I took a philosophy course once where we discussed the impact of death. In an attempt to simulate dealing with that impact, the teacher led us through an exercise where we mentally had to face losing everything that was important to us. It was a grueling exercise that left me feeling emotionally drained.

Thankfully, 20th Century Fox isn’t going quite the same route with their online ad campaign for The Day the Earth Stood Still, although they are asking you something similar. The trailers alone make it look like mankind is facing the end of the Earth in the remake of the classic movie, so Fox wants to know what you think is vital enough to save. You have until 12/12/08 to list your vital items and get enough people to vote for them that they will be saved when the Earth stands still.

Make your vital list over at The Earth’s Vital List and then get your friends to vote for your items through social networks like facebook and MySpace.

I will say, I think this is a cool little social networking game, but beyond that it’s not much use. Trying to find my vital item (take a guess at what you think it is) yielded no results when I used the site’s “explore” feature. Oh well, hopefully I have enough friends through the social networks to save my little show.

12/12/08 is The Day the Earth Stood Still… or at least the day the remake comes to theaters.