MTV's The Buried Life knocks on my door

I may seem like the last guy to be blogging about a show on MTV. A year ago, I may have seemed like the last guy to be blogging at all.

But I've got enough children and grandchildren to know my way around today's TV landscape.

So, last year when the four fellows from MTV's The Buried Life showed up on my doorstep in pursuit of #95 on their list of dreams, I welcomed them into my office to see how I could help.

Here's a preview of what happened:

Apparently I wasn't the only public servant they tapped. The Washington Post reports, "They managed to get a surprising amount of on-camera help in Washington officialdom."

Did the guys ever hit the basketball court with President Obama? Find out Monday night at 10!

What exactly is The Buried Life? As MTV describes it on the show's website:

This is the real life adventure of four young men on an epic quest to prove that anyone can do anything. With cameras rolling, Duncan, Ben, Jonnie and Dave set out with a list of 100 dreams.

Well, that's all well and good, right? We've all got dreams. And I'm all for helping people achieve their dreams.

The great thing about these young men, though, is that they're also thinking about other people's dreams. So, for every dream they fulfill, they dedicate themselves to helping someone else achieve a dream.

You know, there's a wave of youth service sweeping across America--which I'm really pleased to see--and my guys from The Buried Life are perfect examples. They know how fortunate they are to have secured MTV's support for their project, so they're using MTV's resources to give a little back.

As one of the fellows, Ben, told the Peoria Journal Star:

"I can say as fun as all the tasks are, when we step back and look at these things as a whole, it’s when we get to help other people. Those are the items that give us the most satisfaction.”

Now I may not be in MTV's target demographic, but I know that's a good lesson for all of us.

Ben, Duncan, Jonnie, Dave--I was happy to help, and I wish you well working through the rest of that list.

Comments

[Amy Kaminski]

I too am not MTV's target demographic but I'll be sure to watch you on the program. Thanks for the laugh and thoughts this morning--

[alexander james]

This is an inspiring show and a good way to show that America still offers lots of opportunity to people of all ages. This will send a great message to your 9 grandchildren if they can get on the court with Obama. It's all about who you know in this world and making that call was very cool.

[miriam zapata]

I guess if you're trying to go places, the best place would be via the transportation man.

[Jeffrey]

Oh Ray... for years I've been writing letters, calling my politicians, attending rallies, speeches, etc to make my voice heard in this democracy. Now I know all I needed to have done is get on an MTV show to make the most change. Way to show our impressionable youth the way democracy truly, and sadly, now operates.

I'll make a deal with you; if you gave them basketball I want from you the opportunity to convey my transportation ideas with you in the form of a letter and to have that letter read and responded to by yourself and the President. Not too unreasonable, right...?

Please restore my faith in representative democracy. Sincerely yours,
Jeff

[Rachel Conine]

I too am not exactly in MTV's target demographic either, but have watched the last four Monday nights on MTV with enthusiasm. Enthusiasm for this generation. I have been following Ben, Dave, Duncan and Jonnie for about 3 years now. I know that our future is far more secure with young men like this as our up and coming leaders. Thank you for opening your door to them. Rachel

[Michael E. Bailey]

This is great. We need democracy to be as open and participatory as possible including making the most use of social media to help. If the MTV show will help increase participation in the democratic process, then it will be a good thing. Best wishes, Michael E. Bailey.

[Alex]

Our MTV in Latvia was closed, it's very sad, that was my favorite channel.

[Kristjan]

Heh, yeah the same happened in Estonia, they just closed MTV.It seems, that they are out of money...

[Yuris]

To Kristjan

The same story in Lithuania,
Yesterday I switced on TV, and no MTV
I hope the channel comes back soon.

[LiLy a.k.a. Ducan Penn <33]

how did you get a hold of them?

[Breanna]

this is a very inspiring show! I love it!!:D

[Joy Anderson]

MTV has not had the best programming in my opinion. It is nice to see an inspiring show where kids can see the potential they have to reach for their dreams!

[Dan]

I'll be sure to watch the program :)

[Adam Skiba]

Now that's a great concept and message for a show. I was getting really tired of all the ridiculous reality shows - it's good to see something positive for a change.