A very good friend of mine will be spending two months in College Station, home of Texas A&M University, my alma mater. Melissa will be coordinating TIP Programs there, and she heads to Texas on Thursday. In honor of her visit, I put together a short list of items to keep in mind for her journey, and some suggestions on good eats. Here you go, Melissa, and enjoy!
Michelle’s Tips for College Station
1) Don’t walk on the grass around the MSC (Memorial Student Center). http://www.msc.tamu.edu/
2) If you are wearing a hat, take it off before you step foot in the MSC.
3) Go hang out in the Flag Room in the MSC (the living room of campus) – it is one of the main reasons I chose to attend TAMU!
4) Take a dip in Rudder Foundation – at night, preferably. http://scheduling.tamu.edu/images/rudfountain.jpg
5) Leave a penny at the foot of the Sul Ross statue in front of the Academic Building. This gesture will provide you excellent academic luck. http://www.aggiemoms.org/pages/traditions/images/sully_big.jpg
6) Go have cheese fries and a glass of sangria at the Dixie Chicken. http://www.dixiechicken.com/
7) Try the Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich at Fitzwilly’s. (with fries and gravy – only $4.69) http://fitzwillysbar.com/index.htm
8) Have a burrito at Freebirds in Northgate. http://www.freebirds.com
9) Order a chugger of beer in Duddley’s Draw and get a “Big Benny” sandwich. If Craig is working the bar or Earl is in the kitchen, tell them Michelle says hello. http://fitzwillysbar.com/duddleys/indexmain.htm
10) Say HOWDY to everyone.
11) Go to Research Park at night and feed the catfish.
12) Get some tortillas and cheese dip at Taco Cabana if you have the late night munchies. http://www.tacocabana.com/index.asp
13) Whataburger with Cheese. (and yes, I know this is coming from a vegetarian) http://www.whataburger.com/
14) Go two stepping at Hurricane Harry’s. http://www.bcsclubs.com/Harrys/index.html
15) Gig ‘em, Ags!
5.30.2007
5.29.2007
No Carolina Theatre for the Summer :(
Carolina takes time-out to revamp
News & Observer, 27 May 2007
Durham's art-house movie lovers will have to venture
to Raleigh, Cary and Chapel Hill this summer for
independent and foreign films.
On Thursday, Carolina Theatre will shut down its
upstairs twin cinemas for maintenance and construction
upgrades. Fletcher Hall downstairs will follow suit
after comedian Steven Wright's June 6 performance and
a dance recital, June 9.
The construction work in the city-owned building
includes roofing repairs, heating and air conditioning
upgrades, mechanical work, and electrical and plumbing
modifications. The administrative offices and box
office will remain open.
The Carolina assures us that all the cinemas will be
open for business Aug. 3, plenty of time to get ready
for the annual N.C. Gay and Lesbian Film Festival,
which this year is running Aug. 23-26.
News & Observer, 27 May 2007
Durham's art-house movie lovers will have to venture
to Raleigh, Cary and Chapel Hill this summer for
independent and foreign films.
On Thursday, Carolina Theatre will shut down its
upstairs twin cinemas for maintenance and construction
upgrades. Fletcher Hall downstairs will follow suit
after comedian Steven Wright's June 6 performance and
a dance recital, June 9.
The construction work in the city-owned building
includes roofing repairs, heating and air conditioning
upgrades, mechanical work, and electrical and plumbing
modifications. The administrative offices and box
office will remain open.
The Carolina assures us that all the cinemas will be
open for business Aug. 3, plenty of time to get ready
for the annual N.C. Gay and Lesbian Film Festival,
which this year is running Aug. 23-26.
5.28.2007
The Taste of...Durham?
On Saturday afternoon, Mike, Jeremy, Lauren and I set out to attend the third annual "Taste of Durham Festival." I bought the tickets at a substantial discount a few weeks prior at Morgan Imports. I only paid $2 per ticket, so it seemed to start off as a good deal. Well, when it came to festival weekend, we assumed we would be headed to Brightleaf Square, where the festival had been held the first two years. That was our first mistake. Of course, we did check this out on the web before we left, and we were surprised to find out the festival was being held at the "Imperial Center" on Page Road off I-40.
Ok, technically, I know this is still "Durham." But really - how often does someone say, "To really see Durham, you should go out to the Imperial Business Park. It's lovely." EWW. So, we make the drive out there about noon, and we easily get a parking space. We waited in a line a few minutes and received a wrist band. For what, I am not entirely sure. I guess just to show you were allowed to be in the place. The woman who put my wrist band on really wanted to make sure it stayed on, too, for she put it on so tight it nearly cut off my circulation. Luckily, I found my friend Lesa who was volunteering at the entry gate and was friendly enough to replace my wrist band.
We made our way into the festival on a very large, very dark black concrete parking lot. yikes. It was hot hot hot out there, even though it was only about 76 degrees at the time. We finally found a booth to buy festival coins. No cash is accepted in the festival, only little plastic coins that come in a $1 value. And of course you cannot buy one coin, nor two. You must buy them in sets of ten. Good deal for the festival, a bit $$ for the festival-goer. We each got us a bag of $10 and set out to grab some eats. Mike and I purposely did not eat anything prior due to this culinary quest. We wandered the row of restaurants, and it seemed at first there was a good Durham selection. Some Indian, some Greek, some Italian, then, Texas Roadhouse? Uh, no.
First suggestion to the Taste of Durham organizers: If you have a franchised restaurant that has been open in the area longer than a year, you don't get a booth. I don't want to go sample mass produced food that is served the exact same way all over the country. This is the Taste of Durham - not Philly, Austin and San Francisco.
My next observation was that the vegetarian options were null. Jeremy warned me of this, and I said, "No, I think you are wrong!" Well, I was wrong. I managed to get some bruschetta and pizza. That's it. I'm not big on Indian food, and I wasn't going to stand in line for a $6 Greek Salad from George's Garage. Therefore, on the veggie side, ToD is a serious letdown. Second suggestion - more veggie options.
Mike and Jeremy managed to get some interesting cuisine from Carmen's Cuban Cafe, but then we realized - "wait, Carmen's is in Morrisville - not even in Durham!!!" So, yay for interesting food, but couldn't we find something similar IN Durham?? Third suggestion - let's have DURHAM restaurants at the Taste of DURHAM. I thought that would be a given, but I guess not.
Next on the list would be the high, high, high cost of items. You pay $3 and get a mini serving. And I mean mini. I think the mini serving is right on the mark - that way you can sample many things in a day - but for $3 a try? sometimes $4? (and yes, a couple of places did indeed have large portions for $4 or $5, but this was the exception and not the rule.) And I saw a very yummy looking carrot cake cupcake - $5. Yes, $5. No thank you. Fourth suggestion - make the Taste of Durham not cost you more than an actual 4 star meal would have cost. We could have eaten at the Magnolia Grill for almost as much money as we spent (or at least one person could have :p).
Fifth suggestion - if you are going to hold an 8 hour festival on a huge asphalt parking lot, provide water for free. None of this $2 a bottle crap.
Sixth suggestion - allow people to buy individual coins. Or at least knock it down to a $5 minimum. $10 is just too steep.
So, that's my take on the ToD. I love Durham and I want it represented well - hence why I got a bit perturbed when the festival was nothing like I imagined it to be. There were a few highlights though:
1) Wine tastings - very reasonably priced and a lot of wine for a few $. (tip: you may want to card people occasionally. I didn't see one person get carded the entire time I was there. And ditch the chicks in all white stomping on grapes. Added a bit too much "eww" to the experience.)
2) Live music - the live music performed during the time I was there was great.
Ok, technically, I know this is still "Durham." But really - how often does someone say, "To really see Durham, you should go out to the Imperial Business Park. It's lovely." EWW. So, we make the drive out there about noon, and we easily get a parking space. We waited in a line a few minutes and received a wrist band. For what, I am not entirely sure. I guess just to show you were allowed to be in the place. The woman who put my wrist band on really wanted to make sure it stayed on, too, for she put it on so tight it nearly cut off my circulation. Luckily, I found my friend Lesa who was volunteering at the entry gate and was friendly enough to replace my wrist band.
We made our way into the festival on a very large, very dark black concrete parking lot. yikes. It was hot hot hot out there, even though it was only about 76 degrees at the time. We finally found a booth to buy festival coins. No cash is accepted in the festival, only little plastic coins that come in a $1 value. And of course you cannot buy one coin, nor two. You must buy them in sets of ten. Good deal for the festival, a bit $$ for the festival-goer. We each got us a bag of $10 and set out to grab some eats. Mike and I purposely did not eat anything prior due to this culinary quest. We wandered the row of restaurants, and it seemed at first there was a good Durham selection. Some Indian, some Greek, some Italian, then, Texas Roadhouse? Uh, no.
First suggestion to the Taste of Durham organizers: If you have a franchised restaurant that has been open in the area longer than a year, you don't get a booth. I don't want to go sample mass produced food that is served the exact same way all over the country. This is the Taste of Durham - not Philly, Austin and San Francisco.
My next observation was that the vegetarian options were null. Jeremy warned me of this, and I said, "No, I think you are wrong!" Well, I was wrong. I managed to get some bruschetta and pizza. That's it. I'm not big on Indian food, and I wasn't going to stand in line for a $6 Greek Salad from George's Garage. Therefore, on the veggie side, ToD is a serious letdown. Second suggestion - more veggie options.
Mike and Jeremy managed to get some interesting cuisine from Carmen's Cuban Cafe, but then we realized - "wait, Carmen's is in Morrisville - not even in Durham!!!" So, yay for interesting food, but couldn't we find something similar IN Durham?? Third suggestion - let's have DURHAM restaurants at the Taste of DURHAM. I thought that would be a given, but I guess not.
Next on the list would be the high, high, high cost of items. You pay $3 and get a mini serving. And I mean mini. I think the mini serving is right on the mark - that way you can sample many things in a day - but for $3 a try? sometimes $4? (and yes, a couple of places did indeed have large portions for $4 or $5, but this was the exception and not the rule.) And I saw a very yummy looking carrot cake cupcake - $5. Yes, $5. No thank you. Fourth suggestion - make the Taste of Durham not cost you more than an actual 4 star meal would have cost. We could have eaten at the Magnolia Grill for almost as much money as we spent (or at least one person could have :p).
Fifth suggestion - if you are going to hold an 8 hour festival on a huge asphalt parking lot, provide water for free. None of this $2 a bottle crap.
Sixth suggestion - allow people to buy individual coins. Or at least knock it down to a $5 minimum. $10 is just too steep.
So, that's my take on the ToD. I love Durham and I want it represented well - hence why I got a bit perturbed when the festival was nothing like I imagined it to be. There were a few highlights though:
1) Wine tastings - very reasonably priced and a lot of wine for a few $. (tip: you may want to card people occasionally. I didn't see one person get carded the entire time I was there. And ditch the chicks in all white stomping on grapes. Added a bit too much "eww" to the experience.)
2) Live music - the live music performed during the time I was there was great.
5.27.2007
Before I go to sleep......
Thanks to everyone who came over for the Indy 500 party!
Yay for Dario, this year's winner, but the 166 lap thing was a bit crappy.
Truve love is when your sweetie sits around and watches dog shows with you on Animal Planet when he would surely like to be doing something else.
...tomorrow will bring a review of the Taste of Durham (overpriced and not even "Durham").
Yay for Dario, this year's winner, but the 166 lap thing was a bit crappy.
Truve love is when your sweetie sits around and watches dog shows with you on Animal Planet when he would surely like to be doing something else.
...tomorrow will bring a review of the Taste of Durham (overpriced and not even "Durham").
5.22.2007
Babies babies everywhere!
I have to show off baby pictures! In the past few weeks, I have become an informal Auntie - TWICE!
Here is my good friend Darrah's little one, Adele Irene, born May 7:
And just today, good friends Christeal and Mike had their little girl, Belen Eliana:
YAY for babies :-)
New workout
For a few years I have been running off and on. I never stick with it long enough to acheive many major milestones, but when I actually stick with the program, I can easily get my self to run a 5K. That has only been few and far between though. Mostly, I get comfortable running two miles and just stick with that. But, after all these years, I am getting bored with running. I never ran because I liked it - I ran because of the results it gave me. Sure, there are occasional times when I actually do feel like running, but that is super rare.
I started looking for a new way to get some cardio and overall fitness. I tried the elliptical machines, but I get so bored so fast. If there is some really good music on, I can get through it okay, but I despise the activity so much I completely avoid the gym. I tried walking on the treadmill, but it seems silly to walk on a machine when you could walk outside. I like using a stationary bike, but if I am going to be spending time in the gym, I would prefer more of an all body workout rather than just below the waist.
Since it is now summertime on the Duke campus, that also means the gym is now much quieter than it normally is through the academic year. There are less size zero 19 year olds wandering around, and I feel a bit more comfortable trying new things. So, the other day, I decided to try out the rowing machine.
I loved it!
I think I found my new cardio for a while. I just registered on www.concept2.com to keep track of the meters rowed, weight goals, etc. I figured I can write down what I do each time and see what kind of progress I am making. The workout is fantastic once you figure out the correct body positioning. You get an upper body workout, an ab workout and a great leg/butt workout too. I've only used the machine twice now, but I am actually looking forward to going to the gym after work today to play on the rowing machine! That in itself says something. I'll keep you posted!
I started looking for a new way to get some cardio and overall fitness. I tried the elliptical machines, but I get so bored so fast. If there is some really good music on, I can get through it okay, but I despise the activity so much I completely avoid the gym. I tried walking on the treadmill, but it seems silly to walk on a machine when you could walk outside. I like using a stationary bike, but if I am going to be spending time in the gym, I would prefer more of an all body workout rather than just below the waist.
Since it is now summertime on the Duke campus, that also means the gym is now much quieter than it normally is through the academic year. There are less size zero 19 year olds wandering around, and I feel a bit more comfortable trying new things. So, the other day, I decided to try out the rowing machine.
I loved it!
I think I found my new cardio for a while. I just registered on www.concept2.com to keep track of the meters rowed, weight goals, etc. I figured I can write down what I do each time and see what kind of progress I am making. The workout is fantastic once you figure out the correct body positioning. You get an upper body workout, an ab workout and a great leg/butt workout too. I've only used the machine twice now, but I am actually looking forward to going to the gym after work today to play on the rowing machine! That in itself says something. I'll keep you posted!
5.21.2007
5.16.2007
ON VACATION
I am out of the office Thursday and Friday, and I am away from home Thursday - Sunday. No blogging for me. I will catch you next week!
Hello, Lake Lanier.........
Hello, Lake Lanier.........
MICHAEL NUTTER WINS!
He won! He won!!!
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20070516_Its_Nutters_Moment.html
I am thrilled and so proud to call the Nutters friends!
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20070516_Its_Nutters_Moment.html
I am thrilled and so proud to call the Nutters friends!
5.15.2007
Yummy Food Finds
I have made a few yummy food finds in the past few days, and I just thought I would pass on the news!
Whole Foods Mock Chicken Salad and Mock BBQ Chicken
Both dishes are served in the Whole Foods prepared foods section. I must admit that the consistency and taste of these dishes is close enough to chicken that I nearly get grossed out. After a couple years of no meat, you don't always desire meat tasting products as much. So, when you find something that is as close to the "real thing" you can get it, it's almost a bit disturbing. So, although I find this product tasty, I start getting a tad queasy 3/4 of the way through a sandwich. But for those who want to start cutting back on meat and trying soy products, I highly reccomend the fake chicken salad and fake BBQ chicken - it's pretty amazing. And even more amazing, both dishes are vegan - not just vegetarian.
Flat Earth Baked Veggie Chips
Mike and I bought a bag of these some time ago (around our housewarming), but we didn't get to eat any as the crowd at the party gobbled them up first. We tried to snag some for ourselves this time around, and I am glad we did. We purchased the Tangy Tomato Basil, and I am pretty happy with them. A bit strong in flavor, but with a bit of french onion or ranch dip, they get cooled down. They are still chips - so they aren't health food - but with the amount of veggies included in each serving, I feel less guilty having a handful of these with my fake chicken sandwich than a bunch of Doritos.
Whole Foods Mock Chicken Salad and Mock BBQ Chicken
Both dishes are served in the Whole Foods prepared foods section. I must admit that the consistency and taste of these dishes is close enough to chicken that I nearly get grossed out. After a couple years of no meat, you don't always desire meat tasting products as much. So, when you find something that is as close to the "real thing" you can get it, it's almost a bit disturbing. So, although I find this product tasty, I start getting a tad queasy 3/4 of the way through a sandwich. But for those who want to start cutting back on meat and trying soy products, I highly reccomend the fake chicken salad and fake BBQ chicken - it's pretty amazing. And even more amazing, both dishes are vegan - not just vegetarian.
Flat Earth Baked Veggie Chips
Mike and I bought a bag of these some time ago (around our housewarming), but we didn't get to eat any as the crowd at the party gobbled them up first. We tried to snag some for ourselves this time around, and I am glad we did. We purchased the Tangy Tomato Basil, and I am pretty happy with them. A bit strong in flavor, but with a bit of french onion or ranch dip, they get cooled down. They are still chips - so they aren't health food - but with the amount of veggies included in each serving, I feel less guilty having a handful of these with my fake chicken sandwich than a bunch of Doritos.
5.14.2007
Michael Nutter for Mayor!!!
Michael Nutter and I in Cape Town, 2005OK, here is an attempt for Michelle to go political. Just for a minute though. Tomorrow is the democratic primary election in the city of Philadelphia's mayoral election. A good friend, Michael Nutter, is running - and is ahead in the polls. It is almost guaranteed that whoever wins this primary will be elected the next mayor of Philly in October, for the city has not elected a Republican for its head office in over 50 years.
But for me, this is more of a personal endorsement. I have known Michael and his wife Lisa since 2004 when they both participated in the Emerging Leaders Programme, the keystone program coordinated in my office. I spent a week in Cape Town with the both of them, and I enjoyed talking and spending time the both of them.
Committed to the city, their family and their belief for a better tomorrow, I could not imagine a better "first family" in Philadelphia. Plagued by a history of corruption and dirty politics, I know Philly would welcome the Nutters as a breath of fresh air. Guided by a platform of ethical leadership and public values, Michael Nutter will guide Philly to a better future.
I am not familiar with all the specific campaign platform points, but overall, I know Michael has successfully served his constituents as former councilman of the 4th Council District of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which includes the neighborhoods of Wynnefield, Overbrook, Roxborough, Manayunk, East Falls and parts of North Philadelphia, West Philadelphia, and West Mount Airy. He has also served as the 52nd Ward Democratic Leader since 1990. He has a history of effective leadership, and my guess he is only going upwards from here.
At any rate, this is a personal endorsement. As cheesy as it may sound, Michael "walks the walk" and will be as honorable as Mayor has he has been through what has turned into a dirty campaign on the side of his opponents, particularly Tom Knox. He has plenty pf public backing, for Michael has received endorsements from: The Philadelphia Daily News, Philadelphia Magazine, The Northeast Times, The Philadelphia City Paper, The Philadelphia Weekly, Philly for Change (a local affiliate of Democracy for America), The Daily Pennsylvanian (the University of Pennsylvania's student newspaper), the Penn Democrats, and Clean Water Action.
If you live in Philly, please go out and vote for Michael Nutter tomorrow. You want a better Philly? This man can help get you there. To read more on you own, check out:
Michael's Campaign Page http://www.nutter2007.com/
"The Next Mayor" Independent Blog http://www.thenextmayor.com/
The Philadelphia Inquirer Endorsement http://www.philly.com/inquirer/currents/oped_sunday/20070429_Editorial___Michael_Nutter_for_mayor.html
Philadelphia City Paper Endorsement http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/05/03/michael-nutter-for-mayor
Committed to the city, their family and their belief for a better tomorrow, I could not imagine a better "first family" in Philadelphia. Plagued by a history of corruption and dirty politics, I know Philly would welcome the Nutters as a breath of fresh air. Guided by a platform of ethical leadership and public values, Michael Nutter will guide Philly to a better future.
I am not familiar with all the specific campaign platform points, but overall, I know Michael has successfully served his constituents as former councilman of the 4th Council District of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which includes the neighborhoods of Wynnefield, Overbrook, Roxborough, Manayunk, East Falls and parts of North Philadelphia, West Philadelphia, and West Mount Airy. He has also served as the 52nd Ward Democratic Leader since 1990. He has a history of effective leadership, and my guess he is only going upwards from here.
At any rate, this is a personal endorsement. As cheesy as it may sound, Michael "walks the walk" and will be as honorable as Mayor has he has been through what has turned into a dirty campaign on the side of his opponents, particularly Tom Knox. He has plenty pf public backing, for Michael has received endorsements from: The Philadelphia Daily News, Philadelphia Magazine, The Northeast Times, The Philadelphia City Paper, The Philadelphia Weekly, Philly for Change (a local affiliate of Democracy for America), The Daily Pennsylvanian (the University of Pennsylvania's student newspaper), the Penn Democrats, and Clean Water Action.
If you live in Philly, please go out and vote for Michael Nutter tomorrow. You want a better Philly? This man can help get you there. To read more on you own, check out:
Michael's Campaign Page http://www.nutter2007.com/
"The Next Mayor" Independent Blog http://www.thenextmayor.com/
The Philadelphia Inquirer Endorsement http://www.philly.com/inquirer/currents/oped_sunday/20070429_Editorial___Michael_Nutter_for_mayor.html
Philadelphia City Paper Endorsement http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2007/05/03/michael-nutter-for-mayor
UPDATE:
And, I got a personal phone call this morning from Mr. Nutter himself thanking me for my support - now how many candidates actually do that the day before an election???
5.11.2007
Pets
If you have ever had a pet you have loved - despite it's neuroses, craziness and mis-behaviors, you must read this book. Or, if you even like animals in any way, you must read this book. So wonderful. Made me miss my Maggie even more than I normally do.
5.10.2007
UPDATE
I heard from the Fort Bend Herald this morning, and the editor will be printing my letter tomorrow. I had to shorten it to about 1/3 of the length, so I submitted the text below. Since it got edited down, and after reading what people were saying about the boy on the Houston Chronicle website, I decided to submit the letter to the Chronicle as well. We'll see! Anyway, here is the new text:
Dear Editor:
I read yesterday that the Needville School District wants to have the boy who confessed to the Needville High School fire tried as an adult. Superintendent Curtis Rhodes was quoted in the Fort Bend Herald as saying, “Whomever it is…this is an adult crime.... It's not a juvenile issue, in our opinion. It's an adult crime and should be dealt with in an adult manner.”
I understand that the crime was obviously pre-meditated and caused severe property damage, but the crime was committed by a 16 year old boy. A minor. Not an adult. Other news organizations are reporting that the boy has fought with mental illness and has sought professional help in the past.
I am as upset as anyone else that this fire destroyed the school. A lot was lost in that fire – old trophies, photos, school records, personal property, etc. But, I just cannot side with someone who wants the young man tried as an adult – for, he is not one. He was obviously troubled and needed help. I also believe that a boy of this age is just that – a boy.
Luckily, no lives were lost in the incident – although I also understand that plenty of lives were put at risk due to the intensity of the fire. In the end though, it was only property that was destroyed – no loss of human life. The school will recover and continue on. Although a very tragic event, we must put this into perspective that it was things that were lost – not people.
If this boy is tried as an adult, it would be an atrocity. Can you imagine putting a 16 year old boy into a Texas prison with violent offenders? The damage done to this child would be irreparable. I am not saying that we should let the young man off the hook for his crime. I just argue he should not receive a punishment which greatly outweighs the impact of his crime.
Justice should be served, but fairly. There is too much revenge seeking in the world today as opposed to justice seeking. We need to strive and repair that which is broken – in this case, the life of a 16 year old boy who made a terrible, terrible mistake.
Needville will rebuild the high school and no doubt continue reaching heights of academic excellence. This fire did not destroy the Bluejay spirit. So, when we seek justice for the crime committed, let’s not destroy this troubled young man’s hope for some sort of a productive future. Let the Bluejay spirit be one of justice, not revenge.
-Michelle Newman
Needville High School Graduate 1996
Currently residing in Durham, NC
Dear Editor:
I read yesterday that the Needville School District wants to have the boy who confessed to the Needville High School fire tried as an adult. Superintendent Curtis Rhodes was quoted in the Fort Bend Herald as saying, “Whomever it is…this is an adult crime.... It's not a juvenile issue, in our opinion. It's an adult crime and should be dealt with in an adult manner.”
I understand that the crime was obviously pre-meditated and caused severe property damage, but the crime was committed by a 16 year old boy. A minor. Not an adult. Other news organizations are reporting that the boy has fought with mental illness and has sought professional help in the past.
I am as upset as anyone else that this fire destroyed the school. A lot was lost in that fire – old trophies, photos, school records, personal property, etc. But, I just cannot side with someone who wants the young man tried as an adult – for, he is not one. He was obviously troubled and needed help. I also believe that a boy of this age is just that – a boy.
Luckily, no lives were lost in the incident – although I also understand that plenty of lives were put at risk due to the intensity of the fire. In the end though, it was only property that was destroyed – no loss of human life. The school will recover and continue on. Although a very tragic event, we must put this into perspective that it was things that were lost – not people.
If this boy is tried as an adult, it would be an atrocity. Can you imagine putting a 16 year old boy into a Texas prison with violent offenders? The damage done to this child would be irreparable. I am not saying that we should let the young man off the hook for his crime. I just argue he should not receive a punishment which greatly outweighs the impact of his crime.
Justice should be served, but fairly. There is too much revenge seeking in the world today as opposed to justice seeking. We need to strive and repair that which is broken – in this case, the life of a 16 year old boy who made a terrible, terrible mistake.
Needville will rebuild the high school and no doubt continue reaching heights of academic excellence. This fire did not destroy the Bluejay spirit. So, when we seek justice for the crime committed, let’s not destroy this troubled young man’s hope for some sort of a productive future. Let the Bluejay spirit be one of justice, not revenge.
-Michelle Newman
Needville High School Graduate 1996
Currently residing in Durham, NC
Riding the justice system wave
I saw this story on CNN this morning, and it really touched me. I read about Workman's request prior to the execution and thought it was ridiculous the prison would not shell out the $20 to fulfill his last meal request. It is heartwarming to see the city of Nashville's citizens step up and fulfill that request in much larger numbers.
(CNN) -- Hundreds of homeless people in Nashville, Tennessee, ate well Wednesday evening -- all in the name of a man who the state put to death just hours earlier.
Philip Workman, 53, requested that his final meal be a vegetarian pizza donated to any homeless person located near Riverbend Maximum Security Institution.
He was executed there at 2 a.m. ET Wednesday.
But prison officials refused to honor his request, saying that they do not donate to charities.
That apparently upset a few people willing to pay for and deliver a lot of pies themselves.
Homeless shelters across Nashville were inundated with donated pizzas all Wednesday.
"I was like, 'Wow, Jesus!' " said Marvin Champion, an employee of Nashville's Rescue Mission, which provides overnight shelter, food and assistance to more than 800 homeless people a night.
"I used to be homeless, so I know how rough it gets. I seen some bad times -- not having enough food, the cupboards are bare. But we got pizza to feed enough people for awhile," Champion said.
"This really shows the people here that someone out there thought of them."
Donna Spangler heard about Workman's request and immediately called her friends. They all pitched in for the $1,200 bill to buy 150 pizzas, which they sent to the Rescue Mission.
"Philip Workman was trying to do a good deed and no one would help him," said the 55-year-old who recruited a co-worker to help her make the massive delivery Wednesday evening.
"I knew my husband would have a heart attack -- I put some of it on the credit card. But I thought we'll find a way to pay for them later," she said. "I just felt like I had to do something positive."
Spangler wasn't the only person to place an order in Workman's name.
The president of the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals read a news story about the prison denying the inmate's last request and ordered 15 veggie pizzas sent to the Rescue Mission Wednesday morning.
"Workman's act was selfless, and kindness to all living beings is a virtue," said PETA President Ingrid Newkirk.
Not far away, 17 pizzas arrived at Nashville's Oasis Center, a shelter that helps about 260 teenagers in crisis. By 9 p.m. ET, more pizzas had arrived, said executive director Hal Cato.
"We talked to the kids and they understand what this is tied to and they know that this man [Workman] wanted to do something to point out the problems of homelessness."
When Workman robbed a Wendy's in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1981, he was a strung-out cocaine addict looking for a way to pay for his next high, he has said.
He was homeless at the time. Workman was convicted of shooting and killing Memphis Police Lt. Ronald Oliver during the robbery.
Many of the pizzas ordered in Workman's name were delivered anonymously, but the first 17 at Oasis Center came from a Minneapolis, Minnesota, radio station that devoted much of its morning show time talking about Workman's request.
"They were upset about it," said Cato.
He plans to call other homeless shelters in Nashville Thursday and share the pies. "They should be able to benefit from this, too," he said.
Cliff Tredway, the director of public relations for the Rescue Mission, said it's more than pizzas that helped that shelter.
"It's the story of a guy whose execution translated into a generous act," he said. "It's people donating to other people they don't know.
"It's about a group of people who society often writes off getting a pizza party today."
(CNN) -- Hundreds of homeless people in Nashville, Tennessee, ate well Wednesday evening -- all in the name of a man who the state put to death just hours earlier.
Philip Workman, 53, requested that his final meal be a vegetarian pizza donated to any homeless person located near Riverbend Maximum Security Institution.
He was executed there at 2 a.m. ET Wednesday.
But prison officials refused to honor his request, saying that they do not donate to charities.
That apparently upset a few people willing to pay for and deliver a lot of pies themselves.
Homeless shelters across Nashville were inundated with donated pizzas all Wednesday.
"I was like, 'Wow, Jesus!' " said Marvin Champion, an employee of Nashville's Rescue Mission, which provides overnight shelter, food and assistance to more than 800 homeless people a night.
"I used to be homeless, so I know how rough it gets. I seen some bad times -- not having enough food, the cupboards are bare. But we got pizza to feed enough people for awhile," Champion said.
"This really shows the people here that someone out there thought of them."
Donna Spangler heard about Workman's request and immediately called her friends. They all pitched in for the $1,200 bill to buy 150 pizzas, which they sent to the Rescue Mission.
"Philip Workman was trying to do a good deed and no one would help him," said the 55-year-old who recruited a co-worker to help her make the massive delivery Wednesday evening.
"I knew my husband would have a heart attack -- I put some of it on the credit card. But I thought we'll find a way to pay for them later," she said. "I just felt like I had to do something positive."
Spangler wasn't the only person to place an order in Workman's name.
The president of the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals read a news story about the prison denying the inmate's last request and ordered 15 veggie pizzas sent to the Rescue Mission Wednesday morning.
"Workman's act was selfless, and kindness to all living beings is a virtue," said PETA President Ingrid Newkirk.
Not far away, 17 pizzas arrived at Nashville's Oasis Center, a shelter that helps about 260 teenagers in crisis. By 9 p.m. ET, more pizzas had arrived, said executive director Hal Cato.
"We talked to the kids and they understand what this is tied to and they know that this man [Workman] wanted to do something to point out the problems of homelessness."
When Workman robbed a Wendy's in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1981, he was a strung-out cocaine addict looking for a way to pay for his next high, he has said.
He was homeless at the time. Workman was convicted of shooting and killing Memphis Police Lt. Ronald Oliver during the robbery.
Many of the pizzas ordered in Workman's name were delivered anonymously, but the first 17 at Oasis Center came from a Minneapolis, Minnesota, radio station that devoted much of its morning show time talking about Workman's request.
"They were upset about it," said Cato.
He plans to call other homeless shelters in Nashville Thursday and share the pies. "They should be able to benefit from this, too," he said.
Cliff Tredway, the director of public relations for the Rescue Mission, said it's more than pizzas that helped that shelter.
"It's the story of a guy whose execution translated into a generous act," he said. "It's people donating to other people they don't know.
"It's about a group of people who society often writes off getting a pizza party today."
5.09.2007
My response
I submitted a letter to the editor of my hometown paper today, the Fort Bend Herald. It is in response to the confession of a 16 year boy regarding the fire at my old high school. I read in an article (see the article here) that the school district wants the boy tried as an adult. After thinking about it for a while, I became quite appalled at this idea. So, I decided to write in. I have no idea if they will publish it or not, but it was worth a shot. Mom, I apologize in advance for any backlash that occurs when people realize it was your daughter who wrote the letter! But can you get a copy of the paper for me if they print it????
Anyway, here is what I sent in:
A 16 year old boy confessed yesterday to setting the fire in my old high school. Evidently before the confession, the boy and his parents sought council with an attorney in Houston, and he confessed to the arson on May 8. Government officials have not yet stated whether the student will be tried as a juvenile or an adult.
I read in the Herald on-line edition yesterday that the Needville Independent School District wants to have the boy tried as an adult. School superintendent Curtis Rhodes was quoted as saying, “Whomever it is…this is an adult crime. It was premeditated. ... It's not a juvenile issue, in our opinion. It's an adult crime and should be dealt with in an adult manner. It did damage that was irreparable.”
I understand that the crime was obviously pre-meditated and caused severe damage, but the crime was committed by a 16 year old boy. Other news stories are reporting that the boy has fought with mental illness and has sought professional help in the past. (see story here: http://www.click2houston.com/news/13270090/detail.html)
Trust me, I am as upset as anyone else that this fire destroyed the school. A lot was lost in that fire – old trophies, old photos, school records, personal property, etc. It saddens me that I won’t get to walk down that hallway again, listening to the creaking of the old floors and smelling that certain smell of days gone by locked in the wood. The situation is tragic.
But, I just cannot side with someone who wants the young man tried as an adult – for, he is not one. He is 16 years old. Although he knew full well what he was doing, he is still a child. I understand that children “grow up so fast these days” and that the crime committed was beyond stealing candy from a store. But I also believe that a boy of this age is just that – a boy. He was obviously troubled and needed help.
The school, and possibly the prosecutors, will argue that the boy made the premeditated decision in how he would act in setting the fire and by doing so he illustrated that this was calculated, deliberate and act of a non-juvenile. Laws were put into place to protect minors, and they were enacted for a specific reason. When you are 16, you are 16. Yes, you are grown, but not fully. You are still a juvenile at 16.
The loss of property was immense in the fire. Luckily, no lives were lost – although I also understand that plenty of lives were put at risk due to the intensity of the fire. Firefighters were in a very hazardous situation while dealing with the inferno. In the end though, it was only property that was destroyed – no loss of human life. Rhodes was also quoted as saying, “Their (the staff) lives have been turned upside down because of this.” This is completely understandable – but for a short term. The school will recover and continue on. Although a very tragic event, we must put this into perspective that it was things that were lost – not people.
If this boy is tried as an adult, it would be an atrocity. The boy has confessed, so there is no doubt he will serve time for the incident. Can you imagine putting a 16 year old boy into a Texas prison with violent offenders? For what will probably be years? The boy will be irreparably damaged. Although the boy’s life has already taken a tragic turn due to his actions, the punishment he will serve for the crime will determine the course of the rest of his life. Rehabilitation through the juvenile justice system and getting him the help he needs will allow him an opportunity for a brighter future.
I am not saying that we should let the young man off the hook for his crime. He did something terribly bad, and he should be punished for those actions. I just argue that he should not receive a punishment that greatly outweighs the impact of his crime - by putting him through the punishment phase as an adult will cause more damage than needed.
Towards the end of the article with NISD superintendent Rhodes, he says, “Needville is known for their discipline and I think we'll tow the line on this." One can have discipline and empathy at the same time. Yes, justice should be served, but fairly. The words from superintendent Rhodes sound like he is looking for revenge, not justice. School Board President Jim Kocian sounded even more vengeful when he was quoted as saying, “The young man made a big mistake and he's going to end up paying for it.” There is too much revenge seeking in the world today. We need to strive and repair that which is broken – in this case, the life of a 16 year old boy who made a terrible, terrible mistake.
I am a product of the Needville School District, and I graduated proudly in 1996. I look back fondly on my time in Needville, and the discipline instilled in me back then has helped guide who I am today. I live in North Carolina now and work at Duke University with a former US Ambassador around the ideas of leadership and public values – very often I deal with issues of justice and reconciliation. Through this work, I have learned that for healing to occur when a tragedy like this happens, there must be healing on both sides. The perpetrator must confess and pay some sort of reparation. The victim must accept the confession and move on into a new reality, healing as time goes on. The young man has confessed, and the legal system will decide in what way he should pay for his actions. On the victim side, we as Bluejays need to accept that a confession has been made and move forward with the rebuilding of a better tomorrow (and one with sprinklers).
No one who attended Needville will ever forget that we lost our beautiful old building this year. But, it is an excellent school – we will rebuild and continue reaching heights of academic excellence. This fire did not destroy the Bluejay spirit. So, when we seek justice for the crime committed, let’s not destroy this troubled young man’s hope for some sort of a productive future.
-Michelle Newman
Needville High School Graduate 1996
Currently residing in Durham, NC
Anyway, here is what I sent in:
A 16 year old boy confessed yesterday to setting the fire in my old high school. Evidently before the confession, the boy and his parents sought council with an attorney in Houston, and he confessed to the arson on May 8. Government officials have not yet stated whether the student will be tried as a juvenile or an adult.
I read in the Herald on-line edition yesterday that the Needville Independent School District wants to have the boy tried as an adult. School superintendent Curtis Rhodes was quoted as saying, “Whomever it is…this is an adult crime. It was premeditated. ... It's not a juvenile issue, in our opinion. It's an adult crime and should be dealt with in an adult manner. It did damage that was irreparable.”
I understand that the crime was obviously pre-meditated and caused severe damage, but the crime was committed by a 16 year old boy. Other news stories are reporting that the boy has fought with mental illness and has sought professional help in the past. (see story here: http://www.click2houston.com/news/13270090/detail.html)
Trust me, I am as upset as anyone else that this fire destroyed the school. A lot was lost in that fire – old trophies, old photos, school records, personal property, etc. It saddens me that I won’t get to walk down that hallway again, listening to the creaking of the old floors and smelling that certain smell of days gone by locked in the wood. The situation is tragic.
But, I just cannot side with someone who wants the young man tried as an adult – for, he is not one. He is 16 years old. Although he knew full well what he was doing, he is still a child. I understand that children “grow up so fast these days” and that the crime committed was beyond stealing candy from a store. But I also believe that a boy of this age is just that – a boy. He was obviously troubled and needed help.
The school, and possibly the prosecutors, will argue that the boy made the premeditated decision in how he would act in setting the fire and by doing so he illustrated that this was calculated, deliberate and act of a non-juvenile. Laws were put into place to protect minors, and they were enacted for a specific reason. When you are 16, you are 16. Yes, you are grown, but not fully. You are still a juvenile at 16.
The loss of property was immense in the fire. Luckily, no lives were lost – although I also understand that plenty of lives were put at risk due to the intensity of the fire. Firefighters were in a very hazardous situation while dealing with the inferno. In the end though, it was only property that was destroyed – no loss of human life. Rhodes was also quoted as saying, “Their (the staff) lives have been turned upside down because of this.” This is completely understandable – but for a short term. The school will recover and continue on. Although a very tragic event, we must put this into perspective that it was things that were lost – not people.
If this boy is tried as an adult, it would be an atrocity. The boy has confessed, so there is no doubt he will serve time for the incident. Can you imagine putting a 16 year old boy into a Texas prison with violent offenders? For what will probably be years? The boy will be irreparably damaged. Although the boy’s life has already taken a tragic turn due to his actions, the punishment he will serve for the crime will determine the course of the rest of his life. Rehabilitation through the juvenile justice system and getting him the help he needs will allow him an opportunity for a brighter future.
I am not saying that we should let the young man off the hook for his crime. He did something terribly bad, and he should be punished for those actions. I just argue that he should not receive a punishment that greatly outweighs the impact of his crime - by putting him through the punishment phase as an adult will cause more damage than needed.
Towards the end of the article with NISD superintendent Rhodes, he says, “Needville is known for their discipline and I think we'll tow the line on this." One can have discipline and empathy at the same time. Yes, justice should be served, but fairly. The words from superintendent Rhodes sound like he is looking for revenge, not justice. School Board President Jim Kocian sounded even more vengeful when he was quoted as saying, “The young man made a big mistake and he's going to end up paying for it.” There is too much revenge seeking in the world today. We need to strive and repair that which is broken – in this case, the life of a 16 year old boy who made a terrible, terrible mistake.
I am a product of the Needville School District, and I graduated proudly in 1996. I look back fondly on my time in Needville, and the discipline instilled in me back then has helped guide who I am today. I live in North Carolina now and work at Duke University with a former US Ambassador around the ideas of leadership and public values – very often I deal with issues of justice and reconciliation. Through this work, I have learned that for healing to occur when a tragedy like this happens, there must be healing on both sides. The perpetrator must confess and pay some sort of reparation. The victim must accept the confession and move on into a new reality, healing as time goes on. The young man has confessed, and the legal system will decide in what way he should pay for his actions. On the victim side, we as Bluejays need to accept that a confession has been made and move forward with the rebuilding of a better tomorrow (and one with sprinklers).
No one who attended Needville will ever forget that we lost our beautiful old building this year. But, it is an excellent school – we will rebuild and continue reaching heights of academic excellence. This fire did not destroy the Bluejay spirit. So, when we seek justice for the crime committed, let’s not destroy this troubled young man’s hope for some sort of a productive future.
-Michelle Newman
Needville High School Graduate 1996
Currently residing in Durham, NC
5.08.2007
Rough Start to the Week
After a very relaxing weekend (and very fun, too), Sunday night everything took a downward turn. Buddy started showing signs of a stress induced bladder issue, and that means he pees everywhere but the litter box. And if he does go to the litter box, he strains to try and pee there for upwards of a half an hour. We now have that remedied with strong antidepressants. He should be fine in a couple of days.
The other thing that happened is my good friend Darrah's baby arrived three months early on Monday morning. Baby Adelle weighs a little over two pounds. She is doing very well so far. I get a daily update message from Darrah each morning. I am thinking about her and her husband, as well as little Adelle. I just can't imagine how the family is feeling at the moment, and I want my little "niece" to be okay.
That's about all there is to say at the moment...
The other thing that happened is my good friend Darrah's baby arrived three months early on Monday morning. Baby Adelle weighs a little over two pounds. She is doing very well so far. I get a daily update message from Darrah each morning. I am thinking about her and her husband, as well as little Adelle. I just can't imagine how the family is feeling at the moment, and I want my little "niece" to be okay.
That's about all there is to say at the moment...
5.03.2007
The week of lunch
This week, I have had a lunch date 3 out of 4 days. For some folks, this may be minimal. For me, it is extreme. I rarely go out to lunch, or even take a lunch, so this is a big deal and fairly monumental. I figured I would take this fantastic chance to review some of the restaurants I visited in D-town.
1) Tuesday lunch with Lauren at El Rodeo (in Brightleaf Square):
El Rodeo is my comfort food. The waiters know us (and they love Laurenita), and the food is always fantastic. I always order the same thing (2 cheese enchiladas, rice and beans with an appetizer of cheese dip). Anytime Lauren and I go out to eat, we both normally suggest El Rodeo. In Durham, it is my favorite Mexican food. Probably not as excellent as Los Tres Maguyes in Cary, but I also haven't been out that way in about 2 years. Maybe Mike and I can head out to Trader Joe's sometime soon and visit Maguyes on the way. hmmmmmmm
2) Wednesday lunch with Meredith and Jill at Blue Corn Cafe:
I love the lunch menu at Blue Corn - dinner, not so much. This is more Latin American fare than just Mexican food, so dishes are a bit more experimental than my taste allows. Everything is fresh, the portions are rather large, and if you go at dinner (or on lunch where you don't have to go back to the office), their sangria is killer. I highly recommend this place. It's on Ninth Street in Durham (click the link above to see their menu, etc).
3) Thursday lunch with Jeremy at Twisted Noodles:
This Thai restaurant is new on the Durham scene. Located near Saladelia in the old South Square area, the place is close to my new home, and I am guessing take out is going to be the way to go. Jeremy and I showed up about 12:15, were seated fairly quickly, but the waitress managed to avoid us for about 15 minutes. I finally flagged her down and we ordered. My entree came before Jeremy's, and it took a decent amount of time until we both had our meals. But with that being said, the food was great - and very reasonably priced. I am a fan of Thai Cafe in Durham (near the Q-Shack), but the prices there are quite high. When we did take out there, it was because we really wanted to splurge. But Twisted Noodles' menu was less expensive, and the food seemed a bit fresher than the Thai Cafe. I had the Sweet and Sour tofu - the sauce was more tomato based, and the tofu was done very well. Jeremy had the Red Curry with Beef and said it was pretty good. With the cost savings and convenience, I think I will head to Twisted Noodles for take out next time we get a craving for Thai.
So, those are my D-town resturant reviews for the "week of lunches."
NOW - some photos from BEERFEST :-) ENJOY!
Mike and I at Raleigh's famous acorn
Ed and Amy under the acorn
Jeremy and Lauren
Mike and I at beer break
1) Tuesday lunch with Lauren at El Rodeo (in Brightleaf Square):
El Rodeo is my comfort food. The waiters know us (and they love Laurenita), and the food is always fantastic. I always order the same thing (2 cheese enchiladas, rice and beans with an appetizer of cheese dip). Anytime Lauren and I go out to eat, we both normally suggest El Rodeo. In Durham, it is my favorite Mexican food. Probably not as excellent as Los Tres Maguyes in Cary, but I also haven't been out that way in about 2 years. Maybe Mike and I can head out to Trader Joe's sometime soon and visit Maguyes on the way. hmmmmmmm
2) Wednesday lunch with Meredith and Jill at Blue Corn Cafe:
I love the lunch menu at Blue Corn - dinner, not so much. This is more Latin American fare than just Mexican food, so dishes are a bit more experimental than my taste allows. Everything is fresh, the portions are rather large, and if you go at dinner (or on lunch where you don't have to go back to the office), their sangria is killer. I highly recommend this place. It's on Ninth Street in Durham (click the link above to see their menu, etc).
3) Thursday lunch with Jeremy at Twisted Noodles:
This Thai restaurant is new on the Durham scene. Located near Saladelia in the old South Square area, the place is close to my new home, and I am guessing take out is going to be the way to go. Jeremy and I showed up about 12:15, were seated fairly quickly, but the waitress managed to avoid us for about 15 minutes. I finally flagged her down and we ordered. My entree came before Jeremy's, and it took a decent amount of time until we both had our meals. But with that being said, the food was great - and very reasonably priced. I am a fan of Thai Cafe in Durham (near the Q-Shack), but the prices there are quite high. When we did take out there, it was because we really wanted to splurge. But Twisted Noodles' menu was less expensive, and the food seemed a bit fresher than the Thai Cafe. I had the Sweet and Sour tofu - the sauce was more tomato based, and the tofu was done very well. Jeremy had the Red Curry with Beef and said it was pretty good. With the cost savings and convenience, I think I will head to Twisted Noodles for take out next time we get a craving for Thai.
So, those are my D-town resturant reviews for the "week of lunches."
NOW - some photos from BEERFEST :-) ENJOY!
Mike and I at Raleigh's famous acorn
Ed and Amy under the acorn
Jeremy and Lauren
Mike and I at beer break
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