Be careful what you wish for

It's an intriguing concept: what would you ask for if you had just one wish? NBC television is hoping that it will be the next big hit in reality television, the current craze among the ever changing tastes of viewers.

This fall, NBC will air "Three Wishes," a reality show that will be hosted by singer Amy Grant. Two personal wishes will be granted, as well as a wish that will benefit the entire community. In the pilot episode, producers tell us that they rebuilt the community football field at a cost of $1.2 million.

The production company that is making the program held an open casting call in Le Mars on Sunday. About 300 Le Mars area residents turned out to make their wish and plead their case, filling out a questionnaire, as well as answering questions on camera. The producers are making their decisions on whether or not they will film in Le Mars, and if they do, what three wishes will be granted. We are told that if Le Mars is selected, filming will be done this summer.

We find the entire thing quite surreal. It's a little bit like waking up in someone else's life. That, in a nutshell, in the essence of reality television: your life isn't interesting, but maybe someone else's is. There is a bit of voyeur in all of us that wants to watch people find whatever it is they think they are looking for. We also want to see them rejoice or break down when the journey is finished.

A caveat is in order here, folks. Make no mistake, this IS entertainment, and it is a fact that there is no free lunch. Your wish may be granted, but there will be a cost, a very personal and human cost, and every moment of it will be captured on video for someone else to watch.

Don't get us wrong, the publicity generated by exposure on national television will more than likely be great for our community, but it won't be free.

Be careful for what you wish -- you might just get it.