Famous for Being Famous

Snookie, the fire-hydrant-shaped member of the New York-sourced "Jersey Shore" cast, is in the news. Having recently been arrested, she is quoted as saying, "I'm too pretty to be in jail."

Of course, her being in the news is not news. Snookie is merely the latest in a string of persons who, despite having no discernable skills, talents, or virtues, have become household names and whose exploits are chronicled in the media.

What distinquishes these people from others who have gained some fame -- say, persons who have successfully landed an airliner in the Hudson River or hit 600 major league home runs -- is that these people have a knack for staying in the news for no good reason at all. Paris Hilton is perhaps the prime example.

Paris Hilton has, thankfully, begun to fall from sight. Snookie's days are similarly numbered.

Marriage Advice

When Chelsea Clinton wallked the aisle this weekend, the news media was all over the story -- except that the wedding was rightfully closed to media intrusion. Tight security, a large perimeter, and a "no-fly zone." You know very well that without this last point, helicopters would have been chopping away all day.

Reporters nonetheless looked for stories on the streets of Rhinebeck. Employing the tried-and-true "man in the street" style, ordinary citizens were asked about the wedding. One man was asked what is the secret to a successful marriage.

"Communication," he said. "Whatever she says, do it," he continued.

Sound advice for any young man. Listen up, Marc.