Reality Show Winner Elected President

The new political reality show “Independent” will utilize MySpace and YouTube auditions, and it may influence the 2008 presidential elections.

Does this thought frighten you? It should!

Although the concept of this new reality show is an exciting and innovative use of the Internet, the winning “prize” has a lot to be desired.

According to a recent Reuters story, “Mark Burnett, the producer who popularized reality television, and Internet social network MySpace will unveil a new reality TV and Internet series that aims to groom one young politician or community leader to represent young America.”

The winner of “Independent” will receive $1 million that they can use to launch a new political party, donate to a political cause, or enter the U.S. presidential race.

Is this really a prize worth winning? I don’t think so.

First of all, it would take a lot more than $1 million to successfully start a new political party. In theory, it could be done. But as the Green Party demonstrates, creating a new political party is much more difficult than winning a reality show.

Next, if you win $1 million on a reality show, why should you have to donate it to anyone?

Finally, would the winning representative of young America meet the minimum age requirement and even be eligible to enter the presidential race?

"The whole point of “Independent” really speaks to what young Americans want," the British-born Burnett said. "If you look back, the (political) system was supposed to work this way."

This brings me to my nightmare.

Let’s suppose that “Independent” energizes the young voting base and the winner actually does get elected president. Do we really want the winner of a reality show running the country?

Stick with the tried-and-true formula Mark Burnett. Give the money to the winner and let them fade into pop-culture history like most of the other reality show winners. If they are really destined to become president, let them earn it with their talents and experience. Such a course will make them a much better leader.

The temporary fame and fortune of a reality show should influence pop-culture, not American politics.

Recessed Mirror TVs a Must at Miller Park

A few weeks ago my family visited a recently rebuilt McDonalds in the area. Surprisingly, they regaled me with stories of the ultra-cool television mirrors that were installed in the bathrooms.

It seems as though McDonalds has gone hi-tech and installed recessed mirror TVs in the bathrooms of their new stores so that customers can watch the big game (or some other favorite show that McDonalds deems appropriate) while washing their hands. Sports fans must love this idea. I sure do.

While I wonder whether or not this is a wise economical move for McDonalds, I know of another venue where using this technology is a no-brainer.

Miller Park, home of the Milwaukee Brewers, is an amazing facility. The Jumbotron scoreboard, LED ribbon board, and other state of the art electronics provide fans with a wealth of information and cool eye candy. Even the concourses are littered with television so that fans won’t miss a pitch while waiting in line for their food or buying other concessions.

It’s virtually impossible to miss any of the action while you are in the concourse or seating bowl. Technology has definitely made Miller Park a sports fans dream.

However, the spacious restrooms are completely void of electronics, and the only way that you can keep up with the game is through the radio telecast. Over the years I have seen plenty of folks burst out of the restrooms to check the concourse video monitors or run up the concourse when something happens on the field.

Knowing that these people have probably not washed their hands because of their mad dash to see what’s going on sure makes me think twice about using the handrails or touching the concession counters.

Putting TV monitors in the concourse so that fans won’t have to leave their concession line to keep up with the action makes sense. But keeping the same monitors out of the restrooms speaks volumes about the capitalistic intent of the Brewers.

McDonalds understands that installing cool technology in their stores adds to the comfort factor that their customers demand. This organization is obviously going after the Wow! factor that will reward them with return visitors.

Miller Park apparently just wants to provide the extras to those customers who are buying something. Never mind that virtually everyone who visits Miller Park will use the restroom at least once during the game, especially if they visit the concession stand.

I understand that installing TV monitors and recessed TV mirrors in the restrooms would be a huge expense. However, the Brewers would be able to sell additional advertising, which would undoubtedly pay for this cost and eventually provide them with an additional revenue stream.

It’s time for the Miller Park administration to step up to the plate and hit another home run with Brewers fans. Instead of encouraging fans to rush out of the restroom without washing their hands, they should use this cool new technology to increase the Wow! factor once again in this amazing facility.