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SECTION D
TUESDAY
JANUARY 12, 2010
THE NEWS-JOURNAL
FIND LOCAL EVENTS ONLINE AT NEWS-JOURNALONLINE.COM AND GO386.COM ||
Tom Iacuzio
Can
‘Idol’
FATHERHOOD hold on
Baby, at No. 1?
waby talk By LYNN ELBER
good for
ASSOCIATED PRESS
LOS ANGELES — ‘‘American
Idol’’ was the colossus that domi-
widdle one
nated television in the new cen-
tury’s first decade, generating
top ratings, a heady share of buzz
and a handful of bankable stars
J
ust this past week, including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie
Underwood and Jennifer Hud-
Abigail turned four
son.
months old. ‘‘THIS is ‘American Idol,’ ’’
Not to pat myself on the host Ryan Seacrest first intoned
back, but our kid is flying in 2002, and the singing contest
through this growing up thing. that was a summer surprise
She’s already on rice cereal. turned into an annual visitor
She just started pureed with staying power.
vegetables. She’s rolling over Whether it can retain its sta-
and to top things off, she’s tus this year, let alone through
working on her third tooth. the second decade, is a crucial
She’s also started to get a question for its home base, Fox,
little mouthy. as well as the network’s compet-
Now she hasn’t said an itors and the seemingly bottom-
actual word yet but the less well of aspiring singers who
babbles and squeals are see it as a shortcut to discovery.
plentiful. It’s a good thing It’s a challenge for a series
we’re not in hiding, cause this that, entering its ninth season at
kid would surely give us away 8 tonight, is
in seconds. undergoing
With all these signs of i t s b i g g e s t BREAKING
development, our health care shake-up yet NEWS:
professional told us that we with Ellen De- ‘Idol’s’ Cowell
could expect her first word Generes tak- says 9th
any day now. ing the place season will be
But what we didn’t know is of Paula Ab- his last —
that you can actually help d u l o n t h e PAGE 2A
your baby along on her path to judging panel
becoming a coherent human. that includes
A while ago someone scolded Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson
me for ‘‘talking goofy’’ to my and, back for her sophomore
daughter. turn, Kara DioGuardi.
Well guess what? Can ‘‘Idol’’ hang on as the No. 1
‘‘Parents often hear that if series, a spot it’s held for five
they want their infant to grow years among all viewers and for
up speaking like an adult they six years among 18-to-49 year
should talk to them like they olds, a demographic much fa-
are adults,’’ says Dr. Erik vored by advertisers?
Thiessen of Carnegie Mellon Yes, said industry analyst Sha-
University. ‘‘But it turns out ri Anne Brill — for now.
that talking to babies in this ‘‘It will remain the top-rated
special way, as mothers have show through this year,’’ said
been doing for centuries, is Brill of Carat USA. After that,
pretty effective for learning she said, it’s a guessing game, es-
language.’’ pecially after uber-judge Cowell
Recent studies show that decided Tuesday to exit after this
baby talk can help babies learn season.
languages faster than if they The show’s producers and Fox
hear it in a normal voice. As a pay due respect to the judging
matter of fact, baby talk is panel but say what counts most
now being referred to as are the ‘‘kids,’’ their favored
infant-directed speech. It’s term for the mostly 20-something
recognized as short, simple contestants angling for a record
words and sentences delivered News-Journal/SEAN McNEIL contract and career, such as last
in a high-pitched, sing-song Dawn Wandelt wears a Green Dragon embellished cardigan, $129.99, and Michael Stars back-to-front V-neck year’s winner Kris Allen and
LAYERING 101
voice. tank, $56.99, both at Adornments. runner-up Adam Lambert.
Thiessen says that this type In focus groups with viewers,
of talk catches your baby’s it’s about contestants that pro-
attention and the simpleness of voke the most emotion, said Fox
it helps them grasp words executive Preston Beckman,
easier. adding, ‘‘They want to root for
But if you really feel stupid someone and see someone win.’’
using baby talk, never fear. DeGeneres brings ‘‘something
‘‘It isn’t that babies can’t unique and will be the nurturing
learn from adult-directed person on the show and create
speech,’’ he tells WebMD. an interesting dynamic with Si-
‘‘They will figure it out mon. But at the end of the day,
Follow these rules to combine separates stylishly
eventually no matter how they it’s not on her shoulders to carry
are talked to. They just tend to the show,’’ he said.
learn a little faster with infant- Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of se-
ries producer FremantleMedia
I
directed speech.’’
Bottom line is that no matter ’ll admit it. I used to be terrible at sleeved crewneck tee in assorted neu- North America and an ‘‘Idol’’ ex-
layering. Maybe that’s because I have trals work well to layer underneath ecutive producer, said she’s
how you do it, talk to your
child. If you’re taking off so few ‘‘basics’’ in my closet. It’s hard Splurges and Steals sweaters, cardigans and hoodies, with- nothing but bullish on the fu-
baby’s outfit, let them know it. to layer a sequined shell over an embroi- out bunching up or drawing too much at- ture.
‘‘Taking off our shoes.’’ ‘‘Off dered one. You need somewhere for the SPLURGES: DKNY Colorblock tention to themselves. ‘‘Thank God it’s an event, like
with our onesie!’’ eye to rest. Cozy cardigan, $119, in shades of Buy the best tees you can afford — a sporting event, so it rises above
Another interesting fact? Fortunately, I’m getting better. As a gray and hot pink, worn with they look fabulous and last forever. My the crowd,’’ she said.
Thiessen says that this idea of Floridian, and a perpetually cold one at Gianni Bini ‘‘Jenny’’ knit tank in favorites are from Michael Stars and Its ad rates are a cut above,
baby talk might be able to fuchsia, $18, Dillard’s; Ella Moss James Perse. I find tanks to be more ver- too: A 30-second commercial on
that, I learned quickly satile than camis, as they keep your un-
explain why adults have such that if I was going to tie wrap, $148, worn over James SEE ‘IDOL’, PAGE 3D
dergarments hidden from view, but if
a hard time learning new spend any time in the Perse long rib tank, $45, Red
you choose a cami, try one with built-in
languages. air-conditioned indoors, Square; textured cropped support.
‘‘There may be something I needed a cardigan over cardigan in white, $88, over black
about the simplified way that that tank. Layering has twist long-sleeved top, $58, White
LONG OVER SHORT, SHORT OVER LONG: For If You Watch
maximum impact, vary the lengths of
people talk to infants that become a fashion surviv- House Black Market; Ascot ruched your layers. Wear a long tank under a WHAT: ‘‘American Idol’’
makes it easier to break into a al skill. tee in ruby, $49, and flyaway knit shorter tee or a tunic-length cami under season nine
new language and figure out There are other practi- cardigan in ivory, $49.50 your cardigan. This works with sleeve
what is going on,’’ he says.
WHEN: 8 p.m. Tuesdays on
Nada Manley cal reasons to learn to STEALS: Polka dot cardigan, lengths as well. A short-sleeved, swing Fox, Channel 35
And now that we conquered layer. It doubles your cardigan looks chic over a skinny long-
talking, the next question is $26.50, worn with lace cami,
THE STYLE FILE wardrobe, and can make $10.50, Body Central; pleated lace sleeved top, or try a sleeveless tank or
what will they say? vest over a tee.
an old favorite look fresh
According to a survey by the
British newspaper, The and new again. And it offers an opportu-
cardigan, $22.99, and scoop neck
cami with shelf bra, $9.99,
You should also pay attention to neck-
lines, varying them for added interest: A
COMING
London Telegraph, ‘‘Dadda’’
was the most common first
nity to express your personal style. After
all, no one else puts things together quite
the way you do.
Charlotte Russe; cable knit swing
cardigan in marshmallow white,
V-neck sweater over a tee, for example,
or a wide-open neck sweater worn off
WEDNESDAY
word for babies. Other words $32.50, and light turtleneck in one shoulder, with a tank underneath.
on the list? ‘‘Mamma,’’ (of When I wrote the last column, entitled
edamame, $15, Old Navy; Rodarte MAKE THE TOP LAYER COUNT: Light-
course) ‘‘cat’’ and strangely ‘‘Sweater Weather,’’ I was anticipating
for Target juniors mesh lace weight cardigans and this season’s su-
enough, ‘‘beer.’’ the cool days ahead, but it’s hard to get
cardigan in ochre, $29.99, and per-trendy open front and wrap style
Babies speak these words inspired to write about cozy cardigans cardigans make ideal top layers for most
and cuddly cashmere when it’s a scorch- cami with lace
because it’s what they hear the Florida days. Make them count, style-
most. This got me thinking. I ing 80 degrees outside. Now that the wise, with beautiful details, such as se-
bet that in most first-time weather has cooled down, I’m getting quins, embroidery, or lace, or go for a
parent households, these words more and more questions about how to example, for inspiration on how to mix bold color choice.
are not the words baby hears layer stylishly. As I’ve discovered, the most unlikely pieces to produce the THROW ON A TERRIFIC TOPPER: Go for an
first. So what will Abby’s first through trial and error, it all comes most individual, and stylish, effect. unexpected outer layer, if you need addi-
word or sentence be? Here are down to a few simple rules: KEEP THE LOWER LAYERS LIGHT: The light- tional warmth. A denim jacket over a
some potential candidates: STUDY YOUR SUBJECT: Layering is very er and leaner your bottom layers are, the hoodie, for example, or a slouchy blazer
P ‘‘Remote.’’ trendy right now, and fashion mag- sleeker you’ll look. Go for tees and tanks over a cardigan.
P ‘‘Go (Insert Beloved Sports azines offer dozens of ideas for mixing in thin knits with some stretch to hug On rare, cold days, choose a beautiful
Team Here)!’’ and matching pieces to create a unique the body, so they won’t bulk up under jacket or coat. It should either complete-
P ‘‘(Insert Hated Sports Team look. upper layers. For maximum versatility, ly conceal what’s underneath, and make CURRY IN FAVOR: Indian
Here) sucks!’’ Catalogs are also a great source of in- a snug, short-sleeved crewneck tee, a its own fashion statement, or work with food is having its
P Any form of expletive. spiration. Study the J. Crew catalog, for basic ribbed tank and a fitted, long- the rest of the look. ‘‘Slumdog Millionaire’’
moment.
tom.iacuzio@news-jrnl.com
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