While spending time with my family recently, I discovered something disturbing on the cable television channel which is dedicated to the Portsmouth City School District.

I am referring to parodies of Justin Timberlake's song and music video titled “Sexy Back.” The parodies are a song and music video called “Portsmouth Back,” which are thinly-veiled attempts at plagiarism.

My greatest concern is not Mr. Timberlake's song, nor the parodies themselves, but the fact that the “Portsmouth Back” music video airs incessantly; as part of a continuous loop of mostly garbage broadcast on that channel.

Anyone affiliated with the production of the song, music video or the Portsmouth City School District should be embarrassed. The song and music video demonstrates how the Portsmouth City School District is wasting a much-needed opportunity to inform the community about its new schools; and share positive news about the accomplishments of its students and teachers both inside and outside of the classroom.

The song and music video are not accomplishments, they are ignominious. What kind of message do the song and music video send to the rest of the world that the greatest artistic “talent” of the students of the Portsmouth City School District is the ability to shamelessly plagiarize?

Some may consider the song and music video “funny,” but I certainly do not. Granted, no one forced me to listen to the song, or to watch the video, but that is irrelevant. The song and music video are disgraceful. There are many more appropriate ways to utilize the airspace that the channel provides.

I am ashamed to be an alumnus of Portsmouth High School.

Mr. Timberlake says in “Sexy Back,” “Them other boys don't know how to act.” He is indeed correct - although probably not in the sense he originally intended.

David J. Ratcliff

Columbus

Department of Public Service thanks those who volunteered

As the Department of Public Service nears the end of 2006, I can't help but reflect on the events that have encompassed these past 12 months without giving thanks to all the people and organizations that have come to me; offering assistance and volunteering their time for the betterment of this community.

Thank you Bill Shope and the Portsmouth East Schools for volunteering your time and services for bettering Allard Park; Jeff Brant and Cline Jenkins for taking care of the areas you maintain.

On March 12, volunteers from the Design Committee joined forces with employees of this department to plant trees along Second Street and Market Square on a very cold day. This summer you assisted my department and me in planting more than 200 boxwoods on the Young Street Viaduct. I am truly grateful for your assistance.

This spring, members of the 14th Street Community Center and Community Action Organization volunteered to prepare McKinley Pool for summer use. Without your service, the pool would not have been open on time.

On May 5, Christ Community Church invaded city parks and the riverfront with an army of yellow shirts. Thank you and may God bless each and everyone who volunteered your Saturday to truly “Make a Difference.”

This summer, the “Uptown-Downtown” organization was formed; partnered with the Design Committee, and volunteered numerous man-hours cleaning the Esplanade and planting flowers. You volunteered time and funds to get parking lots paved and striped. I am truly appreciative of your efforts.

Amongst all the negativity that you hear in this area, there are many good citizens who care enough to unify together for a common goal. They have chosen to focus their energy and efforts in a positive way to make this a more clean and attractive place to live. I thank God for these people and give thanks for all they have done.

Christopher L. Murphy

Director of Public Service

City of Portsmouth