I was watching Who Wants To Be A Millionaire last night and there was a joke answer that asked What competition show does Tyra Banks host. Of course it was Next Top Model; but one of the choices was Next Top Author. I thought to myself, why not? While some of the drama of cat fights and hotties in bikinis may be deminished, theere is a great chance for emotional drama that can be tapped. Writing assignments to get the competitors thinking, travel to obscure and exotic lo-cals as well as the interaction with different and interresting "characters." The pannel can be intellectuals and critics and guest authors like Amy Tan and Chuck Pahlaniuk, you know, any of those authors who are not above making appearances. It gives them publicity, the newbie authors exposure, and the viewer a chance to escape from the languor of "Reality TV."

I am aware of the irony of advertising the concept of READING on a television program, but wouldn't that be a little worth it? The dumbing down of America must stop and even though this whole idea developed out of a JOKE on a trivia show that values pop culture knowledge over intellect, it still makes an effort to move toward something a little more on the high brow side of things.

I'm just saying. . .