Essay 1388

Don’t sleep on this MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• The New York Times reported on Ceragem, maker of a massaging bed that has gained popularity with Hispanics (pictured above). Customers have been showing up for free 40-minute trials, returning regularly for months. “It’s a habit of life, like bathing or eating,” said one store manager. Some customers believe the beds are capable of healing a bunch of serious ailments, and word-of-mouth is spreading the news. The crippled have allegedly learned to walk, and some have even had their cholesterol levels lowered by the amazing device. Wonder if Lindsay Wagner will give up her Craftmatic bed for a Ceragem. Click on the essay title above to read the full story.

• The Los Angeles Fire Chief is quitting over the racial scandal involving a Black firefighter being served dog food by coworkers (see Essay 1382). Chief William Bamattre announced his departure for January 1. The City Council initially approved a $2.7 million settlement, but the mayor vetoed the action, leading to more debating. An investigation showed the “prank” may have been hatched because of the firefighter’s self-made nickname of the “Big Dog.” Good thing he didn’t refer to himself as the “Big Shit.”

• The nation’s first Muslim elected to Congress, Minnesota Democrat Keith Ellison, wants to take the oath of office by placing his hand on a Quran versus a Bible. Of course, critics are on it already. “He should not be allowed to do so,” wrote one person on a conservative Website. “Not because of any American hostility to the Koran, but because the act undermines American culture. … [The Bible is what] America holds as its holiest book. … If you are incapable of taking an oath on that book, don’t serve in Congress.” Yes, the overwhelming majority of Congressmen are devout Bible-thumpers.