I don't know why I was surprised, but I was nonetheless dismayed to hear of the media's near-riot today over Boy George's first day of community service in New York City. I've ranted more than once in this space about our culture's escalating and apparently limitless celebrity worship these days, but with reality television now more than a decade old and showing no sign of decline, I really don't want to see what's next.

George himself finally had an opportunity to step slightly out of shame's shadow following his recent legal troubles, and I'm happy to report he pretty much took advantage of that opportunity. When ridiculed by mobs of press today, he appropriately questioned exactly who is the bigger loser, the former rock star kicked out of his band and trying to avoid jail time or the hordes who seem to think it a worthwhile enterprise to follow said has-been rock star around as he picks up trash. Well done, George. It must be nice to not feel like the chump for once.

Album Cover Image Courtesy of Virgin Records