Some stars occupy too much sky

It appears our favorite motion picture personalities believe their monopoly of the big screen, and the millions in profits they reap from the industry, just isn't enough to support the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Nope, now they're strategically plotting to corner the video game industry, as well. An article posted in Yahoo! News this morning explains how the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) just struck a deal with the video game industry that will increase actor/actress profit by 36% when said “movie star” lends his or her voice to a game. But wait there's more. Just when you're thinking that such demands represent the epitome of greed, we find out that the “stars” in question actually wanted profit-sharing or “residual payments” from the game industry, but were denied this request and, therefore it seems, took what they could get. One passage in the article states “The unions, which said they struck the deal with reluctance, vowed to continue their bid to win payments for actors for each game sold.” Well, sure, let's be certain they can tap into whatever money bucket spills their way just for uttering a few lines here and there. Guess that extra stash is for the sore throat doctor bills that our celebrities are bound to incur during the voice-over process.

So on top of A-Rod receiving $252 million over 10 years (you do the math for his annual salary), T.O. demanding a new, more lucrative, contract on top of his current $49 million one, Tom Cruise getting $25 million+ per picture (even despite his recent performance on Oprah), we now have this. What's next? Scott Peterson raking in a cool $100 million for selling his story to a publishing company? I'm sure it's already in the works in some board room across the country. Given the crude reality of these ridiculous antics, I gotta believe the end of the world is upon us. Honestly. I mean, aren't some of these things biblical signs for Armageddon? I'm ready to grow a beard, go unbathed for a couple of months, grab a sign and walk the streets muttering “the end is near”. Anyone care to join me?