Fukudome

The following article made the home page of the Chicago Sun-Times. The school in question was my high school's biggest rival--and other high school in town. (My dad and sisters and nieces and nephews went there.)

Is Fukudome a dirty word?
HER SCHOOL THINKS SO Cubs jersey lands student in hot water

October 3, 2008
BY MIKE DANAHEY Courier News
What's in a name? Ask Chicago Cubs fan Jill Howe, 15.
The Elgin High School sophomore had to remove her Kosuke Fukudome jersey and wear a gym T-shirt to class Wednesday because of a misunderstanding about how to pronounce the All-Star right-fielder's last name.
Elgin High School sophomore Jill Howe had to remove her Kosuke Fukudome jersey and wear a gym T-shirt to class Wednesday.
"Someone stopped me in the hall and asked me what the back of my jersey said," Jill said.
She replied that it was the name of Cubs player, pronounced foo-koo-DOUGH-may. The school staffer wasn't so sure and consulted others.
Then a dean, Susan Matei, told Howe the jersey was inappropriate. Matei made Jill take it off and wear a gym shirt instead.
Jill called her mother after school to tell her what happened.
"She's a big Cubs fan, and we got the jersey at Dick's," said Jill's mom, Nancy Howe. "We were going to get a [Kerry] Wood one, but it cost more."
Nancy Howe called Matei, who confirmed what happened.
"I told her anyone's last name can be misconstrued," Nancy Howe said.
By late afternoon, common sense -- and proper pronunciation -- prevailed.
Associate Principal Alan Flota said students may wear Fukudome apparel at school.
"As long as it is a legitimate name, they will be allowed to wear it," Flota said.
Jill said she could see how the misunderstanding happened.
Students occasionally purposefully mispronounce Fukudome's last name, she said.
"Some people like to be stupid about it."

Now for my comments...first of all, WHERE THE HECK HAVE THESE PEOPLE BEEN????? HAVE THEY BEEN LIVING ON PLANET EARTH????? Kosuke Fukudome was signed by the Chicago Cubs last off season. He has played for them for the entire 2008 season. We are JUST NOW talking about his last name? People, get a grip!!!!