A new critic

Date: May 18, 2004

A new critic

Date: May 18, 2004

Go Chain Go.

Date: May 18, 2004

Mr. Chain should have known this was going to come down when he publicly criticized Thames.

Another toe shot off the worl' class foot...

Date: May 18, 2004

In my humble opinion this is the sort of thing that will turn the IHL against Thames, and ultimately bring about his dismissal. Mr. Chain is a community heavyweight. Since this matter has economic implications for Hattiesburg, easily understood (and felt) by the public, it should have some traction. As I've said previously, when the money guys get their fill of SFT, he'll be back in his lab in short order.

Date: May 18, 2004

Thanks for calling this to our attention! I just sent it off to the IHL and to Trent Lott.

Date: May 18, 2004

What an astute observation! Mr. Chain, I implore you to step it up just a notch. Please.

Date: May 18, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Austin Eagle
"In my humble opinion this is the sort of thing that will turn the IHL against Thames, and ultimately bring about his dismissal. Mr. Chain is a community heavyweight. Since this matter has economic implications for Hattiesburg, easily understood (and felt) by the public, it should have some traction. As I've said previously, when the money guys get their fill of SFT, he'll be back in his lab in short order."

Somebody needs to write a letter to the HA emphasizing this development. I would do it myself but I already have a letter in to them on another SFT topic.

Date: May 18, 2004

This will be an interesting story to watch play out. If Thames' actions do negatively impact this building project look for pressure from Lott down to Barbour and Barbour down to College Board. It is a blunder like this (if true) that could have Dr. Thames quickly removed.

Date: May 18, 2004

Told ya!

Date: May 18, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: USM Sympathizer
"Somebody needs to write a letter to the HA emphasizing this development. I would do it myself but I already have a letter in to them on another SFT topic."

I would do it if I could - but I can't. Somebody out there, do it -- it's very justified.

Date: May 18, 2004

Just sent the story off to the Hattiesburg chamber of commerce and, in the process, found a bunch of other interesting e-mail addresses.

E-MAIL ADDRESS OF THE HATTIESBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:

adp@theADP.com

================================

EXCELLENT SOURCE OF OTHER LOCAL E-MAIL ADDRESSES:

http://www.hattiesburgms.com/

Date: May 18, 2004

I believe that HA will do its job in looking into this story if the facts bear out that Dr. Thames’ actions are jeopardizing the Lott bldg. project. This impacts a large construction project from which the local community stands to benefit. If you want to turn local business leaders against you, screw up something like this. It will all depend on the merits of the story and the level of impact caused by Dr. Thames.

Date: May 18, 2004

I recommend reading the story at the following link for more background on the Lott project and some of the players involved: http://www.usm.edu/pr/prnews/nov03/lottdonation.htm

Date: May 18, 2004

Curious,

Thank you for the pointer to the press release.

The amazing part of this particular story is the centrality of the Trent Lott Center to Shelby Thames' (and Ken Malone's, and Angie Dvorak's) much ballyhooed economic development efforts, as the press release makes clear.

Robert Campbell

Date: May 18, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Robert Campbell
"Curious, Thank you for the pointer to the press release. The amazing part of this particular story is the centrality of the Trent Lott Center to Shelby Thames' (and Ken Malone's, and Angie Dvorak's) much ballyhooed economic development efforts, as the press release makes clear. Robert Campbell"

Robert,

I will again repeat the obvious --- your contributions to this ongoing discussion are invaluable. I am so happy that you've taken an interest in this matter since your name obviously lends national credibility to our defense. Thank you.

Date: May 18, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Crystal Ball
"Told ya! "

Crystal--

This is your post from another link:

quote:

Originally posted by: Gossip Monger
" Allow me to offer a cautionary word. I'd counsel you all to be very wary of operating under such assumptions. Tim Hudson is presently flying under the radar, but assuming he's been marginalized would be a grievous error. He's most effective, and most dangerous when working behind the scenes, and you may be assured that he isn't idle now."

You bet he is not idle! Scrambling and on the ropes, desperation is not a pretty sight. My prediction is that his last ditch attempt will be today or tomorrow with an announcement from a big and very visible donor who has decided to back him. Question is will it be enough?

Is this the "told ya" you are talking about? If so, should we be waiting for another shoe to drop?

Talk about your Hobson's choice.

Date: May 18, 2004

I don't know if this is what Crystal was referring to, but it is indeed what I was referring to. I'm kinda-sorta acquainted with Trent Lott (he's a college buddy of my Uncle), and I assure you that he won't allow his edifice to be derailed by the likes of Shelby Thames. I believe a word to the IHL from either Barbour or Lott would be the end of the Thames regime. However, as someone just said, it's a Hobson's choice, with Mr. Chain's good buddy Tim Hudson salivating in the wings.

Date: May 18, 2004

Yup...

Date: May 18, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Austin Eagle
"I don't know if this is what Crystal was referring to, but it is indeed what I was referring to. I'm kinda-sorta acquainted with Trent Lott (he's a college buddy of my Uncle), and I assure you that he won't allow his edifice to be derailed by the likes of Shelby Thames. I believe a word to the IHL from either Barbour or Lott would be the end of the Thames regime. However, as someone just said, it's a Hobson's choice, with Mr. Chain's good buddy Tim Hudson salivating in the wings."

Actualy, Chain's disenchnatment with SFT began almost a year ago over this very same issue -- at that time Chain was wondering why the money didn't seem to be coming . . . you might remember the selling off of the store that USM bought had to do with rasing the needed oney for the Lott Center as well . . .

Is this Shelby's Vietnam?

Date: May 18, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: present professor
"

Is this Shelby's Vietnam?"

One can only hope.......

AE

Date: May 18, 2004

“Shelby’s Vietnam.” Excellent metaphor, PP. But no one has answered the question I posted on another thread. Did Thames serve? As far as I know, the draft was in effect when he graduated from USM. It sure was for me when I graduated from college, seven or eight years later.

Jim Hollandsworth

Date: May 18, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Jim Hollandsworth
"“Shelby’s Vietnam.” Excellent metaphor, PP. But no one has answered the question I posted on another thread. Did Thames serve? As far as I know, the draft was in effect when he graduated from USM. It sure was for me when I graduated from college, seven or eight years later. Jim Hollandsworth "

Good question here . . . guess someone needs to do some research . . . . can't be too hard to find.

Date: May 18, 2004

Jim, how can I reach you other than through this forum?

Date: May 18, 2004

Educator-

My first impulse was to post my e-mail address. (Wine will do that to you.) On second thought, I suggest that you send something to Fire Shelby. She, or even possibly he, can forward your message to me. I always provide my e-mail address to FS when I post.

Please get in touch.

Jim Hollandsworth

Date: May 18, 2004

Like most hawks, Shelby has never served in any military service. He went direct from HS to Southern to Tennessee to Southern. The only things on two legs that he has pointed a gun at are turkeys.

Date: May 18, 2004

Originally posted by: BogusBoy
"OK, can anyone give some insight as to what is happening with the USM Foundation? (or is that the "Southern Miss" Foundation?) The only link I can find to it on the USM web site is via the Alumni Association page, and it is a BROKEN link:Alumni Association page: http://www.usm.edu/alumni/ I've known it was broken for some time, for months, and keep waiting to see if anything pops up. It doesn't. And using the search tool on the main USM web site page gets you nowhere. It appears the capital campaign has ground to a halt after the loss of the terrific Susan Hollandsworth - there has been absolutely nothing trumpeted about the gains or accomplishments recently. I see in the directory that Tim Ryan is still the current director of development, but again there's no link to any kind of web presence under his name. Anyone out there have any clues as to the status of the campaign? There was a report in the September 13, 2002 minutes of the faculty senate that they had amassed $78 million of their $100 million goal... but lately, silence. "

Question: Does Bobby Chain's comments in the HA about staff losses have any reference to the Capital Campaign & Foundation being a failure under the Thames administration?

Second Question (and then I'll stop): Doesn't the Foundation play a major role in the fund raising for the Lott Center?

Date: May 18, 2004

Originally posted by: BogusBoy
"OK, can anyone give some insight as to what is happening with the USM Foundation? (or is that the "Southern Miss" Foundation?) The only link I can find to it on the USM web site is via the Alumni Association page, and it is a BROKEN link:Alumni Association page: http://www.usm.edu/alumni/ I've known it was broken for some time, for months, and keep waiting to see if anything pops up. It doesn't. And using the search tool on the main USM web site page gets you nowhere. It appears the capital campaign has ground to a halt after the loss of the terrific Susan Hollandsworth - there has been absolutely nothing trumpeted about the gains or accomplishments recently. I see in the directory that Tim Ryan is still the current director of development, but again there's no link to any kind of web presence under his name. Anyone out there have any clues as to the status of the campaign? There was a report in the September 13, 2002 minutes of the faculty senate that they had amassed $78 million of their $100 million goal... but lately, silence. "

Question: Does Bobby Chain's comments in the HA about staff losses have any reference to the Capital Campaign & Foundation being a failure under the Thames administration?

Second Question (and then I'll stop): Doesn't the Foundation play a major role in the fund raising for the Lott Center?

Date: May 18, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Old Admin
"Like most hawks, Shelby has never served in any military service. He went direct from HS to Southern to Tennessee to Southern. The only things on two legs that he has pointed a gun at are turkeys."

You know, when I was in the military, there were height restrictions. Maybe that was the problem.

Date: May 18, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Athena
"You know, when I was in the military, there were height restrictions. Maybe that was the problem. "

I don't think he was too tall except in mind

Date: May 18, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Jim Hollandsworth
"“Shelby’s Vietnam.” Excellent metaphor, PP. But no one has answered the question I posted on another thread. Did Thames serve? As far as I know, the draft was in effect when he graduated from USM. It sure was for me when I graduated from college, seven or eight years later. Jim Hollandsworth "

Pardon me if I don't get this? What is possible importance of whether or not he served? It was Viet Nam, remember. To not serve was as honorable, if not more honorable, than serving.

Date: May 18, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Rowdy
"Pardon me if I don't get this? What is possible importance of whether or not he served? It was Viet Nam, remember. To not serve was as honorable, if not more honorable, than serving."

Excuse me, that is a valid point for one who does not believe in violence or Bullying as a legitimate right of our country (read "Manifest Destiny"). If he had been an objector or a protester it would be respectable. However, Thames is a hawk from the get go, he falls into the category of someone who advocates sending someone else or someone else's sons off to war while hiding at home. Neither of his sons served either, stayed at home while others were abroad. Put him in the same boat as Quayle and George Jr.

Date: May 19, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Rowdy
"Pardon me if I don't get this?To not serve was as honorable, if not more honorable, than serving."

Sir or Madam,

You are correct; you don't get it. You do not have a clue what you're talking about here, and it would be wise to refrain from making such comments on this board as they are not germane or constructive, and are clearly inflamatory. Do not confuse the slimy politicians who initiated and orchestrated the Viet Nam conflict with those who were called upon to serve, and did so with honor.

Vet

Date: May 19, 2004

RE: Did Shelby serve?

NO!

He did not serve. And the minimun height requirement during Viet Nam was 4' 11"", so even he could measure up to that height.

Jim, I had answered you question at your earoier post, but I guess you did not catch it.

Knowing Shelby, he would never willingly go into something where he caould not be the boss and controll everything. He has always been a tyrant, even in high school.

Date: May 19, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Veteran and USM Supporter
"Do not confuse the slimy politicians who initiated and orchestrated the Viet Nam conflict with those who were called upon to serve, and did so with honor.
"

Vet is right. Those who served in Vietnam did an honorable thing. The sacrificed much to do what they believed was the right thing.

The "masters of war" who were responsible for the conflict itself betrayed that honor in many ways. Vet calls them "slimy politicians" & I can't improve on that.

Vet is also right that this could be divisive. Heck, DC Berry himself served as a medic in Vietnam. To suggest that Shelby Thames is more "honorable" than David Berry or men like him for not serving in the military is sick.

Date: May 19, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Outward Bound
"He has always been a tyrant, even in high school. "

I would be interested in hearing more about this.

Date: May 19, 2004

The full article about chain's views of Thames is here:

http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/news/stories/20040519/localnews/455965.html