The Eye of the Beholder

I try very hard to not follow along like a sheep when it comes to Hollywood hype. I never watch any of the entertainment programs, I try to keep an open mind when it comes to movies, the talent of each individual actor, and I don't allow award shows to creep into my TV viewing habits. I used to be a hardcore junkie, but now I'm a cynic. The whole People magazine "Sexiest Man Alive" phenomenon never rated with me. And as much as I enjoy Hugh Jackman's Aussie style and smile, I don't understand why the world needs a publication that boldly declares that this individual is the creme de la creme of masculinity...this year. That coupled with the annual "50 Most Beautiful People" just seems a tad obnoxious. I feel sorry for people that eat this tripe up as if it's gospel. These are just people. Regular people who happen to be in the public eye. Yes, some of them are more physically attractive to us than others, but they haven't come up with a cure for cancer, solved the problem of world hunger created a colony on the moon. Show me a magazine cover with a photo of the scientist who systematically wiped out AIDS and I'll show you a drooling admirer.