MIRABEAU: Back from furlough (9.1.09)

Mirabeau didn't go away. Mirabeau has been on furlough, just like the school teachers.

Mirabeau is old but he's not a Neanderthal. That's why Mirabeau wonders what it would be like if Frank Martin returned to the mayor's office.

Mirabeau knows the face of Muscogee County School Superintendent Susan Andrews isn't all that familiar to local people. Mirabeau figures having the soothing voice of former TV anchor Dick McMichael at the beginning of those sales tax ads is supposed to offset her newness.

Can't say Doug Branson isn't signing winners to play basketball at Columbus State University. Mirabeau hears freshman signee Caz Cole holds the record for eating cheese eggs at the Waffle House in Dalton. The 6-7 freshman ate a record 14. Mirabeau hopes he is as proficient on the court as he is at the counter.

Mirabeau heard former Alabama Coach Gene Stallings had such a pain in his ear when he spoke to Crimson Tide alumni Monday night at Green Island Country Club that they had to ask if a doctor was in the house. The physician called in a prescription, Mirabeau is told.

Mirabeau knows the car business is hostile and TV ads for Larry Rich Nissan proves it. Mirabeau cringes every time he hears the LaGrange dealer brag that his prices are lower since he owns his own building — a shot at Rob Doll and his troubled dealership if there ever was one.

Mirabeau noticed Columbus High linebacker Patrick Stalling was injured last Friday. Mirabeau remembers him as one of the members of the World Champion Northern Little League team.

Mirabeau is told that Julius Hunter could have opposition for Columbus Council. Former Florida State baseball player and funeral home operator Bruce Huff might become a candidate.

Mirabeau has followed the recovery of Columbus and the Valley co-owner Mike Venable. Mirabeau now hears Venable has named his surviving kidney ... and the name is Strainer. Mirabeau wonders if he names his other body parts.

Mirabeau detests the 2 Live Stews radio show and hoped Fox Sports 1460 would provide an afternoon alternative. Mirabeau is sad to report that Jim Rome is almost as bad as the other guys. Mirabeau's only solace is Dan Patrick in the morning on 1460.