Dana Thames intro for Daddy at USM Foundation Dinn

Date: May 9, 2004

Dana Thames intro for Daddy at USM Foundation Dinn

Date: May 9, 2004

I dont have a transcript, but I do remember that she began the speech by confusing "epigraph" or "epigram" with "epitaph": "There are a lot of "epitaphs" going around about my father..." she began. My companion and I looked at each other and said simultaneously, "Not nearly enough of them."

quote:
Originally posted by: Outward Bound
"I am getting old and forgetful, but in the last few months I keep remembering bits and pieces of Dana Thames' speech that introduced her 'Daddy' at the USM Foundation dinner at the Gulf Coast coliseum in late April or May, 2002. I wish I had a tape recording of the introduction, but I remember she started with a whole list of terms that have been used to describe 'my Daddy.' The only two that I can remember are the terminator and the beheader. When she finished her wandering presentation I turned to my table companions and said we are in trouble, she just told us what is coming...as if we did not already know. Does anyone have a transcript of her speech? Or did anyone tape the speakers for the dinner? Hearing that speech made me sick to know what was coming, and it was not going to be pleasant. But having her comments in the public domain would be an important piece of information. On a brighter note...I have my bottle of champaigne in the fridge to celebrate 'VUSM day.' I hope it is soon. I bought the bubbly shortly after Dana's 'talk' with the hope that it would not be chilled for long. I am ready to celebrate the victory of the university over the people who strive to control the promise of freedom of thought that is central to a true university."

Fire Shelby · Status: Offline

quote:
Originally posted by: P. Ignatius Sylvester
""

LOL! As far as an epitaph, there are some good potential ones in the limerick thread.

Date: May 9, 2004

outward bound:

I like the VUSM day. Congrats! You'll be in the glossary soon.

Date: May 9, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: P. Ignatius Sylvester
""I dont have a transcript, but I do remember that she began the speech by confusing "epigraph" or "epigram" with "epitaph":

I am reminded of a meeting I attended with Dr. Fleming and some representatives from USDA. Dr. Fleming apparently was not intending to speak, so when introduced and asked to give a welcome, he appeared rather flustered and said he was not prepared to speak inadvertently. My friend Earlie Washington and I extemporaneously choked on our steak.

Date: May 9, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: AnitaStamper
"I am reminded of a meeting I attended with Dr. Fleming and some representatives from USDA. Dr. Fleming apparently was not intending to speak, so when introduced and asked to give a welcome, he appeared rather flustered and said he was not prepared to speak inadvertently . . .

Yes, such harmless and rather humorous "slips of the tongue" are rather common among public speakers, just as "slips-of-the-pen" are common among writers. I am not a graduate of USM, and I have never been on your faculty or staff, but I do know that you have a football team. After seeing the slips of the tongue and pen cited in this particular thread, I am reminded of a "slip" (at least I hope it was a slip) in a newspaper clipping in my possession. Namely, Green Bay Packers QB Brett Favre, formerly a USM student I believe, was quoted as saying: "I went to Southern Miss and signed up for engineering. When I looked at the classes, I unsigned real quick. Trigonometry, Philanthrophy, or something. It wasn't for me."

Date: May 9, 2004

One of her oft responses when giving those she likes to call "My people" in what she perceives as "My Department" direction in how to proceed in an issue is this:

Don't ask permission . . . just forgiveness

Fire Shelby · Status: Offline

quote:
Originally posted by: CISE insider
"One of her oft responses when giving those she likes to call "My people" in what she perceives as "My Department" direction in how to proceed in an issue is this: Don't ask permission . . . just forgiveness"

I worked in professional capacity with a person who frequently stated that same phrase.

When our group (can't mention which, would give my identity away) discussed LEGAL ways to spend federal funds, this person (who was a state-paid attorney) often replied, "It's easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission."

The year that this person was at the helm of our group was very unproductive. The "forgiveness, not permission" mantra is the hallmark of poor planning and oversight.