Comments for Baltimore Brew

Comment on Battle lines drawn over Baltimore Wal-Mart proposal, media included by Heylucas

Heylucas — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:50:16 +0000

A couple of things:
The Shoppers and Target at Mondawmin appear to be doing very well and that re-design of the mall and transit hub is a huge improvement.

Interesting article comparing Walmart and Whole Foods in the Atlantic

In the long term, I hear those arguing for more walker\biker friendly development. Sounds good.

Comment on Towson professor fired for using the N-word: his real offense by Heylucas

Heylucas — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:38:51 +0000

The phrase was “CORPORATE plantation” -it seems to me that a distinction between slavery (antebellum) and Zaruba’s intention is fairly clear. However, I can’t condone the use of the n-word as a casual expression by anyone.

Comment on Towson professor fired for using the N-word: his real offense by Fritz

Fritz — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:33:31 +0000

I think it says a lot about Towson for them to release a professor for this reason. It shows that they are not confident in their professors or the positions they take. It shows they are not secure enough in their standing as a University to maintain institutional face despite the actions of a professor. I sincerely doubt JHU or UMD would have taken such actions. And so, yes, he was adjunct and they have every right to fire him–but to me it just reinforces Towson’s place among Maryland Universities.

Comment on Towson professor fired for using the N-word: his real offense by AZ

AZ — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:27:08 +0000

Oh, give me a break. Had he not used the “word,” his analogy would not be coming under such scrutiny. This article would not have been written if he hadn’t said it, because it wouldn’t have been news and no one would care. Had he said “I’m a slave on the corporate plantation” would you be taking him to task for an “inappropriate analogy?” I hope not. How many times have you heard the word “slave” used in an exaggeratory way to express being overworked and/or having no choice in a matter? It’s the same as saying you’re “starving” when hungry, or “dying” of thirst: if someone called you out for disrespecting those who are actually starving in the world, you’d roll your eyes and think the guy was an overly sensitive, PC policeman because you of course didn’t intend to disrespect anyone. And clearly Zaruba didn’t intend to disrespect the historical struggle of slavery either, and to think that anybody has the luxury to choose their words and analogies so carefully as to not offend anyone in the moment is ridiculous. We have the luxury of hindsight to pick apart and criticize his statement, but, like anyone speaking freely in the moment, he did not have that luxury and he deserves some grace. Putting this whole thing under a magnifying glass only serves to discourage free speech by making people afraid to ever make a mistake.

Comment on Towson professor fired for using the N-word: his real offense by Steve T

Steve T — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 04:21:15 +0000

Perhaps TU could be seen as overeacting. Perhaps there are more egregious examples of racism on compus on a regular basis. It doesn’t matter. As a adjunct professor Zaruba knew he served at the pleaseure of TU and could be released for any reason without recourse. TU received a complaint and wasn’t going to wait around to see if it snowballed. It’s TU’s perogative to react as they see fit. End of story. Move on.

Comment on Towson professor fired for using the N-word: his real offense by david eberhardt

david eberhardt — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:58:40 +0000

I would say the persons responsible for Zaruba’s firing should be fired- whole thing reflects badly on the tigers. Zaruba should be reinstated.

Towson wants to get upset about racism? I’ll bet some more egregious examples of racism could be found than Zaruba’s.

Comment on Towson professor fired for using the N-word: his real offense by Rosalia

Rosalia — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:03:56 +0000

great piece Darryl!
RS

Comment on Scaling back I-95 widening to pay for Maryland road repair: finding fat instead of raising taxes and tolls by Chris M

Chris M — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:26:27 +0000

Oh wait, we didn’t need all of that additional highway capacity after all. Our bad. – MDOT

Comment on Baltimore bicyclist’s family sues Potts & Callahan for fatal Maryland Avenue hit-and-run accident by steve

steve — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:30:24 +0000

Oh, forgot to ask this in last comment. Has anyone been charged with a crime in this incident? Tough to prevail in civil case if there are no criminal charges Unless you work the sympathy angle.

Comment on Baltimore bicyclist’s family sues Potts & Callahan for fatal Maryland Avenue hit-and-run accident by steve

steve — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:37:08 +0000

What a tragic event. Unfortunately it seems from all accounts that this experienced rider did not follow the law and proper safety procedures. I feel for the family but this looks like a prettty clear cut case of rider error. Never pass on the right! Even if it wasn’t illegal it is still exercising poor judgement. I will agree with Nutchester that too many cyclist do nt follow the law by weaving through traffic and ignoring traffic lights/signs. I hope this tragic event will be a wake up call for all cyclist to be more vigilant and observant in their riding.