The so-called television reality shows such as “Big Brother” are catering to those in our society who prefer to “dumb-down” their intelligence. And just look at the size of the audience that programs like this command.

This is actually very good news for those of us who detest trash like this. Why? With so many people committing themselves to this farcical nonsense it leaves a relatively small percentage who prefer to do something to improve their knowledge and intelligence.

While all the others are absorbed in the pathetic, crude and oftentimes vulgar behavior served up to us by the television moguls as “entertainment,” those of us who refuse to be duped can be doing so many other worthwhile things, such as:

reading a book,

watching an educational program like a documentary,

writing a letter or an article,

studying for exams,

engaging in meaningful conversation,

visiting a relative or friend,

seeking information on the internet,

attending an evening sports meet,

going out for a meal,

practicing a musical instrument,

playing a board game.

Any of the above are far more worthy pursuits than watching a bunch of talentless miscreants engaging in voyeuristic gutter behavior.

In case, I haven’t made myself clear - yes, I DETEST moronic television chaff like “Big Brother.” There are many other similar asinine television offerings but BB, as it is so affectionately referred to, in my opinion, is the most insidious. It is almost like a template for ratbag behavior - something that the world certainly does not need!

As far as entertainment value goes BB is about as puerile as it can get. One can only assume that the intent of this particular show is to feed the voyeuristic nature of society. What amazes me is the fact that so many people look forward to watching these D-grade wannabe-actors cavorting about naked and semi-naked and engaging in the most lewd behavior. Is that entertainment? I don’t think so.

There is another option that you could add to the list above - sleep. It would be far more beneficial.

Just to let you know - yes, I have watched snippets of this garbage. I suffered through several short segments just to see what so many other people were so enamoured with.

So for all those people who have been mesmerized by this assault on our intelligence, might I suggest this alternative:

Go to your local bookstore and purchase a copy of “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill. Next time you get the urge to watch such turgid rubbish read a chapter of this wonderful book. It will put you streets ahead of the voyeurs.

About the author: Gary Simpson is the author of eight books covering a diverse range of subjects such as self esteem, affirmations, self defense, finance and much more. His articles appear all over the web. Gary’s email address is budo@iinet.net.au. Click here to go to his Motivation & Self Esteem for Success website where you can receive his “Zenspirational Thoughts” plus an immediate FREE copy of his highly acclaimed, life-changing e-book “The Power of Choice.”

Tags: BB, Big Brother, entertainment, intelligence, motivation, negativity, pornography, self esteem, televisionBB, Big Brother, entertainment, intelligence, motivation, negativity, pornography, self esteem, television

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Solaris, both Andrei Tarkovsky’s 1972 original and Steven Soderbergh’s 2002 re-make, is a film that truly tests the limits of motion picture as a medium.

In my judgment, the aesthetic G-forces created by pushing the envelope of the cinematic medium is more apparent in Tarkovsky’s original, which is in a way also a testimony to Soderbergh’s amazing directorial powers. But then, perhaps Soderbergh did not try to jam in as many “messages” as Tarkovsky tried to do.

Solaris is a lovely ruse that starts as a sci-fi flick and ends as a Dostoyevskian meditation on “the meaning of life.”

To the extent the issue is approached without “laying down the pipe,” or over-the-top exposition, the film engages our senses and massages all the dormant graycells.

But the minute Kris Kelvin starts to lecture about “grand themes,” the uncomfortable truth surfaces — moving images are great for thrillers, action flicks, for slapstick comedy, horror and drama. Yet when it comes to addressing philosophical issues, how far can the pure image go?

What’s the correct image or “motion picture” for “meaning”? Or for “redemption”?

That’s a challenge even Tarkovsky could not meet adequately, in my humble opinion.

Ideally, in an art work, every object should be able to stand on its own feet as its own signifier and should not need the crutches of lengthy explanations or “Western Union messages.” Otherwise it can slip quickly into pure propaganda.

Does Tarkovsky’s Solaris at the end slip into philosophical propaganda?

What happened in the end? Did Kris really left earth and traveled to the space station and then came back? Or perhaps he never left and all was a redemptive dream? Or he did make the trip but earth itself was reclaimed by the cosmic ocean?

There is a great sense of regret in Solaris, in both versions, and both directors conveyed that sense of tragedy very well.

Things that we could’ve done differently if only we had a second chance and if only we knew how

Something bleeds constantly at the heart of our daily existence, a certain feeling of dread perhaps anchored in regret, that renders brief moments of happiness all the more so precious.

That is conveyed very successfully both in 1972 and 2002 Solaris.

I like a movie to leave a few strands dangling out there to allow the audience read in their own constructions and thus reclaim the film as their own. But I like them just mysterious enough in the way, let’s say, THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS ends.

The kind of churning enigma that ends Tarkovsky’s SOLARIS is a bit too much for comfort, especially if you happen to think movies not as philosophical dissertation theses but as “entertainment.”

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Ugur Akinci, Ph.D. is a Creative Copywriter, Editor, an experienced and award-winning Technical Communicator specializing in fundraising packages, direct sales copy, web content, press releases and hi-tech documentation.

He has worked as a Technical Writer for Fortune 100 companies for the last 7 years.

You can reach him at writer111@gmail.com for a FREE consultation on all your copywriting needs.

Please visit his official web site http://www.writer111.com for customer testimonials and more information on his multidisciplinary background and career.

The last book he has edited: http://www.lulu.com/content/263630

Tags: copywriter, editor, entertainment, films, hollywood, movies, review, technical writer, ugur akinci, writercopywriter, editor, entertainment, films, hollywood, movies, review, technical writer, ugur akinci, writer

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Will you be traveling to Chicago for business or a short vacation? Do you live in the Chicagoland area but need something to do this weekend? If you do, read on and learn about some nearly free Chicago attractions that you just must see.

There are hundreds of things to do in Chicago. If you have kids or just love animals, why not start with a visit to the zoo. Chicago has two major zoos. There is the Brookfield Zoo west of Chicago and the Lincoln Park Zoo in Northern Chicago. Both are highly acclaimed zoos featuring thousands of animals.

Do you like museums? The Museum of Science and Industry is a must see. It is one of the largest science museums in the western hemisphere. It is an interactive museum with thousands of hands on exhibits for you to experience. Take the kids or become a kid at the Museum of Science.

The Art Institute of Chicago is another must on the list of popular Chicago attractions. They have an extensive collection of art enclosed in a beautiful building in a great location. It is truly a world class museum which house some of the most famous pieces in the world. If you love or even just like art, you must go to this museum.

The last must see that i will talk about is the Sears Tower. From the Skydeck on the Sears Tower, you can see everything that is Chicago. It is a breathtaking view. Until 1996 the 110 story building was the tallest in the world and at 1454 feet tall, it dominates the Chicago skyline. The Skydeck itself is 1353 feet high and is the highest observation point in the city. A must see for sure.

As you can see, there are many things to do in this exciting city. We have only just scratched the surface of what Chicago has to offer. Most of the major attractions are inexpensive proving that you do not have to spend a fortune to have a good time. So visit a few of the attractions and enjoy your visit to Chicago or rediscover your city.

The author manages a website offering Carpet Cleaning Chicago. Learn about carpet cleaning in the chicagoland area.

Tags: Chicago, entertainment, illinois, museums, travel, vacation, windy city, zoosChicago, entertainment, illinois, museums, travel, vacation, windy city, zoos

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