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RUSTIC AUTUMN: Trees of the Wellsville Mountains bear the colors of the season. / Photo by Ted Pease

Today's word on journalism

October 10, 2008

Editor's Note:

Today's offering from E.B. White, one of my heroes, is not strictly about writing or journalism, although it could be taken that way. It does, however, describe the life of both the writer and the teacher --at least, on a good day when the bag o' rocks we all carry isn't too heavy.

On these days, writers whoop when words, thoughts and intent come together right; and teachers glow like the little flickering light bulbs that sometimes appear above that kid in the fourth row. This morning I found this glowworm in my email: "You may be interested to find that your class has made me think a little bit about working for the newspaper. It sounds like a fun job! but that would require knowing what was going on in the world, not one of my strengths (but I’m sure you already noticed that. haha). . . I prefer the logical to the illogical anyway, thus I'm an engineer. Your class has really caused me to question most everything in the news. I think you are succeeding in your task of teaching us to think about ‘How we know what we think we know?'"

Hmmm. Even as NPR reports a new 200-point slide in the Dow during a single newsbreak, and nations crumble and slide into the sea, it's going to be a good day. Once I get this sent, I think I'll take the dogs up the mountain.

Good advice

"I get up every morning determined both to change the world and to have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning the day difficult."

--E.B. White (1899-1985), wise man and writer, who knew when to take a walk with the dogs (Thanks to alert WORDster Louise Montgomery)

Speak up! Comment on the WORD at

http://tedsword.
blogspot.com/

Feedback and suggestions--printable and otherwise--always welcome. "There are no false opinions."

Jessica Simpson gives killer concert in Vegas to complement No. 1 album

By Whitney Schulte

SEPTEMBER 24, 2008 | LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has to put up with a lot these days. But, I'm pretty sure he wouldn't change it for the world.

"To be my man, you have to put up with a lot," said Jessica Simpson to a crowd of eager fans. "I toot under the sheets, I spend a lot of money and I can belch the ABC's."

Simpson is definitely back in her groove and feeling comfortable with the crowd again. She performed Thursday night at the Palms Casino Resort and gave one of the best concerts I have ever seen.

Unlike her last pop concert, Simpson didn't change outfits or use any props the entire time. She came onstage wearing some William Rast jeans; shoes from her own fashion line, the Jessica Simpson Collection; and a vintage kimono top with lots of turquoise jewelry.

Throughout the night, Simpson told some great stories. Before the song You're My Sunday, she joked, "This week, Tony was my Monday." Jessica also made sure the crowd knew what a good boyfriend Romo is. She proudly announced that "he is great quarterback, but a better boyfriend." Simpson also told us she was proud of herself for letting Tony into her life.

Right before the concert, Simpson received the news that her new country record was No. 1 on the Billboard Country Music Charts. She was ecstatic, and a little speechless. She performed every song off of her album, two covers, and her hit pop song, With You. Just as on Good Morning America, she forgot the lyrics to the first verse and had to restart the song. The second time around, the crowd chimed in because of course, what self-respecting Jessica Simpson fan doesn't know those lyrics?

Simpson's voice sounds stronger than ever. She looks radiant and like she's finally come into her own.

A fellow concert-goer, Jennifer told me, "I'm a huge Jessica fan. I actually conned my friends into coming to Vegas with me from Boston to see her show. It was amazing. I knew every song and every word so it was obviously great for me. My two friends were Simpson fans, but they had their doubts about seeing Jess perform live. But, at the concert they were definitely in awe of her. They only had good stuff to say. I feel bad for Jess when people say she can't sing or is really fake, because tonight she never missed a beat. She was absolutely perfect."

Before you knock her, give Jessica Simpson a chance. I promise you will be blown away.

MS
MS

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