Articles written by Scott Spjut

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About me - Scott Spjut

Since beginning my professional writing career I have written television scripts, commercial scripts, press releases, feature articles, profile stories, hard news, event previews, event reviews, sports articles, business articles, opinion pieces, humor columns,

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Entertainment > Celebrity Commentary Celebrity gossip: Has the media gone too far?: 1 of 21
There's this thing out there social scientists call a "para-social relationship." It's the kind of relationship where Bob knows a lot about Joe, but Joe doesn't know squat about Bob.Of course, "Joe" is some A-list celebrity whose face is plastered all over magazines and TV. And "Bob" is a late-teened or early-twentied girl wh... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Personal Morals & Values Good manners: Practicing verbal restraint: 1 of 14
According to Merriam-Webster, (which is it dictionary? Merriam or Webster? Pick a side. We're at war!) something is newsworthy if it is interesting enough to the general public to warrant reporting.Unfortunately, what the general public considers interesting is usually sensationalized and useless, but they still seem to just ... More..
Health & Fitness > Sexually Transmitted Diseases The facts about Gardasil (human papillomavirus vaccine): 1 of 7
Sara Hughes has spent the past several months in and out of hospitals. At first, no doctor could tell her what was wrong. Then, once they found out what was wrong, no doctor knew how to fix it.Hughes, from Centerville, Utah, studying social work at Brigham Young University, had an adverse reaction to the vaccine Gardasil when... More..
Autos > Fuel Economy Exploring the rising trend in gas prices: 4 of 21
I think I may be the only person in the United States (and perhaps the world) who is not part of the oil industry but is glad gas prices are soaring.Here my surely-flawed logic:Since gas prices are so high - and likely to get higher - as people buy new cars, they will be more likely to opt for the fuel-efficient sedans instea... More..
Entertainment > Movies (Other) Cinema explained: 1 of 5
College is a time to show off. After all, there are people to impress. When I can't win people over with my sense of humor, I turn to the one thing that makes everyone swoon my seemingly endless movie knowledge. Even just whispering the word "cinematography" makes most people want me to be the Yoda to their Luke Skywalker.Sur... More..
Computers & Technology > Phone Technologies & Issues Appropriate vs. inappropriate uses for text messaging: 4 of 19
Text messaging is destroying America.That's right. Texting is right up there with Al Gore, reality television and bears.Text messaging, or texting (an example of how we've managed to turn another noun into a verb) is when one uses their mobile device to send a short written message to someone else's mobile device.Textiquette ... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Christian Beliefs & Culture Should Christians watch rated R movies?: 10 of 39
The eternal truths behind the doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do not change.Policy does.Statements have been made in church publications, like "For the Strength of Youth" booklet, and in general conference about specific movie ratings. We used to be counseled to avoid movies with an R rating. "For... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Politics, News & Issues (Other) Reflections: Standing up for traditional Christmas in America: 2 of 6
It's good to know some people are still fighting the battles worth fighting. With world hunger, global warming and the popularity of those stupid crocs shoes all on the rise, a brave few have ignored those petty issues, banded together and focused their efforts on something much more important political correctness.With such ... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Social Values & Norms Society has its priorities confused: 27 of 70
As I have lived and traveled throughout these United States, I have found different parts of the country have different styles of driving.Texas drivers are, for the most part, considerate and relaxed. They drive the speed limit and are most likely to use the universal "you go ahead" hand motion.New Jersey drivers are, for the... More..
Education > College Life How to help a distressed college student: 2 of 5
Magazines are often filled with, what we refer to in the industry as, "How-to articles." It turns out that creativity was invented after journalism.Anyway, these articles give simple steps or advice to accomplish a certain task. They may teach how to program a VCR, how to train for a marathon or how to not get caught harborin... More..