Jeff L. Thigpen Register of Deeds

Monday, January 23, 2006

Why I like Nido Quebin....

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HIGH POINT, N.C., Jan. 23, 2006 - The president of High Point University, Nido Qubein, has been selected as one of the 2006 recipients of the Horatio Alger Award and will be inducted as a lifetime member into the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans during two days of formal ceremonies in April at the Supreme Court and Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.

The award honors individuals who have overcome adversity and humble beginnings, and have gone on to achieve success. Recipients were selected from hundreds of nominations.

Qubein came to this country as a teenager with $50, no contacts and little knowledge of English, but worked his way up to becoming one of America's leading business consultants, a best selling author, internationally known speaker and successful entrepreneur. (WHY I LIKE NIDO!)

"I am honored to have been selected for this prestigious award," said Qubein. "I have learned that without adversity there is no triumph; it is difficult to achieve success without first overcoming the obstacles that stand in your way."

Each year since 1947, 10 distinguished persons have been selected for induction as members of the organization. Among the 285 living members are poet Maya Angelou, former Senator Robert J. Dole, boxing legend George Foreman, the Rev. Billy Graham, entrepreneur H. Wayne Huizenga, former Secretary of State Colin L. Powell and media-mogul Oprah Winfrey.

Joining Qubein and that prestigious list are this year’s other award winners: Kenneth Eugene Behring, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Wheelchair Foundation; Doris K. Christopher, Founder and CEO, The Pampered Chef; Peter M. Dawkins, US Army, Retired and Vice Chairman, Citigroup Private Banking; J. R. "Rick" Hendrick, III,Owner, Hendrick Motorsports & Hendrick Automotive Group; Harold F. "Gerry" Lenfest, President, The Lenfest Group and The Lenfest Foundation; Boone Pickens, Chairman, BP Capital Management; David E. Ritchie, Chairman of the Board, Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers; and Anthony J. Terlato, Chairman, Terlato Wine Group.

“The lives of each of these exceptional individuals provide wonderful examples of the tradition of proving that hard work, perseverance, and integrity are the cornerstones upon which success in our great nation and the realization of success are built,” said Dennis R. Washington, president and CEO of the Horatio Alger Association.

Horatio Alger members mentor young people and sponsor over $8.5 million in need-based college scholarships awarded annually to high school seniors who have proven their ability to overcome adversity and want to pursue higher education.

High Point University offers students an extraordinary education in a fun environment with caring people. HPU is a liberal arts institution with approximately 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 52 countries and 36 states at campuses in High Point and Winston-Salem. The university offers 45 undergraduate majors and five graduate-degree programs. It is accredited by the Commission of Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and is a member of the NCAA, Division I and the Big South Conference.

Sunday, January 22, 2006

Young 'Padawan' gets tips from CHEWIE!

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Chewie takes time out of the busy blogging schedule for young Elle Thigpen.

Thanks Chewie!

Extreme Makeover: Recording Area- ROD office in Greensboro!

Coming tomorrow!!

Friday, January 20, 2006

Catholic Bishops make Common Sense Statement...

"Our nation cannot afford a shrill and shallow debate that distorts reality and reduces the options to 'cut and run' versus 'stay the course.' Instead we need a forthright discussion that begins with an honest assessment of the situation in Iraq and acknowledges both the mistakes that have been made and the signs of hope that have appeared.... Our nation's military forces should remain in Iraq only as long as it takes for a responsible transition, leaving sooner rather than later."

- Bishop Thomas G. Wenski of Orlando, Florida, in a statement on behalf of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Source: USCCB

Thursday, January 19, 2006

24: The New Season. Child Friendly Two Day Premiere Episode

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The following events begin at 11 pm Tuesday Night...

Elle no poopie....THEN BIG, HARD POOPIE!
Elle mouth hurt...
Elle feet hurt...
Elle up every 2 hours and cry....
Chaos, Confusion, and Fear of Unknown. Call to CTU: (Child Tech. Unit, ie Greensboro pediatrician)

The following events take place between 11 am to 12 Noon
Wednesday

Elle goes to CTU....(Dad- Jeff "Jack Bauer"Thigpen notices blister on finger" in waiting room. Coordination effort begins...
Elle debriefed by Agent (Dr.) Stewart....
assessment: Biological threat: (Hand, Foot and Mouth Syndrome)
5 Minute Subplot Cliff Hanger: Strep Test.......Results: Positive
Elle coordinates strategy with Agent Stewart and J"JB"T...
Elle to CVS...(CDC Biological Action Unit)
Weapon Engaged and Deployment begins at 11:59 am: 1 teaspoon Genulose for Constipation; Tylenol .16 ml every 4 hours (Hand, Mouth, foot pain) and 1 1/4 teaspoon of Cephalexin (for Strep).

The Following takes place between 11 pm and 3:30 am Thursday Morning.

Elle and Daddy "JBauer" Thigpen watch 3 consecutive episodes of Wiggly, Wiggly Christmas, then Sesame Street, and Cailou..
Elle and Daddy eat 4 popsicles a piece for hydration..
Elle and Daddy eat 2 boxes of Pringles for to nourish...
Elle and Daddy eat 1 bagel with cream cheese for supplemental nourish..
Elle and Daddy dance and sing to Doodlebops episode..

The Following takes place between 11 and 12 noon on Thursday..
Elle eats wheat bagel from Tate Street Coffee House (Field office)
Elle eats 5 grain wheat bread from Great Harvest (with popsicle for hydration)
Elle poops at 11:59 am....Threat addressed and Biological contaminant evaculated.

24

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

With all the confusion related to Chief Wray....

and when in doubt, I'll defer to Sandy Carmany right now.

Sunday, January 15, 2006

What we can learn from Rev. Pimpong...

I've seen many individuals get demonized or de-humanized pretty quickly in public life. While I've already blogged about my anger related to this weeks revelations around Chief Wray's actions, Allen Johnson writes about Rev. Albert Som Pimpong's thoughts and others after spending 11 days with the former Chief in Israel.

I know Rev. Pimpong especially well and appreciate is perspective in Allen's piece.

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

THE MESSAGES WE SEND.......

The targeting of African American officers within the Greensboro Police Department and authorized by Chief Wray was truly misguided and has no place in our City. Attorney Joe Williams and Lt. Hinson each make statements posted at the News and Record website.

I usually have a few phone calls on every side when these kinds of events happen in Greensboro. I am mistaken for a City Council member or as a former Commissioner they believe I have some authority over the situation.

Yesterday I received several angry calls defending Chief Wray. Today I received a couple of calls angry that this kind of targeting could happen in the 21st Century.

When I spoke before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission I made the point that something needs to be done to bridge the mistrust between the African American community and the Police Department. For those who saw that as not a problem, this example shows there is a very long way to go.

I have friends who are police officers, African-American, and White. They want to uphold the law and serve and protect our citizens. I appreciate the diligence and leadership shown by our City Manager Mitchell Johnson in dealing with a very complex and difficult situation.

I still want to hold off and get more information to fully understand this situation. BUT, this kind of institutionalized racism has no place in the Greensboro and in the vision and mission of of law enforcement community. I urge City Leaders to take action quickly and decisively.

Councilwoman Sandy Carmany shared additional information and I appreciate her follow-up to the public on this matter.

Monday, January 09, 2006

GOD cleared in Campaign Finance Scandal!

Investigators are playing "Connect the Dots" to Ralph Reed, former head of Christian Coalition related to the Campaign Finance Scandal.

Yes, God has not been implicated and the moral hypocrisy seems to be the issue of today in the Baltimore Sun.

One more reason God is not a Democrat or Republican. I don't think ....

Merry Christmas! The Bag of Coal Congress and President Give College Students..

Student Loan Legislation that passed in Congress in December with cuts that will raise student rates from 4.7% averages to near 7% in the coming year. In addition, parental borrowing through Plus Loans will rise from 5 1/2 to near 8.5 %.

This, of course, was in an effort to curve federal spending. On behalf of investing in the educational future of our nation, thanks....

Sunday, January 08, 2006

And the swords came....Rep. Tom Delay as Majority Leader

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Texas State Rep. Aaron Pena blogs about Tom Delay's Shakespeare-ean fate.

Home sales struggle....but excise tax revenue from the sale of the homes have remained constant if not higher over the past year. Part of the excise tax revenue goes to county general funds based on NC General Statutes. For FY 04-05, that revenue amounted to about $380,000. Guilford County Property Revaluation played a significant factor in that increase.

Saturday, January 07, 2006

It's not that Old Time Religion!

NBC's new show Book of Daniel had a 2 hour premiere last night. I didn't get to watch the whole thing but it's drawing some fire this morning. Daniel's family has issues: daughter selling drugs; brother steals church money, or is it is wife and the other woman? Son's gay, and adopted Chinese son sleeps around. Daniel, the priest, has a vicodin addiction and shares pills with the female bishop. He has conversations with Jesus. It's a bit over the top, but they have pegged the issue of sin pretty well...haha.

This show reminds me of this British show "House of Cards" that viewed politicians in a savery light. In Wilmington, there's an effort to get it taken off the air...

Wilmington Pastor Gary Westra has some concerns about the show, so WECT TV invited him to screen it at their station. He says it's dysfunction junction. "Every person seems to be so fatally flawed. It's almost laughable. It will leave some people sad and others offended," says Pastor Westra.

Wilmington Rabbi George Holland also watched an episode of the show. He says it's not all bad. "At least it does show a positive side. Jesus relates to us and calms us down," says Rabbi Holland.

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

Judge Albright takes over for Judge Albright!

Stuart Albright was sworn in as a Superior Court Judge this afternoon, succeeding his father the Honorable Douglas Albright. I was incredibly impressed by event, comments, and overall spirit of the ceremony.

"It's not about power, its about responsibility". That phrase sums it all. The event was attended by many other judges and elected officials. There are some moments that are shared with family and friends that are especially meaningful. This was such an event for the Albright family. The Albright's are a family that strives to serve our community in many ways with integrity and honor. Gov. Easley should be applauded for his leadership in making this appointment. I fully support his move.

I had the opportunity to talk with Judge Douglas Albright the Saturday morning after the news broke of his retirement. He met my daughter Elle and we had a brief but meaningful conversation. I told him I was from Pender County, NC. He shared that Pender was the 100th and last county that he served in. I encouraged him to write because I'm sure he has much to share. I hope you all will encourage him too.

I believe Stuart understands the responsibilities before him and I'm sure he'll work hard for the citizens of Guilford County. Judge Stuart Albright will be up for election this coming November. He'll get my vote.....even if he went to Duke.

Jack Abramoff pleads guilty..

Jack Abramoff will plead guilty this morning to conspiracy, fraud, and tax evasion. This is going to set off a real firestorm!

The US Family Network was one point in the money trail that is interesting. Evidently, money was funneled from a Russian law firm (visited on Delay visit to Russia) now defunct, to the US Family Network then to consulting fees to former Delay Chief of Staff ($10,000 a month), to Delay's wife ($3000).

As many conservative leaders have touted, Delay is one of the most pro-family congressmen in the nation!

Tragedy and Anger....in West Virginia

I woke up to see the caption in the News and Record "12 Miners found alive", only to see that for 3 hours the families celebration turned to tragedy. I don't fault the News and Record. USA front page as well. They were reporting on information that was released, but never corrected by the company.

But the families of those who died in those mineshafts must be devastated. Personally, I have to remember that I don't really have to work for a living. From the tobacco field, to grocery store, to loading trucks for UPS--to Register of Deeds. Even in my hardest job, I never really have had to work like many of those families. Those folks, have to work for a living. The coal they mine fuels our economy in conditions that endanger their health and well being. Many simply do it for the money. You can't blame them.

I know several things right now. First, those families need our support as a nation through their tragedy and an open ear to hear their working conditions. Second, the company SEGO, who owns the mine, has been cited for major workplace violations (208 in 2005) that directly relate to this tragedy--they should be held FULLY accountable for their actions or non actions related to these conditions. Third, why did this mine not get shut down? I understand W.Va. government officials could have due to the violations? Fourth, what can be done to increase the safety of these workers?

Tuesday, January 03, 2006

Stanley Frank..

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My thoughts and prayers are with the Frank Family and their loss and Greensboro's loss. I liked Stanley. He always had some insight on many issues and challenges to Guilford County. We'd run into each other at the Frank Forum, a monthly lunch meeting between leaders in the community, named after Stanley. Or, at Guilford College where he served as a Trustee.

As a young political leader, I appreciated Stanley's passion, positions, and wisdom. He usually knew where we needed to go and let me know often. He knew I was trying to figure out how to get there. He was a funny guy even when he was trying to pound a point into me. haha. He had my respect and I liked talking with him.

I made it a point to listen to his perspective. We agreed on some things, disagreed on others, but he was always working on something in the community. I heard a couple of years ago that he was gravely ill....only to see later to see Stanley hustle into a meeting at Guilford. He has had a major influence on the Airport, Guilford College, through its Science Center, and many other initiatives.

Farewell Stanley...and on behalf of many, thank you.