From Evolution to Revolution

Long before we purchased Fred's News from "the brothers" it had the distinction of being the place to go if you needed info. With the transfer of ownership it was a given that this distinction was to be upheld. Please know that it's not a bad thing, on the the contrary it's great for business. If someone came in to find out "the news" there was a pretty good chance they'd stay and order something. It looked pretty obvious that you were nosey if you just sat there staring at people immersed in conversation and their meal. Just a cup of coffee was the fee to be involved in that conversation. However, on the down side, every word that flowed from patrons mouths were linked to: "you know what Bill and Diane said?". Better yet the famous line was "Ya wanna know what I heard at Fred's?" Unfortunately the latter also meant, "Diane & Bill said it!" In the early years we should have adopted a law that covered conversations originating in Fred's News, preferably the Vegas approach, "What is said at Fred's News, stays in Fred's News!" Many a time we had to remind people, "just because you heard it in Fred's News, it doesn't mean Bill or Diane said it!" Case in point: Hogan started a rumor just to see how far it would travel. Yes, he was in Fred's News at the time it flowed from his lips! "Did you know there's a pregnant nun at the Sister's of Charity Convent?" Hogan asked questioningly. Of course no one in their right mind would touch that question! As a matter of fact it was largely ignored for the remainder of the day. As the week progressed, however, there were whispers, a few leading edge questions, but by week's end we decided to ask some patrons what the hell they were talking about. That little statement had been repeated so many times, it had evolved into a major news-breaking story that was was immediately squashed. "Bill and Diane said there were four nuns pregnant at the Convent, the local priest was the father and he wanted them to have abortions!" Dear God what the hell were people thinking! Hogan thought it hysterical as did many people who'd heard the stupid remark, me, I didn't think it was so Goddamn comical!