I walk into the kitchen just in time to hear my 11-year-old daughter summarize for her father the destiny of anyone cast as a celebrity apprentice for Donald Trump: "It's the sign that you're just another clump of dried seaweed washed up on the beach of pop culture." 
There's no time for a lecture on cynicism before school, and besides, she has a point.
The cast of NBC's upcoming "The Celebrity Apprentice" series has somehow managed to offer gainful - if short-term - employment to country singer Clint Black, former NBA star (and tattoo canvas) Dennis Rodman and the perennially Botoxed Joan Rivers.
Times are tough. People need work, and as gigs go, even a short-lived career with "The Donald" can be lucrative. Remember Omarosa? And besides, these celebrities work for charity.
But I digress.
The point is not that former Olympic skater Scott Hamilton and former World Series of Poker champion Annie Duke will next month be fodder for water cooler (and recess) chats because of their stints on Mr. Trump's show.
The point is that my middle schooler may be moving past preteen cynicism and headed straight for "jaded."
Amy is an idealist, but even for one generally optimistic about people's "better angels," it's been a tough week. Consider these stories from her most recent events video:
• Michael Phelps is caught on camera using marijuana.
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