newsobserver.com projects - Dempsey Benton - Comments

Re: From gilded frame to golden parachute

domewatcher — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 13:00:36 -0400

From the May 29th Dome report (hat tip to Gigglebox, a fine gentleman indeed, for the reference):

"""...……In a statement attributed to Harris and released by the Department of Health and Human Services, the artist said the painting was a gift to the people of North Carolina and that the payment she received barely covered the cost of materials. "Her unconventional beauty, her sense of humor and her blinding intelligence are engraved in my mind," Harris said of her boss. "I knew that with my skill and desire, I would create a painting to be enjoyed by many and become engaged with this historic moment." …….........."""

This quote about her unconventional beauty……isn’t that what’s written on the Statue of Liberty? It was really getting deep. I agree with the historic moment part. This whole situation would make a great comedy script for Larry David.

But this story might serve a purpose. Reading this story makes me think that we might need to take a look at who is doing the treating and who is being treated. Might need to reverse the roles?

And it probably fits in with healthcare reform. Imagine walking out of the doctor’s office and the nurse whispering, “I also do oil portraits. You have an unconventional beauty....you are blinding me with your intelligence....and you obviously have a sense of humor as you are laughing in my face.”

You don’t need the comedy channel as long as you have NC politics. You just can't make this stuff up. God bless America!

Re: From gilded frame to golden parachute

SouthsideJohnny — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 09:48:10 -0400

The trouble is that these type stories are becoming a weekly event in state government. Hopefully it is better investigative journalism rather than a rise in the number of cases. And they wonder why the taxpayers resist paying more taxes.

Vending machine payoff. Is video poker far behind?

domewatcher — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 16:22:54 -0400

Gig, thanks for the link. I had forgotten the money to commission the oil painting came from the vending machines.

I always wondered what happened to that money. Would probably be a good show for "Myth Busters." Or "Dirty Jobs."

Next time I drop a few quarters in a vending machine I'll think about "Mona Lisa."

Re: From gilded frame to golden parachute

GiggleBox — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 09:17:14 -0400

It's hard to get earned media like this for under $250 these days.

Disaster plans

domewatcher — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 08:18:36 -0400

Develop disaster plans?

Isn't this pretty much the current plan under which we have been operating?

Re: From gilded frame to golden parachute

krw127 — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 07:39:22 -0400

Have you ever thought maybe she does look like "Dora the Explorer"?

Re: From gilded frame to golden parachute

kevin_smith5 — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 23:32:41 -0400

Who did that painting? The illustrator for "Dora the Explorer"?

Re: From gilded frame to golden parachute

BitterEXdemocrat — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 21:19:06 -0400

What a WEIRD looking portrait she had painted...way out of proportion...she wasted taxpayer money on that crap?

another vile democrackkk sucking the government teat...

Re: From gilded frame to golden parachute

TOPASSISTANT — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 20:38:14 -0400

She should not have a state job!

Recycling in state government

captainjack — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:56:54 -0400

"....assigned as a special executive."

With all the intrigue coming out of Raleigh lately it seems many think of themselves as "special executives."

Recycling is obviously alive and well in state government.

Re: From gilded frame to golden parachute

barbie50 — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:36:30 -0400

This is why DHHS has so many problems. People who screw up are just recycled time and time again. But, the folks with fresh ideas...the ones who think outside of the box...either give up and leave or get shoved to the curb, because they buck the status quo.

Did we get to keep the oil painting?

domewatcher — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:10:57 -0400

That sure is a might pretty picture. Are prints availabe and if so what is the cost? I've got a spot in my family room and those soft tones would look good with the shag carpet.

Did the state get to keep the oil painting? Where is it now? Maybe we could exchange it with the Hermitage on one of those cultural exchange deals the former governor worked on while on the tour.

Re: From gilded frame to golden parachute

robdarich — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:45:23 -0400

Corruption is coming to a big head.

Re: From gilded frame to golden parachute

j1c2kp — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:34:42 -0400

help I need a barf bag

Re: Stimulus spending favors rural counties

czarromulusaugustus — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:57:01 -0400

Federal funds allocated through June 30 under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act add up to $328 for every state resident, Bruce Siceloff and Steve Harrison report.

Sharrison = Steve Harrison

Next thing we know the Chairman of the North Carolina Democrat Party will be writing for the Editorial Board!