I want to be a millionaire!

What do frequent Lotto players, Abu Sayyafs, bold starlets and corrupt politicians have in common? They are all suckers for easy money. And as far as I’m concerned, so are you, me, and the rest of the world. But with all the congress seats occupied, Lotto booths packed, and the movie industry taking a swift nosedive, is there easy cash left for us?

Fortunately enough, there is and it’s just a remote switch away. Ladies and gentlemen (all itching for millions, I hope), may I introduce to you a product of modern-day, money-craving marketing men out there – the game show craze!

Not to be shrugged as yet another pearl shakes, Shawarma, and pugon-baked pan de sal phenomenon which only lasted until they were chewed, swallowed, and flushed down the toilet, the game show craze is especially designed to last a lifetime (and not a lifeline).

As if you haven’t noticed that teacher quipping, "Is that your final answer?" Or your girlfriend, (now ex) spewing "You are the weakest link, good bye!" The craze is definitely up and above our systems. That is probably why more and more people are trading their MTVs for a local channel only good for nauseating love teams and 20-minute commercial breaks (to their yayas delight). And as if that’s not enough, they develop the now-widespread "game show contestant fantasy" syndrome, which keeps phone lines busy.

With the predictable (and almost permanent) economic slump, the basement low-employment rate, and abundance of "intellectually degrading" entertainment choices, there is no other perfect time for such a rage. Not only do game shows provide instant cash (enough to be a small province’s annual budget) and hope for the obligated bum, they also give the resident couch potato the needed cerebral boost. And believe me, we only see this when a President gets impeached and grab excellent media milleage.