‘If You Let Me Play'
In 1995, Nike produced an iconic commercial. In it, young girls cited facts and figures about the benefits of girls playing sports.
Dancing Big
Two teams from Mississippi made it to the NCAA Tournament this year. There could have been two more, but Mississippi State under-preformed late, and Ole Miss dug too deep of a hole early to make the Big Dance.
Meatless Mondays
"Meatless Monday" is more than just a cute catchphrase. It's an international campaign that encourages people to eat less meat for their personal health and the health of the planet. Growing vegetables has less of an impact on the earth than raising animals for food, and vegetables have fewer calories than meat.
Sweet Tartness
Vinegar is one product with multiple uses. It has benefits for the home (inside and out) and benefits for better health.
[Girl About Town] Springtime and Wine
I find that engaging in what I refer to as "Sunday Fundays" is a great way to wind down the weekend and get ready for a new week. Maybe it's the weather, but they tend to increase in frequency in the springtime. Luckily for me, a number of local restaurants host wine tastings on Sunday afternoons. Learning about and enjoying wine most certainly qualifies as a first-rate Sunday Funday activity.
Fortification Street Bids Coming
Fortification Street is a minefield of potholes and cracks and a patchwork of new and old resurfacing. After years of talk, Jackson officials have finally announced that the street, arguably the worst in the city, is getting a much-needed makeover.
Personhood Wants Another Vote
Personhood may be dead in the Mississippi Legislature, but supporters of last fall's ballot initiative to define embryos as human beings are stepping up their efforts to put another personhood amendment before voters.
Pardongate Draws to a Close
Two months after Haley Barbour's last-minute clemency acts sparked political controversy around Mississippi and the country, the Pardongate episode has came to a close. In a 6-3 vote handed down March 8, the Mississippi Supreme Court declined to overturn Barbour's more than 200 pardons and commutations, even for those who failed to publish notice of their pardon applications as the state Constitution requires.
Wedge Issues Bring Heated Debates
Democrats turned up the heat in debates over abortion, immigration and voter rights last week. Up against deadlines to get bills out of committee and through floor votes, the Mississippi House and Senate dispensed with noncontroversial items to tackle wedge-issue bills.
Charging for Inexperience
As a dozen experienced journalists at The Clarion-Ledger weigh the pros and cons of taking an early retirement, the daily newspaper's parent company wants to start charging for online content.
Get out the Voter ID
At a recent event, Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann said he hoped new voter-identification laws will be in place by September—in time for federal elections. He's waiting on the Legislature to decide how to apply the new amendment that will require photo ID at the polls, though, and depending on how strict our law is when the Legislature is through with it, Mississippi could be waiting much longer than that before voter ID becomes a reality.
Get out the Voter ID
At a recent event, Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann said he hoped new voter-identification laws will be in place by September—in time for federal elections. He's waiting on the Legislature to decide how to apply the new amendment that will require photo ID at the polls, though, and depending on how strict our law is when the Legislature is through with it, Mississippi could be waiting much longer than that before voter ID becomes a reality.
[Stiggers] Nothing But a Number
The most rewarding experience for me was when Lil' Momma Roscoe and the seniors took up a monetary love offering for me. After seeing the seniors party and socialize so hearty, I've concluded that age is nothing but a number.
[Kamikaze] Healing Starts at Home
So, #STOPKONY is a new trending topic in social media. If you're not familiar, the "Stop Kony" movement refers to Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony. Kony lived in relative anonymity before last week when a video from activist group Invisible Children went viral.
[Head] Men: Hold Creeps Accountable
I think we men, myself included, have not done enough to confront other men. We have let too much slide.
St. Paddy's, Jackson Style
The Mal's St. Paddy's Parade, held March 17 this year, is widely considered one of the most successful and popular public events in Mississippi. The event regularly attracts more than 60,000 locals and tourists to participate in the festivities and brings upwards of $7 million into the local economy.
St. Paddy's Walking Krewes 101
Members of the marching krewes take Mal's St. Paddy's Parade seriously: As one member of the Green Ladies puts it, "People plan pregnancies around this parade." So you know who's who, here's a little guide.
Felder's the Man
The greenest man in Jackson is about to do what the greenest man ought to do: Lead a huge parade on St. Patrick's Day.
Bucketheads
Every year, thousands of people come from all over Mississippi to enjoy the Mal's St. Paddy's Parade. The excitement in the air is palpable. Get there early enough, and you'll enjoy having a seat so close that the throws could land in your lap. Arrive late, and heaven help you to find a parking space. The elaborate and entertaining floats capture the eyes and hearts of parade-goers, but who holds the responsibility for judging these floats and giving the best floats their due?
St. Paddy's Schedule of Events
Top of the morning to ya! Get ready y'all to have some fun and watch out for leprechauns.
Top of the morning to ya! Get ready y'all to have some fun and watch out for leprechauns.