25 JUL 07: WE'RE NUMBER 101?!

A blog reader pointed us Tuesday to a business magazine column:

AFLAC and Columbus get a mention in this online article (it may also be in Fortune Magazine). It quotes AFLAC executive/former WTVM reporter Sharon Douglas. Thought you might find it interesting, even though the mention is brief.

I called up the "Ask Annie" commentary by Anne Fisher, and had a problem with it right away. She refers to "little Columbus, Ga." Little?! As of 2000, Columbus was the 106^th biggest U.S. city. Maybe she's been writing in a Manhattan skyscraper too long.

The Ask Annie article focuses on famous companies based outside major cities. It notes Aflac has hired about 2,000 new employees in the last five years, and plans to hire and train 2,000 more in the next five. I can see it coming now - an attempt by the staff to do the world's largest simultaneous duck quack.

I wasn't familiar with Sharon Douglas's name - and I certainly wasn't familiar with her title. Ask Annie reveals she's the "Chief People Officer" at Aflac. Maybe her assignment is to remove as many account numbers from insurance policies as possible.

Sharon Douglas admits to Fortune there's not much night life in Columbus - except for "something called Uptown Columbus on Saturday nights." There, you see? The overseers were wrong to schedule those outdoor concerts on Friday nights, since no one would show up.

According to Sharon Douglas, restaurants in Uptown Columbus like "giving out free samples" on Saturday nights. The last time I dined downtown on a Saturday night, the Cannon Brew Pub made me pay full-price - but maybe Douglas is talking about the chips and salsa at Locos Amigos.

There were links embedded with this commentary which I found even more revealing. Money magazine has published a new list of the "100 Best Places to Live" - and even with the nice mention, Columbus didn't make that list. Maybe if a couple more bars opened in Midtown, near Memory Lane....

Three Georgia cities may the "100 Best Places to Live" list - Suwanee, Peachtree City and Martinez. Martinez?!?! Two-thirds of the people who drive past that city aren't sure whether to emphasize the "mar" or the "ti."

By clicking on a "snapshot" page, you can find plenty of revealing statistics about Columbus. For instance, the median family income in our city is $47,915 per year. Let's do some math here, and be thankful. Tuesday's minimum wage increase should finally bring that above $50,000.

City officials talk so much about how base realignment will bring new jobs to Columbus. But the Money magazine snapshot shows "job growth" in this decade is a NEGATIVE 3.59 percent. So maybe all those mill workers are coming back to town, after enlisting in the Army.

The "Air Quality Index" for Columbus shows we have "good air" 71.3 percent of the time. But that could be changing, as WRBL reported Tuesday the area is not meeting the federal air quality standard. The online report does NOT show how many people already are breathing through masks.

(It might not help that Planning Director Rick Jones's computer shows a chart with "partculate" levels. The city may be getting downgraded for being unable to spell.)

The Columbus snapshot is filled with other data - but here are a few things which caught my eye:

+ Restaurants within 15 miles: 611. Of course, 411 of those are around Columbus Park Crossing.

+ Average amount spent on vacations per household: $6,521. Those silly burglars -- trying to break in while you're gone, instead of coming early while you're loading the car in the driveway.

+ Percentage married: 45.1. The "Best Places to Live" have a percentage above 60 - so now I feel guilty for holding back Columbus progress.

+ Percentage divorced: 11.8. The "Best Places to Live" are down around eight percent - so the fights over which church to attend must be worse than I thought.

Other nearby cities scored very well on the Money magazine report. Auburn is 16^th among all U.S. cities, in the percentage of single people. If you're not sure where they are, forget about Toomer's Corner on weekend nights. Look for Auburn sweatshirts at Kroger, late on a Friday afternoon.

And of all places, the cleanest air of any U.S. city can be found in Troy, Alabama. Do all the college students park their cars when they arrive for the semester, then start them up again after finals?

E-MAIL UPDATE: The latest double homicide in Columbus brought this question Tuesday:

I wonder if the Cols Police Dept is not releasing the name and picture of the person on the warrant for questioning in the weekend murder because they are afraid if he is not guilty he will demand money...Seems to me if we knew who it was we could keep our eyes open and call in tips.

Well, you raise a very good point here. I'm not naming any murder suspects - because I don't want to get sued, either.

On the other hand, police may be keeping the suspect's name quiet because they're waiting for that person to make a slip, and give himself away. Some criminals are so dumb that they can't wait to share their stories on Myspace.

Mayor Jim Wetherington was tracked down Tuesday for a comment on the city's rising crime numbers. He assured viewers the city is doing all it can to bring things under control. I can cite one example of this - as an officer was positioned at the front door of that University of Phoenix career fair last week.

Now we continue the "Summit talks" -- as in the Phenix City hospital:

Richard, Please ask your reader, Lon Gammage, to explain to us Alabama residents how we can get that "free medical care" paid for by the Georgia taxpayers at the Columbus Medical Center. It is my understanding that the only individuals who can get that "free medical care" are those who can prove that they are GA residents.

I'm told that Alabama residents with no insurance now have to drive to Opelika to the East Alabama Medical Center.

The Medical Center does have a great clinic for GA residents with no insurance or low incomes.

We also have to remember that "nothing is free". Someone pays.

Otherwise, I agree with most of what Lon Gammage says about the old Cobb Hospital and Summit Hospital.

If all the individuals with good insurance or money to pay their bills continue to use the Columbus hospitals I don't see how Summit Hospital in Phenix City will survive. But remember, most patients go to the hospital that their doctor recommends! So if Columbus doctors don't do surgeries or see patients at Summit Hospital how will Summit get enough patients. There are not enough Phenix City doctors to keep the hospital full.

Also, I've been told that the money that subsidizes "free care" at Public (vs "Private") hospitals comes from federal tax dollars and not state taxes.

I'll let your message serve as the question to Lon. But the Columbus city budget provides a certain amount of money for the Medical Center every year. And I haven't priced the Medical Center's café, to see how much they mark up the prices.

Now a few comments at no extra charge about the Tuesday news:

+ The Russell County Commission discussed buying the MeadWestvaco building on Broad Street, and making it a new county courthouse. This sounds like an interesting idea, if they add one condition. Make that old abandoned building at Dillingham and Broad a holding cell for suspected criminals.

+ Russell County Emergency Management Director Chance Corbett told WRBL he's receiving a $6,400 grant to build a steel-reinforced "safe room." When a natural disaster strikes, it will be a perfect place for officials to hide from the news media if things go wrong.

+ Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank admitted he was ready to suspend Michael Vick for four games, but the National Football League advised against it. Wow - are THAT many people ready to demand a refund on their season tickets?

+ Instant Message to Atlanta baseball announcer Pete Van Wieren: Did I hear you right Tuesday night - you called a man along the foul line the "old ball dude?" I know you were in San Francisco, but the city couldn't affect you THAT much.

SCHEDULED THURSDAY: A last night with an "original," before a very original trip....

Today's topic was the result of a blog reader's tip. To offer a story tip, make a PayPal donation, advertise or comment on this blog, write me - but be warned, I may post your e-mail comment and offer a reply.

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24 JUL 07: THE SUMMER OF BLOOD

No, our title's not a mistake. Yes, I know the "Summer of Love" tour of old rock bands performed at the Columbus Civic Center the other night -- though skeptics would look at the number of sexually transmitted diseases, and say the price of "free love" is not free.

Our title is based on new numbers revealed during the Monday evening news. They confirm violent crime is up substantially in Columbus so far this year -- even though police pay is up, public safety job openings are down and a former police chief is now mayor. It's as if all the criminals are trying to become Iraqi insurgents.

From January to June, Columbus Police handed 11 murder cases. That's four more than the first half of last year -- and that doesn't count the two homicides at the Cross Creek Apartments over the weekend. Sad to say, one of those victims should make all baseball announcers think twice before using the phrase "twin killing."

But the police numbers go beyond a rise in the murder count. Robberies in Columbus are up 20 percent from the first half of last year, and aggravated assaults are up more than 37 percent. So if you don't carry any money with you to avoid getting robbed, you're even more likely to be mugged.

What's the reason for this surge in the crime rate? Columbus Police officers tried to blame some of it on an increase in gang activity. If you see a spray-painted pitchfork on a building, it's probably NOT from an illegal immigrant seeking a farming job.

But other people in Columbus are putting the blame elsewhere - and starting at the top. I've actually read one e-mail calling on Mayor Jim Wetherington to resign. It's as if they expect him to patrol dangerous street corners late at night - or at least the family members he showed in campaign pictures.

It's as if some voters were naive enough to think electing a former police chief would automatically bring a big crackdown on crime, or scare all the criminals to the surrounding counties. After all, most Presidents don't start claiming victory for their agendas until at least their year in office.

I'd like to think the Columbus Police Department is investigating crimes as hard as ever. WRBL showed a C.S.I. unit at work Monday night - and the only disappointment for me was that none of the local scientists were as gorgeous as Emily Procter.

The real issue in all of this appears to be crime prevention. The community events calendar in The Courier's latest issue shows Columbus Police have scheduled "Crime Prevention Day" for the last Saturday in October. Can we reschedule some officers' vacations, to move that up a little bit?

BLOG UPDATE: Meanwhile, the Columbus NAACP is busy handling what it considers a crime from four years ago. Officials announced Monday they're still working for justice in the killing of Kenneth Walker. I hope they enjoy their upcoming trip to the World Court in the Netherlands.

Columbus NAACP President Bill Madison tried to move beyond the shots fired by David Glisson in 2003 - saying a grand jury should have indicted not only him, but the entire Muscogee County Sheriff's Department. So deputies on duty at the jail are to blame for a traffic stop on Interstate 185?! The patrol cars can't hurry down Macon Road to the interstate quite that fast....

Bill Madison also called for an investigation of the Metro Narcotics Task Force. David Glisson's attorney suggested the NAACP was again trying to make race an issue - but hold on a minute. Kenneth Walker was killed long before police officer Byron Hickey started hearing insults and slurs.

In the eyes of Bill Madison, the Kenneth Walker case is simple. The NAACP President told WRBL: "A man is dead, without due process of law." Perhaps this retired member of the military will demand lawsuits against Iraqi insurgents next.

These topics admittedly have been rather heavy, so let's see if Monday's other news brought anything lighter:

+ Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones was zapped with an electric shock device for five seconds. Area civil rights leaders were stunned by this news, in a different way - because some of them wanted an invitation to pull the trigger.

(Sheriff Jay Jones says he took the Taser for a five count to show the device is safe for law officers to use. OK, if you say so - but I won't be absolutely sure until I see that "Does It Work" reporter on TV try it.)

+ The Associated Press reported the swimming pool at the Alabama Governor's Mansion is being renovated. I didn't realize until I read this story that the pool is shaped like the state of Alabama. Hopefully no politicians have bellies so big that they've become stuck in Mobile....

+ The National Football League ordered Michael Vick NOT to report to the Atlanta Falcons training camp, because of the dogfighting charges against him. Somewhere Terrell Owens is wondering why the league didn't give him that treatment, when he wanted a new contract.

(Dozens of animal rights supporters protested outside the Atlanta Falcons' headquarters Monday. Their main goal was for the team to release Michael Vick - although I think a few also want the team logo changed, to show an old Ford Falcon car.)

+ Media blogs in New York reported the "Weekly World News" is going out of business. This is the tabloid that declared Georgia's Sam Nunn a "space alien," when he was a U.S. Senator. [True!] Time has proven that was NOT accurate - he was simply a conservative Democrat, well ahead of his time.

(It was Weekly World News columnist Ed Anger who responded to the fuss over Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore by urging everyone to display the Ten Commandments on their front lawns. Sad to say, people in some parts of Columbus would have overlooked the stealing commandment....)

+ Instant Message to all our loyal readers: The U.S. minimum wage goes up 70 cents today, to $5.85 an hour. If each of you sent only ONE hour's pay to this blog each week.... well, I wouldn't be nearly as tempted to drive to Biloxi and try playing poker in a casino.

This blog has thousands of visitors each month, from people in Columbus and around the world. To advertise to them, offer a story tip or comment on this blog, write me - but be warned, I may post your e-mail comment and offer a reply.

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for 23 JUL 07: CHECK MIXED

The weekend "snail mail" brought a letter from the city of Columbus. But don't worry - it was NOT a proposal for me to stop blogging, if I become a paid speech writer for City Manager Isaiah Hugley....

The envelope contained a refund check from the city - and to be honest, it was about time that check arrived. I filed the paperwork for the refund in February or March, and the check didn't reach me until mid-July. I realized the new city finance director was watching money carefully, but this seems like a bit much.

But I should start at the beginning: When I tried to start a sports league last year, I had to pay a city occupation tax. It was based on my estimated income from the business. I thought I had written down a "lowball" amount - but the actual total income wound up being on the level of sewer pipes under Broadway.

Even with all my personal business ventures lumped together, from Power Frisbee to CD sales to this blog, my official computed occupation tax was less than 60 dollars. And if you think that's bad, check the city occupation tax return - because 50 dollars of that is an "administrative fee."

My prepayment last year on the occupation tax was well over 100 dollars, so I had a nice refund coming. When I went to the Government Center during the winter and turned in the paperwork, a woman told me she couldn't provide the refund money on the spot. Those little shops a few blocks away on Veterans Parkway could have done it....

I presumed the occupation tax refund check would come in the mail, and didn't think much about it. But then the federal income tax refund check showed up, followed by the state income tax refund check. Both arrived before my city refund check?! Did I have to wait on Mayor Wetherington to submit a budget that provided for it?

It must have been early June when I decided enough was enough. I called the city Finance Department, gave them my account number - and after some searching by the staff, my occupation tax return was found. It somehow was filed in an "unclaimed" area. And if I hadn't called sooner or later, that would have been true....

A woman at the Finance Department promised to resurrect my occupation tax return, and asked me to call her back in a week. But of course, I became busy and forgetful. It was several weeks before I called the department again. Since the tax check still hadn't come, perhaps the staff was just like me.

After a little "phone tag" with the woman who promised to handle my occupation tax return, she asked me to leave my account number on her voice mail. I did, and she left a message on my machine last week promising the check would come within two weeks. Could it be true? Was my money about to be liberated from "occupied territory?"

Indeed it was - and the occupation tax refund was dropped in my mailbox Saturday. But it was a shame that the Columbus Finance Department staff lost track of my return, and left it sitting idly for months. If you think your business has money coming from the city, give the Finance Department a call. It beats losing even more money on an Internet "unclaimed cash" service.

E-MAIL UPDATE: Now for how other city money is being handled....

I would like to know the number of crimes in the Hilton Hghts/Lakebottom area in the past 6 months.......I am hearing from the grapevine about robberies and holdups around the park area on all sides. There are many of these in North Columbus lately as well but seem to go less reported in the "newspaper" . Wasn't there a time when all police reports were published?

Mayor W........The police are no longer visible........check out the at Bradley Park parking lot lately near McDonalds and Steinmart.........and it isn't south Columbus or Macon Road........I AM WORRIED ABOUT THE CRIME IN OUR CITY....

From watching TV news reports, I believe Columbus Police keep track of crime by "beat areas." Hopefully walkers and joggers aren't robbing each other on the Lakebottom Park trail.

There may have been a time when the Ledger-Enquirer published all the police reports in Columbus. And the way it's handling the front pages these days, that time could come back. Why, the federal decision in the Kenneth Walker case didn't even make the top of page one Saturday.

But Columbus has about 185,000 people now. Consider how many police reports probably are handled each day - everything from homicides and holdups, to panhandlers knocking on people's doors. Then consider how many reports could be found false. Both the police and the newspaper would have to apologize for those.

Now a colorful follow-up to a message we posted Sunday about Summit Hospital:

I said RED elephant, as in red ink, a $ loser.

As you wish - a red elephant it is. That probably beats a pink elephant, which countless bar patrons on Broadway may have seen over the weekend.

Now for things WE saw on Sunday - none of them really pink:

+ Four cans of chili came down from my pantry, because they're included in the Castleberry's botulism recall from a plant in Augusta. Uh-oh -- now I only have enough cans stored to survive a category-four hurricane.

(The Castleberry's web site is making an important correction. The recall of "Great Value" chili sold at Wal-Mart stores applies only to cans sold in Canada. If the company recalled Canadian doughnut batter as well, that WOULD be a hardship.)

+ WRBL reported U.S. marshals in Indiana captured former Muscogee County Prison inmate Eddie Rias. Rias escaped from a work detail 37 years ago. And then some people say it's easy to find every illegal immigrant, and kick them out of the country....

+ The Trade Center hosted a "Wedding Extravaganza," complete with a horse and carriage on display outside. But so far, there's no talk of replacing the "InMotion X" bicycle races downtown with harness racing. Broadway is simply too restricted now.

+ The Ledger-Enquirer reported a Columbus woman is suing the creators of "Girls Gone Wild." Brittany Pitts admits exposing herself for a photographer while on vacation in Florida, but claims she never expected the picture to be released. Well, what did she THINK would happen to the picture -- that it would only be shown at somebody's bachelor party?

+ Instant Message to the young woman who called me the other day, promising to "save a spot on the beach here in San Diego": I didn't catch your name, and you gave me no address. Do you read this blog - or were you at the end of your shift selling timeshares?

This blog has thousands of visitors each month, from people in Columbus and around the world. To advertise to them, offer a story tip or comment on this blog, write me - but be warned, I may post your e-mail comment and offer a reply.

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22 JUL 07: WALKER-ING AWAY

So now the U.S. Justice Department has come down on the side of David Glisson, in the killing of Kenneth Walker. Is it time for Sheriff Ralph Johnson to do the trendy thing in local government -- and bring Glisson in for a personal apology?

The Justice Department announced it's ending a criminal investigation into the death of Kenneth Walker in December 2003. It decided there's no cause to file federal charges. It's now up to Democrats in Congress to find evidence that someone in Columbus called Karl Rove or Dick Cheney, to bring about this conclusion.

The Justice Department decided there's NO evidence that then-deputy David Glisson willfully shot Kenneth Walker. That seems to support the theory that Glisson slipped or stumbled, on that fateful night along Interstate 185. Maybe now there will be a public campaign to buy Sheriff's officers better shoes.

Remember Rainbow/PUSH President William Howell's big announcement last year, that he'd requested a meeting with the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee about the Kenneth Walker case? That meeting still hasn't happened - and I wonder if anyone's told Howell the Democrats are in charge of the Senate now, so he might want to try again.

(Of course, the Senate Judiciary Committee has plenty to investigate already. Democrats may have to get Don Siegelman out of his prison cell first, before they put David Glisson in one.)

Local NAACP officials promise to keep up their fight, to bring what they consider "justice" in the Kenneth Walker case. In fact, people attending the next NAACP chapter meeting might watch for the group's tribute to Georgia Attorney General Thurbert Baker. Look for the Oreo cookies on the snack table....

For all the appeals to Washington and local prosecutors, the silence from Georgia's Attorney General in the Kenneth Walker case has been deafening. Yet civil rights groups really haven't taken Thurbert Baker to task, as they have his handling of the Genarlow Wilson case near Atlanta. But then again, Wilson's videotape admittedly is a lot steamier.

When WAS the last time Thurbert Baker visited Columbus, anyway? I couldn't tell you the last time Georgia's Attorney General came to town. If he has to bring election endorser Nick Giles in from Taylor County to guard him and speak for him, I could understand that....

There's someone else who has been silent for a long time about the Kenneth Walker case. While Walker's mother has been busy writing letters and appearing before Columbus Council, Walker's widow has not. She may be busy working, raising the children - or perhaps rehearsing her testimony with attorneys, for the civil trial.

A civil lawsuit stemming from the Kenneth Walker killing is still lingering in federal court. The next big hearing in that case is expected this fall - but at the pace it's going, it could challenge the 61 years it took to give Taylor County's Maceo Snipes a funeral.

E-MAIL UPDATE: Without even asking, your blog is now on the e-mailing list of a local state representative. We won't post everything he sends, but this first one seemed interesting:

Governor Perdue announced today that he has appointed attorney Bill Rumer to the Georgia Public Defenders Standards Council.

Congratulate (or give condolensces) Bill the next time you see him.

Richard Smith

Representative, District 131

A news release from the Georgia Governor confirmed this appointment - so it's not really a Rumer, it's a fact.

Now to the Phenix City "sickbay" - which may be sick in more ways than one:

Think about It!, Several years ago Cobb Hospital filed for bankruptcy and closed. Why did they do that. The hospital was old and inefficient. Most of the patients had no insurance or were covered by Alabama Medicaid which did not pay enough to even cover the costs of treatment. To simplify what caused the closure, expenses exceeded income.

Since Phenix City had no hospital all those people came to Columbus to our hospitals and received care paid for with Georgia and Columbus tax dollars

The Columbus Regional folks with all their infinite wisdom decide to buy Cobb. They figured that with all their expertise and experience they could profitably operate the hospital despite the lack of paying patients, low Alacaid payments, a large, old, inefficient building that was obsolete and poorly equipped.

It didn't take long for them to begin losing money in large quantities so they closed again. The reason, Expenses exceeded income. The Columbus Regional owned a red elephant with little or no value. I would really like to know how much Columbus Regional really lost on this "investment".

Then another group comes along that is even smarter than the last two owners and decide that if they build a new, modern hospital with many efficiencies they can be profitable and provide health care to the residents of Russell County. They spend millions of dollars in tax money and investor money.

Now they begin to cut services, reduce room numbers available, layoff help and anything else they can do to cut overhead. Expenses already exceed income.

How long will it be until they close and file for bankruptcy?. Probably within a year. Taxpayers and investors will lose their millions. Do you think the politicians of Russell county will approve a tax to support their hospital?

In the meantime Georgia and Columbus taxpayers will continue to pay for Alabama residents to receive free medical care in our hospitals.

Lon Gammage

Thanks for your economic analysis - but hold on a second. Don't they call a complex like the old Phenix Regional Hospital a "WHITE elephant?" Or is this an Auburn fan, taking a swipe at Alabama?

The operators of Summit Hospital may have received tax breaks to build it - but as I understand it, NO tax money is supporting it now. I think the Russell County Commission would approve a "hospital tax," if it came to that. That's only ten more cents a soda, after all.

Our last e-mail goes back to school:

I can't believe Dr Philips of MCSD got a $7000 raise ,but he can't find time to go to high school graduations...I wonder if the board has ridden by some of the schools that not only use old portable classrooms but worn out old 10'wide metal trailers that leak and stink of mildew.The board should tour these monsters on a rain soaked day so they will get wet as there is no shelter to the buildings and get muddy because they sit in puddles with no walks.

What a shame our elected board does not represent our children.

Now wait a minute here. Who said Superintendent John Phillips missed commencement weekend in May? Even I know that's a bad time of year to go hunting in the Rockies....

Didn't the Muscogee County School Board go on Saturday "walking tours" of schools a few years ago? Those trips may have accomplished something. After all, they're building a new Rigdon Road Elementary School before they build a new Administration Building a couple of blocks away.

Thanks to all who write us - and let's see if the weekend headlines will provoke you to write some more:

+ The Fourth Avenue Car Wash closed, for nearly two weeks of renovations. I can't wait to try out their new state-of-the-art water....

+ Jazz and soul singer Melba Moore performed at the Liberty Theatre. It's nice to know she's still performing after all these years - and her career hasn't turned to "Melba Toast."

+ Online reports claimed the Atlanta Falcons may ask Michael Vick to take a "leave of absence," while he handles the dogfighting charges against him. Hopefully he won't hire one of those old-fashioned Southern attorneys - the ones who talk about witnesses "having a dog in this fight."

(It could be worse for Michael Vick, you know. The federal grand jury could have indicted his phony hotel name "Ron Mexico" as well.)

+ Atlanta sank St. Louis 14-6 in baseball. Willie Harris tied an Atlanta franchise record, by batting six-for-six. Why, Bobby Cox hasn't even come close to that standard in ejections....

+ Instant Message to Fort Benning: I'm glad you've opened 74 new homes for soldiers in "McGraw Village." Do you plan the overall area after Mr. McGraw's wife - you know, Faith Hill?

BURKARD'S BEST BETS: Gas for $2.63 at Jeff's Petro on South Lumpkin Road.... 20-ounce Vanilla Cokes for 50 cents at the Phenix City Wal-Mart.... and with no football games or big NASCAR race, a perfect Sunday for family bonding....

SCHEDULED MONDAY: A tax refund check finally comes....

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21 JUL 07: WHO'S SORRY NOW?

(BLOGGER'S NOTE: You may find this item humorous, serious, or a little of both - but we offer these thoughts from time to time, as we keep a seventh-day Sabbath.)

It appears a sizeable number of people disagree with a decision by Columbus Council this past week. We received this e-mail about it:

Now that Mr Milner has been paid off by the city for being fasely arrested does this mean that everyone who is found innocent by a jury can take a bite out of the city budget also? The council is going to have to add a special category to the budget,pay off....I guess now those people will be running to that attorney to get their fair share..

You have to say one thing about this approach. The pressure's going to mount on the District Attorney's office to get convictions....

The matter of Markeith Milner mentioned here on Wednesday comes down to a core issue - admitting you're wrong. The mayor and police chief admitted that, in the arrest of Milner for a deadly home invasion in April. Perhaps it was so startling because you never see C.S.I. experts do that on TV, after they pursue false theories.

Some people are saying Police Chief Ricky Boren had no reason to apologize to Markeith Milner, because he was simply doing his job. They may also apply this logic to C.I.A. agents using waterboarding on possible terrorists, I.R.S. agents showing up at your door to collect back taxes - but didn't some Nazi guards use an excuse like that in the 1940s?

Yes, police should do their job. But if they do the wrong thing, why not come out and say so? It's called being humble -- and it's something elected officials often have problems doing. You'll notice Senator David Vitter of Louisiana only did it after his phone number showed up on a call girl's list.

For years I've remembered a statement NASCAR radio pit reporter Winston Kelly said, after he interviewed a driver involved in a crash. "It takes a pretty brave man to admit he made a mistake." It's something all of us actually have to do - unless, of course, you're a perfect person. And it's truly an honor to have you reading this blog, Ms. Winfrey....

Like it or not, we all should admit we're wrong. My source for that is the apostle Paul, who wrote: "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." That even includes me -- although you can probably count the bloggers admitting it online on one hand.

If you don't think you've sinned, or perhaps are unsure where, the Bible provides some helpful checklists. You may think of the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament. But don't overlook several verses in Galatians 5. They warn against hatred, jealousy, selfishness -- and oh yes, Harry Potter needs to read the verse against sorcery and witchcraft.

After you find areas where you're wrong, what should you do? Admit it to the people you've wronged, if that's possible - and confess it in prayer to God. The Bible says God always is in a mood to forgive you. And some of the people may be so stunned, they won't even think about hiring an attorney to sue you.

COMING SUNDAY: The latest big decision in the Kenneth Walker case.... and an e-mail prediction about Summit Hospital....

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20 JUL 07: FAIR TO MIDDLIN'

"In another six months, I'll lose my house, I'll lose my car, I'll lose my truck...." I overheard a man say this Thursday - but no, he was NOT begging on a Columbus street corner. Considering the blue suit he wore, it would have been much too hot and humid to do that....

The man in the blue suit was one of many people who were hunting for jobs in Columbus Thursday. The University of Phoenix held its second annual career fair, at its small strip-mall "campus" on Hamilton Road. I put campus in quotes, because the nearby Rivertown School of Beauty looks like it has more space.

So many people were expected for the career fair that Rivertown School of Beauty roped off special parking spaces for its customers. I'm not sure why the school didn't join in a partnership with the fair - offering to make women picture-perfect for their on-the-spot interviews.

It had been more than a decade since I visited a career fair. In fact, I think the last one I attended in Atlanta was called a "job fair." Maybe today's employers are offering hiring bonuses and four-year contracts....

Since the career fair at the University of Phoenix received so much attention, I decided to stop by and see what it's all about. To make sure I wouldn't attract attention, I wore a suit and tie - which of course meant I outdressed most of the men behind the booth tables.

The parking lot on Hamilton Road was so full, I had to join several other drivers in parking on the street. A few cars could have been ticketed for double-parking - but the Albany Police car at the shopping center apparently was only there for show.

Dozens of potential employers had booths set up at the career fair. I didn't write down all their names, but in most cases I didn't have to. You simply pick up the business cards - and collect enough ballpoint pens to last through the end of 2008.

Several colleges and universities had booths set up Thursday - but their purpose seemed more to recruit students than hire employees. And I didn't see anyone dressed casually enough to be majoring in "avoiding the real world."

(One notable exception was Beacon University - which is strange, because you'd think a career fair could double as a tool of evangelism.)

Several police departments also had booths at the career fair -- from Columbus and Phenix City to Albany and Atlanta. Mayor Jim Wetherington will want to know that unlike a few years ago, I didn't see any uniformed officers filling out applications.

The Phenix City Police booth lists its job requirements -- and since that's been an issue here recently, I gave it a close look. That department also emphasizes a record free of convictions, instead of simply charges. Phenix City even dares to post its starting salary - even though Columbus Police beats it by about $4,000.

Plenty of booths at the career fair focused on a search for nurses. Several hospitals were there - yet Summit Hospital in Phenix City was not. I suppose the reason for that is obvious....

Then there was the Columbus company we're keeping nameless, whose employees didn't realize until I mentioned it that their booth sign misspelled the word "satisfaction." No, I was NOT offered a proofreader job on the spot.

If I was handing out blue ribbons at Thursday's career fair the way they do at county fairs, some of the award-winners would be....

+ Most star power: Clear Channel Radio. Its booth had Scott Miller from WDAK and Chris Chaos from WVRK "Rock 103" - yet they were looking for salespeople, not talk show hosts.

+ Most unusual job opening: Fort Benning -- because one of its lists showed the Army is looking for a bartender.

+ Most curious division: Separate booths for Columbus Police and the Muscogee County Sheriff's Department. Does the department with fewer resumes have to buy doughnuts next week?

+ Best giveaway: Afni Services. The Opelika temporary employment firm had big baked cookies - which sure beats small breath mints.

BLOG UPDATE: One well-known man who might need upcoming career fairs is John Painter. The Lee County School Superintendent was effectively fired by the school board Thursday night, by being moved to a "special assistant" job until his contract runs out in 2010. If Painter worked for the New York Yankees, he could still come back as Superintendent at any moment.

The Lee County School Board was quite divided on brushing John Painter (pun) off to the side. Four members were in favor. One was against. One abstained. And one member was missing -- leaving reporters to wonder if someone else went with John Wells on that bull-running trip to Spain.

(At least John Painter wasn't completely fired. Then we could have borrowed a recent sports cliche, and say he was shoved under the school bus.)

School Board members wouldn't be specific about why Superintendent John Painter was hung out to dry (pun #2). But TV news reports hinted the big issue may have involved base realignment, and the need to build new schools in Smiths Station and Beulah. Skeptics won't believe there's a problem until portables are parked outside Lee-Scott Academy.

So what else happened Thursday? Plenty of things, actually....

+ Muscogee County Sheriff's Deputies broke up a drug deal at the McDonald's on Buena Vista Road. It ended with a red Mustang upside down in the restaurant parking lot. The late Ray Kroc would have jumped on this moment, borrowed from an old radio gimmick - and posted a sign saying, "I flipped for a Big Mac."

(Deputy Joe McCraa says officers arrested a man selling four ounces of marijuana for $325. Well, what better place to deal in quarter-pounders than at a McDonald's?)

+ WRBL reported on a Manchester Expressway Chevron station selling gasoline for $2.66 a gallon - and apparently overlooked the two Circle K stores down the street with a lower price of $2.62. Try to avoid driving to save money on gas, and you can miss REAL savings on gas.

+ Pioneer Little League won the Georgia nine-and-ten-year-old state softball title. Maybe this will end the recent war of words among parents. Maybe they'll follow the lead of the winning softball pitcher - and match her no-hitter with no errors.

(There's a lesson to be learned here, by sports fans of all ages. It doesn't take much to turn "winning" into "whining.")

+ Auburn University announced it's reported 13 violations of NCAA rules. They included three in football, and one in the equestrian program. Equestrian?!?! What did the coaching staff do - offer too much hay to a horse?

+ Nike announced it's suspending release of the new "Air Zoom Vick Five" shoe. This raises an important question - where's Michael Vick's brother Marcus right now? Is he too busy to take over the public relations tour?

(Maybe Nike smelled the indictment of Michael Vick coming -- because Vick wears number seven, not five.)

+ Instant Message to Dillard's at Peachtree Mall: You're kidding, right? You once had pairs of socks priced to sell for $39.50 - ONE pair of men's socks?! I mean, they weren't even autographed by Barry Bonds....

COMING THIS WEEKEND: Soul-searching and some e-mail about that apology by the mayor....

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19 JUL 07: PORKER AFTER DARK

The Wednesday news included a strange crime story from downtown Columbus. Police say a man was shot outside the downtown Country's Barbecue, after an argument over a glass of water. This is why the fountains on Broadway need to be operational 24 hours a day.

The Country's Barbecue on Broadway closed Tuesday night at 10:00. The shooting occurred between 11:30 and midnight. There may be a good reason why the Country's "Midnight Express Run" in midtown happens only once a year....

I had barbecue on my mind around midnight Tuesday night, but for a different reason. I wanted to check a local restaurant, which has been promoting a four-hour "Late-Night BBQ." For all I knew, Conan O'Brien could be coming to Columbus for a special show.

"Thornton's Late-Night BBQ" said the roadside sign along Cusseta Road when I drove by last weekend. The posted hours were 11:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. Reverse the p.m. and a.m., and you might have Minnie's Restaurant on Eighth Street - or any other business owner on Cusseta Road which knows the neighborhood's reputation.

Thornton's BBQ is a short walk down Cusseta Road from the club once known as the notorious Boom Boom Room. It's now the "VS" club, but the property is still on Fort Benning's list as being off-limits to soldiers. It's apparently better to have the Army vs. al-Qaeda in Iraq, than VS some Columbus drunk.

So right after Wednesday's blog entry was posted, I hopped in the car at 12:13 a.m. and drove to Thornton's BBQ. I admittedly was uncertain about what I'd find. Would customers be standing outside, trying to mooch a free meal from me? Would this barbecue really be selling something else in the middle of the night -- and the vice squad was about to raid it?

It was "Throw Back Night" at the VS Lounge, and people were outside chatting at about 12:20 a.m. After all the recent drive-by shootings, I'm not sure how wise that is. But then again, it's at a corner with a traffic light - so a shooter stuck on red would be less likely to escape.

Moments later we reached Thornton's BBQ - but the "late-night" was off the sign outside, and the restaurant was closed. So it's not open at midnight every night of the week. Maybe the manager waits for a night when clubs along Cusseta Road are more likely to be over the fire marshal's limit.

I turned around in the Thornton's parking lot and drove home, not stopping at VS or anywhere else for a "consolation prize." After all, the only real place where you COULD stop was a package store on Tenth Avenue - and I'm not sure if it even sells barbecue-flavored corn chips.

So what's really cooking at Thornton's BBQ? I drove back Wednesday afternoon to find out - and the attendant explained its late-night service is on weekends only. That makes sense, considering the closest weeknight "night shift" to the restaurant is probably dancing in Victory Drive clubs.

The late-night barbecue sales began about a month ago at Thornton's. The restaurant manager was gone on Wednesday, so I couldn't ask him how successful it is. And the attendant didn't know, because she only works the day shift -- when things at this barbecue stand probably are mild, instead of hot and fiery.

We'll have to watch and see if Thornton's has found a new dining idea, with late-night weekend barbecue. Cusseta Road is well north of Victory Drive, where several fast-food restaurants offer 24-hour drive-through service every night. And it's in a part of Columbus where people are more likely to be shot in the ribs at 1:00 a.m., than eat them.

E-MAIL UPDATE: Is another school shakeup looming?

Richard, The Lee County, AL Board of Education has scheduled a called meeting tomorrow evening (Thurs. 6 p.m.CT) to discuss placing the Superintendent, Mr. John Painter, in another position for the remainder of his contract. Obviously, they would then hire another Superintendent. Consequently we will be paying two Superintendent salaries! I've heard rumors for several years that some individuals were not happy with Mr. Painter however I've never seen anything official in the media about this matter. Several years ago Mr. Painter and the Board hired his wife for a position that required a college degree although she didn't have one. Then when the matter was made public the job description was changed so she could meet the qualifications. Then a couple of years ago a Special Ed teacher at Smiths Station Elementary School was promoted into the job of Public Relations/Media Director for the school system. According to some system employees this individual had no degrees or experience in this field and the job wasn't opened up for other system employees who might have been qualified to apply. This individual then ran for state representative against Leslie Vance. Then there is the rumor that the city of Smiths Station wants to take over most of the Lee County Schools and start their own school system. That move would remove the majority of students from the Lee County system.

Since the majority of Lee County students reside in the Smiths area it sure would be helpful if some of the local media would report on Lee County School Board Meetings. Area residents need to know what is going on with our School Board.

Richard, you usually stay on top of the news so can you tell us what's going on?

Sad to say, I know little more than you do about this one. Maybe Lee County officials noticed the Superintendent openings in Macon and Russell Counties, and decided it was time to join the fun.

The Wednesday night news actually mentioned the called meeting -- and the Opelika-Auburn News reported John Painter would become a "Special Assistant" in the Lee County schools. This role has had several titles over the years. I think Muscogee County schools used to call them para-professionals - and when I was young, they were Student Teachers.

The Lee County school web site offered no clue about a change Wednesday night. In fact, I couldn't even find a mention of tonight's special school board meeting. But "Institute Day" is coming up for teachers in early August - perhaps for kindergarten teachers who don't have to be institutionalized over the summer.

We'll have to ask around about those Smiths Station rumors. I'm not sure the city has enough money to take over several schools right now. But I know Long Buildings will want to be part of any expansion projects.

We'll see what happens at that meeting tonight - and now let's look back at what happened around the area Wednesday:

+ Ground was broken for a new 120-room Suburban Extended Stay Hotel on Victory Drive. Before you get too thrilled about this, consider the small motels on Victory Drive which are slowly fading away. They're locally owned, have lower prices and more intimate.... well, you probably have heard the stories about HOW intimate....

+ Phenix City officials said the Alatrade poultry plant under construction will have about 800 employees - more than 200 above the original estimate. I'm apparently not the only one who's noticed the high price of ground beef.

+ Atlanta's baseball team announced the signing of Julio Franco - the first baseman who turns 49 in August. I'm a bit surprised the San Francisco 49ers football team didn't sign him as a publicity stunt.

(It's a good thing Julio Franco wasn't in Atlanta Wednesday. The baseball game went 15 innings - and at his age, he might need to take a nap after 12.)

+ Instant Message to Michael Vick: I'm on the side of those who say you're innocent until proven guilty. But so you can plan possible lawsuits after the trial - Colin Cowherd of ESPN Radio was the first one I heard nickname you "Con."

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18 JUL 07: REGRETS, I'VE HAD A FEW

"Sometimes in this business, you make mistakes." That quote could have been made by a lot of people Tuesday -- from local law enforcement officials to the top managers of the Atlanta Falcons.

But the quote actually was made by Muscogee County Marshal Greg Countryman, after a very unusual Columbus Council meeting. The city openly apologized to a man who was wrongly arrested for a couple of weeks. Somewhere, the mother of Kenneth Walker must have collapsed on the floor in shock.

Markeith Milner was the first man arrested in April, for a Sunday night assault on a mobile home which left two people dead. But Columbus Police eventually decided he was NOT involved, and let him go. Why do these errors happen so often to police officers on TV dramas, and not to defense attorneys?

Four other people now are under arrest for that deadly home invasion - but as those arrests occurred, someone tipped off the Marshal's Office that Markeith Milner was NOT part of the crime. We're left to wonder who the tipster was. Did one of the real criminals decide Milner was too wimpy to be in their gang?

So even before the murder charges in this home invasion murder case went before a grand jury, it went before Columbus Council. Markeith Milner appeared Tuesday, and received a public apology from both Mayor Jim Wetherington and Police Chief Ricky Boren. This apparently was a first - as not even police officers received this, when they were really underpaid.

Mayor Wetherington admitted to Markeith Milner: "Occasionally we do make mistakes." OK, how many people plan to record that comment in the next few days - in case the mayor runs for reelection in 2010?

Columbus Council didn't stop with a public apology. It approved a cash settlement for Markeith Milner of $31,500. That's about $2,400 for every day Milner spent in jail - which makes you wonder how EconoLodge does it for less than 50 dollars a night.

Markeith Milner was accompanied to Columbus Council by attorney Frank Martin. The sight of Martin may have raised some eyebrows, as rumors went around town during last year's mayoral campaign that he had Jim Wetherington in his hip pocket. These days, of course, it may be more like Martin's belt - assuming his cell phone is clipped there.

It's not clear if Frank Martin even had filed suit against the city, on Markeith Milner's behalf. But Martin said after the Columbus Council meeting that Milner only wanted his good name back. If Milner gives half the cash settlement to local charities, that might be a good start.

There was a time when Columbus Council might hold out for years, before agreeing to a settlement like this. But in this case, a settlement was approved about 90 days after Markeith Milner was arrested. I don't think the state of Alabama processes income tax refunds that quickly.

But is Columbus Council setting a bad precedent with a settlement like this? If the city pays off people kept behind bars for two weeks, what will happen if some of the four current suspects in the home invasion killings are acquitted at trial? Will potential pay raises for detectives go instead to people who can prove the detectives didn't wear gloves around their DNA?

BLOG EXCLUSIVE UPDATE: We revealed last Thursday that Columbus Police had offered employment to the son of the assistant police chief, even though he was arrested for stalking two years ago. Today we hear from the alleged "stalkee":

Richard,

Search no more……………

If you were looking for the "ex-wife" of Brian Rowe, you have found her. I read your blog this morning after being tipped off.

Wow ! Sounds like someone is seriously threatned by Brian joining the dept.

I have no doubts about Brian's capabilities at the Columbus Police Dept. He will do a GREAT job for them; just as he did at the Muscogee County Sheriffs Dept.

The stalking charge was dropped because the D.A. was contacted and asked that it be dropped. The female officer made a mistake. The officer was never told he came onto the property or was stalking anyone. He was simply asked to leave.

I might not be married to Brian anymore, but I certainly wish him well at the CPD.

Kimberly Rowe

AAA Auto Club # 56

We thank you for the explanation - and how interesting is this?! If Ms. Rowe isn't afraid of her ex-husband pulling her over, she must drive at the speed limit all the time.

One of the national evening newscasts noted the other night that police departments across the country are lowering their standards a bit, due to staff shortages. Oakland, California now accepts new officers who admit to prior drug use. But why not - when we elected a President who did the same thing?

Now let's see if any other surprises came our way Tuesday....

+ The Ledger-Enquirer gave Muscogee County Superintendent John Phillips a front-page banner headline - because the school board voted to raise his pay to more than $250,000. The staff at Mattress City will be watching closely over the next few days, for his "Kits for Kids" donation.

+ The evening news revealed two of the three finalists for Russell County School Superintendent may not be qualified for the job. Given the recent history of this position, I wouldn't be surprised if the third finalist flunked a physical exam.

+ The Talbotton City Council took further budget-cutting steps, including a vote to cut the police department from four members to three. Remember when e-mailers to this blog tried to connect Hurtsboro with Talbot County? That connection could come in handy now -- with Hurtsboro possibly doubling its police force.

+ WRBL reported the proposal to abolish the Muscogee County Coroner's office was tabled by Columbus Council. They made it sound like the idea was dead - but it looks simply comatose to me.

(A study was submitted to Columbus Council, indicating cities triple their costs by switching from a coroner to a department of medical examiners. Maybe it's because those examiners are selfish - you know, "It's all about M.E.")

+ Columbus Council received petitions from the group "Dogs Deserve Better." It wants city rules changed, so dogs aren't tied to trees or poles all day long. I assume none of the people who signed the petition work for the U.S. Postal Service....

+ Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was indicted by a Virginia grand jury, on charges of involvement in illegal dog fights. Vick is part of a group in Newport News called "Bad News Kennels." It makes you wonder how many of the old "Bad News Bears" are behind bars today.

(This arrest puts the Atlanta Falcons in a tough situation. If they keep Michael Vick on the team, animal rights groups plan to protest. If they release Michael Vick before a trial, civil rights groups probably will protest. And if the team has another poor season, the most important group will protest - as fans give up their season tickets.)

+ Auburn University showed the latest improvement project at Jordan-Hare Stadium. It's adding a new $2.9 million "high-definition" video screen. If only the football players were high-definition as well - as in their literature term papers.

+ Instant Message to all Satan worshipers in Sumter County: You wouldn't have to break into churches and steal valuables if you collected a tithe from everyone in your group. Simply "forget" to tell the new members it's a concept from the Bible.

COMING SOON: A new local business that's keeping very strange hours....

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17 JUL 07: SURGERY OR AMPUTATION?

Summit Hospital executives held staff meetings Monday, to explain its latest round of job cuts. It's the second big reduction since the Phenix City hospital opened 11 months ago. If you didn't know better, you'd think John McCain was running the place.

Summit Hospital confirmed it eliminated 25 jobs last week. I'd go further into exactly how the hospital "eliminated" them -- but we try to keep this blog G-rated.

The reduction of 25 jobs comes three months after Summit Hospital shut down its obstetrics department. So maybe this is a matter of attempting to avoid age discrimination lawsuits....

Spokesman Ian Watson explained Summit Hospital was built with 70 beds, and the managers projected 40 to 50 would be filled on an average day. If you've been on a travel web site and stumbled upon discounted motel room rates in Phenix City, this could explain it.

But while the management expected 40 to 50 beds would be filled at Summit Hospital each day, only about 30 beds are being filled right now. So first not enough Phenix City women were having babies - and now the residents simply aren't getting sick enough?!

Ian Watson says the latest job cuts simply reflect the current needs of Summit Hospital. For instance, the hospital is handling about 100 surgeries per month. So let's see - you only need four or five interns to handle all of those....

Managers believe Summit Hospital's activity will increase, once the Riverchase exit is finished from the Phenix City North Bypass. The way things are right now, the emergency room may be busiest when ambulance drivers get whiplash turning on side streets.

There's one other factor that Summit Hospital's management dares not mention. Base realignment may bring more ailing soldiers to Fort Benning. And the sooner Democrats persuade the President he should pull out of Iraq, the happier the hospital staff will be.

But there's something else working against Summit Hospital. I've read complaints that patients with serious health problems in East Alabama are taken to the Columbus Medical Center, because that's an official "trauma unit." The only trauma at Summit seems to take place when the managers call staff meetings.

BLOG UPDATE: Weeks of tension and concern on two big Columbus issues ended Monday night, at the Muscogee County School Board meeting. For one thing, the board gave final approval to the use of land around the central library. For another thing, board member John Wells returned from "running with the bulls" unharmed.

The school board's vote was unanimous for a "memorandum of understanding" with the city and library system. So it appears there will be a three-way approach to landscaping around the central library on Macon Road. To make this truly an "education park," math students should measure off each section this fall.

But Josh McKoon of the Education Park Coalition still wasn't completely satisfied. He expressed concern the $3 million set aside for landscaping could be spent entirely on "hardscape" [11 Jul]. If McKoon really thinks this will happen, he's assuming the Library Board is filled with hard-heads.

Josh McKoon added the Muscogee County School Board could sell its part of the library land for future development. At least we know there's no demand for an outdoor Library Café....

It suddenly occurred to me Monday that this library land debate has seen a strange role reversal. Josh McKoon chairs the Muscogee County Republican Party, yet he's opposing business development in a small part of Columbus. Teresa Tomlinson of Midtown Inc. is a Democrat, yet she's been accused of being hungry for development and against parkland. Do these two people have evil twins?

Now let's check the good, the evil and the in-between from other Monday news....

+ Which local car dealer appears to have dropped its 30-minute infomercials, right after the 12:00 noon TV news? Could it be that "Mr. Big Volume" plans to become Mr. Walk Softly for awhile?

+ Mayor Jim Wetherington told WRBL Columbus Council is considering asking the Georgia Legislature to abolish the Muscogee County Coroner's position. So with all this talk about next year's election, the council may opt instead for a Coroner-y bypass.

(The mayor explained the county coroner could be replaced by a team of medical examiners. So Ricky Weeks would get the M.E.'s he's proposing -- he simply wouldn't get to be the boss of them.)

+ National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" reported on five days of activity by Fort Benning's Third Brigade in Iraq. Commanders admitted they've changed their approach from kicking in doors to showing "dignity and respect." Please call the insurgents "sir" before they start firing rockets at you.

(The NPR reporter said Third Brigade soldiers shot the wrong man by mistake, in one Iraqi town -- and other military acts led to a comment by Commander Wayne Grigsby that "bullying is not tolerated." Don't put this man on the mailing list for Columbus Cottonmouths season tickets.)

+ Dr. Jay Gogue spent his first day on the job as President of Auburn University. He explained the approach he takes is to "hit the ground listening" - which explains why he wasn't hired to be on the White House staff during the last couple of years.

+ The Georgia Lottery announced it had a record $3.4 billion in earnings last fiscal year. Isn't this wonderful news? Gamblers across Georgia and in surrounding states are losing like never before....

+ The evening sports report revealed two Alabama football players and one Georgia football player were arrested over the weekend. It's enough to make Southeastern Conference coaches lobby for summer training camps, and pre-season exhibition games throughout August.

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16 JUL 07: GONNA DRESS YOU UP

An old yellow truck in the parking lot tells you you're getting close. In fact, that truck looks a bit out of place. They've renovated The Landings shopping center on Airport Thruway a lot in the last two years - but there's no sign of a new car lot anywhere.

That yellow truck came in handy the other night, as it led me to Fuddruckers. The restaurant was part of a one-night-only special, where ten percent of the sales were donated to the Open Door Community House. As I write this, I'm wondering if Fuddruckers went ahead and donated ten percent of the leftovers as well.

It had been several years since I'd eaten at a Fuddruckers - and that one was in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It was a fun change-of-pace place for a group of single people to go, at the end of a church convention. You don't know how many times the consensus, one-size-fits-all choice is a cafeteria.

If you haven't been to Fuddruckers yet, it bills itself as a gourmet hamburger restaurant. I mean, when the person at the counter actually asks how you want your burger cooked, that comes across as gourmet....

But there's a nostalgia theme to the gourmet burgers. It hits you with old-time rock music outside the door, and really confronts you with old metal coolers of soft drinks along the path while you're in line. You can take milk and IBC root beer bottles now - but they really do have fountains with diet cola hidden around the corner, after you order.

The recommended burger on the Fuddruckers menu board is a half-pounder. At least that's what they highlight - but you can drop down to one-third pound or up to something larger. So you can leave as obese as you want....

(The menu board also includes chicken items, salads and even turkey burgers. But let's face it: you go to a gourmet burger restaurant for burgers. I know from experience that if you go to a pizza restaurant and order spaghetti, you're simply asking for trouble.)

The Fuddruckers server will presume you want fries with your burger, and ask what size. But I've stopped eating fries, since I read online that non-organic potatoes can lead to cancer in areas where they're grown. When that news is posted on a church's web site, I assume it's sin until told otherwise.

So I ordered onion rings with my burger, and found a small table to wait for the order to be prepared. Fuddruckers gives you one of those light-up electronic coasters, like other restaurants do while you wait for a table. The 21^st-century version of watched pots never boiling is: "A watched coaster never glows."

Fuddruckers has filled the walls with memorabilia, for you to consider while you wait for dinner. But some of the items didn't seem quite appropriate for Columbus. I mean, posters for stock cars races are fine - but for races in Zanesville, Ohio?

The wall closest to me at Fuddruckers also included an old poster saying the U.S. Army needs "500 bakers" to bake bread. If you didn't know how to bake bread, it promises "Uncle Sam will teach you how at a Government school." I guess before McDonald's came along, this was all our country could do.

The half-pound burger (I asked for cheese on mine) was ready after a few minutes - and then came one of the most fun parts about Fuddruckers. You go to several counters and build what you want on your burger. OK, so admittedly it's like a glorified trip to a church picnic....

Fuddruckers offered two options for lettuce, and several different kinds of mustard. I took brown mustard over the honey mustard -- remembering brown bread also tends to have more nutrients.

Fuddruckers also lets you pour on ketchup, barbecue sauce and some kind of liquid jalapeno cheese. I could have saved 50 cents if I had known that. But then again, my little carton of milk to drink might not have been enough.

The big burger, regular-size rings and milk cost me a bit less than nine dollars. That's admittedly twice the cost of what Burger King would charge - but then, you're paying for the atmosphere and mood at a restaurant like Fuddruckers. Buying all the pictures of Elvis Presley on the walls through eBay can't be cheap.

I should note I did NOT take a camera to Fuddruckers to record all these things. I remembered visits in metro Atlanta years ago, where signs specifically said photography was not allowed. As if a flash would ruin the nutritional value of the meat?!

OVERHEARD OVER HERE: A church service is over, and a young mother is getting help from Grandma in changing a baby. With no tables available, the women find the closest flat thing they can - the top of an upright piano.

A man watches this from a short distance away. "You're giving new meaning to a 'baby grand.'"

E-MAIL UPDATE: Oh where, oh where has Don Siegelman gone? Oh where, oh where can he be?

Can't believe former AL governor thinks he is too good to be treated as a regular criminal when being housed in OK as he is being moved to a TX prison...I bet he has eaten bologna sandwiches all his life.However,now he says he does not like them,his cell is too small and he is too far from home...As Jessie Jackson says,"You do the crime, you do the time."

First of all: did Jesse Jackson make that statement first? I recall Sammy Davis Junior saying something similar to that 30 years ago. It was the theme song to the TV series "Baretta...."

So since he was sentenced in June, Don Siegelman has traveled from a Montgomery courtroom to a federal prison in Atlanta -- and since then he's been to Michigan and New York. Now he's in Oklahoma, on the way to Texas. Someone should tell him to take notes on all this, and publish a travel guide to pay his defense lawyers.

(In a way, it's too bad Don Siegelman is in federal prison as opposed to the Alabama state system. We're far less likely to see leaked pictures of him in an orange jumpsuit.)

Don Siegelman should be thankful, if the jailers are feeding him bologna sandwiches. I recall the three famous words of a county commissioner in northwest Oklahoma, when asked about jail food: "Beans and cornbread."

Meanwhile, our Sunday topic confused one reader for a moment:

When I saw that title I thought maybe you were liveblogging a funeral, or better yet had figured out a way to liveblog your own funeral.

That would be quite a feat.

Buckblog

This brings up something I hadn't considered before. Should I specify in my will that I want someone to blog my funeral? If the memorial services for Carl Patrick and Lonnie Jackson didn't get live TV coverage, I seriously doubt mine will.

Now a quick check of a quiet Sunday, in terms of news:

+ Flags flew at half-staff across Georgia, on orders from Governor Perdue. It was a tribute to the late Lady Bird Johnson - but sadly, I didn't see anyone climbing the poles to put bouquets of wildflowers on top.

+ An online check revealed the "Columbus 2.0" blog we mentioned in June has left Columbus, and relocated to Atlanta. We are resisting the temptation to post the lyrics to "Another One Bites the Dust."

+ The Columbus Catfish rolled over Rome 8-1. Rome's starting pitcher was ailing Atlanta reliever Tanyon Sturtze. Don't you love a name like that? It sounds so much like a scenic natural attraction in the German countryside....

+ Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Chris Chandler won the "American Century Championship" of celebrity golf. The fact that I actually watched the trophy presentation should tell you how desperate we are for Sunday sports at this time of year.

+ Instant Message to the two youths I passed on Brown Avenue, who were walking down the street throwing lit firecrackers: Why don't you walk all the way to Fort Benning? You could start a counterinsurgency surge among the young people of Iraq.

This blog has thousands of visitors each month, from people in Columbus and around the world. To advertise to them, offer a story tip or comment on this blog, write me - but be warned, I may post your e-mail comment and offer a reply.

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15 JUL 07: BLOG POST OF DEATH

This was a tough decision - which big story to make our top story today. The coroner or the critic? The man who handles death, or the woman who says she wants to save lives? We come down on the side of the coroner, based on A.Y.P. - which in the humor blog world means "average yuk potential."

James Dunnavant says he's resigning as Muscogee County Coroner at the end of the month. Among his reasons, Dunnavant says he's tired of getting calls in the middle of the night. You'd think someone with his job would be paid enough money to afford an answering machine....

James Dunnavant says after 38 years of service, he "needs a break." Yet after he leaves the coroner's office, he's becoming a deputy sheriff in Chattahoochee County. What sort of a break is that -- going after speeders in high-speed chases down Highway 520?

Probate Judge Julia Lumpkin has the job of selecting an interim coroner, to serve until next year's election. But James Dunnavant is endorsing his current deputy, Bill Thrower. Yes, he wants to throw his throne to a Thrower....

But an old familiar name says he wants the coroner's job, and he's already announced plans to run next year. He's Ricky Weeks, who caused a bit of a stir when he was deputy coroner in the late 1990's. Can he have the top position now - or is Weeks beyond his years?

Ricky Weeks told reporters Friday he wants to "restore the reputation" and "restore the trust" of the coroner's office. Maybe I'm missing something here - but I haven't heard people complain about the current coroner being untrustworthy. Unless, of course, all the complainers just happen to be dead now.

(Can't you see the campaign posters now - accusing Bill Thrower of being underhanded?)

From everything I've seen, James Dunnavant has been trustworthy as Muscogee County Coroner. After all, it's not his fault that Fort Benning soldier Richard Davis's body was kept at the morgue all that time....

But we should keep in mind that Ricky Weeks was passed over for coroner several years ago, in favor of James Dunnavant. You'd think someone running for that job would want to keep old differences buried, instead of resurrecting them.

Ricky Weeks says he wants to improve the coroner's office, by adding a Medical Examiner. Of course, he'd need approval from Columbus Council to add that position to the budget - unless he plans to pay for the job by developing a TV reality series on "the real-life Quincy."

So who else wants to run for the job of Muscogee County Coroner? I think the right candidate needs a good nickname, like Russell County Coroner Arthur Sumbry has -- but it's admittedly pretty hard to top "Coroner Pee Wee."

A candidate also needs good campaign managers, who will provide guidance and coaching. They might say, "You look too stiff in that commercial" - and someone running for coroner ought to understand that perfectly.

But let's face it: not everyone is cut out for this job. As even James Dunnivant might put it -- the hours for a county coroner are real killers.

In contrast, Cindy Sheehan says she's trying to prevent the deaths of more U.S. soldiers in Iraq. Her national protest tour went to Fort Benning Saturday, after she was a surprise live guest on Friday's 6:00 p.m. news. When a war protester and a complaint about Bill Heard Chevrolet both make the evening news in the same week, a revolution may be underway in Columbus.

Cindy Sheehan says U.S. soldiers should be brought home from Iraq at once. She suggested in the Friday night interview that Iraq will have a calm political process once the U.S. leaves -- as if the al-Qaeda party ever ran a slate of candidates in Afghanistan.

Cindy Sheehan didn't go to the gate of Fort Benning alone. She was part of a group of protesters, which wants President Bush and Vice President Cheney impeached. OK, they're against the U.S. mission in Iraq - but Republicans set a high standard for this in the 1990's. When did the President and Vice President lie under oath? And when did the President cheat on his wife?

One person in the protest group even recited an anti-Iraq poem, which had a rhyme for Abu Gharib. Other Iraqi cities might be tougher. Let's see: "There once was a brave young Hoosier, who went off to serve in Fallujah...."

Cindy Sheehan's group should have expected opposition at Fort Benning, and it had some. A group called "Gathering of the Eagles" held its own demonstration - no doubt disappointed that Roderick Hood changed teams in the off-season, from Philadelphia to Arizona.

If Eve Tidwell was part of the pro-surge demonstration, I didn't notice her on the Saturday night news. You'll recall Tidwell went to Texas a couple of years ago, to challenge Cindy Sheehan's protests outside President Bush's ranch. She's very much pro-state - but she's against prostate cancer.

(On the other hand, I also didn't notice Roy Bourgeois with Cindy Sheehan's protesters. For some reason, he doesn't seem as fired up about Fort Benning training people to kill insurgents in the Eastern Hemisphere.)

As Cindy Sheehan's group staged its Saturday protest, word came that charges were dropped against another group of anti-war protesters. A judge apparently decided the members of "Iraqi Veterans Against the War" never meant to cross the boundary line onto Fort Benning property. So which military installation has a better PX?

The charges were dropped against three anti-war protesters because the boundary line for Fort Benning is NOT clearly marked. That's what happens when you tear down the Southgate Apartments, and don't build anything to replace them....

BLOG UPDATE: Since we brought up Iraq and Fort Benning's Richard Davis, the movie based on his murder apparently is finished and being shown to critics. Oops, I mean film critics. I don't think they're showing it on Cindy Sheehan's protest bus.

A blog reader alerted us to an online review of "In the Valley of Elah" - but before you click on the link, be warned: if the movie gets an "R" rating, some of the comments people left with the review should get an NC-17.

Richard Davis's father apparently has seen "In the Valley of Elah" as well - because he suggested to one reviewer it's a bright story, compared to what really happened. Yet for some reason, an online comment about the movie declares Lanny Davis "a bully." Come to think of it, District Attorney Gray Conger hasn't appeared in public much lately.

The review I read suggests Tommy Lee Jones could be an Oscar contender, for playing the role based on Lanny Davis. But female lead Susan Sarandon could make "In the Valley of Elah" a contender for something else - the movie most likely to be mocked by radio talk show hosts.

So what else is making news this weekend? We found several other things....

+ Former Columbus Council candidate Jeremy Hobbs declared he's interested in running the café at the Columbus Public Library. In a statement, Hobbs says he'd run it the way Library Director Claudya Muller wants it - with only drinks and pastries. So she's for greenspace, but against green salads?!

+ A family from Tennessee claimed it developed copper poisoning, after swimming in the pool at the Comfort Inn on Macon Road. So that's where thieves dump it, after the recycling centers turn them down....

+ The RiverCenter began selling tickets for this coming season's "Broadway in Columbus" series. One of the touring productions coming to town is "Hairspray" - and the crowd at that musical could be the closest Columbus comes to a "gay pride" event for a long time.

+ An Atlanta judge dropped battery charges against John Mark Karr. Instead, the one-time semi-confessed killer of JonBenet Ramsey must spend 24 weeks in counseling - perhaps starting with a couple of sessions on how to tell the truth.

+ The University of Georgia announced Larry Munson will NOT broadcast football road games this coming season. That's OK, of course - because in the Southeastern Conference, part of the strategy is to schedule as few road games as possible to pad your record.

+ Instant Message to Dale Earnhardt Junior: That's a Bud bummer, dude. But if Budweiser isn't going to sponsor your stock car anymore, I have a suggestion. Make the staff at Talladega Superspeedway happy -- and sign up Hefty trash bags as a sponsor, for fans to throw on the track.

BURKARD'S BEST BETS: Gas for $2.75 a gallon at Marathon on Warm Springs Road.... 20-ounce sodas for 79 cents at Walgreens.... FREE admission to the Jehovah's Witnesses convention at the Civic Center (find another church with no offering baskets)....

COMING MONDAY: An e-mail about Don Siegelman.... and the item about "brown mustard" which we've postponed because of all the weekend news....

This blog has thousands of visitors each month, from people in Columbus and around the world. To advertise to them, offer a story tip 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: 2063 (- 109, 5.0%)

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© 2003-07 Richard Burkard, all rights reserved.

for 13 JUL 07: BULLIES IN BLUE?

Thursday was not the best of days for Columbus Police. A veteran officer talked with reporters about a discrimination lawsuit he's filed against the city and the department. Imagine if I had shown up, with copies with what I posted here hours before....

After 26 years with Columbus Police, Detective Byron Hickey is suing several current former officials. The suit names both Mayor Jim Wetherington and former Mayor Bob Poydasheff. How 2006 write-in candidate Bert Coker escaped is a mystery to me.

Byron Hickey's lawsuit claims higher-ups in the Columbus Police went after him last year, when he spoke out in support of former officer Alicia Davenport. Perhaps he should have taken a more discreet approach - and organized a fund-raising dinner like the Urban League had Thursday night.

Byron Hickey claims he suddenly received a bad job performance report, after he sided with Alicia Davenport's separate lawsuit claiming police harassment. This may all come down to what you mean by "job performance" - and whether that means you nod your head every time the chief speaks.

Detective Byron Hickey specifically accuses police captain J.D. Hawk of threatening him. With a name like J-Hawk, it's hard for a Kansas graduate such as me to be unbiased in this case....

Byron Hickey's lawsuit also says he lost money in January 2006, when he was moved from the Vice/Narcotics Unit to a police desk job. The Ledger-Enquirer reported the switch kept Hickey him from "a potential part-time job." So he wants lost wages for a job he never really had? Then can lottery players sue, if the Mega Millions ticket comes up one number short?

(Hickey says he felt humiliated by the change to an administrative police job. This sounds like true "pride of the badge" - when someone actually would rather spend time around drug pushers and meth users.)

Alicia Davenport's lawsuit was filed in January, and claimed sexual harassment by Columbus Police. Now Byron Hickey's suit contends there's race and gender discrimination. And amazingly, there's no word of David Glisson ever applying to work with the police department.

City Attorney Clifton Fay says he'll contend in federal court that Detective Byron Hickey was treated fairly. So in that view, Hickey's job performance took a sudden plunge at the start of last year - as if narcotics detectives have to meet a monthly "crack quota"?!

We hope we don't get sued, with some comments on other Thursday headlines:

+ A fire during morning rush hour left Shogun Japanese Steak House on Manchester Expressway in ruins. Let's all learn a lesson from this - and put out any fires in our hats, before we turn out the lights for the evening.

+ WRBL reported the level of West Point Lake has dropped seven feet in the last two years. Just wait till the Kia plant starts hosing down new cars....

+ WXTX "News at Ten" gave some local fifth-grade teachers questions from the game show "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth-Grader?" One teacher guessed incorrectly that Ohio shares a border with Illinois. But then, it was a female teacher - and she'd be more likely to check a map first.

+ The Auburn University endowment campaign announced it's reached its $500 million goal with nine months to spare. The drive is called "It Begins at Auburn" - and countless donors would say it should end at the Bowl Championship Series.

+ The Recording Industry Association of America sued Laura Beer [CORRECTED NAME] of Fort Benning, claiming she illegally downloaded music from the Kazaa web site. But Beard says she never had a Kazaa account. For all she knows, Kazaa might be a city her soldier husband has patrolled in Iraq.

+ Felony charges were dismissed against former Alabama Secretary of State Nancy Worley. She still faces misdemeanor charges of attempting to use her office to influence co-workers in the Secretary of State's office. A few well-worded "pay incentives" would get her around that issue.

+ Instant Message to WRBL's Bob Jeswald: Enough is enough! You keep talking about "all of us here in Alabama" - yet it still looks to me like you're in the same Columbus studio as Phil Scoggins and Teresa Whitaker.

SCHEDULED THIS WEEKEND: Where I got all dressed up with brown mustard (among other things)....

Several items this week have been the result of blog readers' tips. To offer a story tip, make a PayPal donation, advertise 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: 2172 (+ 81, 3.9%)

If you mention this blog in public, please be polite enough to let me know.

© 2003-07 Richard Burkard, all rights reserved.