Television today sucks! No really, it is just plain bad. Most sitcoms or dramas have given way to the dreaded “Reality TV.” Some of these sparkling gems of so called “real-life” include the Anna Nicole Smith Show. Anna Nicole Smith is an idiot. Seriously. I just can’t help thinking what a waste of skin. She recently lost a great deal of weight by using Trim Spa, which you undoubtedly know if you watch the cable channel E at all. I am convinced that how ever many brain cells she had left were all stripped away with the fifty pounds she lost.
On the flip side of that Kirsty Alley is doing a new reality show about being a fat female actress in Hollywood. Hmmm, now that is something I can really identify with. I mean really, does anybody care. I am so sick of the bachelors and bachelorettes. I am sick of the wanna be pop stars. I am tired of the couples trying to see if their love will endure them sleeping with other people. I mean its even invading good networks like A&E. I watch television to escape reality! Give me back my fantasy TV!
By the way, anyone watch HGTV? My wife and I find ourselves watching it fairly frequently, at least when watch television (which is occurring less and less these days). There is a program called Homes To Go, which is actually not too bad. The show presents a plethora of design ideas for apartment and condo dwellers. Particularly interesting is the show’s host. He is a gay man named….Peter Fallico. Is the irony here lost on me?
Well, back to the point. Television is really bad. There is no more valuable creativity anymore. Much like most movies out today, they programs pander to the lowest common denominator. I realize there is room for many different types of programs, but that is exactly my point. Our choices are dwindling more and more each season. How many freaking CSI’s or Law & Orders do we really need?
In fairness, all this bad programming has had one positive effect on me. It has guided me to more radio (NPR is amazing), and dare I say it…books. I have rediscovered the library. Since I was a kid, I have always enjoyed reading. I even belonged to a book club at the age of twelve. Ahem. Yes, I know that I am a geek. I am 31 years old now and have long since come to terms with that fact.
Anyway, I really enjoy reading again. I can’t seem to get enough, which brings me to the point of this whole silly post. I am starting a new movement. A movement to take back our control of our own minds. Borrowing from Nike, I have chosen the phrase “Just Read!” I can see it now, your cubicle mate at work asks you if you watched the last episode of The Apprentice last night. You lift your eyes from your desk and look at him. “Just read my brotha, just read,” you reply while shaking your head.
Okay, so back to my insatiable need to read. Does anyone have a list of must read books? What are your favorites? I enjoy thrillers, mysteries, fantasy, sci-fi, biographies, and histories. NPR interviewed Nancy Pearl, author of Book Lust, a list of recommended reading from a variety of genres. They also have links to other reading lists, but I was hoping some of you out there might help me compile one. Remember, the greater the variety the better. So what do you say? Any recommendations?