6760: TGIF Before Memorial Day Weekend.

Working for the holiday weekend in a MutiCultClassics Monologue…

• A meat producer in Illinois recalled about 96,000 pounds of beef, citing potential contamination. Great news for Memorial Day barbecues.

• In Chicago, the revised standards for craigslist ads formerly categorized as “Erotic Services” are getting mixed reviews from law enforcement. A Cook County sheriff’s official said, “Indications are that it is still being used to advertise prostitution.” Craigslist Chief Executive Jim Buckmaster insisted, “There is no nudity, illegal services or prohibited language in these ads, at all.” An attorney remarked, “It looks like they have toned it down quite a bit. There are still scantily clad individuals, but it’s nothing you can’t see in the telephone book.” Great news for Memorial Day orgies.

• Change has come to Philadelphia, Mississippi, as the city elected its first Black mayor this week. The city is known for the 1964 murders of three civil rights workers at the hands of Ku Klux Klan members. “This shows a complete change of attitude and a desire to move forward,” said new Mayor James A. Young. “When I campaigned, the signs on the doors said, ‘Welcome,’ and I actually felt welcome.”

5265: Bouquets And Brickbats.

Sending love in a MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• New York Governor David Paterson continues to be scrutinized over his use of campaign funds, with the latest reports showing he spent over $5,000 from his election loot on flowers via 1-800-FLOWERS. Between Days Inn, the Men’s Wearhouse and 1-800-FLOWERS, it looks like Paterson is lining up a slew of endorsement deals.

• The New York Post reported the members of the Jackson family are just scraping by. Marlon stocks groceries at a San Diego Vons supermarket. Randy fixes cars in a Los Angeles garage. Jermaine leads a nomadic lifestyle, alternately bunking with a girlfriend and his parents. Jackie is struggling to manage his son’s music career. Tito is still in the music biz, but only collecting $500-$1500 for gigs. The clan is allegedly in a funk. Maybe David Paterson can send them a Pick-Me-Up bouquet.

• A worker at the infamous slaughterhouse that ignited the largest beef recall in U.S. history has been sentenced to six months in jail. “The public sympathy wasn’t going to be on his side,” said the worker’s lawyer. “This was the best possible outcome.” Hey, the guy’s still doing better than the former Jackson Five.