[Pyramid*]

Originally Posted by Ultra Violet

Might I just agree here with the fact that the Mensa connection is a total red herring?

I have taught at one of our most established and sought after universities and Mario is clearly NOT someone who has the intellect (or grasp of the subtleties of English) to gain a place in a similar institution and would clearly not be able to equal Ben's good degree in a solid academic subject from St Andrew's ... it is rather ludicrous to perpetuate this myth that Mario is 'more intellectual' than Ben ... anyone who listened to any of their exchanges in the house is well aware that this is a complete falsehood ... I think it is time to establish that Ben is both more successful in his educational history AND in the way he handles 'real life' and the demands of the media ... to infer that the situation is other than this is patently absurd ... his verbal dexterity, wit and brilliance is no small component in the patchwork of qualities that makes Ben's fans so devoted ... most of us do rather enjoy bright and entertaining people when we see them ... and maybe we would like to see more characters like Ben ... we can't let Stephen Fry corner the market in benevolent and witty eccentricity!

I personally am no fan of S. Fry. Arrogant, pompus ignoramous of a man - and I find him not so witty.

Mensa membership really is a testament to academia only. It means sweet FA in the real world that we all live in. I agree with you UV that to perpetuate that being a Mensa member is anything upon which to compare people, it's a very blinded perception.

One can be highly intellegent on the academic scale but be the most loathsome person, with questionable morals, low standards and utterly lacking in the necessary skills to get on in life, socially, emotionally and psychologically. I feel Mario to be one of these, and in direct comparison - the polar opposite to Ben - which for all the reasons you have given about Ben's character - explains very clearly why Ben is finding far more popularity and is finding he his in demand more than Mario.