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About
a year ago I printed a little exercise in free association I tried on the
Internet.
First I jotted
down whatever popped to mind: “Up,” “Down,” “Read My Lips,” “Elvis,” “Yadda
Yadda Yadda,” “Meaning Of Life,” “Tooth Fairy,” “One Good Man,” “Jimmy Hoffa’s
Body,” and so on. Then I typed “www” in front, “.com” in the back, and
clicked. Most were there, though one that would not have been was “brentmorrison.com.”
Now it is. I have
long wanted a site to share more than I can here but there have been hurdles.
For one, I knew nothing about web design. I’m not one to let a little ignorance
get in the way; in fact, I occasionally find it helpful to not know what I can’t
do. Unfortunately, even the “Dummy” books thumped me into a stupor. Today’s
new software tools make it much simpler.
Then there was
cost. Even three years ago it would have been a luxury, but like most
technology the price keeps coming down. If I skip a half-dozen “Value Meals” a
month my wallet won’t know the difference and my belt will probably be grateful.
Having established
that a web site would be good for my heart, the next step was to decide what to
put on it. Columns, of course, but what else?
I always try to
catch angles to the subjects I tackle, perspectives, facts, and stories that
don’t bob to the top of daily press coverage. For example a court ruling that
seems to establish excessive primping as a disability and the nomination of
Fidel Castro for a Nobel Peace Prize barely made a ripple; I linked them in,
along with other tidbits. You’ll also find some of the web resources I use,
including newspapers from around the world, sites for quotes, links to the
California legislature and United States Congress, even a rhyming dictionary.
Being of the “you
catch more flies with honey” school, I never set about to annoy folks who hold
other opinions; that’s just a fringe benefit. When I spot a critical letter to
the editor or “Tell It” comment, I’ll post it. As I appreciate all reader
feedback, you’ll also find a guest book to make and read comments.
I have passions
besides writing, and I’ll post them from time to time. The Big Brothers/Big
Sisters program is one (see below), but mostly the site is about the column and
the topics I cover. You’ll always find my most recent piece and about 6 months
of archives. I’ll also post sneak previews of columns not yet printed and brief
follow-ups to past pieces.
If there’s
something big in the news I’ve probably taken a swing at it. Today “Brent On
The Issues” features my take on school shootings, tax cuts, and cloning, but
it’ll change as the news does.
One
thing you won’t find is advertising or anything for sale. I doubt there’s much
of a market for Brent Morrison T-shirts anyway, but it’s all about news and
issues, ideas and communication. I hope it’s also about what interests you, so
log on in and visit brentmorrison.com.
*****
One of
my favorite programs is Big Brothers/Big Sisters. It’s personal: I was a
Little Brother as a boy, then a Big Brother volunteer for nearly a decade.
Many
of us worry about youngsters today, especially those growing up in single parent
homes. Single parents deserve a lot of credit, as anyone raising children (with
or without help) can appreciate. They could also use a little support.
A
cheap, fun way to pitch in is the annual Bowl For Kids’ Sake fundraiser coming
up Saturday, April 7, at Orchard Lanes in Chico. Teams consist of four bowlers,
who are asked to raise at least $50 each. Call 343-8407 for a sign-up sheet, or
get one online at www.brentmorrison.com.
If you
want to be certain you’re not the worst bowler on your team you can bowl with
me. The first three who contact me are welcome to join, or I’ll see you and
your team there. Either way, it’s a good time and a great cause.
© 1997- 2002 Brent Morrison
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