Yet Another Class Act

The Fonzie statue is going to be dedicated in Milwaukee this week. One of the opponents, an individual who would have rather seen some of that money go to him, is going to make a very classy gesture.

But Mike Brenner isn't so happy. He would have rather had the donors put the effort and money toward the local arts scene.

Brenner founded Hotcakes Gallery in Milwaukee and threatened to shut it down in protest after hearing of the statue. He already wasn't doing well financially and closed it in spring. Before the statue goes up, Brenner planned to spread bird seed all over the site.

"I want the largest birds with the fullest bellies to constantly be flying overhead the fans of the Bronze Fonz," he said in an e-mail. "It's a truly symbiotic relationship. I give a present to the birds and the birds give a present to the Bronze Fonz fans."

Bitterness. It always makes an individual look good.