Carl Setzer

Well, zombies have pushed themselves solidly into pop culture. Their heyday was really a year or two back, but they're still significant.Why? What is attractive about this mythological archetype?  I wonder about such things. They have immorality and near invincibility. Zombies are relentless and immune from most injury. In one way, they are perpetual motion machines. They don't need fuel to continue effort. The consuming drive is about converting all, not about gaining energy. Perhaps we feel something of kinship. The mindless exertion, so akin to much of our lives. Mundane, rote effort with its dehumanizing outcome; we're much like zombies. Free from thought, they simply react. They are free of pain. Yet, the most powerful element: they've escaped death. In one way, they've conquered our greatest fear. That, I believe, encompasses their attraction. And why, I expect, they'll be with us for some time to come.

One of my current frustrations: people groaning about youth. About them taking selfies, too self-centered, too intertwined with their families...I can make this list mammoth, if you so wish. I've had the privilege, though, of getting to know a number of teens and early twenty-somethings. And these are great people. I delight in spending time with them. Their energy and enthusiasm are just so damn wonderful. They have ambitions, dreams. They're deeply talented and CARE about their work. The universe is in good hands with them. I'm happy. [Updated to deal with autocorrect brutalities. For a professional writer, this was abysmal.]

If you must watch American Idol, please know that there will be a positive side to the spectacle. Announcement For the second year in a row, Save the Children, whose programs our company supports, has been selected as one of six charities to benefit from funds raised through Idol Gives Back, a television event and music celebration airing Wednesday, April 9 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. This year’s event will feature international talent and sports stars including Bono, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Mariah Carey, Fergie, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Annie Lennox, John Legend and Snoop Dogg. During the show, viewers will be able to make donations via toll-free lines and the Internet.

Some are quite dumb, but a few are cute/clever. >> >>Subject: Great Bumper Stickers! >> >> >> >> 1) (On an infant's shirt): Already smarter than Bush >> >> 2) 1/20/09: End of an Error >> >> 3) That's OK, I Wasn't Using My Civil Liberties Anyway >> >> 4) Let's Fix Democracy in This Country First >> >> 5) If You Want a Nation Ruled By Religion, Move to Iran >> >> 6) Bush. Like a Rock. Only Dumber. >> >> 7) You Can't Be Pro-War And Pro-Life At The Same Time >> >> 8) If You Can Read This, You're Not Our President >> >> 9) Of Course It Hurts: You're Getting Screwed by an Elephant >> >> 10) Hey, Bush Supporters: Embarrassed Yet? >> >> 11) George Bush: Creating the Terrorists Our Kids Will Have to Fight >> >> 12) impeachment: It's Not Just for Blowjobs Anymore >> ...