Okay, I've never had any interest in going to an air show, but the Wings Over Meridian show was freakin' amazing. I think it was one of the greatest local events that I've attended.
I was a little leary about going to the show, because of the crowd and decibel level (a brief background on myself, I don't like big crowds and the older I get the less I like loud noises), but everybody that I ran into was as cool as a fan and I bought earplugs on the way. It seemed like everyone that I ran into was having a good time, which amplified my good time.
I also got to try Tommy's Steak & Seafood, and quite frankly I'm sort of mad at myself for not trying their food before, for Christ's sake I've been living in the area all my life. The barbeque pork was perfect...not too salty, but you can taste meat with or without the sauce. I don't eat cole slaw, but I can only assume that Tommy’s is gotta be good. The sausage was "the bomb".
Everyone read or heard about the The Blue Angels experience, but just seeing is reason enough for any homebody to get out. It was amazing, 18 inches apart! The Fat Albert. The Killer Bees. Just go to the next one. You’ll see what I’m talking about.
I'm not gonna go on about the actual show, but I just want to let you know that I'll be there for the next one, and if you want to meet up, we'll collaborate on some good Bar-B-Que joints.
-Chris Stewart (page layout)
cstewart@themeridianstar.com
Monday, March 31, 2008
The Human Body
As I sit here wondering what to write in this blog (our boss made us do, freddie!) plenty of headlines rush through my head. I could write on the Air Show but unfortunately I wasn't able to go. I could write on the biggest story in the AP wire but I just put it on the page. I'm watching Family Guy but I doubt that would be a smart choice for a blog, plenty of laughs but no substance.
An hour and a half in... Alright.... The History Channel
Well, recently with the new beau I have been indulging myself with shows from the Discovery and History channels. Under Ground Cities, How It's Made, Myth Busters, and my favorite THE HUMAN BODY.
If you have not seen this show you must. I just wanted to comment on the brillance of this show. Besides the massive educational information, which is amazing in itself, the graphic elements of this show are beyond appreciating. They show, for example, a woman hiking in the desert up a huge cliff and falls approximately 20-30 feet to the ground. She has broken her leg in about 4 different places. Her ankle, hip, thigh, and shin, all on one side. There is this thing in your brain that controls pain. Your brain tells the rest of your body that it doesn't hurt. (like when you slam your finger in the door and it doesn't hurt for about 8 sec.) This woman crawled 2 hours just using her arms across the desert until she reached help. As soon as she saw the ambulance the pain was unbearable! Her brain kept the pain down for two hours. wow!
The image in your head right now of this story is the exactly how they show it.
This show is a must see! It is called THE HUMAN BODY. and if you didn't know... this show is based off of The Human Body exhibit in Mobile, AL.
Brilliant!
Lindsey Key
lkey@themeridianstar.com
An hour and a half in... Alright.... The History Channel
Well, recently with the new beau I have been indulging myself with shows from the Discovery and History channels. Under Ground Cities, How It's Made, Myth Busters, and my favorite THE HUMAN BODY.
If you have not seen this show you must. I just wanted to comment on the brillance of this show. Besides the massive educational information, which is amazing in itself, the graphic elements of this show are beyond appreciating. They show, for example, a woman hiking in the desert up a huge cliff and falls approximately 20-30 feet to the ground. She has broken her leg in about 4 different places. Her ankle, hip, thigh, and shin, all on one side. There is this thing in your brain that controls pain. Your brain tells the rest of your body that it doesn't hurt. (like when you slam your finger in the door and it doesn't hurt for about 8 sec.) This woman crawled 2 hours just using her arms across the desert until she reached help. As soon as she saw the ambulance the pain was unbearable! Her brain kept the pain down for two hours. wow!
The image in your head right now of this story is the exactly how they show it.
This show is a must see! It is called THE HUMAN BODY. and if you didn't know... this show is based off of The Human Body exhibit in Mobile, AL.
Brilliant!
Lindsey Key
lkey@themeridianstar.com
McCain's visit - the short version
Presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain made a campaign stop in Meridian this week to kick off his biographical "Service to America" tour, in which he will visit places where he has lived in a military-related capacity. Here's a brief overview of his visit:
Yesterday, McCain appeared at the Wings Over Meridian air show just in time for the performance by the Blue Angels. Campaigning on a military base is illegal, so he shook hands but didn't make any speeches. He also attended a reportedly $1,000 per person invitation-only dinner last night.
This morning, McCain gave a speech at the Riley Center, talking about his family's heritage in Mississippi and speaking nostalgically about his parents and grand-parents. He went on to talk about the government's role in parenting, saying that the government "can't just throw money at public education" without accountability, and that "a welfare check can't give a parent a sense of purpose." Though he talked profusely on his family's past role in Mississippi, he did not shed any additional light on the purpose of his visit to Meridian.
Reportedly, McCain was scheduled to visit Hope Village for Children after his Riley Center speech.
Check tomorrow's Meridian Star for more on McCain's speech at the Riley Center
- Jennifer Jacob
jjacob@themeridianstar.com
Yesterday, McCain appeared at the Wings Over Meridian air show just in time for the performance by the Blue Angels. Campaigning on a military base is illegal, so he shook hands but didn't make any speeches. He also attended a reportedly $1,000 per person invitation-only dinner last night.
This morning, McCain gave a speech at the Riley Center, talking about his family's heritage in Mississippi and speaking nostalgically about his parents and grand-parents. He went on to talk about the government's role in parenting, saying that the government "can't just throw money at public education" without accountability, and that "a welfare check can't give a parent a sense of purpose." Though he talked profusely on his family's past role in Mississippi, he did not shed any additional light on the purpose of his visit to Meridian.
Reportedly, McCain was scheduled to visit Hope Village for Children after his Riley Center speech.
Check tomorrow's Meridian Star for more on McCain's speech at the Riley Center
- Jennifer Jacob
jjacob@themeridianstar.com
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Flight of fancy
By Brian Livingston
blivingston@themeridianstar.com
It was absolutely the most fun I've ever had with my clothes on!
Flying in, and actually being able to take the stick in a high performance fighter jet such as the F/A 18 Hornet was an adrenaline rush like I've never felt before. It was also the culmination of years of dreaming of what it must feel like to pull massive Gs and live to tell about.
The media flight I took courtesy of the US Navy's Blue Angels Wednesday afternoon was made all the more memorable because of Lt. Frank "Walleye" Weisser. He is a combat vet and air show narrator for the Blue Angels. He was also like a brother in the front seat as we cut up the sky doing most anything the jet is capable of doing. Simply awesome!
Understand, I'm 48 years old and when first told I might have a chance to do this made the weeks prior to Wednesday drag by like a bad movie. I had several fears rolling around in my head namely if I'd even pass a physical. In the back of my mind I knew I wasn't a young guy anymore. I still get aches and pains from playing a round of golf or mowing the yard so I was really questioning myself as to if I could take 2 Gs much less six or seven. I certainly didn't want to throw up in the cockpit.
I not only saw this opportunity as fulfilling a lifelong dream of flying a fighter but I wanted to know if I still "had it" or some semblance of moxie I used to have when I was much younger. Aging makes you wish for the days of youth. I wanted to see if I was man enough to take it.
I've flown in a lot of different aircraft from helicopters, both civilian and military, civilian, commercial and military planes but nothing on the scale of a high performance fighter jet such as the Hornet. I've also had the utmost respect for all pilots who break the bounds of gravity and fly. Even civilian pilots who take off on weekend flights have to be on their toes and not get too complacent. Bad pilots don't fly for very long.
With an elite aviator such as Walleye in the front seat I was surprisingly calm as we taxied out Wednesday at NAS Meridian. All the anxiety had gone once I sat down in the seat and got strapped in. I was ready, I hoped.
You are taught in the briefing, and the lessons are gone over again by Walleye in the air, to try and stand up in the seat whenever high Gs are coming. You are in a 12-point harness system and can hardly breathe much less stand up but try you do and it helped me out a great deal. Trying to stand up tightens all those lower body muscles as we weren't wearing G-suits. This keeps the blood flow to your brain so you don't black out. You also have to take deep breathes while saying the word "Hick." This also helps keep blood flow to your brain and upper body. As I watched the cockpit tape today I noticed I wasn't saying Hick but instead, Hut! I guess that's the old football player in me. Whatever it was it helped.
The flight itself was simply awesome. Very few people get to do what I did so I remain very thankful to the Blue Angels for picking me to fly.
After years of playing combat flight sims on the home PC I often wondered what it felt like to pull serious Gs. I'm here to tell you it is serious work while at the time trying to fly and fight. Kudos to all combat pilots, Navy, Marine and Air Force, who have to endure these effects on their bodies as they fight for their lives.
You also have to be a math wiz, which Walleye is. That is why I didn't go into flying seriously out of high school. I was horrible at math but I was also smart enough to know that. Walleye said from the time he gets into the cockpit to when he leaves he is constantly doing the math in his head. It's intensive.
We went from flying .98 mach at low level to doing loops, rolls and much more at 8,000 feet. The awesome power of the twin engined Hornet at your fingertips was mind blowing. At the flick of a wrist you could go from 200 knots airspeed to afterburner to mach whatever. It took us about 15 seconds to transistion from 120 knots to a hair under the sound barrier. In fact you could feel just a little buffeting as the Hornet flirted with Mach 1. But alas, we weren't cleared for supersonic flight so we reluctantly backed off.
High G turns, such as the one over NAS Meridian as we prepared to land in which I pulled 7.9 Gs without blacking out, is like having an elephant sitting on your chest. Almost eight times my weight of 190 pounds. You do the math, I can't.
I didn't sleep at all Wednesday night. I was replaying the flight over and over in my head. I was wishing I did more when Walleye handed me the stick but I have to admit I was a little tentative and conservative. That was OK because during some of my higher G turns, somewhere in the 5.9 to 6.5 G range, Walleye admitted he had to do some Hick technique so he wouldn't start to gray out. That made me feel good.
Walleye, I just can't say enough about him. I couldn't have picked a better front seater for this dream come true. The man is built like a statue. While we were all sweating and panting when we landed, he popped out the jet and walked around like he was at the Bonita Lakes Mall. I didn't see the guy sweat one time! But he's young, in excellent shape and confident. Bullet proof? Oh yeah.
I have to admit I've been walking around today with a bit of that aviator swagger. It's not arrogance or anything like that. It stems more from the fact I faced one of my lifelong challenges and came out a winner. I was 18 years old again standing in the middle of the football field I played on in southeast Arkansas celebrating a state championship in 1977. When Walleye told me about hitting the 7.9 G mark, he was as ecstatic as I was. He said I was a G-monster and had done better than any media rep who has flown with him. Now, this guy is super nice and he may have been telling me that to make me feel good but I doubt it. I think he was sincere and I appreciate that.
It's not often we get to realize our dreams. Many dreams and goals fall by the wayside as we try to eke out a living and raise our families. We get older and believe we can't do some of the things we wish we could. Well, here's to reaching out and meeting the challenge. I'm not going to pretend I'm a fighter pilot on par with all those serving our nation's military. I'm far from it. But I have tasted the life and I like it. I've felt the power I'm addicted. Thanks Walleye, Blue Angels and everyone who helped me reach my goal.
blivingston@themeridianstar.com
It was absolutely the most fun I've ever had with my clothes on!
Flying in, and actually being able to take the stick in a high performance fighter jet such as the F/A 18 Hornet was an adrenaline rush like I've never felt before. It was also the culmination of years of dreaming of what it must feel like to pull massive Gs and live to tell about.
The media flight I took courtesy of the US Navy's Blue Angels Wednesday afternoon was made all the more memorable because of Lt. Frank "Walleye" Weisser. He is a combat vet and air show narrator for the Blue Angels. He was also like a brother in the front seat as we cut up the sky doing most anything the jet is capable of doing. Simply awesome!
Understand, I'm 48 years old and when first told I might have a chance to do this made the weeks prior to Wednesday drag by like a bad movie. I had several fears rolling around in my head namely if I'd even pass a physical. In the back of my mind I knew I wasn't a young guy anymore. I still get aches and pains from playing a round of golf or mowing the yard so I was really questioning myself as to if I could take 2 Gs much less six or seven. I certainly didn't want to throw up in the cockpit.
I not only saw this opportunity as fulfilling a lifelong dream of flying a fighter but I wanted to know if I still "had it" or some semblance of moxie I used to have when I was much younger. Aging makes you wish for the days of youth. I wanted to see if I was man enough to take it.
I've flown in a lot of different aircraft from helicopters, both civilian and military, civilian, commercial and military planes but nothing on the scale of a high performance fighter jet such as the Hornet. I've also had the utmost respect for all pilots who break the bounds of gravity and fly. Even civilian pilots who take off on weekend flights have to be on their toes and not get too complacent. Bad pilots don't fly for very long.
With an elite aviator such as Walleye in the front seat I was surprisingly calm as we taxied out Wednesday at NAS Meridian. All the anxiety had gone once I sat down in the seat and got strapped in. I was ready, I hoped.
You are taught in the briefing, and the lessons are gone over again by Walleye in the air, to try and stand up in the seat whenever high Gs are coming. You are in a 12-point harness system and can hardly breathe much less stand up but try you do and it helped me out a great deal. Trying to stand up tightens all those lower body muscles as we weren't wearing G-suits. This keeps the blood flow to your brain so you don't black out. You also have to take deep breathes while saying the word "Hick." This also helps keep blood flow to your brain and upper body. As I watched the cockpit tape today I noticed I wasn't saying Hick but instead, Hut! I guess that's the old football player in me. Whatever it was it helped.
The flight itself was simply awesome. Very few people get to do what I did so I remain very thankful to the Blue Angels for picking me to fly.
After years of playing combat flight sims on the home PC I often wondered what it felt like to pull serious Gs. I'm here to tell you it is serious work while at the time trying to fly and fight. Kudos to all combat pilots, Navy, Marine and Air Force, who have to endure these effects on their bodies as they fight for their lives.
You also have to be a math wiz, which Walleye is. That is why I didn't go into flying seriously out of high school. I was horrible at math but I was also smart enough to know that. Walleye said from the time he gets into the cockpit to when he leaves he is constantly doing the math in his head. It's intensive.
We went from flying .98 mach at low level to doing loops, rolls and much more at 8,000 feet. The awesome power of the twin engined Hornet at your fingertips was mind blowing. At the flick of a wrist you could go from 200 knots airspeed to afterburner to mach whatever. It took us about 15 seconds to transistion from 120 knots to a hair under the sound barrier. In fact you could feel just a little buffeting as the Hornet flirted with Mach 1. But alas, we weren't cleared for supersonic flight so we reluctantly backed off.
High G turns, such as the one over NAS Meridian as we prepared to land in which I pulled 7.9 Gs without blacking out, is like having an elephant sitting on your chest. Almost eight times my weight of 190 pounds. You do the math, I can't.
I didn't sleep at all Wednesday night. I was replaying the flight over and over in my head. I was wishing I did more when Walleye handed me the stick but I have to admit I was a little tentative and conservative. That was OK because during some of my higher G turns, somewhere in the 5.9 to 6.5 G range, Walleye admitted he had to do some Hick technique so he wouldn't start to gray out. That made me feel good.
Walleye, I just can't say enough about him. I couldn't have picked a better front seater for this dream come true. The man is built like a statue. While we were all sweating and panting when we landed, he popped out the jet and walked around like he was at the Bonita Lakes Mall. I didn't see the guy sweat one time! But he's young, in excellent shape and confident. Bullet proof? Oh yeah.
I have to admit I've been walking around today with a bit of that aviator swagger. It's not arrogance or anything like that. It stems more from the fact I faced one of my lifelong challenges and came out a winner. I was 18 years old again standing in the middle of the football field I played on in southeast Arkansas celebrating a state championship in 1977. When Walleye told me about hitting the 7.9 G mark, he was as ecstatic as I was. He said I was a G-monster and had done better than any media rep who has flown with him. Now, this guy is super nice and he may have been telling me that to make me feel good but I doubt it. I think he was sincere and I appreciate that.
It's not often we get to realize our dreams. Many dreams and goals fall by the wayside as we try to eke out a living and raise our families. We get older and believe we can't do some of the things we wish we could. Well, here's to reaching out and meeting the challenge. I'm not going to pretend I'm a fighter pilot on par with all those serving our nation's military. I'm far from it. But I have tasted the life and I like it. I've felt the power I'm addicted. Thanks Walleye, Blue Angels and everyone who helped me reach my goal.
How's your 2008?
Joy Henson
Jhenson@393mag.com
While sitting in the doctors office yesterday morning, I was asked by a complete stranger..."how is your 2008 going?" Not feeling so well, I replied "good I guess." Thankfully, my name was the next name called to see the doctor. Usually I'm all about visiting with people but, feeling the way I was feeling, I just wanted to be left alone. Thirty minutes later I was getting my diagnosis of strep throat.
After leaving the doctor's office I got to thinking, how is my 2008 going? To be honest, it's flying by. I can't believe April is around the corner. I am, however, looking forward to the pollen disappearing and the wonderful smell of hamburgers grilling on the grill.
My top 5 of 2008 (in no particular order), so far...
1 - Seeing snow for the first time in years...
2 - Hosting family and friends over to my new home...
3 - Meeting new faces...
4 - Spoiling my nieces...
5 - Enjoying every aspect of my job...
So I ask you...How's your 2008?
Jhenson@393mag.com
While sitting in the doctors office yesterday morning, I was asked by a complete stranger..."how is your 2008 going?" Not feeling so well, I replied "good I guess." Thankfully, my name was the next name called to see the doctor. Usually I'm all about visiting with people but, feeling the way I was feeling, I just wanted to be left alone. Thirty minutes later I was getting my diagnosis of strep throat.
After leaving the doctor's office I got to thinking, how is my 2008 going? To be honest, it's flying by. I can't believe April is around the corner. I am, however, looking forward to the pollen disappearing and the wonderful smell of hamburgers grilling on the grill.
My top 5 of 2008 (in no particular order), so far...
1 - Seeing snow for the first time in years...
2 - Hosting family and friends over to my new home...
3 - Meeting new faces...
4 - Spoiling my nieces...
5 - Enjoying every aspect of my job...
So I ask you...How's your 2008?
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
"Billie Jean" is cool again?
Ben Lockridge
blockridge@themeridianstar.com
So, I found myself watching another dismal "American Idol" last night; and just as I was about to let the sleepiness set in, I hear some lyrics that seemed very familiar to me.
I'll admit it; I was floored by David Cook's "Billie Jean" cover. To me that one performance should have earned him the title last night.
Now about the cover. If you were like me, and had never heard that version, and just assumed that David whipped it up just for the competition; then you may be surprised to learn that the arrangement was actually Chris Cornell's work.
Oh, and on another note, did anyone see Paula's arms as she was praising David? Go back and look on your DVR's. (If you're blessed to have one.) I couldn't understand why she would do this to her arms. I mean it hurts to turn your arms around like that. She looked like an intoxicated seal.
Anyway, that's all I have for now.
blockridge@themeridianstar.com
So, I found myself watching another dismal "American Idol" last night; and just as I was about to let the sleepiness set in, I hear some lyrics that seemed very familiar to me.
I'll admit it; I was floored by David Cook's "Billie Jean" cover. To me that one performance should have earned him the title last night.
Now about the cover. If you were like me, and had never heard that version, and just assumed that David whipped it up just for the competition; then you may be surprised to learn that the arrangement was actually Chris Cornell's work.
Oh, and on another note, did anyone see Paula's arms as she was praising David? Go back and look on your DVR's. (If you're blessed to have one.) I couldn't understand why she would do this to her arms. I mean it hurts to turn your arms around like that. She looked like an intoxicated seal.
Anyway, that's all I have for now.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Here am I sitting in a tin can
I was just informed at work today that I will spend Friday afternoon riding in a WWII B-25 bomber. Weee! It sounds like fun, but I'm also a little nervous...I looked up a picture of a B-25 on google images, and it looks kind of like its made out of tin cans. Apparently it's also over 60 years old. Still, I'm sure I'll be in capable hands.
I definitely don't have as much right to be nervous as Star reporter Brian Livingston, who will be riding in an FA-18 Hornet, a.k.a. a "Blue Angel", on Wednesday, while the pilot does all kinds of crazy loop-de-loops and other scary things. Very exciting, for sure, but if it was me, I would probably pass out before I even hopped into the plane. I hope Brian has a strong stomach...
- Jennifer Jacob
Staff Writer
jjacob@themeridianstar.com
I definitely don't have as much right to be nervous as Star reporter Brian Livingston, who will be riding in an FA-18 Hornet, a.k.a. a "Blue Angel", on Wednesday, while the pilot does all kinds of crazy loop-de-loops and other scary things. Very exciting, for sure, but if it was me, I would probably pass out before I even hopped into the plane. I hope Brian has a strong stomach...
- Jennifer Jacob
Staff Writer
jjacob@themeridianstar.com
Talk about a major oopps!!!!
By Fredie Carmichael
editor@themeridianstar.com
I found this today while browsing the wire and thought you guys might find it as interesting as I did. It's an Associated Press article that moved this morning. Wow. Talk about a mistake.
Pentagon says it mistakenly shipped ballistic missile parts to Taiwan
By ROBERT BURNS
AP Military Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon announced today that the United States mistakenly shipped to Taiwan four electrical fuses designed for use on intercontinental ballistic missiles, but has since recovered them.
The error is particularly disturbing, officials said, because of its indirect link to nuclear weaponry and because of the sensitivity of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, which China regularly denounces as provocative. The Defense Department said an investigation of the incident is under way.
At a news conference, Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne said the misshipped items were four electrical fuses for nose cone assemblies for ICBMs. He also said they were delivered to Taiwan in 2006 and had been sent instead of helicopter batteries that had been ordered by Taiwan.
Wynne said the investigation is meant to sort out what happened and how.
The fuses were manufactured for use on a Minuteman strategic nuclear missile but contained no nuclear materials.
It is the second nuclear-related mistake involving the Air Force in recent months. Last August an Air Force B-52 bomber was mistakenly armed with six nuclear-tipped cruise missiles and flown from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., to Barksdale Air Force Base, La. At the time, the pilot and crew were unaware they had nuclear arms aboard.
Wynne emphasized that the mistaken shipment to Taiwan did not include nuclear materials, although the fuses are linked to the triggering mechanism in the nose cone of a Minuteman nuclear missile.
‘‘This could not be construed as being nuclear material. It is a component for the fuse in the nosecone for a nuclear system,’’ Wynne said. ‘‘We are very concerned about it.’’
Defense Secretary Robert Gates ordered the investigation, putting Navy Adm. Kirkland H. Donald in charge and asking that he report an initial assessment by April 15.
Wynne said that Taiwanese authorities notified U.S. officials of the mistake, but it was not clear when the notification was made. He said the fuses had been in four shipping containers sent in March 2005 from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., to a Defense Logisitics Agency warehouse at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. It was then in the logistics agency’s control and was shipped to Taiwan ‘‘on or around’’ August 2006, according to a Gates memo ordering Donald to investigate.
The Chinese Embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A Taiwan official said Tuesday that the island’s diplomats in Washington typically do not comment on Defense Department matters.
Ryan Henry, the No. 2 policy official in Gates’ office, said President Bush was notified of the mistake and the actions to recover the items. Henry called the mistake ‘‘disconcerting’’ and intolerable. He said the Chinese government has been notified of the error.
Henry said an examination of the site in Taiwan where the components had been stored after delivery indicated that they had not been tampered with. He said the components were ‘‘quite dated,’’ as part of a system designed in the 1960s.
Henry said the exact sequence of events that led to the mistake and the recovery of the items was unclear.
U.S. arms sales to Taiwan are especially sensitive because China vehemently objects to U.S. defense assistance to the island that Beijing deems to be part of China.
Taiwan, which split from China amid civil war in 1949, potentially is the most sensitive issue in U.S.-China relations. Beijing claims Taiwan as its own and has threatened to attack should the self-governing island make its de facto independence formal. Washington has hinted that it would go to war to protect Taiwan.
While Washington switched its recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979, it remains the island’s most important foreign backer, providing it with the means to defend itself against a possible Chinese attack.
editor@themeridianstar.com
I found this today while browsing the wire and thought you guys might find it as interesting as I did. It's an Associated Press article that moved this morning. Wow. Talk about a mistake.
Pentagon says it mistakenly shipped ballistic missile parts to Taiwan
By ROBERT BURNS
AP Military Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon announced today that the United States mistakenly shipped to Taiwan four electrical fuses designed for use on intercontinental ballistic missiles, but has since recovered them.
The error is particularly disturbing, officials said, because of its indirect link to nuclear weaponry and because of the sensitivity of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, which China regularly denounces as provocative. The Defense Department said an investigation of the incident is under way.
At a news conference, Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne said the misshipped items were four electrical fuses for nose cone assemblies for ICBMs. He also said they were delivered to Taiwan in 2006 and had been sent instead of helicopter batteries that had been ordered by Taiwan.
Wynne said the investigation is meant to sort out what happened and how.
The fuses were manufactured for use on a Minuteman strategic nuclear missile but contained no nuclear materials.
It is the second nuclear-related mistake involving the Air Force in recent months. Last August an Air Force B-52 bomber was mistakenly armed with six nuclear-tipped cruise missiles and flown from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., to Barksdale Air Force Base, La. At the time, the pilot and crew were unaware they had nuclear arms aboard.
Wynne emphasized that the mistaken shipment to Taiwan did not include nuclear materials, although the fuses are linked to the triggering mechanism in the nose cone of a Minuteman nuclear missile.
‘‘This could not be construed as being nuclear material. It is a component for the fuse in the nosecone for a nuclear system,’’ Wynne said. ‘‘We are very concerned about it.’’
Defense Secretary Robert Gates ordered the investigation, putting Navy Adm. Kirkland H. Donald in charge and asking that he report an initial assessment by April 15.
Wynne said that Taiwanese authorities notified U.S. officials of the mistake, but it was not clear when the notification was made. He said the fuses had been in four shipping containers sent in March 2005 from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., to a Defense Logisitics Agency warehouse at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. It was then in the logistics agency’s control and was shipped to Taiwan ‘‘on or around’’ August 2006, according to a Gates memo ordering Donald to investigate.
The Chinese Embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A Taiwan official said Tuesday that the island’s diplomats in Washington typically do not comment on Defense Department matters.
Ryan Henry, the No. 2 policy official in Gates’ office, said President Bush was notified of the mistake and the actions to recover the items. Henry called the mistake ‘‘disconcerting’’ and intolerable. He said the Chinese government has been notified of the error.
Henry said an examination of the site in Taiwan where the components had been stored after delivery indicated that they had not been tampered with. He said the components were ‘‘quite dated,’’ as part of a system designed in the 1960s.
Henry said the exact sequence of events that led to the mistake and the recovery of the items was unclear.
U.S. arms sales to Taiwan are especially sensitive because China vehemently objects to U.S. defense assistance to the island that Beijing deems to be part of China.
Taiwan, which split from China amid civil war in 1949, potentially is the most sensitive issue in U.S.-China relations. Beijing claims Taiwan as its own and has threatened to attack should the self-governing island make its de facto independence formal. Washington has hinted that it would go to war to protect Taiwan.
While Washington switched its recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979, it remains the island’s most important foreign backer, providing it with the means to defend itself against a possible Chinese attack.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Watch out for an early McCain visit
By Fredie Carmichael
editor@themeridianstar.com
We reported a few weeks ago that Republican presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain was scheduled to visit Meridian on March 31. I've been hearing unconfirmed reports for a few weeks that McCain may surprise us by visiting the area much sooner ... not missing the stage that the Blue Angels' "Wings Over Meridian" performance at Naval Air Station Meridian will provide this weekend. Keep in mind that McCain has a rich history here. Reporter Brian Livingston wrote a piece about the connection in our final Profile edition (McCain field was named after the Senator's grandfather). McCain himself had a short stay here.
From all indications, McCain may show up a day early to take advantage of the hundreds of folks expected to be on base this weekend. It will be interesting to watch. We'll keep you updated as soon as we have confirmation on his weekend travel plans. This we know: McCain will be visiting Meridian ... March 31 at least if not sooner.
editor@themeridianstar.com
We reported a few weeks ago that Republican presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain was scheduled to visit Meridian on March 31. I've been hearing unconfirmed reports for a few weeks that McCain may surprise us by visiting the area much sooner ... not missing the stage that the Blue Angels' "Wings Over Meridian" performance at Naval Air Station Meridian will provide this weekend. Keep in mind that McCain has a rich history here. Reporter Brian Livingston wrote a piece about the connection in our final Profile edition (McCain field was named after the Senator's grandfather). McCain himself had a short stay here.
From all indications, McCain may show up a day early to take advantage of the hundreds of folks expected to be on base this weekend. It will be interesting to watch. We'll keep you updated as soon as we have confirmation on his weekend travel plans. This we know: McCain will be visiting Meridian ... March 31 at least if not sooner.
Meet the candidates
By Fredie Carmichael
editor@themeridianstar.com
I was out of town at the end of the week and I totally forgot to plug our upcoming YPM event on the blog. So here's a plug, even if it is a bit shameless:
Want to meet the candidates of the Third Congressional District – Democrat Joel Gill and Republicans Charlie Ross and Gregg Harper — and hear what they have to say about the issues? The Young Professionals of Meridian will host "Meet the Candidates" on Tuesday beginning at 5:15 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 109 U.S. Highway 11 & 80. The event is free and open to the public. There will be light appetizers and a cash bar. Each candidate will speak and answer questions; they will also mingle with the crowd. The event will last until about 7 p.m.
For more information, e-mail ypmeridian@gmail.com, or call (601) 938-0087.
Radio news
In making radio rounds to promote this event last week, I was fortunate to be a guest of Meridian's newest talk show on 910 A.M. Longtime community leader Bill McBride and Roger Burke have taken over the show as hosts. If you get a chance, listen in and give them a call. It's always good to have more local perspectives and I think you'll enjoy the new show. We will be on WMOX 1010 A.M. in the morning at 7:15 a.m to do more promotion, though I have to warn you that listening to me ramble is quite boring. And I tend to no talk and talk ... and talk and talk. But you can tune in to listen to Brandon Pratt; he's always entertaining. It's always a pleasure to sit and talk with Bill and Dumpster — and the regular callers like Ruth and "Old Man on the Mountain. I can't wait.
So, please come out to the Hilton on Tuesday. It's important that we show these candidates East Mississippi cares. Join us Tuesday at 5:15 p.m. And hey, you can always come for the free food.
editor@themeridianstar.com
I was out of town at the end of the week and I totally forgot to plug our upcoming YPM event on the blog. So here's a plug, even if it is a bit shameless:
Want to meet the candidates of the Third Congressional District – Democrat Joel Gill and Republicans Charlie Ross and Gregg Harper — and hear what they have to say about the issues? The Young Professionals of Meridian will host "Meet the Candidates" on Tuesday beginning at 5:15 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 109 U.S. Highway 11 & 80. The event is free and open to the public. There will be light appetizers and a cash bar. Each candidate will speak and answer questions; they will also mingle with the crowd. The event will last until about 7 p.m.
For more information, e-mail ypmeridian@gmail.com, or call (601) 938-0087.
Radio news
In making radio rounds to promote this event last week, I was fortunate to be a guest of Meridian's newest talk show on 910 A.M. Longtime community leader Bill McBride and Roger Burke have taken over the show as hosts. If you get a chance, listen in and give them a call. It's always good to have more local perspectives and I think you'll enjoy the new show. We will be on WMOX 1010 A.M. in the morning at 7:15 a.m to do more promotion, though I have to warn you that listening to me ramble is quite boring. And I tend to no talk and talk ... and talk and talk. But you can tune in to listen to Brandon Pratt; he's always entertaining. It's always a pleasure to sit and talk with Bill and Dumpster — and the regular callers like Ruth and "Old Man on the Mountain. I can't wait.
So, please come out to the Hilton on Tuesday. It's important that we show these candidates East Mississippi cares. Join us Tuesday at 5:15 p.m. And hey, you can always come for the free food.
Cooler Racing: the next competitive sport
Hey everyone [that's been waiting],
I recently attended the Saint Patrick's Day parade in Jackson, and stumbled across a racing event like no other...cooler racing. I know it sounds crazy, but it’s quite entertaining to watch. I'll have the videos and details up soon. I know the parade was a week ago, but this is good stuff.
Thanks,
Chris
cstewart@themeridianstar.com
I recently attended the Saint Patrick's Day parade in Jackson, and stumbled across a racing event like no other...cooler racing. I know it sounds crazy, but it’s quite entertaining to watch. I'll have the videos and details up soon. I know the parade was a week ago, but this is good stuff.
Thanks,
Chris
cstewart@themeridianstar.com
Friday, March 21, 2008
What?!?
Ben Lockridge
blockridge@themeridianstar.com
I stumbled onto this video over at YouTube, and I just have to say this scares the crap out of me.
Does this mean we'll be plugged into the matrix in a few years?
blockridge@themeridianstar.com
I stumbled onto this video over at YouTube, and I just have to say this scares the crap out of me.
Does this mean we'll be plugged into the matrix in a few years?
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Memories of Mr. Clark
Many years ago, I had the opportunity to stand with Mr. Clark on the steps of the court house in a press conference. There had been a DUI death of a young high school student. Justice, I felt and still feel was not served, but I understand the rule of law better. But it still has not taken away the pain for the victim's family and for me. But it was quickly turning into a "race thing" at the time and Mr. Clark and I and several other MADD members from Lauderdale County held the press conference to try to make people understand and to express our own personal disappointments in the case. He was the kindest, and most understanding man to me and my endless questions. He soothed a lot of hurts that day, not only for me, but I felt for many people in this area. He may have smoothed over a lot of anger that day as well in the community. I will always hold the highest respect for Mr. Clark and my heart is broken and my prayers are certainly with Mrs. Clark. I can understand some of her pain over losing her son last year, but to lose her husband, this year, I know her heart is broken. But Mrs. Clark, he was a man of a loving God and I found great comfort over the years that my daughter met God face to face Easter week. How glorious it must be to see heaven during Easter! With love and utmost respect to Mr. Clark and to Mrs. Clark. Stephanie Denham
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Sad news ...
Ida Brown
ibrown@themeridianstar.com
I received sad news today ...
Longtime Meridian NAACP president and civil rights activist Obie Clark died after a long battle with cancer. He will be greatly missed.
I often credit Mr. Clark as one the people who helped me to get in the door at The Star. During a visit home while I was a journalism student at the University of Southern Mississippi, I visited Mr. Clark at his office at the Multi-County Community Service Agency (MCCSA), which, at the time, was located across the street from where I lived in Frank Berry Courts. I'd known Mr. Clark since I was a child and the summer after my freshman year at USM – the only summer I didn't attend school – I'd worked in a government-sponsored program that provided jobs for low-income students. Multi-County was the program's headquarters.
I hadn't been there five minutes when Mr. Clark said, "When do you graduate?"
"Next year, in May," I answered.
He handed me the telphone directory, grabbed the phone receiver and told me to lookup the number for The Meridian Star. When he reached Jim Wynn, who, at the time was executive editor, Mr. Clark asked, "How many black reporters do you have on your staff?
I couldn't hear Mr. Wynn's response but from Mr. Clark's next question, I assumed he said none.
"Can you tell me why you don't have any?"
Again, I couldn't hear Mr. Wynn's response, but apparently he'd told Mr. Clark that none of those who had applied were qualified.
"I have a young lady sitting here who will graduate in one year from Southern Mississippi with a ... "
He looked at me and on cue I whispered, "bachelor of science degree in journalsim, with a minor in English."
After repeating the information to Mr. Wynn, I heard Mr. Clark say, "So when she finishes next spring, she will be coming down to your office to put in her application. And then you will have a qualified black applicant."
Mr. Clark hung up the phone, looked at me and said, "Young lady, I expect you to be working at The Star this time next year."
I graduated from USM in May 1983. Two weeks later, I started as a reporter at The Star.
Whenever I've credited Mr. Clark (and Rep. Charles Young, who also put in a good word for me) with "getting me my job" at The Star, he's always interrupted and said, "YOU got the job; I just held the door open for you to walk inside."
That was Mr. Clark.
He never took credit for helping others. I've seen other people try to express appreciation to Mr. Clark and in his slow Southern drawl he would say, "Well, you know I really didn't do that much ... "
Just think ... if we all "really didn't do that much" for others how much would be accomplished, how much better life would be and how much greater a world we would live in.
So here's to Mr. Clark – the person who "really didn't do that much," just held the door open to make it easier to walk inside to fulfill our hopes and dreams, and to become productive and successful individuals.
ibrown@themeridianstar.com
I received sad news today ...
Longtime Meridian NAACP president and civil rights activist Obie Clark died after a long battle with cancer. He will be greatly missed.
I often credit Mr. Clark as one the people who helped me to get in the door at The Star. During a visit home while I was a journalism student at the University of Southern Mississippi, I visited Mr. Clark at his office at the Multi-County Community Service Agency (MCCSA), which, at the time, was located across the street from where I lived in Frank Berry Courts. I'd known Mr. Clark since I was a child and the summer after my freshman year at USM – the only summer I didn't attend school – I'd worked in a government-sponsored program that provided jobs for low-income students. Multi-County was the program's headquarters.
I hadn't been there five minutes when Mr. Clark said, "When do you graduate?"
"Next year, in May," I answered.
He handed me the telphone directory, grabbed the phone receiver and told me to lookup the number for The Meridian Star. When he reached Jim Wynn, who, at the time was executive editor, Mr. Clark asked, "How many black reporters do you have on your staff?
I couldn't hear Mr. Wynn's response but from Mr. Clark's next question, I assumed he said none.
"Can you tell me why you don't have any?"
Again, I couldn't hear Mr. Wynn's response, but apparently he'd told Mr. Clark that none of those who had applied were qualified.
"I have a young lady sitting here who will graduate in one year from Southern Mississippi with a ... "
He looked at me and on cue I whispered, "bachelor of science degree in journalsim, with a minor in English."
After repeating the information to Mr. Wynn, I heard Mr. Clark say, "So when she finishes next spring, she will be coming down to your office to put in her application. And then you will have a qualified black applicant."
Mr. Clark hung up the phone, looked at me and said, "Young lady, I expect you to be working at The Star this time next year."
I graduated from USM in May 1983. Two weeks later, I started as a reporter at The Star.
Whenever I've credited Mr. Clark (and Rep. Charles Young, who also put in a good word for me) with "getting me my job" at The Star, he's always interrupted and said, "YOU got the job; I just held the door open for you to walk inside."
That was Mr. Clark.
He never took credit for helping others. I've seen other people try to express appreciation to Mr. Clark and in his slow Southern drawl he would say, "Well, you know I really didn't do that much ... "
Just think ... if we all "really didn't do that much" for others how much would be accomplished, how much better life would be and how much greater a world we would live in.
So here's to Mr. Clark – the person who "really didn't do that much," just held the door open to make it easier to walk inside to fulfill our hopes and dreams, and to become productive and successful individuals.
Old dog and new tricks!
Ok, I like Ida Brown have been intimidated to start this blogging thing....I am an old dog trying to learn new tricks. Soooo....bear with me while I explore this new sensation for me. I have struggled with something to actually write about since what I do is a little bit of this and a whole lot of that here at the paper. So, I just decided to write kind of from my heart and myself, so that people can hopefully know and understand where I come from. I started here at the paper almost 7 years ago after having been an RN for many years. I got totally burned out in nursing and so the offer was made and I started a new career. I work hard and try to do what I do at the paper to my best ability. Of course I am human and I do make mistakes and typos in the obits, weddings, engagements, baby announcements and so many other things that I type everyday. I just wish that I could do it all correctly, and for those of you who know me, know that spelling and correct grammar are my "little thing". It was very hard for me to "get" newspaper styling and English grammar are not the same. I studied hard and worked on it with a style book at night and keep "cheat sheets" in my desk drawer. So maybe some in the coming posts, I can try to explain the differences, especially in the obits and engagements and weddings. But I hope that I can think of other things and interesting facts about myself and the newspaper that you might not know. So be patient with this " mama of the newsroom." Stephanie Denham, sdenham@themeridianstar.com
Groovy Music
If you're interested in hearing some original local music this weekend, check out Dark Sundays and Shielded by the Protector at the Meridian Underground Music Exchange Saturday night.
Dark Sundays is a somewhat mellow singer-songwriter with an original songwriting style and an incredible voice. His music often inspires people to go "whoa!" or "wowie!", so if you like things that make you go "wowie!" go and hear Dark Sundays.
Shielded by the Protector is a four-piece-band that is also original, but not so mellow. The best descriptive word I have as yet been able to come up with for them is "neat-o".
Both acts have great songwriters and a unique sound, and both are part of local record label S2S.
The show is free, open to all ages, and starts at 8 p.m.
- Jennifer Jacob
Dark Sundays is a somewhat mellow singer-songwriter with an original songwriting style and an incredible voice. His music often inspires people to go "whoa!" or "wowie!", so if you like things that make you go "wowie!" go and hear Dark Sundays.
Shielded by the Protector is a four-piece-band that is also original, but not so mellow. The best descriptive word I have as yet been able to come up with for them is "neat-o".
Both acts have great songwriters and a unique sound, and both are part of local record label S2S.
The show is free, open to all ages, and starts at 8 p.m.
- Jennifer Jacob
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Arthur C. Clarke dead at 90
Ben Lockridge
blockridge@themeridianstar.com
I just hopped onto one of my favorite entertainment sites to stumble onto this sad news.
I posted the AP story on our site, so you might go take a look.
Clarke was a brilliant writer and scientific mind. Some of the things he made up in fiction actually became true in reality.
Anyway, sad times.
blockridge@themeridianstar.com
I just hopped onto one of my favorite entertainment sites to stumble onto this sad news.
I posted the AP story on our site, so you might go take a look.
Clarke was a brilliant writer and scientific mind. Some of the things he made up in fiction actually became true in reality.
Anyway, sad times.
New attitude about blogging
Ida Brown
ibrown@themeridianstar.com
Last week, I made my first blog entry under the heading "New Kid on the Blog." I wrote about how this new technology was somewhat intimidating for me and even hinted how I was coerced – kicking and screaming – into doing this by my editor, Fredie Carmichael (sorry Fredie, I have to make you the bad guy one more time ...)
I now have a new attitude about this blogging thing. I'd written a story for today's paper about first-time dad Rick Nowell, who is a candidate for a bone marrow transplant. His sister has been determined as a matching donor, however Nowell is having financial problems; he has no insurance and is unable to work. A fund has been established at a local bank in his name for those who would like to provide financial assistance.
I also included something about Rick's situation on the blog. Meridian residents always rally around those in need and my hope was that this time would be no exception.
And I was right. I've received several e-mails from local residents who read the story or blog and inquired about where to send their contributions (a box with this info accompanied the story, but some people seemed to have missed it.)
I also received an e-mail from Christin L. Engelhardt, director of Patient Advocacy and Professional Programs, Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation. Engelhardt, who is in Rockville, Md., provided web links to programs sponsored by the National Bone Marrow Program and National Institutes of Health. I forwarded the information to Nowell's parents and when I talked to his father, he was expressed great appreciation about the information and inquiries.
So ...
Because of the goodwill that has evolved thus far from the blog, I'm happy to say that the New Kid on the Blog now has a new attitude about this technology – until it breaks. You know what they say about technology: It's great when it works, but when it doesn't ....
Seriously, I'm looking forward to many future blogs. Fredie and I noticed that both my blog titles included the word "new," and he suggested I try to make that my signature.
Just when blogging was starting to get fun, "somebody" had to make it more like work (smile).
Ida
By the way ... If you'd like to make a donation to the Rick Boswell Fund, go to any branch of Citizens National Bank. The fund is set up in his name.
ibrown@themeridianstar.com
Last week, I made my first blog entry under the heading "New Kid on the Blog." I wrote about how this new technology was somewhat intimidating for me and even hinted how I was coerced – kicking and screaming – into doing this by my editor, Fredie Carmichael (sorry Fredie, I have to make you the bad guy one more time ...)
I now have a new attitude about this blogging thing. I'd written a story for today's paper about first-time dad Rick Nowell, who is a candidate for a bone marrow transplant. His sister has been determined as a matching donor, however Nowell is having financial problems; he has no insurance and is unable to work. A fund has been established at a local bank in his name for those who would like to provide financial assistance.
I also included something about Rick's situation on the blog. Meridian residents always rally around those in need and my hope was that this time would be no exception.
And I was right. I've received several e-mails from local residents who read the story or blog and inquired about where to send their contributions (a box with this info accompanied the story, but some people seemed to have missed it.)
I also received an e-mail from Christin L. Engelhardt, director of Patient Advocacy and Professional Programs, Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation. Engelhardt, who is in Rockville, Md., provided web links to programs sponsored by the National Bone Marrow Program and National Institutes of Health. I forwarded the information to Nowell's parents and when I talked to his father, he was expressed great appreciation about the information and inquiries.
So ...
Because of the goodwill that has evolved thus far from the blog, I'm happy to say that the New Kid on the Blog now has a new attitude about this technology – until it breaks. You know what they say about technology: It's great when it works, but when it doesn't ....
Seriously, I'm looking forward to many future blogs. Fredie and I noticed that both my blog titles included the word "new," and he suggested I try to make that my signature.
Just when blogging was starting to get fun, "somebody" had to make it more like work (smile).
Ida
By the way ... If you'd like to make a donation to the Rick Boswell Fund, go to any branch of Citizens National Bank. The fund is set up in his name.
Vote for anybody you want
Someone asked me today, "If you voted for someone in the primary, doesn't that mean you have to vote for them in November, too?"
I want to let as many people as I possibly can know that the answer to that question is a big fat NO. Nope, not even, no, no, no. You are fully entitled to change your mind about a candidate between the primary and the general election, and in a general election you are also fully entitled to vote for candidates in as many different parties as you want. However, you cannot vote in the April 1st run-off between Charlie Ross and Gregg Harper if you voted on a Democratic ballot in the March 11th primary. This is because the run-off, which is between two Republicans, is an actually an extension of the primary. If you didn't vote at all on March 11th, you can still vote on April 1st.
If you live in Lauderdale County and have questions about your eligibility to vote, call the circuit clerk's office at 601-482-9731. If you would like to learn more about the candidates, you can find info on all of them at www.votesmart.org.
Check tomorrow's Star for a detailed story on who can and can't vote on April Fool's day.
- Jennifer Jacob
Staff Writer
jjacob@themeridianstar.com
I want to let as many people as I possibly can know that the answer to that question is a big fat NO. Nope, not even, no, no, no. You are fully entitled to change your mind about a candidate between the primary and the general election, and in a general election you are also fully entitled to vote for candidates in as many different parties as you want. However, you cannot vote in the April 1st run-off between Charlie Ross and Gregg Harper if you voted on a Democratic ballot in the March 11th primary. This is because the run-off, which is between two Republicans, is an actually an extension of the primary. If you didn't vote at all on March 11th, you can still vote on April 1st.
If you live in Lauderdale County and have questions about your eligibility to vote, call the circuit clerk's office at 601-482-9731. If you would like to learn more about the candidates, you can find info on all of them at www.votesmart.org.
Check tomorrow's Star for a detailed story on who can and can't vote on April Fool's day.
- Jennifer Jacob
Staff Writer
jjacob@themeridianstar.com
Monday, March 17, 2008
Youtube Meridian video find
By Fredie Carmichael
editor@themeridianstar.com
All of you youtube nerds like me may appreciate this new feature of The Star Blog. Every week, I plan on sharing videos on youtube with a Meridian connection. With Wings Over Meridian coming up on March 29, I decided to post a video I found from Naval Air Station Meridian's Training Wing One. Gives me chills. Hard to imagine this critical training for our nation's defense is done right up the road in north Lauderdale County.
Check it out:
editor@themeridianstar.com
All of you youtube nerds like me may appreciate this new feature of The Star Blog. Every week, I plan on sharing videos on youtube with a Meridian connection. With Wings Over Meridian coming up on March 29, I decided to post a video I found from Naval Air Station Meridian's Training Wing One. Gives me chills. Hard to imagine this critical training for our nation's defense is done right up the road in north Lauderdale County.
Check it out:
New dad facing cancer
By Ida Brown
ibrown@themeridianstar.com
Mississippi has the distinction of being the most giving state in the U.S. and I honestly believe that Meridian is one of the most giving cities. Whenever and wherever there has been a need, local residents step up to the challenge – often above and beyond what is required.
So here is the latest challenge...
Twenty-nine-year-old Rick Nowell of Meridian is the proud father of a baby girl, Hannah Morgan, born Feb. 5 (one day shy of six weeks as of this writing). But instead of the joys of first-time fatherhood, Rick is faced with the complications of aplastic anemia, a rare blood disease. His sister, Regina Miller, is a match donor for a bone marrow transplant, however, Rick has no insurance and is unable to work.
The family has accrued an astronomical amount of medical bills – for several months he has traveled to UMC in Jackson for weekly tranfusions (which is costly at today's gas prices) – and the estimated expenses for the transplant is more than $250,000.
Before his diagnosis, Rick was employed by Leading Edges advertising agency. With a successful transplant, he hopes to return to work. He is a graduate of Southeast High School and Meridian Community College and a member of Salem Baptist Church.
A fund has been established in Rick's name to help defray the financial burden of the medical costs and expenses. You may make a donation at any of the branches of Citizens National Bank.
You never know just how good you have it until you hear about someone else's troubles. When I talked to Rick's mother earlier today, she was so worried. Rick underwent the first of a series of chemotheraphy treatments necessary to prepare him for the transplant and had several convulsions. Doctors hope to be able to resume the treatments soon, she said.
In addition to financial assistance, the family is also asking for prayers and encouragment during this difficult time. I hope residents will give on all levels – prayerfully, thoughfully and financially.
ibrown@themeridianstar.com
Mississippi has the distinction of being the most giving state in the U.S. and I honestly believe that Meridian is one of the most giving cities. Whenever and wherever there has been a need, local residents step up to the challenge – often above and beyond what is required.
So here is the latest challenge...
Twenty-nine-year-old Rick Nowell of Meridian is the proud father of a baby girl, Hannah Morgan, born Feb. 5 (one day shy of six weeks as of this writing). But instead of the joys of first-time fatherhood, Rick is faced with the complications of aplastic anemia, a rare blood disease. His sister, Regina Miller, is a match donor for a bone marrow transplant, however, Rick has no insurance and is unable to work.
The family has accrued an astronomical amount of medical bills – for several months he has traveled to UMC in Jackson for weekly tranfusions (which is costly at today's gas prices) – and the estimated expenses for the transplant is more than $250,000.
Before his diagnosis, Rick was employed by Leading Edges advertising agency. With a successful transplant, he hopes to return to work. He is a graduate of Southeast High School and Meridian Community College and a member of Salem Baptist Church.
A fund has been established in Rick's name to help defray the financial burden of the medical costs and expenses. You may make a donation at any of the branches of Citizens National Bank.
You never know just how good you have it until you hear about someone else's troubles. When I talked to Rick's mother earlier today, she was so worried. Rick underwent the first of a series of chemotheraphy treatments necessary to prepare him for the transplant and had several convulsions. Doctors hope to be able to resume the treatments soon, she said.
In addition to financial assistance, the family is also asking for prayers and encouragment during this difficult time. I hope residents will give on all levels – prayerfully, thoughfully and financially.
DeSoto Caverns
Ok, so it's not a local story, but it sure was fun.
Late last week, I took my fiance to DeSoto Caverns located in Childersburg, Alabama.
We had a blast, and just felt I should share it with my fellow Meridianites. If you're ever in the area I couldn't recommend it more. Oh, and let me give you a little tip. Go to desotocaverns.com and buy your tickets there. You'll save $2.
Having said that; you can see the video at: http://www.meridianstar.com/video/local_story_077164257.html?keyword=topstory
Also, you may notice I've been using a couple new video players. High resolution videos are hosted at blip.tv and my lower quality version at photobucket.
You shouldn't have too many problems seeing the photobucket video as it is the same format as YouTube. I urge you to PLEASE watch the high res video first. It's just so much more pretty!
You may need a file to view the high res video. You can get that at: http://www.divx.com/
The file is free, and the video is so much better this way.
Divx is also great because you can watch the videos full screen. All you do is double-click the video box. (Three times on some computers.)
If you ever have any questions or comments, you can always reach me at: blockridge@themeridianstar.com
- Ben Lockridge
Late last week, I took my fiance to DeSoto Caverns located in Childersburg, Alabama.
We had a blast, and just felt I should share it with my fellow Meridianites. If you're ever in the area I couldn't recommend it more. Oh, and let me give you a little tip. Go to desotocaverns.com and buy your tickets there. You'll save $2.
Having said that; you can see the video at: http://www.meridianstar.com/video/local_story_077164257.html?keyword=topstory
Also, you may notice I've been using a couple new video players. High resolution videos are hosted at blip.tv and my lower quality version at photobucket.
You shouldn't have too many problems seeing the photobucket video as it is the same format as YouTube. I urge you to PLEASE watch the high res video first. It's just so much more pretty!
You may need a file to view the high res video. You can get that at: http://www.divx.com/
The file is free, and the video is so much better this way.
Divx is also great because you can watch the videos full screen. All you do is double-click the video box. (Three times on some computers.)
If you ever have any questions or comments, you can always reach me at: blockridge@themeridianstar.com
- Ben Lockridge
Destination Graduation and Small Learning Communites
Back in January, high school students from across the state gathered for the Destination Graduation: Teen Summit to help Hank Bounds, Mississippi's State Superintendent of Schools, learn new ways to help lower Mississippi's shocking 26% drop-out rate.
Today, the Meridian and Lauderdale County school superintendents, students from city and county high schools, and local educators, businesspeople, and others, met at Peavey auditorium for a local version of the event. There, students, some of whom were potential drop-outs, told adults what they thought was needed to lower the drop out rate in Meridian and Lauderdale County.
Some of their ideas were not surprising: they thought that school should be made more interesting and be tailored to students' individual goals, that students should have more one on one time with teachers, and that parents and the community should be more involved.
Some of these ideas will take a lot of time and money to implement, if they can be implemented at all, but one is already in the works. At Meridian High School, officials are preparing to change the curriculum so that students can take classes that are more relevant to their talents, interests, and goals.
These "small learning communities", as they're called, have the potential to really improve education in Meridian. If implemented properly, giving students the ability to tailor their classes to their own interests could be a priceless weapon in the battle against the drop-out rate. Small learning communities could provide an answer to the perpetual question of high school students, "Why do I have to take this class? What does it have to do with me?", by putting students in classes that really do have something to do with them. In theory, students who are academically ambitious could take academically challenging classes instead of being forced to sit through lessons that they've already learned multiple times; students who want to go into the health field could learn how to draw blood or read an x-ray in their science classes, or have a medicinal history curriculum added to their required history classes. In theory, anyway.
What's yet to be seen is how well Meridian High School will implement the small learning communities. Will both the faculty and staff truly work to make school more interesting and relevant to their students, or will they only make the minimum effort required to use the title "small learning communities"? As a former Meridian High School student, I can easily visualize the latter. But I'm keeping my fingers crossed that with the help of the community, experts from outside the school system, student input, and the momentum created by the Destination Graduation effort, the former will come into actualization.
Check tomorrow's Meridian Star for the full story on Destination Graduation: Lauderdale County.
Jennifer Jacob
Staff Writer
jjacob@themeridianstar.com
Today, the Meridian and Lauderdale County school superintendents, students from city and county high schools, and local educators, businesspeople, and others, met at Peavey auditorium for a local version of the event. There, students, some of whom were potential drop-outs, told adults what they thought was needed to lower the drop out rate in Meridian and Lauderdale County.
Some of their ideas were not surprising: they thought that school should be made more interesting and be tailored to students' individual goals, that students should have more one on one time with teachers, and that parents and the community should be more involved.
Some of these ideas will take a lot of time and money to implement, if they can be implemented at all, but one is already in the works. At Meridian High School, officials are preparing to change the curriculum so that students can take classes that are more relevant to their talents, interests, and goals.
These "small learning communities", as they're called, have the potential to really improve education in Meridian. If implemented properly, giving students the ability to tailor their classes to their own interests could be a priceless weapon in the battle against the drop-out rate. Small learning communities could provide an answer to the perpetual question of high school students, "Why do I have to take this class? What does it have to do with me?", by putting students in classes that really do have something to do with them. In theory, students who are academically ambitious could take academically challenging classes instead of being forced to sit through lessons that they've already learned multiple times; students who want to go into the health field could learn how to draw blood or read an x-ray in their science classes, or have a medicinal history curriculum added to their required history classes. In theory, anyway.
What's yet to be seen is how well Meridian High School will implement the small learning communities. Will both the faculty and staff truly work to make school more interesting and relevant to their students, or will they only make the minimum effort required to use the title "small learning communities"? As a former Meridian High School student, I can easily visualize the latter. But I'm keeping my fingers crossed that with the help of the community, experts from outside the school system, student input, and the momentum created by the Destination Graduation effort, the former will come into actualization.
Check tomorrow's Meridian Star for the full story on Destination Graduation: Lauderdale County.
Jennifer Jacob
Staff Writer
jjacob@themeridianstar.com
Monday morning update
Crime Reporter Brian Livingston is working to update a story that was in today's paper about a death investigation. Keep posted to our main Web page for more there. Also, he's checking in on an apparent incident that happened late yesterday in Highland Park.
There were unconfirmed reports of someone threatening to have a gun during a confrontation there as hundreds gathered to enjoy the park during a weather-perfect day.
Stay tuned for more.
There were unconfirmed reports of someone threatening to have a gun during a confrontation there as hundreds gathered to enjoy the park during a weather-perfect day.
Stay tuned for more.
Friday, March 14, 2008
The continuing saga of Charlie Ross endorsements
It seems like only last week I was writing about 3rd Congressional District candidate Charlie Ross getting an endorsement from somebody. Oh, wait...It was only last week!
Well, now he's being endorsed again - this time by his former opponents in the race, Greg Hatcher and Bill Marcy, both of whom are Meridianites. They both said that they think Ross, who is now matched in a run-off election against Gregg Harper, is the candidate who will do most for our particular area. Harper was the second highest vote getter behind Ross in last Tuesday's primary.
Gil Carmichael, a big figure in Meridian's Republican party, was also present at the press conference where the endorsements were announced, donning a Charlie Ross sticker. Judging by the fact that a Ross sign appeared several weeks ago on a building owned by Carmichael, I think it's safe to say that he was behind Ross even before 5 of Ross' opponents were put out of the running. Despite that, it was Gregg Harper that got the most votes in Lauderdale County Tuesday.
At the press conference, Ross said that he feels the endorsements by Hatcher and Marcy show that he is committed to Lauderdale County, and said in a later interview that he plans to set up an office here next week.
Michael Cravens, Gregg Harper's campaign director, said that Harper also has some endorsements that he will be announcing in Meridian next week.
How these two guys are going to pack as much campaigning into three weeks as they probably need to is beyond me.
Check tomorrow's Star for more on this story.
- Jennifer Jacob
jjacob@themeridianstar.com
Well, now he's being endorsed again - this time by his former opponents in the race, Greg Hatcher and Bill Marcy, both of whom are Meridianites. They both said that they think Ross, who is now matched in a run-off election against Gregg Harper, is the candidate who will do most for our particular area. Harper was the second highest vote getter behind Ross in last Tuesday's primary.
Gil Carmichael, a big figure in Meridian's Republican party, was also present at the press conference where the endorsements were announced, donning a Charlie Ross sticker. Judging by the fact that a Ross sign appeared several weeks ago on a building owned by Carmichael, I think it's safe to say that he was behind Ross even before 5 of Ross' opponents were put out of the running. Despite that, it was Gregg Harper that got the most votes in Lauderdale County Tuesday.
At the press conference, Ross said that he feels the endorsements by Hatcher and Marcy show that he is committed to Lauderdale County, and said in a later interview that he plans to set up an office here next week.
Michael Cravens, Gregg Harper's campaign director, said that Harper also has some endorsements that he will be announcing in Meridian next week.
How these two guys are going to pack as much campaigning into three weeks as they probably need to is beyond me.
Check tomorrow's Star for more on this story.
- Jennifer Jacob
jjacob@themeridianstar.com
Thursday, March 13, 2008
First of "Top 12" Goes Home on Idol
Emotions were high as everyone anticipated who would be the first one of the "Top 12" to be eliminated from the American Idol competition. Although emotions were high, laughs came from the audience when they realized that Jim Carey was sitting among them, adorned with Elephant ears and feet. Carey was there to promote his new movie,
"Horton Hears A Who."
In groups of four, Ryan Seacrest called out the contestants and refreshed their memory on the comments the judges made the night before. Then, one by one, he told them if they were "Safe" or if they were in the bottom three. In the end, it was David Hernandez, Kristi Lee Cook, and Syesha Mercado who had the fewest votes. Finally it was David Hernandez who was eliminated and his journey on American Idol ended.
Now it is down to 11 contestants.
Each week the performances get better and stronger and each week I find myself adding a new contestant to my list of favorites. I personally have five or six, aka David Archuletta, (Teen Hearthrob), David Cook ( Hunkie Rocker), Carly Smithson ( Irish hunnie with a voice for days), Ramiele Malubay (Little Sweetheart), and Brooke White (Emotional Performer with an Indie vibe), who I am rooting for and about three who I want to win. The theme for next week will be continuing from the Lennon/McCartney song book and I can not wait because I am a major Beatles fan and all of those songs are
awesome. I can't wait for next week's show!:)
Ashley Smith
advertising
asmith@themeridianstar.com
In Response to Ashley's blog:
After hooking up our HD cables to our big screen, I got a close look at Paula Abdul..specifically her face...unfortunantly. She is the thing nightmares are made of. She looks like she would lure little children into her gingerbread house and rise from
the murky swamps after a nuclear fallout. I can barely look at her or listen to her incoherent babble. Remedy: It helps if you look away from the tv and imagine a different person, such as a shirtless Simon Cowell. To sum up, Paula really isn't that bad of a judge/singer/dancer, as long as you live in a world where you don't see or hear her in any way ever. If you can do that, she's actually quite delightful.
Everything else about the show was what I expected....The stripper got kicked off and Kristi Lee got snapped for her blasphemous version of "8 days a week"...OOOOO SNAP!
Emily Graham
advertising
egraham@themeridianstar.com
"Horton Hears A Who."
In groups of four, Ryan Seacrest called out the contestants and refreshed their memory on the comments the judges made the night before. Then, one by one, he told them if they were "Safe" or if they were in the bottom three. In the end, it was David Hernandez, Kristi Lee Cook, and Syesha Mercado who had the fewest votes. Finally it was David Hernandez who was eliminated and his journey on American Idol ended.
Now it is down to 11 contestants.
Each week the performances get better and stronger and each week I find myself adding a new contestant to my list of favorites. I personally have five or six, aka David Archuletta, (Teen Hearthrob), David Cook ( Hunkie Rocker), Carly Smithson ( Irish hunnie with a voice for days), Ramiele Malubay (Little Sweetheart), and Brooke White (Emotional Performer with an Indie vibe), who I am rooting for and about three who I want to win. The theme for next week will be continuing from the Lennon/McCartney song book and I can not wait because I am a major Beatles fan and all of those songs are
awesome. I can't wait for next week's show!:)
Ashley Smith
advertising
asmith@themeridianstar.com
In Response to Ashley's blog:
After hooking up our HD cables to our big screen, I got a close look at Paula Abdul..specifically her face...unfortunantly. She is the thing nightmares are made of. She looks like she would lure little children into her gingerbread house and rise from
the murky swamps after a nuclear fallout. I can barely look at her or listen to her incoherent babble. Remedy: It helps if you look away from the tv and imagine a different person, such as a shirtless Simon Cowell. To sum up, Paula really isn't that bad of a judge/singer/dancer, as long as you live in a world where you don't see or hear her in any way ever. If you can do that, she's actually quite delightful.
Everything else about the show was what I expected....The stripper got kicked off and Kristi Lee got snapped for her blasphemous version of "8 days a week"...OOOOO SNAP!
Emily Graham
advertising
egraham@themeridianstar.com
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Mourning the loss of a great Meridianite
By Fredie Carmichael
editor@themeridianstar.com
My heart goes out to the family of Tommy Dulaney as they mourn the loss of his wife, Mrs. Margaret, 67, who died last night at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center.
Tommy and Margaret were a great team, anyone who knew them would tell you that. They would have celebrated 49 years of marriage this June. I saw them recently at a political function in Jackson. She would always grab me and give the warmest hugs.
Mrs. Margaret was a beautiful lady, inside and out. She will certainly be missed by all. There are certain people who have a passionate heart for their community ... they wear it on their sleeves by their actions. She was certainly one of those; she also had a passion for the arts.
Services for Margaret Reed Dulaney will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at Barham Funeral Home. Our reporters are working on an extended obituary for tomorrow's paper.
editor@themeridianstar.com
My heart goes out to the family of Tommy Dulaney as they mourn the loss of his wife, Mrs. Margaret, 67, who died last night at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center.
Tommy and Margaret were a great team, anyone who knew them would tell you that. They would have celebrated 49 years of marriage this June. I saw them recently at a political function in Jackson. She would always grab me and give the warmest hugs.
Mrs. Margaret was a beautiful lady, inside and out. She will certainly be missed by all. There are certain people who have a passionate heart for their community ... they wear it on their sleeves by their actions. She was certainly one of those; she also had a passion for the arts.
Services for Margaret Reed Dulaney will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at Barham Funeral Home. Our reporters are working on an extended obituary for tomorrow's paper.
From MCC to the "Moon" ...
By Fredie Carmichael
editor@themeridianstar.com
I found this around the time of the NBA dunk contest (which former Meridian Community College Jamario Moon finished third in) on youtube. Jamario played one year at MCC for Coach George Brooks' Eagles. Brooks once told me he'd never coached anyone so talented — and that's saying a lot considering he was a graduate assistant at Mississippi State in 1996 when the Bulldogs made it to the Final Four with current NBA veteran Eric Dampier and former NBA player Dontae' Jones. Moon has come a long way and is making some noise in the NBA in his first year. He actually took a long way around reaching his dream of the NBA. He started out in the NBDL in Mobile. He joins Ronald "Flip" Murray as two former MCC stars making the big bucks in the NBA. Check out this video:
editor@themeridianstar.com
I found this around the time of the NBA dunk contest (which former Meridian Community College Jamario Moon finished third in) on youtube. Jamario played one year at MCC for Coach George Brooks' Eagles. Brooks once told me he'd never coached anyone so talented — and that's saying a lot considering he was a graduate assistant at Mississippi State in 1996 when the Bulldogs made it to the Final Four with current NBA veteran Eric Dampier and former NBA player Dontae' Jones. Moon has come a long way and is making some noise in the NBA in his first year. He actually took a long way around reaching his dream of the NBA. He started out in the NBDL in Mobile. He joins Ronald "Flip" Murray as two former MCC stars making the big bucks in the NBA. Check out this video:
New Kid on the Blog
Our editor Fredie Carmichael has forced me to do this blog thing. While I usually welcome change, I must admit that this is kinda scary – sort of like digital recorders. I refuse to give up my microcassette for a digital!!!!
At any rate ...
As with many of the changes that have taken place at The Star during my soon to be 25 years – I started as an intern at age 12 (just kidding) – I will persevere. Actually, this isn't too bad – another venue for me to do what I do best ... talk, talk, talk.
Looking forward to talking more in the future.
Ida Brown
Senior Staff Writer
ibrown@themeridianstar.com
At any rate ...
As with many of the changes that have taken place at The Star during my soon to be 25 years – I started as an intern at age 12 (just kidding) – I will persevere. Actually, this isn't too bad – another venue for me to do what I do best ... talk, talk, talk.
Looking forward to talking more in the future.
Ida Brown
Senior Staff Writer
ibrown@themeridianstar.com
Harper carries Lauderdale County
In Tuesday night's 3rd Congressional District race, Charlie Ross carried the vote district-wide.
Likewise, for the past few weeks in Lauderdale County, there has been a profusion of Charlie Ross signage splattered across the landscape. But, alas, about 70% of the county's Republican voters payed no heed to the signs. With seven candidates running, Gregg Harper carried Lauderdale County with 118 more votes than Ross, who was the second highest vote-getter in the county. Harper won about 31 and a half percent of the vote. Ross won almost 30%, so it was a pretty close race here in Lauderdale County.
In last year's lieutenant governor's race, Ross won Lauderdale County but lost the state-wide election to Phil Bryant. It seems that, to date, Lauderdale County just can't agree with the rest of Mississippi when it comes to Mr. Ross.
Of course, with seven candidates running, no one got the 51% of the vote needed to win outright, so Harper and Ross, the top two vote-getters district-wide, will face-off again in an April 1 run-off. It's going to be a busy three weeks for those two.
You may be thinking that Ross, as the top district-wide vote-getter Tuesday, is bound to win April 1, and he may well do that, but not necessarily. A big chunk of Tuesday's vote went to neither Harper nor Ross, and those voters, should they choose to vote in the run-off, are going to have to decide between two of the guys they didn't vote for before. And besides that, a lot can happen in three weeks.
David Landrum, who was at one time considered the front-runner, came in third both district-wide and in Lauderdale County, getting 26% of the district vote and around 22% of the county vote. Who his supporters are likely to vote for now that he's out of the running is not clear.
For my part, I'm not making any predictions. Unless you're in a Bush-Dukakis-or-Clinton-Dole-obvious kind of situation, predicting election results can be a very tricky business. Sometimes winners can't be predicted even after a large percentage of the vote has already been counted. Take last year's Lauderdale County Board of Supervisor elections, for example. At the end of election night, incumbent District 2 Supervisor Jimmie Smith was ahead of his opponent, Wayman Newell, by a small margin. A local television station declared Smith the winner. A few days later, after affidavit votes were counted, it turned out that Newell won the election by less than 30 votes.
So now that all the votes that went to Landrum, John Rounsaville, Greg Hatcher, Bill Marcy, and James Broadwater are up for grabs, expect to see Harper and Ross working hard to attain them, and expect to see them returning to Lauderdale County as well.
For those who are curious about how exactly the votes were divided in Lauderdale County, here are the results form the circuit clerk's office. These results are unofficial, with affidavit votes still to be counted (Note that, unlike in the recent supervisor's race, affidavit votes are not expected to make much difference in this case):
James Broadwater - 22 votes - 0.31 %
Gregg Harper - 2230 votes - 31.49%
Greg Hatcher - 182 votes - 2.57%
David Landrum - 1536 - 21.69%
Bill Marcy - 71 - 1%
Charlie Ross - 2118 - 29.91%
John Rounsaville - 919 - 12.98%
Write-in Votes - 3 - 0.04%
Total votes cast: 7081
As you can see, Harper, Ross, and Landrum all got a chunk of the vote in Lauderdale County, but whoever this "write-in" guy is didn't do so well.
On the Democratic side of the 3rd Congressional District race, Randy Eads carried the county, with 3820 votes, or 62.46%, while Joel Gill received 2287 votes, at 37.39%. Mr. write-in did a little better on the Democratic side, getting three times as many votes as he did on the Republican ticket - nine of them, to be exact.
Lauderdale County disagreed with the rest of the district in this race as well - Gill won the district-wide vote by a good margin. But I don't think it's any mystery why Randy Eads won here in Lauderdale County - Limited as it was, he spent some time in Meridian. Joel Gill didn't.
Similarly, on the Republican side, the candidate who spent the least amount of time in Lauderdale County, James Broadwater, went away with only 22 of our votes, putting him in Lauderdale County's last place position. Unless you count the write-in vote, that is.
If you live anywhere in the third district, expect both Ross and Harper to visit an area near you over the next three weeks. Both these gentlemen are well-aware that absence will not make the heart grow fonder in this race.
- Jennifer Jacob
jjacob@themeridianstar.com
P.S. Do please forgive me for the terrible "write-in" jokes...
Likewise, for the past few weeks in Lauderdale County, there has been a profusion of Charlie Ross signage splattered across the landscape. But, alas, about 70% of the county's Republican voters payed no heed to the signs. With seven candidates running, Gregg Harper carried Lauderdale County with 118 more votes than Ross, who was the second highest vote-getter in the county. Harper won about 31 and a half percent of the vote. Ross won almost 30%, so it was a pretty close race here in Lauderdale County.
In last year's lieutenant governor's race, Ross won Lauderdale County but lost the state-wide election to Phil Bryant. It seems that, to date, Lauderdale County just can't agree with the rest of Mississippi when it comes to Mr. Ross.
Of course, with seven candidates running, no one got the 51% of the vote needed to win outright, so Harper and Ross, the top two vote-getters district-wide, will face-off again in an April 1 run-off. It's going to be a busy three weeks for those two.
You may be thinking that Ross, as the top district-wide vote-getter Tuesday, is bound to win April 1, and he may well do that, but not necessarily. A big chunk of Tuesday's vote went to neither Harper nor Ross, and those voters, should they choose to vote in the run-off, are going to have to decide between two of the guys they didn't vote for before. And besides that, a lot can happen in three weeks.
David Landrum, who was at one time considered the front-runner, came in third both district-wide and in Lauderdale County, getting 26% of the district vote and around 22% of the county vote. Who his supporters are likely to vote for now that he's out of the running is not clear.
For my part, I'm not making any predictions. Unless you're in a Bush-Dukakis-or-Clinton-Dole-obvious kind of situation, predicting election results can be a very tricky business. Sometimes winners can't be predicted even after a large percentage of the vote has already been counted. Take last year's Lauderdale County Board of Supervisor elections, for example. At the end of election night, incumbent District 2 Supervisor Jimmie Smith was ahead of his opponent, Wayman Newell, by a small margin. A local television station declared Smith the winner. A few days later, after affidavit votes were counted, it turned out that Newell won the election by less than 30 votes.
So now that all the votes that went to Landrum, John Rounsaville, Greg Hatcher, Bill Marcy, and James Broadwater are up for grabs, expect to see Harper and Ross working hard to attain them, and expect to see them returning to Lauderdale County as well.
For those who are curious about how exactly the votes were divided in Lauderdale County, here are the results form the circuit clerk's office. These results are unofficial, with affidavit votes still to be counted (Note that, unlike in the recent supervisor's race, affidavit votes are not expected to make much difference in this case):
James Broadwater - 22 votes - 0.31 %
Gregg Harper - 2230 votes - 31.49%
Greg Hatcher - 182 votes - 2.57%
David Landrum - 1536 - 21.69%
Bill Marcy - 71 - 1%
Charlie Ross - 2118 - 29.91%
John Rounsaville - 919 - 12.98%
Write-in Votes - 3 - 0.04%
Total votes cast: 7081
As you can see, Harper, Ross, and Landrum all got a chunk of the vote in Lauderdale County, but whoever this "write-in" guy is didn't do so well.
On the Democratic side of the 3rd Congressional District race, Randy Eads carried the county, with 3820 votes, or 62.46%, while Joel Gill received 2287 votes, at 37.39%. Mr. write-in did a little better on the Democratic side, getting three times as many votes as he did on the Republican ticket - nine of them, to be exact.
Lauderdale County disagreed with the rest of the district in this race as well - Gill won the district-wide vote by a good margin. But I don't think it's any mystery why Randy Eads won here in Lauderdale County - Limited as it was, he spent some time in Meridian. Joel Gill didn't.
Similarly, on the Republican side, the candidate who spent the least amount of time in Lauderdale County, James Broadwater, went away with only 22 of our votes, putting him in Lauderdale County's last place position. Unless you count the write-in vote, that is.
If you live anywhere in the third district, expect both Ross and Harper to visit an area near you over the next three weeks. Both these gentlemen are well-aware that absence will not make the heart grow fonder in this race.
- Jennifer Jacob
jjacob@themeridianstar.com
P.S. Do please forgive me for the terrible "write-in" jokes...
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Live from Jackson ... it's Election Night!
By Jennifer Jacob
jjacob@themeridianstar.com
JACKSON — Well, election nights are always interesting ... especially when you're driving all over this city following candidates.
Here are a few snippets from what I saw tonight:
• The noisy room deep in the innards of Jackson's Hilton Hotel went suddenly silent Tuesday night as Gregg Harper answered his cell phone. "Hey Brad. You got some numbers?" Heads turned and eyes went wide at that last word — "numbers."
The numbers, as it turned out, were in Harper's favor at that time. Sort of. He was coming in second in the 3rd Congressional District race, behind former state Sen. Charlie Ross. And in this race, second is something. With seven republican candidates running, a run-off election is expected, with the top two candidates vying against each other for the congressional seat. Second place is a ticket to a second chance. Ross and Harper will face off April 1.
• Elsewhere in Jackson, similar parties were going on in support of David Landrum and Charlie Ross, minus the live music.
Ross' party was held at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, where supporters watched results pour in on a truly enormous television, and Ross waited in a back room, coming out to speak periodically.
Needless to say, at 9 o'clock Tuesday night, he was happy with the results, which continued to put him in first place.
"I'm very confident," he said. "There's obviously going to be a run-off, but I'm confident that I will be in it and do well in it."
• David Landrum's watch party took place at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum, right next door to Ross' chosen locale, and his supporters were many and enthusiatic. Though the preliminary election results put Landrum in a very close third behind Harper, his supporters remained hopeful, and many echoed similar sentiments: "I think he's an honest guy, he's thorough, he's just as solid as you can be.", "He has character, incredible character, and he's just a great person."
Landrum himself wasn't giving up hope as he lagged behind Harper by a single percentile point around 9 p.m. Tuesday.
"I feel like we've got some good counties that aren't reporting yet," he said, "There's only 50% reporting now."
If he makes it to the run-off, Landrum says his campaign will be the same in message, but greater in intensity, "We'll be very focused," he said, "focused on the issues and focused on getting the job done."
And, like both Ross and Harper, he said "It's probably going to be a long night." As the saying goes, "It ain't over till its over."
Landrum, like Ross, said that his campaign, if he makes it to the run-off, will certainly make it's way through Lauderdale County, and Harper has run-off plans for the Meridian as well.
jjacob@themeridianstar.com
JACKSON — Well, election nights are always interesting ... especially when you're driving all over this city following candidates.
Here are a few snippets from what I saw tonight:
• The noisy room deep in the innards of Jackson's Hilton Hotel went suddenly silent Tuesday night as Gregg Harper answered his cell phone. "Hey Brad. You got some numbers?" Heads turned and eyes went wide at that last word — "numbers."
The numbers, as it turned out, were in Harper's favor at that time. Sort of. He was coming in second in the 3rd Congressional District race, behind former state Sen. Charlie Ross. And in this race, second is something. With seven republican candidates running, a run-off election is expected, with the top two candidates vying against each other for the congressional seat. Second place is a ticket to a second chance. Ross and Harper will face off April 1.
• Elsewhere in Jackson, similar parties were going on in support of David Landrum and Charlie Ross, minus the live music.
Ross' party was held at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, where supporters watched results pour in on a truly enormous television, and Ross waited in a back room, coming out to speak periodically.
Needless to say, at 9 o'clock Tuesday night, he was happy with the results, which continued to put him in first place.
"I'm very confident," he said. "There's obviously going to be a run-off, but I'm confident that I will be in it and do well in it."
• David Landrum's watch party took place at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum, right next door to Ross' chosen locale, and his supporters were many and enthusiatic. Though the preliminary election results put Landrum in a very close third behind Harper, his supporters remained hopeful, and many echoed similar sentiments: "I think he's an honest guy, he's thorough, he's just as solid as you can be.", "He has character, incredible character, and he's just a great person."
Landrum himself wasn't giving up hope as he lagged behind Harper by a single percentile point around 9 p.m. Tuesday.
"I feel like we've got some good counties that aren't reporting yet," he said, "There's only 50% reporting now."
If he makes it to the run-off, Landrum says his campaign will be the same in message, but greater in intensity, "We'll be very focused," he said, "focused on the issues and focused on getting the job done."
And, like both Ross and Harper, he said "It's probably going to be a long night." As the saying goes, "It ain't over till its over."
Landrum, like Ross, said that his campaign, if he makes it to the run-off, will certainly make it's way through Lauderdale County, and Harper has run-off plans for the Meridian as well.
Mississippi no problem for Obama
By Fredie Carmichael
The Associated Press has called Mississippi for Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton after early results in the Democratic vote Tuesday. Also, Gregg Harper and Charlie Ross are out in front in the GOP Primary for the Third Congressional District race to replace Chip Pickering. Visit The Star online for more information.
Star Reporter Jennifer Jacob will be blogging from Jackson — where she's following Harper and Ross — in the coming minutes and hours. Stay tuned.
The Associated Press has called Mississippi for Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton after early results in the Democratic vote Tuesday. Also, Gregg Harper and Charlie Ross are out in front in the GOP Primary for the Third Congressional District race to replace Chip Pickering. Visit The Star online for more information.
Star Reporter Jennifer Jacob will be blogging from Jackson — where she's following Harper and Ross — in the coming minutes and hours. Stay tuned.
I can't breathe for the e-mails
By Fredie Carmichael
editor@themeridianstar.com
The proof of today's election can be found in my inbox.
Maybe after today I'll finally be able to catch up on my e-mails.
On a typical day, I receive about 30-40 e-mails. That's not bad; I can scan through those, pick out the junk mail and respond appropriately. But for the past few weeks, those numbers have tripled. And since Obama and Hillary made stops in Mississippi, it's gotten even worse. As an example, between last night at 8 p.m. when I left work and 10 a.m. today when I got in, I had a whopping 52 new e-mails — ranging from "Obama for America" to "James Broadwater interviews." That's out of control.
Anyone want to help sort those?
... what, no takers?
editor@themeridianstar.com
The proof of today's election can be found in my inbox.
Maybe after today I'll finally be able to catch up on my e-mails.
On a typical day, I receive about 30-40 e-mails. That's not bad; I can scan through those, pick out the junk mail and respond appropriately. But for the past few weeks, those numbers have tripled. And since Obama and Hillary made stops in Mississippi, it's gotten even worse. As an example, between last night at 8 p.m. when I left work and 10 a.m. today when I got in, I had a whopping 52 new e-mails — ranging from "Obama for America" to "James Broadwater interviews." That's out of control.
Anyone want to help sort those?
... what, no takers?
Today's the day ...
By Fredie Carmichael
editor@themeridianstar.com
In less than 24 hours we should have a clear picture of the final two from the Republican party who'll be vying to replace Chip Pickering ... OK, who am I kidding. We could literally have to wait this one out for a while if the votes are as close as we think they'll be. It may be more like tomorrow afternoon before we really know the final two.
Our very own Jennifer Jacob will be following Gregg Harper, John Rounsaville, David Landrum and Charlie Ross in Jackson tonight. She will even attempt to blog while chasing all the candidates through the night as they watch returns. We'll soon see what impact Jerry Mitchell's (Clarion Ledger) investigative report on Landrum's voting record had on this race. And there's no doubt this race has HUGE implications for our area. Chip Pickering followed in the footsteps of G.V. Sonny Montgomery as a friend to East Mississippi, particularly in the fight for our military bases. You can simply look at the time spent by each candidate in this area for an idea of what East Mississippi means to this race. Several candidates even went as far as saying, "this race will be won in East Mississippi." Can't wait to see who our final two will be.
editor@themeridianstar.com
In less than 24 hours we should have a clear picture of the final two from the Republican party who'll be vying to replace Chip Pickering ... OK, who am I kidding. We could literally have to wait this one out for a while if the votes are as close as we think they'll be. It may be more like tomorrow afternoon before we really know the final two.
Our very own Jennifer Jacob will be following Gregg Harper, John Rounsaville, David Landrum and Charlie Ross in Jackson tonight. She will even attempt to blog while chasing all the candidates through the night as they watch returns. We'll soon see what impact Jerry Mitchell's (Clarion Ledger) investigative report on Landrum's voting record had on this race. And there's no doubt this race has HUGE implications for our area. Chip Pickering followed in the footsteps of G.V. Sonny Montgomery as a friend to East Mississippi, particularly in the fight for our military bases. You can simply look at the time spent by each candidate in this area for an idea of what East Mississippi means to this race. Several candidates even went as far as saying, "this race will be won in East Mississippi." Can't wait to see who our final two will be.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Pollen and politics ...
By Fredie Carmichael
Editor@themeridianstar.com
First off, welcome to our new blog — The Star Blog. We tried, without much success, to maintain a blog on our site in 2007. The problem: our software was inconsistent and not very user friendly. It quickly became a headache as opposed to what it should have been — fun.
After some debate, we settled on this as our new method of delivery. We hope you enjoy. Jennifer Jacob, our government reporter, got things started last week with her coverage of Hillary Clinton in Canton. Our goal by April: to have The Star Blog updated daily by a staffer, with each staffer contributing at least three posts a day. Aside from just news, we hope to incorporate our personalities (as scary as that is to even think about). We hope you get to know us in some small way (again, scary).
We also want you to get involved with us as we blog, comment on what we write. I will be asking members of our staff to write about anything and everything, with local topics being of greatest importance. One day they may write about something they read, watched or listened to ... the next they may write about a new restaurant they ate at (btw, the Chili House just opened next door to us), or a cool Web site they found.
So, please enjoy and, more importantly, participate.
Now, onto my first post:
Pollen and politics
Be sure and wash those hands tomorrow ...
What do sneezing and Election Day have in common? Lots of potential germs this time of year. As Election Day draws near (my head's still dizzy over the seven candidates on the GOP side of the Third Congressional District race), people will be sneezing and shaking hands all in the same day. The reason: tomorrow is not only an election, it's also likely to be bad for pollen. You may have noticed the yellow film on your car this morning. I noticed as soon as I woke up this morning and started sneezing when I walked my dog. I realized allergy season is here.
Ahh cheww!!!! Sorry, need to wash my hands now ...
Did I mention this blog would also be a good place to find lame jokes?
Editor@themeridianstar.com
First off, welcome to our new blog — The Star Blog. We tried, without much success, to maintain a blog on our site in 2007. The problem: our software was inconsistent and not very user friendly. It quickly became a headache as opposed to what it should have been — fun.
After some debate, we settled on this as our new method of delivery. We hope you enjoy. Jennifer Jacob, our government reporter, got things started last week with her coverage of Hillary Clinton in Canton. Our goal by April: to have The Star Blog updated daily by a staffer, with each staffer contributing at least three posts a day. Aside from just news, we hope to incorporate our personalities (as scary as that is to even think about). We hope you get to know us in some small way (again, scary).
We also want you to get involved with us as we blog, comment on what we write. I will be asking members of our staff to write about anything and everything, with local topics being of greatest importance. One day they may write about something they read, watched or listened to ... the next they may write about a new restaurant they ate at (btw, the Chili House just opened next door to us), or a cool Web site they found.
So, please enjoy and, more importantly, participate.
Now, onto my first post:
Pollen and politics
Be sure and wash those hands tomorrow ...
What do sneezing and Election Day have in common? Lots of potential germs this time of year. As Election Day draws near (my head's still dizzy over the seven candidates on the GOP side of the Third Congressional District race), people will be sneezing and shaking hands all in the same day. The reason: tomorrow is not only an election, it's also likely to be bad for pollen. You may have noticed the yellow film on your car this morning. I noticed as soon as I woke up this morning and started sneezing when I walked my dog. I realized allergy season is here.
Ahh cheww!!!! Sorry, need to wash my hands now ...
Did I mention this blog would also be a good place to find lame jokes?
Elections tomorrow
Don't forget to vote in the primary election tomorrow! The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and you can cast your vote for President, U.S. Senate, and U.S. Congress. Check tomorrow's Meridian Star for more election details and info on what last minute campaigning is being done by candidates in the 3rd Congressional District race.
- Jennifer Jacob
jjacob@themeridianstar.com
- Jennifer Jacob
jjacob@themeridianstar.com
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Dems dinner in a nutshell
Here, in a nutshell, is what happened at the Mississippi Democratic Party's Jefferson Jackson Hamer Dinner in Canton:
Highlight of the evening: That, of course, was a speech by Senator Hillary Clinton. She gave many compliments to the state of Mississippi and spoke on issues such as health care, education, and Hurricane Katrina, that are foremost in the minds of many Mississippi Democrats.
For the people seated in the grandstands, there was an additional highlight when the Executive Vice Chairman of the Democratic Party invited them to move to the tables on the floor and eat for free.
The Food: A buffet of catfish and bar-b-q from Penn's.
The crowd: Pretty small for such a large building, but still sufficient to raise ample applause.
Biggest appluase: When Senator Clinton told that crowd that, though Barack Obama was likely to be in favor with Mississippi's Democratic voters, "I want people in Mississippi to know that I'm in favor of you."
Best Joke:
Mississippi Senator Willie Simmons (D-Cleveland), who introduced Senator Clinton, told the crowd that he had overheard a conversation between Senator Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, after Mrs. Clinton told her husband that a man who had waited on them at a gas station had been her boyfriend in high school.
"If you had married him you'd be married to a service station attendant," President Clinton told his wife.
"No, Bill," Senator Clinton responded, "If I had married him, he'd be president."
This joke got a big laugh and prompted the Clinton to say, "That was one of the best introductions I've ever gotten."
Watch the Meridian Star for more on the Jefferson Jackson Hamer Day Dinner and the speech from Senator Clinton.
- Jennifer Jacob
jjacob@themeridianstar.com
Highlight of the evening: That, of course, was a speech by Senator Hillary Clinton. She gave many compliments to the state of Mississippi and spoke on issues such as health care, education, and Hurricane Katrina, that are foremost in the minds of many Mississippi Democrats.
For the people seated in the grandstands, there was an additional highlight when the Executive Vice Chairman of the Democratic Party invited them to move to the tables on the floor and eat for free.
The Food: A buffet of catfish and bar-b-q from Penn's.
The crowd: Pretty small for such a large building, but still sufficient to raise ample applause.
Biggest appluase: When Senator Clinton told that crowd that, though Barack Obama was likely to be in favor with Mississippi's Democratic voters, "I want people in Mississippi to know that I'm in favor of you."
Best Joke:
Mississippi Senator Willie Simmons (D-Cleveland), who introduced Senator Clinton, told the crowd that he had overheard a conversation between Senator Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, after Mrs. Clinton told her husband that a man who had waited on them at a gas station had been her boyfriend in high school.
"If you had married him you'd be married to a service station attendant," President Clinton told his wife.
"No, Bill," Senator Clinton responded, "If I had married him, he'd be president."
This joke got a big laugh and prompted the Clinton to say, "That was one of the best introductions I've ever gotten."
Watch the Meridian Star for more on the Jefferson Jackson Hamer Day Dinner and the speech from Senator Clinton.
- Jennifer Jacob
jjacob@themeridianstar.com
They're Just the Hil-hil-hillary girls
Happening now, March 6, 2008, 6:39 p.m.: The Jefferson Jackson Hamer Day Annual Mississippi Democratic Party Dinner in Canton, Miss., at which Hillary Clinton is scheduled to speak:
The first sound one hears upon entering the premises of the Mississippi Democratic Party's Jefferson Jackson Hamer Day Dinner is that of a banjo.
And not just any banjo. A banjo for Hillary. Theresa Kopp drove to Canton all the way from Montgomery, Ala. to see her favorite presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, who is appearing at the dinner tonight, and to drum up, or rather pluck up, support for her by playing a song she wrote just for Hillary on the banjo.
"We're just the Hil-hil-hillary girls! And she's smart enough for this world!" she sang with a profusion of glee and a family of women from Newton acting as her Hillary back-up singers.
"We support Hillary because my son is in Baghdad right now...I have studied all the candidates and my family has based our decision because Hillary has the best plan to get the troops out of Iraq...She's the only one I trust," said Laura Walley, who made the drive from Newton with her mother, Jeanine Bankston, and her daughter, Anne Henderson.
"Our husbands would be here, too, if they could," said Henderson.
There are certainly a lot of Hillary supporters outside the Canton Multi-Purpose and Equine center, where the event takes place, but even with Kopps' gleeful banjo playing and signs bearing slogans like, "Hillary '08. Please God!", the Hillary supporters can't compete with the Obama fans on volume or signage.
One group of about twenty young girls drove 20 miles together from Yazoo City to show their support for Barack Obama, who by most calculations is slightly ahead of Hillary in the delegate count.
"We support Obama because we think he would be a good choice for president," said Shawanda Williams, of Yazoo City's Pretty in Pink group, "He is the choice for change," she said.
"Education for a change," another Pretty in Pinker chimed in.
All in all, the scene outside the building before the event is far more lively than the one inside it, in which many guests sit at their tables looking bewildered, perhaps wondering what possessed them to show up so early. Outside, there's excitement in the air. Inside, not so much. More like impatience.
Keep watching the Star Blog for more on the Jefferson Jackson Hamer Day Dinner.
- Jennifer Jacob
jjacob@themeridianstar.com
The first sound one hears upon entering the premises of the Mississippi Democratic Party's Jefferson Jackson Hamer Day Dinner is that of a banjo.
And not just any banjo. A banjo for Hillary. Theresa Kopp drove to Canton all the way from Montgomery, Ala. to see her favorite presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, who is appearing at the dinner tonight, and to drum up, or rather pluck up, support for her by playing a song she wrote just for Hillary on the banjo.
"We're just the Hil-hil-hillary girls! And she's smart enough for this world!" she sang with a profusion of glee and a family of women from Newton acting as her Hillary back-up singers.
"We support Hillary because my son is in Baghdad right now...I have studied all the candidates and my family has based our decision because Hillary has the best plan to get the troops out of Iraq...She's the only one I trust," said Laura Walley, who made the drive from Newton with her mother, Jeanine Bankston, and her daughter, Anne Henderson.
"Our husbands would be here, too, if they could," said Henderson.
There are certainly a lot of Hillary supporters outside the Canton Multi-Purpose and Equine center, where the event takes place, but even with Kopps' gleeful banjo playing and signs bearing slogans like, "Hillary '08. Please God!", the Hillary supporters can't compete with the Obama fans on volume or signage.
One group of about twenty young girls drove 20 miles together from Yazoo City to show their support for Barack Obama, who by most calculations is slightly ahead of Hillary in the delegate count.
"We support Obama because we think he would be a good choice for president," said Shawanda Williams, of Yazoo City's Pretty in Pink group, "He is the choice for change," she said.
"Education for a change," another Pretty in Pinker chimed in.
All in all, the scene outside the building before the event is far more lively than the one inside it, in which many guests sit at their tables looking bewildered, perhaps wondering what possessed them to show up so early. Outside, there's excitement in the air. Inside, not so much. More like impatience.
Keep watching the Star Blog for more on the Jefferson Jackson Hamer Day Dinner.
- Jennifer Jacob
jjacob@themeridianstar.com
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