Just Shut Up!

Who knows why Chris Brown feels the need to make stupid comments prior to the resolution of the charge that he beat Rihanna. Maybe it's just me but if that was me, I would be a lot more serious about my business than to joke about someone's black eye that allegedly came at my hands.

Gee, you think?

The following headline is screaming on CBS News' website...
"Jon And Kate" 8 Being Exploited?

Jon and Kate have their own reality show due to the eight kids. Why wasn't anyone asking this question then?

And now that Jon and Kate are being accused of having affairs, promos for the show and tabloid stories are everywhere.

Personally, I don't see the fascination in this. Capitalizing on their misfortune isn't something I'll take part in.

First Amendment

I am in a class at BG that deals exclusively with the First Amendment. The interesting thing is that "Freedom of Speech" has expanded to basically mean "Freedom of Expression." "Expression" can take on so many different meanings and can be seen in many debates today. Should you be required to wear a seat belt? Of course, it's stupid if you don't but should freedom of expression allow you to not wear it?

What about the kid who was suspended over going to prom at a different school?

What about the parents who wouldn't take their kid to get chemo?

See a doctor if...

Virginia Republican Congressman Jim Moran is introducing legislation to restrict advertising for erectile dysfunction between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. More specifically, he doesn't want to see any ads for guys who have problems with their plumbing between those hours. Moran says ads for things like Viagra aren't good for family tv viewing.

While none of the ads show any sex or are graphic in any other way, I wonder where public opinion will fall on this.

A follow up on speeches

USA TODAY had an article in yesterday's paper about what makes good commencement speeches.

Here are the eight criteria they listed for a memorable speech.
1. Inspire us...but lose the cliches.
2. Talk about yourself...but make it meaningful to us.
3. Make us laugh...but leave stand-up routines to the pros.
4. Practice...but don't sound practiced.
5. Make us think...but don't make us seethe.
6. Do your homework...because details matter.
7. Hope for a sunny day...but even then, have pity.
8. Finally, keep it short. Period.

So, summarizing all of these points, it sounds like the number one and overall rule should be: think of your audience first.

Current news topic

I often wonder if there is a line the media stand to the point where they (the media) will not make someone a celebrity.

Take the case of Tyler Frost for example. Tyler Frost is a 17 year old senior at Heritage Christian School in Findlay. He was warned to not go to his girlfriend's prom at Findlay High School. The Baptist school where Tyler has gone for the last 13 years is against dancing, rock music, and gasp, hand holding! Tyler went to the prom and was promptly suspended for the last two weeks of school and cannot take part in graduation. He can take his finals and get his diploma. Tyler's reward? He was flown to New York to appear on every network morning show today. WHY? He blatantly ignored the rules of his school. I think the media picked up this story as a way of mocking the school's rules. I think a good majority of people would say the school's rules are stuck in the past but that's what they believe in. We could say the same about the Amish.

Graduation speeches

What do you remember from your graduation?

I've been to two graduations in the last three days (counting today). At one graduation, the commencement speaker basically read what sounded like a term paper. It didn't help that the ceremony was in an old gym with poor acoustics. But anyway, at the end of the speech, the applause seemed more out of gratitude that it was over than for the content.

At the other graduation I went to, the speaker was definitely more interesting but went for 30 minutes and had eleven points he wanted the audience to remember. I liked this guy but I think asking the audience to remember eleven points is a lot.

Last December, at U-T's graduation, USA Today sportwriter and Toledo native Christine Brennan spoke and gave us words of advice from her father who said, "This ain't no dress rehearsal."

Looking back at my undergrad at BG and my Masters Degree at Kent, I don't remember either.

Horrible wording!

Read the story below about the break-up between Nas and Kelis, especially the first line. If you know what Kelis' song "Milkshake" is referencing, then you understand why the first sentence is so wrong.


LOS ANGELES – The milkshake has gone sour between Kelis (KEL-ees) and Nas (NAHZ).

Kelis Rogers filed for divorce Thursday in Los Angeles. She's expecting the couple's first child in July.

Documents show the couple was married in July 2003 and separated in April. Rogers is seeking to have her hip-hop husband pay her attorney's fees and spousal support.

She cited "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for the split.

Nas' real name is Nasir (NAH-SEER) Jones. He is considered one of rap's best artists and received a Grammy nomination for his latest untitled album. Kelis may be best known for her hit single "Milkshake."

His publicist did not respond to an e-mail message seeking comment.