Open mic, insert foot

Time after time, supposedly media-savvy politicians and celebrities get caught saying a few choice words over what they thought was a dead microphone. Jesse Jackson recently uttered the whisper heard 'round the world when a Fox News microphone picked up a stated desire to remove Sen. Barack Obama's family jewels.

Last week, we learned that he also used the n-word, which was kind of awkward for him, as he has vigorously campaigned against use of that word.

You would think by now that Jackson, no stranger to high-profile gaffes (who could forget "Hymietown"?), would know that whispering doesn't work. Neither does covering the mic with your hand or turning your head away.

Instead, don't say anything around a microphone that could be embarrassing. Because chances are, if you're famous and say something stupid, we're all going to hear about it.

Here's a list of some folks who should have heeded the warning: Assume the mic is always on.

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--Kayce T. Ataiyero, Tribune staff reporter

kataiyero@tribune.com