired of LISTENING TO YOU WHINE.
- Our fish just died. And I'm sitting here crying. And it wasn't even my fault!
1. SaraSue said:
Yikes! What a hot seat you were in, Mrs. Armstrong! I'm pretty sure I would have gone with Stephen Colbert! As for what I'd have worn...mmmm...NYC shopping!
Can't wait to see the interview!~
2. uppahand said:
Emmit Smith.
3. sasha said:
This is Sacha Baron Cohen's year. I have tremendous admiration for his capacity to navigate the very edge of humor, journalism, and pissing people off.
As for what to wear...I'm sure I would have concocted some version of my "uniform"...long flowy skirt (conceals my train-wreck-postpartum legs!) and layers of hippie goodness up top.
4. Mike Driehorst said:
"It did not help that the other people who had been invited to the discussion were all male political bloggers, one of whom is currently working on his Ph.D. at Harvard."
Well, that's why CNN invited you, Ms. Armstrong: To give some sort of reasonable, common-sense, Utah/Morman/S Cal/liberal balance!
With your comment about Ms. O'Brien's "What?" response to you, can't wait to see what you actually said.
-- Mike
(who is glad that your current whims are allowing comments!)
5. Urs said:
i would have said barack obama because he's just so
i would have worn a black, sleevless turtleneck and a nude pencil skirt with killer heels.
6. Jill Shalvis said:
As a novelist, all my clothes are sweats, so I'd have had an anxiety attack about the clothes alone. And since I have the fashion sense of a gnat, I'd have run to Target and hoped for the best.
Oh, and my vote? For Heather Armstrong.
7. faustina said:
I can't wait to see it! I would be that nervous too, but what an amazing opportunity.
I would say Ellen DeGeneres - I don't know that she has done anything special this year opposed to others, but I know of no one who honestly just tries to make people happy and forget about all the crap that goes on every day in our world. I think she's great.
8. mania72 said:
No matter what I wore, or what genious person I thought to nominate... I would have sat in the room assuming I was the least informed, least fashionable, (and fattest) person there.
Now I need to go call my therapist.
9. jeffeners said:
Can I vote for a people instead of a person? I'd nominate the Amish folks whose daughters were murdered recently. In a time when organized religion has shown itself to be the divisive and oppressive force that it is, these people showed all that is divine in people (thanks, Tom Robbins).
10. DDM said:
I don't know who I would have chosen. At all. But I would have worn my Gap Outlet army green cords and black wool cable knit sweater with black slip on shoes. All purchased on clearance. Because it's the only real ensemble I own that isn't track pants and a hoodie.
Can't wait to see the piece!
11. sarahekite said:
Booing? Hissing? Sounds like a typical New York day.
And you're right. Soledad O'Brien does not shit...ever.
12. Kevin Worthington said:
K-Fed. No question.
13. faustina said:
ah, I second Urs in Barack Obama
14. Teachbroeck said:
Robin Williams
A hooded sweatshirt from my school!
15. typingelbow said:
i think the stroller moms here map out exactly which subway stops offer elevator service. can't wait to see your TV spot!
16. FeelinFroggy said:
I had dream that when you came back from Chicago (I'm not sure why you were in Chicago), that you told Jon that you wanted to move there and he said okay. SO you are moving to Chicago, because Oprah needs someone new to latch onto. Maybe you could sit in on her interview with Britney Spears.
17. Deb Sawyer said:
The girl in this news story should be person of the year:
http://www.komotv.com/news/4616302.html
The only thing I can tell you about what I would wear is that I'm sure I would end up hating it.
18. bonkersmomof4 said:
I could not even believe that Kim Jong Ill will was on the list! Very very bad evil man! Wow.
Can't imagine what I would wear or who I would vote for, and I'm sure that I would also be the worst informed, fattest person there, which would pretty much keep me from saying anything.
But I can't wait to see it!
19. juliet said:
none of those people nominated are pretty so i can't possibly make an educated choice.
but, I know that the one choosen will probably be nancy pelosi because she's going to be the next president.
20. lawyerish said:
I can confirm that living in Manhattan takes a lot of energy, although it is definitely more draining to be a visitor here than it is to live here. Keep in mind that the people who live here mostly reside on quiet residential streets, not in the frenzy of midtown, and some of us (thankfully) have elevators. To be honest, I think I have become fundamentally lazier having been here for almost ten years, because there's a grocery store, a drug store, a deli, and a dry cleaner within fifty yards of my front door, and within a couple of blocks there's a subway stop, a florist, a pet store, blah blah - you get my point. The thought of having to drive for twenty minutes just to pick up a Diet Coke? No. I would kill myself.
As for your question, maybe GWB (stay with me! stay with me!), simply because he has made things bad enough for the Democrats to regain control of Congress. And undoubtedly he's paving the way for a Dem to win the next presidential election. So, thanks, George. Thanks for making everything totally suck.
I'd have worn my black Theory suit, but I have no doubt that if I'd been invited to some bigwig panel, whatever I wore would get spilled on or the pants would split the moment I walked on-set. Because that's my life.
21. katieaubergine said:
Person of the year? Yikes. No idea. And I don't like any of their choices.
As for what I would have worn? Probably a similar outfit. And I would have felt like a thumb, too. And, I also have no idea how people live in NYC and raise children. I get a little panic attack just thinking about riding NYC subway's with a stroller.
22. itstara3 said:
Hmmm. I still like the Britney Spears idea. I think it would have been great, in light of her recent announcement that she is divorcing that loser (finally--I think she has some sense now!)
23. Megan said:
Dooce, I'm thinkin' you were a breath of fresh air in that room.
I'm way out of the loop where I'm living right now, but if memory serves Person of the Year is supposed to be the most influential, not the most popular right? Hitler got this title from Time magazine and I think he was already doing dastardly deeds. So going on that rule, what about that nut in Iran (or the other in N. Korea).
(Gulp) or Rumsfeld?? But please... not Tom Cruise.
As for the outfit, I would have gone Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face. New Gap skinny black pants and a sweater, serious hair, slightly flirty make-up. I'd make those pro make up people prove their salt!
24. ketty said:
Clearly you should have worn a Prada shirt, Manolo shoes, a Marni coat, carried a Chanel bag and finished it off with pants from Target, cause it is just SO cool to mix and match with the big stores. Didn't you get the memo?
25. Allison said:
Hmm...person of the year? I'm not sure...Bono and all of the other philanthropic people trying to save the world one Gap t-shirt at a time? Definitely not George W.
I do know what I would have worn: black, black, black. Black turtleneck, khaki-colored dress pants and black pointy toe shoes. I'm sure this O'Brien woman's ensemble would have made me feel incredibly ratty, but at least the black is slimming!
Can't wait until the piece airs, so we can hear more about the conversation we won't see on CNN.
26. Megan said:
Dooce, I'm thinkin' you were a breath of fresh air in that room.
I'm way out of the loop where I'm living right now, but if memory serves Person of the Year is supposed to be the most influential, not the most popular right? Hitler got this title from Time magazine and I think he was already doing dastardly deeds. So going on that rule, what about that nut in Iran (or the other in N. Korea)?
As for the outfit, I would have gone Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face. New Gap skinny black pants and a sweater, serious hair, slightly flirty make-up. But something subtley dangerous like a tiny handgun or switchblade charm around my neck, or baby teeth earrings. Just those those guys think twice about putting me down. Something that says 'maybe I know how red your blood can run', just to keep 'em on their toes.
27. mrsjcatalano said:
I would say Steve Carell. He has changed my life a million times for the better with The Office alone, reaffirming my faith in comedy television.
And I probably would have worn a tuxedo t shirt.
28. Madame M. said:
Since you asked--
Person of the year? The Power-Player Blogger (that's right: with caps). I think the Blogger is slowly changing the face of America, one goofy and/or well-crafted post at a time. Then again, there is The Celebrity Mom-- because man do they waste ink on all of them (not just Britney).
What to wear-- They spring for hotel and transportation but no wardrobe? Cheap fucking bastards they are. You can never go wrong with crisp white linen shirts, though, or a nice cashmere sweater and wool pants with flats. And pretty flats in a jewel tone.... mmm... shoes.
29. mrsjcatalano said:
OR!!
this guy:
http://cjcphoto.com/can/
30. booger said:
I think the youtube guys should get it. They're changing the face of the internet, you know.
And I mean, aside from the internet.. is there really anything else to care about?
31. tracythompson said:
First of all, when you go to New York, you wear black. I am surprised you did not know this. This is because everybody in New York belongs to the same religious cult, no matter what their "front" religious affiliation is.
Second: Person of the year? Would be Donald Rumsfeld. Though personally I would prefer that it be called Asshole of the Year.
32. Heather Barmore said:
Apropos of recent events, a politician. Nancy Pelosi? Howard Dean? I also bleed blue, so I might be a little biased. But she will be the first female Speaker of the House and it was because of his 50 state strategy that the Democrats did so well for these Midterms.
Who knows what I would have worn though. Probably a skirt and shirt? I did just purchase some kick ass heels, so probably those as well.
Do they give you a list to choose from? Or do you all sit around and brain storm then they go from there?
33. DinerGirl said:
Person of the Year? I would have suggested someone in the embryonic stem cell research field -- Michael J. Fox or Sean Tipton (the guy who got the legislation through the House and Senate this summer).
And, I would've worn what I wear anytime I've ever had to do on-camera work: black pants, a long-sleeved, three-quarter sleeve black or brown v-neck tight cashmere sweater with great earrings and a good blow-out.
34. leonie said:
"stephen colbert" was the first thought I had when i read "person of the year".
I'm not sure how i feel about that.
35. tracythompson said:
First of all, when you go to New York, you wear black. I am surprised you did not know this. This is because everybody in New York belongs to the same religious cult, no matter what their "front" religious affiliation is, and black is their color.
Second: The Person of the Year would be Donald Rumsfeld. Though personally I would prefer that it be called Asshole of the Year. Actually, after Rumsfeld I think they could retire the title.
36. TarainHaiti said:
Hummm ... not sure what I would wear, but just having some professional do my hair and makeup would be enough to get me to appear.
Steve Irwin. That is the vote of my children.
Although, the Steve Carell vote is good too.
Also, going to NYC alone -- not for me. I used to travel for work and had to be in Green Bay, WI, Lincoln, NE and Sioux Falls, SD and *that* made me cry for my husband and kids. If I ever get to go to NYC it won't be alone.... unless someone is going to do my hair and make-up.
37. tracythompson said:
First of all, when you go to New York, you wear black. I am surprised you did not know this. This is because everybody in New York belongs to the same religious cult, no matter what their "front" religious affiliation is, and black is their color. I'm a Southern Fundamentalist and I grew up under a ROCK and I know this.
Second: The Person of the Year would be Donald Rumsfeld. Though personally I would prefer that it be called Asshole of the Year. Actually, after Rumsfeld I think they could retire the title.
38. jamie said:
I think Soledad O'Brien should be person of the year. Did you read her freakin' bio on CNN.com?
If she does takes shits, she probably poops out golden vials full of the cure for cancer and Cadbury Mini Eggs.
39. Kelsey said:
Well I couldn't help much with the wardrobe, I have a hard time dressing up enough to have lunch at Bob Evans. And how about Elmo for person of the year? He's gotten our family through some tough times, and he could probably handle that whole Middle East situation with a few crayons and everyone singing the peace song, "Peace peace peace, peace peace peace. . . " Man, I need to get out of the house! (Apparently to shop, and then read a newspaper.)
40. Mish said:
When I started reading this, there were only 13 comments - wow - . I would have worn below the knee boots, pencil skirt, cashmere sweater and a killer scarf. Person of the year - I really like the idea of the Amish People...then Barack....or...Angelina Jolie :O
41. kristin said:
I was just in NYC this weekend and I noticed all the 20-30somethings are wearing jeans tucked into killer boots. I like the look, but am too scared to attempt it. Living in a suburb in central Jersey, the NYC look doesn't often translate well here.
Anyway. I would have to agree with the poster who suggested the PA Amish community for people of the year.
42. Aunt Kitty said:
Howard Dean. In 2004 the guy had endure the whole scream catastrophe. I think he's been doing better as behind the scenes guy. (Maybe Dooce can relate to this?) As chairman of the DNC he had a major role in turning around the House and Senate. Yay!
I probably would have worn one of my usual outfits bought at Target accented with tiny hairs from each of my four cats. Yes, they still manage to appear even after I wash my clothes.
43. Angela said:
Angelina Jolie, for all the obvious reasons. Her work with the U.N., refugees, AIDS. Being a role model for young woman by doing all these things. Adopting and having a baby within 12 months of eachother, and looking perfect for photos the whole damn time. Not to mention she is coupled with one of the most handsome men on the planet.
44. AmyFrances said:
A few years back, I think the "Person of the Year" was the American soldier. I think this year should be the Republican. I mean, it's not like an honor or something, from what I understand. It's like who was the most visible this year, right? And between causing a near-revolution in the Latino community, being caught fucking with high school boys and then trying to hide it, and essentially sending the world to hell in a handbasket, the Republicans take the cake.
I would have worn my Limited suit that I bought on store credit (read - 18% interest) as a gift to myself for graduation, the sleeves of which are way too long, but I would have made it work.
xoxoxox
45. Mo said:
I don't see what would be wrong with your tabbing Britney. After all, this year she's become a real mother and sent K-Fed packing.
Who would I pick? No clue. I'd probably bust out with something inappropriate like "Weird Al" Yankovic. But I'd have worn a dapper suit and tie and felt WAY overdressed, like usual.
46. Angela said:
Oh, and Uppahand said Emmit Smith and then didn't give reason why...So I am going to say my reason for not picking him. Did anyone see him on Jay Leno the other night. He was totally gay bashing. Making an ignorant ass of your self on T.V. is a pretty damn good reason for Not being Person on the Year.
47. jennifer said:
Britney Spears and whatever Soledad was wearing.
48. Chantel said:
There are few people who can claim to have such influence that can represent an entire population. There will always be someone out there who hates, loves or feel indifferent to them. Of course, who ever they are they're children will always think they are idiots.
I hope that fewer hollywood start were discussed and real candidates that actually have the power and the brains to change policy, affect change and lead people toward the better good were discussed. This is my only hope for this conversation. However, I would have said several stupid things on purpose just to see if Soledad could shit.
I'm sure you looked fabulous and I can't wait to see it.
49. jdeckard said:
I am no longer 22 and single either so I guess that'd explain why I can't wait to move out of the City. New York is great for two things- making exhorbant amounts of money (if that is all you want to do) and learning how to market yourself All The Time. Don't get me wrong. I love this city in many ways... although none of them are coming to me right now.
So, did you do the interview in the Glimmering Monolith that is the Time Warner Building? I can't afford anything upstairs from Whole Foods, which is appropriately positioned in the basement.
Being a veteran Dooce.com reader, it was strange to see your photograph of Central Park as I walk that exact route every day to/from work. Good day to see the park.
50. Tiggerlane said:
Ditto on Soledad. Remember when she was pregnant? She was as perky and beautiful as ever. I'll bet her baby even came out of the womb squeaky clean, and her placenta didn't so much as drip on the delivery table.
As for attire? Black. All the way. With a little black tank underneath the jacket and a black lacey push-up bra to throw a little cleavage into the mix. Plus, some nice 4-inch black heels. Who gives a shit about a Ph.D., when you've got Miss Hot Blogger up there in F*** Me Shoes?? Besides, you would most certainly tower over Soledad, thereby raising your confidence level.
Person of the Year is tough. Gotta give SOME kinda props to Hugo Chavez for his "smell of sulphur" speech at the U.N. (referring to W's odor of evil).
However, even though he's not an official candidate, I'm with Urs on Barack Obama.
51. Lizzy said:
I am so clothing diabled, I don't know what I would have worn...guess my blue jeans and sweater wouldn't have been appropriate.
I would nominate......
S.R. Sidarth, the smart, native Virginian and UVa student whose presence at a George Allen rally prompted Allen (born in California I might add) to welcome "Macacca" to the state of Virginia. Allen's racist remark set in motion his eventual fall from grace and contributed to his loss in the race for the U.S. Senate, a Senate now controlled by the Democrats.
52. chortles said:
Whelp, GWB has already won (in 2004) as has Bono (2005). I recall being indignant when Dubya was selected, but there's no doubt he's =influential=. And you gotta say, Kim Jong Il has big brass ones that clang together when he walks. So he =could= be it, although that would make all the red states hopping mad, I suspect.
Perhaps Al Gore, for his movie? Since they're into combos, I suspect they'll do Jon Stewart + Stephen Colbert.
53. brie said:
While watching "When the Levees Broke" I wanted to reach into my television and kiss Soledad O'Brien on the lips and thank her for being a smart, articulate woman. Believe me, if I were you, I would have swallowed a handful of Immodium before meeting her. What could possibly be more embarassing than shitting your pants in front of she who does not take shits.
I'm Canadian, but I think that Nancy Pelosi would be a great candidate for Person of the Year. Keep in mind I'm not from the US, so maybe I am totally wrong, but I think she's gonna make some big things happen. Other people that I think deserve the presigious honor include Stephen Colbert, Steve Carrell, Tina Fey and Amy Sedaris. And Sacha Baron Cohen!
I would have also worn clothes from the Gap outlet. I most certainly would have worn my green and white polka dot skirt. There is no shame in shopping at the Gap outlet!
54. deannie said:
Shoot, I only wear what feels comfortable that day!! One never really knows if you are going to be bloated till it just happens. So, I have a favorite pair of charcoal wool trousers that go with anything that I wear pretty much A LOT.
And yes, the Amish people of Pennsylvania immediately came to mind without any hesitation.
55. andy b said:
I would have suggested Warren Buffet.
Black suit, pumpkin shirt w/ a coordinated tie...that is my sole style.
BTW, I would have picked Buffet for donating all of his money to the Gates Foundation. Here is a guy that has huge bucks, yet is still married to his first wife (who agreed to marry him when he had nothing) and lives in a three bedroom ranch that he bought in 1960 something.
56. iamjenlindsey said:
my vote is dooce...because i have developed a secret internet crush on you. now its not a secret. dang!
57. Stepha1202 said:
Um, wow, I cannot imagine being asked to discuss this on the t.v. Hmmmm, maybe Al Gore (whom I affectionately call The Gore) because 1) he really knows his stuff about the environment and I'm convinced that many, many years from now people will look back and see him as the catalyst that saved us generations from global warming and 2) because he went out and got some personality and charisma. It would have been difficult to resist saying Stephen Colbert, too- funniest ball-smacker ever. E.V.E.R.
58. Prozac-Mommy said:
I vote that NO ONE is the person of the year!
Tell the world that NO ONE has done anything worthy this year...."kick it in the ass if you want someone listed for next year! You Lazy Bastards!"
59. greenpeas said:
Warren Buffet
Self made.
Could be grand & ostentatious, but isn’t.
Amasses a great fortune, then asks someone else to do something with it. (BEFORE his death mind you.)
60. Stepha1202 said:
Um, wow, I cannot imagine being asked to discuss this on the t.v. Hmmmm, maybe Al Gore (whom I affectionately call The Gore) because 1) he really knows his stuff about the environment and I'm convinced that many, many years from now people will look back and see him as the catalyst that saved generations from global warming and 2) because he went out and got some personality and charisma. It would have been difficult to resist saying Stephen Colbert, too- funniest ball-smacker ever. E.V.E.R.
61. Dawn Coyote said:
Jimmy Wales - founder of Wikipedia.
Black pants, grey turtleneck, big earrings.
62. chrissyg said:
Maybe Al Gore? An Inconvenient Truth was a really good movie, and every time it plays at out local rep cinema there is a line up. So, um, lots of people have seen it. And liked it and talk about it.
I'd wear a blouse with sweater over top and dress pants, and my Payless loafers. Oh, just like today and each and every day I come to work and pretend I am a grown-up.
63. Apot said:
Are you sure you didn't get lost on the way to VH1's Best Week Ever? 'Cause that there is prime Britney country.
64. iamjenlindsey said:
oh, and i would have worn a hoodie, to cover my bashful red-hot face while admitting it.
65. Littlehoney said:
I would have went for Nancy Pelosi too, I think.
And I second, third, etc. the BLACK idea. And layers. And great heels.
66. conebaby said:
Michael Franti of Spearhead.
He's the smartest guy you've never heard of and Spearhead is the best group you aren't listening to.
OR
Lindsay Lohan
67. cindy said:
The people of America - for voting Democrats into power, for giving America hope again, and for showing the rest of the world that we are not behind that horse's ass GWB.
68. Edub said:
I'm fresh out of people of the year, but I can confirm one thing for you...
Living in NYC with a toddler (and hugely pregnant with a sibling) sucks on a scale immeasurable by suburban standards. The one upside? Grocery delivery.
69. conebaby said:
Oh, and I would wear my favorite gray wool cable knit sweater with a scarf and black pants.
70. smoness said:
Off the top of my head? Angelina Jolie. Though given some time to really think about it I'm sure I'd come up with a pretty significant list and be in the same spot you were in...
...And I would totally wear all black. You just can't go wrong with black.
71. chrissyg said:
I know who I DON'T want to get person of the year...
Bono
Angelina Jolie
Madonna
Mel Gibson
but please please, not Bono.
72. pmlundg said:
Not everyone in NY wears black. Last time I wore jeans, a button up, and a sweater. All of them had color. And if you made it to any of the fun bars in the village you'd have seen everyone in jeans as well. So jeans, shirt, and jacket for Soledad. For Larry King I'd have added a scarf or ascot.
As for the person of the year I'd have said something stupid like Star Jones, but I'd really have meant the Gates Family, or Bill Clinton for making that bone-head reporter from fox look stupid. It made me all warm inside.
73. Julia said:
First of all, I am sorry but I do not know who Soledad O'Brien is. But she certainly does look perfect in her photo at her entry at Wikipedia.
Secondly, when I read this: "It did not help that the other people who had been invited to the discussion were all male political bloggers, one of whom is currently working on his Ph.D. at Harvard." -- my first thought was -- "Legally Blonde"! I love the scene where the first year law students are sitting on the lawn talking about their achievements before they got to Harvard law school. "De-worming orphans" and "good times". Cracks me up every time.
Thirdly, for person of the year, what about Carsten Juste, the editor of the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Poste, who published those cartoons about the prophet? It started in 2005 but dragged on into 2006.
As for what to wear, something simple but elegant, sort of Hepburn (Audrey or Katherine). The best I can do is "tailored" but you could pull off a Hepburn.
74. Esmter said:
the whole wardrobe thing would have thrown me for a loop too - especially as the only chick on the panel! as said before, you can't go wrong with a black turtleneck, and some fabulous menswear wide legged trousers and great boots.
person of the year - i thought stephen colbert, then sascha barret cohen - then realized the guy whose opinions and insights i always look forward to are those made by Keith Olbermann. His take on the US and world politics is fascinating.
75. CeruleanBleu said:
ok.. the attire.. I'd definitely go with something that had cleavage, b/c if I sounded like a horse's ass, I'd have an out, and if I sounded brilliant, I'd come off as super intelligent CIA material (not really, but it sounds good...)...
As for P.O.T.Y..., let's see... Simply because they never get enough press and attention, why not go for the double whammy and say Brangelina... I mean, they are as one, right???
anywho, enjoy the posts regularly... keep writing!!!
76. VenturaMom said:
Rep. John Murtha would get my vote. He pushed W hard re: the war in Iraq and helped start the ball rolling for change in both the House & Senate. He is my current "hot old guy politician."
As for clothing...anything that would take 40 pounds off. Maybe a lovely plain chocolate shirt and amazing earrings.
77. Gelfmom said:
Do dogs count as Person of the Year?
I vote for CHUCK!!!
78. joanne said:
Oprah, but I always would say that. I was trying to think of someone who did a lot for Hurricane Katrina victims. I think I'd have worn something close to what you did but I definitely would have worn BLACK.
79. Amy said:
Heather - you have described my life as a mom in NYC. Little things I use to take for granted when I was single suddenly become a true pain in the ass when lugging a 2 year old and all her stuff out the door just go to and play at the park! There are times I'm ready to give it all up to go back to Utah where homes have garages, washers and dryers, and four little steps to the front door. But on the other side, you can order all groceries via Fresh Direct, have food from any restaurant delivered and can always drop off the laundry!
As for person of the year... can't think of anyone. I'm sad about this.
80. Torrie said:
Barack Obama.
81. duchessjane said:
Bono. And then when asked why, I would have yammered on incomprehensibly. But I would have looked smashing in my favorite pair of black Ann Taylor slacks and a sweater that made it appear like I really do have boobs.
82. wrensuicide said:
I can't say who I would have chosen, but I can say I would have worn something that exposed my tattooed cleavage. Soledad O'Brien is spectacular and seems so unflappable I would have done my damndest to try.
83. DravenStele said:
There are so many people to choose from for Person of the Year...
Tom Cruise would have been the most talked about with Suri, TomKat, the killing of his contract, the new contract, the South Park incident, the left over couchiness.
Politically, we were all over the board this year with John Stewart, Obama, Foley, Karl Rove, Cheney shooting some guy, the midterms, heck even the Governator.
Tech-wise, YouTube was probably the biggest, although Xbox 360, Core Duo processors, Mac going the route of Intel chips and the nearness of Vista being released.
Who the heck do you choose from all those and many momre?!
I would choose the cheerleader from Heroes cause, of course, "Save the Cheerleader, Save the World!"
p.s. I would have worn my black Lee Denim Carpenter pants with Harley boots and suede blazer. It's my comfy outfit and, when dealing with CNN and not being able to afford Brooks Brothers or Armani, go comfy!
84. Holy Schmidt! - Melanie said:
I second Obama. The man's got a lot to say and really gets me thinking...And I used to say that I was a die hard Republican.
85. Superkittn said:
I vote for Jon Stewart/Stephen Colbert combo platter. Their incessant mocking of the current administration has effected big change.
As for wardrobe, me thinks a well-tailored black suit with a clevage-buldging blouse. And nice shoes. And tasteful jewelry. And gum.
86. MississippiAnna said:
I would say something deep like "The Blogger," and comment on the number and variety of blogs and how much they define and shape culture and thought, yadda yaddda yadda.
I would wear dark jeans or khakis and a sweater set. I'm from Mississippi, and that would be dressed up enough to me.
87. jawnbc said:
Kim Jong Il, like it/him or lump him/it
You dressed well: what do most of the women you age look like at the local Galleria in SLC?
88. Heather said:
I used to work at Harvard; I can assure you, that the Ph.D. candidate's shit stinks, too.
Anyway, my PotY would be... Cory Booker, the mayor of Newark, NJ. Look him up if you get the chance. He's amazing, and I wish he'd run for president in 2008.
89. RebeccaB said:
Oprah, everyone loves Oprah.
I would have probably spent a week trying to decide what to wear, but would have just put on a button up, blazer, and some cute pants.
wait...what about Tobin Bell? Or Peyton Manning? yep, those are my top 3 contenders.
90. Heather said:
PS -- I was going to say Barack Obama, whom I'm a wee bit obsessed with as of late... but I thought that would be jumping the gun. Here's hoping he's POTY in 2008 after he wins the presidency. ;)
91. flailingmyarms said:
Heather Armstrong. Really, what's the point in going if you can't nominate yourself?
PS: I've also got a defective gene that forbids me from sounding intelligent when speaking on cue. If I could only pause conservation, construct, edit, and re-write pithy sentences for a more scripted me, the world would be a better place.
PPS: I'm sure you were awesome.
92. Urs said:
I might also mention Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad!
I completely agree that he should continue work on enriching uranium. Even though his country supports terrorism why should they be denied the same right that is given to other countries? Who are we to tell others what to do?!
93. JennJenn said:
Two words:
David Hasselhoff
He resurected his career and coined the phrase "Don't Hassle the Hoff!"
Either him or Jake Gyllenhaal because he's so damn dreamy...
94. deborah said:
I'm 35 wks pregnant, live in NYC, and I AM a total pussy. Just wanted to make you aware of that. I have NO idea how I will tote my baby around, fully expect to burst into tears the first time I have to carry the stroller up 2 flights of stairs to get home, and riding the subway these days makes me feel oppressed.
I was recently filmed here for a British TV show, and wore my funkiest Target/Liz Lange maternity top and some black pants. Because black is just SO slimming in the third trimester. If my segment ever airs, I look forward to seeing myself on TV, busting out of this top.
I probably would have gone with Kim Jong Il. I would have gone on and on and on about how wonderful he is, just to watch the cheery discussion come to a grinding halt and Soledad get a deer-in-headlights look in her eyes and the producer wondering how to edit around this...
95. Nifle said:
I think that Bloggers should be the people of the year. Who has dominated the media scene unlike other movement in the last decade but the blogging community. 365 days ago I didn't read a single blog a day on a consistant basis but now I am unable to survive an hour without checking to see if there is a post on Dooce, consumerist or Gawker. Those are my main sources of entertainment, information and connection with world.
I am able to get insight to many trains of thought in a short span of time, judging if the information presented is going to influence me or if I am going to disregard it as webfluff or ranting.
So, thank you bloggers, my people of the year.
96. atpanda said:
There's no doubt that The YouTube Guys have had a substantial impact.... on drunken Saturdays in my house. You see the video of the baby panda that sneezes and scares the snot out of its mother? We laughed all the 10 times we watched it. :-)
97. Hemlock said:
I checked out the options at time.com and I can't say I really like any of them...
If I had the option to toss in my own candidate, I would have chosen Muhammad Yunus. He's someone who's actually doing some good. Then again, Time just wants people who are talked about...
I also like the vote for the guy who invented wikipedia. I think wikipedia answers my questions every day.
What would I wear? Black. Black is slimming. Black with some good vampy makeup.
98. chitlinsandcamembert said:
I am always suspect of people like Soledad who seem so well informed. It makes me think that she's wearing an earplug that is wired into a room where a team of people look things up for her on Wikipedia and feed her the answers. Even valdictorians aren't that smart.
99. Candice said:
Dwight Schrute, assistant (to the) regional manager of Dunder Mifflin Paper Products.
And I would have worn...I don't know. But I can tell you that I probably would've thrown up all over it.
100. cindezio said:
Dude, I felt your butterflies as I read that. I'm totally not eloquent enough to even think about being interviewed. And I certainly wouldn't be the one to ask about what to wear.
I'd probably say Nancy Pelosi, though...
101. JennJenn said:
Oh and I also would have worn a solid colored deep-red Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress with black opaque tights and chunky heels.
Minimal jewelry...
When I actually WAS on TV that one time, being interviewed by Dick Clark, I wore black slacks, red deep v-cut blouse (WAY too low cut for TV) and black slingbacks. I loved having my hair done by the staff...oh wow. That was fun.
102. Star Shine said:
I guess it wouldn't have been appropriate to nominate yourself for 2006 Person of the Year, would it? Seriously, though, you would make a great candidate. After all, "blogging" has become a household word this year. And you are, like, the Queen of the Blog Revolution, aren't ya?
I vote for Dooce!
Oh, and I'd wear my vintage-esque olive-green dress suit with a chunky brown beaded necklace and brown heels that suggest 1940s chic.
103. elizabeth said:
Rep. Rahm Emanuel of Illinois, chairman of the House Democratic campaign committee and chief architect of the dem's bid to win back the whitehouse.
and i would have worn black. black pants. black v-neck.
104. srah said:
I think if I'd been asked to be on TV with all those fancy NY people and it came down to picking my own clothes, I would have cried and run away. I dunno, I kind of like this sweater I have on from H&M. They have H&M in cities, so it's fashionable, right?
Yes, I am from the Midwest, why?
105. patrice said:
I would have said "me". not as in if I were you, I just mean that I think I did fairly well this year all things considering. so I vote me.
as for what I would have worn, probably something that would make my children disown me.
106. Valeta said:
I think I would have picked the youtube guys. Even though I am still sore at youtube for not hiring my husband.
I would have worn a dress. Whenever I am in doubt, I wear a dress.
107. Mahony said:
There's a reason NYC is called "The City of Only Children," because people leave after the second child. I can attest to this. After having baby #2 in New York, the apartment was suddenly way too small, and everything was just THAT MUCH MORE of a hassle and the city went from being invigorating and exciting to exhausting.
So here I am in the suburbs of Rhode Island. I miss NY every single day, and it is my true "home" but life is much easier and more relaxing now.
And besides, I just took my 3 year old daughter there for a weekend, and she literally didn't want to come home. So there will be many more visits...
108. Marie from Paris said:
I'll join the Stewart/Colbert camp as well! I was thrilled to death last year seeing Bono be chosen. I love, love, LOVE him!!
I'm a Texan, so I guess I would've worn Wrangler jeans, Cowboy boots and a Cowboy hat. Nothing else.
109. Karen Rani said:
David Suzuki
http://www.davidsuzuki.org/
Anyone who tries to teach people to respect our planet gets my vote. Especially since a lot of us turn a blind eye to what we are doing to our environment.
110. skippy delight said:
I'm on the Warren Buffet bandwagon because I think he's good example in so many ways.
And then there's GW Bush, Cheney, Rove and Rumsfeld who have so perfectly illustrated that when you can't be a good example you can still serve as a horrible warning.
I would've worn anything that would hold my stomach in and not give me a muffin top.
And bad ass, looking awesome when sitting down, though probably impossible to walk in, shoes.
111. Jennifer Wilde said:
It may sound sort of lame, but I think I would have gone with Angelina Jolie. Love her or hate her, she's made quite a splash on the international scene and drawn a great deal of attention to children's issues. She also seems to have sparked a veritable flood of celebrity adoptions (hello, Madonna), and I think that's not such a bad thing.
Oh, and I would have gone with an Audrey-Hepburn style black sheath. Can't go wrong there.
Looking forward to the interview!
Jen
112. VeddyVeddyBadAng said:
Damn, am I the only conservative that reads this blog?
Jim Gaffigan said that raising a baby in NYC was like carrying a bowling ball around with you wherever you go.
113. Anu said:
I think Iranian President Ahmadinejad or Kim Jong II because they have the capability of making a BIG difference in a really bad way. As for my outfit, I would have dressed business casual...maybe pants that I bought in Express paired with a nice shirt. However, I think you have to represent who you are and in that sense I think you were well dressed. You look good in anything so don't worry about it.
114. SisuLiz said:
What kind of year has it been when it's so difficult to come up with someone who's really made an impact, good or bad? I do like the suggestion of the Amish in Pennsylvania though. If more of the world followed that example, we wouldn't have half of the problems we have now.
What to wear? Ugh. I can't think of a single article of clothing in my closet that I would be comfortable wearing on national television and in front of the beautiful Soledad O'Brien. I would definitely have to make a special shopping trip for something way too expensive that I would never end up wearing again.
115. PaintingChef said:
Person of the year is a tough one. And that's kind of a big deal that you were asked to contribute... congratulations! And also...yay for not saying Britney although I think if we're going to nominate her we shouldn't forget Whitney Houston as she, also, dropped some marital dead weight...
But I think my vote goes to Bob Woodruff. The ABC News Anchor who was injured so horribly in Iraq and is recovering so well. He's kind of incredible, I think!
As for what I would wear...I think a suit made netirely of that green screen color that disappears so I would just be a floating head. Either that or a black suit. You know...because black is slimming. And more normal than a green screen suit.
116. Jennifer in Ohio said:
Well, for me it's a toss-up.
Colin Powell. For anyone that knows me, the fact that he's a Republican and I picked him anyway should speak volumes. It was very dramatic the way that he stepped down and his very obvious reasons for doing so. It was a symbolic smackdown to the Bush administration, and to see it delivered by one of their own totally rocked.
Dana Reeve. To the end, she was a classy lady with neverending strength. She showed us all that even when her future seemed full of doom, she could still carry on with incredible grace and dignity. And she didn't just "live", she inspired change and lobbied Congress.
117. pammer said:
Urs nailed the wardrobe. Black turtleneck, camel pencil skirt, killer heels.
I'd nominate "The Blogger" or "The American Mother" - because there are some moms around who have done amazing things this year -- or endured the unbelievable. Or? The Blogging Mother.
118. Chris Mohney said:
Hello Heather, this is Chris Mohney. It was a pleasure to meet you at CNN, and while I am male, it hurts me deeply to be called a "political blogger." I only blog about politics when it involves politicians getting inappropriately naked. That aside, would love to see the photos you took while we were in the studio. Between your awesome camera and Steve Clemons' obsessive laptop checking, I felt very inadequate, gadget-wise.
119. Cara said:
I haven't had time to read through all your comments, so these may have already been suggested. When I think person of the year, I think someone who not only greatly influenced the media, but also was a GOOD influence on the world in general. My two top picks for 2006 would be Angelina Jolie and Bono for reasons that are pretty self explanatory. I think the emence human suffering going on in Africa was really brought to light by the media this year. Angelina and Bono have both been a huge influence on that exposure.
I did read a few comments and saw that someone had suggested GWB for his negative influences. I agree that he has definitely had the most negative influence of any human walking this Earth. But, IMO, he doesn't deserve any recognition, even if negative.
Glad to hear your trip went well and I can't wait to hear who you suggested!
120. Blue. said:
I'm Canadian, and I find that these things are often American-centric. However, my first thought was Donald Rumsfeld... You can't argue that he's certainly made an "impact".
Reading all of these comments, though, simply makes me feel stupid. I don't know who half these people (nominated by others) are. Dooce, I would've joined you by being the little fat pinky finger in your entourage. No doubt I would have worn something totally inappropriate -- pink and fuzzy with killer high heels that I could't afford.
121. Toyfoto said:
I probably would have said Brangelina or some amalgam of stars who are fighting for causes. Simply because while the "legitimate" newsmakers are idly sitting by making wars and cuts in social spending, they are using their clout, taking jabs for diletantism (word? No?) but doing something all the same.
I would have looked terrible no matter what I wore. I also wouldn't have been able to comb through my hair.
122. DesiDancer said:
obama, obama, obama
and obama.
or colbert, because he makes me snicker.
and you're right, Soledad O'Brien is a femme-bot. She can't be human.
123. Christina said:
I would have worn my wedding dress. And then said that I am the person of the year. For the reaction, of course...
124. kristinwhatever said:
hmmm... this just in: soledad got beat on Celebrity Jeopardy by a guy who does voices for "the simpsons." she is not, it would appear, all knowing. but still very likeable :~)
sorry if this is spoiler info for all the jeopardy watchers.
125. kjc said:
As to what to wear... clueless. I would think everything made me look fat.
Person on the year... George W. Bush. And NOT in a GOP way. He was the most influential because of his lies, ineptness, lies, stupidity, lies and more lies. Did I mention the LIES. This country began to see the light and has voted in a Democratic Senate and Congress.
A "good guy" choice would be Michael J. Fox... for standing up and showing us the face of a disease. Standing up to the ridicule and cruelty of naysayers. For standing up something he believes in, not just for himself, but for everyone with a disease that could be cured by stem-cell research.
126. Caloden said:
The sad truth is that I have spent the better part of 2006 hiding from the world. We rarely turn on the television and I don't read newspapers. If it isn't a Yahoo headline, I likely haven't the foggiest idea. And even then? I would have to make the effort to click on the headline. And that's not gonna happen. Sluggish, ego-centric American? Guess so.
As for the outfit? Nothing beats a pair of Gap khakis. What's a girl to do?
127. Karan said:
Oprah unless of course y'all picked some recent dead guy like Ed Bradley
128. rivervision said:
i nominate any parent who has lost their child to a terminal illness. or any primary caregiver of someone with a terminal illness. i'm not interested in politicians or celebs. i'm interested in those who don't get recognized. who's daily trials are met with no great fanfare. who's daily trials are just that - daily trials that they trudge through, hoping that the next day will be better, or maybe even simply hoping it won't be worse.
129. Bucky Four-Eyes said:
I totally get your reluctance to be in a situation where your immediate words and thoughts are heard, uncensored, by other people. That's why I much prefer teaching online to teaching in a physical classroom - less chance my students will realize what an idiot I am!
Now, for person of the year...I'm sorry, I'm shallow and wouldn't pick anyone political. But I would be torn between Sacha Baron Cohen, Stephen Colbert, and Amy Sedaris. I like to laugh, people.
Although, really, I think Bettie Page should be person of the year every year.
As for attire? I think I would have to go with a black fishnet body stocking, black Docs, and pasties made from aluminum foil spray painted black. With a funnel on my head. I almost added black lace fingerless gloves, but that would be just beyond the limits of good taste.
130. Snickrsnack Katie said:
Well, let's see. It certainly would NOT have been George Bush, and if any of those political brainiacs even brought up that name I hope you clubbed them over the head with your Mervin's two-fer-one shoes. Being from Texas, I could say Kinky Freidman, but that would just be wrong on so many levels, and really - I can almost guaran-freaking-tee you there will never be a person of the year with a sexual adjective for a first name. John Stewart of Stephen Colbert would be nice to see, but I still can't say that would be my definitive pick. That is a really loaded question! You can only imagine how articulate I would be in that situation "Uh, DURRRRR, maybe Jerry Springer? Cuz he danced with his blind daughter on Dancing with the Stars"? Yeah, thank God CNN didn't call me.
As to what I would wear, I think some of those cute skinny pants they are selling at the Gap would be really adorable. I mean, really - if it worked for Audrey Hepburn, it should be good enough for CNN!
Can't wait to see you on tv!!! I'll be in NYC this weekend - just missed you! hmmph!
131. rikki said:
I would have said Stephen Colbert because of his performance at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner. And I'd wear my leopard print corduroy jacket because it's professional, but not really professional.
132. mediadiva said:
If anyone else mentions the You Tube guy I will seriously go mental. It's not earth shattering AT ALL!!! It was just a matter of time once, and something that required more people to have high-speed internet (40% of the US Families now I believe). Social internet sites have been around for years! MANY YEARS! It's not a new invention!
Seriously, annoys me. The guy who invented wikipedia, now that's someone who I could see being nominated, because atleast it has a better concept driving it.
I would have gone out to bebe and bought a totally hot outfit, black pants, high heeled fancy shoes, and a pretty top (not sleeveless) that wouldn't show sweat!!
133. Nefariousnina said:
I think we can all agree that Justin Timberlake is the Person of the Year. Love of God the man brought SEXY back. Is there any other choice?
134. Snickrsnack Katie said:
I meant to say John Stewart OR Stephen Colbert. See what a real brainiac I am? :-) Can't wait to see what your pick was! (GO BRITNEY!)
135. Nefariousnina said:
Oh and also? I think I would have worn the "Vote or Die" P-Diddy original T-shirt. Seems fitting.
136. Lauren said:
I would have voted Ricky Martin, and gone naked; at least it'll put everyone elses minds at rest about what the hell they look like..
..I don't know why I chose Ricky Martin.
137. Hedder said:
I'm looking for funny parenting stories, like this one out of California:
http://www.orato.com/node/1049
If you can top that, please do!
Heather Wallace
Senior Editor
Orato Media Corp.
www.orato.com
138. Gisele said:
That is a really hard question. Especially with the news these days being so twisted - we don't hear about some of the great things people are doing. My choice probably would have been Angelina Jolie and/or Brad Pitt.. they are both pro-active people, who make decisions on what is right and then make a move.. and most of the time, it seems, they are right. They seem genuinely concerned with the good of everyone, everything. They give. They get involved. They get others interested in doing the same. And they're both gorgeous, and probably wonderful parents.
I probably would have done a little bit of shopping in NYC to pick out an outfit. Khaki pants and a sweater sounds good.. with heels or boots. Of course I would have considered also a skirt with a nice top or a casual, but pretty, knee-length dress. I don't rule any style out - consider them all and pick the best.
139. A.J. Axline said:
Person of the year: Jon Stewart.
What I would have worn: a crotchless Mayor McCheese costume.
140. Rbelle said:
I actually DID one of those one time, and it was on BALANCING THE BUDGET. Mind you I was a college senior that could not balance her checkbook and had my phone at college cut off because my long distance bill was some ridiculous amount I could not pay. I was also president of the Student Government, and I guess that was how I was invited, but I felt like a little lost girl except I could not fly away. I have no idea what I wore, but I imagine it was my Navy blazer and khaki skirt that my mom bought me. Today I would prob. wear gray pants and a black turtleneck, and I would have picked Handy Manny. Seriously, that guy can do ANYTHING and he is bilingual AND he entertains my toddler.
141. jules said:
How 'bout Brangelina?
142. MollyAtHome said:
I'd have to agree with Lawyerish and the others about GWB. His "my way or the highway" approach to foreign policy and personal freedoms finally gave the Dems back control of Congress. It's a good thing...
As far as fashion tips, I will agree with everyone who said black. It's always in style, on either coast.
143. Cameo said:
Hugh Jackman. Because he made it past the lesbian TSA screener in my head. Oh, and he has well groomed chest hair.
Fitted navy blue t-shirt, brown cordoroy pants, vans, and lip balm.
144. Sinking Stone said:
Soledad possesses a mental superiority usually monopolized by airport gate agents. I don't feel comfortable discussing her defecation habits, but I bet if you planted a lump of coal in her ass you could pullout a diamond the size of your fist before the 2008 election.
As for fashion, you can't go wrong with black. So I would have chosen a black Polygamy Porter T-shirt, with flared jeans and a lovely pair of CFMs.
PotY.....hmmm...that conjures up the smell of burnt rubber, but I agree with Rivervision. It's often the most "ordinary" people doing the most thankless jobs that make a difference.
145. Roshi said:
I chose Nancy Pelosi for CNN's online survey as she was the best choice out of them all, and as it is a historic time for America to have her first Madam Speaker. That said, I don't know anything about her -in depth- besides the recent news. So if I wasn't bound by the choices offered I would choose Kofi Annan, because of his gracious way of handling all the 'rouge' characters and situations over the past decade, and his infinite wisdom.
I would definitley stick to the all black attire cause after all your're in NYC in the fall. perhaps a slick black turtle neck and pencil skirt and killer heeled boots!
146. Roshi said:
I chose Nancy Pelosi for CNN's online survey as she was the best choice out of them all, and as it is a historic time for America to have her first Madam Speaker. That said, I don't know anything about her -in depth- besides the recent news. So if I wasn't bound by the choices offered I would choose Kofi Annan, because of his gracious way of handling all the 'rouge' characters and situations over the past decade, and his infinite wisdom.
I would definitley stick to the all black attire cause after all your're in NYC in the fall. perhaps a slick black turtle neck and pencil skirt and killer heeled boots!
147. Billygean.co.uk said:
God, I would be awful at this. It's my worst nightmare to be invited to something like this. Probably would have said coldplay, just cos they're still good.
Or mr google.
You know, I really haven't a clue who most people on that list even are! I am embarrassed. Pray I never get invited to this because my blog is the equivalent of bridget jones meets ok magazine.
BG
148. Kate said:
Suri Cruise.
149. Piglet said:
First of all, you see yourself entire differently than your readers and family see you. And much of this comment may sound like I am totally sucking up.
Keep in mind tho, you aren't my boss, most likely never will be my boss, so what I have to say to completely genuine.
Obviously, you are loved. Why would I and many thousands come back day after day, year after year reading up your words so quickly? YOU are the face of our emerging society. Keep in mind, CNN asked YOU for a reason. "Cause you got it gurl, so flaunt it."
I cannot think of one person in Hollywood that has shared themselves as exquisitely as you have with the entire world and still come out as beautiful.
Seriously. You are a real woman, you've shared hugely intimate details with the internet and I know given a voice to many, many women. You made it ok to "talk about your feelings." And, Thank God you did.
I checked out the list of those up for this "little" Person of the Year thing.
I serious wondered why I didn't see your name? To be honest, I only recognized a few names. Not sure what that says about me and I really don't care.
Heather you've done some incredible and awesome things this year. And. You've shared it with the internet, effecting hundreds and millions of people. That should account for something according to the way I see things. (IN fact, I expect I won't be the only house in my neighborhood next summer with foil on the windows in order to block out the sun from daylight savings time so that the kids will go to bed. Why? Because I shared YOUR idea and the shite really works.)
And as for what you wore, sounds like a great option and possibly one that you were most comfortable in. I mean, it's never a good idea to try out those new scuba thongs in front of Soledad O'Brien.
One thing about you that I'm not alone on, is that what we love about you is you are a real woman that makes real person errors. And, that you will most likely say something goofy on National Television.
That's just what most people would do. Myself, I'm ready for the news anchors to stop with the perfect hair and clothes already (maybe I'll start watching again).
Go hug yourself Heather, you are awesome indeed.
150. quirky said:
Did they really narrow the choice to those eight predictable people? Evildoers are well represented this year...(you decide who's included in that category)
Jeans, Black sweater I'd have to go buy some where because you have to have something new to be on tv and comfortable shoes.
What did the guys wear?
151. BooBooKitty said:
Person of the year should be either Mel Gibson or Tom Cruise who have shown us that crazy isn't just for the average person but for celebrities too. I can just see the pictures of both of them at their respective craziest (Mel's rant and Tom hopping couches on Oprah) in an issue of US on the "Celebrities Are Just Like Us!" page.
As for what I would have worn, well I would have borrowed my favorite shirt of my boyfriends that reads "You can't have manslaughter without laughter", a pair of jeans and some kick ass boots, of course.
152. Jennine said:
I sincerely think that whomever engineered and developed the Roomba should be 2006's Person of the Year.
Or Bob Barker.
I'd be fine with either one.
153. crzylady said:
angelina jolie (she is constantly reminding me to just be who i want and help people while i do it and people need to take her seriously)
To wear: something low cut with big fancy plastic jewelry and my hair in the usual anime buns.
congrats on being invited and going! I'm sure you were fabulous (and hell, you should have nominated yourself)!
154. Vanni B said:
I haven't thought of anyone yet but I love the surge of bloggers when you open the floodgates for comments. Love ya!
155. kage said:
I am raising two daughters in NYC (4 and 18 months), and yes it is as you described.
Person of the YEAR: Mary J Blige
156. kage said:
I am raising two daughters in NYC (4 and 18 months), and yes it is as you described.
Person of the YEAR: Mary J Blige
157. Lin said:
Al Gore...cos neither of us is particularly amused by this world right now and we are both late '40s babies and my outfit would consist of comfortable walking shoes and whatever is the least creased in my suitcase.
Descending into the netherworld of underground tunnels in NY makes me sweat and gets my heart pounding unnaturally quickly, so the walking shoes have to feel right to get me around the city.
158. tksinclair said:
I'd have to go with the YouTube guys. As far as what to wear..I got nothin.
I was recently a guest on the Ellen Show. When they told me prior to the show I couldn't wear black, (Or white) I just about died. I also was a last minute guest so I didn't know until the day before that I was going to be on. Although they provided hair and make-up it wasn't enough. Hair extensions and make-over is more I needed.
I ended up wearing black pants and a red/burgandy shirt. It was hideous. I was hideous. I can't stand hearing or watching myself speak. I'm now convinced the camera adds at least 50 lbs. I was on two segments and even my loving, supportive, wonderful husband had to roll his eyes after the first segment. He said I made a comback on the second segment but I think that's only because he had to drive from Burbank two hours home with me in the car and then sleep with me for the rest of his natural life.
Basically, I got nothing. No advice. I flunked, big time. Fortunately you always look terrific and the haircut is so flattering I'm sure you looked wonderful.
159. M@ said:
If there's one thing I've learned from show-biz, it's that no one in the industry gives a shit about anything remotely resembling a person of the year because that would require some knowledge of current events.
However they will remember what you wore for years to come.
Most of America would totally agree with the choice of Brittany Spears because they have no idea who Muhammad Yunus is.
And I'd wear anything by John Varvatos.
160. northerngurl said:
I just hope person of the year is not a politician. As far as what to wear...always a tough one, but I'm sure you looked fabulous. Can't wait to see the segment.
161. Beckcycle said:
Um, I vote for DOOCE! In my world, that's the most original, authentic work that I've found in the past year. You have no idea how much I love this site, and how often I tell stories about it, have dreams about it, and laugh when I'm having a crummy day.
I certainly would have worn my lucky socks.
162. Lilbird said:
Long Time Lurker, first time poster!
Let's see......so many people to consider (the Usual suspects, everyday people, celebrities) but no one jumps out. I'd like it to be a woman, but I can't vote for Angelina because I am boycotting all things "celebrity". I can't vote for Oprah, because what has she done this year that tops her other years and for that matter what else can that woman do? And the politicians are all irritating or just getting their feet wet.
I guess I'd have to go for Warren Buffet. They guy assmassed a tremendous fortune with transparency (unheard of!), lived modestly, didn't create monsters for children a la the Hilton clan, openly decried the exhorbitant level of CEO compensation in relation to worker-wages, and then gave all of his money away to charity- all while asking for nothing in return. That's admirable and sets a great example in this New Age of Greed we live in.
If not him, maybe Barney Frank (I know, I know - a politician).
Or Colbert/Stewart.
Outfit must be relaxed, cuz that sounds like an uptight crowd: Black cashmere turtleneck, tight cords or jeans and hot boots - not spikes. Hair down. Funky earrings. Sometimes I just want to smack that Soledad when I'm watching the morning news. She seems so phony and righteous. Is she really nice? Cuz I don't believe it.
163. Maria H said:
Heather, I can't wait to see the show. I think Soledad was mean to you. ('What, do you really THINK that')
Person of the year: got to be Kim Jong Il - he's wacky.
I would wear: Chocolate brown pants, tan leather blazer from GAP with light khaki sweater under it, and my new wedge heeled khaki shoes from Payless. I must be 10 feet tall in those shoes - and that makes you look thinner...right?
164. Green said:
Having grown up on Long Island and then worked in midtown Manhattan, before eventually landing in San Francisco I tell you the following with great authority:
If you were at the bottom of a staircase in any subway station in NY with a stroller, I guarantee you that if anyone were nearby, they would come over, grab the bottom of the stroller and start up the stairs with you holding the top of the stroller.
I've seen little teenage gangsta boys help prissy white women, middle-aged men in business suits help black women, guidos with helmet hair helping grandmas with babies, and every combination you can think of. You would always have help going up or down the subway stairs. Always.
I would have worn black pants, and either a midnight blue sweater (I have blue eyes), or a pink blouse with a black suit jacket, and black boots.
I have no clue who I'd nominate or vote for as Person of the Year. My thoughts veer towards Dana Reeves and Robin Williams though.
165. TenaciousK said:
I think they just draped the Rodin, didn't they? Not, like, that's really any better...
2006 - a banner year for mediocrity. I can't think of anyone beyond Chavez, and I find that depressing.
166. Shiz Shiz said:
Holy CRAP I'd be nervous.
I'd have said Stephen Lewis, having done a whole bunch of research as to how in the hell I can back that up beforehand. If you asked me now? "Um, he fights AIDS and stuff and I think he's really cool."
167. jw said:
Anyone who can put words together and come up with "You could say that my education was robust," can hang with ANY group. As for the guy getting his Ph.D., I work at a college. EVERYBODY I know has at least one Ph.D. Ain't no big thing.
Person of the year -- Personal choice would be a local blogger http://fecundstench.com/WordPress/ just because he's incredibly strange. And fun.
For real -- I'd have to second Obama because I think he's the face of the future.
I would wear? I have no idea but I have a feeling it's not going to be an issue.
168. Mary Frances said:
As for Soledad, if we all had a team of beauty experts, researchers and writers working for us, I'm sure we'd all be just as stellar...As for person of the year, (from Niccolo Machiavelli's stand point)I'd have to go with Sadaam Hussein, anyone who is THAT guilty and can still cop an attitude throughout his trial and upon hearing a death sentence say Aw comeon can't we discuss this? From an ordinary person's perspective, I think that oxiclean/kaboom spokesperson should be person of the year...that stuff gets stains out like magic
169. TenaciousK said:
Oh, and I'd probably wear your basic suburban uniform - semi-formal style. Cotton pants, a sweater (and maybe some checkerboard Vans, to assert my bloggerness).
170. token said:
The most influential people I know are all around me, and since I am not the center of the universe most people would not even get why I would nominate someone they never heard of. I'd wear my favorite shoes (Converse loose fit). I'm thinking the camera wouldn't be focused on my shoes, but if I felt nervous I'd take a little peek at them and smile.
171. Nat W. said:
I think I would've gone with Stephen Colbert.
And I would've worn my bitchy power suit, because it's the only thing I own that doesn't require jeans.
172. Sister Mary Lisa said:
I have no idea who I would nominate. Or what I would wear. I'd probably be underdressed, and once I saw myself later on the show, I'd be in a deep depression for two days because I really truly look like that. I would have worn black and it still wouldn't have helped.
As for BYU and the Rodin, typical typical typical. I can't imagine looking at The Kiss and seeing sexually explicit vulgarity rather than pure artistic beauty. There's nothing more beautiful than the human body, and the art of Rodin should be celebrated. I thought the human body was so great that I got pregnant while unwed at BYU and had to quit and go home!
173. crystal in pa said:
Ummm, were we all aware of the fact that Soledad is the mother of FOUR????
174. Pete Dunn said:
Don't underestimate the value of the opinion of a person people actually pay attention to. That's you, by the way. Soledad may be toothy and leggy but that doesn't mean anyone gives a shit what she thinks. Did I mention that she is leggy.
175. Be Still said:
I'd pick Jack Murtha. He changed the national dialogue on the war during a time when such an act opened you up to be Swiftboated. He's a true hero for speaking the truth.
As for my attire, even though my ass would have been hidden under the table, I would have worn black. Or camouflage.
176. Shelli said:
Elliot Spitzer, the newly elected democratic governor of NY, because he promises to make it possible for Narda and I to get married.
177. elphabala said:
I was also in Manhattan this last week and I was stunned with how utterly out of place I felt...Did you KNOW that they don't abide the traffic signals...at all?!? Did you see the utter disregard for the fashion mandates of The Gap and The Old Navy? And what was with all those boots. Big boots over their tapered jeans?!? Modified girl mullets?
I gave up after the first day and retreated to my trusty hoodie/sneakers combo. I am from Seattle. I am from Seattle by way of Omaha. I am.
178. nini said:
I consider myself to be extremely intelligent so I would have smugly said "Usama Barak, I mean Obama Borat", then I would have ran out crying in clothes that were too tight.
179. Shelli said:
oh sorry, I would have worn black pants and a bright, pattern button down blouse.
180. L. E. Bruce said:
I had to grab the newspaper to make sure I spelled his name right--Rahm Emanuel. Howard Dean didn't do crap for the Democrats. I also like the Amish suggestion...they are amazing--way beyond by ability to forgive.
As for what to wear--you sound awesome.
181. Shalini said:
I would have chosen Bono, he is just everything you want, a rock and roll song, Irish, and a consummate humanitarian (though I do think he was in 2005, man of the year along with Bill and Melinda Gates)
In NYC, you are supposed to wear black, but I say where anything. I would probably wear a pair of relaxed fit jeans from Old Navy, and a blue hued sweater (it's getting colder there I hear blue is my favorite color) and boots. Maybe Uggs that I have been begging for, for Christmas. I really want a pair, but after this year I won't need them since we are moving to a place where it's pretty much a desert and no cool air.
Sorry rambled on.
I wonder who you chose, can't wait to hear!
182. Shalini said:
oops I meant "wear" anything, not where!
183. sarilla said:
Maybe I would have said Rahm Emanuel for having led the democratic party to victory.
184. fruityoaty said:
Borat, Bill & Melinda Gates, Brangelina
185. ClaireDanish said:
Former governor of Texas, Ann Richards. First, because she died this year, bless her heart, and second, because I have never quite recovered from her comment "Poor George, he can't help it. He was born with a silver foot in his mouth".
What to wear? Black pants, black turtleneck, mulberry colored scarf and monolo's. And a Gucci tote, for hauling your laptop around in.
186. larkspur said:
I think I'd have picked up a sweet little outfit from Lydia Of Purple and nominated The Uterus for, uh, Person of the Year. That probably sounds too clinical; okay, how about The Womb?
But really...you are beautiful, so don't worry about what you wore, unless the lights made it transparent and we're gonna see your modest white brassiere with the safety pin or something.
And I'd have to go with Jon Stewart/Stephen Colbert/Keith Olbermann. They raised the stakes.
187. srv*roxme said:
I'm so sick of celebrities and their causes.... no matter what they say, I think alot of it is all about exposure and publicity. Let's think outside of the boob tube and nominate Dave Chappelle!! He turned down HUGE bucks, in order to perserve his sanity and family time and to not jump through hoops. He's hilarious, and makes fun of all of us, right across the board. He's a real human! Vote for Dave Chappelle!
And, (may I call you dooce?), it seems as if you wore a perfectly "you" outift, no pretense or drama or ill-fitting new stuff. Good job!
188. Melanie said:
Andre Agassi - Beside being an amazing athelete, and retiring this year, he's a dedicated father and ridiculously generous with his time and money in order to benefit children. He's incredibly plugged into what's good for our nation's future.
Crisp White Blouse/Black Slacks
189. jennster said:
LMFAO- i am cracking the hell up right now. i would definitely vote for britney- especially after ditching the fucktard! go brit brit!
and the aura of leps and fairies?! BWAHHAHAHAHA.. you should have stole some! :)
190. Kim O said:
Soledad O'Brien!! I love that woman. I watch CNN every morning just cause I think she is awesomely real. Otherworldly?? That is surprising. As to what I would have worn. Hmmm. I think whatever I chose I would have stressed over the jewelry. Soledad always has beautifully hip necklaces on that look great. I would have wanted a competition or at least for her to say, "Great necklace."
191. KookieDangerous said:
As delicious as it is to boo, hiss, jab, or generally point a finger and snicker, I'm going to vote for the Pennsylvania Amish community and their example of humility. Stunning witness, literally stunning.
Ooooo, now I have to go out and get a beige pencil skirt to go with my black silk sleeveless turtleneck - Urs, will you be my stylist??
192. SurprisingWoman said:
I would have to go with Nancy Pelosi, she is going to make major history. It doesn't matter that she didn't get there by herself.
I would wear something with a rich royal blue on the top half. I have a blue and black dress I really like. Killer FMP heels and there ya go.
193. jodiw said:
Obama - because he is obrilliant and obright and praying he runs in 08. And I would have worn exactly what you chose - glad you didn't conform to something you are not.
194. KatieUT said:
Britney Spears, obviously.
195. Christina from TEXAS said:
Person of the year? Al Gore - people are finally realizing that he's right.
What I would've worn? That cute, pink tutu outfit Carrie Bradshaw wore at the beginning of every episode. Isn't that what all sophisticated New York women dress like?
196. Annon said:
Stephen Colbert? I also like Barack Obama. What the hell--why not Britney?
197. toddlermama said:
I can't believe no one's suggested KATIE COURIC yet -- Not only the first female evening news solo anchor, but also the woman who single-handedly changed the way people view/screen for/treat colon cancer. My second choice would be Michael J. Fox and/or the Reeve children -- those who are working for better medicine through stem-cell research. Personally, I'm so freakin' sick of politicians that I'm hoping and praying that none of them win the honor, with perhaps a very small exception for Joe Lieberman for stepping outside the party system (but, then again, he's back in it...).
As for what I'd wear... I'm just so glad I didn't have to make that decision... Since it's NYC, probably a black cashmere sweater with a single gold drop-pendent necklace (thinking amber-ish) and matching smallish-but-dangly earrings, with dark-wash jeans and black 2-inch side-zip ankle boots -- which is my usual uniform when I trek in from the NJ 'burbs, where we've figured out how to have the best of the City whenever we want it without actually having to live there!
198. Moonbutt said:
I don't know who I would have said, or what I would have worn, but I live in Arizona, and if I ever need another house, you'd better believe I'm buying it from Heather Armstrong.
199. WifeOfThor said:
There's no better answer than the Amish community that embraced the family of the man who devastated them.
And yet, I comment.
As much as I'd love it to be Nancy Pelosi or Barack Obama, I think the most influential people this year were the Republican Scandal Team. They gave us the political situation we have and they gave us the one to come once the Dems get to DC.
So, Time's team of the year...Tom DeLay, Jack Abramoff, Dick Cheney, Mark Foley, Karl Rove...and Rummy and W. if you wish.
200. Jaq said:
I would vote to no longer have Person of the Year. There are so many people one could choose for a variety of reasons, therefore why try to pick one over the other.
As for clothing, I would have dressed completely different than everyone else just so that I could get through the boredom of same ole, same ole.
I think your site is terrific! Keep up the good work!
201. kleja said:
I have no idea who I would vote for...maybe it would be you or Michael J Fox. But that's my problem. I would have worn some Anthropologie outfit that didn't quite fit me because I could only afford the sale stuff. The shoes wouldn't have matched and I would have ended up looking like some kind of european clown.
One time I was interviewed for the local news about foodborne illness. I think I was asked about washing my hands and my answer was...well like you know I don't not wash my hands you know?
202. TJames said:
What to wear...Black Cashmere V-Neck Sweater, Black cigarette pants and black boots with a heel that pit me over 5'8".
Person of the Year...it should be my husband, for putting up with my insanity, loving me anyway, and cleaning up my messes time after time. Plus he makes gorgeous babies.
I guess I'd go with S. Colbert. Anyone who gets every person he interviews elected should get a shamrock costume and a cover of Time.
203. Katieksu said:
Ditto the Emmitt Smith vote, he rocks and I would have worn track pants, nikes, and t-shirt cause I think I am sporty spice!
204. anna maria said:
I second commenter n.29 mrsjcatalano and would like to thank her for that incredible story and video.
And Ms. Armstrong, I read you every day. Thank you too.
205. fishgirl said:
i don't know how many people will agree with me, but I would have said angelina jolie. she's used her many dollars to do some good (i'm talking about the africa stuff, not brad pitt :)) and is getting her hands dirty while she does it. i like that.
I would have worn my hair down with the sides back. I would have worn a black sleeveless shirt (to show I have muscles, and to keep me from sweating), a very good bra (so you would not see my nipples), pin-striped pants, and boots with a heel (to show that I'm a woman). I would have worn men's boxer breifs underneath because any time i go into a situation where I feel my womanness may come into question in a room full of men, it gives me confidence to be wearing men's underwear. (I also find it ironic and it helps me smile to wonder if any of them are wearing women's underwear). this would not have been an expensive outfit as it all (with the exception of the bra and the men's underwear) would have come from a resale shop. (I don't know if they have good resale in utah, but it'd be true here)
206. dimplecheek said:
After all the laughter, tears and inspiration I've received from your site this year, I would have said Heather Armstrong (not the realtor). Your website is like a hug from and old friend.
I would have worn something from Kirstie Alley's old "fat" closet.
207. TJazz said:
barack-barack-bo-buck-bananna-fanna-fo....nevermind.
Oprah.
208. lisa said:
Okay, maybe, MAYBE Mark Foley for being the straw that broke the camel's back. It's frightening that with all the malfeasance, incompetence and corruption we've endured some pathetic dorks having sent text messages to pages about their underwear might have been the incident(s) that brought down the regime. And I would have worn a pencil skirt (as previously suggested) with a green sweater and very very high heels which would make my/your calves look fabulous, especially if I/you concentrate on flexing our calf muscles rather than worrying about this Person of the Whatever thing.
209. dscokween said:
oh I think we can owe a big thanks to Mark Foley and all those poor interns inappropriately IM'd. I don't know that we can call him person of the year, but he certainly moved mountains (after a fashion). Jack Abramoff is also high on the list, though I don't think he could be the face that sunk a thousand ships.
and can I just say 'woot' to real men like Obama and Jon Tester?
I would have worn a "BYU Alumni" sweatshirt. okay, maybe not....but I'm sure you look hot in cougar blue.
210. SlightlyUnhinged said:
My vote have to go to my wife Katja, because any year, no matter how incredible would be nothing without her.
I'd wear a pair of surf shorts and flip-flops... because I retired at 32 and I feel no need to yield to any dress code whatsoever, added to which, being in a room with a group of people who think they can actually crown a winner for such a ridiculous title would make me want to gaze out the window and daydream about surfing... and I'd like to be dressed appropriately for that.
211. Petunia Town Girl said:
Let's go with Howard Dean b/c he helped the dems take back the house and senate and that's going to change everything! Perhaps someone has said this already, but I'm too lazy to read 200 plus comments. Can we all get orange beanies now?
212. John Dickerson said:
It is a very tricky choice. Obama is the obvious candidate, but he hasn’t really done anything other than put out a book and look dreamy. This is a life goal but not necessarily a criteria for the world’s leading newsmagazine.
Many of the other candidates are very ugly. Kim Jong Il has drastic hair and is often wearing pajamas. Iran's leader has a name that sounds like I’m-in-a-dinner-jacket when people say it out loud and that’s not very menacing. Plus, they don’t put bad guys on the cover much any more. John Murtha does not appeal to advertisers and therefore won’t be picked except maybe for the large print edition. Buffett is a possibility because he’s got such a big heart and people like to read about his quirky droopy socks and stacks of ready cash. Jack Abramoff is pudgy. Cindy Sheehan won’t do.
Advertisers love Global Warming so surely someone has suggested Al Gore.
Nancy Pelosi is an outside candidate. A portrait artist will make her look like Julia Roberts and if the writers and editors close their eyes they can convince themselves that she single-handedly overthrew the GOP congress.
It’s a dreary year for heroes.
213. luv2draw said:
Person of the year for 2006 should be the American (as a whole group because it took, obviously, more than one) who voted democratic in the elections on November 7. Maybe now this country will get a break from the Bushwacker. We've been stuck in republican hell long enough as far as I'm concerned.
What would I wear? The same thing that has been my favorite article of clothing since I was in high school in the 60s--a black turtleneck sweater (not the same one silly, I've had many many since then). Probably with a nice pair of slacks. Maybe a blazer. And comfortable shoes. At my age, it's all about comfort--I could care less about what anyone else thinks about how I look.
214. Jill Maxwell said:
I'm guessing they told you not to wear black or white, for TV purposes, yes? When I was on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire with Reege, I wore black pants and a rose-colored Brooks Brothers shirt. Can't wait to see your thing on CNN!
POTY: Bill Clinton, for Hurricane Katrina and AIDS relief efforts.
215. brooke said:
I would nominate this absolutely amazing father:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vk1d8pu9erU
I would wear something that said I don't take myself too seriously
216. kdjmom3 said:
Lime green skirt with red stitching up the side. Red GAP long sleeve t-shirt. Clunky necklance i made at a bead shop. Red Dansko clogs, clogs being the only shoes i have in my wardrobe. Really wild earrings and lots of big bracelets.
POTY: Micheal J. Fox. Not because he's a celeb, but because he lives with a debilitating illness every day, he lobbies relentlessly for stem cell research, and he handled limbaugh's assault with grace and poise. He doesn't just talk the talk, he walks it with intent. Given the sad state of our world today, even with the recent election victories--i think the POTY should provide some inspiration to us to be better than we are. GWB doesn't fit that bill.
217. PeteCyclone said:
Well, Ms. Pelosi is a contender, Mr. Obama is just dreamy, so he's in. Bill Gates and Warren Buffet did assign about eleventy billion of their hundred-quazillion dollars to charity, so they should be on the ticket.
Who else? Something to upset the conservatives even more, like two beautiful gay soldiers smoking pot made from stem cells... or something.
Per couture: Moussed hair, black jeans (cuffed), black leather boots, black (or white) tee with "RECONVENE YOUR PROCEDURE" in contrasting letters. I want a shirt like that to wear to Thanksgiving, come to think of it.
218. flushedface said:
ditto on the youtube guys.
black sweater. jeans. red pumas.
219. Patty said:
Well, Soledad O'Brien was on Celebrity Jeopardy tonight, and after she bet $5,000 on double jeopardy, her question was: name two states with a double "n". She couldn't do it. Poor thing, she was mortified, you could tell. So...proof she's not that cool. You have the spelling thing going for you, and aren't we all proud of you for that?
220. Julie said:
Keith Olbermann, who has reminded us what responsible journalism is, and also shown that media can be used to call a president to the carpet as well as kiss his ass.
And paying the rent on time is not so easy when our rent takes up one half of our salary for each month. This leads to the "how little can I get away with paying on all my other bills" shuffle. One of the best descriptions I've ever heard of the city I now call home: "New York eats its young."
221. Sara said:
The fact that you buy shoes at Mervyn's would make my mother very happy; she'd want your mother to be her very own Avon World Sales Leader. (Side note about Mervyn's -- it's closing here in Oregon and I swear my mom is going to need a 12 step program to get over it.) God, who would I choose? I'll have to think on it more. But I would have saved up for some of those designer jeans, because they truly fit the best -- and probably a cashmere sweater. And garden clogs. Just kidding! Heels, for sure.
222. Sarcomical said:
oh god. the thought of being in your position makes me breathe unevenly and get hot under my eyes. i could never ever do that. you're a brave, brave woman.
i'm not sure who i would say...maybe barack obama or sasha baron cohen or the youtube guys. i know, what kind of random group is that? ah well.
as far as what i'd wear? probably my dark express editor jeans and some sort of funky unfussy i'm-not-trying-too-hard top.
whatever that means. ;)
i don't know how you do it.
223. Headhurt said:
I like the idea of having the American Voter as the person of the year. I think this election made most people take notice of the fact that we still have a voice, and reminded most politicians that the voter giveth, and the voter taketh away.
Bono's pretty cool, too.
224. *Marie* said:
Lucky you. I can just imagine how intimidating that would have been....better you than me. I'm much happier stewing in my own mediocraty and being annonymously me with no fanfare or adulation. I do like your writings however...as far as picking a person of the year...why not Britany Spears?
225. GEORGE! said:
I was going to say Sacha Baron Cohen as well....
And I would dress up like Earl again, just for CNN.
HIGH FIVE!
226. Tolovemoon said:
I would choose Robin Williams because as old as he is getting he still loves that same old sound we all know that is farts along with pooping and diarrhea... He is funny!! He has starred in 5 movies for 2006, he was a surprise guest an Nick's kid's choice awards, appeared in Extreme Makeover episode with a house and animal rescue being madeover where the family had a budding comedian child that he encouraged.. He also has many charitables that he is always working with in the organizition him and his wife found one being the comic relief.. Without comedy how would the depressed be happy right... Plus he was not to proud or even afraid to admit for his family, to enter rehab for alcohol treatment. All in all Robin Williams is a great guy and should be known for his work to bring laughter in ones life in adults and children....
I don't know what I would wear, probably not the most sophisiticated clothes for tv.. My jeans, t shirt (pink floyd) and walmart athletic walking shoes, will do... :) As for someone from the best of the best blogs about depression to be able to speak out, thats awesome you got to do it... You go girl! Peace, tolovemoon :)
227. The Bold Soul said:
I would have worn black. You can never go wrong wearing anything black in New York. And something a bit low-cut, but not TOO low-cut.
Who would I have picked? I can think of at least a dozen names for who I'd have picked as the LEAST great person of the year (at least half of them living in or around the White House as well as several other egomaniacal world leaders). But I am sitting here now drawing a complete blank as to a name I can conjur up that would merit "person of the year". So don't feel bad if you were a bit less articulate than you would have liked. It's a tough question, not sure there are any strong contenders unless there is someone out there becoming the next Mother Theresa. I mean, what are the criteria? It can't ALL be about politics. Or can it?
228. Shelley Bonnechance said:
When you ask what I would have worn, do you mean what I would have worn if I were you and 5'11 and very slender or what I would have worn if I were me and 5'3 with a tendency to roundness?
Because if we're talking about me, I would have worn one of those t-shirts depicting the curvy torso and hips of a va-va-voom bikini-clad woman, in hopes of distracting the rest of the panel and the many viewers from my spherical self.
Do you think it would have worked?
Maybe the t-shirt with an authoritative black suit....
229. Stephanie said:
I think I would've picked from these people:
Nancy Pelosi
Howard Dean
Donald Rumsfeld
George W. Bush
Britney Spears
Kevin Federline
Angelina Jolie
Barak Obama
Dr. Phil
Oprah
As for what I'd wear, hell if I know.
230. Di said:
"It’s like, if you can survive a day in New York City, you’re well on your way to conquering the world."
Wow...are you saying, if you can make it there you can make it anywhere?
My first vote would be for my husband who rose to the occasion when I was in a 5 month major depressive episode followed by ECT treatment. We could make him representative of all the spouses who are called upon to go above and beyond when the one who really runs things is out of commission.
How about Heather? And I'm not sucking up here...representative of more of us than anyone I can remember winning the title. Wife, mother, fallen Mormon, uses the F word, doesn't think motherhood translates to sainthood, cares about important things like Britney Spears...and most important...doesn't mince words or "spin" just says what we are all thinking and wish we had sid first. Yup...you'd definitely beat out my husband.
231. fred said:
Hope you had fun in our fair city and state of New York.
I would choose Bill Gates as person of the year. because it's just about now that he has realized that he has way to much money and most of it could be better spent making the world a better place.
Though I'd hoped he would spend the money making a decent operating system for once..... he's helping the poor and impovrished 3rd world countries... which is just as cool.
232. MrsHaley said:
P.O.T.Y.:
Barak Obama
Oprah
Heather Armstrong (no, really)
Outfit:
Cute skirt/pants & shoes are always nice, but they probably didn't shoot you full-length, so I'd focus on something fantastic up top -- a solid turtleneck with a killer chunky necklace or a v-neck wrap top with an 18-inch pendant. Black or another dark color so the jewlery and makeup really pop. And 24/7 whitestrips for the 2 weeks immediately prior. Did you wear your glasses? Did they hassle you about glare?
233. Doll said:
This isn't exactly addressing the question but I just wanted to say that, when I moved to New York City 7 years ago I was a 21 year old girl from Michigan. Now, I'm a 28 year old married woman who is that much closer to conquering the world... at least, yes, that's how I feel. If NYC doesn't chew you up and spit you out, though it's tried to take a bite out of my ass many times, and you manage to survive and make it work here, then you end up feeling like a person that can be dropped into any country or extreme situation and be confident that you'll be able to handle it. It is a hard place to live and even the smallest city thing starts to wear thin after a while but this place is really amazing once you stop being afraid of it. And that takes about two years of living here... :)
Sorry I missed your trip here, I would've loved to have taken you out to some of the city's hot spots. Maybe next time!
234. cristina said:
I dont know about conquering the world, but I have been chained to my desk in a tiny office without a window for several weeks, so I am really enjoying your NYC pictures.
Person of the year? I dont know--the travel agent who sold me my ticket to go on vacation?? Bless her.
235. thleen said:
I would vote for CHUCK. And you can wear whatever you want.
236. AmySilk said:
Russ Feingold, for being one of the few to stand up to the administration. Feingold in '08, baby!
And I would have no idea what to wear. I'd pretend to not think my sister-in-law was the most evil person I'd ever met and ask her opinion. She's a bitch, but she sure can dress.
And “The change that we’re going toward into for that and everything,†makes perfect sense to me.
237. Heddie1231 said:
The most influence over the media in this country in 2006? JOHN MARK KARR.
238. spookychick said:
what to wear?
hmmmm.
i would have worn this oddball black silk Kathie Lee shirt (which i bought at Value Village for $2) with a scoop and teardrop neckline with jeans of course. chunky heels. Hoop earrings 'de rigeur'.
Now, maybe i watched 'The View' one too many times while sick, but is that not the usual TV uniform? erm... wait... i think that is just what i am wearing now... yup.. it is.
Can't wait to see the bit!
239. spookychick said:
oh, and... posthumous - Ed Bradley, otherwise, Jerry Bruckheimer.
240. Jonathan Dobres said:
Person of the year? Much as I'd hate to see him on the cover of any magazine from this point forward, it's got to be Donald Rumsfeld. Dogged champion of the war, representative of everything we hated (or loved) about this administration, and ultimately the likely cause of the Democratic turnaround in the midterms. I can think of no one else who even approaches the level of impact he's had on the world over the past few years.
What would I wear? Whatever it is, I'd accent it with a pair of Rumsfeld eyeglasses. I may hate everything else about him, but those are some perfect specs, and I've got to give the man credit for that.
241. El Dorado Jr said:
Next time you are invited you will see through completely new eyes. No problem. I really enjoy how in touch with your insecurity, though. BTW, I think people like Soledad O'Brien are media soldiers, having spent 10 years in TV Boot camp. You got to her after thousands of hours of drills.
242. El Dorado Jr said:
Next time you are invited you will see through completely new eyes. No problem. I really enjoy how in touch with your insecurit y you are, though. BTW, I think people like Soledad O'Brien are media soldiers, having spent 10 years in TV Boot camp. You got to her after thousands of hours of drills.
243. frenchee said:
Originally, I thought the Amish community from Pennsylvania was a good choice. But looking at the state of the world since that fateful day - I cannot find any evidence that their actions had any lasting influence on society.
I'm going have to go with Bloggers.
I'd wear black, my most comfortable heels, and my best bag.
244. William said:
I would have said Soledad OBrien because that would have gotten some serious brownie points and more camera time.
245. Martin said:
It's still only mid-November - there's still time for my world domination yet.
I think it's important to wear comfortable shoes.
246. zoozoo123 said:
person or persons of year: The Refugee. Just which one? the Katrina refugee, or the illegal refugee; or the Iraq refugee.
crisp white shirt/black pants.
247. Gooooder said:
I really have no clue who I would choose. My mind goes blank when I try to think of someone who has done something that has caused real change this year.
And also, I would have felt very very very compelled to say poop at least once while there.
The fact that you didn't means you are saner than you think.
And I would have not decided what to wear until an hour before the meeting. I would have brought two or three things that I was uncomfortable in and bought my shoes a few hours before and ended up with blisters. For sure. I just cannot seem to build a 'professional' warddrobe with any clothes I am comfortable wearing.
248. Almost Lucid (Brad) said:
Based on their criteria, I'd have to vote for Bush. Only an idiot would "stay the course" like he has in the face of such upheaval. His state of the union address gave light to his desire to screw with Iran, his policy on Israel and Palestine caused deaths, he kept Rumsfeld until the military finally pushed him out, his approval rating was horrible, and he just kept saying the same shit every time he spoke. Appalling for someone in his position.
On a more shallow and fun level. I'd vote for Google.
And I'd wear jeans from Old Navy and a comfortable sweater thing from Eddie Bauer. I like comfort.
249. katy66 said:
Amy Goodman from Democracy Now! Her continuous effort to bring accurate news to the public is very important in our conglomerated media world.
Barack Obama, because he is "teh awesome"
Barbara Boxer, because girl don't back down!
250. napangel said:
I agree with the person who suggested Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. I think they've had a bigger effect on our nation that the mainstream media would ever admit.
And I would have worn pretty much what you wore. Only in a bigger size.
251. Lisa V said:
Jack Abramoff, Mark Foley, George Bush and Donald Rumsfield- for giving us a Democratic congress. Thank you boys very much.
I would have worn a black sweater, jacket and boots. Probably jeans. And a flask strapped to my waist. I would have dropped my penicl alot, so I had to go under the table and get a nip every now and then.
252. minxlj said:
I think I'd have to pick Al Gore for the whole 'inconvenient truth' thing and all he's done to highlight America's (and the West in general, I might add) refusal to do anything about climate change.
As for what I'd wear, the old black trousers and white/black pinstripe 3/4-length sleeved shirt combo would have to come out. It sets off my pink hair nicely! And since everyone would probably be staring at my head, they wouldn't notice my terrified little heart beating out of my throat at that moment!!
253. AnMc1019 said:
Not sure who I would've nominated, bu tI would've worn the only really nice business suit I have. Its multi colored tweed. Very fall-ish, very cute...well for Texas that is. ;)
254. Amy said:
I really did think Jon Stewart before reading that everyone else said that too. Clearly I'm not very original.
What would I have worn? A supergirl outfit. Duh.
255. Andrea-cat said:
I would nominate Howard "Ho Ho" Dean for Person of the year but I'm biased as a former Vermonter. I think he did a lot this election behind the scenes to help win back Congress. If I could nominate a critter, I would nominate my dog for kicking cancer's ASS!
I would wear all black, if possible, or black pants with an aubergine cashmere sweater and black boots.
256. Terimo said:
Good lord, I would have gone shopping at Saks or Barney's, bought something outrageously expensive and willed myself not to sweat so I could return it afterwards. Or, I'd borrow one of my husband's t-shirts, either "One Nation Under Surveillance" or "The Future Looks Like Shit". Would CNN put up with that?
Easy answer for person of the year (and really just a U.S. answer): Jon Stewart
A more international-impact answer: Pakistan President Musharraf or Iran President Ahmadi-Nejad
257. Karen Shanley said:
LOL! Oh I can so relate... I don't know why the media thinks authors/bloggers can automatically speak brilliantly once a TV camera is pointed at them. I've been in this spot more times than I care to count. With the same result. Even though I even know better now.
Heather, since it seems you're destined for fame and fortune, I think it's safe to say that these kind of invites will probably only increase. You might want to investigate media trainers. They're people who help people like us prepare for being on camera, or radio.
As to who I'd pick--no clue.
What I'd wear? With kids and dogs, I don't own anything without spots, so I'd have thrown on whatever was cleanest.
258. PennieB. said:
I would have gone with good old Britney. The chick has done some major life overhaul. As for the outfit? Sassy heels and some black dress pants.
259. roxyroo said:
I would nominate Oprah and would have worn all black to help with those 10 lbs the camera adds...
260. Melissa said:
New Yorkers are not members of a cult who only wear black - we're more like chameleons trying to blend into our environment and not be noticed by junkies and muggers. Seriously, though, what you wore was fine but I might have thrown on a blazer just to look a bit more tailored. My selection for Person of the Year is Suri Cruise because she has no idea what she's in for as she gets older and she will always be compared to Baby Shiloh, as respects Baby Shiloh being prettier and with a better bod. Not even a year old and her life is all mapped out for her, poor thing.
261. FinellySpinelly said:
First and foremost, knowing myself and my requirements, I would most likely have gone on a shopping spree to buy not only a new outfit for the meeting, but also a whole new wardrobe for NY. That's just me. I'm high maintenence like that.
I'm sure you looked fabulous as you are beautiful in all of the pics I've seen of you.
Person of the year??? Hmmmm, I have thought about this and the person that keeps popping into my head may sound crazy. Angelina Jolie. She amazes me. I know that may sound somewhat ridiculous considering she took part in braking up a marriage. But let's face it, it takes two to tango. It wasn't all Angelina.
Angelina is selfless in many ways. She seems to genuinely care for people in suffering. She has adopted two babies who may have otherwise died without her. That alone deserves some kind of award.
While adopting from countries in suffering, she could have had babies of her own. But she chose to help others in need. And, not only have these actions benefited her and her children, they have brought awareness to the suffering happening in poor countries. Some may argue that we have people suffering and in need right here in America, but under no circumstance here at home does it come near the extent that it is over there.
I have yet to see Angelina do or say anything that comes close to putting her in the same category as Britney Spears. No offense, but it's true. :)
She always looks amazing and she has one of the most desired men by her side helping her with all of her humanitarian efforts along the way. Not only is he helping, but his selflessness is taking on a life of it's own.
I believe Angelina Jolie deserves a shot at the person of the year award and upon receiving it, I think she would be humbled by it.
There's my long-winded 2 cents and I'm sure someone will make me regret it.
262. Stephanie said:
Okay... so even Soledad's *eyebrows* are well-coiffed. Geezus! Just THAT intimidates ME! No matter what I wore it would have seemed out of place and inadequate. :)
263. bigdogmompam said:
I agree that the Amish families in Pennsylvania should be the "People of the Year". The courage and the strength they displayed in face of the tragedy is beyond awe inspiring.
As for the wardrobe choice. . . sweater and khakis are the way I would have gone. Life's too short to wear uncomfortable clothes or shoes.
264. fakeblonde99 said:
Did anyone see Soledad on Celebrity Jeopardy last night? I thought she was going to shit when she missed her Double Jeopardy question, losing a cool $5,000. Granted, the question was tough to answer in 30 seconds (name 2 of the 4 states that have two NN together) but I got it (Minnesota and Connecticut) and I don't work at CNN. Man, did she looked pissed. But, to give her props, the misstep seemed to fire her up and she came back to recover the money and then some. However, she did lose the game in Final Jeopardy to the brilliant Harry Shearer and she shook his hand gracefully while Isaac Mizrahi wept silent, shameful tears in the background.
As for wardrobe Heather, a girl can never go wrong in basic black in NYC.
Person of the Year: The Democratic Party
265. VisualVoice said:
I'd name Chuck person of the year. He makes me smile.
266. Kristine said:
I am NOT reading through all the 2 hundred something comments to see if he has been mentioned...but Ceasar, the Dog Whisperer.
I have learned more about dealing with people and my life by watching him walk a damn dog than I have in all the anxiety classes and years of being alive.
267. deejay said:
Oh, Heather! You're just one of the old/young, big/small group of us who walk the earth everyday with a whip for our backs and big, ole iron to smash our foreheads with while we struggle to express a thought or opinion to the general public. Please repeat - I am NOT a big, giant stupidhead. Now for POTY, I would have gone with Team Jolie/Gates, who are doing some good in the world and have inspired others of wealth to help out, a little, while they were waiting in line for their Birkin bag. No small feat. Outfit- a blogger wears a bathrobe and slippers, but of course. However, I have always thought you looked like Kiera Knightly so pirate attire would have worked too. Carry on!
268. Leslie said:
*Loved* your reflections on what it's like to be a parent in NYC:
"I was completely overwhelmed with the idea that people have children in that city, that they have to push strollers on those sidewalks and down the stairs to the subway, that they have to carry those children up and down four flights every time they leave the apartment. The intricacies of day-to-day life with children in that city must feel like an hourly marathon, a race that does not ever end."
Just imagine doing all of this with TWINS, in a double stroller....
I'm coming to Salt Lake City for a week in January with the lil' monsters in tow (hanging out while hubby's at Sundance), and just from what I've been reading on the web it sounds so, so, so much easier. Is there really and truly an indoor amusement park where kids can go on unlimited rides for $7.50 each? Damn.
269. Erin said:
Soledad O'Brien sucked on Celebrity Jeopardy.
270. southerngirl said:
Stephen Colbert. His Washington Correspondents Dinner speech was the beginning of the end for the Republican majority in Congress ad started Bush down the path to his lowest approval ratings ever. And what balls the guy has. I mean, Laura was staring daggers at him the whole time from just two feet away. (shudder)
I just wear sweatpants-- everywhere. But I do have some nice black yoga pants that I probably could have substituted for a Soledad appearance.
271. princessmombi said:
I'm digging the Stephen Colbert response below, but I think I wouldn't have been able to resist saying Brangelina. If she adopts one more kid I think the press will be ready to saint her, so whythefuck not name her person of the year?
Oh Heather, please god tell me you didn't say Elmo. Dora... maybe? But Elmo?
And I probably would have worn a "Derek Zoolander Center for Kids Who Can't Read Good and Want to Learn How to do Other Stuff Good Too" sweatshirt. You know, just so they understand where I'm coming from.
272. Fox In Detox said:
Trying to pick one single person of the year is definitely a daunting task, but if I had to pick someone..I guess it would be Laura Bush for simply hanging in there through it all. Now there's a lady who knows the meaning of "for better or for worse".
What to wear, what to wear.... How about a strapless vintage Valentino with opera gloves and a tiarra. Why the hell not?
273. Lukku Cairi said:
You mean people think Access Hollywood isn't serious journalism?
*GASP*!
I would have worn something red and obnoxious.
In the spirit of satire, I would have chosen Karl "Turd Blossom" Rove, on the condition that this nickname be included in every reference to him in the segment :-) I would have chosen him for the model of propriety and statesmanship he provides to our younger generations.
But maybe I just have a hard-on for Stephen Colbert ;-)
274. wealhtheow said:
Of the choices listed on that site, I'd have picked either Kim Jong Il or Ahmadinejad, because they are actively driving the foreign policies of the most powerful countries in the world and will be instrumental in either preventing or fomenting another Cold War with Russia.
If it were just up to me, totally and completely? I'd probably say Katie Couric, simply because I believe her promotion to anchor and the reactions to it revealed an enormous amount about the sexism women in this country still face.
275. thefirecat said:
When you referred to Soledad O'Brien as the woman who does not shit, I thought, "Well, okay, then you should feel right at home, as well as having an aura of goddessness about your own self!" but that probably isn't what you meant.
And thennnnnnn.....I looked at your Flickr photos of the event. And my first thought was, "Oh my god, that guy looks exactly like Chris Mohney, my old grad school buddy."
And lo and behold, there's Mohney himself. Fear not the Mohn-ster, dooce, he's scary smart and terribly funny, but he's a very down to earth guy who loves him some microbrew. Hope you guys hit it off wonderfully and you weren't horrified by his sense of humour, which is much more verbal than, for instance, mine.
My incredible shrinking world. That's so frightening. Who knew that my life would turn into the Six Degrees of Chris Mohney instead of The Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon that everyone else uses?
276. Ramona said:
I would have said Britney Spears. And why not? I would look at the Harvard man and say, "Bring it, beyootch."
277. thefirecat said:
Oh, and what I would have worn? Something that doesn't need wrinkle when you look sideways at it. Probably in black, to make me look more serious, as opposed to the fluffy girly they think I really am inside. And lots and lots of hairspray to tame the awful fluff on my head.
I hate it when they interview women and they have those floofy lavender pants suits on, with a big, artsy (or worse, conservative) scarf around their neck. Like, what is that? Do you think when they interviewed Kissinger he was wearing golf pants?
On the other hand, I wouldn't want to wear something that made me look like a woman in a guy's suit. I hate that. I'm female. Deal with it.
You can tell I have much angst about this. Good thing I'm not about to be interviewed by CNN anytime soon.
278. Megs said:
OH, I thought of who I would nominate...Barack Obama...there are so many reasons to like him and I think he'll make a great president.
279. Aimee said:
I asked my 2 year old who she thinks should be the person of the year and she responded very quickly with, "Caillou!"
But, really I just wanted to comment on Heather's experience in NYC. My best friends moved with their 3 year old and 21 month old from BFE, Texas, to the Upper East Side of Manhattan in May of this year. I, then, flew to meet them there with my then 22 month old to help them get settled in. They were needing help with the girls while they interviewed for nannies. I was there for 2 weeks in a two bedroom apartment with three toddlers. It was the longest 14 days of my entire life. I hauled those girls around town, to the park, library, etc., in a plastic red wagon. I wish I had video of the looks, stares, giggles and occasional pointing I received from the natives. I still don't understand how or why people would choose to raise kids there. New York is my absolute favorite place in the whole world, but it is totally out of the question for us. Maybe my husband and I will retire there!
280. Jamie said:
Your wardrobe choice sounds like what I wear daily to work. I probably would have splurged and bought a spiffy pantsuit or something at TJ Maxx. And pantsuits? I believe that is very 1990s. Fashionably I'm stuck in 1994.
I love how you describe what it felt like to be in NYC as a parent, and not a 20-something year old with not a care in the world.
And I would have said Chuck the dog. Or Britney. Or maybe her manny as Person of the Year. Definitely not Kfed. Good Lord I have no idea and now I feel pretty stupid.
Just reading about your CNN interview is both exciting and nerve wracking to me. What a cool opportunity. I would have had to break into the hotel room mini bar. I'm looking forward to seeing it. I hope you did those of us with a Southern accent proud. ;)
281. Charlie Bathwater said:
The ambassador for Red Stripe Beer. IT'S BEER!
282. Cassie said:
I would have said Barack Obama. Maybe Rosie O'Donnell, as well.
I would have worn either my BCBG pin striped pencil skirt and button down top oooorrr, Black dress pants and my fuschia, cowl neck, cap sleeved, fitted sweater with a skinny belt over it. With either outfits I would have worn my plain black pumps. Wait, though - I have been looking for an excuse to buy a DVF wrap dress and an appearance on CNN is good as any... tough question.
And yes, I put alot more thought into the outfit than the person of the year. I'm not ashamed of that.
283. libby said:
Wow, Heather, what a cool but intimidating task you had! Hope NYC was good to you and not too intimidating.
Alas, I'd join in the Colbert chorus if it weren't for my maddening, embarrassing, way-too-old-for-this crush on Olbermann. I'm happily partnered with my boyfirend -- who will rid me of this meddlesome crush!?!
284. ladeeda said:
I have been thinking about my answer for 2 days now and I think I would have to go with Bill Gates since he gave away all that money this year to help impoverished children; maybe I am wierd but I think that is who I would go with.
285. Shiz Shiz said:
I wonder if I coulda worn this:
http://tinyurl.com/ykutrt
I'm still leaning towards Stephen Lewis - http://tinyurl.com/ybe7ta - does nobody know who he is? A second is Bill Clinton; he's doing amazing things now: http://tinyurl.com/yc4y4z
Oh, and Banksy: http://tinyurl.com/yf9tg2
Love Banksy.
286. meagan said:
I'd have to say Stephen Lewis, he's done some amazing stuff for Africans, especially those dealing with AIDS. He's very passionate about Africa and creating awareness about what's going on there. He is Canadian though so I'm not sure if he'd qualify.
287. Jennifer in Ohio said:
You're not kidding about Soledad being so perfect- and she has four kids. FOUR KIDS. Can not be human.
288. Grace D said:
Person(s) of the year? It would have to be the Iraqi insurgent. Any member of the insurgency, Shiite, Sunni, whoever. Iraqi insurgents brought their country - and the USA - to their knees.
(And, hey - don't get on me for being un-American. These people of the insurgency has us scrambling in the worst possible way. We're out of control in Iraq. We need to get out.)
Anyway, I would have worn all black accented with one of my two precious Hermes scarves. However, if I were really brave, I'd wear Tracey/Sweetney's "I'm a fuckin mommyblogger, bite me" tee shirt.
289. namedpipe said:
Knowing John Hinderaker was on I would have picked Glenn Grunwald or Markos Moulitsas Zúniga just to watch Hindrockers head explode.
290. doctor tongue said:
I hope they do a better job of picking Person of the Year than they did the 100 most influential albums list - NO PINK FLOYD? How does THAT happen?
291. Heather Edwards said:
I support the Obama nomination...
As for the more important issue, my attire...
An inflatable sumo suit. I hear the camera adds 10 pounds, so why not go all out?
292. Number4of5 said:
Tim Gunn...for bringing classy back.
293. Kristen from MA said:
Jack Murtha, for leading the effort to CHANGE the course.
I'd have worn a sleek menswear style suit, with a t-shirt and pearls.
But really, Heather, you just could not look bad if you tried!
294. tksinclair said:
Anna Nicole?
Okay, nevermind.
295. Chloe said:
The first person that came to mind (besides Britney, I'll give you that!) is Barack Obama. Foley, occured to me too, as did Kim Jong II (of course), and Jon Stewart (occurred to me before Colbert, who seems to be a comment favorite). Honestly, I don't know if any of those are really a good choice... hopefully something bigger is coming for Obama. Probably Kim Jong is the best choice... maybe Foley. Eh.
What I would have worn?
Since everyone is so caught up in black, black thong and a black bra. And a red bow tie.
Not really. I would die.
But honestly, my wardrobe leans towards the jeans/ tee-shirt combo, so I'd probably have to buy something new. Really nice black slacks... I would say a button up shirt, but as a girl with BOOBS finding a flattering button up shirt is virtually impossible, so I'd probably end up with a nice sweater, too. Maybe low-cut, to distract people from the fact that I don't know what the fuck is going on. I would wear heels, but chances are good I would still be, BY FAR, the shortest person there.
Platform disco boots with fake fish in the soles would probably be the best choice.
296. jessiker said:
You could have worn a potato sack, and I'd think you looked stunning! I'm so proud of you...even though we don't know each other. I am just overwhelmed thinking about the courage it took for you to do this, and I'm proud of you as a mom and a professional. You did good, girl.
*high five*
297. Lelia Katherine Thomas said:
Shockingly, my first thought was Stephen Colbert, too. I don't even always agree with his politics, but the fact that he is exercising his right to freedom of speech in a form of satire is one of the many signs that that freedom hasn't died out yet (thank goodness!). Not to mention he's just damn hilarious, and people need to lighten up a bit. ;)
298. Lelia Katherine Thomas said:
Also, I would have worn jeans and a t-shirt probably. Casual all the way, babay.
299. Cassie said:
I'll be the 14th person to suggest Jon Stewart. Reasons have been already stated.
I think you looked great, Heather. I would have worn Walmart clothes (just like I wear to work every day, while I work with people that buy the really expensive stuff). What you say is always more important than what you have on. And I highly doubt much of what you said was of the "The change that we’re going toward into for that and everything" variety :)
300. AndreaBT said:
I don't know who I'd choose off the top of my head, but it sure wouldn't be any of the people listed on CNN's website. AS IF! (Aren't at least some of them supposed to be good guys???)
And the choice of what to wear is irrelevant, because I would not, could not do it. You are braver than I. I would be far too intimidated and even more certain than you that someone had mixed me up with someone else with my name.
I'm looking forward to seeing it when it airs, though!