Thursday, November 17, 2011

Of Ringtones and Virtual Seeds

Why do we say "Ouch" when we stub a toe or pinch a finger? Just curious.

This just in: Americans spend more on ringtones ($2 billion) and virtual seeds (another half billion) than the total Gross Domestic Product (economic output) of 71 countries in the world. What would happen if instead of buying seeds for our Farmville back forty we instead sent money to someone who is sowing real seeds in a Third World outback?

For perspective, consider that we spend 40 to 100 times this amount on legal and illegal sports gambling, and another 100 billion dollars-plus on drugs like cocaine, heroin, meth, and pot.

When we buy virtual seeds we're helping folks whose life aim is surely to be in the 1%. And when we buy illegally imported drugs we're helping keep Mexico's top dogs in the 1% category.

A quick review of today's Buzz reveals that Pam Anderson has garnered the spotlight again. She's going to be playing the Virgin Mary in an upcoming Christmas special. For the record, the mother of Jesus was a teen and despite the multitude of face and body modifications and amplifications she's experienced, Ms. Anderson is currently in her mid-forties. Despite what the Washington Post proclaims, this is not the "role she was born for." Being baywatched and centerfolded gave her ample exposure. For sure we'd almost forgotten about her. The controversial role will give Letterman and Leno some fresh material for a few minutes. She might even play herself as a guest.

I'd better stop writing any further this morning lest someone conclude I got up on the wrong side of the couch. So, that's all for now.

For what it's worth, what does your ringtone sound like?

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