Fresh Loaf

Do you think your opinions, insights, experiences or observations are radio-worthy? If so, Georgia Public Broadcasting’s daily news program, “Georgia Gazette,” might want to air them.

Georgia Gazette’s host, Rickey Bevington, is calling all would-be commentators. Here are her requirements:

Anyone with an opinion can write a commentary.

Some commentaries are issue-oriented — having our first black President, trying to outlaw baggy pants, the influx of “big box” stores, the demise of independent book stores, the Atlanta/rural Georgia water war, how digital media influences our children, whether ethanol is a good thing for our country.

Some commentaries are humorous — how you know you’re spoiling your dog when you spoon-feed it yogurt, a play-by-play of a Southern Thanksgiving, pretty much any childhood story that others can identify with.

Some commentaries are reflective on universal issues— losing a friend to cancer, dealing with a parent’s Alzheimers, dealing with death, dealing with obesity, what it means to be a Southerner, what it means to be a father.

The fine print:

• The target time for each commentary is three minutes. It should be recorded by the author.
• There is no compensation for commentaries.
• Text of the submission(s) should be e-mailed to gazette@gpb.org.
• All submissions are welcome. If GPB likes it, they’ll contact you.

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Infowizard Jim Galloway at the AJC’s Political Insider brings word that Judy Woodruff of PBS’ “The News Hour With Jim Lehrer” will moderate Sunday’s U.S. Senate debate between incumbent Republican Saxby Chambliss and Democratic nominee Jim Martin.

One problem: Neither candidate has confirmed they’ll participate.

The details:

Right now, plans call for the debate to be taped at GPTV studios on Sunday afternoon, then aired at 7 p.m. A C-SPAN broadcast would come sometime afterwards, Strauss said.

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As results came in election night, some conservatives were warning that Barack Obama’s presidency would prove a disaster for America. The morning after, talk-radio hosts and bloggers echoed those concerns.

“To me, it feels like the devastation of 9/11 again. And I feel like I just want to say to everybody, ‘Welcome to the end of America as we know it.’”

— Republican Zoe Walker, interviewed by GPB News at Sen. Saxby Chambliss’ campaign party

“Some of you people really drank the Kool-Aid. This guy is just a shyster who was born in Kenya. I’m not going to partake in this affront to my sensibilities. I refuse. Kumbaya my ass.

— Election-night comment left by “gamefan” on PeachPundit.com

“If you look at Nazi Germany, how many Jews said, ‘Oh, c’mon he won’t do that?’”

— Radio host Glenn Beck, warning listeners about Obama’s agenda

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Are you eager to voice your thoughts about Jim Martin and Vernon Jones in a family-friendly forum? Maybe you’re angry about U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss? Fear not, fellow Georgians, you’re among friends here on Fresh Loaf.

I’ll be liveblogging tonight’s Georgia Public Broadcasting debate at 7 p.m. between the two Democrats vying to take a shot at incumbent Chambliss in November. There’ll be quips, comments, updates, tidbits and lots of super-scientific polls.

Drinking game rules are as follows:

• Each time Martin mentions one of his endorsements, take a shot. If he mentions one of his non-endorsements from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, former opponent Josh Lanier, or state Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin, take two shots.

• Each time Vernon Jones mentions his work as DeKalb County CEO, take a swig of a strawberry daiquiri. You get bonus points if you’re eating smores.

• If Martin mentions Jones’ past two votes for President George W. Bush, funnel a Busch Light. If Jones says Martin voted for John Edwards, drink a National Enquirer. Don’t ask questions, just do it.

That’s all I have right now. There might be more. Regardless, skip your weekly capoiera practice early and stop by just before 7 p.m. If you don’t, I’ll be lonely and frightened, all alone in the Internet.

(Photo courtesy of Megatonik.com)

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Vernon Jones and Jim Martin will take their battle royal for the Democratic slot in the U.S. Senate race on Tuesday (July 29) at 7 p.m. in a debate carried by Georgia Public Broadcasting. WSB Radio’s Scott Slade will serve as moderator, while the panel will be filled by GPB’s Nwandi Lawson, the Macon Telegraph’s Charles Richardson and Dick Pettys of Insider Advantage. The event is co-sponsored by the Atlanta Press Club, and can be seen on www.gpb.org or heard on local GPB radio affiliates.

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