Published: April 23, 2008 09:02 am         

RANDOM THOUGHTS: This and that

Last week I received an e-mail from Loreda Davis, a 1953 graduate of CCHS. In the April 2 "Random Thoughts" column about Miss Nettie’s preservation, I gave a brief history of the high schools in the county using an article from past Chronicle newspapers. That story listed Pleasant Hill, Homestead and Crossville and then added the words “which was often called CCHS.” Mrs. Davis wanted to set the record straight because her diploma reads Cumberland County High School. The clarification is appreciated and I thank Loreda for her interest.

I am pleased to set the record straight on the April 16 chess column. New York Times reporter Dylan McClain sent an e-mail pointing out I had not credited his newspaper for their reporting that the state of Idaho is now including chess as part of their curriculum for second and third graders. That was a slip on my part because I did give proper credit to a number of other publications in that column. Belatedly, it was the New York Times News Service story that inspired the chess column.

I replied to him and apologized but I told him it was a real thrill to receive the e-mail from the New York Times.

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After surviving March Madness we geared up for Masters Golf Tournament. Once again a Tennessean kept us on edge. Brandt Snedeker played fine golf until the final day. I have a feeling we will see more of him in the future.

The day after the Masters ended, the Chattanooga paper reported that another Tennessee favorite had made its first appearance at the links. Mini-MoonPies all packaged in a special Masters wrapper were sold to spectators needing a snack. Officials ordered 35,000 but following the practice round 25,000 more were ordered because they were about to sell out. The Chattanooga Bakery expects the order will be doubled for next year.

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Is change good or bad? A change is taking place at California’s Disneyland according to the LA Times. The target is that favorite attraction ‘Small World.’ Since 1966 visitors taking that ride have left singing “It’s a small, small world.” Mary Blair, the artist and designer of the attraction, planned it to show children of the world in their country’s costumes, hoping visitors would experience that it is indeed a small world.

Now the original theme is being changed by Disney and familiar Disney characters will replace children. Mickey and Minnie are notable exceptions. Blair’s family is furious and say the ride should be left alone. Disney says the original intent and celebration of children will be retained and strengthened. A sour note has appeared in ‘It’s a small, small world.’

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My grandparents had a huge upright piano in their sitting room which was a room used only for special occasions. What fun it was when I was allowed to enter that room and sit at the piano. I became a professional musician at those times because it was a player piano.

Now Yamaha has revived those memories with a new player piano in a sleek, small grand piano style. Just put in the software and enjoy.