Time Magazine’s List of Most Influential People?

Posted on March 30, 2012 by empressofaiken

Time magazine has released the names of its candidates for the Most Influential People for 2012.  Readers of the magazine are given the opportunity to participate in an unofficial poll as to who they think qualifies for this honor, although the actual list will be chosen by the editorial staff.  It’s an eclectic group, as it should be, but I’m exactly sure who some of these people even are.  Among many of the names I do recognize, their inclusion in this list baffles me a bit, because I’m don’t know how they could have influenced anything.

I had to look up more than a few of these people to find out both who they were and if they had changed the world in some way.  It turned out to be an interesting exercise.  I found out that Ai-jen Poo is the Director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, a group that is dedicated to empowering domestic workers by seeing that they have same rights and privileges as all other workers.  Oscar Pistorius is a 25 year old sprinter who had both legs amputated at the age of one and is now trying to qualify for the London Olympics, running with two custom made prosthetics.  Maria da Gracas Silva Foster is the new CEO of Petrobras of Brazil and the first woman to become the head of an oil company.  Those, and others, made sense to me – their accomplishments and causes are having an effect on a lot of people around the world.

Then there’s the group that that just looked silly to me for even being included.   They are well known names, but the level of influence they have somehow escapes me.  Some of this group of people includes Jessica Simpson,  Lana Del Ray, who I only knew because she performed particularly badly on Saturday Night Live,  the trio of Elizabeth Moss, Christina Hendricks and January Jones,  Pippa and Kate Middleton, and Daniel Craig.   I guess you can see where I’m going with this.

I then jumped over to the companion pages of this story, which show the results of this poll to date.  This is where it gets very strange.  Kim Jung Un and Martin Scorsese are running neck and neck.  The three ladies from “Mad Men”,  Beyonce and Ellen Degeneres  are leading Benjamin Netanhayu, Leon Panetta and Mitt Romney.   Even Chelsea Handler is ahead of Hamid Karzai.   It did make me feel better that Jessica Simpson, as of right now, is dead last.  As for the rest of these rankings, I am beginning to understand how Chris Daughtry came in fourth on American Idol and why we keep seeing the same names showing up in Congress year after election year.

I’ve posted the list so that you could browse on your own.  Clicking on the names will give you a quick back story on each of the candidates.  Enjoy it, and I know that you’ll have your own opinions about these choices.

Empress

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66 Responses to Time Magazine’s List of Most Influential People?

  1. thedesigndiva2 says:
    March 30, 2012 at 10:37 am

    IT’S FRIDAY AND I DONT WANNA CLICK ANYTHING !!!!!!!!!
    However , I do have my own list of people I would like to CLOCK……

    HAPPY FLASHBACK FRIDAY…Must got look for a good song….
    BBL

  2. Adgirl says:
    March 30, 2012 at 12:27 pm

    Time, Newsweek … meh.
    How about “dumbing down & pandering” as their Desperate To Stay In Business strategy.

    I didn’t even know until I purchased The Economist (a British magazine) at an airport that there was really important news about (gasp) other countries. In fact whole continents have pages and pages of finely worded articles about them. Say what?
    I’m fairly certain the articulate editors of TE aren’t concerned about Ryan Seacrest’s global influence.

    Currently, I choose to remain ignorant as possible about news events that bum me out and I can’t do anything about anyway. I’m trying to avoid starring on that Bomb Shelter Family reality show.

  3. melthehound says:
    March 30, 2012 at 12:40 pm

    Anonymous, a leaderless group of hackers, currently hold 4th place on Yes votes. The biggest stinker is still Jessica Simpson (in more ways than just this poll). More interesting to me is the number of NO votes. Adele tops that list. Obama and Rush Limbaugh are separated by less than 100 though Obama leaves him in the dust on Yes votes. Number 2 on the Yes list? Ron Paul. More of an influence than the current occupant of the White House. In fact, even TV comedian Stephen Colbert edges him out with nearly a 2000 vote margin. Even Adele and (gag me) Lady Gaga blow him away quite comfortably on the Yes column. I guess he isn’t the rock star he thought he was. Al “I invented the internet and I’ve suckered a bunch of fools into believing in global warming so I can make a fortune” Gore doesn’t even make the list. Hey, if a group of nameless hackers can make the list, why not baby Al?

    Good afternoon everyone.

  4. princesspindy says:
    March 30, 2012 at 6:43 pm

    I can’t believe that John Flynn didn’t make the list….

  5. empressofaiken says:
    March 30, 2012 at 7:21 pm

    I know this is completely off topic, but it’s important to me and to a very good friend. I hope you’ll take the time to read it. 🙂

    Contact Senators about FDA and BPA, DES’s chemical cousin!
    by DES Info

    Today the FDA refused the call to ban BPA from food packaging. BPA is the “chemical cousin” of DES – and we all know about the generational devastation of DES exposure.

    As you know, US Senator John Kerry (D-MA) and US Senator Scott Brown (R-MA) jointly sent a letter to the FDA about a DES apology in 2010. In 2011, the Senators finally received a 3-page response from the FDA. The FDA’s letter did not contain an official apology from the federal government for the DES drug disaster. However, it acknowledged the devastating health consequences of DES, explained FDA initiatives to prevent future drug disasters, and talked about DES as a “tragedy.”

    In light of the Senators’ championing of DES victims, please ask them to speak out against the FDA’s refusal to ban BPA from food packaging.

    The Senators can be contacted in two ways:

    ** Fill out email forms for Senator Kerry and Senator Brown. You don’t have to live in Massachusetts to write to them. Also, it doesn’t matter what political party you belong to – the Senators are friendly with each other and willing to work together on issues: http://kerry.senate.gov/contact/ and http://scottbrown.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contactme.

    Feel free to copy and paste the message below (or create your own):

    “Dear Senator, The FDA has refused calls to ban BPA from food packaging. BPA is DES’s “chemical cousin.” Everyone in the DES community deeply appreciates your work on obtaining an acknowledgment of DES as a “tragedy” from the FDA last year. Sadly, the FDA hasn’t learned its lesson re: DES – hence its refusal to apologize for the DES drug disaster *and* to ban BPA (DES’s “chemical cousin”) from food packaging. Just think of the millions of babies and children *right now* being exposed to toxic, carcinogenic chemicals similar to DES. Another tragedy is unfolding, thanks to the FDA’s continued inaction on dangerous chemicals. Please help!”

    ** If you’d rather place a phone call, here are the numbers for their DC offices: Senator Kerry (202) 224-2742; and Senator Brown (202) 224-4543.
    Thank you!

  6. Chuck Norris says:
    March 30, 2012 at 9:27 pm

    I can’t believe I wasn’t on the Time Magazine list. Whose ass do I have to kick?

    • thedesigndiva2 says:
      March 30, 2012 at 9:34 pm

      Chuck …make that PLURAL….. ASSES…

      • IceMeNot says:
        March 31, 2012 at 12:49 am

        They left out Kira Peikoff. Of course, I wouldn’t want Jessica to lose her spot in place of her. By the way, shouldn’t Ms.Simpson be given an extra spot for the little one? She looks like a big ole pimple ready to pop! I sure wouldn’t want to be her feet, no way.

        • thedesigndiva2 says:
          March 31, 2012 at 12:53 am

          IMN….. Can you believe how BIG she got..DANG… looks like she swallowed a beach ball and then they inflated her…..LOL
          Poor thing…..

          Hows the BOOK thing going for your daughter…I HOPE WELL

          Diva

        • Viewer 5 says:
          March 31, 2012 at 8:11 am

          Hi IceMeNot – and (((Diva)))
          Nice to see you. I echo Diva’s thoughts about your daughter’s book. That is a major, beyond major, accomplishment.
          xo
          V5

        • thedesigndiva2 says:
          March 31, 2012 at 11:59 am

          IMN…. I SAW THAT…… I have good RADAR for clues…. WINKS

          AM VERY HAPPY FOR ALL OF YOU

          Diva

          • IceMeNot says:
            April 1, 2012 at 11:18 pm

            Gosh, V5 & D2, your well wishes are appreciated!

            • thedesigndiva2 says:
              April 2, 2012 at 11:49 am

              Icemenot…. She is SIMPLY STUNNING…!!! And I wish her every success….. !!!!!

              • IceMeNot says:
                April 2, 2012 at 12:17 pm

                Well, it’s all genetic…and at this point, I’m one step behind you dragging our sagging whachtmacallit around the house…and I wasn’t including Mr. F. in that! I hope you get some help today…maybe a friend can spell you? Or do you plan to follow him? Take good care of you!

  7. hellokitty says:
    March 31, 2012 at 5:26 am

    Why is someone trying to impersonate Nancy’s gravatar on an old page in the middle of the night?

    https://realhousewifeofaiken.com/2012/01/30/the-real-housewives-of-atlanta-visit-south-africa/#comment-1232

    • empressofaiken says:
      March 31, 2012 at 9:21 am

      I have sent you an e-mail. I believe it will answer your question, and you will then be able to draw your own conclusions.

      • hellokitty says:
        March 31, 2012 at 10:55 am

        Thank you empress but I must shamefully admit that I’ve never used a real email to post on blogs as my real email is my name and I’m far to lazy to create a blog email and also remember to check it and remember the password. If you would like to resend to the email I put down this time, I will be able to see it. Until I forget the password again. Ugh.

        • empressofaiken says:
          March 31, 2012 at 11:42 am

          Chuck Norris and a kitty, all within an 8 hour period. I’m guessing that this is a dress rehearsal for April Fool’s Day.
          Given that there has been a major traffic jam here at the Farm, I am fairly certain that it has nothing to do with a renewed interest in a RHoA post from a month ago. I’m going to conclude that there a number of rubberneckers, driving by, looking for mangled bodies and twisted wrecks. The ambulances and tow trucks were never needed, so anyone who was hoping to witness some sort of tragedy or disaster will be disappointed and should simply keep on driving.

  8. Viewer 5 says:
    March 31, 2012 at 8:08 am

    Woah! Good Morning, Empress!
    Okay… I have to chime in here about Jessica Simpson. She has made a multi-million dollar fashion operation. Her shoes are affordable, well-designed, and flying off the shelves. I have to scoot to work today, so I don’t have time to look up the info… but I *think* she’s the most successful celebrity designer out there. Look her shoes up at macys.com.

    I’ve also seen her on – I forget the name of it – it’s a project runway style fashion show, and a lot of fun to watch. She has great commentary, and is kind and thoughtful in her critique.

    ALSO… she has become somewhat an ambassador for not starving yourself thin to look “beautiful.” She did a little documentary about women and their body image – around the globe! It was very well received.

    I know that not many know this fashion-type stuff; I tend to follow it a bit, so I thought I’d chime in! Now I have to go to work!

    Hope all is well on the farm and the critters and the Emperor are well and happy.

    xo
    V5

    • Adgirl says:
      March 31, 2012 at 6:19 pm

      I love her shoes. I didn’t even realize they were hers until I saw the label. Paris Hilton also makes huge bank. Nothing wrong with that!

      Not only do these women make money for themselves but their enterprises actually employ people (mostly sales & marketing as far as stateside employees) which is more than I can say for most actors and athletes.

  9. thedesigndiva2 says:
    March 31, 2012 at 11:57 am

    JUST HAD TO DO IT…. LOL LOL

  10. petalutha says:
    March 31, 2012 at 1:48 pm

    Wow! I never know about this great blog! I’m not a drive by/troll/stalker by the way LOL! I see lots of familiar names and it makes me smile! ~ Looking around at the subjects I love the diversity of this blog! I’ll certainly visit again.

    Diva, I hope everything is better. I know that Mr. Ford has had health problems and I have been thinking about you and hoping you are doing OK. ((((Diva))))).

    I am moving from MD to CT next week so life has been hectic here. 1 tiny TV still connected here in MD which I am huddled over. No DVR. I guess I CAN live without it! (Not for long, though.) So strange to read a book without distraction! But I’m no elitist. I think TV is great! I’m an equal opportunity player in the play yard of what the world has to offer us and TV is one of those wonderful pleasures. Now I’m off to click on some of these most influential people. Very eclectic (and a little strange) list!

    • PussyGalore says:
      March 31, 2012 at 4:09 pm

      Hello mariareads…….nice to see you here, although I must say I’m surprised that you hadn’t known until now about this precious gem the Empress has created. Not only is she an extraordinary writer but the diversity of topics she presents is most interesting. I’ve learned so much already from her blogs and because of her facility with the written word she can make even the most complex and difficult to comprehend subject matter thoroughly to read.

      • mariareads says:
        March 31, 2012 at 4:40 pm

        I never knew about it. I don’t visit many blogs and had never seen it mentioned before. I’m happy to find it and look forward to visiting often.

        As for Ti Kanis–I’m doing OK. Moving is stressful and sucks the air out of life but I’m looking forward to getting back to my books and mixed media work as well as learning about the new place we’ll be living. Cautiously optimistic. It’s very nice to see you here.

  11. petalutha says:
    March 31, 2012 at 1:50 pm

    By the way, I’m mariareads but I must have set up WordPress to read Petalutha (butterfly in Greek) so for anyone I knew from another blog, it’s me. I have no idea why it posted as petalutha but since it’s spring, I’ll just leave it.

    • thedesigndiva2 says:
      March 31, 2012 at 2:30 pm

      Well HEY MARIA… Long time no see…. Here I thought you had already packed up and was settled in….
      Good to see you here….

      Mr ford is still aways from being 100%..but we are working on it..BABY STEPS for sure..
      It sure does drain one to be the care giver for sure..Need to go re read those marriage vows.. I thought I left out that ” in sickness” part…and the “for poorer “…LOL LOL JK

      Hugs
      Diva

      • mariareads says:
        March 31, 2012 at 3:21 pm

        So good to “see” you Diva! Being a care giver is one of the most difficult jobs there is. HA! Greek weddings don’t have traditional marriage vows. Long story but there is no mention by the bride and groom but then again the priest does say to stick together no matter what comes down the pike. That poorer part could have been taken care of by that huge mega millions someone won today. It wasn’t at MY house! ~ Only packed up 1/2 the house and sent it north Thursday. The rest has to wait until this place is sold. Realtors up the …whatever and they “stage” it and all that good design stuff that you know all about. Exhausting. NEVER MOVING AGAIN! NEVER!

        • thedesigndiva2 says:
          March 31, 2012 at 3:28 pm

          Well Mr Ford and I got married on the Roaring Fork River in Colorado..So none of that traditional stuff…. LOL LOL
          the beer cans were strung and kept cold in the water and we had people and bon fire…. I think we just said Till Death do us Part….. Played Color My World by Chicago and had a great 2 weeks camping ….. That was 31 yrs ago…. DAMN..time flies when you are having fun…. WHOOP WHOOP
          I hear ya bout moving.. I HATE IT ALSO… and I HATE REALTORS… STAGE THIS….!!! No I am not painting my walls WHITE..it will kill the mojo of the house…. They fought me tooth and nail on that… Funny thing is… The lady who bought it.. LOVED THE COLORS I USED… She did have to hire somone to come in and paint… I stuck my tongue out at the REALTOR…..BTW.. I am an INTERIOR DESIGNER also… I know about staging and what works to improve and what does not work and will kill a sale…… LOL

          Be careful moving..
          Diva

    • Adgirl says:
      March 31, 2012 at 6:24 pm

      Hi Maria/Petalutha (waving!!!). Good to see you! Best wishes on swift and sucessful house sale and move!!

      I hate the actual moving part but I like the living in new neighborhoods.

      • thedesigndiva2 says:
        March 31, 2012 at 6:56 pm

        Well back from the grocery store ..bought LOTS of fresh vegs… FRUITS…Watermelon SO JUICY.. and some fish…
        Then walking thru the LR on the TV pops this special on the news about the Early SPring weather.. rains…etc
        and this song POPPED into my head…. So fitting

        ENJOY..and CRANK IT UP…..

      • mariareads says:
        March 31, 2012 at 9:09 pm

        Nice to see you Adgirl! Thanks for the good wishes. I’m nervous! But the neighborhood is really friendly and the town is a real New England coastal place so I think the peace of the place will be very welcomed after living in Montgomery County, MD for 8 years. It’s so heavily populated here and the roads are busy as heck.

        Hope to see you here often. I enjoyed reading some of the back blogs this afternoon while waiting for the husband to get back from CT. Very cool!

  12. thedesigndiva2 says:
    March 31, 2012 at 2:23 pm

    FRAME OF MIND AND DAY SONG…..LOL

    • melthehound says:
      March 31, 2012 at 2:29 pm

      😀

    • PussyGalore says:
      March 31, 2012 at 3:56 pm

      Once again the Diva hits the perfect note and I ask the same question I always ask………….where do you find this stuff?

      It’s a great day alright.

      Thanks for sharing.

      • thedesigndiva2 says:
        March 31, 2012 at 3:58 pm

        PG… I have lots of things in my magic bags of tricks…. Empress has feed for horses in hers… wink

        We are meeting in the FOD under the moon on 4-13-2012 FRIDAY to exchange bags….

        • PussyGalore says:
          April 1, 2012 at 12:30 am

          You don’t say? Jeez, I coulda sworn it was a full moon this wknd.. So, it’s a waning moon in what? Scorpio? or Aries?

  14. diva says:
    May 10, 2012 at 2:31 pm

    http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/palmbeachpost/obituary.aspx?n=denny-fitch&pid=157525448

    A good read on the death of a hero.. May he rest in peace… I so remember watching this aircraft trying to land on that fateful day… They all were heros for sure…..
    God Speed Denny…
    Diva

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