Here's how to have the last word

On Monday (June 13) the Plain Dealer ran a story detailing the efforts by the Cleveland suburb of Brooklyn to keep American Greetings from moving out - efforts that failed when the company announced it would relocate to Westlake.


When AG departs, will Brooklyn keep the name American Way on the street running into the property?

"Let's put it this way," Mayor Richard Belbier replied, "I've gotten several suggestions from residents on what to rename it."

Best line in the entire piece and a nice way to wrap it up. Unfortunately, after about 40 column inches, chances are not too many readers were still around to appreciate it.

But if this had been a presentation for the ear, the statement would have made for a memorable punch line. As I've said before, listeners tend to remember the last thing they hear. Make it special.