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Celebrities are flawed people just like you and me, but the media seems to ignore these flaws on a daily basis. Because of this "up-on-a-pedestal" mentality, the rest of us are bombarded with news of the latest hook-up, break-up, wardrobe malfunction, adoption, politically incorrect quote, or inane everyday life occurrence. Sometimes the celebrity just wants attention, but more often than not, the entertainment media are simply scrounging for the juiciest gossip they can find. Come on, now - are there THAT many people who really care what (or who) the latest American Idol did at last night's pre-award show party?

Meanwhile, we of the huddled masses have reached our saturation point because our curiosity about their lives has been overfed with empty minutiae, so much so that we no longer care about anything they do or say. It's kind of like having a donut every single morning, instead of every few months - eventually, you get sick of the sugary sweetness. To those who supposedly thrive on these reports, I say: If you want drama, go watch a so-called "reality" show.

Don't get me wrong, there are numerous celebrities out there who are excellent at what they do, and deserve a bit of limelight. Now and then, if they want to announce a birth/wedding/career change, fine. We should applaud them for their talents (only if we enjoy their work) and for additional life milestones (only if they want these milestones known). Otherwise, the paparazzi should let them keep their everyday lives private. Better for them, better for us.

Additionally, the media should focus more on the philanthropic pursuits of some celebrities. It's always nice when a big name endeavors to help bring about change for the better by writing a book, producing a video, speaking on a tour, launching a socially redeeming program, or simply giving gobs of money to an already existing charity. While pessimists may view this as a career move to stay in the limelight, most fans generally tend to believe celebrities whose actions support obviously worthwhile causes. For instance:

- Former Vice President Al Gore made the video "An Inconvenient Truth" to get people to reflect on the Earth's future.
- Actor David Hyde Pierce travels the country, speaking to help support fund raising programs for Alzheimer's patients.
- Athlete Darrell Green began his "Youth Life Foundation" to help adults get involved in boosting children's potential.
- Singer Bono donates his time and efforts to fight AIDS in Africa. Numerous other celebrities support AIDS-related causes.
- Actress Angelina Jolie has traveled the world since 2001, as the Goodwill Ambassador for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
- Actor Harrison Ford is active in many conservation groups, and serves on the Board of Directors of Conservation International.

To this end, I believe the media could and should do more to forget about the trivial life incidents of celebrities, and focus more on useful, meaningful, non-invasive information. Less quantity and more quality of celebrity reports will keep us interested, not make us nauseous.

Learn more about this author, Len Morse.
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