Child Tries, Fails to Maintain Interest in Macy’s Light Show December 16, 2008 –
The parents of a seven-year-old West Philadelphia boy yesterday reported that the child tried, and failed, to maintain interest in Macy’s Christmas light show [see video below] during a Sunday trip to the store. “He was pretty excited in the beginning, but it didn’t take long for him to get all fidgety,” said Marsha Tennant, 34, of her son, Bryant, from the family’s Parkside home. “By the end, he was really squirming, stuck there in the middle of that crowd. So was I, to be perfectly honest.”
According to Tennant’s 35-year-old husband, Marcus, 13 minutes of dirge-like organ music, Julie Andrews narration, and steadily-blinking angels were not engaging enough for the youngster. “Bry loves the SpongeBob, and the Wii—stuff like that, y’know?” he said, patting the boy on the head. “It takes a lot more than some flashing wreaths to keep him occupied.” The child agreed. “I liked it in the beginning, ‘cause it was real tall?” he said, distractedly playing with a remote-control Tyrannosaurus. “But it was kinda dark, and it was real hot, too. And, this other kid? He was sitting on my arm.”
Macy’s officials, meanwhile, rushed to counter the boy’s reported disengagement. “Despite what Bryant Tennant may say, we’re proud of our light show, a tradition that has brightened Philadelphia’s Christmas seasons for 52 years,” said Macy’s Center City spokeswoman Candace Morrissey in a statement. “And with newly-installed, state-of-the-art LED lights, the show is more technologically advanced than ever.” Other parents, though, sided with the Tennants. “We took Frannie there last week, and she was plainly miserable,” said Center City resident Gary Stairs, 37, of his six-year-old daughter. “I was kind of surprised. I mean, what kid doesn’t love Julie Andrews and organ hymns?”
Gross Now NPR’s “Blackest Voice” December 16, 2008 –
National Public Radio officials yesterday announced that following the planned cancellation of the African-American-themed News and Notes, Fresh Air host Terry Gross would become NPR’s “blackest voice.” “When News and Notes goes off the air in March, our African-American listeners need not worry about a lack of representation,” assured NPR president Kevin Klose at a morning news conference. “WHYY’s Terry Gross will still be a strong black presence on our airwaves.”
Local analysts agreed. “Anyone who has heard Terry interview Sidney Poitier, Mark Sawyer, or The RZA understands that she’s a true member of the black community,” said RadioWatch’s Sheldon Hobbs. “I’d like to hear [All Things Considered’s] Robert Siegel unravel the mysteries of Shaolin shadowboxing.” According to Pennsylvania Broadcasting’s Elliot Hammond, “Day to Day does feature [financial analyst] Michelle Singletary, who is black—but unfortunately, that show is being axed, too. Looks like it’s all up to Terry, now.”
Others pointed to Gross’ obvious lack of pigment to dispute her African-American credentials. “I don’t see how Terry Gross is going to make up for the entire staff of News and Notes,” said the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Annette John-Hall. “I mean, if anybody hasn’t noticed? She’s a tiny little white woman!” Klose, though, waved off such criticism. “Unfortunately, we’re facing rising budget deficits, and these cancellations became unavoidable,” he said. “And, frankly, to have Terry Gross and [News and Notes host] Farai Chideya on the same station was something of a redundancy.”
Local analysts agreed. “Anyone who has heard Terry interview Sidney Poitier, Mark Sawyer, or The RZA understands that she’s a true member of the black community,” said RadioWatch’s Sheldon Hobbs. “I’d like to hear [All Things Considered’s] Robert Siegel unravel the mysteries of Shaolin shadowboxing.” According to Pennsylvania Broadcasting’s Elliot Hammond, “Day to Day does feature [financial analyst] Michelle Singletary, who is black—but unfortunately, that show is being axed, too. Looks like it’s all up to Terry, now.”
