Knowing Right From Obnoxious

As a semi-serious journalist and newsie, I am often embarrassed by how much I know about pop culture. But for this one I make no apology.

Demi Moore's not doing too well since her breakup with Ashton Kutcher. Who wouldn't empathize with the parties involved? Yes, they both Twitter and share way too much, but the end of a marriage is a sad, traumatic event to go through. I hope I never do.

So I can only imagine how much worse it must feel when a heartbroken person has what I hope is her lowest moment, and winds up in the hospital. What I CAN'T imagine is the compounded insult of having a 911 call broadcast for the rest of the world - whose business it is not in any way - to hear. Is nothing off limits when the public wants to know?

By the way, I felt pity for Alec Baldwin when his nasty voicemail message was leaked. At what point do you lose your right to privacy in the privatest of matters?

Get Those GD Cellphones Off My GD Plane!

And speaking of private matters: People are actually fighting for their right to talk on cell phones while on an airplane. And many of them are even old enough to remember how people occupied themselves before the internet. The story is that airlines ban cell phone use, arguing it can potentially interfere with the flight's navigation, but that no incidents have ever been reported. Therefore, the ban should be lifted.

I never thought the ban was about technology. I thought it was for the sake of common courtesy. Now there will have to be a "policy" to protect people like me from getting stuck on a flight with people who want to pretend they're not in a crowded coach but on a private plane that serves only them. Grow up! And get off my lawn!