The Flip Side

Miley Cyrus

Miley was dressed like a punk rocker for an upcoming episode of Hannah Montana called “Yet Another Side of Me.”

Miley Cyrus

And isn’t that what life is all about?  I love to see the next generation of stars doing good deeds.  It shows character and perhaps that will stick with them all of their lives.  Miley Cyrus visited the Georgetown University Medical Center and Children’s Hospital on Monday before her show in D.C.

She’s not too busy for her fans who are unable to attend her shows.  I read on several sites that the parents of those lucky children and hospital staffers were all very impressed with her.

The Cast of “Hannah Montana”

“Hannah Montana” has finally justified my love of hillbillies.  Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Jason Earles are either the real deal with a lot of genuine acting talent or they are fantastic actors who make me (a bona fide adult) believe they are, in fact, hillbillies.  I must confess here that I’ve become addicted to a few Disney shows.  I’ve become particularly fond of “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody” (for reasons even I can’t explain) and “Hannah Montana”.  Add to that a few fun Disney movies and I’ve got that channel tuned in nearly every night.  And people, I don’t and never did have kids.  I first became ensnared by “High School Musical” and “High School Musical 2”.  I didn’t expect to like either of them but like an insidious entryway drug, they drew me into the Disney world.  I found myself inexplicably drawn to the Malibu hillbillies (the Stewarts in “Hannah”) and had to really analyze that.  I came to the conclusion that I already liked hillbillies and the Stewarts just made me see why.  They are not only comfortable with who they are (even in Malibu ) but thrilled to be who they are.  It’s certainly a tried and true Disney message, but still a good one.  And let’s just say that I covet their Malibu home.

Miley Cyrus (This young star has really got her stuff together and has learned how to handle fame with grace and compassion).

Billy Ray Cyrus  (His “Achy Breaky” days are behind him and he is now every tween girls’ favorite Dad.  His stories of Aunt Pearl and Uncle Earl are priceless).

Jason Earles (I was astounded to learn that Jason is actually 32 year old.  He’s a very good actor to fool me on that one.  He’s studied acting, directing, and cold reading.  He also jitterbugs.  He’s from California but has really nailed that “ Nashville ” to fit in with Miley and Billy Ray).

Let me just say that the supporting cast is very good too.  Emily Osmet and Mitchell Musso’s California teens provide a nice contrast to the beloved Malibu Hillbillies.

Vanessa Hudgens and Miley Cyrus

Vanessa Hudgens and Miley Cyrus keep up with their charity work by attending the Variety Power of Youth event benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital .  Vanessa may have had a tough time lately and Miley has suffered at the hands of the dreaded tabloids too, but they both know there are more important things in life.  I’m glad to see these two young women put that crap behind them and endulge in some good deedage.

I would also like to add here that many bloggers are saying that these “photo-ops” are used to dig oneself out of a scandal.  Personally, I don’t believe that, but even if it were true, I would rather see celebrities get “face-time” setting good examples than see them get “face-time” setting horrible examples.  We see all kinds of press when celebs screw up, but wouldn’t it be nice to see more press of celebs doing charity work and raks(random acts of kindness)?  Recently there have been a rash of raks and I couldn’t be happier about that.  See my entries about Colin Farrell and Renee Zellweger for more examples.