Lots of people have taken a buyout from The Dallas Morning News over the last 10 years. Some have stayed with journalism, most notably Uncle Barky. Others have turned their backs on the field and tried something completely different, most notably Michael Precker.
Recently, via Facebook, I’ve been keeping up with two former colleagues as they follow in Precker’s footsteps. Their status updates have been at the opposite ends of the appetizing spectrum.
Chris Velez, a former designer who worked primarily for Sports Day and Quick, is undergoing training at the Texas Academy of Animal Control Officers. His status updates have ranged from disgusting (descriptions of decapitating a puppy with parvo) to inspiring: “I plan on making a bigger difference than you might reasonably expect from one person in this field.”
Garth Lewis, on the other hand, has chosen a much less vomit-inducing career. The former Sports Day copy editor opened a Double Dave’s pizza franchise in Arlington on Wednesday. I plan on stopping by the next time I’m in A-Town for a Rangers game. You should do the same.
