The images of Baltimore are awful and tiring.
It's not that we don't care. Just the opposite, in fact.
And we are nauseated that the Orioles and White Sox played in an empty Camden Yards.
We get it. Safety for those involved is paramount, and cautionary steps are wise.
But by clearing out Camden and letting the mob dictate the measure, it feels like we let the criminals win the moment.
And let's be clear and direct. Those are not protests. Those are criminal acts.
Jay GreesonMartin Luther King Jr., Gandhi, et al, led protests that led to change.
Calling the hooligans in Baltimore protesters is a disservice to those who created discussion and generated meaningful change with strong will, persistence and passion.
The line between social activism and criminal activity, however, is convenient cover for the excuse-makers.
Busy week
It's been a fast week filled with getting reacquainted with the sun and a resolution to the Casey barge.
So that's a good thing.
A not-so-good thing was the decision made by the Budweiser advertising folks who apparently skipped their marketing classes.
The phrasing on the bottles of countless Bud Lights says, "The perfect beer for removing 'no' from your vocabulary for the night."
Uh, hello.
C'mon gang, who approved this idea? Seriously, we know you enjoy working for Bud Light, but that does not mean enjoying Bud Light at work.
Here's saying the author of this stroke of stupidity was met with an email that could have said, "Your slogan was the perfect sneer for removing you from your job tonight."
Re-vote
Erlanger hospital trustees got a "do-over" on their controversial vote on executive bonuses Friday night.
You may recall the hubbub about sunshine laws and private meetings that followed the first vote last year.
Heck, if we were riding the three-quarter train of success Erlanger is having right now, we'd hold that meeting on live TV. Somebody get Henry Luken on the blower -- he needs programming, right?
Seriously, you do good work and bonuses should be part of the equation, and three consecutive quarters on the cusp of rewriting records and well on the way to a record-setting year undeniably equates to good work.
Now those bonuses and perks should not be just for the top of the flow chart. Everyone pitching in means everyone, and those rewards should be parceled.
New routes
CARTA, our esteemed public transit, is asking folks for new possibilities for routes.
If they are going to stick to their average of about 1.3 passengers per bus, well, they could be shuttling folks from here to Dalton and it's not really going to make that much of a difference.
Name-brand Jean
Good-bye to Jean Nidetch, the founder and supreme success story behind Weight Watchers. She died this week at 91.
Nidetch, who was born Jean Evelyn Slutsky, turned her lifelong battle with weight into a solution for millions. She made a ton of money and set an amazing path when she founded Weight Watchers International in 1963.
She went from big to slim to global, and blazed a trail along the way.
Feedback
Last week we shared the responses from some of our state legislators when we asked them what should be our state book now that the Bible was no longer in the running.
We got a bevy of great responses from you clever readers.
One suggested the story of Tennessee's perfect 1998 football season. A nice lady in East Ridge called and suggested every state's book should be the Bible. (Amen, Edith, and thanks for the call.) There were multiple calls for various biographies and state textbooks.
Fine choices all.
Here's our personal favorite from reader Michael, who wrote:
"For the august honor of state book of Tennessee, I propose 'My Pet Goat.' It fits the general level of maturity and sophistication belonging to the majority of politicians who get elected to our state house. Frankly, I'm surprised the Bible was nominated, as nobody up there shows the least indication of having read it."
Until next week.
Jay Greeson's column will appear on Page A2 on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. His sports columns are scheduled for Tuesdays and Fridays. You can read his online column the 5-at-10 Monday through Friday at timesfreepress.com after 10 a.m. Contact him at jgreeson@timesfreepress.com and follow him on Twitter at @ jgreesontfp.