For all you pranksters out there, I challenge you to come up with the most daring, funny, and breathtaking April Fool's Day pranks you can think of.
Post your idea as a comment on this blog. Once I hear from you and see just what your deviously, comedic minds are cappable of, then you get another blog with my ideas for April Fool's Day pranks. And trust me, I've pulled quite a few doosies in my day.
Monday, March 31, 2008
With Just A Little Bit of Tweaking, These Could Be Used On Teachers, Too ;)
Surfing the internet and looking for interesting topics to write about, I came across this list of April Fools Day pranks that are used by co-workers against each other.
While faking a resignation, gluing office supplies to the desk and covering someone's cube in aluminum foil are among the most common office pranks, here are 10 of the most memorable pranks from this year's survey:
1. Placed a pair of pants and shoes inside the only toilet stall in a men's room to make it appear someone was using the stall. It sat there for hours until someone called security to check if the person had died.
2. Sent a fake love note to a co-worker from another co-worker.
3. All the women in office individually spoke to the president, confiding that she is pregnant. By noon, he 'knew' that all of his female workers were pregnant and he could not tell anyone because each asked for confidentially.
4. Called the electric company, used a co-worker's name and told them he was moving so the electricity got turned off at the co-worker's house.
5. Filled the vending soda machine with cans of beer.
6. Rigged the boss' chair to drop suddenly during a staff meeting.
7. Placed a sign on the restroom door that read, "The company ran out of toilet tissue; please use your own resources."
8. Paged a co-worker over the loud speaker claiming the CEO was looking for him. The worker went into the CEOs office and the CEO didn't know who he was or why he was there.
9. Shrink-wrapped everything in a co-worker's cubicle.
10. Put a 'house for sale' ad in the newspaper regarding a co-worker's home.
All of these are funny, some REALLY more so than others (See: #3, #5, and #9). The others were ok, but lacked a certain flair that makes an April Fool's Day prank really, really entertaining. I began thinking that with a few alterations here and there, I could use some of these pranks on my instructors. After all, today is the one day when these kind of pranks and jokes are moderately acceptible. So, I wonder which one of these I might consider? I may abandon all of these suggestions and rely on my cunning. Be afraid...be VERY afraid ;)
While faking a resignation, gluing office supplies to the desk and covering someone's cube in aluminum foil are among the most common office pranks, here are 10 of the most memorable pranks from this year's survey:
1. Placed a pair of pants and shoes inside the only toilet stall in a men's room to make it appear someone was using the stall. It sat there for hours until someone called security to check if the person had died.
2. Sent a fake love note to a co-worker from another co-worker.
3. All the women in office individually spoke to the president, confiding that she is pregnant. By noon, he 'knew' that all of his female workers were pregnant and he could not tell anyone because each asked for confidentially.
4. Called the electric company, used a co-worker's name and told them he was moving so the electricity got turned off at the co-worker's house.
5. Filled the vending soda machine with cans of beer.
6. Rigged the boss' chair to drop suddenly during a staff meeting.
7. Placed a sign on the restroom door that read, "The company ran out of toilet tissue; please use your own resources."
8. Paged a co-worker over the loud speaker claiming the CEO was looking for him. The worker went into the CEOs office and the CEO didn't know who he was or why he was there.
9. Shrink-wrapped everything in a co-worker's cubicle.
10. Put a 'house for sale' ad in the newspaper regarding a co-worker's home.
All of these are funny, some REALLY more so than others (See: #3, #5, and #9). The others were ok, but lacked a certain flair that makes an April Fool's Day prank really, really entertaining. I began thinking that with a few alterations here and there, I could use some of these pranks on my instructors. After all, today is the one day when these kind of pranks and jokes are moderately acceptible. So, I wonder which one of these I might consider? I may abandon all of these suggestions and rely on my cunning. Be afraid...be VERY afraid ;)
A Hollywood Marriage Torn Apart
For those interested, there is a bitterly hostile divorce that happened just this last weekend in the "Land of Two-Minute to Two-Month Marriages," Los Angeles, California. The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) split over the weekend.
The reason for the split between the two actors unions seemed reminiscent of a tawdry extra-marital affair from a soap opera. Actors were lured away from from the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists by what the AFTRA President, Roberta Reardon, calls a "relentless campaign of disinformation and disparagement" by the Screen Actors Guild. It is quite ironic that this situation mirrors a storyline from a soap opera, because it just happens to involve actors fro the daytime drama, "The Bold and The Beautiful."
Reardon may be jumping to conclusions by blaming the SAG. Alan Rosenberg, President of the Screen Actors Guild, told CNN that Reardon's statement was "calculated" and "cynical" and that the SAG had "no desire" to lure actors away from another actors union, especially one that had a partnership with the SAG. He believes this was Reardon's way of hastily dissolving the partnership. "They wanted to be out of this relationship for a long time," said Rosenberg. It seems, according to the SAG President, that veteran actors of the soap drama, John McCook and Susan Flannery invited Rosenberg and other executives to a lunch meeting one month ago.
And, of course, it's always the children who are the most hurt by a divorce. "The breakup hurts the actors, who will now begin negotiations with CBS, Fox, NBC Universal and other producers with a divided front," Rosenberg said.
I personally hope this crap smoothes over REAL soon. We are already hot off the heels of the Hollywood writer's strike. We don't need the actors going on strike for any reason. I would just go insane if I was forced to endure an actors' strike and couldn't see any new episodes of CSI and Dexter.
The reason for the split between the two actors unions seemed reminiscent of a tawdry extra-marital affair from a soap opera. Actors were lured away from from the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists by what the AFTRA President, Roberta Reardon, calls a "relentless campaign of disinformation and disparagement" by the Screen Actors Guild. It is quite ironic that this situation mirrors a storyline from a soap opera, because it just happens to involve actors fro the daytime drama, "The Bold and The Beautiful."
Reardon may be jumping to conclusions by blaming the SAG. Alan Rosenberg, President of the Screen Actors Guild, told CNN that Reardon's statement was "calculated" and "cynical" and that the SAG had "no desire" to lure actors away from another actors union, especially one that had a partnership with the SAG. He believes this was Reardon's way of hastily dissolving the partnership. "They wanted to be out of this relationship for a long time," said Rosenberg. It seems, according to the SAG President, that veteran actors of the soap drama, John McCook and Susan Flannery invited Rosenberg and other executives to a lunch meeting one month ago.
And, of course, it's always the children who are the most hurt by a divorce. "The breakup hurts the actors, who will now begin negotiations with CBS, Fox, NBC Universal and other producers with a divided front," Rosenberg said.
I personally hope this crap smoothes over REAL soon. We are already hot off the heels of the Hollywood writer's strike. We don't need the actors going on strike for any reason. I would just go insane if I was forced to endure an actors' strike and couldn't see any new episodes of CSI and Dexter.
Tigers will Roar Into the Final Four
Even someone who doesn't like basketball, like yours truely, can get a little swept up by the emotional overtones on campus and by the fever brought on by "March Madness." I am almost ashamed to say that while I was at work yesterday, the manager was letting us occasionally tune into the game and I was getting into it, a little. She brought a little portable TV from home and just about every 15 or 20 minutes, she turned it on and we got caught up on the game. Yes, there were a few exciting moments and once or twice I caught myself cheering for a basketball game and rooting for the Tigers. Lol, the guys in the shorts are just so cute.
Don't get me wrong, I support the University of Memphis in every way I possibly can. I just don't have the time, money, nor the inclination to go to a basketball game. I do very much hope the Tigers go all the way, win the championship, and skunk all the other college teams.
Yesterday's game ended with the Tigers beating...wait, who the hell did they play? Oh yeah, the Texas Longhorns. The final score was 85-67. Kudos to Memphis and way to go John Calipari. This coach is just what our Tigers have needed to get them back into the championship hunt. Ok, I'm done. All this sports talk is making my head hurt. I'm going to go have a Pina Colada and watch some re-runs of Sex In The City. Later y'all.
Don't get me wrong, I support the University of Memphis in every way I possibly can. I just don't have the time, money, nor the inclination to go to a basketball game. I do very much hope the Tigers go all the way, win the championship, and skunk all the other college teams.
Yesterday's game ended with the Tigers beating...wait, who the hell did they play? Oh yeah, the Texas Longhorns. The final score was 85-67. Kudos to Memphis and way to go John Calipari. This coach is just what our Tigers have needed to get them back into the championship hunt. Ok, I'm done. All this sports talk is making my head hurt. I'm going to go have a Pina Colada and watch some re-runs of Sex In The City. Later y'all.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Cherry-Picking
Cherry Picking is defined metaphorically to indicate the act of pointing at individual cases or data that seem to confirm a particular position, while ignoring a significant portion of related cases or data that may contradict that position. Sometimes, when a person believes strongly in a topic, as I originally did with my view on national or "universal" health care, it is very hard to remain objective. You sometimes believe the way you think is the way everyone should think. To that end, when you are doing research for a persuasive paper or speech, you may very well find yourself "cherry-picking" without even knowing it.
It is fine to find all the data that supports your side, but you should always report the other side. Most people tend to look at a one-sided persuasive argument as a rant. They usually think that you think they are not capable of making an informed, rational decision on their own and they are likely to dismiss your side before you ever make your case.
There are times when cherry-picking is acceptable, even necessary. Defense lawyers and prosecutors, for example, use cherry-picking to build their cases for court. In this instance, cherry-picking is very vital to the situation at hand. But when doing research for a paper, especially a persuasive argument paper, a student must deliver both sides. Doing so will not hurt your point of view. On the contrary, it is likely to help you greatly. It says to the reader: "the writer cares about my knowing both sides so I can make an educated decision about this topic and not feel pressured into choosing their side of the argument." If the reader reads your paper and chooses a side other than yours, then so be it. At least you were fair and balanced to the situation and allowed the reader to exercise their right to choose as, hopefully you would want the writer of something you read to extend the same courtesy to you.
It is fine to find all the data that supports your side, but you should always report the other side. Most people tend to look at a one-sided persuasive argument as a rant. They usually think that you think they are not capable of making an informed, rational decision on their own and they are likely to dismiss your side before you ever make your case.
There are times when cherry-picking is acceptable, even necessary. Defense lawyers and prosecutors, for example, use cherry-picking to build their cases for court. In this instance, cherry-picking is very vital to the situation at hand. But when doing research for a paper, especially a persuasive argument paper, a student must deliver both sides. Doing so will not hurt your point of view. On the contrary, it is likely to help you greatly. It says to the reader: "the writer cares about my knowing both sides so I can make an educated decision about this topic and not feel pressured into choosing their side of the argument." If the reader reads your paper and chooses a side other than yours, then so be it. At least you were fair and balanced to the situation and allowed the reader to exercise their right to choose as, hopefully you would want the writer of something you read to extend the same courtesy to you.
Friday, March 28, 2008
A Linguist, A War Reporter, and A Baseball Nut Walk Into A Bar...
OK, so Wendy was right. Actually, she was more than right. I very much enjoyed going to the readings Thursday night. And I enjoyed the interviews the next day even more. The trio of writers from New York were very interesting and I believe what made me enjoy them even more was how real and down to earth they all were. They seemed almost awe-inspired to be doing the readings in such a gorgeous house as the Galloway Mansion. The house was simply breathtaking. Between Thursday night's readings and Friday morning's interviews, I really got a sense of who these people were and how much they cared about what they wrote about.
Stacy Sullivan, author of Be Not Afraid For You Have Sons In America: How A Brooklyn Roofer Helped Lure The U.S. into the Kosovo War, spoke of her book and the scope of her involvement with the Albanians. I stepped away from her book and asked her last night about the lawsuit that she and New York Magazine were involved in. She laughed, thought to herself for a moment to make sure she wasn't violating any laws by talking about it, and told the audience about the self-appointed mercenary who was trying to pass himself off as U.S. Special Forces. I think she feels the way most people do about this creep. He is a talentless hack that has nothing better to do than go around suing people. Hope the judge dismisses his case and then throws him in jail for wasting the court's and Sullivan's and New York Magazine's time.
Then, there is Joshua Prager. Who knew a Wall Street Journal reporter could be so funny? I guess I have a preconceived notion of anyone at the WSJ as being just a bunch of "stuffed shirts." If Prager ever gets tired of being a reporter, he definitely has a career in stand-up comedy. My question for him today was whether or not he had ever received any negative comments or hate mail from people regarding his public uncovering of the truth behind the 1951 greatest moment in baseball history. He told us all that there were definitely people that were not pleased with his exposing the truth. But I think two people that were definitely grateful to him were the two men around which this fantastic moment centered, Bobby Thomson and Ralph Branca.
Lastly, there is Christine Kenneally. An eloquent linguist who really knows her stuff. Her question was what her opinion of words like "jiggy" and "smackdown" being placed in Webster's Dictionary and the likelihood that it will eventually creep its way into just about everyone's vocabulary across the world. She was surprisingly supportive of the two jargony words, saying that as long as they are used in the right context and used appropriately where they should be used, then it is great these words are now part of our language.
Thanks Wendy, I had a wonderful time.
Stacy Sullivan, author of Be Not Afraid For You Have Sons In America: How A Brooklyn Roofer Helped Lure The U.S. into the Kosovo War, spoke of her book and the scope of her involvement with the Albanians. I stepped away from her book and asked her last night about the lawsuit that she and New York Magazine were involved in. She laughed, thought to herself for a moment to make sure she wasn't violating any laws by talking about it, and told the audience about the self-appointed mercenary who was trying to pass himself off as U.S. Special Forces. I think she feels the way most people do about this creep. He is a talentless hack that has nothing better to do than go around suing people. Hope the judge dismisses his case and then throws him in jail for wasting the court's and Sullivan's and New York Magazine's time.
Then, there is Joshua Prager. Who knew a Wall Street Journal reporter could be so funny? I guess I have a preconceived notion of anyone at the WSJ as being just a bunch of "stuffed shirts." If Prager ever gets tired of being a reporter, he definitely has a career in stand-up comedy. My question for him today was whether or not he had ever received any negative comments or hate mail from people regarding his public uncovering of the truth behind the 1951 greatest moment in baseball history. He told us all that there were definitely people that were not pleased with his exposing the truth. But I think two people that were definitely grateful to him were the two men around which this fantastic moment centered, Bobby Thomson and Ralph Branca.
Lastly, there is Christine Kenneally. An eloquent linguist who really knows her stuff. Her question was what her opinion of words like "jiggy" and "smackdown" being placed in Webster's Dictionary and the likelihood that it will eventually creep its way into just about everyone's vocabulary across the world. She was surprisingly supportive of the two jargony words, saying that as long as they are used in the right context and used appropriately where they should be used, then it is great these words are now part of our language.
Thanks Wendy, I had a wonderful time.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Buck-Wild Bush...Part 2
This one will be brief, but I just looked back over the list of those that Bush pardoned and noticed that "W" pardoned 4 of the 15 who were involved in everything from marijuana to heroin to crack-cocaine, one guy for illegal firearm distribution, and one guy for bank embezzlement. Damn "W," are you trying to set up one hell of a party back in Texas for when you retire or were all of these pardons just coincidental??? Have any of you noticed that "W" is turning into his animated double on the Comedy Central hit animated series, Lil' Bush? Lol, either way, It will be funny to see what our President does next.
O.K. Everyone Wanted To Know When "W" Would Start Going Buck-Wild; This Is A Start
LOL, this bit of news just makes me laugh a lil bit. Most everyone I've talked to concerning the current (but soon to be gone, YES!!!) President of the United States has wondered, "when is "W" going to flip out and start doing some crazy shit. Well, this doesn't qualify as Uber-Crazy but it is uncharcteristic old George. Seems the President, who is normally quite stingy with his Presidential pardons, has been handing them out left and right here lately. Below is a list of names and a brief description of what they are being pardoned for:
On the pardon list were:
• William L. Baker of Spokane, Wash., who was sentenced in 1980 to two years prison for falsifying records.
• George Francis Bauckham of Oak Ridge, N.J., who received five years probation in 1958 for the unlawfully detention or delay of the mail by a postal employee.
• Kenneth Charles Britt of White City, Kan., who was sentenced to three years probation in 1998 for conspiracy to violate fish and wildlife laws.
• William Bruce Butt of London, Ky., who received three years probation in 1990 for bank embezzlement.
• Mariano Garza Caballero of Brownsville, Texas, who was sentenced in 1984 to 34 days in prison and four years probation for dealing in firearms without a license.
• Anthony C. Foglio of Santee, Calif., who was sentenced to three years probation in 1996 for distributing marijuana. He is also known as Tony Foley.
• Marvin Robert Foster of Boca Raton, Fla., who was sentenced to a year of probation in 1968 for making a false statement in connection with a Federal Housing Administration loan.
• Carl Harry Hachmeister of Denton, Texas, who was sentenced to three years probation in 1985 for conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud.
• William Marcus McDonald of Wetumpka, Ala., who was sentenced two four years confinement with hard labor by an Air Force court-martial in 1984 for cocaine and marijuana charges. His pay was docked, his rank was reduced and he was given a discharge for bad conduct.
• Robert Michael Milroy of Cinnaminson, N.J., who was sentenced to 7 1/2 years prison in 1975 for heroin importation.
• Jerry Lynn Moldenhauer and Thomas Donald Moldenhauer of Colorado Springs, Colo., who each received three years probation in 1994 for selling migratory bird parts in violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
• Richard James Putney of Woodbridge, Va., who received one year of probation in 1996 for aiding and abetting the escape of a prisoner.
• Timothy Alfred Thone of Woodbury, Minn., who was sentenced in 1987 to two years probation for making a false statement to the Department of Housing and Urban Development to obtain a mortgage.
• Lonnie Edward Two Eagle Sr. of Parmelee, S.D., who was sentenced to two years probation in 1976 for misdemeanor simple assault on an Indian reservation.
*****Bush also commuted the sentence of Patricia Beckford of Portsmouth, Va., who since 1992 has been serving a 23-year prison sentence for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of crack cocaine. Bush left intact a five-year term of probation.
Since Roger Clemens, who is a friend of the Bush family, has yet to be charged or convicted of alleged illegal steroid use and allegedly lying to Congress while under oath during a Congressional investigation on illegal steroid abuse by professional sports athletes, in the event that he is convicted, "W" will probably pardon him as well. And with 9 months left in his Presidency, Bush is likely to do some more CRAZY shit. Stay tuned, because I will be back.
On the pardon list were:
• William L. Baker of Spokane, Wash., who was sentenced in 1980 to two years prison for falsifying records.
• George Francis Bauckham of Oak Ridge, N.J., who received five years probation in 1958 for the unlawfully detention or delay of the mail by a postal employee.
• Kenneth Charles Britt of White City, Kan., who was sentenced to three years probation in 1998 for conspiracy to violate fish and wildlife laws.
• William Bruce Butt of London, Ky., who received three years probation in 1990 for bank embezzlement.
• Mariano Garza Caballero of Brownsville, Texas, who was sentenced in 1984 to 34 days in prison and four years probation for dealing in firearms without a license.
• Anthony C. Foglio of Santee, Calif., who was sentenced to three years probation in 1996 for distributing marijuana. He is also known as Tony Foley.
• Marvin Robert Foster of Boca Raton, Fla., who was sentenced to a year of probation in 1968 for making a false statement in connection with a Federal Housing Administration loan.
• Carl Harry Hachmeister of Denton, Texas, who was sentenced to three years probation in 1985 for conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud.
• William Marcus McDonald of Wetumpka, Ala., who was sentenced two four years confinement with hard labor by an Air Force court-martial in 1984 for cocaine and marijuana charges. His pay was docked, his rank was reduced and he was given a discharge for bad conduct.
• Robert Michael Milroy of Cinnaminson, N.J., who was sentenced to 7 1/2 years prison in 1975 for heroin importation.
• Jerry Lynn Moldenhauer and Thomas Donald Moldenhauer of Colorado Springs, Colo., who each received three years probation in 1994 for selling migratory bird parts in violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
• Richard James Putney of Woodbridge, Va., who received one year of probation in 1996 for aiding and abetting the escape of a prisoner.
• Timothy Alfred Thone of Woodbury, Minn., who was sentenced in 1987 to two years probation for making a false statement to the Department of Housing and Urban Development to obtain a mortgage.
• Lonnie Edward Two Eagle Sr. of Parmelee, S.D., who was sentenced to two years probation in 1976 for misdemeanor simple assault on an Indian reservation.
*****Bush also commuted the sentence of Patricia Beckford of Portsmouth, Va., who since 1992 has been serving a 23-year prison sentence for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of crack cocaine. Bush left intact a five-year term of probation.
Since Roger Clemens, who is a friend of the Bush family, has yet to be charged or convicted of alleged illegal steroid use and allegedly lying to Congress while under oath during a Congressional investigation on illegal steroid abuse by professional sports athletes, in the event that he is convicted, "W" will probably pardon him as well. And with 9 months left in his Presidency, Bush is likely to do some more CRAZY shit. Stay tuned, because I will be back.
Monday, March 24, 2008
This Is How You Know I'm Gay
One of my favorite programs in the world has been "Sex In The City." I have watched every episode of the Emmy award-winning series and thanks to it being on HBO, I've seen every episode at least three or four times. I am waiting on the "Sex In The City" movie to come to theaters. Trust me baby, I'm there. I absolutely adore Cynthia Nixon (Miranda), Kristen Davis (Charlotte), Kim Cattral (Samantha) and would marry Sarah Jessica Parker(Carrie) if I were straight. Hell, she could take my last name and wouldn't have to change hers.
She is in a bit of a tizzy as of late though. Seems Maxim magazine labeled her "Unsexiest Woman Alive." Makes me want to write a blog about it. So, I think I will.
Sarah Jessica Parker, along with her 3 other castmates from the series personified sexy, and still do. She is upset and has every right to be. Granted, she may not exhibit some of the qualities of the normal "women" that Maxim lets grace the covers and articles, but she does have classic beauty and grace. She spoke to "Grazia," Britain's first 'glossy' magazine, and magazine writer Russ Wellen had this to say, I guess, in both the defenses of Maxim and Sarah Jessica Parker, "Maxim's readers likely weren't singling her out for a lack of sexiness, which no red-blooded man can dispute at this point. Arguably, it's her long face to which they object.
In fact, Ms. Parker is the latest in a long line of formidable women stretching from Cleopatra to Bette Davis to Madonna. Though lacking the symmetry of a classic beauty, they bent men -- and the world -- to their whims, whether by disposition, determination, or talent."
Hell, if you get thrown into a category with the likes of Bette Davis, Madonna, and Cleopatra, then you must be doing something right because these are some pretty dominant and powerful women. I can understand why Ms. Parker is upset, but she just needs to let this roll off her back. It's alright girl, they're just jealous.
She is in a bit of a tizzy as of late though. Seems Maxim magazine labeled her "Unsexiest Woman Alive." Makes me want to write a blog about it. So, I think I will.
Sarah Jessica Parker, along with her 3 other castmates from the series personified sexy, and still do. She is upset and has every right to be. Granted, she may not exhibit some of the qualities of the normal "women" that Maxim lets grace the covers and articles, but she does have classic beauty and grace. She spoke to "Grazia," Britain's first 'glossy' magazine, and magazine writer Russ Wellen had this to say, I guess, in both the defenses of Maxim and Sarah Jessica Parker, "Maxim's readers likely weren't singling her out for a lack of sexiness, which no red-blooded man can dispute at this point. Arguably, it's her long face to which they object.
In fact, Ms. Parker is the latest in a long line of formidable women stretching from Cleopatra to Bette Davis to Madonna. Though lacking the symmetry of a classic beauty, they bent men -- and the world -- to their whims, whether by disposition, determination, or talent."
Hell, if you get thrown into a category with the likes of Bette Davis, Madonna, and Cleopatra, then you must be doing something right because these are some pretty dominant and powerful women. I can understand why Ms. Parker is upset, but she just needs to let this roll off her back. It's alright girl, they're just jealous.
The People of Memphis May Get Their Wish After All
As announced Thursday by the mayor of our fair city, Herenton told the press that he is seeking the vacant Superintendant of Memphis City Schools post. He pledged that he would resign as mayor of the city of Memphis on July 31, 2008. I have mixed feelings about this situation. Herenton did a great job as the Superintendant of Memphis City Schools when he originally held the post during 1979 to 1991. He has just made for a lousy mayor. So, after years of public unrest and disapproval at his job by the people of this city, despite the fact that he keeps getting elected, it is no wonder that Herenton has considered returning to his educational roots. That seems to be when he was the happiest.
When the mayor made this statement on Thursday, some were disappointed but many were very happy. Three and a half days later and the story is similar, but with a twist. The school board plans to fill the vacant job by July and that cooresponds with Herenton's planned July 31st resignation. Of course, as a political safety net, should the school board not vote Herenton in as the Superintendant of Memphis City Schools, "King Willie" has proclaimed that he will stay on as mayor if he doesn't get the job.
In discussing this with my Media Writing instructor, who works for The Commercial Appeal, he told the class that politicians do this sort of thing ALL THE TIME. They may be unsatisfied with the post they have been elected to and may want to do something outside of politics or something else in politics but in a different area. Since a politician can not hold two offices at one time, they would have to resign from one to work in the other. So they make an announcement that they will resign their current post and either run for another office or seek another job outside politics. Media hounds call this "fishing." The politician casts out their "bait" (resigning from office) and hope to get some nibbles from other companies or organizations, or to seek support for the new office they want to run for.
I, for one, wish "Slick Willie" Herenton all the best in his bid for the Superintendant job. I am for anything, short of assassination or an illegally-created scandal (even that didn't get him out of office), that removes Herenton from office as the Mayor of Memphis. So that I don't get arrested or charged, let me reiterate that I DO NOT WANT THE MAYOR TO BE ASSASSINATED. I just want him to be gone from the highest position of political power in the city.
When the mayor made this statement on Thursday, some were disappointed but many were very happy. Three and a half days later and the story is similar, but with a twist. The school board plans to fill the vacant job by July and that cooresponds with Herenton's planned July 31st resignation. Of course, as a political safety net, should the school board not vote Herenton in as the Superintendant of Memphis City Schools, "King Willie" has proclaimed that he will stay on as mayor if he doesn't get the job.
In discussing this with my Media Writing instructor, who works for The Commercial Appeal, he told the class that politicians do this sort of thing ALL THE TIME. They may be unsatisfied with the post they have been elected to and may want to do something outside of politics or something else in politics but in a different area. Since a politician can not hold two offices at one time, they would have to resign from one to work in the other. So they make an announcement that they will resign their current post and either run for another office or seek another job outside politics. Media hounds call this "fishing." The politician casts out their "bait" (resigning from office) and hope to get some nibbles from other companies or organizations, or to seek support for the new office they want to run for.
I, for one, wish "Slick Willie" Herenton all the best in his bid for the Superintendant job. I am for anything, short of assassination or an illegally-created scandal (even that didn't get him out of office), that removes Herenton from office as the Mayor of Memphis. So that I don't get arrested or charged, let me reiterate that I DO NOT WANT THE MAYOR TO BE ASSASSINATED. I just want him to be gone from the highest position of political power in the city.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
My First River City Writer
I wasn't able to see his reading, but I did attend the interview. I am simply amazed by Floyd Skloot. It is most difficult to be a successful author in the first place, but to have to go back and have to relearn everything you've learned about writing, when your memory gets wiped out from a disease, and become a successful author and poet twice is truely remarkable.
Skloot has a writing room in his home that he suggests every writer should have. Because of the illness that took his memory and because of his having to relearn a great deal of his memory, Skloot carries a writing pad and pen with him everywhere he goes; he has one of each in every room in his home, including his bathroom. And for every jacket or coat he owns, there is a writing pad and pen in every one because he says he will forget to take it out of one and put it in another. Skloot admits that when he began writing about his illness, that every CRACKPOT imaginable came out of the woodwork. During his interview, he elaborated on a few examples. He spoke of the man who told him of a rum concoction that he created that would cure him, and another man who tried to sell him garlic clove suppositories. By far, however, the most interesting one was the man who wanted to sell Floyd a machine that would fix his memory loss. The price tag was $8000.00. There are people out there that will prey on innocent people and Skloot also realizes though that there are people out there that are extremely grateful to him for giving a voice to this disease.
When asked if he writes to a particular audience, Skloot said, "if you write the project correctly, it will find its readers." He also said, "It is easy to fall in love with your writing and think you got it right." Skloot has a couple of devoted proofreaders in his corner. His wife and his daughter, Rebecca, review all of his work before he sends it out.
When asked about the preference of one genre or another, Skloot admitted that there were certain subjects that he will write for one particular genre and other subjects that go into a different genre. He also told the crowd that in the past 10 or 15 years, whatever subject he investigated determined the genre he would write the work in.
Truely an amazing person is Floyd Skloot. I am very intrigued to read some of his work.
Skloot has a writing room in his home that he suggests every writer should have. Because of the illness that took his memory and because of his having to relearn a great deal of his memory, Skloot carries a writing pad and pen with him everywhere he goes; he has one of each in every room in his home, including his bathroom. And for every jacket or coat he owns, there is a writing pad and pen in every one because he says he will forget to take it out of one and put it in another. Skloot admits that when he began writing about his illness, that every CRACKPOT imaginable came out of the woodwork. During his interview, he elaborated on a few examples. He spoke of the man who told him of a rum concoction that he created that would cure him, and another man who tried to sell him garlic clove suppositories. By far, however, the most interesting one was the man who wanted to sell Floyd a machine that would fix his memory loss. The price tag was $8000.00. There are people out there that will prey on innocent people and Skloot also realizes though that there are people out there that are extremely grateful to him for giving a voice to this disease.
When asked if he writes to a particular audience, Skloot said, "if you write the project correctly, it will find its readers." He also said, "It is easy to fall in love with your writing and think you got it right." Skloot has a couple of devoted proofreaders in his corner. His wife and his daughter, Rebecca, review all of his work before he sends it out.
When asked about the preference of one genre or another, Skloot admitted that there were certain subjects that he will write for one particular genre and other subjects that go into a different genre. He also told the crowd that in the past 10 or 15 years, whatever subject he investigated determined the genre he would write the work in.
Truely an amazing person is Floyd Skloot. I am very intrigued to read some of his work.
Monday, March 17, 2008
What is the WTCCC and What Does it Do????
As part of English 1020's series of "Think Globally, Act Locally," Andrew Couch, Founder of the West Tennessee Clean Cities Coalition (WTCCC), kicked off this series Friday, March 14th in Patterson 456. So, a lot of people there had never even heard of the WTCCC and surely didn't know what it was that they did.
An organization founded in August of 2005 by Andrew Couch, has many functions. It tracks legislation that affects or is affected by environmental concerns. The WTCCC helps other organizations by assisting them with the knowledge of how to obtain grants and funding. It provides education and outreach to communities on how to become more environmentally friendly. It preaches the virtues, not to mention the cost effectiveness, of energy consumption control and is always, always, always researching new alternative fuels.
When asked "Why should we even consider alternative fuels?" Andrew Couch stated that it is something worth sticking with and seeing through to the end. He and others vehemently believe that new alternative fuels will replace existing, highly inconvenient fossil fuels such as petroleum.
Also asked was, "Why are people so apprehensive about alternative fuels?" For this, he offered the explanation that people do not like change (which is painfully true). People didn't like the radio (sort of replacement for newspapers and magazines) when it was invented, nor did they like radio's replacement, television. Same will soon, or may already, be said about TV's replacement, the Internet.
An organization founded in August of 2005 by Andrew Couch, has many functions. It tracks legislation that affects or is affected by environmental concerns. The WTCCC helps other organizations by assisting them with the knowledge of how to obtain grants and funding. It provides education and outreach to communities on how to become more environmentally friendly. It preaches the virtues, not to mention the cost effectiveness, of energy consumption control and is always, always, always researching new alternative fuels.
When asked "Why should we even consider alternative fuels?" Andrew Couch stated that it is something worth sticking with and seeing through to the end. He and others vehemently believe that new alternative fuels will replace existing, highly inconvenient fossil fuels such as petroleum.
Also asked was, "Why are people so apprehensive about alternative fuels?" For this, he offered the explanation that people do not like change (which is painfully true). People didn't like the radio (sort of replacement for newspapers and magazines) when it was invented, nor did they like radio's replacement, television. Same will soon, or may already, be said about TV's replacement, the Internet.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Aaron's Story (Part 6)
Ok, so I had to work the day before Thanksgiving, the day of Thanksgiving, and would have had to work the next few days, but it didn't happen like that. I came home from work the night before Thanksgiving and poured myself a glass of wine. I don't usually drink wine, but Aaron does, or did. So, it made me feel closer to him, and managed to knock the edge off the bad day that I had. I called him at his parents house and talked to his sister who is kooky like I am. She then put me on the phone with his brother who once again, for about the 5th time since I met Aaron, told me that if I hurt his big brother emotionally, he would come hurt me physically. I reassured him that neither thing would ever happen, told him I loved him and then Jonathon passed the phone to his parents. I love Aaron's parents like they are my own. And they love me like another son. We talked for about ten minutes and then Aaron's dad handed the phone over to my sweetheart.
Aaron and I talked for about an hour. Sometimes, we had to monitor ourselves because we could talk for hours on the phone if we didn't watch it. I hung up, feeling a little better, but definitely wanting to be there with him. I worked the next day and when I got home I was very anxious to talk to Aaron. I received a promotion at work and wanted to tell him that we would have to celebrate when he got back home. But he wouldn't be coming back home to me. All of a sudden I felt this wave of fear wash over me. I didn't know where it was coming from.
When I called to talk to him, there was no answer at his parents' house. I tried back a couple more times. Then I tried his cell phone, no answer. I called his mom and dad on their cell phones, respectively. No answer on either. I was really worried now. I called his brother's phone and finally got an answer. I could tell within a couple seconds of speaking to Jonathon that something was wrong. He told me to sit down. I thought maybe something was wrong with one of their parents. I was wrong. Aaron's dad came on the phone and I could tell he had been crying. I could hear it in his voice which was shaky and cracking. He told me that there had been an accident. He told me that Aaron wanted to leave early so that he could be back in the morning, to surprise me. My heart began to sink, and I became nauseated. I could hear Aaron's mother crying in the background. "My baby boy, oh my God!" I kept hearing her say. Aaron's dad told me that he was just outside of Pennsylvania when his car collided with another one. The driver of the other car had been drinking, heavily, and that sorry miserable bastard somehow managed to live. The doctors told everyone that Aaron was killed instantly. To Be Continued...
Aaron and I talked for about an hour. Sometimes, we had to monitor ourselves because we could talk for hours on the phone if we didn't watch it. I hung up, feeling a little better, but definitely wanting to be there with him. I worked the next day and when I got home I was very anxious to talk to Aaron. I received a promotion at work and wanted to tell him that we would have to celebrate when he got back home. But he wouldn't be coming back home to me. All of a sudden I felt this wave of fear wash over me. I didn't know where it was coming from.
When I called to talk to him, there was no answer at his parents' house. I tried back a couple more times. Then I tried his cell phone, no answer. I called his mom and dad on their cell phones, respectively. No answer on either. I was really worried now. I called his brother's phone and finally got an answer. I could tell within a couple seconds of speaking to Jonathon that something was wrong. He told me to sit down. I thought maybe something was wrong with one of their parents. I was wrong. Aaron's dad came on the phone and I could tell he had been crying. I could hear it in his voice which was shaky and cracking. He told me that there had been an accident. He told me that Aaron wanted to leave early so that he could be back in the morning, to surprise me. My heart began to sink, and I became nauseated. I could hear Aaron's mother crying in the background. "My baby boy, oh my God!" I kept hearing her say. Aaron's dad told me that he was just outside of Pennsylvania when his car collided with another one. The driver of the other car had been drinking, heavily, and that sorry miserable bastard somehow managed to live. The doctors told everyone that Aaron was killed instantly. To Be Continued...
Think Globally, Act Locally
I have completely missed the River City Writers series. I am going to try to make the last one on Monday night granted that I don't have to work. However, I have RSVP'd for the first speaker, Andrew Couch, on the Think Globally, Act Locally series in the morning. I am very interested in hearing this speaker. Not that I wasn't interested in hearing any of the writers speak, I just couldn't find the time. Given that I NEVER have a fixed schedule at work, it is very hard for me to go to some of these outside events unless I can plan them a week or two in advance. There are a lot of students whose mommy and daddy float them financially and that they don't have to work as much as me or others. God, I wish I had that arrangement. However, I don't. I have to work to pay the bills and school ties with my job. Neither is more nor less important than the other at this time.
However, I am free tomorrow morning when Couch will be speaking, therefore, I am going. My next blog will be about him. I know that it is important for me to go to these events, not only because they are figured into my grade, but because I am truely interested in these events. But sometimes I have to make the hard choice of going to an event to keep my grade up, or going to work and making money that keeps Memphis Light Gas and Robbery from turning my electricity off. Hearing Rebecca Skloot speak or putting food on my table. Hard choice, but I make the best decision that I can until I have my career. See you guys on the flip side. Later.
However, I am free tomorrow morning when Couch will be speaking, therefore, I am going. My next blog will be about him. I know that it is important for me to go to these events, not only because they are figured into my grade, but because I am truely interested in these events. But sometimes I have to make the hard choice of going to an event to keep my grade up, or going to work and making money that keeps Memphis Light Gas and Robbery from turning my electricity off. Hearing Rebecca Skloot speak or putting food on my table. Hard choice, but I make the best decision that I can until I have my career. See you guys on the flip side. Later.
My Spring Break
In a way, I was very jealous of the many other students who had the means and opportunity to go away for their Spring Break. Many fellow classmates that I called to do something when I wasn't working were away. While others were going to parties, traveling out of town, and spending time with their boyfriends and/or girlfriends, I was dealing with the lady from Southaven. She likes to buy her clothes from T.J.Maxx, wear them for about three weeks (sometimes not changing out of them), and then try to return them for a refund. She has been doing this since before I came to work there and still she hasn't been able to successfully return a single item of clothing. More often than not it is because of the smell that radiates from the garments.
Then, there is Mr. Reed. Mr. Reed is a man who personifies the phrase, "misery loves company." If he is not happy, then he wants to make sure that everyone around him is as equally unhappy. And he is unhappy most of the time. Oh, and he loves to come shopping at my store. You would think that a person who obviously dislikes people, who he considers to be so incompetent (even when we are not), would keep his sour puss ass at home. No such luck.
And finally, there is the company I work for sending down one ludicrous dictate after another. I have never worked for such a backwards company in my life. Wait, I did work for Wal-Mart twice, so never mind. People ask me why I still work for this company if I am so unhappy. The answer is simple; I am good at what I do. I have most of my adolescent life and all of my adult life thus far in customer service. It is what I do best, the only thing I know how to do, professionally speaking. That is why I came back to school. I wish to have a career that minimizes my interaction with the general public.
Anyway, I hope everyone enjoyed their Spring Break. Perhaps next year, I can enjoy mine the way I want to.
Then, there is Mr. Reed. Mr. Reed is a man who personifies the phrase, "misery loves company." If he is not happy, then he wants to make sure that everyone around him is as equally unhappy. And he is unhappy most of the time. Oh, and he loves to come shopping at my store. You would think that a person who obviously dislikes people, who he considers to be so incompetent (even when we are not), would keep his sour puss ass at home. No such luck.
And finally, there is the company I work for sending down one ludicrous dictate after another. I have never worked for such a backwards company in my life. Wait, I did work for Wal-Mart twice, so never mind. People ask me why I still work for this company if I am so unhappy. The answer is simple; I am good at what I do. I have most of my adolescent life and all of my adult life thus far in customer service. It is what I do best, the only thing I know how to do, professionally speaking. That is why I came back to school. I wish to have a career that minimizes my interaction with the general public.
Anyway, I hope everyone enjoyed their Spring Break. Perhaps next year, I can enjoy mine the way I want to.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Matthews Take On Lester Street Murders
Local radio personality and Memphis Blogger Thaddeus Matthews has done it again. He has put controversial postings on his website. Matthews has posted images of the six murder victims from the Lester Street killings. The fact that Matthews posts controversial topics and statements on his website is not surprising. What is surprising is the fact that he is publicly apologizing to viewers, readers, and the family members of Shindri Roberson for posting the same image of her on his site as the Commercial Appeal did on the front page.
While Matthews is under no legal obligation to inform the family of his intent and while there is no law preventing him from doing so, he is issuing a retraction of sorts. He is apologizing to the family, telling them that he should have at least informed them of his intent. The fearless blogger is quoted in his latest blog as saying "what is right is right and what is wrong is wrong." He explains this by saying that it was improper to post the facial image of Shindri Roberson on his blog because whether or not she had a child, he would not want the child seeing that image of his or her mother and that being the child's final memory of her.
Matthews' smash-mouth, provocative style is refreshing to an old cynic like me, but even I can agree that he might have gone a step too far with posting the facial shot of Ms. Roberson. To his credit, his motivation is an honorable one. He wishes to ensure that the Memphis Police Department doesn't just sweep this under the rug and that they don't try to cover it up in the event they can't find the killer or killers.
While Matthews is under no legal obligation to inform the family of his intent and while there is no law preventing him from doing so, he is issuing a retraction of sorts. He is apologizing to the family, telling them that he should have at least informed them of his intent. The fearless blogger is quoted in his latest blog as saying "what is right is right and what is wrong is wrong." He explains this by saying that it was improper to post the facial image of Shindri Roberson on his blog because whether or not she had a child, he would not want the child seeing that image of his or her mother and that being the child's final memory of her.
Matthews' smash-mouth, provocative style is refreshing to an old cynic like me, but even I can agree that he might have gone a step too far with posting the facial shot of Ms. Roberson. To his credit, his motivation is an honorable one. He wishes to ensure that the Memphis Police Department doesn't just sweep this under the rug and that they don't try to cover it up in the event they can't find the killer or killers.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
And Then There Was One
One by one, the Republican candidates fell. Some started as flashes in the pan but then quickly fizzled out. The only Republican that I really liked and would have voted for was former New York City mayor, Rudy Guiliani. But he was one of the first to go. So, since I didn't like any of the other Republicans (especially not Fred Thompson or Mike Huckabee or Mitt Romney or any others), and my only Republican choice was shot down, I decided to switch over to the Democrats. I like both Hilary and Barack, too bad they can't be co-Presidents of the United States. Hey, now there's an idea. Ralph Nader doesn't ever really stand a chance in hell of winning and has anyone seen H. Ross Perot?? "Mr. I'm in, no, I'm out, no, I'm in" himself. Now that was comedy. And not any of the SNL skits either. Real life Perot was a riot to watch.
So, with Mike Huckabee conceding defeat, we are left with John McCain. He's not really fit to be President, but with the country possibly not being ready to elect a female or African-American for President and with Ralph Nader trying to get into the race, only to suck votes away from the Democratic candidate, the sad truth remains that John McCain is likely to be George W. Bush's successor. I think I'm going to cry. And speaking of crying, if W's public endorsement of his candidacy causes him to lose any popularity, McCain may be crying in his beer. That's ok, John. If you can't finish your beer, W will drink it for you. And if not him, then his daughters will.
So, with Mike Huckabee conceding defeat, we are left with John McCain. He's not really fit to be President, but with the country possibly not being ready to elect a female or African-American for President and with Ralph Nader trying to get into the race, only to suck votes away from the Democratic candidate, the sad truth remains that John McCain is likely to be George W. Bush's successor. I think I'm going to cry. And speaking of crying, if W's public endorsement of his candidacy causes him to lose any popularity, McCain may be crying in his beer. That's ok, John. If you can't finish your beer, W will drink it for you. And if not him, then his daughters will.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Skatepark A Great Idea
I read the blog from the SmartCity Memphis blog here and I for one am tremendously thrilled about the idea of the city building a skatepark on Mud Island. The ongoing Downtown Re-Beautification project is very important. It gives the city something positive to focus on. This skatepark is something that will be beneficial to the community as well as the image of this city. I am forever hearing people say, "there is nothing to do in this city." Of course most of the ones saying this are usually referring to nightlife activities, but people who are not are referring to the fact that there have been no fun and safe activities downtown for children and young adults.
Martyr's Park could use some company. Building this park will provide something that parents can use during the day to go to. They can play with their children and young adults and others can get some exercise and have fun as well in an area that had been devoid of a decent place like this. Provided that there is adequate security in place for this park to prevent predators like child molestors and gang members from attacking our children, this will be a very welcome and wonderful addition to our downtown area.
Martyr's Park could use some company. Building this park will provide something that parents can use during the day to go to. They can play with their children and young adults and others can get some exercise and have fun as well in an area that had been devoid of a decent place like this. Provided that there is adequate security in place for this park to prevent predators like child molestors and gang members from attacking our children, this will be a very welcome and wonderful addition to our downtown area.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Crime $toppers: 528-(not nearly enough)CASH
In an area of town called Binghampton in Memphis, 6 bodies (two dead men, two dead women, and two dead children) were found along with 3 children that had been wounded, but are still alive. The police have absolutely no leads at this time and no idea how to pursue the city's biggest murder investigation in decades. They are not even sure if they surviving children found in the house are going to be able to assist them in finding if attacked them. A homicide detective for the Memphis Police Department has pleaded for residents in the area to come forward to help solve this case.
Often ads are seen on TV and billboards about Crime $toppers. Just call 528-CASH and you can turn someone in and collect a little bit of money as a reward. But is this worth your life? If someone is desperate enough to kill 6 people and wound 3 others, then surely, they would have no problem killing another person. Now I am not advocating that you should say nothing if you have knowledge that will bring a criminal to justice, but you should stop, think it over and determine if the rewards (money) outweigh the dangers (possibly losing your own life).
Now, if the police do find this sick bastard that did this, they should decapitate him right then and there in the middle of the court room. Send out a clear message to other would-be killers. We are tired of you killing our townsfolk and we are going to start killing you back.
Often ads are seen on TV and billboards about Crime $toppers. Just call 528-CASH and you can turn someone in and collect a little bit of money as a reward. But is this worth your life? If someone is desperate enough to kill 6 people and wound 3 others, then surely, they would have no problem killing another person. Now I am not advocating that you should say nothing if you have knowledge that will bring a criminal to justice, but you should stop, think it over and determine if the rewards (money) outweigh the dangers (possibly losing your own life).
Now, if the police do find this sick bastard that did this, they should decapitate him right then and there in the middle of the court room. Send out a clear message to other would-be killers. We are tired of you killing our townsfolk and we are going to start killing you back.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Are We Still Talking About This? Really? Really??
The Pyramid, I mean Bass Pro Shop's Supercenter, I mean the possible new hotel and amusement park, is STILL in the news. WHY?????
Be done with this already. Whether the city is going to go ahead with the deal with Bass Pro Shops, or sell it to the businessman who wants to turn it into a possible hotel and amussement park, they need to go ahead and do something and quit letting this be an issue. Give King Willie what he wants by killing two birds with one stone. Cut the cables and let the Pyramid slide off into the Mississippi River and then let Herenton build another arena (with the FedEx Forum only a few years old) in its place. Or better yet, let the state go ahead and approve gambling here in Tennessee. Hell, we already go to Tunica, why not save the gas money? Turn the Pyramid into a casino and hotel.
Whatever is done, it needs to be done fast because people are really getting tired of hearing about it. I can't tell you how many people I hear say, "I'm just sick of hearing about it. I don't care if they blow the damn thing off the face of the planet, just as long as they go ahead and make a decision and stick with it."
Come on Memphis City Council. Do what you got to do to keep this from darkening another front page, or any other page, of the Commercial Appeal ever again.
Be done with this already. Whether the city is going to go ahead with the deal with Bass Pro Shops, or sell it to the businessman who wants to turn it into a possible hotel and amussement park, they need to go ahead and do something and quit letting this be an issue. Give King Willie what he wants by killing two birds with one stone. Cut the cables and let the Pyramid slide off into the Mississippi River and then let Herenton build another arena (with the FedEx Forum only a few years old) in its place. Or better yet, let the state go ahead and approve gambling here in Tennessee. Hell, we already go to Tunica, why not save the gas money? Turn the Pyramid into a casino and hotel.
Whatever is done, it needs to be done fast because people are really getting tired of hearing about it. I can't tell you how many people I hear say, "I'm just sick of hearing about it. I don't care if they blow the damn thing off the face of the planet, just as long as they go ahead and make a decision and stick with it."
Come on Memphis City Council. Do what you got to do to keep this from darkening another front page, or any other page, of the Commercial Appeal ever again.
Harold Ford, Jr
It is amazing with all of the concerns today of violence in schools, apparent surges of gang activity both in and out of schools, and the lack of any REAL, viable solutions to these problems, that anyone has ANY time to concentrate on who Harold Ford, Jr is dating or married to. I see two problems here.
The first problem is that people are commenting on this when in fact it is really none of their business. Ford, Jr does not come to these people's homes and tell them who they can and cannot, or should or should not date or marry. Keep your nose in your own business. If Harold Ford, Jr wants to know what the general public thinks about his choice for a girlfriend or wife, then I would imagine that he would open an internet poll or buy space in the Commercial Appeal or other newspapers and conduct an opinion poll. My guess is that Jr doesn't really give a flying flip what anyone thinks and he shouldn't.
The second problem, and more serious one I might add, is the racial undertone of this concern of the general populace. Almost everywhere I've gone in the last couple weeks I have heard many black citizens who have had disparaging things to say about Ford, Jr's choice for a girlfriend or wife. It is shocking to hear many people, mostly black, saying things like "Ford, Jr is betraying his race because his woman is white." It is symbolic of the existing racial disharmony that continues to beat through the heart of this city. A recent article that I read in the Commercial Appeal written by Wendi C. Thomas says that racial tension is dying down in Memphis. I have to call bullshit on that article. Otherwise, so many of the black citizens, and some white and hispanic citizens as well, would not be up in arms about this issue with Harold Ford, Jr.
The first problem is that people are commenting on this when in fact it is really none of their business. Ford, Jr does not come to these people's homes and tell them who they can and cannot, or should or should not date or marry. Keep your nose in your own business. If Harold Ford, Jr wants to know what the general public thinks about his choice for a girlfriend or wife, then I would imagine that he would open an internet poll or buy space in the Commercial Appeal or other newspapers and conduct an opinion poll. My guess is that Jr doesn't really give a flying flip what anyone thinks and he shouldn't.
The second problem, and more serious one I might add, is the racial undertone of this concern of the general populace. Almost everywhere I've gone in the last couple weeks I have heard many black citizens who have had disparaging things to say about Ford, Jr's choice for a girlfriend or wife. It is shocking to hear many people, mostly black, saying things like "Ford, Jr is betraying his race because his woman is white." It is symbolic of the existing racial disharmony that continues to beat through the heart of this city. A recent article that I read in the Commercial Appeal written by Wendi C. Thomas says that racial tension is dying down in Memphis. I have to call bullshit on that article. Otherwise, so many of the black citizens, and some white and hispanic citizens as well, would not be up in arms about this issue with Harold Ford, Jr.
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