But at the risk of incurring some Beatle fan’s wrath, I will say that I am not botherd by comparing JB to the Beatles when they first came to America. I remember them, everyone in my family loved them, including my Mom. We had every record (played on our Hi Fi thank you very much) and never missed them on TV. And the reaction of fans to them is really uncannily like that of fan’s reaction to JB. And there’s another quality that JB has that made me think Beatles, and I did think that even before I ever heard anyone compare them. There is a quality of charisma that they share – the Beatles didn’t have to do much at all, just being themselves they were absolutely watchable. JB is the same way. It’s why – when they are putting themselves out, really selling it and giving it their all – they are so mind-blowingly good at performing. I truly don’t think comparing JB to the early Beatles, both in fan response and appeal is far off the mark.

I’m also glad that the article makes the point of mentioning the devotion to the fans. JB built their base the old-fashioned way, on the road, and they genuinely value the connections. It’s part and parcel of who they are as people. They deserve to be noted for that.

The Selena thing is definitely overblown (typical).

It was nice in general, and fair.

I wasn’t sure what to make of the comment which (I think damagingly) tries to set their evolution against the Beatles. Saying they not every band can go from “Please, Please Me” to “Rubber Soul” and intimating they have to get political to do so. I don’t know if I agree or not, but it bothers me.

What I think about it is that it isn’t really written for US, that is, people who are already fans. I think it’s an article for the uninitiated, the people who might have heard of them, don’t know anything about them, and are wondering what all the shouting is about. From that standpoint, it’s a very good first look.

I did think the article addressed some of what we were discussing earlier re their faith background etc. Especially about how they are not a Christian singing group.

And the article is nicely frank about the Diabetes and how complex it can make things.

The Selena Gomez picture buzz is overrated as far as I can tell. There certainly isn’t anything salacious in it – you can hardly see anything, and they’re barely touching! Disney probably asked for its removal so that someone WOULD talk about it.

I really want a CR beach towel (for me and the kids!) but the only ones they have now are plain blue ones in a bag, no images. Next summer they might get the printed ones – the Disney employees told me it took 1 yr to get HSM printed towels also.

At the very least, like you said, flamom, this is how they were raised, and therefore it’s cultural. I’m not a practicing Christian (we were raised Unitarian, which is non-dogmatic, and our parents grew up Pentecostal and Presbyterian…and let me tell you my JB fanaticism has given me a different outlook on my relatives who are evangelicals).

I know we all agree – no one should tolerate anyone being dissed for their cultural background. To me those purity rings aren’t much different from wearing a hijab or whatever…It’s not “in your face” or proselytizing, it’s personal expression of beliefs.

…and mocking it makes me want to baaaaaarf. Sigh, I need a trip to the Disney Store for Jonas-emblazoned goodies, as therapy (and the conspiracy theorists go *a-ha*!!)

Very well put re JB religious beliefs.

I want a cool mug too!! Are they all Joe or are the other Jonas Brothers on any mugs?