Online Sales Make Hot Tickets Harder to Get

New York Times, April 1, 2009. U2's September 24th show in New Jersey was an "instantaneous sellout"online. Moments later tickets were available at inflated prices through various ticket brokers. This is being done by from major coorporations who have a Washington lobbyist and sophisticated computer technology.

Even some artists themselves are dismayed over the blatant practice which resulted in a $243 U2 ticket going for $10,000. Other performers may be scalping their own tickets.

Bruce Springsteen wrote a scathing public letter when this happened with his concert ticket sales. He redirected his fans to a different ticket broker.

Ticketing problems are under review by the Justice Department.

There's no character in this situation. Greed by corporations for money and greed by wealthy citizens for art pushes out the average concert goer.

Of course, this same situation has led to the downturn of Wall Street. Will justice prevail? Will character win out?

Chris Brown pleads not guilty to assault charges

Los Angeles Times, April 7, 2009. Chris Brown, better known for the alledged attack on singer Rihanna than for his own musical career, pleaded not guilty.

It must be pointed out that Brown's plea was to charges of felony assault and criminal threats.

A preliminary hearing date will be set. Meanwhile, plea negotiations between Brown and prosecutors are ongoing.

Perhaps someone else caused Rhianna to be bloodied and bruised on Grammy night last February 8, 2009.

Or, could it be Brown's actions fell short of a felony and criminal threats?

Otherwise, if Brown did it, character would dictate that he confess and accept the consequences.

He apologized and was saddened by the incident on February 16, 2009. On April 6, 2009, he's not guilty. What happened?

Character. It was thrown out the window. In the absence of an explanation in court, we're left to speculate.

What's the reason for the plea? Is he innocent? Did someone else commit this atrocity? Are the charges a little to harsh to accept for one so young?

We wait. It's never too late for character to emerge.

Michelle Obama's conquest of Europe

The Los Angeles Times, April 5, 2009, story listed the highlights of Ms. Obama'sEuropean trip last week.

Of particular note was her choice to continue hugging the girls at London's Elizabeth Garret Anderson Language School, where girls are encouraged to "learn without limits."

A local TV news station showed what the Times documented as Secret Service agents reaching down to the kneeling Ms. Obama to pull her away from the crush of girls reaching for her hug.

This was character in action.

The loving act could have been "staged." But, it showed that public displays of love despite personal safety are important.

More public displays of character by people in the news is needed. Sadly, it's hard to find.