The University of Buffalo paid Donald Trump $200,000 to speak on campus – a fee described as “an abomination” by one critic. And TV host Conan O’Brien received $150,000 for his jocular discourse there. These two speakers were part of a series for which the university spent $702,000 over the last two years. It’s all about “development” and “buzz” – and of course “diverse points of view.” And, oh, it can also be top secret business: The Buffalo News reports it had to engage in “a lengthy fight” with UB administrators to obtain the fee data. For a glimpse into the nationwide rigmarole of campus speechifying – its often exorbitant costs, sheer inanity, and perceived purposes – see “UB pays top dollar for popular speakers” by Stephen T. Watson (2/25/06, link no longer available).