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Congratulations to last week's winners: Nate Cardozo, Jennifer Maio, Patti McGill, Eric Perlman, and Dan Young. Please note: Even if you've won a mug, we welcome your votes and comments.

Responses to last week's question: Get a life! Turn off the TV! was the overwhelming response of Currents readers to the question, Are you hooked on reality-based TV shows such as "Temptation Island" and "Survivor?" The official tally was 22 no, 7 yes, and 2 unsure. A sampling of readers' views follows.

On the yes side:

"I don't watch Survivor, but I love Temptation Island--it's the kind of trashy television you watch privately but don't admit to your friends."

"Every time I watch them, I can't believe how stupid they are. But yet, I keep watching. It's like a bloody car wreck that's too gruesome to tear myself away from."

On the no side:

"It's more than a little frightening that so many people have nothing better to do than watch that kind of TV programming."

"I reject the idea that these shows are 'reality based' at all, but more importantly, why is Currents surveying people about banal TV shows? Are we that hooked on sensationalism?"

"Perhaps the fact that I'm a proud bookworm plays a role in my adverse reaction to television shows like 'Temptation Island.' . . . in my opinion they do not represent real life as fully and accurately as they should. "

Unsure:

"I've actively watched both of these shows, but I wouldn't consider myself hooked. I've basically been watching out of curiosity on what all the hype is about."
 

Tell us what you think: Each week, we post a question about a topic that's been in the news, is of general interest, or has been suggested by our readers. You have a chance to "weigh in" with a simple "yes," "no," or "unsure," or you may elaborate if you like. Responses are due by Friday at 8 a.m.

Win a nifty Currents Online coffee mug: Each week, the names of five respondents are drawn at random to win a mug. Participants must be UCSC staff, faculty, or students. Please submit your name and campus e-mail address on the response form. One mug per person.

This week's question: Last week, a federal appeals court ordered Napster, the popular music-sharing web site, to stop its millions of users from downloading copyright material for free. Do you think the court made the right decision?

Vote:  Yes No Unsure 
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