tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475201048385098702012-02-16T12:10:00.120-06:00"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Live!" -- Samuel Clemens (1835-1910)Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.comBlogger871100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-63911189363952469322011-11-14T18:14:00.001-06:002011-11-14T19:52:54.594-06:00

"Jack" March 15, 2000-November 13, 2011 One last word of farewell, dear master and family. Whenever you visit my grave, say to yourselves with happiness in your hearts at the remembrance of my long happy life with you: "Here lies one who loves us and whom we loved." No matter how deep my sleep I shall hear you, and not all the power of death can keep my spirit from wagging a grateful tail.

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-90098995029149490682011-10-15T09:53:00.001-05:002011-10-15T09:53:34.684-05:00

Cumberland Gap is a low pass through the Cumberland Mountains region of the Appalachian Mountains, also known as the Cumberland Water Gap, at the juncture of the states of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia. The Cumberland Gap Tunnel carries U.S. Route 25E under Cumberland Gap National Historical Park near the intersection of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. It is one of only two

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-59086711687028099052011-10-14T21:00:00.002-05:002011-10-14T21:01:09.366-05:00

Red River Gorge Geological Area: "The Red River Gorge is a unique and scenic natural area within the Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky. Known for its abundant natural stone arches, unusual rock formations, and spectacular sandstone cliffs, the Red River Gorge has been designated a geological area by the Forest Service. The Forest Service manages the Red River Gorge Geological Area as

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-70315306873983731402011-09-24T20:29:00.000-05:002011-10-15T10:55:20.041-05:00

First day of autumn or the end of summer, depending on the temperature, dictates how one interprets this day each year.  This morning it was defiantly the first day of autumn.   Outside it was very pleasant cool temps and crystal clear blue sky…great motorcycle riding weather. Last night my buddy and I discussed riding some today.  We had no particular destination in mind, our idea was to

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0Houston, MS 38851, USA33.8984461 -88.999226733.8720866 -89.0387087 33.9248056 -88.95974469999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-54547153795351046092011-06-26T17:15:00.004-05:002011-09-24T20:29:42.318-05:00

On June 3, my good friends Ron and Millicent called to invite me to dinner at their home in the Union West community.  Ron said there some old friends of his coming in to join us for dinner.  He said that they were passing through the area as they continue, as Ron put it, “one hell of a cross country motorcycle trip”.  Ron promised it would be an interesting evening.  Well, Ron was

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-63432789213140003062011-05-22T10:50:00.000-05:002011-05-22T10:50:37.280-05:00

These photos were taken last year in Austin, Texas by wildlife photographer Richard Buquoi. It is a very rare coloration of deer called melanism, a disorder where an individual has darker pigmentation than the norm. This condition is analogous to albinism but with the opposite effect. Also photographed is the twin, which remarkably has normal coloration.

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-39893963270551952392011-04-15T21:39:00.000-05:002011-04-15T21:39:57.168-05:00

A virtual choir of 2052 people across 58 countries perform, "Sleep", composed and conducted by Eric Whitacre.  Eric invited his online fans to participate in an ambitious attempt to create the world's largest virtual choir.  It is stirring and is a poignant testimony to the power of the internet to connect people of all backgrounds and abilities and create something beautiful across time and

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-75050050447599340972011-04-15T12:01:00.000-05:002011-04-15T12:01:20.755-05:00

In the 1976 film “Network”, an American satirical film released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer about a fictional television network, Union Broadcasting System (UBS), and its struggle with poor ratings.  There is a scene where Howard Beale (Peter Finch), the longtime anchor of the UBS Evening News, learns from news division president Max Schumacher (William Holden) that he has just two more weeks on the

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-85178593546825156132011-03-30T22:01:00.000-05:002011-03-30T22:01:40.843-05:00

Recently I had an opportunity to visit the Brussel’s Bonsai Nursery in Olive Branch, MS. A friend of mine introduced me to bonsai a few years ago. This is an extraordinary dwarfing practice is a Japanese art form using miniature trees grown in container. The practice dates back over a thousand years. Some of these plants took 30 to 40 painstaking years to shape. They are really magnificent and I

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-50857071099653046972011-02-21T11:37:00.000-06:002011-02-21T11:37:43.549-06:00

Unlocking knowledge, empowering minds…that’s the mantra of MIT and the idea behind MIT’s Open Courseware, a web-based publication of virtually all MIT course content.  OCW is open and available to the world and is a permanent MIT activity.  With OCW you can access free lecture notes, exams, and videos from MIT.  And you don’t even have to register.

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-70388176148973815242011-02-01T18:41:00.000-06:002011-02-01T18:41:44.833-06:00

"When we shall…be able to take part in the discussion of the question of why it is that we and the universe exist. If we find the answer to that, it would be the ultimate triumph of human reason - for then we would know the mind of God." -- Stephen Hawking When we consider the word “infinite”, we think we have a relevant notion about what this little word really means.  Infinity is such an

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-25078047175125139442011-01-21T18:12:00.000-06:002011-01-21T18:15:49.650-06:00

Visuwords™ online graphical dictionary and thesaurus Look up words to find their meanings and associations with other words and concepts. Produce diagrams reminiscent of a neural net. Learn how words associate.

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-23397180765713728192011-01-21T12:24:00.001-06:002011-01-21T18:15:49.650-06:00

Fascinating video shot by Pete Devine in Yosemite National park showing a phenomenon call Frazil ice. Frazil ice is a collection of loose, randomly oriented needle-shaped ice crystals in water. It resembles slush and has the appearance of being slightly oily when seen on the surface of water.

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-42904784482173226162011-01-21T11:33:00.000-06:002011-01-21T18:15:49.651-06:00

Mono is an advertising agency based in Minneapolis, MN that lives by the motto that "simpler is better." The "Mono"face site lives up to that motto by presenting visitors with a fun and simple Flash application that allows them to sculpt a Mr. Potato Head style face that contains 759,375 entertaining possibilities.

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-71262268242925121482011-01-21T11:29:00.000-06:002011-01-21T18:15:49.652-06:00

What’s a cookie? How do I protect myself on the web?  And most importantly: What happens if a truck runs over my laptop?   For things you've always wanted to know about the web but were afraid to ask. Take a look.

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-69634809782914464122011-01-18T19:36:00.000-06:002011-01-21T18:15:49.652-06:00

Brilliant speaker, Sir Ken Robinson talking about creating an education system that nurtures (rather than undermines) creativity.  His talk is entertaining and profound.  

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-75844009692984142592011-01-18T09:55:00.000-06:002011-01-21T18:15:49.653-06:00

TED: Ideas worth spreading: "Riveting talks by remarkable people, free to the world"

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-72117241224948610892011-01-17T14:42:00.000-06:002011-01-21T18:15:49.653-06:00

The North Mississippi Software Developer's Group (Oxford, MS) - Meetup The North Mississippi Software Developer’s Group is a community of local developers. Students, professionals, enthusiasts, and non-programming managers/decision makers are all welcome. The group isn't specific to a particular platform, technology, or programming language and is intended to be as inclusive as possible.  The

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-76239277841290340112011-01-13T08:46:00.000-06:002011-01-21T18:15:49.654-06:00

If you are one of those guys that have to have the latest gadget or gismo, then Uncrate, the self-proclaimed leading buyer's guide for men, is likely the place to find it.  Uncrate also features small articles covering particular events, destinations, and services geared toward men.

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-63968183213289363992011-01-12T10:15:00.000-06:002011-01-21T18:16:49.498-06:00

Scott Burton is an acclaimed photographer and freelance photojournalist who lives here in Oxford.  Scott has been published in numerous magazines including US Weekly, People Magazine and Time Magazine.  In 2004/2005 he covered Hurricane Ivan and Katrina for Newsweek magazine.  With all of his pursues, he also finds time for sport photography, working freelance for Sports Illustrated and ESPN, and

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-72588044723143711432011-01-10T18:50:00.000-06:002011-01-21T18:17:12.176-06:00

Snow began falling late yesterday afternoon.  This morning when I woke, it had accumulated to about 8 inches.  Haven’t seen this much snow in this area in quite a while.

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-1086976452945819872011-01-06T21:04:00.001-06:002011-01-21T18:17:12.177-06:00

Candle took 45 minutes to burn.  This time lapse sequence shows this burn in about 7 seconds. Sequence was taken with a Canon SD400 running CHDK and an Interval Script.

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-55091645057090233952010-12-26T13:13:00.001-06:002011-01-21T18:17:37.928-06:00

What to keep up with what’s going on in the world of science and technology? Physorg.com is the place to go for the latest news on cutting-edge science and emerging technologies. PhysOrg.com - Science News, Technology, Physics, Nanotechnology, Space Science, Earth Science, Medicine

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-75443733057053930902010-12-25T11:44:00.000-06:002011-01-21T18:17:37.929-06:00

Libraries exist to preserve society's cultural artifacts and to provide access to them. If libraries are to continue to foster education and scholarship in this era of digital technology, it's essential for them to extend those functions into the digital world. Many early movies were recycled to recover the silver in the film. The Library of Alexandria - an ancient center of learning containing

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-52532156528014319882010-12-25T11:24:00.000-06:002011-01-21T18:17:37.929-06:00

Reading material in a digital form have an unnatural feeling to me.  I tend to like holding printed text in my hand when reading.  Nonetheless, the digital age has ushered in the digital book or eBook.  Some reading devices like the Apple iPad, the Amazon Kindle and the Sony Digital Book are making the transition a little easier.    Explore eBooks at Google.

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-55132389861668699352010-12-25T10:08:00.001-06:002011-01-21T18:17:37.930-06:00

Edison Nation is a safe place for idea people to discover opportunity and share "in the trenches" inventing stories from around the world.  Thousands of people use Edison Nation to get their ideas in front of retailers and manufacturers, to store those ingenious ideas, keep up with inventive friends, and learn along the way what it takes to create and introduce a successful product.

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-8281535316932644482010-12-23T22:42:00.000-06:002011-01-21T18:17:37.931-06:00

What to help Mom or Dad learn some new tricks? Like many baby boomers and older, most find computers to be mysterious and intimidating machines. Well, I found a neat little site put together by the great folks at Google to help Mom, Dad and even the grandparents learn some basic computer skills using simple to understand videos. It’s the “Tech Support Care Package”. The videos very concisely

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-32535457126257619212010-12-23T21:29:00.000-06:002011-01-21T18:17:37.932-06:00

Proudly honoring Wisconsin Cheese, this is one of several great sites sponsored by the Wisconsin Milk Marking Board.   If you a Cheeseburger connoisseur, you need to visit the “Cheese & Burger Society”.  This site has some imaginative ideas, including the recipes for making some delectable looking cheeseburger creations using Wisconsin Cheese.  Besides the great recipes, the Cheese & Burger

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-87034011876009501842010-12-16T11:35:00.000-06:002011-01-21T18:17:37.932-06:00

Inhabitat.com is a weblog devoted to the future of design, tracking the innovations in technology, practices and materials that are pushing architecture and home design towards a smarter and more sustainable future.

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-16007347905199922452010-12-16T11:28:00.000-06:002011-01-21T18:17:37.933-06:00

Mathematics is the study of quantity, structure, and change. Do you think that's a bit general? It was meant to be. Math is a part of everything in the universe. Explore math at Rader's Numbernut.com

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-52594015066060666262010-12-16T11:13:00.000-06:002011-01-21T18:17:37.934-06:00

From the Formal Education Group of the Space Telescope Science Institute's Office of Public Outreach, a collection of web-based activities designed for classroom use, but made available for everyone to enjoy. The Hubble Deep Field Academy Telescopes from the Ground Up Planet Impact Mission Mastermind Galaxy Hunter Comets Visit Amazing Space to discover more…

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-91766826827055853912010-06-04T10:40:00.000-05:002011-01-21T18:18:26.128-06:00

Friday morning our journey began at the McDonalds in Sardis. After a quick breakfast we left out little after 9:00 o’clock. The ride on the way up was enjoyable and we arrived Friday afternoon in Mena, Arkansas. We tried to avoid most of the large towns and cities and as a result, stayed mainly on the back roads all the way up and over to Mena. As we entered Mena, everyone except me pulled into

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-63934932503902231852010-05-21T11:17:00.009-05:002011-01-21T18:18:26.128-06:00

Since I was born in Mississippi and have lived here most of my life, I realize there are things that most Mississippians just take for granted. The time honored traditions and culture in Mississippi are very unique to say the least and many folks from other parts of the country and the world find our culture and traditions perplexing. Yet it seems that many non-natives find a certain allure and

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-34865938610113701102010-05-20T10:24:00.000-05:002011-01-21T18:18:26.129-06:00

One of the most unusual places I’ve ever visited is the Shack Up Inn, just outside of Clarksdale. Their slogan, “the Ritz we ain’t”, the Shack Up Inn is located on the old Hopson Plantation, a once real working plantation. Only three miles from the legendary Crossroads, at the intersection of Highways 49 and 61 the inn has a group of authentic sharecropper shacks. The shotgun shacks (here

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-55460585044060293802010-04-23T07:01:00.000-05:002011-01-21T18:18:48.648-06:00

For the past two years my backyard has been inhabited by a pair of Muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus). They live in a dirt bank that is in between highway 7 and my property. What is interesting to me about these mammals is the fact that they are really out of place and typically inhabit swampy areas or areas near lakes and streams. It is very unusual for this type of mammal to inhabit dry areas away

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-429090387893940582010-03-31T10:27:00.001-05:002011-01-21T18:19:30.091-06:00

I've been telling my old buddy and school mate in Water Valley that next time I was down that way, I would stop by and visit. Well I finally had an opportunity to drop by his business the other day and visit for a while. Rex Howell is a successful businessman in Water Valley and operates Howell Realty and Appraisals. Besides being a prosperous businessman, he is an extreme outdoorsman and spends

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-30630888801523257072010-03-21T11:54:00.000-05:002011-01-21T18:20:13.161-06:00

From the movie The Ghost Breakers, a 1940 classic with Bob Hope.

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-33021357368155481922010-03-19T10:59:00.000-05:002010-03-19T10:59:31.077-05:00

I’m not heavily involved with politics and don’t really cleave to one particular party or even subscribe to the idea of parties. Nonetheless I do believe it is due time for the common American to get off our collective butts and stand-up and be heard. So I’ve jumped on board with the national Tea Party movement and believe it will provide the common man, a united voice that will send a loud

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-5391095109796543092010-02-20T18:44:00.000-06:002011-01-21T18:21:10.846-06:00

I took out about 2:30 PM today on my bike, ran some errands and ended up at the Sardis Dam. The temps were terrific, about 64 degrees by the gauge on my bike. People were out enjoying the great weather all over the park. Lots of bikers out too. I stopped at the observation parking lot at the top of the dam to take in the scenery. I bet there were a million plus sea gulls flying around and

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-69247114794388165152010-02-15T17:04:00.000-06:002011-01-21T18:21:10.847-06:00

Snow is something of a rarity in north Mississippi. Even in the deepest midst of winter, we typically get a semi-frozen mixture of precipitation that resembles what a Snow Cone would look like if it were dumped on the ground…only the flavoring would be a mucky blend of mud and red clay. This year we have an exception. Beginning last night the snow flurries began and as the temperature dropped

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-29947036615744888292010-01-13T18:26:00.000-06:002011-01-21T18:21:10.847-06:00

The deer population is a prolific in Oxford. This big doe is a frequent visitor to my home and takes refuge regularly in the dry kudzu my backyard. Despite Jack (my JRT) going into a frothing rage when he sees her, she doesn’t seem to be intimidated, standing only a few feet away from Jack as he snarls and barks at the end of his chain. One of the reasons I think she returns daily is to gorge

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-86188351521183109862009-10-06T12:41:00.000-05:002011-01-21T18:21:28.303-06:00

The call to arms motivated many boys from Water Valley to stop what they were doing, postpone their plans for college or working and enlist in the armed services. It’s hard for me to imagine how brave some of these young men were, some of which were still green behind the ears and most who had never been outside of Water Valley much less overseas, were leaving for basic training at bases all

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-48723104496007529512009-10-06T11:54:00.000-05:002011-01-21T18:21:28.304-06:00

Water Valley, like many other little towns in the US, feels the brunt of the Second World War raging in Europe and in the South Pacific. Many young men, feeling compelled to protect freedom and liberty, moved by their patriotism soon enlisted after the hearing news of Pearl Harbor. Shortly after being attacked, December 7th, 1941, the news of the assault was broadcasted over the airwaves. The

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-69704057466297105382009-09-30T08:24:00.001-05:002011-01-21T18:21:28.304-06:00

My late grandmother Ivy Myrick was thoughtful enough to clip this article out of the North Mississippi Herald decades ago. The article is describes a day in Water Valley, set aside to honor and celebrate World War I veterans of Battery “A”, an artillery group made up of mostly Water Valley men. Those still living and who survived the war, came together in Water Valley that day to reunion and

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-28284312284909443042009-09-26T08:07:00.001-05:002011-01-21T18:21:28.305-06:00

Found this interesting photo of the McCain homestead taken in 1901. The home place was located somewhere between Oxford and Delay. The picture shows Eddy McCain and his wife, Zula Organ “Pass” McCain and, their daughter Fleda McCain, in front of their log cabin home. Considering the sparse tree foliage in the background and their long sleeves, I would guess the time of year the photo was taken

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-8057112751362044592009-09-23T23:29:00.001-05:002011-01-21T18:21:28.306-06:00

Uncle Loyd (actually my great-uncle) was an entrepreneur and was a principle contributor to the recovery of Water Valley’s fragile economy after the ICRR operations left the area in 1928. Loyd, along with other businessmen put together a transport company that moved watermelons from Water Valley to many areas in the mid-south by truck and rail. This along with other business endeavors put Water

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-48981474307774651962009-09-05T13:25:00.001-05:002009-09-05T18:07:57.045-05:00

Sean Ennis is a Philadelphia, PA native now living in Water Valley, MS where he teaches for the University of Mississippi and the Gotham Writers' Workshop. His work has appeared in The Greensboro Review, The Mississippi Review, Tin House, and the Best New American Voices anthology. "Came the Indians" is an excerpt from his novel manuscript, Big Things: New Alternatives in Youth Development.

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-76833114527105686392009-09-05T12:42:00.001-05:002009-09-05T18:08:14.094-05:00

McArthur Chism, grew up in Water Valley and began tying bottle caps together as a child to form pieces of unique art. After his grandmother gave him two vases that were entirely made from old bottle caps tied together with wire, Chism soon began experimenting with the technique and eventually created many different items. Chisms work captured the attention of other local artists and eventually

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-19462421867837407342009-09-04T22:06:00.003-05:002009-09-04T23:34:29.995-05:00

Established in 1879 the Yocona Cotton Mill, sometimes called Yocona Mills or Yocona Twine Mill by locals of the period, employed about 200 people during its peek operational period. Supposedly the mill produced yarn and twine, much of which was used to make secondary products such as mop heads. At the time Yocona Cotton Mill was reported to be the largest mill operation in the world. The

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-31039438542861014912009-09-04T08:28:00.002-05:002009-09-05T17:52:00.502-05:00

Many businesses have come and gone in Water Valley over the years. One in particular I vaguely remember as a very young child was the icehouse or at least that’s what I remember it being called. I recollect going with my father to get ice at the icehouse and being fascinated while watching the folks take a huge block of ice and grind it up with a machine. If my memory serves me correctly (it

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-47336663349934292672009-09-03T15:33:00.009-05:002009-09-04T23:34:13.630-05:00

Born in Water Valley, MS in 1928, Ernie Chaffin listened to The Grand Ole Opry and gospel music on the radio when he was a young boy. At a young age, Ernie knew he wanted to perform and become a country music artist. At the tender age of 16, Ernie join the US Marine Corps in 1944 and when off to fight in World War II. When he finished his service duties, he returned to Mississippi and settled in

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-55278695419365743672009-09-02T13:15:00.001-05:002009-09-05T18:07:40.102-05:00

John Steele Davis finds his natural materials from walks in the woods of Calhoun-Lafayette-Yalobusha Counties in Mississippi, and turns these works of art from Mother Nature into works of art that have been displayed in Taylor Arts, Southside Gallery, and Square Books.

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-71955818523691512732009-09-02T12:26:00.001-05:002009-09-05T18:07:16.053-05:00

Earl Pitts is a fictional character performed by Gary Burbank, a radio personality from Cincinnati, Ohio. Pitts, who is almost always referred to as "Earl Pitts, Uhmerikun" (as in "American") is a stereotype of a redneck from the Southern United States. As such, Pitts presents a daily "editorial," which always begins with a bugle call of "Assembly", and the words, "Ya' know what makes me sick?"

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-39951066609395575412009-09-02T10:56:00.001-05:002009-09-04T23:35:11.994-05:00

Recently the last vestige of a generation of Myrick’s passed away, Mrs. Mary Kolb. Aunt Mary was the Daughter of my grandparents, Mr. Bruce Myrick, Sr. and Mrs. Ivy Myrick of Water Valley, MS. My dear Aunt Mary was the last surviving Myrick from a generation before me. Several years ago my Aunt Mary and Uncle Rupert Kolb, moved from Baton Rouge, LA to Water Valley to live with my aging

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-86515096096672599982009-09-02T09:59:00.004-05:002009-09-04T23:35:30.486-05:00

My grandfather Bruce Sr., my dad Bruce Jr. and my Uncle Jack were all railroad men. I don’t know the year this photo was take but I would speculate it was the mid 1950’s. If you know the date, please post a comment. In the front row center, is my Uncle Jack Myrick. (newspaper article about the picnic to follow)

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-21888117586493959422009-09-02T09:30:00.006-05:002009-09-04T23:35:48.541-05:00

The railroad industry in its heyday was vital to Water Valley’s local economy to say the very least. Water Villain’s appreciated the railroad industry and all the opportunities it brought to the area. This article is about an ICRR fish fry, honoring Mr. Webb who was retiring. It is interesting to read how the community pinched in to help make the event a success. Mentioned in the piece were

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-76548927125000593862009-09-02T09:20:00.000-05:002009-09-04T23:37:03.130-05:00

I believe the year was 1970. The team is sitting in Water Valley high school basketball gymnasium bleachers. The check mark is my brother, Doug. I didn’t recall but I don’t think I participated in football that year.

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-35567053315637348172009-09-01T12:41:00.001-05:002009-09-05T18:08:53.390-05:00

Born in Tupelo and raised in Water Valley Mississippi, Ken Hart, song writer, singer and musician, released his debut CD “Ain’t No Trains” in March 2005. Recorded at Jimbo Mathus Delta Recording Studio in Clarksdale, MS, the CD was produced by songwriting great Rock Killough and featured Mathus on drums and guitar, Jed Clampit on guitar, Bil Clampit on bass, and Michael "Tramp" Lawing on mandolin

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-38998839279147733052009-06-21T10:25:00.002-05:002011-01-21T18:22:10.895-06:00

Since the mid south has been inundated lately with dangerously high heat indexes, I’ve not ridden my bike but a few times early in the mornings or late evenings. With such clear and dry weather, it’s torture for me not to want to get out and ride. However an opportunity to ride with a few friends came up Saturday and we ventured up to Southaven to attend the Mid-South Motorcycle Expo.Well,

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-27919175953969133172009-06-05T00:00:00.000-05:002011-01-21T18:22:10.896-06:00

Great little two-hour ride thought the countryside north of Highway 30. The ride begins at Oxford, MS, on the Square. Since your starting your ride from Oxford Square, take some time to explore the Square. Browse the bookstores and shops. Get something to eat at one of the many great restaurants. And don’t forget as you walk by the old City Hall building, stop and say hello to “Willie”, William

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-49064842840653278052009-03-09T12:03:00.000-05:002011-01-21T18:22:10.896-06:00

Next time you’re out riding over near Sardis Dam, go on over the dam and continue on like your going to John Kyle State Park. Turn left towards Mallard Point Golf Course and continue on the route that takes you over to Harmon Town and Techville though the Fredonia community. Along this route you’ll come across a little church that dates back to 1846. The Fredonia Church is listed on the National

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-38006554622230218452009-01-26T01:57:00.008-06:002011-01-21T18:23:19.611-06:00

She's about six years old but in the world of technology, she's an old girl. Nevertheless my computer is a solid old machine. Not much memory, a fairly small hard drive and it has an old slow clocked, single core Intel processor running XP. Yet it is sufficient to do the little jobs I need, check email and surf the Internet (or the “Web” as my contemporaries call it today).Lately the old girl

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-50466546933416165412009-01-19T23:30:00.006-06:002011-01-21T18:23:19.612-06:00

In a discussion with a friend not so long ago, the question was posed concerning Ansell Adam’s work in photographing nature.Strictly speaking I am an amateur photographer so take my opinion with a grain of salt. Nevertheless, Ansell Adams used extreme filters and other developing techniques to render images that were not true to nature. In his later years, he was trying to create art and really

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-15404657408580376912009-01-08T21:45:00.004-06:002011-01-21T18:23:41.171-06:00

Living in here as I have all of my life, you never seem to get used to the stereotypes people in other parts of the world tend to form in their minds when the subject of conversation turns to our great state, Mississippi. Certainly there are parts of our past that I’m not particularly proud of but it is important that not only do we remember, we must learn from all of the events in that form the

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-53790453051473156732009-01-08T21:08:00.007-06:002011-01-21T18:24:10.172-06:00

Received the coveted “Deer Camp Blog” Christmas Card today! Thanks Rex.

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-48369077484834802442008-12-24T11:38:00.006-06:002009-09-02T09:05:33.439-05:00

A chromosome or two must have gotten swapped after the conception of this little whitetail. The result was an odd looking multicolored coat.

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-57511961279913133932008-12-20T06:00:00.003-06:002009-09-02T09:05:42.924-05:00

This little fellow was so hungry; he amazingly squeezed himself into this “tube” bird feeder...

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-87458050724529639922008-12-18T06:00:00.002-06:002009-09-02T09:05:57.005-05:00

An alternate way to cook your venison with 36,000 volts…

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-36448161702375463792008-12-15T16:14:00.006-06:002009-07-15T00:25:04.371-05:00

Primitive weapon & conventional gun seasons begins in mid-November and run through the middle of January in Mississippi.Another effective hunting method…

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-50812713275719589472008-12-11T06:16:00.009-06:002009-09-02T09:06:17.600-05:00

Coach Nutt named the Southeastern Conference coach of the year; Michael Oher awarded the Jacobs Trophy; Ole Miss Rebels ranked 20th in the nation by the Associated Press poll. What a great way to end a remarkable SEC college football season. Well done Rebs...

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-49482072880977800782008-11-17T21:53:00.011-06:002009-09-02T09:08:52.065-05:00

Sadly we buried my aunt Louise today. She was 83 and had been suffering for several years with acute heart disease. Quietly Friday she passed while in a deep sleep. In as much as I dread attending funerals, at least it seems to draw widely dispersed family members and old friends back together. Despite the grief felt by all, most enjoyed the renewed fellowship and being with with one another once

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-28725739219001479362008-11-11T15:36:00.004-06:002009-09-02T09:09:05.911-05:00

I've read accounts written by others about what it was like in Water Valley, Mississippi during the turn of the 20th century. My grandparents and parents also told many stories of their lives in Water Valley in those early days. The railroad industry was the principle influence that drove the local economy, second only to agriculture. Water Valley thrived in those early days primarily because of

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-55263886875314049252008-11-11T14:22:00.004-06:002009-09-02T09:09:33.270-05:00

I got up this morning and fixed myself a cup of coffee. While sitting there watching the news and weather on the boob tube, out of the corner of my eye I saw my flag flying in the breeze on my front porch. That made me remember what today is and just how grateful I am for all the veteran's who bravely fought for the sake of my freedom and the freedom of others, at home and in foreign lands.God

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-19990827008273365272008-10-09T09:08:00.002-05:002011-01-21T18:24:43.752-06:00

Got an itch to visit Arkansas again and explore some areas of the Ozarks I’ve yet traveled. One place in particular I wanted to visit was Mount Magazine. Mt. Magazine is the highest point in Arkansas rising 2753 feet above sea level. Well, I wasn’t disappointed with my choice of destination. Mt. Magazine is beautiful and the area is some of the best MC riding you’ll find in Arkansas. Beyond Mount

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-81223699248858425212008-07-18T16:13:00.007-05:002009-09-02T09:09:45.106-05:00

I visited Taylor, MS a little while back this year. Taylor is a great little southern village just south of Oxford. With only a population of about 300 folks, give or take one or two, Taylor is quite and peaceful place. The mystique and charm of a bygone era still lingers in the air it seems as you look around at some of the old buildings and houses. Some of the old buildings date back to late

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-64556493608481570922007-10-09T23:51:00.001-05:002011-01-21T18:25:05.848-06:00

Well, Ron and I just returned from another 1000-mile journey, exploring southern most regions of the Mississippi Delta, Louisiana and the bayous, swamps and miles of sugarcane, New Orleans, the Mississippi Gulf Coast and Southeastern Mississippi. Here is a very brief synopsis of our trip we started out on last Wednesday:Meandering down through the little towns and villages of southern most

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-22035040827566348902007-09-05T14:47:00.001-05:002011-01-21T18:24:43.753-06:00

by: Ron NicholasMike, Larry and I met at Popeye's at 5:15 for our Tennessee trip. It was still a little dark but the temperature was perfect. Our first leg of the trip was highway 7 up through Holly Springs and on to Jackson. Our first top was a gas station in Hickory Flat. The three red Gold Wings drew attention. Comments about how pretty they were to questions about the cost. From there to

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-88952987839710710872007-06-13T20:03:00.000-05:002011-01-21T18:24:43.753-06:00

Story by: Jim Hodge, Chapter L, Laurel, MSOur Ride to the Georgia District Rally started off as so many rides have through the past twenty-three years. Weather was a bit on the warm side so we set out early, to get a few miles out of the way before the summer heat really set in.We met our riding companions, Danny & Charlie McMillin at their home in Hattiesburg, a quick breakfast at Ward’s

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-9105565574854159532007-05-28T11:26:00.000-05:002011-01-21T18:24:43.754-06:00

In my opinion there is simply nothing like getting up early in the morning, around daylight, saddling up on my bike and turning the front forks towards the open highway. With a thorough preflight check done and saddlebags stocked the night before, a full tank of gas, GPS tracking and the XM radio jamming, I kind‘a feel like an early aviator taking off into the unknown. I’m so excited that I

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-47213561454829913372007-03-22T11:24:00.000-05:002011-01-21T18:24:43.755-06:00

By: Mike MyrickYou couldn’t have asked for a more spectacular day. The sky was clear with a few white clouds here and there and the air temp was warm, verging on hot later in the day. The only negative aspect of the day was wind gusting occasionally but nothing really stern.As I pulled into Ron and Millicent’s place and parked my bike, Ron hollered, “How about a cup?” Ron makes a mean cup of

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-1956949127127862622007-03-18T13:21:00.002-05:002011-01-21T18:26:37.766-06:00

By: Charles LipeLast week as I stood beside the hospital bed of a fellow Gold Winger I was awakened to the reality that deer don’t just come to the road at sunrise and sunset. He had his "deer encounter" at 1PM in the afternoon. We are beginning to see more deer during all hours of the day. Hunters aren't pushing them now, but the desire for sweet green grass beside the road is. Deer are called "

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-15962264635998190032006-12-16T08:00:00.001-06:002011-01-21T18:25:05.849-06:00

Finally after being plagued so much by fog, today turned out to be beautiful with unseasonably warm temperatures. Ron had already notified me that the plan for the day was to head up northeast towards Pickwick Lake and from there, we would just wing it (no pun intended). Joining Ron and I today for this ride is John and Katherine Daigle of Taylor.Launching out of the BP, we rode north to Hwy-30

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-54634430407431505052006-12-14T10:17:00.000-06:002011-01-21T18:25:05.850-06:00

At the Christmas party, Ron and I decided if the weather broke later in the month, we would try and take advantage and get in a ride or two. Well the week of the 11th. the forecast was looking promising. Wednesday night Ron and I decided we would ride along the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway starting at Fulton and ending at Aberdeen. We meet at BP on 7 South and drive 72 miles over to Fulton.We

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-67628347813867882702006-09-25T11:15:00.000-05:002011-01-21T18:26:37.767-06:00

By: Larry WattsThe Honda Hoot has been a summer attraction for the past 13 years. The Honda Riders Club is present at many events throughout the year but the Hoot is the club’s premier event and it is a dandy.The first hoot and three more were in Ashville, NC, a great place for an event. The success of the event; however put an end to Ashville and necessitated moving to a larger venue. Knoxville,

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-22659910258570864802006-04-26T11:10:00.000-05:002011-01-21T18:26:37.767-06:00

By: Larry WattsLarry Jordan rode a Triumph Tiger Cub—for those who don’t know this motorcycle or have forgotten it; it was as sweet a small motorcycle that was on the market back in 1956. Triumphs were well known for their bigger 500 and 650cc twins back then and almost as well known for the little single cylinder, four-stroke, 200cc Cub. Like a lot of other motorcycles at that time before

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-31906860912529645902006-02-20T08:07:00.000-06:002011-01-21T18:26:37.768-06:00

By: Larry WattsMy first motorcycle was not really a motorcycle but was my bicycle with a motor mounted on it. Some of you may remember the Whizzer bike motor and the factory- built Whizzer motor bikes (Available today for $1995.00). Back in 1953 my dad brought home a Whizzer motor in a cardboard box. He had paid $7.00 for it at an estate sale and thought we could get it to fit on my Wards

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-847520104838509870.post-86724011702627112312005-12-11T08:00:00.000-06:002011-01-21T18:26:47.229-06:00

By: Larry WattsMy first memory of a motorcycle is watching a Detroit policeman trying to kick his motorcycle to life. My mother and I were sitting in our car while my dad was in the White Castle restaurant getting us some burgers.The police motorcycle was parked right next to us. I could see it very well and remember that it was very big and the policeman, who had spoken to me when he walked up

Mikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383352245967028856noreply@blogger.com0