Speak Out A 12/24/02

See all the colors

I WANT to say thank you to Sam Blackwell for the wonderful columns he writes week after week. I was raised in a family that only sees black and white. Mr. Blackwell, you continue to teach me to look at all the colors before I pull a crayon out of the box. Thanks so much.

Customer can be wrong

IN RESPONSE to the caller who said young retail workers should learn that the customer is always right: The customer is not always right. There are some who are downright mean to anyone younger. Let's try to remember one thing when dealing with anyone, retail or in your home: The bottom line is respect. If the customer is wrong, then he is wrong. If a store doesn't carry an item, there's is nothing a sales associate, regardless of age, can do about it. Stop the holiday bickering.

Dancing with Santa

MY FAVORITE Christmas toy is my Santa doll that dances to "Jingle Bell Rock." I'm thinking that if I keep dancing with him, I might have a waistline by spring.

Public profanity

A YOUNG man was shopping in a store and answered a call on his cell phone. He proceeded to use profanity that I, along with nearby parents and their children, could hear three aisles away. He needs to wash his mouth out with soap. It is one thing to talk that way. It is another to use such language so loudly in a public place.

Praise for workers

MY PRAISES to all the volunteers at the hospitals and charitable organizations that continue in their work during this busy time of year.

Kind fireman

I WOULD like to say thank you and merry Christmas to a Jackson fireman for making sure I was OK last week when I was involved in a car accident.

A piece of history

IF YOU have not visited the Bollinger mill and covered bridge in Burfordville, you're really missing out. What a wonderful piece of Missouri history right here in our own back yard.

Strange geography

I CONSIDER myself to be a smart person. However, almost every day it seems like a new country or city is mentioned that I've never heard of. Was I sleeping in my geography class, or are most like me?

Crowded parking lots

I'VE HEARD so many comments about crowded parking lots. What do people expect? There are last-minute shoppers out there. Procrastinators just began their shopping. There are bargain shoppers. And the list goes on. I have experienced a lot worse.

Other critters have to eat

MANY REMEMBER to feed the birds in the winter, but what about the rabbits and squirrels? They need to eat too, and I'm sure they are appreciative to have your help, especially in the extreme cold and snow.

Good, clean movie

IF YOU want some to watch a really fun and entertaining movie with the family, you should get "Ma and Pa Kettle Return to the Farm." My family recently watched it, and I cannot remember when we have all laughed so hard. What a great classic. It's good, clean, black-and-white entertainment for all ages.

Whining about trash

JACKSON FOLKS need to quit their whining about the trash. They should be appreciative that the city doesn't charge for picking it up. In my neighborhood, not everyone puts out three bags each week. If I had a fourth, I'd carry it to my neighbor's driveway, and I'm sure he wouldn't mind. Or I would just pay the extra dollar, which is nothing compared to what country folks pay. So recycle more or buy a trash compactor.

Costly performances

I LIKE the programs the Show Me Center brings to Cape Girardeau. But I wish they would bring more big names too. The problem is not the Show Me Center staff, though. It's the cost of these shows. How many of us would dish out $150 per ticket to see someone like Shania?