By, Stephanie Denham, editorial assistant
My oldest daughter, Lorien Lea, loved music from the time she was born. One of her first "favorites" was of Amy Grant. I can so vividly remember driving and looking into the rearview mirror to check on her when she was in her car seat in the back seat. Her head was just moving so sweetly to "El Shadai" and moved faster to "Sing Your Praises to the Lord". As she got a little older, she talked really early and could talk in sentences and sing songs by the time she was a year old. She would sing those songs all the time completely through. Years later when she was probably eight, I took Lorien and we drove to Jackson, to see Amy Grant in concert in the coliseum there. She fell asleep amongst all the noise and opening acts, which absolutely amazed me. I woke her up when Amy Grant came on to play. She evidently had had her a "power nap" because she stood in her chair and sang almost every song to the top of her lungs with Amy. As most people around here know by now, Lorien Lea was killed by a drunk driver here in Meridian. Her crash happened on Palm Sunday in 1991 and she died on Good Friday and we buried her on April 1, the day after Easter Sunday. I have often thought of how awesome it must be to be in heaven on Easter and Christmas. I know that Lorien has enjoyed singing her "Praises to the Lord" for 17 years now. She would have just turned 26 in February. But I can close my eyes and see that baby's head bouncing and swaying in perfect timing to Amy Grant's songs.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
live, unplugged, local
Steve Gillespie
sgillespie@themeridianstar.com
There's a great lineup of local talent scheduled to play at the Meridian Underground Music Exchange tonight starting at 8 p.m., 817 22nd Ave., in downtown Meridian. The lineup includes Calamity Backpack, Dark Sundays and Daniel Sharp.
sgillespie@themeridianstar.com
There's a great lineup of local talent scheduled to play at the Meridian Underground Music Exchange tonight starting at 8 p.m., 817 22nd Ave., in downtown Meridian. The lineup includes Calamity Backpack, Dark Sundays and Daniel Sharp.
The Cable Blues
I'm not a big TV person. I have rabbit ears on my television now, and they only pick up one channel. Even though I live near the TV station, the picture comes in double, which makes me even less of a TV person, because watching it for too long gives me a headache.
For the most part, I don't miss having cable. Sure, I there a few channels I sometimes wish for - The Weather Channel was always nice to have, and CNN, and I kind of miss all those Family Guy re-runs. But I don't miss any of those nearly as much as I would miss my $40 a month were I to purchase a cable subscription. I've thought about getting that $9 a month subscription; then I would get the three networks, FOX, and PBS - all good - but I would also be paying for the local access or "MCC" channel (does anybody ever watch that?), the Home Shopping Network, the TV Guide Channel (which I'm sure the cable company includes to show its "cheap" customers what they're missing) and so forth. I'd be paying for 11 channels, and watching 5. And I'd only watch those 5 every once in a while anyway.
Seems like a rip-off to me.
What I would like to see is a cable company that lets you choose your own channels. Most people get 100+ channels on their TVs, but probably don't watch more than 30. I know when I had cable I never watched the Golf Channel or the Outdoor Life Network. And I can guarantee my grandmother, who has a full cable package, never watches Cartoon Network, E!, or Comedy Central. Why not let me pick 20 or 30 channels that I'm actually going to watch, and pay according to the number of channels that I have? Then I could at least feel like I'm paying for something that I want, rather than wasting a bunch of money on something that is a big waste of time in the first place.
Jennifer Jacob
Staff Writer
For the most part, I don't miss having cable. Sure, I there a few channels I sometimes wish for - The Weather Channel was always nice to have, and CNN, and I kind of miss all those Family Guy re-runs. But I don't miss any of those nearly as much as I would miss my $40 a month were I to purchase a cable subscription. I've thought about getting that $9 a month subscription; then I would get the three networks, FOX, and PBS - all good - but I would also be paying for the local access or "MCC" channel (does anybody ever watch that?), the Home Shopping Network, the TV Guide Channel (which I'm sure the cable company includes to show its "cheap" customers what they're missing) and so forth. I'd be paying for 11 channels, and watching 5. And I'd only watch those 5 every once in a while anyway.
Seems like a rip-off to me.
What I would like to see is a cable company that lets you choose your own channels. Most people get 100+ channels on their TVs, but probably don't watch more than 30. I know when I had cable I never watched the Golf Channel or the Outdoor Life Network. And I can guarantee my grandmother, who has a full cable package, never watches Cartoon Network, E!, or Comedy Central. Why not let me pick 20 or 30 channels that I'm actually going to watch, and pay according to the number of channels that I have? Then I could at least feel like I'm paying for something that I want, rather than wasting a bunch of money on something that is a big waste of time in the first place.
Jennifer Jacob
Staff Writer
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Great Service is Hard to Beat
by Stephanie Denham, editorial assistant
sdenham@themeridianstar.com
Ok, we probably should not use this as a "shout out" to a business, indulge me a bit here please. I have bought three cars over the years from Sunbelt Motors, all Mazdas. I have had my little Miata since I bought it in 1997. The service department can not I don't believe, be beat! My sister who lives in Brandon, just says, "You are sooo spoiled." I take my car in for service, for the oil changes and stuff, and Darrell, has brought me to my job for years now. I get to hear all about his kids and how their sports teams are doing. He is so nice. Then what can I say about James and George? They always take care of my car, not only do the maintenance but they I think go beyond the call of duty. They have even one morning years ago, after I left the parking lights on and run my battery down, they came, picked me up and took me to work, went back and jumped my car off and took it in to fix it. The reason for my writing this today is, I took my car in for its usual oil change and tires checked. Well last week I had an unfortunate incident inside my car with a Sprite. Let's just say, a can of unopened Sprite and heat of a car, don't match very well. The explosion that resulted was impressive to say the least...Well today, when I go to pick up my car, not a word was said, just the usual smiles, talking and paying. I get in my car to come back to work, well...whichever you wonderful sweet men at Sunbelt Motors, who cleaned all of the Sprite out of my car. I love you!!! And as a single middle aged woman...I will take any spoiling I can get! Thank you. I will buy more cars from Sunbelt, simply if for no other reason, but to be "spoiled" by the service department men! Thank you!
sdenham@themeridianstar.com
Ok, we probably should not use this as a "shout out" to a business, indulge me a bit here please. I have bought three cars over the years from Sunbelt Motors, all Mazdas. I have had my little Miata since I bought it in 1997. The service department can not I don't believe, be beat! My sister who lives in Brandon, just says, "You are sooo spoiled." I take my car in for service, for the oil changes and stuff, and Darrell, has brought me to my job for years now. I get to hear all about his kids and how their sports teams are doing. He is so nice. Then what can I say about James and George? They always take care of my car, not only do the maintenance but they I think go beyond the call of duty. They have even one morning years ago, after I left the parking lights on and run my battery down, they came, picked me up and took me to work, went back and jumped my car off and took it in to fix it. The reason for my writing this today is, I took my car in for its usual oil change and tires checked. Well last week I had an unfortunate incident inside my car with a Sprite. Let's just say, a can of unopened Sprite and heat of a car, don't match very well. The explosion that resulted was impressive to say the least...Well today, when I go to pick up my car, not a word was said, just the usual smiles, talking and paying. I get in my car to come back to work, well...whichever you wonderful sweet men at Sunbelt Motors, who cleaned all of the Sprite out of my car. I love you!!! And as a single middle aged woman...I will take any spoiling I can get! Thank you. I will buy more cars from Sunbelt, simply if for no other reason, but to be "spoiled" by the service department men! Thank you!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Don't bark unless you can bite
By Brian Livingston
blivingston@themeridianstar.com
Monday evening I was assigned to attend the Road Dawgs Tour, the MSU Alumni Association event held at MSU-Meridian. I was there to get a photo of head coach Sylvester Croom as he talked to Bulldog supporters from the area. But a funny thing happened while waiting on Croom.
As anyone who knows me can attest to I'm a born and raised Razorback from Arkansas. I have the belt with the little hogs running around and a cell phone cover with the Hog prominately displayed. I get prodded a lot about it but I don't mind. In fact, as long as the Hogs keep beating MSU and Ole Miss, I'm fairly bulletproof from any shots taken at me and my team.
But Monday evening I had to deflect yet another shot.
The Village Kitchen, which has marvelous home cooking any Southerner can sink their teeth into, was catering the event. Lo and behold they had roasted an entire hog, complete with cute Bulldog coins in the eye sockets. The hog was quite delicious looking all laid out on the middle table and I couldn't help but smile at the irony of my being given this assignment and having a hog splayed out. I thought it was funny. Obviously, someone who is an ardent Bulldog fan noticed my college of choice.
"That's what we do to hogs around here!" he said as I looked at the roasted hog.
I immediately, without even turning my gaze from the table, said, "And what was the score of last year's game, and the games before that?"
The Bulldog immediately stopped barking.
For the record, MSU last beat Arkansas in 1998. That was a one point win. Since then the Hogs have completely dominated MSU which includes a 52-6 blowout in 2003, a 44-10 win in 2005 and last year's 45-31 shootout.
Hey, my daughter is a freshman at MSU and I will likely be sending a lot of money to Starkville for the next thousand years while she pursues her Masters Degree so I hold no ill will toward the Bulldogs. In fact, I used to root for the Dawgs and many of the other SEC teams when the Hogs were in the old Southwest Conference. I knew then, as has been proven year after year, the SEC in the dominate football conference, top to bottom, in the country. So it's been quite an adjustment for me since Arkansas joined the SEC, playing against teams I respected and liked.
But make no mistake, I'm not going to call the Hogs in the face of a Gator fan until we've beaten them several times!
And the roast pig? It was great.
Woooo, pig, sooie!
blivingston@themeridianstar.com
Monday evening I was assigned to attend the Road Dawgs Tour, the MSU Alumni Association event held at MSU-Meridian. I was there to get a photo of head coach Sylvester Croom as he talked to Bulldog supporters from the area. But a funny thing happened while waiting on Croom.
As anyone who knows me can attest to I'm a born and raised Razorback from Arkansas. I have the belt with the little hogs running around and a cell phone cover with the Hog prominately displayed. I get prodded a lot about it but I don't mind. In fact, as long as the Hogs keep beating MSU and Ole Miss, I'm fairly bulletproof from any shots taken at me and my team.
But Monday evening I had to deflect yet another shot.
The Village Kitchen, which has marvelous home cooking any Southerner can sink their teeth into, was catering the event. Lo and behold they had roasted an entire hog, complete with cute Bulldog coins in the eye sockets. The hog was quite delicious looking all laid out on the middle table and I couldn't help but smile at the irony of my being given this assignment and having a hog splayed out. I thought it was funny. Obviously, someone who is an ardent Bulldog fan noticed my college of choice.
"That's what we do to hogs around here!" he said as I looked at the roasted hog.
I immediately, without even turning my gaze from the table, said, "And what was the score of last year's game, and the games before that?"
The Bulldog immediately stopped barking.
For the record, MSU last beat Arkansas in 1998. That was a one point win. Since then the Hogs have completely dominated MSU which includes a 52-6 blowout in 2003, a 44-10 win in 2005 and last year's 45-31 shootout.
Hey, my daughter is a freshman at MSU and I will likely be sending a lot of money to Starkville for the next thousand years while she pursues her Masters Degree so I hold no ill will toward the Bulldogs. In fact, I used to root for the Dawgs and many of the other SEC teams when the Hogs were in the old Southwest Conference. I knew then, as has been proven year after year, the SEC in the dominate football conference, top to bottom, in the country. So it's been quite an adjustment for me since Arkansas joined the SEC, playing against teams I respected and liked.
But make no mistake, I'm not going to call the Hogs in the face of a Gator fan until we've beaten them several times!
And the roast pig? It was great.
Woooo, pig, sooie!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Stop the madness
By Brian Livingston
blivingston@themeridianstar.com
I was watching the Will Smith movie "I am legend" recently when I noticed something in one of the scenes.
As Smith's character is getting gas from a gas station in a deserted New York City, and keep in mind this movie takes place in the year 2013, the price of gas showed $6.65 a gallon. I fear we are well on our way to that becoming a reality instead of a movie prop.
Everytime I go to put gas in my vehicle I curse the politicians who've allowed this to happen. Most people blame Bush but it really is the fault of all politicians who have let the common citizen of this country down. We shouldn't have to endure this attack on our livelihoods. When gas goes up, everything goes up. The price for food, clothes, everything that relies on gas to be transported to stores is higher. And who has to eat this? We do!
There is no oil shortage. I was taught in college economics that supply and demand determines pricing of products. When shortages occur, such as happens periodically with the orange crop whenever there is a spring freeze, the price of orange juice logically goes up. Not so with oil.
Apparently our politicians own oil stocks and seeing they vote themselves hefty pay raises each year, what's a few more cents for a gallon of gas. They can handle it. But when we, the consumers, who've not had a pay raise in years despite mounting inflation, go to the pumps or the grocery store, we must fork out more of our hard-earned money to feed and clothe our families.
The problem with our system of government now is much like an old grandfather clock that is slowly winding down. Our government is grinding to a halt. Politicians are thought to be smart people. I beg to differ. The smart people are those who know better than to put themselves in a difficult situation, such as public office. Our federal government is full of people who have no inclination to change things otherwise we wouldn't be looking at $3.35 per gallon now.
I don't want a communist system or a dictatorship. I just want those responsible for representing me to do just that.....represent me and my views, problems and concerns.
If there is a silver lining to all of this outrageous oil pricing it may be in the form of alternate fuels. For years the technology has been out there but, again, because politicians were holding back the companies wanting to go mainstream with their ideas, the changes have been slow in coming.
My only hope is that something good will come from all of this, if not for me but for my children. But for how much longer do we have to put up with this? And when will the people of America say, "Enough already!"
blivingston@themeridianstar.com
I was watching the Will Smith movie "I am legend" recently when I noticed something in one of the scenes.
As Smith's character is getting gas from a gas station in a deserted New York City, and keep in mind this movie takes place in the year 2013, the price of gas showed $6.65 a gallon. I fear we are well on our way to that becoming a reality instead of a movie prop.
Everytime I go to put gas in my vehicle I curse the politicians who've allowed this to happen. Most people blame Bush but it really is the fault of all politicians who have let the common citizen of this country down. We shouldn't have to endure this attack on our livelihoods. When gas goes up, everything goes up. The price for food, clothes, everything that relies on gas to be transported to stores is higher. And who has to eat this? We do!
There is no oil shortage. I was taught in college economics that supply and demand determines pricing of products. When shortages occur, such as happens periodically with the orange crop whenever there is a spring freeze, the price of orange juice logically goes up. Not so with oil.
Apparently our politicians own oil stocks and seeing they vote themselves hefty pay raises each year, what's a few more cents for a gallon of gas. They can handle it. But when we, the consumers, who've not had a pay raise in years despite mounting inflation, go to the pumps or the grocery store, we must fork out more of our hard-earned money to feed and clothe our families.
The problem with our system of government now is much like an old grandfather clock that is slowly winding down. Our government is grinding to a halt. Politicians are thought to be smart people. I beg to differ. The smart people are those who know better than to put themselves in a difficult situation, such as public office. Our federal government is full of people who have no inclination to change things otherwise we wouldn't be looking at $3.35 per gallon now.
I don't want a communist system or a dictatorship. I just want those responsible for representing me to do just that.....represent me and my views, problems and concerns.
If there is a silver lining to all of this outrageous oil pricing it may be in the form of alternate fuels. For years the technology has been out there but, again, because politicians were holding back the companies wanting to go mainstream with their ideas, the changes have been slow in coming.
My only hope is that something good will come from all of this, if not for me but for my children. But for how much longer do we have to put up with this? And when will the people of America say, "Enough already!"
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
New Meridian 360, and yes, Ida sings again...
Ben Lockridge
blockridge@themeridianstar.com
I had no clue that Ida losing her voice would be so popular! (Hehe)
Well, Ida returns for our new Meridian 360 preview, and while she did get her voice back, this stuff is still gold!
blockridge@themeridianstar.com
I had no clue that Ida losing her voice would be so popular! (Hehe)
Well, Ida returns for our new Meridian 360 preview, and while she did get her voice back, this stuff is still gold!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Tuesdays with Morrie
I'm not an Oprah fan, but sometimes she can really hit the nail on the head with her book recommendations.
This weekend I read Tuesdays with Morrie, a memoir about an overly ambitious sports writer, Mitch Albom, who learns how to live life to the fullest when he goes to visit his old college professor, Morrie Schwartz, who is dying of Lou Gehrig's disease. After the fist visit, Mitch starts coming back every Tuesday, and spends the day listening to Morrie's advice on life, death, and all the other stuff.
Normally, I don't go for inspirational type reading - I'm much more likely to be seen toting a copy of something by Kurt Vonnegut or J.D. Salinger - and I would never have picked up Tuesdays with Morrie if I hadn't had to do so for a class I'm taking, but I'm glad I did. Against my will, the more I read this book the more my cynicism melted away to be replaced by cautious optimism about the ability of even the jerkiest person to positively affect someone else.
I think what really made me like this book was the fact that what's in it really happened. A lot of memoirs give representations of actual events that have been changed to replace the inadequacies of the author's memories or to make the story flow well. Usually when you read an autobiographical work, the dialogue isn't made up of verbatim quotations of what was actually said - no one has that good a memory. But Tuesdays with Morrie is based on taped conversations between Morrie and Mitch, so a good bit of Morrie's message in the book is written exactly as Morrie said it.
It's as if Mitch was taking dictation for Morrie in the way Milton's daughters wrote for him after he lost his vision - only Mitch is allowed a voice, and his story adds meaning to Morrie's words.
What makes this book better than the average touchy-feely "inspirational" junk is not just Morrie's message about refusing to let the culture get in the way of your life, but the way that it was captured, all recorded on tape by a writer who was very different from his subject, presented, for the most part, chronologically - almost like a slide show of Morrie's last Tuesdays on earth.
- Jennifer Jacob
jjacob@themeridianstar.com
This weekend I read Tuesdays with Morrie, a memoir about an overly ambitious sports writer, Mitch Albom, who learns how to live life to the fullest when he goes to visit his old college professor, Morrie Schwartz, who is dying of Lou Gehrig's disease. After the fist visit, Mitch starts coming back every Tuesday, and spends the day listening to Morrie's advice on life, death, and all the other stuff.
Normally, I don't go for inspirational type reading - I'm much more likely to be seen toting a copy of something by Kurt Vonnegut or J.D. Salinger - and I would never have picked up Tuesdays with Morrie if I hadn't had to do so for a class I'm taking, but I'm glad I did. Against my will, the more I read this book the more my cynicism melted away to be replaced by cautious optimism about the ability of even the jerkiest person to positively affect someone else.
I think what really made me like this book was the fact that what's in it really happened. A lot of memoirs give representations of actual events that have been changed to replace the inadequacies of the author's memories or to make the story flow well. Usually when you read an autobiographical work, the dialogue isn't made up of verbatim quotations of what was actually said - no one has that good a memory. But Tuesdays with Morrie is based on taped conversations between Morrie and Mitch, so a good bit of Morrie's message in the book is written exactly as Morrie said it.
It's as if Mitch was taking dictation for Morrie in the way Milton's daughters wrote for him after he lost his vision - only Mitch is allowed a voice, and his story adds meaning to Morrie's words.
What makes this book better than the average touchy-feely "inspirational" junk is not just Morrie's message about refusing to let the culture get in the way of your life, but the way that it was captured, all recorded on tape by a writer who was very different from his subject, presented, for the most part, chronologically - almost like a slide show of Morrie's last Tuesdays on earth.
- Jennifer Jacob
jjacob@themeridianstar.com
A weekend of great weather
By Fredie Carmichael
Editor@themeridianstar.com
I must say, I began the weekend thinking I'd get a little work done in the office and, primarily, sit back and watch the Masters. What I ended up doing was much more enjoyable ... and involved a lot more sunshine. I wrote my Sunday column about things to do in East Mississippi. After being out in the gorgeous weather, I can't imagine wasting time in front of a television.
A few highlights I'll share:
• First, I went to the MSU Riley Center Friday to see "A year with Frog and Toad" — a wonderfully performed stage musical. Every time I visit the Riley Center I'm reminded of how fortunate we are to have a place to go to watch shows like that. What a great family event, too. After that, it was off to a party/mixer at Union Station for young professionals. It wasn't sponsored by the Young Professionals of Meridian organization I happen to chair, but another group — Southern Upgrade — I found out about that hosts mixers for essentially the same age group. I found out about it and talked with the organizer, Sheena Davis, weeks before the event. I had a great time and Sheena did a fantastic job decorating the second floor of Union Station (and there was a great dee-jay). Sheena and I plan on putting our heads together this week to see how we can combine our efforts and get even more young people involved in the community; she has a passionate heart for this area. I'm always inspired by people who are so driven they go out on a limb and make a difference. I'll keep you posted on how that goes. I'm pumped about that.
• Saturday, after a little work, I got to get out and enjoy the sunshine at Highland Park. If you haven't been there in a while, I encourage you to go check it out. The grounds seemed very well kept and picture-perfect weather made the old park shine. I realize we now have Bonita and Northeast, but it's hard to beat the carousel and the duck pond. My only regret: I didn't have a blanket. The field near the park looked perfect for a nap ... and the comfortable temperatures would have made it hard to wake up. Later that day, I attended an engagement party for one of my best friends in northeast Lauderdale County. It was a fish fry catered by Village Kitchen (I had forgotten how incredible their food is). The party was, fittingly, held outside. The towering pines made for perfect shadows cast from the orange sunset as I enjoyed joking with old friends about my days of playing on the golf team at Meridian Community College. The funniest story was told by former coach Lou Hart about driving me down 8th Street to the emergency room after I had an allergic reaction to something I ate at a truck stop outside of Hattiesburg after a tournament. True story, my eyes were swollen shut within 5 minutes of arriving back on MCC's campus. The funniest part of the story: Coach Hart, as she raced me down 8th Street in the MCC van, said, "the light's red Fredie, is anything coming?" Not being able to see of course, I said, "I think we're good, coach ... keep driving." OK, well it was a funny story for me.
• Sunday, after work, I decided to head to Bonita with my dog, Oreo. Again, great weather. I watched the ducks (and my dog trying to harass them) and people kayak on the upper lake. We truly have a gem in Bonita. It's a great place to run, walk, hike, picnic, fish, boat, throw a frisbee, simply get away and relax. Oh, and as for the Masters ... Tiger blew his chances any way so I didn't miss much. I would have hated to miss a great afternoon outside to watch that.
Editor@themeridianstar.com
I must say, I began the weekend thinking I'd get a little work done in the office and, primarily, sit back and watch the Masters. What I ended up doing was much more enjoyable ... and involved a lot more sunshine. I wrote my Sunday column about things to do in East Mississippi. After being out in the gorgeous weather, I can't imagine wasting time in front of a television.
A few highlights I'll share:
• First, I went to the MSU Riley Center Friday to see "A year with Frog and Toad" — a wonderfully performed stage musical. Every time I visit the Riley Center I'm reminded of how fortunate we are to have a place to go to watch shows like that. What a great family event, too. After that, it was off to a party/mixer at Union Station for young professionals. It wasn't sponsored by the Young Professionals of Meridian organization I happen to chair, but another group — Southern Upgrade — I found out about that hosts mixers for essentially the same age group. I found out about it and talked with the organizer, Sheena Davis, weeks before the event. I had a great time and Sheena did a fantastic job decorating the second floor of Union Station (and there was a great dee-jay). Sheena and I plan on putting our heads together this week to see how we can combine our efforts and get even more young people involved in the community; she has a passionate heart for this area. I'm always inspired by people who are so driven they go out on a limb and make a difference. I'll keep you posted on how that goes. I'm pumped about that.
• Saturday, after a little work, I got to get out and enjoy the sunshine at Highland Park. If you haven't been there in a while, I encourage you to go check it out. The grounds seemed very well kept and picture-perfect weather made the old park shine. I realize we now have Bonita and Northeast, but it's hard to beat the carousel and the duck pond. My only regret: I didn't have a blanket. The field near the park looked perfect for a nap ... and the comfortable temperatures would have made it hard to wake up. Later that day, I attended an engagement party for one of my best friends in northeast Lauderdale County. It was a fish fry catered by Village Kitchen (I had forgotten how incredible their food is). The party was, fittingly, held outside. The towering pines made for perfect shadows cast from the orange sunset as I enjoyed joking with old friends about my days of playing on the golf team at Meridian Community College. The funniest story was told by former coach Lou Hart about driving me down 8th Street to the emergency room after I had an allergic reaction to something I ate at a truck stop outside of Hattiesburg after a tournament. True story, my eyes were swollen shut within 5 minutes of arriving back on MCC's campus. The funniest part of the story: Coach Hart, as she raced me down 8th Street in the MCC van, said, "the light's red Fredie, is anything coming?" Not being able to see of course, I said, "I think we're good, coach ... keep driving." OK, well it was a funny story for me.
• Sunday, after work, I decided to head to Bonita with my dog, Oreo. Again, great weather. I watched the ducks (and my dog trying to harass them) and people kayak on the upper lake. We truly have a gem in Bonita. It's a great place to run, walk, hike, picnic, fish, boat, throw a frisbee, simply get away and relax. Oh, and as for the Masters ... Tiger blew his chances any way so I didn't miss much. I would have hated to miss a great afternoon outside to watch that.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Golfer from UofA to play in Masters
By Fredie Carmichael
Editor@themeridianstar.com
I must admit I got chill bumps this morning when I woke up and walked my dog. The reason: it's time for one of the greatest single sporting events of the year — the Masters. I'm not a huge TV watcher, especially when it comes to sporting events; I'd much rather be there to see the action in person.
Now I must admit, however, that HD technology gets you pretty darn close to that. Still, one of the things I watch obsessively each year is the Masters. Coverage begins today at 3 p.m. on ESPN.
There is a semi-local tie to this year's Masters. It's not every day that someone so young gets to play Augusta National, but such is the case for Alabama senior Michael Thompson. Former Clarion Ledger writer Ian R. Rapoport has a great write-up in today's Birmingham News.
Here's hoping he's playing well. It must be nice. I'll have to call up Wade Phillips of WTOK and get him to tell me how great Augusta National is again. Wade, as many of you will recall, moved to Augusta for a few years before returning to Meridian.
Editor@themeridianstar.com
I must admit I got chill bumps this morning when I woke up and walked my dog. The reason: it's time for one of the greatest single sporting events of the year — the Masters. I'm not a huge TV watcher, especially when it comes to sporting events; I'd much rather be there to see the action in person.
Now I must admit, however, that HD technology gets you pretty darn close to that. Still, one of the things I watch obsessively each year is the Masters. Coverage begins today at 3 p.m. on ESPN.
There is a semi-local tie to this year's Masters. It's not every day that someone so young gets to play Augusta National, but such is the case for Alabama senior Michael Thompson. Former Clarion Ledger writer Ian R. Rapoport has a great write-up in today's Birmingham News.
Here's hoping he's playing well. It must be nice. I'll have to call up Wade Phillips of WTOK and get him to tell me how great Augusta National is again. Wade, as many of you will recall, moved to Augusta for a few years before returning to Meridian.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Newsroom Diva
Steve Gillespie
sgillespie@themeridianstar.com
Another Meridian 360º can be found in Thursday's Meridian Star, full of the latest arts and entertainment news. You can view a video promo of it here on The Meridian Star's Web site or at the Meridian 360º myspace, www.myspace.com/meridian360. This week's video features Ida Brown singing during the Intermission. Be sure to give us some feedback about that AND let us know what you'd like to see her sing maybe next week.
Also this Meridian 360º will feature a special tribute to the late Charlton Heston. I tracked down Anthony Herrera this week. I met him many years ago. He's a veteran actor from Mississippi who got his start as Heston's stand-in during the filming of "Number One."
sgillespie@themeridianstar.com
Another Meridian 360º can be found in Thursday's Meridian Star, full of the latest arts and entertainment news. You can view a video promo of it here on The Meridian Star's Web site or at the Meridian 360º myspace, www.myspace.com/meridian360. This week's video features Ida Brown singing during the Intermission. Be sure to give us some feedback about that AND let us know what you'd like to see her sing maybe next week.
Also this Meridian 360º will feature a special tribute to the late Charlton Heston. I tracked down Anthony Herrera this week. I met him many years ago. He's a veteran actor from Mississippi who got his start as Heston's stand-in during the filming of "Number One."
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Dancing
I am not a dancer. Let me say that from the beginning. I don't pretend to be and just plain have two left feet when it comes to dancing. However, I can truly appreciate what someone does when they dance. I am a sort of reality show junkie. I don't like all of them, but I have been watching Dancing with the Stars for a couple of years now. I know it is corny but I like the fact that there is something "clean" on TV and find it actually refreshing that there is something that might be viewed as "old fashioned" as ballroom dancing on TV. Anyway, this year I was pulled in by the fact that Marley Matlin and oscar winning actress is on there. She is profoundly deaf. I wanted to see how she did with not being able to truly hear the music. I was as I have written before, about 60 percent deaf as a child. I thankfully had surgery and my hearing was restored. However, I do remember it very well. I have due to this always had a "special place" in my heart for persons who are deaf. I am amazed at how beautiful Marley Martlin dances on the show. She is doing better than some of her "hearing" contestants. She should be a role model if she is not already for her dancing with the hearing impaired people. She is graceful and is spot on with her movements and timing. I am amazed. I encourage anyone who has not watched this show to do so. It is nice to see something that is a throwback to the "good ole days" and the variety shows. I of course am still waiting on the return of the variety show as a "new" show format again. You just can not beat in writing or humor "The Carol Burnett Show." Stephanie Denham, editorial assistant
Star Wars... Well, sorta.
By Ben Lockridge
blockridge@themeridianstar.com
Ok, if you don't think this is amazingly awesome, then there is just something wrong with you.
That was your dose of sugar for today!
blockridge@themeridianstar.com
Ok, if you don't think this is amazingly awesome, then there is just something wrong with you.
That was your dose of sugar for today!
Monday, April 7, 2008
A video share ...
By Fredie Carmichael
Editor@themeridianstar.com
Sorry I've been out of commission for a few days but I have a good excuse: I finally sold my house in Daphne, Ala. on the beautiful Eastern Shore (it was on the market for nearly two years) and have been down there. For those who've never been, it's a unique little spot, particularly the artsy town of Fairhope. I documented the final weekend at my house with a few photos and then put those to video. Sorry if the quality is bad; I couldn't get youtube to upload a better file. I'll see if Ben can help me out so you can appreciate some of the photos. Great sunsets there. Hope you enjoy.
A few things to note: I took photos of the things I love — the sunsets, the bluffs, the live oaks, the parks, etc. I also included some shots of my favorite bench and places where I love to grab a cup of coffee and just write.
Editor@themeridianstar.com
Sorry I've been out of commission for a few days but I have a good excuse: I finally sold my house in Daphne, Ala. on the beautiful Eastern Shore (it was on the market for nearly two years) and have been down there. For those who've never been, it's a unique little spot, particularly the artsy town of Fairhope. I documented the final weekend at my house with a few photos and then put those to video. Sorry if the quality is bad; I couldn't get youtube to upload a better file. I'll see if Ben can help me out so you can appreciate some of the photos. Great sunsets there. Hope you enjoy.
A few things to note: I took photos of the things I love — the sunsets, the bluffs, the live oaks, the parks, etc. I also included some shots of my favorite bench and places where I love to grab a cup of coffee and just write.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Air show mishaps
Although I was impressed by the displays at the Wings Over Meridian air show Sunday, I can't say I had an idyllic time. On the contrary, I had a time that made me wonder if maybe I should have taken one co-worker's advice about not walking under ladders.
For starters, I forgot my sunscreen. For most people, that's not too smart. But I have very fair skin, so for me, forgetting sunscreen is one of the most idiotic things I can do. After searching fruitlessly for a vendor who sold sunscreen, I finally decided to just hide in the shade under the wing of C17 for as many of my hours and hours at the air show as I could spare. I thought that would help, but boy I was I wrong. I wound up leaving the show with not only one of the most painful sunburns I've ever had, but easily the most funny looking one. All of my face was hot pink and shiny - except for the area that had been protected by my sunglasses. I had (and still have) a very bad case of raccoon face.
Everywhere I went Monday, total strangers would stop me to comment on my weird looking sunburn. But by Tuesday, people just asked me "Are you okay?" That's because by that time the burn on my forehead had swollen up so that I looked like some kind of weird cave-woman. Halfway through the day, I decided to go to the doctor about it. They wrote me some prescriptions, and on the way back to my car, looking down to keep the rain out of my face, I walked right into a tree. Now I have a two lumps on my forehead.
The sunburn was the worst of my air show weekend mishaps, but far from the only one. While there, I stubbed my toe. After getting home, I got a regular burn to go with my sunburn. Over the weekend, I suffered from intermittent nosebleeds. And Friday, I got air sick.
Right now, looking at my bruised toe, puffy head, and shiny pink face, I feel like I belong on a sitcom. But, at least I got to see some cool air stunts to go along with my mishaps - my air sickness occurred while flying on the most interesting plane I've ever been in, a B-25 Mitchell bomber from WWII, and while I was getting sunburned I was also busy being completely amazed by the Blue Angels and the unbelievable F-22 Raptor. I've also gained a greater appreciation of my ability to laugh at myself. Sometimes, I guess, you have to take the bad with the good...
- Jennifer Jacob
jjacob@themeridianstar.com
For starters, I forgot my sunscreen. For most people, that's not too smart. But I have very fair skin, so for me, forgetting sunscreen is one of the most idiotic things I can do. After searching fruitlessly for a vendor who sold sunscreen, I finally decided to just hide in the shade under the wing of C17 for as many of my hours and hours at the air show as I could spare. I thought that would help, but boy I was I wrong. I wound up leaving the show with not only one of the most painful sunburns I've ever had, but easily the most funny looking one. All of my face was hot pink and shiny - except for the area that had been protected by my sunglasses. I had (and still have) a very bad case of raccoon face.
Everywhere I went Monday, total strangers would stop me to comment on my weird looking sunburn. But by Tuesday, people just asked me "Are you okay?" That's because by that time the burn on my forehead had swollen up so that I looked like some kind of weird cave-woman. Halfway through the day, I decided to go to the doctor about it. They wrote me some prescriptions, and on the way back to my car, looking down to keep the rain out of my face, I walked right into a tree. Now I have a two lumps on my forehead.
The sunburn was the worst of my air show weekend mishaps, but far from the only one. While there, I stubbed my toe. After getting home, I got a regular burn to go with my sunburn. Over the weekend, I suffered from intermittent nosebleeds. And Friday, I got air sick.
Right now, looking at my bruised toe, puffy head, and shiny pink face, I feel like I belong on a sitcom. But, at least I got to see some cool air stunts to go along with my mishaps - my air sickness occurred while flying on the most interesting plane I've ever been in, a B-25 Mitchell bomber from WWII, and while I was getting sunburned I was also busy being completely amazed by the Blue Angels and the unbelievable F-22 Raptor. I've also gained a greater appreciation of my ability to laugh at myself. Sometimes, I guess, you have to take the bad with the good...
- Jennifer Jacob
jjacob@themeridianstar.com
Last word on Blue Angels
By Brian Livingston
blivingston@themeridianstar.com
I'm still flying high.
I'm also still a little sore. Since my flight with the Blue Angels #7 and Lt. Frank "Walleye" Weisser, a good number of people have asked me about the video of the flight we had on the Meridian Star website. They wondered, among other things, why I looked like I was in great pain but obviously still enjoying myself. It all has to do with the "hic" technique and flexing of my lower body so I wouldn't pass out during high G turns. Here's how it works.
With the onset of G-forces, pilots are trained to tighten their lower body, butt, thighs and everything else, to constrict blood flow. Because the blood wants to drain from the brain at high Gs, it isn't good for pilots to pass out. The Blue Angels don't wear G-suits developed during the Korean War to help combat high Gs.
At the same time you are constricting your lower body, you also want to tighten your stomach. That is where the "hic" techniqe comes in. Saying "hic" while taking deep breaths helps to keep the blood flow going in the upper portion of your body, mainly to your brain. Now, I'm not used to taking so may Gs so my technique was loud and pretty ugly. Aviators such as Walleye have done this so many times, and are in so much better shape, they can stay awake with minimal effort.
In order to properly constrict my lower body I was told to try and stand up in the 12-point harness I was strapped in. That did the trick. But I was so sore for three days afterward because I wasn't used to the exertion. It was pain I was glad to endure given I had the ride of the my life.
A side note. If you listen later on in the video, I'm actually saying "hut" instead of "hic." Reverting back to my football days, hut just came more naturally and accomplished the same thing. In fact, when I was flying the jet myself, that part isn't in the video, I hardly noticed the Gs even though I was pulling 5.5 to 6.5 on the meter. I just wanted to make sure the plane didn't hit the ground which I'm sure Walleye was watching for as well.
As for the bleeps, I apologize.
I was so pumped that I actually forgot EVERYTHING was being recorded. One person said I was taking the Lord's name in vain. I wasn't. The last time I did that was years ago when I hit my thumb with a hammer. What I was saying was "hot damn!" It was just youthful exhuberence on the part of a 48-year old man. Forgive me.
The Blue Angels put on a great show this weekend as did the rest of the performers. I couldn't help but get misty-eyed while watching the Angels fly wishing I was back up there with them. I know this was my first and last shot and I'm glad I didn't puke in their plane. I was, if you'll forgive me for blowing my own horn, very proud of myself for pulling up to 7.9 sustained Gs. It's a guy thang!
Somebody asked me how I was going to top this.
I had two words for them.
Space shuttle!
blivingston@themeridianstar.com
I'm still flying high.
I'm also still a little sore. Since my flight with the Blue Angels #7 and Lt. Frank "Walleye" Weisser, a good number of people have asked me about the video of the flight we had on the Meridian Star website. They wondered, among other things, why I looked like I was in great pain but obviously still enjoying myself. It all has to do with the "hic" technique and flexing of my lower body so I wouldn't pass out during high G turns. Here's how it works.
With the onset of G-forces, pilots are trained to tighten their lower body, butt, thighs and everything else, to constrict blood flow. Because the blood wants to drain from the brain at high Gs, it isn't good for pilots to pass out. The Blue Angels don't wear G-suits developed during the Korean War to help combat high Gs.
At the same time you are constricting your lower body, you also want to tighten your stomach. That is where the "hic" techniqe comes in. Saying "hic" while taking deep breaths helps to keep the blood flow going in the upper portion of your body, mainly to your brain. Now, I'm not used to taking so may Gs so my technique was loud and pretty ugly. Aviators such as Walleye have done this so many times, and are in so much better shape, they can stay awake with minimal effort.
In order to properly constrict my lower body I was told to try and stand up in the 12-point harness I was strapped in. That did the trick. But I was so sore for three days afterward because I wasn't used to the exertion. It was pain I was glad to endure given I had the ride of the my life.
A side note. If you listen later on in the video, I'm actually saying "hut" instead of "hic." Reverting back to my football days, hut just came more naturally and accomplished the same thing. In fact, when I was flying the jet myself, that part isn't in the video, I hardly noticed the Gs even though I was pulling 5.5 to 6.5 on the meter. I just wanted to make sure the plane didn't hit the ground which I'm sure Walleye was watching for as well.
As for the bleeps, I apologize.
I was so pumped that I actually forgot EVERYTHING was being recorded. One person said I was taking the Lord's name in vain. I wasn't. The last time I did that was years ago when I hit my thumb with a hammer. What I was saying was "hot damn!" It was just youthful exhuberence on the part of a 48-year old man. Forgive me.
The Blue Angels put on a great show this weekend as did the rest of the performers. I couldn't help but get misty-eyed while watching the Angels fly wishing I was back up there with them. I know this was my first and last shot and I'm glad I didn't puke in their plane. I was, if you'll forgive me for blowing my own horn, very proud of myself for pulling up to 7.9 sustained Gs. It's a guy thang!
Somebody asked me how I was going to top this.
I had two words for them.
Space shuttle!
Wings Over Meridian ... Best time I've had in a while
I must say, Sunday was one of the best times I've ever had. I don't get out much (usually all I do is work and go home. If I'm lucky, I may get to go to Wal-Mart once a week!) and, like Chris Stewart, I'm not much on crowds — especially 50,000 people. I was nervous all the way out to NAS Meridian just thinking about all the people. We left home early and arrived around 9:10 a.m. — hardly any lines. We had great seats for the show and the food was excellent. My 2 1/2-year-old daughter was excited to see the planes, until the raptor came out. She jumped 10 feet in the air and started screaming! I immediately grabbed her and put my hands over her ears. She didn't want the ear plugs. By mid-afternoon she actually fell asleep in my lap for about 10 minutes with her hands over her ears. All in all everyone in my family enjoyed the show. I didn't even notice all the people as my eyes were glued to the sky. It was amazing!
Helen Reynolds
news editor
hreynolds@themeridianstar.com
Helen Reynolds
news editor
hreynolds@themeridianstar.com
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