25 MAR 08: JUNIOR FIGHT CLUB
Monday evening's sports report noted how Northside High School came very close to winning a fourth consecutive state marksmanship competition at Fort Benning. Perhaps it's a good thing they haven't started rifle programs in middle schools -- because too many hooligans might bring weapons, to keep "trying out" for the team.
More than 20 students have been suspended from Midland Middle School, because they were caught "slap boxing." Well, at least they followed the instructions of old-time professional wrestling referees -- back when punching with a closed fist was against the rules.
Muscogee County School spokesperson Valerie Fuller told WLTZ Monday the Midland suspensions occurred last week. Someone apparently recorded a slap boxing battle on a cell phone, and a student was caught watching it in class. Once again, cell phones are ruining everything - because teenagers can't lie about winning fights anymore.
Valerie Fuller said there's no evidence at this point that slap boxing has spread to other middle schools. So the Jerome Bechard Classic may have to wait until next winter.
Valerie Fuller added Midland Middle School is concerned about students "arranging fights on a daily basis." Well, of course they're concerned. Fight nights once a week should be enough....
I can understand the desire to teach and keep peace at Midland Middle School, by suspending all these students. But maybe there are other ways to let young people vent all their emotions. My old high school had a physical education teacher, who kept boxing gloves in a closet for tense moments. But then again, young people might not recognize them in this era of "mixed martial arts."
There's also the option Fort Benning displayed Monday. A new building was opened on post for the U.S. Army Combatives School -- as in hand-to-hand combat. Do that for awhile, and students will learn mere slap boxing shows how wimpy they really are.
The news of slap boxing suspensions brought back memories of my two years in junior high school. A few aggressive students tried to declare "open chest day," and slapped other students across their chests without any warning. In phys-ed class, I might have understood this - but one guy did it before social studies.
Then there's the classmate in junior high school phys-ed who acted quite aggressively toward me. Tim wanted me to fight him after school - and one morning, I had enough and agreed to it. I didn't tell my parents about it. But my Dad probably would have approved -- because for once, the boy he nicknamed "Butch" was living up to that name.
I went to the woods behind the junior high school with no hidden weapons. But I'd been watching Jerry Quarry contend for the heavyweight boxing title on TV, so I decided to do what he did. I danced around Tim, jabbing at him from time to time - and he didn't consider that fair fighting at all.
We wrestled a bit in the woods, with no one drawing blood or scoring a wrestling pin. And the strangest thing happened as a result of that fight. Tim stopped his taunting, and actually became friendly with me. Not "blood brother" friendly, you understand -- that would have scared me to death....
E-MAIL UPDATE: Let's have some follow-up from recent topics - starting with Sunday's item about a beggar on South Lumpkin Road....
Last week in Big Lotts a homeless looking older man was in the check line in front of me..He bought a blanket ,a sleeping bag,a small tent and a pick axe...He paid for it with a $100 bill and walked off down the street..The clerk said they have a lot of homeless customers who carry big bills. She said they cash SS checks or SSI checks and get some in big bills to hide away in their clothing..So,ask beggar #5 if he has spent his big bills yet..Looks dangerous to me..
Hmmmm - if they're really homeless, how are they obtaining Social Security or disability checks in the first place? Don't they need a little money for a post office box?
But then again, maybe that man with the big bill at Big Lots wasn't really homeless after all. He might have been a college professor, preparing to take his class on a spring retreat at F.D.R. State Park.
Monday's blog exclusive also brought a response - from the managers behind Columbus's newest TV station. This comes from Victor Ives of White Springs Television:
Hello Richard!
Thanks for your inquiry.
We are delighted to have our little network on the air in Columbus, GA. The station is brand new and is owned by Mark Snow of MD Broadcasting.
I have attached a link to a map of the coverage area, which looks like the station has good coverage of the area....
I am sending a copy to Mark, who might be able to tell you more.
Again,
Thanks for noticing us!
Mark M. Snow
MD Broadcasting
WWCG-LP Columbus, GA
We've posted a substitute link, as the one we were given did not bring up a map. But we were sent a coverage map separately, which makes it appear that channel 11 has its tower in Phenix City. Mr. Snow may not realize Phenix City is not really one further hour behind the times than his programs.
WWCG continued to amaze me Monday night, when it presented a "soundie" - a short film of a song from the 1940s. Believe it or not, there were "music videos" three decades before anyone dreamed of MTV. But with time, soundies became harder to find at the movies - which is a lot like music videos on MTV, isn't it?
We'll have to hold a couple of other e-mails until we do some research - so let's move on to a quick check of other Monday news:
+ Russell County sheriff's officers decided a Hatchechubbee man acted in self-defense, when he shot and killed a neighbor siphoning gas from his truck. There's a lesson here for all of us. If you own a sport utility vehicle, there's a small fortune in your gas tank - so guard it at all costs.
+ Columbus resident Prentiss Shumaker won the $5 million grand prize, in the Georgia Lottery "$500 Million Club" game. Shumaker admitted he hasn't told his relatives in Mississippi about his big win. Here's hoping he doesn't take them all to a Biloxi casino to celebrate.
+ Richard Hyatt's new web site claimed Columbus attorney Alonza Whitaker is considering running for Superior Court Judge, against Kenneth Followill. Do you think Whitaker can win at the polls? Or will he simply Follow-well?
+ Instant Message to the person who e-mailed us, suggesting we check a man's divorce records: Oh please. Do you really want me to go there? I mean, that man's not running for political office - YOU are. Shall we be evenhanded, and sort through your divorce papers as well? And maybe call that former spouse in another state for an "endorsement?"
To offer a story tip, make a PayPal donation, advertise to our readers or comment on this blog, write me - but be warned, I may post your e-mail comment and offer a reply.
BURKARD BULK MAIL INDEX: 670 (+ 10, 1.5%)
TRUDGE REPORT, DAY 23: 2.4 miles jogged, 0.2 walked. Total: 81.95 miles run, 11 walked
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