Kudos, kudos

I saw in the Daily Bee this morning an apology from the publisher for running a kudo in yesterday's paper. I also recall reading that very kudo out loud to Bill because of its biting tone. It concerned a very public dispute here in town regarding the firing of three hospital employees.

Over the past couple of months, we've read some pretty strongly- opinionated letters and commentaries on both sides of this issue. So, I was rather surprised to see the obvious rancor toward hospital administrators flowing into a front-page column designed to sing praises rather than spewing public bitterness. It was a good move for the paper's publisher to issue a quick apology in this case. Let them fight it out in the opinion section, and let's maintain the integrity and pure purpose of kudos.

So, today I'm going to issue a few kudos of my own with no hidden motives other than to give credit where credit's due.

All week I've been thrilled to know that my oft-mentioned rodeo man from Sandpoint has made the big time. Rowdy Buechner now ranks 10th among PRCA bareback riders. He's already earned more than $60,000 this year and recently learned that he's been chosen to compete in the Pace-Picante Rodeo Challenge.

It's a made-for-TV rodeo competition, featuring the top 12 athletes in each category, and it offers $350,000 in prize money. We may be seeing Rowdy when CBS airs a 90-minute special on the event Oct. 29. We are all very proud of Rowdy because he's attained this level through good ol' fashioned hard work and grit. Besides that, he's a very nice young man. So, kudos, Rowdy! May we also see you at the National Finals later this year!

And speaking of putting Sandpoint on the map, hats off to Donna Deshon who won ABC's Good Morning America "Desperate Fan" contest this week. Donna used her talents and her daughter's help to create a video which wowed the judges as they selected three finalists from across the country. She learned a week ago of her selection, and Thursday she took the crown and the opportunity to appear in a "Desperate Housewives" segment on live TV.

Donna won this distinction by answering more trivia questions about the popular television program than her two opponents. The show is a spoof about the Wysteria Lane housewives, and Donna's video was definitely a spoof of this well-written show, but the pride she brought to Sandpoint as we watched her triumph was very real. Kudos to Donna for winning this national distinction.

Finally, I must mention a fellow blogger and former student named Mike. I was very proud this morning to see his slice-of-life anecdote, about watching the NFL football game with his young son, appear on the front page of the In Life section of the Spokesman-Review (www.spokesmanreview.com). When his son launched one of those "kids say the darndest things," Mike took the incident and crafted it into an unforgettable story.

Mike is having fun with his witty writing, and I'm sure seeing it in print this morning has made his day. And, as his former English teacher, I'm very happy for him. Kudos to Mike and keep it up, Sir! You're on your way!

With so much of what we read and hear every day concentrating on what's wrong with our world, it feels refreshing at times to focus on and recognize the positive. That's what kudos are for. So, kudos to all who work hard every day to achieve small or even significant feats that cause smiles and pride rather than frowns and acrimony.