TODAY, MY READERS TALK BACK
BY DAN MILLER
(originally posted September 9, 2004 at wsmv.com)
Today I'm posted excerpts from a small sampling of the email comments and questions I've received here at the Notebook. Thanks to all who are sending emails... I'm attempting to send each of you at least a brief reply.
AARON MERMELSTEIN, St. Louis, Missouri:
"Dan, I went onto the WSMV website...... and wanted to advise you that there's some Bozo writing stuff under your byline!!! You should find this person and stop them immediately!"
(My reply:) Aaron is a good pal from here at Channel Four years ago. A wonderful reporter and writer who now does his thing in St. Louis.
KATHI BOTHNE:
"Do you remember what Mountain Oysters are? I'm referring to the show when you asked Reba McIntyre what her specialty in the kitchen on her bus was."
(my reply:) Yes I will never again forget. When Reba first answered that question, for a brief moment, I truly did not know what she was referring to. Once I realized what she meant by Mountain Oysters, I kept hammering at her for an explanation. To this day, on the rare occasions when Reba and I cross paths, there's a 'howdy' and a quick reference to Mountain Oysters. Oh, and if you don't know what they are.... well, think of a dish made from a couple of things that a bull won't be too happy about giving up.
LYDIA LATHAM, Franklin, Kentucky:
"I was looking at Demetria's office pics and wondered why she has light bulbs on top of her side desk and if the fuzzy things under the desk were a massive collection of slippers?"
(my reply:) Yes Lydia, those are giant studio light bulbs on top of Demetria's furniture. She says whenever she needs a 'bright idea' she simply holds one over her head. And yes, those are dozens of slippers on the floor. Nobody understands that one.
CONNIE VAIL-TERRY, Columbia, Tenn.
"I too was a 'late in life' blessing (so my mother says). My three siblings were all grown and moved out. I have referred to them for years as the 'first family'. One time, years ago, while on the phone to my now almost 99 year old mother I asked her how the 'first family' was?, and she replied, 'Oh, did you hear that Bill and Hillary were in town?' As you might have guessed, he was on a stopover in Des Moines, Iowa, trying to win votes for his re-election. I have to clarify myself now each time I ask about the 'first family'."
HEATHER VANDAGRIFF:
"Whatever happened to Lonnie Lardner? - Where/who was Sir Cecil Creep?"
(my reply:) Lonnie is married to a TV producer in Los Angeles, and does some freelance news work, but now spends most of her time working on a recreational project for inner city kids, which she started back in the early 90's.
Sir Cecil Creep was a nice man named Russ McCowan, who died a few years ago.
TIGGER, Nashville, Tenn.:
(concerning storm coverage in Florida) "Why risk the lives of Reporters and Photogs just to "get the story" from the front line of hurricanes? Just imagine how horrified you would be to see one of your reporters swallowed by Mr. Tidal Wave, or carried away by Mr. High Winds....."
(my reply:) You're probably right. But it's the nature of the beast. Journalists are a strange breed. Wherever a big news story is happening, reporters and photographers will always be there. That's what they do... they report on, and take pictures of, the things they see and experience.
JOE REAVES, Hallsville, Texas:
"Vandy ball--Nothing like it. My father was probably the biggest and loudest fan the Commodores ever had. Even now, with their first loss of the season, he is shouting from the pearly gates-- just 10 more to go."
NANCY MINNICH:
"OK... I give up... I am trying to find the fruit salad recipe that was on today.... it had raisins and carrots and pineapple and apples, etc. PLEASE... where is it?"
(my reply:) This was obviously a misdirected piece of email, intended for the More At Midday show, but I think if you just added a little mayonnaise, or a fruity salad dressing, it might not be too bad. Perhaps a mountain oyster or two as well.
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