It's a Disease

So I was watching What it Takes on Reelz channel the other day-- for those of you not familiar with the program, each episode is essentially the biography of an actor's life and how they got to where they are today. This particular episode was about Billy Bob Thorton-- I think, anyway it doesn't matter. Some of the episodes are mildly interesting, but there are two things that kind of make me crazy.
1. Every episode ends with some writer from Variety or People Magazine or Entertainment Weekly saying, "[insert name here] is one of the most acclaimed actors in the business"-- Of course they are! That's why you're doing an entire show about them! I know it's a silly little thing, but it makes me nuts.
2. Someone almost without fail will make mention to "The Acting Bug". I don't know where that expression came from (even Wikipedia doesn't know)-- but it sounds awful. It sounds like a disease! Usually the reference is followed by "...then they dropped out of school", "...quit their stable and secure job", "...abandoned any semblance of being a responsible adult"; all because they were bitten by that damned Acting Bug. I kid you not-- it is an epidemic! Thousands and thousands of people: Men, women, and children (sometimes even pets) are bitten by the Acting Bug each year and seemingly begin to throw their lives away to feed the disease. Sadly only a small fraction achieve their own episode on What It Takes; while the others struggle to hold down a steady job. Yet there are some who manage to suppress nearly all the urges-- only to become wildly animated about poor acting in films and television shows, thinking deep down they could have done a better if only they were given a shot. The Acting Bug is a Home-Wrecker, a Career-Killer, a Rebel without a Cause! Stay away, because it will seriously mess you up!

The following is an artists rendition of Thespious Insectas. Common name: Acting Bug.
It can be identified by it's colorful beret and scarf. It is thought to live in dark places-- frequently found on the black curtains of high school theatre stages. Those who encounter this menacing creature should back away slowly, making themselves look as uncultured as possible. If bitten, rinse the area immediately with soap and warm water, avoid auditoriums and movie theatre for at least 48 hours, and promptly join a sports team or club. Thank you.