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I have recently finished the sci-fi cult classic ENDER'S GAME by Orson Scott Card. It was recommended to me by a couple of fans via email. Prior to this, the only science fiction I had read was Robert Heinlein's STARSHIP TROOPERS, and in many ways, the two books are very similar. While at times it gets a bit slow (as you can imagine from my own work, I really hate slow books) the book has a huge twist at the end which is definitely worth the wait. Its analysis of bullying and dealing with bullies is also quite extraordinary.

1. Spent this week doing a film camera course at the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) under the tutelage of the legendary Les Parrott. Not only was the course excellent in its content (focus pulling, loading, and general on-set protocol - plus a few juicy tidbits about the tendencies of some well-known actors to yell at crew members even before they were famous), but Les also tells some excellent jokes!

2. SURVIVOR II. What can I say? What a riveting finale. This show is still the best reality show on TV - its devious use of mood music and point-of-view shots, for example, is highly underestimated. Tina walked away with the cash (and the popularity contest of the jury vote). Colby walked away with his head held high. And Jerri, to the end, just didn't get it.

The parallels with SURVIVOR I are interesting: Colby, like Kelly in SURVIVOR I before him, won the last immunity challenge and thus had to make the Solomonic choice to eject Keith - yet both Colby and Kelly lost in the final vote. And in both cases an alliance held through to the end and produced the winner. A marvellous opportunity to analyse human interaction. And yet, as I watched the reunion episode, I really felt for Deb, the first person to get voted off, the person no-one ever got to know. Her shattered self-confidence and the flaying she got from the media upon her return home show without a doubt that fame is double-edged sword. You should be careful what you wish for. Which brings me to POPSTARS...

3. I mentioned last week that I'd say few words about POPSTARS. Now, I'm not sure about the US, but this TV show has been an absolute phenomenon in the UK, New Zealand (where it originated, I believe) and in Australia. In the show, you watch as, first, hundreds of young hopefuls audition to be a part of a pop band, then secondly, form the band (and give it a name), then thirdly, release a single and then an album country-wide. In Australia, we're into our second series (and hence, our second band) and in both cases the band's debut single has rocketed to No.1 on the charts.

It's an amazing concept. And extremely watchable. Performers wanting that big break can audition for it, and in the glare of an ever-present camera crew, win it. The prize, so to speak, is instant fame.

However, at least initially, the band members are not known for their musical abilities: they are celebrities who have been given birth solely by the glitz of television. (Imagine a meeting between the Popstars and, say, INXS - would they have much in common? Would there be mutual admiration and respect?) Yes, the Popstars can BECOME acknowledged and respected musicians by continued commercial success...but that is up to them, and it is something that is only earned by long experience, long after the TV cameras have been turned off. After all, by that time the TV producers who made them famous will have moved on to create another high-rating series, Popstars III, Popstars IV...

I have a theory on life: everyone has advantages and disadvantages. Some are born into wealth. Others are born with brains or talent, but no money. Others still are born with charisma, or passion, or determination. My theory is this: IT IS WHAT YOU DO WITH YOUR ADVANTAGES THAT COUNTS.

Whinging and whining about other people's advantages counts for nothing. So the Popstars get a lift from being on TV - good for them. Now they have to take that advantage and run with it. If they squander it, they have squandered a huge advantage that a lot of pub bands and garage bands have missed out on. I wasn't born into money. Nor did I get my break in publishing by being related to a publisher or editor. I was, however, raised by two middle-class parents who told me I could do anything, and I had a determination to succeed despite continual rejection. I just wouldn't quit. That was my advantage. I used it. It's what you do with your advantages that counts.

Ultimately, it is perhaps the "Popstars rejects" who get the most out of the Popstars phenomenon - these are the hopefuls who missed out on selection in the band, but who received the attention of record company executives by appearing on TV. They still retain some degree of "doing it tough", rather than catching a ride on a magic carpet, and thus retain more industry credibility. In any event, only the future will tell...

P.S. It seems that a lot of people (from around the world) have been enjoying my indoor cricket updates. Well, folks, I'm pleased to say that the winning streak continues! After batting first, the mighty Full Tossers defended a pretty low total to win their fifth game on the trot. The most noteworthy performance: an inspired final over, under extreme pressure, from Paul "the Biceps" Roach. Not to mention Dirty Dave Gillett's appalling batting - must have had something to do with the fact that he came to the match direct from the pub...