Odds and ends, 4/28/08

What will I do with my economic stimulus check? If it arrives at the right time, I will probably use it to pay my West Virginia personal property taxes.

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Miley Cyrus got what she wanted by posing for a photo for Vanity Fair that some media people describe as scandalous. To me the real scandal was that adults who were (supposed to be) right there with her approved such a photo of a 15-year-old. My own daughter is 15, almost 16, and there's no way I'm approving such a photo.

Miley has to make the transition from teen star to adult performer, but 15 is a bit young. I almost felt like a pervert looking at that picture. (I probably should post a copy here if AP has one, but I wouldn't feel right doing it. You've probably seen it by now anyway.). All I saw was a child being used by her handlers and maybe her family.

The other photos that have been on the Internet lately didn't bother me that much. It's what a lot of 15-year-olds do, but if anyone sees any such photos by my 15-year-old, please let me know. She and I will have a loooooong talk.

Back to my main point: Miley's family and/or her handlers accomplished their goal. They sold her out to get attention.

Hollywood has a tremendous need for child talent, but it goes way too far. Before we worry about whether Miley could be headed for Britney land, let me segue to the novel "Jurassic Park."

During a conversation between Ian Malcolm and John Hammond about the wisdom of using DNA technology to bring dinosaurs back to life, Malcolm likens the technology to learning a martial art. A karate expert learns more than how to punch or kick. He also learns discipline so he will know when to use his skills and when to not use them, Malcolm says. I thought about that the last time I saw a Miley Cyrus clip on tv. A lot of child stars have success handed to them before they are mature enough to deal with it. It's like the lottery winner who has nothing one day and $100 million the next. How many of them end up with nothing because they don't know how to use their fortune?

This soap box is going on too long. Sorry.

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And now for something completely different: Two photos of the front entrance of Huntington High School.