“Inside Deep Throat” — Turn-on

Porn. Most people watch it. Most people refuse to admit it. Most people have no idea it has a history. Released early this year, the documentary “Inside Deep Throat” takes an analytical approach to the pornography industry. More importantly, it offers insight into the cultural forces that swept the United States during the ’70s and still affect society today.

During 1972, director Gerard Damiano took six days and $22,500 to produce the porn chick film “Inside Deep Throat.” It ended up legally grossing more than $100 million. It led to the obscenity conviction of actor Harry Reems. It resulted in fierce debates of censorship and sexuality.

Directors Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato use a wide range of interviews — anyone from prosecutor Larry Parrish to author Norman Mailer, psychologist Dr. Ruth to hedonist Hugh Hefner — to explore these issues. Discussing an oft-times “hush-hush” topic, some candid testimonials offer humor. Others speak of nostalgia. They all bring a bit of reality forgotten with X-rated images. Similarly, the splicing of archived materials with current perspectives reinforces the lasting effects, making the documentary an essential viewing. And if nothing else, it allows exposure to porn under the guise of education.

–Christine Holm

Celebrity Reality Shows — Turn-off

“All reality shows are not created equal.” No, VH1, some are considerably worse. “Celebrity Fit Club.” “The Surreal Life.” These shows are among a mess of others that completely shatter the notion that fame makes for an exciting existence. Watching paint dry is considerably more entertaining than sitting through a lengthy montage of the sleeping Shanna in MTV’s “Meet the Barkers.” Drinking oneself into a similar state is the only cure for the airing of Travis’ hangover.

No unassuming channel-surfer should be subject to the possibility of seeing even a frame of “Strange Love.” The term “strange” might suggest any one of many positive connotations. Something intriguing, curious or interesting. The Flava Flav courting of Brigitte Nielsen encompasses none of these. Try strange as in making viewers disturbed, disgusted and uncomfortable.

If one wants to see people engaged in everyday activities, look at the roommates. They will not expect applause even after excellent displays of normalcy. With little purpose — even less personality — this attack of celebrity reality shows insults the average viewer’s taste in television. Even worse, it degrades any network integrity. How about focusing on the music for once, MTV? Let CBS handle reality.

— Christine Holm

Numa Numa Dance — Turn-on

With both arms pumping, a little Romanian pop music and an online video that spread faster than the Paris Hilton sex tape, Gary Brolsma gave everyone a little something to smile about this semester.

Gary, who? Here’s a hint: “Mai ah hee, Mai ah hoo, Mai ah ha, Mai ah haha …” That’s right, that chubby kid with the happy hands doing his patented “Numa Numa Dance.”

Thanks to the wonders of the Internet, the New Jersey teen’s lively rendition of O-Zone’s “Dragostea Din Tei” quickly infiltrated homes and even bars across the country. After attracting millions of hits on its original site (Newgrounds.com) alone, Brolsma’s video attracted national spotlight on shows ranging from “Good Morning America” to VH1’s “Best Week Ever” and he soon found himself humiliated.

Before long, the 19-year-old with impeccable eyebrow control will be able to come out of hiding and grooving to Euro pop at the KK will become a distant memory (well, at least to this song), but just once more for old time’s sake, crank up the volume and sing along: “Alo, salut, sunt eu, un haiduc