The beauty of talent

Ugly people can sing. It's OK. A singer does not have to have high cheekbones, a small waist, lean legs and perfect hair to hit high notes and pull heartstrings.

People talk about Americans being superficial.

Let's dissect Mother England for a moment. At least twice a week for the past three weeks, I've pulled up Yahoo and what was the top story? Some goofy-looking British hopeful with a microphone delivering a "shocking" performance on "Britain's Got Talent" -- the predecessor and model for "America's Got Talent."

The judges scoff, then stare in shock, smile and finally applaud and tell the contestant he/she has won hearts or surprised their socks off or whatever it is they say.

Susan Boyle, the 47-year-old Scottish singer with bushy eyebrows who wants to be as famous as Britain's opera queen Elaine Paige, made Simon Cowell smile with surprise and that blonde lady get to her feet in a standing ovation. Why? Because even though she's not hot, she can sing. Surprise!

Oh, it's such a surprise, unattractive people can have healthy vocal cords. Get over it.

Then there was some little boy who wowed judges on his second try. Now some little ballerina girl turns out to be an amazing singer.

This show has been constantly surprised that people have talent -- not surprising, mind you, they're only fooling themselves.

It's gotten old. Move on. New show. Get someone with real talent.

On the talented side, RIP Bea Arthur.

My mom used to nap to "Golden Girls." I wasn't allowed to change the channel because she was only "resting her eyes" until the fourth commercial when she actually fell asleep and by then I was hooked any way.

Dorothy wasn't my favorite Girl, but I recognized her character as the smartest. I also recognize the talent in the actress who played her.

Beatrice Arthur, who died Saturday at age 86, had the timing and delivery comedic actors spend years learning.

Now there was a woman with talent.