Erykah Badu

We've seen what happens when you Twitter everything, and it's not attractive. But we all have different levels of what we're comfortable sharing, and some people are ready to (over) share a lot more than others. Erykah Badu, for instance, just had a baby. No, I didn't see a press release; she Twittered it.

While I follow some of my favorite Twitterers, like Dooce and Tina Fey (that's one of her more tame ones pictured there), simply because they have a habit of excellent TMI, I myself would never say just anything on Twitter. I keep it light, simple, and try not to turn anyone off their lunch.

And particularly since Twitter is big on accruing a ton of friends/followers that you often don't know personally, it's even more likely that I'll keep the personal stuff to myself.

Not that I'm anybody, but still, I wouldn't share anything I wouldn't want my mother to know. That's my rule — what's your rule for sharing stuff on Twitter or other places online?

Variety has issued its annual Women's Impact Report, highlighting women who have made an impression at all levels of entertainment. Just like last year, the list includes executive powerhouses, household-name performers, and lesser-known talents. Over the past couple of weeks, I've been spotlighting some of the women whom I find particularly noteworthy. Today, I'm wrapping up my series with a look at singer Erykah Badu.

Like Marketa Irglova, whom I also featured, Badu made Variety's report in the Defying Convention category. The paper's profile of her tells the story of a singer who first seemed destined to be a traditional R&B star but soon started showing signs of being anything but mainstream. As the profile tells it, she all but faded away completely (save for one Frustrated Artist Tour) before bursting back onto the scene in February with an album that seemed to get everyone talking.

New Amerykah, Pt. 1 (4th World War) shot Badu back into the spotlight, debuting on the Billboard charts at No. 2. It's far from straightforward, a compilation of words and sounds and imagery — much of which Badu recorded and mixed herself using Apple's GarageBand. That nontraditional process not only created but also inspired her music, so to hear more about Badu — and watch a video for her single "Honey" — read more

Erykah Badu offers up some insider tips and tricks for budding musicians who want to make it big in the biz. It all starts with a little plastic surgery. Or a lot. French kiss a chick (Madonna maybe?) in front of a world audience. Overdo it on the body glitter. Don't forget the stilettos and leave the whining at the door. Even if you're a 12-year-old Disney hotshot with a fan club, your tootsies ain't allowed to hurt in those heels. Cuz at the end of the day, it's not about the vocals; it's about them heels. Who knew Badu — my new fave person — had a sarcastic streak? I think she's telling us to get over ourselves and get on with the music already.

• Cinematical found the poster and some behind-the-scenes footage from the next James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace.
• Check out Stereogum for the new Erykah Badu video for "Honey."
• Speaking of music videos, Spinner makes me happy by premiering the new Mountain Goats video.
• TV Filter has the video of Craig Ferguson taking his citizenship test.
• Meanwhile, YouAintNoPicasso has an MP3 of Belle and Sebastian covering David Bowie's "Space Oddity."
• Television Without Pity wonders: Why isn't Victor Garber more famous?
• Pop Candy wants to know what random TV shows you've discovered during the strike.
• Popwatch learned a whole load of information about No Country for Old Men, straight from the Coen Bros.' mouths.
• Give Me My Remote has the new strike video that's making the rounds, starring Josh Radnor.
• Desperate for Desperate Housewives, TV with MeeVee has turned to Amas De Casa Desperadas.

• Several entertainment bloggers have launched an Adopt a Writer site, which will feature interviews with striking writers.
• Cinematical ponders the possibility of a third Fantastic Four movie. Would this be necessary at all?
• In honor of the Price is Right getting six primetime episodes, TV Squad has a list of the six worst prizes you can win on the show.
• Stereogum has posted video of Lisa Loeb playing inside an Ikea store.
• TV with MeeVee wonders whether David Simon is too angry for his own good on this season of The Wire.
• Hypeful helpfully puts together Rob's party mix from Cloverfield.
• Meanwhile, Popwatch hails the return of Erykah Badu.