2003 Columns

Wasn’t it just a few months ago that the University of Georgia was enjoying a reputation as one of the finest public universities in the nation while celebrating its first SEC football championship in 20 years? My alma mater seemed to have the best of both worlds — academics and athletics. Now look at us. We are in the middle of a nasty civil war in Athens. Friend against … [Read more...] about Jul. 6, 2003: No Winners in Civil War at UGA

Don’t look now, but somebody is getting ready to spray paint a cow patty. According to news reports, Delta Air Lines has hired a creative firm called BrightHouse to help improve its image. You remember Delta, don’t you? They are the folks who said they had to pay their executives $27 million in bonuses and offer them special pension protections so that the suits wouldn’t run … [Read more...] about Jun. 29, 2003: Delta’s Efforts at a New Image Don’t Fly With Me

A reader who describes herself as a “bleeding heart liberal” has asked if I was serious when I compared the New York Times to a mere mortal newspaper in a recent column that appeared in a mere mortal newspaper. If so, the letter writer said she was looking forward to my column comparing Mt. Everest and Brasstown Bald. Admittedly, I am a little slow on the accelerator, but … [Read more...] about Jun. 22, 2003: Comparing Mt. Everest and Brasstown Bald

Dear Dr. Adams: I know you don’t need any more mail from know-it-all alumni, particularly one who writes a column, but I had hoped we might talk about your decision not to extend the contract of Athletic Director Vince Dooley. I have spent the past four decades dealing with crises – many of which would make this brouhaha look like a walk in the park. I believe I could have … [Read more...] about Jun. 15, 2003: Some Unsolicited Advice For The President of UGA

I have gone through my files and carefully checked my notes.  I have spent hours reviewing reams of polling data and research materials and, for the life of me, I can’t lay my hands on one scrap of paper that indicates who decided the New York Times is “the nation’s finest newspaper.” I know it wasn’t me.  It must have been the snips at The New York Times.   That would be just … [Read more...] about June 8, 2003: New York Times Got What It Deserves