The Hoop and Tony Show

Awhile back a Beale St. security guard and a tourist from Germantown had an altercation which left the Germantown man in the hospital. Here is what John Elkington, the CEO of Performa, the company which runs Beale St., has to say about it:

All of us at Performa, which manages Beale Street, deeply regret the Aug. 3 altercation between a security guard and a pedestrian. Facts and fault will be determined in legal forums, but the guard’s use of force is questionable, no matter what the provocation. In addition, given his criminal record, he should not have been hired in the first place. Our guards are there to enhance security, not endanger it.

But this unfortunate incident should not obscure the fact that Beale Street is a great asset for Memphis and a safe destination for millions each year. During 25 years under Performa management, Beale has gone from urban decay to one of the most popular attractions in our region, a key component of a revitalized Downtown. We will do everything in our power to make sure the street continues to prosper. We will take whatever steps are needed to address security concerns

… Some have suggested we fire Winston Security, but we believe the better solution is to work with the African-American-owned firm to make sure there’s no repeat of the Aug. 3 incident. Winston has monitored millions of visitors to Beale safely, and is very concerned about the recent breakdown in professionalism. We have asked Seedco, a respected national firm, to develop a recruitment and training plan for Winston. We have asked Steve Sallion with New City Capital Partners, one of the largest minority capital companies in the country, to look at the operation of Winston Security and make sure it has the infrastructure to grow with Beale Street.

Congratulations Hooper!

From the wired.com how-to wiki, this article may be useful to those of us who work in the service industry, or to anyone who doesn’t give a shit, but should.

Make eye contact. Nothing says sincere like a willingness to plumb the depths of your acquaintance’s soul.

Break eye contact. Sometimes things get so astounding you just need to stare at the table for a minute to reevaluate your place in the universe.

Overshare. Doesn’t matter if it’s relevant: A quick story about an event that changed your life will make it seem like you’re in really deep.

Swivel your head. Nodding “yes” means “I get it, shut up.” But a slow “no” means “I can’t believe the fascinating things you’re telling me!”

Lean back in your chair. This says you’re totally relaxed. You’re ready to hear some secrets. Don’t lean back too far and don’t get too comfortable — it won’t help to fall asleep.

Communicate by saying nothing. Words like “interesting,” “fascinating,” “wow,” “incredible” say you are listening but its meanings are neutral enough not to make yourself look clumsy. If asked a question, say “I agree with you.” Watch out, though. It’s a careful balance. Don’t say too much or you’re just going to egg them on.

Make Light Contact. We’re not talking a bear hug here. We’re talking about a touch on the shoulder or elbow, a firm handshake. This shows you are engaging and willing to hear all about… you know, whatever.

Read the original article here.

Pub Olympics II is being planned for October. Stay tuned for details.

Ever wonder how many people in the U.S. share your first and last name?

Me neither, but now their is a cool site that will let you know. Enter your first and last name at: howmanyofme.com and, using census data, the site will tell you how many of you there are.

How many Tony Geisers in the U.S.?

HowManyOfMe.com

There are 9 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

Pope Benedict the XVI took time out of his World Youth Day festivities in Australia to meet with, and apologize to, victims who were sexually abused by the clergy.

Said the Pope:

“Sorry about that.”

The Pope was received very well by those attending. One victim went as far as to say:

“It’s like I was never even sodomized at all!”

Sources say the Pope provided free Mike’s Hard Lemonade and invited everyone to stay in his hotel room that night.

Link to the BBC story here.

They started work this week on Beale Street Landing in Tom Lee Park.

Due to be finished in 2010, I bet it won’t be open until 2012. Just in time for the apocalypse.

This is the architect’s rendering of what the development will look like:

Where are they going to put the check cashing stores?

My friends and my wife have rallied to give me shit about the Starbucks post I made earlier.

No, I don’t give a fuck about Starbucks.

I thought the info would be useful or interesting to the few people who follow this blog.

Excuse the fuck out of me.

No shit!

Barrack Obama sounds like the name of a bounty hunter from Star Wars.