Advertisers pulling ads from Glenn Beck program - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Halx · 08-12-2009, 11:41 AM

This has caused a little murmur on reddit lately, but in reaction to Glenn Beck's tirades about Obama's "deep seated hatred for whites" and his agenda to institute universal health care as a form of "reparations" several advertisers have begun requesting that their ads do not appear during the Glenn Beck program. The latest is Geico.

Other companies include:
Mens Wearhouse
Sargento Cheese

GEICO just saved a bunch of money by not advertising on Fox’s Glenn Beck | Media Matters for America

I don't know if this will teach anyone anything, but it is certainly nice to know that corporations are mindful of where their advertisements appear and they seem to be voicing their opinions in that manner. Or maybe someone has some insight that says otherwise.

Willravel · 08-12-2009, 11:43 AM

The very free market capitalism that Beck thinks he's defending is now the method of attack against him. I'd call it poetic, but I don't think Beck could possibly understand why.

The_Jazz · 08-12-2009, 11:47 AM

Here's the question though: in reading the article, Geico said that they "redistributed" their ad dollars to other Fox shows. That means that Fox isn't actually out any money, just that there's no longer a Geico presence on the Glenn Beck show.

Did GEICO actually accomplish anything than some self-agrandizement here?

---------- Post added at 02:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:45 PM ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willravel

The very free market capitalism that Beck thinks he's defending is now the method of attack against him. I'd call it poetic, but I don't think Beck could possibly understand why.

But really, did it attack him? His parent didn't lose any money, and his show doesn't directly sell advertising - the network does.

---------- Post added at 02:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:46 PM ----------

Here's another article, this time from the Consumerist:

Ad Attacks: Black Blogger Alliance Hits Talk Show Host Where It Hurts

It has a little more cause-and-effect to the whole thing. And it looks like Proctor & Gamble is doing it too. A few more, and it might make folks take notice.

Willravel · 08-12-2009, 11:57 AM

It's a PR attack.

Hektore · 08-12-2009, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Jazz

But really, did it attack him? His parent didn't lose any money, and his show doesn't directly sell advertising - the network does.

It most certainly does attack him. Yes the money goes to the network, not to Beck himself or his show. BUT - the ad space is sold by time. If nobody wants their ads to appear during Glenn Beck's program that is one hour less worth of ad time that can be sold by Fox.

If enough people don't want their ads played during his program Fox will have to pull him or lower their ad prices, to increase market size, which do you think is more likely?

The_Jazz · 08-12-2009, 12:05 PM

Well, that's all predicated on "enough", Hektore. So far there are 2 companies that have pulled ads (at least as far as I've seen). How many others buy national air time on FoxNews? My guess is well over 100, but let's say it's 100 to make the math easier. Let's say that 80 of those covet the demographic he brings in. Of those 80, 40 can afford the air time and see it as adding value. Two of those have pulled out, leaving 38 other replacements.

Obviously, those are numbers directly pulled from my ass, but I hope you see where I'm going with it. There's a line of demarkation there, but neither you nor I (I think) know what it is. Knowing that dollar amount would be quite interesting, I think.

Rekna · 08-12-2009, 12:08 PM

I'm impressed usually it is the conservatives that are successful in getting adds pulled. This is the first time i've seen liberals able to do it. Also there are a few more than listed that have pulled out but I don't want to take the time to find them. I think it is up to 5 or 6 big names so far.

Derwood · 08-12-2009, 12:42 PM

Yep, this is too sweet. THe tables are turned.

And yes, it does hurt Beck, because FOX's ad revenues aren't pooled; it's why terrific ratings for, say, Sunday Night Football on NBC won't save a different show that has bad ratings.

hotandheavy · 08-12-2009, 07:30 PM

Rush has advertisers waiting in the wings to be a part of his show. I'd bet there are industries ready to fill Beck's lost spots. I'd also bet that Fox sees this as great pub for Glenn. Tune in and see what all the ruckus is about!

I've been voting with my wallet for a while now.

The division in the country is reaching a fever pitch.

FuglyStick · 08-12-2009, 08:06 PM

Obviously, those companies are run by liberals who are afraid of the truth and hate America....

little_tippler · 08-13-2009, 12:57 AM

This seems like a good thing but unlikely to have a lasting negative effect on the show and the guy who headlines it. I also agree that there will be substitutes for the lost spots and some people will be drawn to the non PC attitude presented in the show. Ah well, it's still good to see some people still care and pay attention.

Cimarron29414 · 08-13-2009, 05:36 AM

I don't have a problem with this. It's the beauty of a free market system. In truth, Beck probably doesn't have a problem with this either.

Halx · 08-13-2009, 01:24 PM

Fox News' Glenn Beck loses advertisers | Entertainment | People | Reuters

Here are more advertisers that have pulled their ads from the program.

Hektore · 08-13-2009, 05:56 PM

This is how I thought it would hurt the most, once a few big names pull out - it snowballs till there aren't any left. Once someone big like Geico very publicly withdraws support for the show, it now forces other companies' PR departments to answer questions about 'why didn't you' or 'you must agree with what he says'. It could stop here, but I think it would be interesting to see it go full scale and show collapse in just a few weeks.

mixedmedia · 08-13-2009, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by little_tippler

This seems like a good thing but unlikely to have a lasting negative effect on the show and the guy who headlines it. I also agree that there will be substitutes for the lost spots and some people will be drawn to the non PC attitude presented in the show. Ah well, it's still good to see some people still care and pay attention.

sic.

Xazy · 08-13-2009, 06:18 PM

Sorry I do not see this working in the long run, there will be other companies to take the place, especially with the ratings he gets.

Quote:

Glenn Beck, Shepard Smith, and Greta Van Susteren are all beating out their four greatest competitors combined. And the O'Reilly Factor is now crushing CNN by a stunning 380%, MSNBC by 247%, and even Headline News by 299%.

Article
Sorry with ratings beating out that strongly competitors, they will find new advertisers.

Charlatan · 08-13-2009, 06:21 PM

While the advertisers have just shifted their ad dollars to other Fox properties, the fact that they have made a point of shifting away from Beck is significant. Ad dollars for television are harder to come by these days. Anyone seen to be losing ad dollars is at risk of not being on air. Fox management will be paying attention. Close attention.

FuglyStick · 08-13-2009, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xazy

Sorry I do not see this working in the long run, there will be other companies to take the place, especially with the ratings he gets.

Article
Sorry with ratings beating out that strongly competitors, they will find new advertisers.

It's possible, but most companies don't want to face a PR nightmare by aligning themselves with a right wing nut.

hotandheavy · 08-13-2009, 06:33 PM

I always thought it was odd that Progressive even had advertising on Fox. I mean, they hate the very people Fox caters to.

There's also a grass roots effort under way to let these big companies know that customers are pulling their business from them because they pulled their ads from Fox. A double edged sword cuts both ways.

I can hardly wait for segregated consumerism.

biznatch · 08-13-2009, 07:29 PM

I wanna see what happens here. Its not often you see someone with the following of Glenn Beck have ads pulled. Is he too big to fail?

Tully Mars · 08-14-2009, 02:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biznatch

I wanna see what happens here. Its not often you see someone with the following of Glenn Beck have ads pulled. Is he too big to fail?

The guys a complete whack job, only his head (or in his head) is he too big to fail.

If he gets fired will he cry?

hotandheavy · 08-14-2009, 05:49 AM

If you haven't listened to Beck, you wouldn't understand why he's not afraid of failure. Dude's already failed, and rebound to find the success he's currently enjoying. He has an immense faith, the love of a good woman, and kids he's willing to raise in Sarah Conner fashion.

He's got nothin' to lose in his eyes.

The_Jazz · 08-14-2009, 05:55 AM

Any successful working person that tells you that they aren't afraid of failure is lying to your face. No exceptions. Ever. That's what keeps them driving on to retirement. If they're still working, they're afraid of failing because they have a reason to keep going.

hotandheavy · 08-14-2009, 06:10 AM

I respectfully disagree. My fear of failure must run parallel to Beck's. I am more fearful of losing "things" I cannot buy. For example, I fear failing as a parent.

I'm not so concerned about failing financially.

The_Jazz · 08-14-2009, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotandheavy

I respectfully disagree. My fear of failure must run parallel to Beck's. I am more fearful of losing "things" I cannot buy. For example, I fear failing as a parent.

I'm not so concerned about failing financially.

Then you're not a successful working person and don't qualify as an example. Unless, of course your bank account has seven figures (discounting any hiding behind a decimal), in which case you're completely unique in business.

Beck's a millionaire. He puts in long hours for his show and his books. The fact that I think they're the equivalent is "WARRRGHARBL OBAMA BAD BUSH GOOD" is immaterial. He's successful in career, and he's driven to succeed in it. If he weren't, he wouldn't do it.

There's no shame in not attaining his level of success, and being a successful parent is arguably more important than having a successful career - my wife would agree with you.

Again, anyone with that level of success who is still working is terrified of failure.

hotandheavy · 08-14-2009, 06:25 AM

We will have to agree to disagree then.

Maybe Beck is cheerleading to those of us who don't have his wealth, and I appreciate that.

I'm sure he has an exit plan, so maybe this is a moot point.

The_Jazz · 08-14-2009, 06:31 AM

The fact that you conceed that he probably has an exit plan really proves my point. Exit plans are what smart people do when things go south. I agree that he has one (despite my other opinions of him, he's clearly not an idiot). An exit plan for someone like him will be almost solely in finances and how to grow his money.

And we're not talking about who Beck is or isn't cheerleading. That's completely immaterial. I'm happy that you think he's "on your side" or something of that nature, but you really must have no clear idea of what it takes to be as successful as he is in the business world, regardless of what business that is.

hotandheavy · 08-14-2009, 06:39 AM

Fair enough. I'll just keep on working my little part time job.

The_Jazz · 08-14-2009, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotandheavy

Fair enough. I'll just keep on working my little part time job.

And being a successful parent, I hope. That is as much (if not more) admirable than a highly successful career. It is rare that you can find someone who can be both. I'm lucky enough to have a few of those acting as my mentors.

hotandheavy · 08-14-2009, 06:54 AM

I am a successful parent. My kids rock.

biznatch · 08-14-2009, 09:07 AM

I'm pretty sure they'll find companies to replace those already there. There are companies that wouldn't mind being associated with him, I'm sure. Or whose clients wouldn't care too much. Nascar?

As an aside, I just saw the movie Network yesterday, after many people's recommendations. Wow. Let's just say it's incredibly relevant to the Glenn Beck type of "news," and an excellent movie.

G5_Todd · 08-21-2009, 08:32 AM

fox news is my favorite news channel, however glenn beck is kind of annoying...

Geico commercials are annoying so i could care less if they pull all there advertising from fox...

Rekna · 08-21-2009, 11:28 AM

Glenn beck is on "vacation" for a week though the rumor is he was told to go on vacation by fox to let the heat die down.

Willravel · 08-21-2009, 11:48 AM

Beck is on vacation, but the war is still on. There are plenty of advertisers, including Apple, Applebees, Aspercreme, Brita, Buy.com, Days Inn, DirecTV, Ditech, Free Credit Report, KFC (who has a history of bending to consumer pressure), Liberty Medical, Mercedes, National Geographic, Pep Boys, Red Lobster, Scottrade, Subaru, Tylenol, United Healthcare, UPS, and Viagra.

ottopilot · 08-21-2009, 12:24 PM

which war are you refering to will?

Willravel · 08-21-2009, 12:35 PM

The war against fear mongers. The war for the free market. The war for responsible newscasting. The war against slander. The war against propaganda. Take your pick.

ottopilot · 08-21-2009, 06:44 PM

So what does any of that have to do with the OP?

Willravel · 08-21-2009, 07:14 PM

It's a list of advertisers that are likely considering withdrawing their financial support for Glenn Beck.

Seaver · 08-21-2009, 08:21 PM

There'll be plenty of companies that will gladly pay to have advertising on Glenn Beck. He is fairly popular, or at least have a lot of people who watch him.

That being said, Glenn Beck used to have fairly well regulated arguments supported by a great deal of accurate data when he was on the radio. The second he got a TV show he drove off the cliff. I can't even hear his voice anymore, it's like hearing Olberman for me.

ottopilot · 08-21-2009, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willravel

It's a list of advertisers that are likely considering withdrawing their financial support for Glenn Beck.

I understand about the advertisers. But you seem to approve of these measures.

08-12-2009, 11:41 AM	#1 (permalink)
Halx Please touch this. Owner/Admin Location: Manhattan	Advertisers pulling ads from Glenn Beck program This has caused a little murmur on reddit lately, but in reaction to Glenn Beck's tirades about Obama's "deep seated hatred for whites" and his agenda to institute universal health care as a form of "reparations" several advertisers have begun requesting that their ads do not appear during the Glenn Beck program. The latest is Geico. Other companies include: Mens Wearhouse Sargento Cheese GEICO just saved a bunch of money by not advertising on Fox’s Glenn Beck \| Media Matters for America I don't know if this will teach anyone anything, but it is certainly nice to know that corporations are mindful of where their advertisements appear and they seem to be voicing their opinions in that manner. Or maybe someone has some insight that says otherwise. __________________ You have found this post informative. -The Administrator [Don't Feed The Animals]

08-12-2009, 12:05 PM	#6 (permalink)
The_Jazz Asshole Administrator Location: Chicago	Well, that's all predicated on "enough", Hektore. So far there are 2 companies that have pulled ads (at least as far as I've seen). How many others buy national air time on FoxNews? My guess is well over 100, but let's say it's 100 to make the math easier. Let's say that 80 of those covet the demographic he brings in. Of those 80, 40 can afford the air time and see it as adding value. Two of those have pulled out, leaving 38 other replacements. Obviously, those are numbers directly pulled from my ass, but I hope you see where I'm going with it. There's a line of demarkation there, but neither you nor I (I think) know what it is. Knowing that dollar amount would be quite interesting, I think. __________________ "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - B. Franklin "There ought to be limits to freedom." - George W. Bush "We have met the enemy and he is us." - Pogo

08-12-2009, 08:06 PM	#10 (permalink)
FuglyStick WHEEEE! Whee! Whee! WHEEEE! Location: Southern Illinois	Obviously, those companies are run by liberals who are afraid of the truth and hate America.... __________________ AZIZ! LIGHT!

08-13-2009, 12:57 AM	#11 (permalink)
little_tippler Leaning against the -Sun- Super Moderator Location: on the other side	This seems like a good thing but unlikely to have a lasting negative effect on the show and the guy who headlines it. I also agree that there will be substitutes for the lost spots and some people will be drawn to the non PC attitude presented in the show. Ah well, it's still good to see some people still care and pay attention. __________________ Whether we write or speak or do but look We are ever unapparent. What we are Cannot be transfused into word or book. Our soul from us is infinitely far. However much we give our thoughts the will To be our soul and gesture it abroad, Our hearts are incommunicable still. In what we show ourselves we are ignored. The abyss from soul to soul cannot be bridged By any skill of thought or trick of seeming. Unto our very selves we are abridged When we would utter to our thought our being. We are our dreams of ourselves, souls by gleams, And each to each other dreams of others' dreams. Fernando Pessoa, 1918

08-13-2009, 05:36 AM	#12 (permalink)
Cimarron29414 Still Free Location: comfortably perched at the top of the bell curve!	I don't have a problem with this. It's the beauty of a free market system. In truth, Beck probably doesn't have a problem with this either. __________________ Gives a man a halo, does mead. "Here lies The_Jazz: Killed by an ambitious, sparkly, pink butterfly."

08-12-2009, 11:43 AM	#2 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	The very free market capitalism that Beck thinks he's defending is now the method of attack against him. I'd call it poetic, but I don't think Beck could possibly understand why.

08-12-2009, 11:57 AM	#4 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	It's a PR attack.

08-12-2009, 12:08 PM	#7 (permalink)
Rekna Junkie	I'm impressed usually it is the conservatives that are successful in getting adds pulled. This is the first time i've seen liberals able to do it. Also there are a few more than listed that have pulled out but I don't want to take the time to find them. I think it is up to 5 or 6 big names so far.

08-12-2009, 12:42 PM	#8 (permalink)
Derwood Who You Crappin? Location: Everywhere and Nowhere	Yep, this is too sweet. THe tables are turned. And yes, it does hurt Beck, because FOX's ad revenues aren't pooled; it's why terrific ratings for, say, Sunday Night Football on NBC won't save a different show that has bad ratings.

08-12-2009, 07:30 PM	#9 (permalink)
hotandheavy Upright Location: Western WI	Rush has advertisers waiting in the wings to be a part of his show. I'd bet there are industries ready to fill Beck's lost spots. I'd also bet that Fox sees this as great pub for Glenn. Tune in and see what all the ruckus is about! I've been voting with my wallet for a while now. The division in the country is reaching a fever pitch.

08-13-2009, 01:24 PM	#13 (permalink)
Halx Please touch this. Owner/Admin Location: Manhattan	Fox News' Glenn Beck loses advertisers \| Entertainment \| People \| Reuters Here are more advertisers that have pulled their ads from the program. __________________ You have found this post informative. -The Administrator [Don't Feed The Animals]

08-13-2009, 05:56 PM	#14 (permalink)
Hektore Junkie Location: Greater Harrisburg Area	This is how I thought it would hurt the most, once a few big names pull out - it snowballs till there aren't any left. Once someone big like Geico very publicly withdraws support for the show, it now forces other companies' PR departments to answer questions about 'why didn't you' or 'you must agree with what he says'. It could stop here, but I think it would be interesting to see it go full scale and show collapse in just a few weeks. __________________ The advantage law is the best law in rugby, because it lets you ignore all the others for the good of the game.

08-13-2009, 06:21 PM	#17 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	While the advertisers have just shifted their ad dollars to other Fox properties, the fact that they have made a point of shifting away from Beck is significant. Ad dollars for television are harder to come by these days. Anyone seen to be losing ad dollars is at risk of not being on air. Fox management will be paying attention. Close attention. __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke

08-13-2009, 06:33 PM	#19 (permalink)
hotandheavy Upright Location: Western WI	I always thought it was odd that Progressive even had advertising on Fox. I mean, they hate the very people Fox caters to. There's also a grass roots effort under way to let these big companies know that customers are pulling their business from them because they pulled their ads from Fox. A double edged sword cuts both ways. I can hardly wait for segregated consumerism.

08-13-2009, 07:29 PM	#20 (permalink)
biznatch Junkie Location: France	I wanna see what happens here. Its not often you see someone with the following of Glenn Beck have ads pulled. Is he too big to fail? __________________ Check it out: The Open Source/Freeware/Gratis Software Thread

08-14-2009, 05:49 AM	#22 (permalink)
hotandheavy Upright Location: Western WI	If you haven't listened to Beck, you wouldn't understand why he's not afraid of failure. Dude's already failed, and rebound to find the success he's currently enjoying. He has an immense faith, the love of a good woman, and kids he's willing to raise in Sarah Conner fashion. He's got nothin' to lose in his eyes.

08-14-2009, 05:55 AM	#23 (permalink)
The_Jazz Asshole Administrator Location: Chicago	Any successful working person that tells you that they aren't afraid of failure is lying to your face. No exceptions. Ever. That's what keeps them driving on to retirement. If they're still working, they're afraid of failing because they have a reason to keep going. __________________ "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - B. Franklin "There ought to be limits to freedom." - George W. Bush "We have met the enemy and he is us." - Pogo

08-14-2009, 06:10 AM	#24 (permalink)
hotandheavy Upright Location: Western WI	I respectfully disagree. My fear of failure must run parallel to Beck's. I am more fearful of losing "things" I cannot buy. For example, I fear failing as a parent. I'm not so concerned about failing financially.

08-14-2009, 06:25 AM	#26 (permalink)
hotandheavy Upright Location: Western WI	We will have to agree to disagree then. Maybe Beck is cheerleading to those of us who don't have his wealth, and I appreciate that. I'm sure he has an exit plan, so maybe this is a moot point.

08-14-2009, 06:31 AM	#27 (permalink)
The_Jazz Asshole Administrator Location: Chicago	The fact that you conceed that he probably has an exit plan really proves my point. Exit plans are what smart people do when things go south. I agree that he has one (despite my other opinions of him, he's clearly not an idiot). An exit plan for someone like him will be almost solely in finances and how to grow his money. And we're not talking about who Beck is or isn't cheerleading. That's completely immaterial. I'm happy that you think he's "on your side" or something of that nature, but you really must have no clear idea of what it takes to be as successful as he is in the business world, regardless of what business that is. __________________ "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - B. Franklin "There ought to be limits to freedom." - George W. Bush "We have met the enemy and he is us." - Pogo

08-14-2009, 06:39 AM	#28 (permalink)
hotandheavy Upright Location: Western WI	Fair enough. I'll just keep on working my little part time job.

08-14-2009, 06:54 AM	#30 (permalink)
hotandheavy Upright Location: Western WI	I am a successful parent. My kids rock.

08-14-2009, 09:07 AM	#31 (permalink)
biznatch Junkie Location: France	I'm pretty sure they'll find companies to replace those already there. There are companies that wouldn't mind being associated with him, I'm sure. Or whose clients wouldn't care too much. Nascar? As an aside, I just saw the movie Network yesterday, after many people's recommendations. Wow. Let's just say it's incredibly relevant to the Glenn Beck type of "news," and an excellent movie. __________________ Check it out: The Open Source/Freeware/Gratis Software Thread

08-21-2009, 08:32 AM	#32 (permalink)
G5_Todd Junkie Location: Reichstag	fox news is my favorite news channel, however glenn beck is kind of annoying... Geico commercials are annoying so i could care less if they pull all there advertising from fox... __________________ "....and when you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." -General Franks

08-21-2009, 11:28 AM	#33 (permalink)
Rekna Junkie	Glenn beck is on "vacation" for a week though the rumor is he was told to go on vacation by fox to let the heat die down.

08-21-2009, 11:48 AM	#34 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	Beck is on vacation, but the war is still on. There are plenty of advertisers, including Apple, Applebees, Aspercreme, Brita, Buy.com, Days Inn, DirecTV, Ditech, Free Credit Report, KFC (who has a history of bending to consumer pressure), Liberty Medical, Mercedes, National Geographic, Pep Boys, Red Lobster, Scottrade, Subaru, Tylenol, United Healthcare, UPS, and Viagra. Last edited by Willravel; 08-21-2009 at 11:54 AM.. Reason: updated list

08-21-2009, 12:24 PM	#35 (permalink)
ottopilot let me be clear Location: Waddy Peytona	which war are you refering to will? __________________ "It rubs the lotion on Buffy, Jodi and Mr. French's skin" - Uncle Bill from Buffalo

08-21-2009, 12:35 PM	#36 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	The war against fear mongers. The war for the free market. The war for responsible newscasting. The war against slander. The war against propaganda. Take your pick.

08-21-2009, 06:44 PM	#37 (permalink)
ottopilot let me be clear Location: Waddy Peytona	So what does any of that have to do with the OP? __________________ "It rubs the lotion on Buffy, Jodi and Mr. French's skin" - Uncle Bill from Buffalo

08-21-2009, 07:14 PM	#38 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	It's a list of advertisers that are likely considering withdrawing their financial support for Glenn Beck.

08-21-2009, 08:21 PM	#39 (permalink)
Seaver Junkie Location: Fort Worth, TX	There'll be plenty of companies that will gladly pay to have advertising on Glenn Beck. He is fairly popular, or at least have a lot of people who watch him. That being said, Glenn Beck used to have fairly well regulated arguments supported by a great deal of accurate data when he was on the radio. The second he got a TV show he drove off the cliff. I can't even hear his voice anymore, it's like hearing Olberman for me. __________________ "Smite the rocks with the rod of knowledge, and fountains of unstinted wealth will gush forth." - Ashbel Smith as he laid the first cornerstone of the University of Texas