Chess genius Bobby Fischer dies in Iceland

[NetSnake]

most of all, its not the athletes or the entertainers in general "fault" that they get paid so high. Their fees are usually relative to the income/benefit they generate for their companies/team owners

[TransformX]

Have Bobby Fischer, Roger Federer, Lance Armstrong, David Beckham etc. DONE anything to make the world a better place to live in, other than arguably given ephemeral pleasure to their fans? Have Stanley Matthews, Don Bradman, Babe Ruth etc. left the world a better place because of their short tenancy of it?

I have nothing whatsoever against PLAYING games for the pleasure of doing so, but the fact that I used to play cricket deserved any media attention? No, of course not, but then I was playing as an amateur, not as a professional, enjoying it, not worrying about what I would do with my next million.

I have nothing against anyone wishing to do so playing chess, poker, scrabble etc for modest gain but I see no reason for the media to turn them into a demi-god just because they might happen to be good at their chosen pastime.

David Beckham is also a bad example. He went beyond player and became an icon, a celebrity. Millions of soccer fans were thrilled every time they saw him or even heard his name. Sad but true - during 4 years of his career, he entertained and inspired more people than someone in the caliber of Van Gogh could entertain or inspire in a century.

Edit: If in doubt:

http://travelhappy.info/thailand/david-beckham-statue-placed-at-altar-of-bangkok-temple/

http://www.exposay.com/japanese-people-praise-and-worship-god-like-david-beckham/v/5032/