| If you are familiar
with the work of Brian Ross of ABC News, you won’t
be surprised to see what he’s come up with this
time: a
list of people who were given oil contracts
in exchange for cozying up to Saddam Hussein.
One only can hope that, at minimum, a Nigerian
e-mail scam is in the future of everyone on the
list. I’m hoping for something more punitive, I
must admit. And remember my link earlier this week
about slavery reparations? It
turns out Chicago requires that any company
seeking to do business with the city reveal
whether it or its predecessor companies had any
ties to slavery.
Here
is what happened last night on “The
Apprentice.” It’s official: The men’s team
really is stupid. But the fun has just begun. Oh,
here
is the Web site of last night’s loser, Bowie
Hogg, who now is pursuing a career as — yes, you
guessed it — a motivational speaker. And oh, my
God, Sam Solovey now has a
Web site, too. (Thank you, David Bradley!)
This next link
is for Mrs. E-Choice, who, like me, wonders what
candy store is stocking that Brach’s-sounding
ambrosia they call “wintry mix.” William
Powers of the National Journal ponders the
antecedents of this phrase in a flowing prose
style that suggests he perhaps needs a few more
chores around the house. This next link
is to a ranting college professor, which is
about as unusual as wintry mix in winter or a, uh,
ranting journalist. It’s also not especially
noteworthy that the prof contends Meriwether Lewis
and William Clark “helped rob the Indians.” It is
worth noting, however, that he works at a school
in Portland, Ore., named Lewis & Clark Law
School. (Oh, that Lewis and Clark.)
But what do you expect from a boy, after all?
We’re stupid. Or so
says a T-shirt. It also says you should throw
rocks at us. Now, I generally think guys can take
care of themselves. But on the other hand, would
it be acceptable if the target were girls? Or a
minority group? Of course, the larger question is
what adult would find this acceptable attire.
Perhaps one with rocks in his or her head.
Did I ever tell you that you decorated my life?
Now, I realize that my photo hasn’t necessarily
decorated yours. At least I don’t look like
Kenny Rogers. But it may be only a matter
of time. This
Web site, which asks the question, “Have you
noticed that a lot of men over a certain age look
like … Kenny Rogers?” proceeds to make a
frighteningly compelling case for its thesis
statement — and even tells you how to make this
transition. But I’ve gone on way too long today.
You gotta know when to hold ’em, know when to fold
’em. I’ve picked a fine time to leave you. Thanks,
again, for droppin’ in to see what condition my
condition was in.
ballen@crain.com
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