Refocusing attention

There is an unwritten standard in the United States that defines the media's role in our society: to disseminate information to the general public.

In essence, the media governs themselves, and as such, they make the rules.

Like any industry, newspapers, magazines, radio and television outlets are out to make money. In essence, they must sell what they offer - that is, the news. And what qualifies something as being newsworthy? Answer: what people want to hear.

Last week, in their quest to promote environmentally sound decision-making, UB played host to former U.S. Vice President Al Gore. The former public official spoke on the topic of global warming and how the decisions we make today are a determiner for future climate change across the globe.

Behind the environmental rhetoric, Gore made a point of drawing attention to the importance of the media as a tool for broadcasting the seriousness of global warming and the consequences that we may face should action not be taken soon.

Embedded in this message was a more universal notion - that of media morality.

Gore commented negatively on the media's infatuation with celebrity gossip, which monopolizes valuable time and resources that could be put to better use.

Is it of any relevance to our daily lives what outfit Paris Hilton's dog is wearing, that Britney Spears occasionally goes without underwear, or even that Anna Nicole Smith engaged in so much promiscuous sex that the father of her last child remained a mystery for months?

It's sad that we have decided to glorify the lives of a select few, and that their daily activities appear to outshine the true issues that impact something as fragile as our own wellbeing.

Without People magazine, shows such as "Entertainment Tonight" and television networks like E!, would our lives be any less fulfilling?

Don't fall into the trap of giving more attention to the inconsequential lives of celebrities than to the items that truly matter.

It is only then that the media will redirect their own focus.

Fun in the sun

Buffalo's a great place to crash for the summer

So you're spending the summer in Buffalo... what to do?

Actually, the question should be: where to start?

No, Buffalo is not the bustling metropolis that is New York City. Instead it has a much warmer, more intimate feel with a great many ways to spend your summer days (and nights).

From Shakespeare in the Park in Delaware Park, to art exhibit premieres in the Allentown District (many of which offer free food), Buffalo is a place to hang out, meet new people and become cultured in the very fabric of what an ideal urban setting is meant to offer the public. There is literally something new going on each and every day.

Whether you are from out of town or are a life-long resident, your perception of this city probably doesn't take into account all that Buffalo has to offer.

Major urban regions can be intimidating - they offer few opportunities to personally interact with influential community leaders (from civic pioneers to prominent artists) and tend to be tremendously overwhelming.

This is not Buffalo.

Feel free to tour some of Buffalo's architectural masterpieces, museums and historic neighborhoods. Explore the Niagara River Gorge just a short drive away. Please your pallet at Buffalo's many restaurants speckled throughout our neighborhoods - yes, believe it or not, Buffalo's restaurant scene extends well beyond the chain eateries found on Maple Road.

While it appears that UB goes out of their way to isolate students from all that is "Buffalo," we at The Spectrum welcome you with open arms into the Western New York community. Enjoy.

For information on various happenings in Buffalo this summer or at any time during the year, call the Buffalo Niagara Convention and Visitors Bureau at1-800-BUFFALO or visit www.gobuffaloniagara.com