We love the gore of human tragedy

Online and traditional news is totally cluttered with the filth and stench of human frailty and fallen state of existence. Personally I am real tired of filtering through the "news" items related to Mel Gibson's latest cellphone tirades to his new ex girlfriend over custody of his EIGHTH child. Why are people like this even HAVING children? Especially with the equivalent of what I deem a high priced Russian call girl who also has a child by actor Timothy Dalton. Why do I even know that level of detail about these strangers? I know more about them than my immediate family's personal lives. How sad.

Unfortunately there is obvious appeal and strong drive towards voyeurism within our human race. It seems easier to "live through other people" than to live our own lives and adventures. I think perhaps it has a lot to do with guilt and self denial. We humans have created so many rules and regulations for living that we can only find pleasure and lust in voyeuristic activities. It is safer and more satisfying for many people to watch porn than to have fulfilling sex lives of their own. And these little people we call "movie stars" play the game by pushing their drivel and personal lives on us as if we are a grand virtual audience intent upon watching their every move...or eaves dropping on every digital conversation.

Then again I have to realize that this is just another version of old habits in humanity. Society has hung for centuries on rumors and manipulation of class differences. The rich live in their own clusters/communities comparing who has what and who's "zooming who" while the poor lap up all the soap operaish fables of the poor maid ending up with the rich land baron or doctor. It sometimes happens, but mostly on TV. Now all of this is pushed to us through media and the internet...all connected by computers and cellphones. A growing number of people are addicted to their "Blackberries", unable to disconnect from the drivel for even a one hour business meeting. It quite honestly drives me nuts as I still try to do business by meeting people face to face...and I can't compete with the new i-phones for keeping people's attention and focus. Nope...I still don't have an i-phone or blackberry PIN. For the first time in technology development I am dragging BEHIND the curve because of the fear of affecting my lifestyle and tranquility each day. Plus, it is just another way that Mel and Oksana can push their way into my daily consciousness.