Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Huckleberries Online

News Is A Conversation — Ronny Turiaf

re: Turiaf needs heart surgery

I'm sure shock waves are piercing the Inland Northwest this morning as readers learn about Ronny Turiaf's (above at NBA pre-draft camp in June) medical emergency. And, I'm betting the story and column will receive huge readership as was noted recently when he was picked up by the Los Angeles Lakers.

Why am I not surprised that he suffers from an enlarged heart? I'm sad, though, that it's the kind that has led to a serious medical problem.

Everything about this young man's demeanor suggests a big heart, in more of a figurative sense. Ronny has also melted the hearts of thousands of fans, many like me who've never had the honor of seeing him in person---who've just watched him take the Inland Northwest by storm with his talent, that big smile, his charisma, his obvious warmth and his love for this area and its people.

If it turns out that he's unable to fulfill his dream as an NBA basketball player, then I have a suggestion.

Elect him mayor of Spokane. He could be the greatest ambassador the town ever had.

Marianne Love
News Is A Conversation


DFO: Don't forget to check in on the daily critiques of the SR done by Marianne, Russ Lipton, Doug Hughes and a coupla others for News Is A Conversation, which is linked under SR blogs at the right.




Huckleberries Online

D.F. Oliveria started Huckleberries Online on Feb. 16, 2004. Oliveria's Sunday print Huckleberries is a past winner of the national Herb Caen Memorial Column contest.