John Hall was given the day off. You will not see his words of wisdom on this page this week. Call it a boss’ favor for a job well done.

Yes, Mr. Hall, business management editor here at The News, was recently honored by the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE). In the highly competitive Central Division (which includes the states of Michigan, Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, and West Virginia), Hall earned a silver plaque in the “signed editorial” category. Of course, the staff here at The News is happy for Hall, who is dedicated to providing exceptional coverage for our contractor subscribers.

For the record, Hall entered two of his 2001 editorials (“Lowballers Are The Industry’s Ball And Chain” and “Put Aside The Apprehension And Deal With The Utilities”), and the judges at ASBPE saw the value in each.

The Detroit (MI) Chapter of ASBPE went to the award ceremony in Cleveland (OH), recently — and, of course, Hall did not miss the van journey there. Now, a road trip from Motown to Drew Carey’s former stomping grounds is not an inspiring one, but Hall did not seem to mind the three-hour-plus, one-way drive. In fact, he definitely enjoyed the long voyage the most, probably because there was a pot of gold at the end of the Ohio turnpike — or so that’s how he viewed his award.

Maybe it’s just me, but I swear for every mile on the way back to The News’ office, Hall’s cranium grew a tad. Call it ego. Call it his competitive nature. Whatever. Let’s just say he was definitely bursting with pride. And, rightfully so.

BOBBLEHEAD, ANYONE?

One possible way to commemorate our editor’s writing achievement would be to offer readers the opportunity to purchase a John Hall bobblehead.

Bobbleheads are big in the sports world. These are miniature statues of athletes, but the heads of these “dolls” are far larger than their bodies. This is by design. These large heads are attached so they bobble back and forth and from side-to-side.

Post, for instance, is currently offering a free bobblehead of certain Major League baseball players in specially marked boxes of its cereal. Having a Detroit Red Wing bobblehead is the rage in Michigan — and it’s not just because they are in the Stanley Cup finals, either. For one reason or another, bobbleheads are liked and collected.

By the way, yours truly did enter the same editorial contest as Mr. Hall, but yours truly came home empty handed. But I’m not the jealous type. Nor vindictive. Heck, there’s not a mean streak in me.

Someone other than me might take the opportunity to write a between-the-lines editorial regarding John Hall’s head size. But not me. Naw, not me.

Remember, I’m not jealous of his blasted award. Who cares? Not me. No, sir.

Skaer is editor-in-chief. He can be reached at 248-244-6446; 248-362-0317 (fax); markskaer@achrnews.com (e-mail).

Publication date: 06/10/2002