“Quote....Endquote”

“The segment of rap music that is glamorized and popularized by the media is gangsta rap. It has become an image that is normalized in our society.”

Venise Berry, associate professor of journalism in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, explaining why white students who organize “gangsta” theme parties might not realize their actions are offensive (Houston Chronicle, Jan. 31).

“From the person who endlessly chats on a phone while in a restaurant, to someone's pager or cell going off in the middle of a presentation or lecture, we are creating a society of very rude technology users.”

Jane Drews, information technology security officer, saying technological distractions carry over into college classrooms, which are increasingly offering wireless access points and, consequently, access to diversions such as web surfing, text messaging, and gaming (Chronicle of Higher Education, Jan. 26).

“Most of these kids aren't going to play professionally or even at the college level. So what we need to do is to make sure if they're going to add weight, muscle mass, that they do it in a healthy way.”

George Phillips, clinical assistant professor of pediatrics in the UI Carver College of Medicine, speaking to a study showing half of Iowa high school football linemen qualify as overweight, and 10 percent meet standards for severe obesity (Washington Post, Jan. 23).