Crossroads' Top 10 Most Fascinating People - No. 1: Pepper
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Pepper, who is considered by many as a local celebrity, navigates the streets of Victoria on foot. He is often seen on Wednesday nights at the Downtown Bar & Grill.
Which of the Most Fascinating features did you find most fascinating?
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- Bum Phillips 34% 109 votes
- Amy Danchik 4% 12 votes
- Joe Adams 5% 17 votes
- Shane Wallace 4% 14 votes
- Frank Crain 3% 9 votes
- Dr Manju Sachdev-Chandna 3% 11 votes
- Dr. Yusuke Yahagi 4% 13 votes
- William "Bill" Moeller 3% 11 votes
- Clara Ramos 3% 10 votes
- Pepper 36% 115 votes
321 total votes.
TIMELINE
Dec. 29, 1954: Marlin "Pepper" Adams is born in El Campo
Early 1970s: Attended Solomon M. Coles High School in Corpus Christi
Late 1980s: Pepper's reputation grows as he engages in hand-to-hand combat with the mechanical gorilla outside ...
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TIMELINE
Dec. 29, 1954: Marlin "Pepper" Adams is born in El Campo
Early 1970s: Attended Solomon M. Coles High School in Corpus Christi
Late 1980s: Pepper's reputation grows as he engages in hand-to-hand combat with the mechanical gorilla outside of Tom's Vacuums.
April 1987: Pepper is incarcerated for 55 days. It's the first time his name appears in court documents in Victoria County.
June 1992: Begins his 346-day stint in jail for burglary, the longest time period he is ever sentenced.
1994: Pepper starts singing karaoke at Barney's, a now closed bar.
March, 2000: Pepper is arrested for assault causing bodily injury. It is the most recent violent crime he is arrested for, according to court documents.
February 2007: Pepper is arrested on a warrant charging him with criminal trespass. There are no records of him being jailed after this date.
TIDBITS
Although Pepper has lived off and on in various low-incoming housing, hotels and shelters, he is currently homeless.
Pepper has seven brothers and seven sisters. One of his brothers, Willie Ben Adams, died as a young man.
Pepper got his nickname from his family thanks to his love of eating jalapeno peppers whole.
His favorite place to eat is Ramsey's.
Pepper's thoughts on politics? "I don't know too much about Obama, but I do know one thing. He's doing a good job and I hope he keeps doing a good job and don't double-cross no other nation."
Pepper has never been married.
Pepper is 54 years old.
HOW TO HELP
The account that was set up to help care for Marlin "Pepper" Adams at TDECU after he was attacked by a dog on Oct. 20 is still open.
Donations can be made to the Marlin Adams Benefit Fund at any TDECU location.
It's a little after midnight at the Downtown Bar & Grill. All the Wednesday regulars are there.
Chase Brown croons on stage, the bartenders keep the drinks flowing, and the crowd happily buzzes.
Then, in he walks, all 5-foot-4-inches of him. And the whole crowd yells, "Pepper!"
Everyone knows Pepper. Even if you don't know Pepper, you know of Pepper. And if you do know Pepper, you don't really know Pepper.
He is perhaps Victoria's biggest, if most unlikeliest, celebrity. With a rather extensive criminal background, ranging from assault to burglary, some say he's dangerous. Others say he's harmless. One thing that can't be denied is that your first Pepper sighting is a rite of passage to becoming a Victorian. Many a newcomer to the city is asked the inevitable question: "Have you seen Pepper yet?"
Pepper's real name is Marlin Adams. He is well known for walking the streets of Victoria, sometimes dressed as a ninja, other times in a fur coat in August. But almost every Wednesday you can find him at Downtown Bar & Grill.
"You can be who you are at the Downtown Bar & Grill," Pepper said of his favorite hangout spot.
Pepper, the singing sensation
Tonight, Pepper, 54, is a star. During his sets, Brown, a popular local performer, lets Pepper get on stage and take the microphone for a song or two. For all the rumors and gossip floating around about Pepper, it's hard to deny the fact the man can sing. Once on stage, his demeanor changes. He is confident, playful and even though he lacks several teeth, which can make understanding him talk difficult at times, the lyrics come out crystal clear, especially when it's a James Brown song.
"And I feeeeeel nice ... like sugar and spice ..."
He calls singing his habit. In fact, he will quite literally sing for his supper. Each day, Pepper walks miles and miles around the city, asking for money from everyone and anyone he encounters. If requested of him, he will sing in exchange for a few dollars and there are even videos on YouTube of Pepper singing.
While many people think of Pepper as a sort of unofficial ambassador for Victoria, not everyone loves him nor thinks he is harmless. Victoria resident Catherine Lewis has often seen Pepper around town and said she has seen him act aggressively on multiple occasions.
"Personally, I think he's rather dangerous. If he comes up to you and asks for money and you refuse, he can get really angry," she said. "It's obvious he's not quite all there and he could snap at any moment."
His friends, however, are quick to defend him.
"Pepper is not a threat. He wouldn't hurt a fly," Brown said. "Anyone who would say that has never spoken to him or they would know better. He's so sweet and not violent."
Pepper's criminal past
Pepper has been arrested and jailed numerous times, according to court documents. Although Victoria police Chief Bruce Ure said he can't comment on Pepper's criminal history, he did say his department is well-acquainted with the man.
The charges against Pepper range from a sexual assault charge, which was later dismissed, to burglary, assault and weapons charges, as well as a host of misdemeanor crimes. His criminal record ranges 20 years in Victoria - from 1987 to, most recently, a February 2007 warrant charging him with criminal trespass.
Pepper also was ordered to take a mental illness exam by the courts and was committed to Vernon State Hospital at least once, according to court documents. In 1998, a local judge ruled that Pepper was incompetent to stand trial, with the probability that he would never become competent.
When a judge or jury finds a defendant incompetent more than once or they send a defendant to a state hospital for a mental illness, the burden of proving competency shifts from the defense to the state, said District Attorney Steve Tyler.
"It's much harder to prove someone is sane than to prove they are insane," he added. "If someone is routinely found insane and has been to the hospital a lot and everyone believes they are insane, you cannot convict them of a crime. All you can do is send them to a state hospital."
But Pepper is a very high-functioning individual despite a head injury he suffered several years ago, according to his sister, Lucille Davidson of El Campo. As a young man, he was hit in the head by a police baton during a raid at his Corpus Christi workplace, an injury that led to neurological problems that he now takes medicine for, she said.
"He was hit in a certain area on his head that damaged a part of his brain nerve," she said, adding she was unsure of the exact year or how old Pepper was at the time. "It did mess him up, and he'll never get back to what he was, but he's not crazy."
Describing Pepper before that incident, Davidson used words like multi-talented.
"He used to be able to pick up an instrument and play songs by ear. He could also draw like a professional artist. And the singing ... oh, the singing. He's so good," she said. "If you just look into his heart, just sit down and talk with him, he's very intelligent when he's on his medication."
Pepper also said he is on medication, saying that as long as he takes it, he is all right.
"I got to stay on my medicines. I take it because it makes me who I am. It keeps me together," he said.
Pepper's childhood
The story of Pepper begins in 1954, when he was born in El Campo to a large family that included seven brothers and seven sisters. He was raised in Corpus Christi after his mother moved there, he said. He attended the all-black Solomon M. Coles High School.
Nine years older than Pepper, Davidson added that Pepper lived with her and her husband for awhile when he was younger. In fact, she was the one who gave him the nickname Pepper.
"I love the juice of jalapeno peppers. I put it on everything. And Pepper, he'd always eat the pepper. He'd eat them on anything and everything," she laughed. "I started to get worried there for awhile that he was eating too many. But bless his heart, he grew into a strong young man."
Contrary to a popular rumor, Pepper never was in the military, Davidson said. However, he did join the Job Corps as a young man, which is a voluntary education and job training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor.
The earliest record of him in Victoria is in 1987. That year, he spent 55 days in jail for a misdemeanor crime, according to court documents.
"You know, I wanted my home to be in Victoria because it's a nice place to live and it's a good neighborhood," Pepper said. "The police is doing a good job. The city is doing a good job. It's full of good people."
Pepper and the Gorilla
One of the most popular stories about Pepper is the fight between him and the mechanical gorilla, affectionately named Bubba, outside of Tom's Vacuum at the corner of Navarro and Rio Grande streets. Even though it occurred about 25 years ago, the incident remains fresh in the minds of many Victorians.
As Pepper tells it, Bubba hit him out of nowhere and so Pepper hit him back.
"I won. I opened a can of whoop-ass on him," he laughed.
According to Mike Vanelli, the longtime service manager at the store, it was actually Bubba who beat up Pepper.
"Pepper walked by as the gorilla waved and they started wrestling. Somehow, Bubba ended up falling on top of Pepper and Pepper started yelling, 'Help! Help! Get him off me!'" he said. "Once he wriggled out from underneath, he ran off and now he very seldom will walk by the store. I'd definitely say Bubba won."
Bubba, perhaps the only one who could solve this discrepancy, had no comment.
It's stories like these that elevated Pepper to an almost local legend status. Other stories include that he won the lottery, which Pepper claims was $183 million. According to the Texas Lotto Commission, there is no record of a Marlin Adams winning a substantial amount of money in the lottery. However, it is possible Pepper may have won a small amount of money through the lottery, Davidson said. Several years ago, she received an anonymous phone call from someone in Victoria who claimed they were at the convenience store when Pepper turned in his winning ticket, but she was never able to get any more information.
Is Pepper homeless?
One other hotly debated Pepper topic is whether he is homeless. For the past few years, Pepper lived in low-income housing in Victoria, his sister said. He lived with a roommate, which bothered him, so many nights Pepper slept on the streets, she added.
"He likes living outside, but it breaks my heart. I always thought he was in a safe place. I had no idea he was back on the streets," Davidson said. "Myself and the rest of his family have told him he always has a place to stay with one of us, but he likes his freedom and wants a place of his own. He is an adult, and it's not like he's incapable of taking care of himself. I could insist he come home with me permanently, and he'd reluctantly go with me, but then he'd try to go back to Victoria somewhere down the line."
On Oct. 20, Pepper was attacked by a dog, resulting in several dog bites and a gaping wound on one of his forearms. When he was released from the hospital, Pepper stayed with Davidson in El Campo for a week, she said. Soon after, he returned to Victoria, where a small group of community members opened the Marlin Adams Benefit Fund at TDECU. That money was used to pay for a room at the Comfort Inn for Pepper, where he stayed for four weeks before the money ran out, Emil Ganem said. Ganem works at Don's Boots, where Pepper often works odd jobs to earn money, and was one of the people who helped get the fund into place for Pepper.
"Right now, he has no place to live and he's staying on the street," Ganem added. "He still comes by the store twice a day to take his medicine and to do odd jobs. We give him money each day, but as of right now, there is not enough money in the account to get him a place to live."
Pepper's resume
Don's Boots isn't the only local business that helps Pepper. When he's not panhandling or singing for money, he does odd jobs at numerous places around the city.
"I'm smarter than you think," Pepper said. "I'm a jack-of-all-trades. I can do anything. If there's a job, I'll do it."
County Commissioner Gary Burns has known Pepper for a long time and has given Pepper odd jobs from time to time.
"He'd walk in and say, 'Mr. Burns, I need $4.63' and I'd tell him to start sweeping. He always had a specific amount of money he needed," Burns said. "He's a hard worker. His attention span is rather short, but he'll work hard and he's very nice."
Pepper even helped Burns get elected. When Burns ran for county commissioner the first time, Pepper asked him for a sandwich board to help campaign.
"We were at an event and he was wearing that sandwich board. Then out of nowhere he disappeared and when I looked up I saw Pepper in the middle of a crowd with the board. He was entertaining everyone and people loved it," he said. "I got more comments from that than anything else I did for the campaign. In fact, I think Pepper did more for my campaign than anything else."
Although Pepper may seem an enigma to some, to Brown, he's just another friend. Brown's first personal encounter with Pepper was in 2002, when he was carrying out his equipment after a show. Pepper came up and asked him if he needed help.
"He started wrapping up the wires and so I gave him a few dollars. He then asked me if I could give him a ride. When we got to where he wanted to go, he pulled out a little green toy fish and said, 'This is for you, Elvis,'" said Brown, who used to work as an Elvis impersonator. "Now, he always comes to my shows. And every time I give him a ride, when he gets out he tells me he loves me."
As for what makes Pepper so fascinating, Brown believes a lot of it has to do with the fact that there are so many rumors and myths surrounding him. No one else in Victoria is as highly visible and as well-known, and yet still such a mystery to the community.
"I think what makes Pepper so fascinating is all the stories floating around about him," Brown said. "Sometimes the mystery is more intriguing than knowing."
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Comments
Sounds a little too much Miss Havisham-like for me.
December 12, 2009 at 12:06 a.m.PatientEarth. Her name was Leana Radeese (probably not spelled correct) and she helped her husband as a mechanic in their shop located in the 1800 block of north Main street. They lived a couple blocks to the east on Sabine street and their property resembled a jungle with the house that was almost totally hidden.
VictoriaCitizn. My guess is your opinion would be held by the majority of Victorians if the truth was known to all.
December 7, 2009 at 3:19 p.m.Most of the other features only have 4 or 5 comments. There's one with 11 and two of them (#3 and #7) have no comments. Heck, even Bum only netted 6. Here we have a story about Pepper that has 70+. Seems pretty fascinating to me. It's important to note that "fascinating" doesn't mean good or bad.
Seems like all of you that have posted against him being the most fascinating person have actually made the strongest case for him winning it. Nice.
December 7, 2009 at 1:55 p.m.I agree that this was a great article. Nice that the rumors & speculation have been cleared & everyone now knows that Peppers problems are not self inflicted & that he is living his life the way he chooses & seems to be happy. Granted his way of life is not for everyone & definately not easy, it is his decision. The fact that he was at work & had his ability to lead a "normal" life removed from him makes me sad, sadder still to see people here making crude remarks after reading what happened to him. To those who are scared of him, steer clear of him, to those who still thinks he is a plight on the town, read the article again. VicAd got this one right.
December 6, 2009 at 10:44 p.m.Most cities have a Pepper. In the 40's and 50's there was a gentleman in Victoria who was mentally challenged (that term did not exist then) whose name was Doc Campbell. He was known by most everyone and walked, very fast, every where he went. His chin was an exact duplicate of Jay Leno. He always wore a dress hat with the front brim turned up. One story about old Doc was that he was walking up a storm out Hwy 87 when someone pulled over and asked Doc if he wanted a ride. Doc replied, "No thanks, I'm in a hurry."
Victoria and other cities will always have a Pepper or Doc.
December 6, 2009 at 9:27 p.m.Bakeroven, it's good to see that people like yourself can look at this article with respect and see why it was interesting. I agree with you completely!!
December 6, 2009 at 9:14 p.m.I must say that this story was, and in fact, is intersting. I do not know Pepper, but I know Pepper. I live in another town and even we know who Pepper is. I remember being in the breakroom at work and hearing about his dog attack. We were concerned ( meaning those of us with genuine hearts). Anyhow, I read some of the replies and must say not all people are understanding; however, Pepper is kind and gentle. I'm sure he would become angry or hostile if provoked. I would too. Fascinating to some may not be fascinating to others, but he has managed to play a role in some people's lives. He may not come from "Old Money" (sorry for those of you who are sitting uptight at this point:)or have invented a cure for cancer, but at least he is who he is and doesn't PRETEND TO BE SOMEONE HE'S NOT! And the last time I checked, the bible CLEARLY states "For God carefully watches the way people live; He sees everything they do." So for those of you are upset because you're not fascinating, maybe it's because..........You're not!
December 6, 2009 at 8:56 p.m.a very interesting series of articles. at least none of them were Omar Rachid or Gary Moses.
December 6, 2009 at 8:54 p.m.Lighten up people. Let me guess? Most would believe that the most fascinating person in Victoria was some type of mogul. It's doesn't take money or power to gain the fascination of a community. Face it - the journalism obviously worked for different reasons. I bet the Victoria Advocate's sales somewhat increased due to this article. I always get my news from online. I almost considered buying the paper today when I heard about the article. I am definitely not a Pepper fanatic...but I was "fascinated" about the story. I definitely can't remember when I've seen 61 comments on a single article on this website on the first day. Just chill....
December 6, 2009 at 7:50 p.m.Every picture tells a story, don't it?
December 6, 2009 at 6:28 p.m.redneckgirl...
Very funny stuff.
I did not know that I had to buy a paper to post comments here. I've never been a "free loader" before, I have brought shame to myself and my family.
December 6, 2009 at 6:19 p.m.Waaay down at the bottom of this thread someone thought I was being small-minded based on my post. Actually, my post was a reaction to the first comment posted which was critcal of the article.
I want to commend Aprill Brandon for writing a very fair assessment of the choice submitted by readers. The unscientific poll began months ago when the Advocate first invited readers to submit their choices. The final choice was circulated among staff members in July (I was sworn to secrecy) with tentative assignments.
Keep things in perspective, folks. Pepper wasn't chosen for the Nobel Peace Prize. He's a local figure who, for better or worse, garners a great deal of fame. Have a couple of drinks and lighten up.
December 6, 2009 at 6:18 p.m.Thank you for your article on Pepper. Regardless of the numerous opinions out there, he is indeed fascinating. He is known by Victorians of all socioeconomic and education levels.
For those of you who consider this article such a blow to journalistic excellence, perhaps you should look up the word journalism. You'll find, "Journalism is the craft of conveying news, descriptive material and opinion via a widening spectrum of media."
A journalist's job it to tell a person's story. Rich, poor, it does not matter. Everyone has a story.
In Pepper's case, he is an enigma of sorts. Speculation surrounds him and most Victorians have seen or heard of him. No doubt, he is probably more talked-of than any other fascinating person on the list. This is not to say he's the most successful, honest or compassionate, etc. It's most fascinating.
In fact, sad as it is, many people who serve the community daily are wonderful people, but are they known throughout the community? No. How many of you know the name of your County Clerk? How about the City Manager? 3 out of 4 Justices of the Peace? Exactly. If you can great, but many can not.
Naming Pepper as Fascinating does not detract from the other nine. In fact, be it that the stories and backgrounds may vary greatly, they are all fascinating and deserve the talk/comments.
So, please. Step off your high horse and just accept that while this is not the latest review of the stock market or war strategy, etc, it is relevant journalism. Props to April Brandon for capturing the essence of Pepper and for sharing his story.
December 6, 2009 at 6:11 p.m.PatientEarth---I really do not use it to taunt people, I just try to make them take a GOOD look at how they come across when they make comments. I am just putting them on the spot when they make rude judgmental comments, because I do not think some really see how judgmental they are being. Therefore, I do not see it as taunting. I also try to see the humor in much of what is being said, so I laugh.
In addition, if you are referring to me, I have never used a cuss word, so leave me out of that one.
December 6, 2009 at 4:51 p.m.Holy Cow...Cheese and Rice...there are A LOT of comments about Pepper! Pepper, if you weren't the most fasinating to some before - NOW you are!
I personally don't mind Pepper. It's honestly kinda sad to watch him. But, I tend to have a softer heart than most in this world. Why don't we just give Pepper his "moment" of fame, etc.....and just move on to something else. If you don't care for him you dont...if you enjoy him and his crazy,funny ways great. Goodness people!
December 6, 2009 at 4:30 p.m.Before Pepper it was Blinky. I wonder how many of these folks that think Pepper is so amazing, in light of his background, also voted for and supported Obama in light of his questionable background?
December 6, 2009 at 4:27 p.m.CobraKai
lol Kind of funny for the other nine 'fascinating' people.
Yet another reason why I cancelled my subscription in 1998. The Victoria Advocate as well as many other 'news'papers is nothing more than a liberal rag.
But if this was voted on by the people, then that's the way it is.
I just have to ask. If you are so appalled by the articles in the Victoria Advocate and canceled in 1998. Why are you on here "free loading" like a lot of others? As they want to accuse Pepper of being a free loader. I am on here too, but I also do have the paper delivered. I just get on here to annoy other people with my insistent ECHOING comments.----LOL
December 6, 2009 at 3:42 p.m.gabesemenza says: "To clarify: Readers voted for the people they found "Most Fascinating." Pepper garnered by far the most votes."
Then this is an indictment of the tastes of Advocate readers. Of course the story is "fascinating"; What else is yellow journalism supposed to be? The Advocate gives the masses the "news" they want, and the Advocate gets what it wants in return -- eyeballs on advertisements. It's a win-win (within the sphere of sociological & intellectual regression). Bravo!
This story also does wonders for the credibility of the Advocate's editorials.
December 6, 2009 at 3:39 p.m.lol
Kind of funny for the other nine 'fascinating' people.
Yet another reason why I cancelled my subscription in 1998. The Victoria Advocate as well as many other 'news'papers is nothing more than a liberal rag.
But if this was voted on by the people, then that's the way it is.
December 6, 2009 at 2:21 p.m.Pepper is quite an icon in Victoria. I enjoy seeing his unusual attire. Back in the late 70's/early 80's he would come into the library and play the piano in the Bronte room. They would let him play until he got too loud and then he could still come back and play - and he did. During that time period he could also be found sitting in the library reading the Bible many times.
December 6, 2009 at 2:04 p.m.gabesemenza
To clarify: Readers voted for the people they found "Most Fascinating." Pepper garnered by far the most votes. Thanks -- Gabe Semenza / Advocate public service editor
Thanks Gabe! And, if these people on here would just realize, Pepper's articles also have the most comments. So, if they are not interested, why read it and comment?
December 6, 2009 at 1:56 p.m.To clarify: Readers voted for the people they found "Most Fascinating." Pepper garnered by far the most votes. Thanks -- Gabe Semenza / Advocate public service editor
December 6, 2009 at 1:35 p.m.great choice. its about fascinating image not the most popular, richest or powerful. it is what gets people talking, wondering, etc.
go back and look at the other nine. boring. i must say coach phillips was a awesome writeup. otherwise the others had no discussion on these opinioned blogs. Pepper won.
those of you who dont know Pepper are kidding yourself and I laugh at you. 3rd graders know Pepper.
December 6, 2009 at 1:29 p.m.dollysdad------Geez, thanks for the write on my wall. How did you know I love pepper, all kinds, especially black pepper? I already knew all that, but thanks anyways. :) Why not post it? Why write on my wall? Maybe to keep people from seeing how petty your are.
Well, I need to find another place to create havoc.:) Love ya'll.
December 6, 2009 at 1:24 p.m.what a sad, sad excuse for journalism.
this story is nothing more than a slap in the face to the previous 9 'interesting' people and all the local law enforcement.
December 6, 2009 at 1:02 p.m.John123
A criminal is most fascinating? AMAZING.
Sure they are, how about all the movies and books on serial killers? However, I do not think Pepper is in the same category as a criminal. In addition, he owes the town so much, WHY? Because he was beaten in the head with a baton by the police, which caused brain damage, DUH! I feel they owe him.
Futhermore, I am sure your opinion on this is not the same as mine.
December 6, 2009 at 11:45 a.m.Well, if Pepper is the most fascinating then I don't understand why former sheriff Mike Ratcliff didn't make the list.
The Advocate owes an apology to the previous nine.
December 6, 2009 at 11:31 a.m.N45BA
redneckgirl,
This is such a pleasent relief from having to hear you tell us what a great parent you are.
I just dread waiting to see you twist this story to somehow repeat for the 800th tme about your parenting skills.
HA-HA YOU ASK FOR IT! HE JUST PAYED A BIG DOWN PAYMENT ON HIS FIRST CAR, THE TEACHING I DID, ON HOW TO BE RESPONSIBLE. HE HAD HIS FIRST MEETING WITH THE COLLEGE, SO HE CAN BE ENROLLED IN AUGUST, 2010. AND, THIS IS BECAUSE I HAVE STOOD BY HIM AND TAUGHT HIM, HE IS A FAR CRY FROM THE BOYS HE WAS WHEN HE CAME TO MY HOME----LOL-----YOU MAKE ME LAUGH SO MUCH. I LOVE TO GET TO YOU---HA-HA OK, YOUR TURN---LOL
December 6, 2009 at 11:26 a.m.A criminal is most fascinating? AMAZING.
December 6, 2009 at 10:54 a.m.HAHA redneckgirl, I'm with you on that one.
N45BA, I can honestly say I've never watched Jerry Springer, but you obivously have :)
Really people, It's just an article, who is it hurting? Why the hostility? lol
December 6, 2009 at 10:39 a.m.OK, THREE CHEERS FOR PEPPER, LETS ALL GO NOW----P-E-P-P-E-R, P-E-P-P-E-R, P-E-P-P-E-R, RAH-RAH-RAH!
December 6, 2009 at 10:38 a.m.Hey, N45BA--answer to you thoughts,
BTW, I don't want my name in any newspaper and I'm not interested in getting recognition. You can throw that theory in the garbage with the rest of your misguided thoughts.
My thoughts, those who try to come to their defense in regards to being in the "lime light", they really want to be, but just can't make it there---LOL. I am having such fun with these posts. See, I really do not care what another's opinion is, I just love to get under other people's skin--LOL
December 6, 2009 at 10:35 a.m.COPIED from advoc8 post:However, you're the missing the point of the opposition, as we are not opposing Pepper. We are opposing the Advocate's Fatal and Narrow journalistic Tunnel.
However, this is just your opinion. In addition, maybe you are just a little envious; you are NOT in the news---LOL
December 6, 2009 at 10:29 a.m.I LOVE IT!! I LOVE IT!! I bet this story is REALLY chapping some of you--LOL. I met Pepper when I worked at a certain hospital as a nurse, not as a patient, but just a funny, sweet guy I talked to many times. He never did make me feel uncomfortable. And I will say this, some say he is violent, only when cornered, as I would be the same, corner me and I will come out fighting. And, I will say, if you treat Pepper with respect, you sure would want him on your side if someone attacked you, he would be there for you.
NOW, FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE JEALOUS OF PEPPER'S PUBLICITY AND WANT TO BE IN THE LIME LIGHT, GET OVER IT!!!YOU WILL NOT GET YOURS!!!LOL
December 6, 2009 at 10:21 a.m.I can't believe there are so many people that are against this article. They are just butthurt that no one knows who they are, or would care to find out. I have only had one encounter with pepper, and he was very friendly.
December 6, 2009 at 10:15 a.m.It's just an article people, get over it!
countrycatfrazier,
I'm not against Pepper nor am I suggesting to be callous toward him. I, like you, will treat all with utmost respect and humanity.
However, you're the missing the point of the opposition, as we are not opposing Pepper. We are opposing the Advocate's Fatal and Narrow journalistic Tunnel.
December 6, 2009 at 9:51 a.m.good story on Pepper! so now everyone knows Pepper's story! I think more will like him now! It takes all kinds!
December 6, 2009 at 9:45 a.m.exresident.... did you walk away enriched by your encounter with Pepper?
December 6, 2009 at 9:43 a.m.Granted, Pepper will never be rich in the $ sense, he brings out the best in people, remember the saying that we will be judged on how we treat our most weakest (children, elderly, animals, the ones unable to fend for themselves). Pepper touches our hearts, helps us to re-connect with our humanity & in a small way keeps our innocence alive. To all the anti-Pepper people, well, I;m sorry you feel that way, as for me, I am greatly every time I see Pepper, he makes me smile, & helps me realize that there is always time to show kindness & compassion to someone who is not as blessed as I am. "But for the grace of God, there go I." I will continue to wave at Pepper, talk to him when he approaches me & if he needs $ for a cup of coffe or a meal, I will be grateful for the opportunity to help a good man.
December 6, 2009 at 9:42 a.m.It is a very, very SAD day in Journalism.
Not only you have insulted the previous (9) Fascinating people, but your have further insulted our intelligence. Shame, Shame on you.
From Thesaurus, here are some synonyms to Fascinating:
alluring, appealing, attractive, bewitching, captivating, charming, compelling, delectable, delightful, enchanting, engaging, engrossing, enticing, glamorous, gripping, intriguing, irresistible, ravishing, riveting, seducing, seductive, siren
Exactly which one does Pepper fit?
Because the "Votes" for this were not scientific. It shouldn't take a Rocket Scientist to figure out that many of the votes were being cast in Jest and Ridicule.
Therefore, you have a "Journalistic" responsibility to ensure that your series; for credibility purposes of such, that only those that meet the definition of FASCINATING are featured.
I think you have just managed to set a new LOW!
December 6, 2009 at 8:49 a.m.I remember back in 1974, Pepper would come into the VISD main office that was across from Patti Welder at the time. When I started to ask if I could help him, the receptionist said he wasn't right in the head and just came in ever so often to sit and rest.
He's been here forever, so, those who don't know him haven't been looking.
December 6, 2009 at 8:48 a.m.Is this a joke?
December 6, 2009 at 8:10 a.m.The dog attack story garnered a lot of comments here at the board His financial situation was discussed at some length. I thought it was semi-established that he was recieving some sort of government disability that was being managed by his family for him. I had also heard that they bought him his grugs,both legal and illegal,and pocketed the rest.
December 6, 2009 at 7:01 a.m.To me,the most fascinating thing about him is that everyone knows something about him,but no one knows it all.
A coulpe of weeks ago I was in the parking lot of Walgreen's At Navarro/Airline and he came through begging. He asked for $3 ostensibily "to get something to eat". Since I figured that some of my tax money was already going to feed him I refused.
I don't find him fascinating at all.
Geez people. He wasn't voted man of the year. It was most Fascinating. There is a big difference. Obviously he fascinates enough people that he garnered the votes to be featured. This wiil not affect our lives any but it may affect his in someway(maybe for the better).
December 6, 2009 at 6:16 a.m.SMDH
December 6, 2009 at 5:34 a.m.Once I saw pepper pay for some kids candy because they did not have enough money. Pepper pulled out what little change he had, paid for the candy and put his purchase back cause he did not have enough money for his purchase. I saw Pepper a week later and gave him $5 and told him why, because of the good deed he did a week before. He was thankful and kind. Although I have had Pepper walk up to my door with a cell phone and a radio that looked "Hot" so I passed on the sale. Pepper is a part of Victoria and always will be. We need to have a program on TV called "The Pepper Show" and Pepper can interview the other local hot shots! Everyone knows Pepper!
December 6, 2009 at 4:49 a.m.THANKS FOR AGREEING WITH MONEYMAN!!!
December 6, 2009 at 3:31 a.m.Whats up with all you Pepper haters, at least he is known. I do not know any of you soooo dollysdad, riverboat, roberttx, chill out what is sickening is being small minded. I know Pepper and he is a very nice person. I have never known him to talk bad of anyone. In my book he has a lot more sense than some that post a comment. You all have a nice day and lighten up.
December 6, 2009 at 3:28 a.m.WHY CAN'T ANYONE BE HAPPY? EVERYONE ALWAYS HAS TO BE B!T*HING ABOUT SOMETHING AND SOMEONE!! THIS IS VICTORIA,TEXAS, IT HAS GOOD AND BAD PEOPLE, UGLY AND BEAUTIFUL THINGS. NOONE AND NOTHING IS PERFECT. PEPPER FOR MAYOR OF VICTORIA!! LMAO
December 6, 2009 at 2:44 a.m.Why, why, why?
December 6, 2009 at 2:12 a.m.