Graduation Season

It's that time of year for graduations.  I might also add that it's wedding season as well.  Both weddings and graduations are supposedly happy ceremonies.  Those attending graduations and weddings may cry despite being extremely proud and happy.  That's where the irony should end.

There tends to be confusion between the definition of "ceremony" and "celebration" especially at graduations.  It's a pity those graduating are given a diploma and turned loose on society without knowing how to use a dictionary for understanding the difference between "ceremony" and "celebration" nor possessing basic social manners.  However, we are making a huge guess in assuming those receiving diplomas (and their families) can actually read and have evolved beyond the neanderthal stage.

Let me help.

A ceremony is a dignified, polite, formal act prescribed by ritual and/or protocol.   May I stress the words 'dignified' and 'formal.' 

A celebration is to observe a notable occasion with festivities -- a party, if you will.

Granted, you have to have functioning cerebral matter to differentiate the definitions of above two underlined words, but let me dumb it down for you.

Word to graduates and their families who raised them:  The ceremony is NOT the celebration.  If you disagree then how would you feel about your bridesmaids tossing tortillas and beach balls during your wedding?  How would you feel about your new mother-in-law blowing a horn while you were exchanging your vows?  What about your best man walking down the aisle donning a big, goofy party hat?  Both weddings and graduations are happy occasions, right? What's the issue?

Ohhhh.... there's a time and place for everything.  Get it?

The Game is Secondary

Today we hit a couple of Superbowl parties. The food was world class, the company lively, and the drinks were flowing. Money was flowing as well with bets and squares. Both parties we attended were outstanding. I think it's funny how a football game can capture the attention of an entire nation. Everything is planned around "the game."

I thought it ironic that more attention was payed to the food and company than to the game itself. This includes the guys as well as the gals. Yes, there were a few hard core football fans glued to the tv set oblivious to the social activity around them, but that was more the exception than the norm.

Let's face it. The Superbowl is just an excuse to throw a big, loud party. That's ok in my book, but let's call it for what it is. We should just call it "National Party Hard Day -- No Reason Needed."

Three years from now, I believe you won't remember who played in the Superbowl, but you'll remember the parties you attended and the good food and company. The game is secondary.