"out-of-shape and out-of-touch"

According to the latest entertainment story coming out of the Associated Press, that's what I am.

In a story reporting on Britney Spears' appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards, dated today, the woebegone starlet was criticised for her performance—and her appearance— on the awards show. She was described as both "out-of-shape" and "out-of-touch."

Now I'm no fan of Britney's, but I take issue with the description: I wish I were so "out-of-shape." Seriously. Take a look at those abs and those thighs. And she's had two kids. I guess I'm out-of-touch, too, to think that a star should be allowed to have a "normal" body.

The very media machine that used to worship her body has turned against her. Big surprise. And that's why, by the way, I won't be too keen on having my daughters get starry-eyed over those supposed representations of "girl power." It's lethal too all, no matter which side of the lens we find ourselves.