I got a bit annoyed while reading the latest issue of People magazine wherein the editors compare the "skinny" girls of the "90210" to the "curvy" young women of "Gossip Girl."

Oh, People, cut it out! Why must you play this game and make women feel bad about their bodies? There are so many other ways you could have compared and contrasted the two CW teen dramas: Funky N.Y. style vs. casual L.A. style; school uniforms vs. wear what you want; catching a cab vs. driving a BMW. There must be others, I just frankly am tired of hearing the shows compared.

Please indulge me while I jump on my soapbox for a minute. Women's bodies are beautiful, in all their various shapes and forms — thin, curvy, voluptuous, athletic, you name it. As long as she is healthy and has a modicum of self-esteem, a woman should be proud, regardless of size. Perpetuating the notion that there is but one standard for female beauty is dangerous and insulting. There, I'm done.

Yes, the lovely "90210" gals (right) are thin. But the ladies of "Gossip Girl," gorgeous though they may be (there on the left), could hardly be called "curvy" — at least not outside the confines of Hollywood.

I would urge the folks over at People to spend a little more time with their televisions if they want to find shapely small-screen stars.

These, my friends, are curves:

To reiterate, this is curvy...

There. I feel better now that I've gotten that off my chest.

— Kathy Lyford

Fox's "Fringe" got off to a modest start last night. CW's "90210" hangs in OK in its second outing, while CW's well-reviewed newcomer "Privileged" looks strong in its debut. Variety ratings guru Rick Kissell has all the details right here.

Our friends at the Paley Center for Media and TV Guide will co-host fall preview parties at the Paley’s BevHills location. The weeklong series of free public screenings offer a sneak peek at the new and returning shows of the fall season prior to their broadcast premieres.

The Fall Preview Parties begin at 6 p.m. with Q&A sessions beginning at 7 p.m. and screenings to follow. Screenings and parties are free with seats available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hey, this may be the only way anyone’s going to get to screen the NBC shows before their debut dates!

Here’s the sked:

Friday, Sept. 5 Fox ("Fringe"; "Do Not Disturb")

Saturday, Sept. 6 CW ("Privileged" (pictured, right); "90210")

Monday, Sept. 8 NBC ("My Own Worst Enemy"; "Kath & Kim"; "Crusoe"; "Knight Rider')

Tuesday, Sept. 9 CBS ("Gary Unmarried"; "The Ex List"; "Worst Week"; "The Mentalist")

Wednesday, Sept. 10 ABC ("Pushing Daisies"; "Private Practice"; "Eli Stone"; plus a preview of "Life on Mars")

*Please note the schedule is subject to change*