This is just a random observation that I always seem to have but always forget to bring up.

It has to do with that classic custom of maximum praise, the standing ovation. I learned what high praise this was after receiving a standing ovation at the first night of our school's operetta when I was in sixth grade. Our teachers explained to us how proud we should be to have garnered this response.

Since then, I have seen many other performances in many other theaters. And since then, I've begun to wonder just how high a respect the standing ovation represents.

To me, it seems that standing ovations are being given at the drop of a hat. I will be applauding at the end of what I feel was a good but by no means extraordinary production, and roll my eyes when I see a small group of people about three rows up standing up.

Have we arrived at a point where it's considered rude to not give a standing ovation? Just because I'm still sitting as I applaud doesn't mean I'm applauding halfheartedly. If I wanted to get that point across, I wouldn't be clapping at all.

Well, anyway, am I the only one that feels this way? I have a tendency to see things in a warped perspective.

--Mense"Maybe I should start throwing tomatoes"kemeser