I was amazed last week walking the show floor of the North American International Auto Show (a.k.a. Detroit Auto Show): amazed at more than the enormous structures built within a few weeks, dazzling digital wall displays and shiny new cars.

We have all been reminded recently of the importance of proofing and having a crisis communications plan in place. Within the past month, even week, there have been embarrassing uses of profanity that have slipped past multiple editors’ and proofers’ eyes and made its way into the mainstream media for all of America to see and hear. We have also been rocked by scandals from some of our once most respected institutions.

Well, that didn't last long. Bank of America attempted to make another buck off of the 99 percent by charging a $5 per month fee for debit card users beginning in the New Year.

I was reminded recently of the complexity of communication and the limitations of certain media in facilitating communication. During a group email conversation, the discussion topic got complicated – too complicated for email.

Closing down a stretch of interstate for repairs is a necessary part of city upkeep. But closing down Interstate 405 on a busy vacation weekend seemed, well, stupid.

My wife and I recently celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary (thanks, you can still send gifts, if you like) by spending 12 days traveling in Europe. We spent a few days visiting several places in Italy, Greece and Montenegro.

Last month, I had the good fortune of spending an evening with Clemson University's Public Relations Student Society of America. We covered topics from the importance of internships and resume building to having a professional Facebook account.