... to the ridiculous

Don't hate me, dear reader, but after my encounter with culture in the form of subtitled German films about the horrors of war, I needed something a little lighter. Frothy, effervescent, even. I ended up watching America's Next Top Model (season 5 -- we're a long way behind here). While Tyra Banks was utterly terrifying -- or should I say "fierce"? -- the contestants were foul. Self-absorbed, petty, bitching little cry-babies, spouting therapy speak at every opportunity and completely lacking any perspective on their situation: I'd forgotten how appalling teenage girls can be. They were rivalled only in the vapidity by the nitwits who appear on "My Super-Sweet Sixteen" -- prime candidates all for being first up against the wall when the revolution comes. But, it was absorbing, I was sucked in, and I was disappointed when "edgy" Kim didn't get the boot. Luckily, I've been able to find out who won the contest and won't have to watch the remainder of the show.