Crowning observations

Omedetou! Miss Japan is Miss Universe 2007.

Unlike the other pageants, Miss Universe always has a tinge of political flair that makes it more exciting. Last year's winner was Miss Puerto Rico, which I think is great because PR gets its own contestant despite being a commonwealth country. Along with PR, islands owned by the UK also enjoy their own entries.

In a splendid move, Miss Sweden withdrew from the pageant after her fellow Swedes complained about the contest being degrading to women.

There were protestors in Mexico City, where the pageant took place, demonstrating about the Women of Juarez and the murders of indigeonus women that have plagued Mexico for years.

There was the jaw dropping hairdos from Miss Jamaica - the first Rasta in the pageant. She sported dreadlocks. And Miss Tanzania had a close shave. CRAZY.

Pageant audience members found time to boo Miss USA in response to the immigration debates going on.

And Miss Mexico was asked--in her home country--to find another dress because the one she was wearing was in poor taste. What made it tacky? Pictures drawn on it depicting Mexican rebels from the 1920's being slaughtered in an uprising. Almost as crazy as Miss Israel 2001's dress.

All in all, I appreciate this pageant as it seeks to show that pretty, privileged women can come from starving, third world countries.