Miss Universe: A Surprise Winner

I love the Miss Universe pageant. I've always been so fascinated by international cultures, and I'm obsessed with seeing the worldly beauties in their native costumes and glamorous gowns, and getting a glimpse into how women all over the world live. This year was no exception. The top 15 were all so beautiful that it seemed like an impossible decision for the judges, but Miss Brazil was my pick from the beginning, so I wasn't surprised when she made the top 10 and then the top 5. My only surprise came when she didn't win! Miss Japan was adorable and had great style, but Miss Brazil was dazzling. She lit up the entire stage! My other favorites were Miss Tanzania (if you can look that good bald, you must be truly stunning - although she wasn't that graceful during the swimsuit competition), Miss Venezeula, who sort of grew on me, Miss Mexico, who seemed to have as much charm as beauty, Miss Korea, who looked like a beautiful doll, and Miss Angola, who was gorgeous, if a little stiff. A couple of other points:
1. There were no blondes in the top 10, which was strange and interesting. Are our standards of beauty expanding to include a bald, ebony Miss Tanzania? I hope so!
2. Although Miss Egypt is beautiful, I do find it interesting that she had very fair skin and blue eyes. Although coloring runs the gamut in the Mideast, she is definitely more the exception than the norm. But it's definitely a sign of the culture, where the fairer your skin, the prettier you are.
3. Again, why didn't Miss Brazil win? I don't get it!