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It happens in school, at work, and in emails.  It happens in big and small news publications all over these United States.  It happens everywhere, and it happens right in front of your eyes.  In fact, I just did it to you and I've done it in the past ("Rock of Love 3?: Brett Says Ambre's Not 'The One'! and Here's a New One: Woman Bites Dog?).

I'm talking about the old trusty journalistic crutch of "Statement: Followed by a question?"

Ironically, questions abound. How did this start?  Why do people think this is so effective?  How effective is it really?

To answer these questions, I put in call to Dr. Emmett Brown (pictured below), leader of many fields and also as an acute knowledge of the evolution of the English language and how journalists have played a role in shaping it.

ToastedRav.com: Thank you Dr. Brown for taking the time to answer a few questions for us today.

Dr. Brown: No problem.  Call me 'Doc'.

ToastedRav.com: Ok.

ToastedRav.com: First off, do you know the origin of this famed headline writing technique?

Doc: Yes.  It started in the late 19th century when a writer for the New York Times wanted to write a title for his article that said "Here's something to talk about...nevermind, I'll just answer this for you with my opinion."  It worked like magic and from then the technique's use has expanded faster than Britney Spears' waist line in the Hostess aisle at a minimart.

ToastedRav.com: So from that initial use it has grown unabated through today?

Doc: Well, not exactly.  There are times in American history where use of this technique slowed.  I like to call these the "I Have Pride In My Work" periods.  Sadly however, with the advent of this new wave of endless news and writing the level of water in the topic pool as gotten so shallow that we are again in a period where this technique has risen to power simply because authors are trying to make articles out of nothing.

ToastedRav.com: So clearly you aren't a fan of this type of headline, but can't it be effective on occasion?

Doc: No.

ToastedRav.com: Come on!  Never?

Doc: Ok, there are times when its ok, but constant use is never good.

ToastedRav.com: Everything in moderation huh?

Doc: Exactly.

Doc: Oh look at the time!  I have to meet someone in the Twin Pines Mall in a few minutes, I have to go!

ToastedRav.com: Ok.  Thanks for the time Doc!

Doc: No problem!

Well there you have it!  You can't argue with a professor...especially one with the level of "crazy professor hair" that Dr. Brown has.

I think the moral of the story is sparing use is good and makes it look like you came from the "I Have Pride In My Work" period of time, but over use makes you ripe for parody from places like The Onion (the picture above) and people like me.

Addendum:

I am sad to report that shortly after our interview, Dr. Emitt Brown was apparently shot in the parking lot of the very same Twin Pines Mall he was rushing off to after our interview.  The suspects are some Libyan gentleman last seen in a white and blue van and one Marty McFly who was last seen with Dr. Brown and has not be heard of since. 

Sadly, with not one of the many bullets fired from the killers automatic weapon hitting anywhere other than Dr. Brown's chest, he could have been saved if he would have simply known to wear a bullet-proof vest under his clothes that day.