Reflections on Reality...... Shows

It's American Idol Season as of last night. As I'm watching (and constantly laughing) at the poor showing by Minnesota folks, I began to think about more than just the wrong notes and strange people on my television set.

I am a big fan of both American Idol and The Apprentice for different reasons. American Idol is now doing Season #6 and it's only getting more popular. It's simply a show that starts out with people making fools of themselves, but then brings out up and coming stars trying to catch their first break. 20 years ago we called it Star Search. Why didn't Star Search hold the #1 rating position though when in basic form it was the exact same show? I'm just fascinated at how the show has been so well constructed to attract so many viewers every week. Even last night when there is no possibility of any of those people being famous in 2 years. While we all complain about Paula and how idiotic she is, or how cruel Simon is... they are what makes the show continue to click.

As for The Apprentice - whether you like Trump or not, he is good at what he does. I enjoy watching and trying to figure out how I'd handle the situations. Trump gives out some sound advice for business folks to keep in mind. Although I'm continually surprised he makes a big deal about the sexual orientation of the interviewees (note that as a manager - if I even hint at a question to an interviewee in this context, I could be sued and easily fired). But it's Trump's show.

So where am I going with all of this? I'll tell ya....

I realize that there is a very fine line between Confidence and Ignorance. These two shows are very easy ways to see this. As you watch, notice how a person thinks they are the "bomb" and have confidence when in actuality, 99% of the people watching see the obvious flaw. When you develop too much confidence, you fail to see your problems and thus develops the ignorance. For the uppity business folks on The Apprentice (folks that are used to the lavish life style and have lost touch with the non-upper class aspects of life), they see themselves as confident which they feel is their strong point... but again, without the ability to step back and recognize your down falls - what is the use of confidence?

Me for instance. I do have a lot of confidence. I am also aware of most of my faults. Some are things I can change through effort and practice, some are things I just need to be aware of and adapt to them accordingly. Physically, I'm overweight (this should be a good week for weigh in! More information tomorrow) but doing something about that. Personality-wise... I dominate a lot of conversations due to my ability to talk openly, freely as well as being able to think quickly in most discussions. I am confident about my social interactions, but I also accept that I can intimidate others in a conversation so I continuously monitor that. I'm also known for being stubborn in a discussion on politics or religion (or when people attack my Britney) - but again, I accept that if the conversation allows me to be this way, no problems. In a working environment, I have a totally different mindset that is open and attempts to find the correct solution.

My point? Be confident, but don't lose your awareness of how to continually make yourself better. There is never an instance of someone that is "perfect" who could not look for ways to better themselves. My soapbox for the day.

And if you're a bad singer? You might sound good in the shower, but don't cry when someone tells you that you would be a better juggler than singer. You didn't get the job, be a man about it and move on with life.

Song of the Day - I was disappointed at the treatment of Prince last night on AI. Although I have been known to do my own karaoke of Prince, I don't think I would have used him to sing for an audition. And the lyrics to Kiss are not that hard.

Video of the Day - The final movie from last weekend - Crank which has Jason Statham (Transpoter, Italian Job, Snatch). It's an interesting plot and actually a pretty good movie. Lots of action and swearing which is what you'd expect from the movie. Amy Smart is in it who isn't very good at this role, but still pretty cute.

Webpage of the Day For all of you 30 Second Bunny Fans out there..... AND all of the Borat fans out there.... now you can have both! The Bunnies re-enact Borat - in 30 seconds.