To all those who feel they live the "game" of showbiz and to those who take "jaded" to mean "wisened," I've got a perscription.  Sit your butt down and watch Danny DeVito's Death to Smoochy.  That's what I did, thanks to the recommendation of a friend.  Yes, the direction and the writing are uneven, but we forgive such things in fables.  More important is the message, which in this case is simple:

All the mirrors we hold up as artists and entertainers, all the feelings we inspire, all the thoughts we provoke, all the smiles we witness...  These things matter.  These things are our job.

Along the way, we meet people who understand this basic truth.  Sometimes they come from strange places, but we'll recognize them because they love and support us, and help us in our ongoing journey.  These people are our friends.

On the other hand, we also meet people who don't love and support us, and instead try to exploit, compromise, or hurt ourselves and our values.  Sometimes they seem to know better than us, but we recognize their misconceptions because it hurts to accomodate them.  These people are not our friends, but if we stay true to ourselves, we give them the chance to remember what showbusiness is really about.

Culture is an example to be examined and lived by.  It is not a product.  It's for the kids.  It's all for the kids.

Thanks, Melissa.  Thank you to all my friends - including you, Danny DeVito!