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Trump and Pence: A good fit instead of an odd pairing
Donald Trump has become the Republican nominee for president of the United States. A year ago that was considered an impossibility. No one, Republican or Democrat, thought that someone like Trump would have been able to emerge from political nothingness and grip the reigns of a major political party. But take the reigns he did and the Republican party establishment went kicking and screaming throughout the entire process.
Fighting wild hog invasion
STARKVILLE — Despite the high-decibel discussions in either opposition to Big Government in among Republicans in Cleveland or the coming embrace of it by Democrats in Philadelphia at the national party conventions, people welcome big government when it comes to fighting the wild hog wars in rural America. One might observe that folks go “hog wild” for big government solutions to the feral hog problem — and with good reason.
David Creel: Memories of a boy and his bike
Daddy won it one Sunday from an auction televised on our big console television while Mama, my brothers and Uncle Wayne sat around the living room cracking jokes about Jerry Lewis’ hairstyle. I remember my first bicycle like it was yesterday. While Daddy sipped his coffee, he and I strategized our bids made over the telephone and how the money would surely help people suffering with muscular dystrophy. You probably remember those great old telethons as well as I do.
Promises must come with consequences - trivalleycentral.com: Columns
When a politician is running for office, it is very likely that he or she will make promises about all the great things that will happen if he or she is elected. Rarely do these promises include an explanation of the source of the funding needed to meet the promise and never do these promises include a detailing of possible negative consequences. In 1968, Richard Nixon promised to end the war in Viet Nam, which he did, but it took four years and cost 20,000 American lives.
Sid Salter: Wild hogs outmatch Big Government
STARKVILLE – Despite the high-decibel discussions at the national party conventions in either opposition to Big Government among Republicans in Cleveland, Ohio, or the coming embrace of it by Democrats in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, people welcome big government when it comes to fighting the wild hog wars in rural America. One might observe that folks go “hog wild” for big government solutions to the feral hog problem — and with good reason.
From the archives - 1966: Home Fallout Protection Survey conducted in Douglas County
1916, 100 years ago: Reinhart Krueger, 29-year-old man, met a serious accident that caused him his life. After hitching up a hay wagon it appears that the team of horses became frightened and began to run. The dead man attempted to secure the reins but while doing so the team ran against a post, this jarring him from his hold and falling down seems to have been injured. He died 11 hours later. … Erick Johnson and family of Holmes City were Alexandria visitors. They drove to town in their auto.
Charlie Mitchell: Evaluating presidential nominees
OXFORD — With apologies to Ann Landers and Abigail Van Buren ... I have led a very active, very public life. Early on, I was active as a Goldwater Girl, promoting the candidacy of the late senator from Arizona. A few years later, I was on the board of directors for Wal-Mart while it was being criticized for fighting to keep employee pay as low as possible and for claiming to give American products priority on its shelves when that wasn’t entirely true.
Jennings | When liberal thought police descend
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Here lies Doug Cobb’s reputation. He had the audacity to express an opinion unpopular with the enlightened, liberal intelligentsia. I don’t know Doug Cobb, where he lives or even what he does for a living these days. All I know is that Gov. Matt Bevin appointed the founding president and CEO of Greater Louisville, Inc.
By Scott Jennings Verified, Contributing columnist
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The Courier-Journal (Louisville, KY)
Verified
Dealing with drama
There’s a dynamic so common in our lives that we barely notice it. It forms the basis of most of our stories in movies, books, songs, and in the tales we tell when we get home from work.It’s called the Drama Triangle.As the name implies, there are three roles in the Drama Triangle: The Villain/Persecutor, The Victim (Poor Thing), and the Rescuer/Hero. Story continues below video The persecutor, of course, is the bully and bad person.
Just looking for some advice
OXFORD — With apologies to Ann Landers and Abigail Van Buren .. Part One: kAms62C p??jk^Am kAmx ?665 D@>6 25G:46]k^Am kAmx 92G6 =65 2 G6CJ 24E:G6[ G6CJ AF3=:4 =:76]k^Am kAmt2C=J @?[ x H2D 24E:G6 2D 2 v@=5H2E6C v:C=[ AC@>@E:?8 E96 42?5:524J @7 E96 =2E6 D6?2E@C 7C@> pC:K@?2]k^Am kAmp 76H J62CD =2E6C[ x H2D @? E96 3@2C5 @7 5:C64E@CD 7@C E96 (2=>2CE H9:=6 :E H2D 36:?8 4C:E:4:K65 7@C 7:89E:?8 E@ <66A 6>A=@J A2J 2D =@H 2D A@DD:3=6 2?5 7@C 4=2:>:?8 E@ 8:G6 p>6C:42? AC@5F4ED AC:@C:EJ @? :ED D96=G6D H96?
Trying not to dwell on the minutia
As I was growing up my father frequently would say, “If it were a snake t’wd a bit you.” Another expression to drive home a similar point, he’d also refer to some folks as not being able to “see the forest for the trees.”These colloquialisms are used commonly, maybe not so much in modern vernacular, but the meaning remains the same.
Playing Sarah Palin at RNC podium
As this sentence was being written, Donald Trump had recently said Sarah Palin would not attend the Republican convention in Cleveland because it’s “a long ways away.” Thanks to the miracle of air travel, no one should be surprised if she shows up anyway. It was only eight years ago that Sen. John McCain introduced his VP choice — Sarah Palin — at a rally in Dayton. Still, it’s possible that, since 2008, the distance between Alaska and Ohio has ballooned, thanks to global warming.
Why Investors Shouldn't Be Afraid of Inflation
Barring an unlikely economic meltdown, the Federal Reserve is on track to raise interest rates . I believe that fundamental factors, such as record-low inflation, slow economic growth and aging investors' rising risk aversion--not the central banks--are the major reasons that interest rates are near zero. The Fed has supported these low rates in an attempt to spur a solid economic recovery. But now it's time to "normalize" the level of interest rates.
'We've met the enemy, and he is us'
No good comes when all that’s left is hatred and rage. Hatred and rage must be cultivated, watered and fertilized over many seasons to produce fruits of bitterness. Who planted the seeds of hatred and rage? Who watered and cultivated this vile garden? As Pogo aka Walt Kelly said long ago, “We have met the enemy, and he is us.” We need to round up this garden and kill all the plants. Do you know angry people? Do you know people who rage? Do you know anyone who is consumed with hatred?
Roadrunner Connection: CSUB basketball gains another athlete...
I had the chance to speak with one of our new student-athletes this week. Moataz Aly has become the latest Alexandria, Egypt-native to play basketball at CSU Bakersfield. He is following in the footsteps of Aly Ahmed, the two-time All-Western Athletic Conference selection who was an instrumental part of last year’s WAC champion and NCAA Tournament team. Moataz and Aly Ahmed were friends in Egypt and teammates on the same club squad back home in Alexandria.
BILL CRAWFORD: Republicans struggle to find smart way to budget
“If they (legislators) don’t have the money, they can’t spend it,” one Republican operative explained, strongly endorsing this approach. True enough, but as another longtime Mississippi leader told me, “‘Starve the beast’ is not a smart way to govern, in fact, it isn’t governing at all.” Supposedly, Republicans in charge of state government are seriously pursuing a smart way to govern. No, not the “working groups” announced by legislative leaders last week.
'All lives matter' response diminishes the truth
The recent killings of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile and five Dallas police officers, and on Sunday more officers in Baton Rouge, increasingly feels like just another day in America. Sad, angry, helpless, hopeless and determined is only some of the ingredients in the emotional gumbo we have begun to digest regularly. Some of us are stuffed to capacity with no antacids in sight. What has annoyed me most about the recent events is how we are often distracted by senseless differences.
Pen in Hand: Ridgecrest's Coso Range is one of the finest rock...
One of the ironies of human existence is that out-of-town travelers often visit sites that many locals have never checked out — there are New Yorkers who haven’t been out to see the Statue of Liberty, for example, while visitors from around the globe make the pilgrimage to Liberty Island.
God is calling upon all of us to pray
Have you heard the one about a jet plane, an inflight emergency, and a former football player? Probably. It was several weeks ago, but Heisman trophy winner and ex-NFL quarterback Tim Tebow was on a flight from Atlanta to Phoenix when a fellow passenger suffered an apparent heart attack.After the flight attendants and medical personnel rushed to assist the stricken man, Tebow left his seat and asked that man’s wife if he could pray with her.
Opposing views: Black Lives Matter movement
In February of 2012, Trayvon Martin was fatally shot by George Zimmerman in Sanford, Florida. Martin was posthumously put on trial for his own death and his murderer was found not guilty. This case was the initial inspiration for three women, Alicia Garza, Opal Tometi and Patrisse Cullorsto to create the "Black Lives Matter" movement as a “call to action and a response to the virulent anti-Black racism that permeates our society”, not a commencement of war.
Pokemon GO is not very good, and that’s okay
I’m about to drop a lukewarm take, but bear with me: Pokemon GO isn’t a very good game. Heresy, I know, but it’s really rather true.
Donna Echols: Californians on a mission in Mount Olive
Mississippi, as you know, is called the “Hospitality State” because of our unique ability to be welcoming and comforting. No matter where you’re from, we want to know “how’s your mama and them?” We’re recognized for our sweet iced tea and those deep, Southern drawls when we tell folks we’re “fixin’ to” get together with friends and family for a little afternoon boat ride down the creek — never up. You get the picture? It’s a wonderful feeling.
'Black Lives Matter' fails to address pressing issues
Black Lives Matter, All Lives Matter, Blue Lives Matter, No Lives Matter: The internet has been awash with these messages. As usual, with messages such as these, none of them really addresses the problems that brought such words to hold a significant meaning. Let’s take a step back to the Civil Rights Movement. There was a combination of peaceful and violent protest. Police brutality was in the news. Ideas of race and minority were common words used in the public eye.
Reeves risks fiscal credibility
MERIDIAN — Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves has put his fiscal credibility on the line. The former investment banker told voters in 2011 he was “a true, proven fiscal conservative with a record of executive leadership who will take the difficult stance necessary to ensure our state makes the right financial decisions.” kAm#66G6D 2AA62C65 E@ >2<6 E96 C:89E 7:?2?4:2= 564:D:@?D 5FC:?8 9:D EH@ E6C>D 2D DE2E6 EC62DFC6C 2?5 5FC:?8 9:D 7:CDE E6C> 2D =:6FE6?2?E 8@G6C?@C H96?
Natural Sightings: Literally bright-eyed and bushy-tailed
Toshimi Kristof took this photo on the deck of her Bear Valley Springs home of a wet Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) who had gotten drenched on one of the last rainy days of spring. The fox dried off by basking in the late afternoon sunlight while curled on the deck. Gray Foxes are small canids that are only about the size and weight of a typical housecat, though a fox’s bushy tail and thick fur makes it seem a little larger.
Beam: Stories from the Saturday morning sidewalk
Every Saturday morning, people converge on the sidewalk outside of the EMW Women’s Surgical Center in Louisville. Some wear fluorescent orange vests with the words “Clinic Escort” inscribed on their backs. Others carry signs of bloody fetuses or rosaries or pamphlets. Their focus is on the women scheduled to have abortions that day – and to protect a right, whether that right be to reproductive self-assertion or to life itself. Terms are fluid here.
Summer camping, fishing and play
While chatting with a couple of my grown Hucklings about the possibilities for Westport Beach, camping and Pacific Ocean play with them and miscellaneous Grand-Hucklings, I kept having flashbacks. “Well,” they insisted, “what could we do? Is it still like it was when we were kids? What could we do with these little brats?” Calling upon those joyful days — with deep gratitude that Oceanside possibilities haven’t really changed much in these 15-plus years — I laid out a plan.“All right,” I said.
Salter: Prison closure impact ignored, official says
STARKVILLE — Walnut Grove Mayor Brian Gomillion is hurt, mad, disheartened and more than justifiably frightened about the economic future of the town he serves over the closing of the Walnut Grove Correctional Facility. It’s the loss of 215 jobs in a town of less than 500. It’s the loss of $180,000 in tax revenue than isn’t likely to be replaced to pay for city services. There’s a total $618,500 impact to the city. In reaction, Gomillion furloughed city workers.
State leaders cut wealthy's taxes, citizens' services
One hundred and fifty years ago Jones County's Newt Knight and his frontiersmen battled to get the state to leave the Confederacy. Now Gov. Phil Bryant is trying to rejoin it. We in Mississippi have never been comfortable ensconced in the union of states called the USA. Always the poor country cousins, in last place whenever measured against our 49 brethren. We occupy land that once lay just east of the vast Louisiana territory, bought dirt cheap by Thomas Jefferson in 1803.
JOSH MABUS - Better equals different
‘ve been watching a lot of Golden State Warriors basketball this season. They are an unreasonably talented team that is dedicated to practicing fundamentals and shooting, and they make high-risk, high-reward shots. Watching Steph Curry’s pregame workout, it’s no wonder he’s heralded as the best pure shooter the National Basketball Association has ever seen. Other teams have tried to find an answer for him all season, and none got close.
ON LAW - Changes announced for preserving, producing documentation for litigation
he Federal Court Rules of Civil Procedure recently been have amended to insert provisions which limit the scope and application of the rules related to the obligation of companies and individuals to preserve and produce documents and electronic information for use in litigation. Not all written communications must be preserved in perpetuity.
Black lives matter as part of the whole
When all lives matter, black lives matter as a part of the whole. We are in this situation because the nation’s past actions and events have set apart and devalued black lives. How do we get out of this situation? By acknowledging the sin of racism, and by being firmly committed to not repeating it. By speaking out against evil and wrongdoing before a tragedy affects you personally. By ceasing to place value on people based on their skin color.
TODD SMITH - News driven by technology, new journalism report finds
rowth around online video news has been largely driven by technology, publishers and platforms, instead of strong consumer demand, a new report from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism finds – but breaking news events may hold clues to success. The report, The Future of Online News Video explores the explosion in online video news seen over the last few years, and the implications for journalism.
HEALTH MATTERS: Beating the odds by recovering from brain tumors
When Jamaal Hodges was born to NBA player Craig Hodges and his wife, Carlita Hodges, the joy of raising a healthy baby boy quickly turned to a cause of concern. During Jamaal’s infant years, the Hodges noticed that he dragged his right foot, fell often and had reverted from being potty trained to losing bladder control. The Hodges met with Jamaal’s pediatrician to get answers. “I was worried about him,” Carlita Hodges said.
THE HUTCHINSON REPORT: Obama should have visited other sites, too
President Barack Obama cut short his state visit to Spain to attend an interfaith service for the five slain Dallas police officers and give aid and comfort to their families this week. That was the right thing to do. The slaying of the officers was just as Obama called it: vicious and despicable. They were public servants, guardians of the law, and the killing was a brutal and frontal challenge to state authority. No president could ignore that threat.
Prison's fate sealed from outset
STARKVILLE – I read a Jackson newspaper story about the predictable lament in the Leake County hamlet of Walnut Grove over the closing of the Walnut Grove Correctional Facility — a private prison that had been one of the economic mainstays of the town. I know Walnut Grove, a place that’s home to a lot of good, hard-working people and one of Mississippi’s best catfish houses.
GARDENING TIPS: Manage mosquitoes while enjoying the great outdoors
Don’t let disease-carrying mosquitoes keep you indoors this summer. Instead, employ these eight tips to protect yourself and manage these pests in your yard.1. Do a bit of yard and garden clean up. Remove weeds, manage neglected gardens and keep the lawn properly mowed to reduce resting spaces for adult mosquitoes.2. Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed. Drain water that collects in buckets, kids’ toys, tarps, pool covers, clogged gutters and downspouts.
David Creel: Can we long for someone we never knew?
I never met my grandmothers on either side of my family, yet I feel a longing for both of them. Sometimes I see Granny Dykes just as in the stories Uncle Wayne told me. He was just a young boy when she died. My life has been filled with tales of a diminutive woman with auburn hair who doted over babies with her tender touch and had enough spitfire to cuss out the pushy Avon lady or an inopportune chauvinist as needed.
From the archives - 1966: Two men drown in Lake Ida; life jackets still in wrappings
1916, 100 years ago: The Peterson Paint shop force entertained their employers and their ladies and a few friends to a fish fry on Lake Darling on the Fourth. The men folk were the cooks and waiters and entertained very royally. … In South Holmes City, the Sogardens have improved their large barn and other outbuildings with a new coat of paint this summer. Grondahl Bros. are doing the work. … In Forada Briefs: Mrs. Fred Meade is suffering from ivy poisoning.
Leake prison did itself in
STARKVILLE — I read a Jackson newspaper story about the predictable lament in the Leake County hamlet of Walnut Grove over the closing of the Walnut Grove Correctional Facility — a private prison that had been one of the economic mainstays of the town. I know Walnut Grove, a place that’s home to a lot of good, hard-working people and one of Mississippi’s best catfish houses.
Telephone tennis, anyone?
OXFORD — Some say “leapfrog.” Tennis terms are better. Technology serves an update. The return can be a lob, or it could be a rocket. But there is always a return. No aces. Then another serve, then another return. It really could be a sport, this one-upping that permeates our daily lives. This month, with limited fanfare, the three elected members of the Mississippi Public Service Commission have been traversing the state to encourage people to enroll in the new and improved “No Call” service.
Keeping cool in the summer
As the weather app on my phone keeps refreshing throughout the day I feel incredibly fortunate to work in a place with air conditioning.The temperatures rise, into the 80s, into the 90s, and I am still in denial about the days to come that will peak above 100 degrees. For me, I sit in the lap of luxury at my workplace and then make the sad trudge home to my second-floor apartment where two box fans try their best to make me feel comfortable.
Follow the bouncing (technology) ball
OXFORD — Some say “leapfrog.” Tennis terms are better. Technology serves an update. The return can be a lob, or it could be a rocket. But there is always a return. No aces. Then another serve, then another return. It really could be a sport, this one-upping the permeates our daily lives. kAm%9:D >@?E9[ H:E9 =:>:E65 72?72C6[ E96 E9C66 6=64E65 >6>36CD @7 E96 |:DD:DD:AA: !F3=:4 $6CG:46 r@>>:DD:@? 92G6 366? EC2G6CD:?8 E96 DE2E6 E@ 6?4@FC286 A6@A=6 E@ 6?C@== :?
What stymied Palazzo plan isn't about
“My amendment has nothing — absolutely zero — to do with John Lewis or any other member of Congress.” -- Steven Palazzo U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo of Gulfport was recently stymied in his attempt at passing into law one of his deeply held personal beliefs — that the naming of Navy ships should come with certain requirements that, coincidentally, would have stopped Rep. John Lewis and retired Senate Armed Services Chairman Carl Levin from receiving the distinction.
Natural Sightings: Looking at baby deer and seeing double
Sue Marzorati recently took this image behind her home in Stallion Springs of a pair of twin fawns, the first ones of the season that she has seen. California Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus californicus) does in the Tehachapi Mountains generally have their fawns in June. When a doe has one or more fawns, she typically moves them from the spot where they are born within about three hours, since the scent of the birthing site could lead predators to the babies.
Finding common ground in common sense in the wake of Dallas
Americans across the country have felt the burden of a heavy heart this week. Racial tensions across the country have escalated to points some say are reminiscent of the 1968 riots. Five families in Dallas put to rest Officers Michael Krol, Patrick Zamarripa, Brent Thompson, Sgt. Michael Smith and Senior Cpl. Lorne Ahrens, who were murdered while bravely protecting protestors. It was the deadliest attack on police officers since Sept. 11, 2001.
All lives matter
I told my friend I admired and respected him very much as a Christian, father, husband, and community leader. I did not intend to offend him, but asked him to be blunt with me about growing up black in Mississippi. He was blunt. Blacks do not receive the same respect whites receive ever. He gave me several personal accounts of encounters. Even though I’ve heard similar accounts for years, I’ve never heard them spoken with such fervor tinged with anger. It was personal. It was real. It was true.
BILL CRAWFORD: 2016 puts Reeves' fiscal credibility at risk
Lieutenant Gov. Tate Reeves has put his fiscal credibility on the line.
Roadrunner Connection: Take advantage of practice, preparation...
Former CSUB baseball coach Bill Kernen has been active recently on his social media. Since he’s retired from coaching and now writing and directing plays in New York City, he’s decided to publish some of his coaching techniques that made him successful over the years.
Grocery stores in food deserts wise investment
Of the 43 bills for tax cuts spanning 2012 to 2016 that reduced Mississippi’s revenues by more than $150 million for this fiscal year alone, there were more than a few tax cuts that look like they were meant to benefit some pretty important people. Senate Bill 2207 eliminated the state portion of the alcoholic beverage license tax, costing the state about $1.8 million a year.
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