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The Art of Stealing Innocence


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ALWAYS THE TRUTH...
July 25, 2012

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NO COMPROMISE
Volume 1 Issue 25

SPORTS TALK
PAGES 25-26
a weekly publication

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Columbus Municipal School District Board of Trustees . . . and the Beat Goes On

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editorsnote
The Art Of Stealing Innocence
in his soul every day. In short, society needs to suffer. It needs to bleed, and, in the villain/heros mind, he will be the one to do it. He will be the one to carry out the heroic deed of making society suffer, even if he has to play the role of the villain. He will even the score for the down-trodden. And yes, he knows he will be famous. And fame is the great equalizer - the one common denominator that brings evil and good together. Hitler and Gandhi have the same name recognition, the same fame level, with Hitler having the edge in History Channel coverage. All in all, being evil has never been a deterrent to being famous. And therein lays a fundamental problem: Even psychopaths understand what makes good media. They understand it better than everyone because their life is one continuous media phenomenon. They dream that they are in a movie that is greater than their own life. It is not surprising to hear that any villain/hero has spent months or years planning an attack. It is their life. It is their one moment of glory that they so richly deserve. Whether they end up dead or alive after the attack is irrelevant. What matters is that someone needs to pay for the sins of humanity, pay for the villain/heros sorry and loathsome existence. Someone must be sacrificed. Over the next several months, everything from gun control to the American justice system to mental health will be discussed. There will be no easy answers, and most of what we will hear about this case in the first week will be wrong. Here we stand in our own humanity, wondering what type of people live in our world today. Can we go to school, get a hamburger or even go to the movies? Here we stand, knowing that on one summer night someone who thought he was the Joker just murdered people at a Batman movie. The villain/heros greatest revenge is stolen innocence and death to those who made him feel so very small. Even if his victims were not guilty of any wrongdoing. But what causes the villain/ hero to exist? Meagan ONan, awardwinning spiritual writer and life coach, states, In our society today (and throughout the years) we havent been taught how to appropriately

by Joseph B. St. John Editor-in-Chief

ly 25, 2012 a weekly publication

James Holmes. There you go. That is his name. That was the last time you will read it in this article, and it should be the last time you hear or see it, period. But it wont be. Joseph B. St. John is the Editor-in-Chief It will be in our collective consciousand Publisher. You can reach him at ness for years. It will be drawn out jbstjohn@realstorypublishing.com. He is through the media and our daily a man who understands that everything discussions. And why not? that appears bad is not bad and everyHe is a monster. Our worst thing that appears good is not good. nightmare come true. He is what every parent and person dreads - uncontrollable violence unleashed on an unsuspecting public. The horror and grimness of the social outcast who never fit in and whose own fantasy life was greater than his reality. Like the other coward/assassins from Columbine, Virginia Tech and other Melinda Duffie is a certified personal places of infamy, these individuals trainer, with additional expertise in prey on the unaware and unarmed nutrition counseling and life coaching as and play the role of the villain/hero. well as a bachelors degree in business. They live their dreams at the expense E-mail reaches her at mvpfit@yahoo.com of others. Their malice and revenge are focused on people they often do not know - men, women and children who have never caused them any harm. But their perceived slight is too great. Their seething hatred of humanity is unparalleled. They hate who and what they dont know just because they love to hate. Meagan M. ONan is a trained and exIn their mind, they have been perienced life coach, award-winning aucheated of their glory. They have thor of the book, Creating Your Heaven been cheated out of what is rightfully on Earth, blogger, poet and supporter theirs. They see themselves as some of the underdog. She has a life coaching kind of hero who will make their own practice in Columbus. Meaganonan.org lives right - the so-called villain/hero of their own mind. And what is disturbing is that it is only getting worse. Over the past 30 years, law enforcement has been faced with the growing crisis of the angry man bent on fixing his perceived slight. The McDonalds Massacre of 1984 in San Diego was an eye opener to everyone in law enforceClare Mallory,L.Ac.,M.Ac.,holds a masters degree in Acupuncture and ment. Oriental Medicine. She is the owner of This was about a predator North Mississippi Acupuncture in Cogoing to a place of innocence and lumbus. Visit her website at hunting and killing the object of his www.claremallory.com scorn: humanity. This was the random slaughter of the innocent to make up for the killers own lack of courage and self-respect. It was about the lust for power when one has been powerless for a life time. Each time, the villain/hero justifies his act by telling himself that he has been treated badly and that society doesnt deserve justice; Paige Canida-Greene is a senior comit deserves shame, scorn and death munication major (theatre minor) at equal to the injustice he has suffered. Mississippi University for Women and lives in Columbus. Society needs to feel the wrath and worthlessness that the predator feels

cope with our emotions or how to live a life that one can be proud of.Incidents like the one in Colorado this past week are an outcry from our culture to do something for our children of today. Teach them that they have something to give the world, that what they give matters and that their purpose in life is meant to bemeaningful and full. Its not okay any more to stand by and ignore what we need to address. It starts bytaking charge of your life, taking responsibility for your mistakes and finding a healthy way to move forward, so thatthe generations behind us can see what working through the tough parts of life looks like. Without this fundamental piece in place, our society will continue to create its own Frankenstein monsters, men who feel it is their duty to bring society to its knees and right the wrongs that have been afflicted on them without ever looking at their own inner being. ONan continues, We never really know someones story - not by looking at them, and not by having a few conversations with them - at least, not typically. The incident in Colorado shows us that we never really know what is going on with someone, and that profiling someone based on who we think they are isnt always correct. Its most important, especially during daunting moments such as these, to take a look at your own life and figure howyou can do betterand be a better person in every way. Living in fear isnt the answer... finding a way to live in faith again is. Our communities, our schools, our police departments and our society in general must deal with these problems. We must ensure that our young people are getting the coping skills that can carry them through their lifetime. We must do everything possible to give people a belief in their own self-worth. It is not enough to say people are evil. Our society must look inside itself and ask the tough questions: How do we stop the breeding ground for the villain/hero? How does our culture give everyone a sense of worthiness? Until these questions are taken seriously, we will face the specter of these events happening time and time again. Joseph B. St. John

Whit Harrington is a Marine Corps veteran who has a bachelors degree in English (creative writing) from Texas

contents

10

12

21

Starkville Citizens Get What Theater Class At MUW They Dont Want: A $14 Mil- Provides Opportunities For lion Municipal Complex And Surrounding Schools A Dilapidated Carver Drive

GED Graduate Does Something For Herself

Portrait of the Artist: Caleb Childs

regular features
16 ................ Perspectives 18 .... Culturally Speaking 19 ... Portrait of the Artist 20 ......................... Recipes 24 .................... Crossword 27 .................... Classifieds

2 .................. Editors Note 4 ............................ Politics 8 ................... Ask Meagan

9 ........... The Whole Body 10 ........... Financial Focus 11 ................. Community

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About the Cover


Read Page 2 for Joseph B. St. Johns thoughts on the violence during the movie Batman. Like the other coward/assassins from Columbine, Virginia Tech and other places of infamy, these individuals prey on the villain/hero. They live 1.unaware and unarmed and play the role of theothers. their dreams at the expense of

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politics

Business As Usual For Monroe County Board Of Supervisors


By Ashley Garriga
related to the AIP project, which consisted of construction of hangar taxiways and the T-Hangar for the Monroe County Airport. An order to authorize the leasing of a printer from Oc Document Printing System for use by the Monroe County Veterans Service Oce in Aberdeen. An order approving a second amendment to the lease between the Monroe County Economic Development District and Lane Furniture Industries, Inc. An order to lift the outdoor burn ban. An order approving a rental agreement with Pitney Bowes, Inc. to lease a postage meter. However, the progression of the meeting slowed with discussion of an order authorizing the execution of a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Agreement between the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Monroe Board of Supervisors in regard to Hazard Mitigation Grant #1906-12. is grant, in the amount of $73,125, was for the construction of a FEMA 361 safe room within the yet-to-be-built Access Medical Center, to accommodate 80 people. After Chancery Clerk Ronnie Boozer read the proposal, Supervisor Doug Wiggins recused himself from the discussion due to his father-in-laws involvement with the project. After a lengthy discussion, the Board approved the grant, and Wiggins rejoined the meeting. e next item up for consideration was the reappointment of Adrian Garth as Monroe Countys representative to the board of directors of Lift, Inc. During the discussion, several supervisors questioned the wisdom of re-appointing Garth. Supervisor Robert Tomey said, We have to be careful who we appoint and reappoint to a position such as this. At the end of the debate, the item was tabled. Also, the board postponed reappointing Darrell Clay to the board of directors of ree Rivers Planning and Development District, Inc. Before the meeting closed, the Board approved an order to give notice of homestead exemption rejections by the State Tax Commission for 2011 and approved the employment of Sonny Clay as the new County Administrator for Monroe County. e meeting came to a close as the board went into executive session regarding personnel matters, after which the board adjourned until August 6, 2012, at 9:00 a.m.

EDITORIAL
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On Friday, July 20, 2012, the Monroe County Board of Supervisors held a routine meeting, which opened with discussion of a $40,000 Community Development Block Grant for Smithville School. e conversation was interrupted by a motion to enter executive session to discuss possible litigation. e board then went into executive session. Upon their return to open session, the board considered postponing approval of the CDBG grant application but eventually decided to submit it. Next, the board authorized a reimbursement report for the Monroe County Jail and the state work-release program. e reimbursement for the month of June for the county jail was approximately $16,000, with $27,000 for the state correctional facility which houses state inmates who have been convicted of non-violent crimes. e pace quickened as the Board approved the next several items without discussion: An order acknowledging receipt of notice from the State Auditors o ce that Monroe County has been selected for a contracted nancial and compliance audit for scal years 2012 and 2013. An order to approve an Outlay Report and Request for reimbursement for construction programs

Citizens File Complaints Against Columbus Police O cer


The Real Story Staff Report
Two citizens have led forment is that a formal complaint by a mal complaints against a member of citizen triggers an o cial investigathe Columbus Police Department, al- tion into the matter. leging abuse and sexual misconduct. e Real Story will continue Ronald Shepperd has lodged a complaint claiming that he was left in an un-air-conditioned police car for 30 minutes, resulting in his losing consciousness. Shepperd, who has a heart condition and is diabetic, also su ered severe bruising to his wrists, allegedly from the misapplication and extended use of the handcu s. Shepperds arrest stemmed from a tra c stop for an alleged seatbelt violation during which it was discovered that there were warrants out for his arrest due to unpaid tickets. e other complainant, Amanda Kell, alleges that the same o cer pressured her into revealing her cell phone number, and that he sent suggestive texts to her and then showed up at her residence in street clothes, whereupon he assaulted her by placing his hands down the back of her pants. Shepperd and Kell formalized their complaints on Tuesday, July 17. Standard operating procedure at the Columbus Police Departto follow this developing situation and will provide updates as they become available.

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politics
Starkville Citizens Get What They Dont Want: A $14 Million Municipal Complex And A Dilapidated Carver Drive
By Ashley Garriga
On July 17, 2012, the Starkville Board of Aldermen meeting opened with Alderman Corys motion to return the recently discontinued consent agenda as an element of the proceedings. Alderman Perkins agreed to Corys motion without further discussion. At an earlier meeting, Perkins sole no vote retired the Boards use of a consent agenda, his motive being the recently approved participation bond for the municipal complex. worked diligently to nd budgetary solutions to fund the new construction, nally using a participation certi cate to fund the facility. e controversy centered on the boards decision to use a participation bond that the community cant challenge. When asked why the board took this action despite the opposition of the voters, Cory explained that a study showed a need for a municipal complex to support our increasing population. e citizens will have access to a new city hall, and the police will use city hall while the department is being renovated. e facility we have now is not adequate for the citys population, Cory noted. Taxes are not going into this facility. e board approved this project because the current facility is inadequate. Cory sees this as a necessity and stands behind his decision to vote in favor of the project. Several residents expressed their anger with the Boards action. Because they cant question the board action with a petition, they argued that the minutes should be subject to judicial review. But at the moment, the discussion has been o cially closed, and the city plans to move forward. Once again, the residents of Carver Drive asked the board to act concerning a ditch that is in need of repair. e city piped and covered a section of the ditch, but expired easements and private property created obstacles to its maintenance. In a previous meeting, the board gave City Attorney Latimer permission to seek out the owner and inform him that his property had become a public sanitation issue and to expect possible nes and property liens if the city must pay to clean this private property. While motions have been made to concrete the ditch, these motions have also requested the improvements if and only if FEMA approves clean-up. At this meeting, during citizen comments, Mr. Alvin Turner spoke on behalf of the citizens from Carver Drive; he reminded the board of the section of private property that the board needs to clean. Another citizen told the board, ere is sewage in my yard. Pointing to the Mayor, she added, I want a meeting with you. Wiseman replied that he would be glad to speak with her regarding her situation and asked her to make an appointment. Aldermen Perkins and Vaughn have scolded the board for not handling this issue. However, several motions have been approved, and Cory assured everyone that the ditch will be concreted as soon as possible.

is time, he agreed with Cory, and he approved a consent agenda for a trial basis. A er moving past the new consent agenda, it was business as usual. e board approved the June 15, 2012, minutes, which documented the boards decision to move forward with construction of the municipal complex. e board

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politics
Plenty Questions, Few Answers Mark Columbus City Council Meeting
by Paige Canida-Greene
dards. Frustration was rampant at the Columbus City Council Meeting of July 17, 2012, as neither councilmen nor citizens were able to get satisfactory answers to their queries. Councilman Kabir Karriem was the first to experience this disappointment as he posed questions to Columbus Police Chief Sylvain McQueen. His first question concerned the sagging pants ordinance that has been on the books for about a month. Karriem asked, Have you issued any citations? No sir, not to my knowledge, McQueen responded. This reply sent a ripple of murmurs throughout the audience. Karriem then said, One reason Im asking you that is because I am the one who voted against it, and, as you and I know, these laws are only as good as the people who enforce them. My purpose in asking this tonight is here we have put a law on the books, and we are not enforcing the ordinance. Why havent you written a citation? McQueen answered that he could only speak from personal observation in that he hasnt seen a lot of sagging lately. More muttering erupted from the spectators, and Karriem could only say Wow. Karriems second inquiry related to standard procedures of the police department when called to a scene where someone may be mentally challenged or mentally ill. He asked, Is there a certain way that the police handle situations like that? Do the officers have a standard operational procedure to go by? We are in the process now - funny that you should mention that - I have spoken with a mental health professional so that we can acquire more training, or at least some training, and we fully expect to implement training in the month of August, if she is available. If we are aware of the fact that an individual does have mental health issues, then we do our best, according to our training, to handle that situation as warranted,

this process has played out. ComGolden was told that he pounding matters, the figures that needed to pave his parking lot and Stafford presented relative to what make some changes to the building in was actually spent are much less than what was budgeted. This resulted in order to pass inspection. He poured the concrete and made the necessary a substantial amount of funds remaining, which have to be spent in a changes. He is disgruntled because other neighboring businesses havent certain amount of time, according to Chief Financial Officer Mike Bernsen. followed suit in paving their lots. He is also angry that his occupancy limit Councilman Joseph W. Mickens Sr. asked Bernsen what the deadline for was lowered. Kenneth Wiygul, the head of spending the remaining funds was. Bernsen replied he didnt know. the inspection department, did his Councilman Bill Gavin asked best to explain to Golden the reasoning behind the what would happen to the balance of the funds if they were not spent in the departments requireallotted time frame. Bernsen replied ments but was only met with disparagement from that he didnt have the answer. He assured the councilmen he would find Golden. Golden also accused out the answers as soon as possible. A non-profit organization the police department of called Last House on the Block was harassing his customers by parking in front of the approved to move forward in their re-location to 206 Tuscaloosa Road, club. to a building formerly known as the McQueen rebutted, Did we not have the dis- old Masonic Temple. This charitable organization provides services cussion earlier and you and programs for men recovering but mental people can injure you just were, in fact, the person calling the from addictions. District 2 Lowndes like the non-mental people. We do police department to get us to clear County Supervisor Bill Brigham repthe best that we can; our actions are the parking lot? resented the halfway house for men. more or less reactive as a result of Golden said, I dont know He said that the men will have been whatever action that person displays, anything about that. responded McQueen. He left the meeting unhappy clean for at least 30 days. This will give the men a place to live while they Business owner Larry Golden and dissatisfied, with a promise to of Club Heidiho had his own queskeep coming back until he receives a look for employment and get back on their feet. They can stay there for up tions to ask and was very adamant satisfactory explanation. to six months. about getting answers. His contention Frustration and criticism In other news, Shane Tompis that he is being treated unfairly by continued, with Karriem questioning kins, an associate at the Studdard Law the City of Columbus Building InCity Engineer Kevin Stafford about Firm and a resident of Columbus for spection Department. He is distressed money that had been allocated for the past 10 years, was named City that other surrounding businesses special paving projects approved in arent being held to the same stanJune. His frustration is related to how Prosecutor.

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politics
Columbus Municipal School District Board of Trustees Set School Schedule and Approves 2012-13 Budget...and the Beat Goes On
by Joseph B. St. John
The July 17, 2012, CMSD Board of Trustees meeting was highlighted by the approval of this years school schedule. In one of the great anti-climatic moments in history, the trustees voted to do what they have been doing for years: Have five normal school days. After much weeping and gnashing of teeth, the board sat down, with a little help from Jackson, and killed the idea of using Wednesdays for teacher professional development. It was a noble idea; however, it was met with disdain from the community at large. Dr. Liddell had brought forth the proposition soon after being named the superintendent of the school district. It was met with opposition from many in the community because they felt that the teachers and parents had not been given any input, and they were correct. Add a little non-support from Jackson, and there you go. The concept is deader than Phil Mickelsons chances in the 2012 Open Championship. And yes, it is for the best. In other news, the budget has also been approved. From the get-go, Dr. Liddell has been honest about the financial situation and the problems with test scores. She has never hidden from the fact that neither is very good. As 2012-13 approaches, she has faced the cold facts that there is little money and that Columbus Schools are doing poorly academically. She has been direct and fair in her assessment. Hopefully, her staff and the community have been listening. Add to this the fact that every time a child drops out or goes to another school, they take their state and federally allocated funds with them - a fact that has not gone unnoticed by The Real Story. It is an unsettling situation, but it exists. And Dr. Liddell understands its implications. Money matters, and the fact is that CMSD has very little. To her credit, Dr. Liddell has never skirted these topics. However, now these are her concerns, and it is her job to fix the problem. It is going to take the cooperation of both the parents and her complete staff to fix this situation. The CMSD cannot get lost in pointing fingers and assigning blame. It is everyones game, and it will take all the players to win. No excuses and no compromise. As the school year approaches, there are new faces and new challenges. Many names have come and gone, and many now reside at other schools, and they should be thanked for the hard work they have given to the CMSD. But a new day is dawning, and the hope of fall awaits every teacher and every child. Lets all hope for the CMSDs success. Their success is really the cornerstone of the entire communitys progress.

thewholebody
Topic: Being A Supportive Friend
Meagan ONan
Dear Meagan, I have a friend who just told me she is a lesbian. I am really uncomfortable with this, but I can tell that she needs my support right now. I dont know how to look past my own beliefs and still support her at the same time through this process. Can you give me some advice on how to handle this situation? Sincerely, Needs Help Dear Needs Help, There comes a time (if not many times) in everyones life when our beliefs and what we think about life are questioned. This is one of those moments for you, and I can see that you are distressed and unsure. However, I can also tell that you care a lot about your friend and that you want to be there for her that says a lot about who you are. Your friend coming to you to tell you that she is a lesbian must have been very hard for her. I am sure that she was terrified and unsure of what you were going to think. She also must trust you and need your support. In saying that, I dont mean in any way to put pressure on you, but rather to help you realize even more that your friend is a person, and that it isnt easy for her either. One thing to keep in mind: Just because your friend is a lesbian doesnt mean that who she is has changed. If you love your friend for who she is (loyal, trustworthy, honest or other qualities she has that you love), then her being a lesbian is a detail that you will eventually see past. Keep in mind, also, that our society has oppressed the gay community so much that our automatic response to someone being gay is often hesitation and uncertainty. The reason for the hesitation and uncertainty is because being gay is looked down upon by some religions and cultures. With this over-arching, dominant perception comes a test on your part: Will you be able to put your judgments aside, no matter how well intentioned they are, and love the person in front of you as they are? Just as a person who is gay might be rejected by others, it is possible that if you openly support your friend you will run up against questions and possible rejection of your own. Remember what kind of person you want to be in the world and what you feel you will be proud of when you are 85 and looking back on your life. This is a good time to really think about what is most important to you and if you are willing or not willing to challenge yourself by supporting your friend. I remember when I used to be homophobic and how I used to say, Love the sinner, hate the sin. Soon, though, I realized that my perception was only harming my friends who happened to be gay. Those words were harmful because it made my friends less than me. I quickly found out that wasnt who I wanted to be in the world: I wasnt an oppressor, and I didnt want to contribute to making people feel bad about their own choices. In this world, we are always placing blame on others and wanting other people to live their lives in a way that is comfortable for us to make things both easier and less challenging. I think this situation is a wonderful opportunity to push yourself, not necessarily by changing your beliefs (whatever they are), but to look beyond the outer facts and see the truth. Loving someone, and supporting someone through a tough time by not judging them or making them feel any less than they already do, could be the biggest gift you will ever give on this earth. Meagan ONan

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Prayers and Squares is a ministry that provides prayer quilts that will be shared with individuals who are going through difficulties or illnesses. We welcome all quilters, skilled, or not so skilled, men, women, and teenagers who would like to be involved in this special ministry. (Fellowship Hall) 301 Brooks Rd. (off Lehmberg Rd.) Monday nights at 6:00 p.m. Come join us for an enjoyable fellowship time together. For more information contact Diane Sturges at 662-497-2041 dianecooksturges@gmail.com (We are also accepting donations of fabric)

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July 25, 2012 a weekly publication 8

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points for your health

What Is The Difference Between A Vegetarian And A Vegan?


by Melinda Duffie
ian diets are appropriate for people during all stages of life, including pregnancy, infancy, childhood and adolescence, and for athletes. This diet tends to be lower in saturated fat and cholesterol and to have higher levels of dietary fiber, magnesium and potassium, vitamins C and E, folate, carotenoids, flavonoids and other phytochemicals. Athletes, whose diets are usually complete, meet and exceed requirements for protein. -Economic: Many have deferred to plant-based foods because they are cheaper than animal products. Next, lets address another aspect of vegetarians and vegans: food consumption. Just because we can classify this way of eating as healthier, it doesnt indicate how much healthy food is actually consumed. Chips, fruit with sugar added, and sodas are vegan. Just because a food product says it is vegetarian or vegan does not mean that it is unprocessed or healthy to eat. A plant-based diet excludes processed meat substitutes, refined carbohydrates and other highly processed foods. It is also important to note that it is more difficult for both vegetarians and vegans to get enough protein and other nutrients such as vitamin B-12, vitamin D, calcium, iodine, omega-3 fats and amino acids. Including more plants in your diet can make you healthier, no matter how you classify yourself. We can all improve in our food regimens. So be sure to include whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts and seeds in your diet, and avoid processed meat substitutes and highly processed products. Lastly, vegetarians and vegans oftentimes shop at their local farmers markets. This goes right along with getting foods that are as natural and unprocessed as possible while also reducing costs and environmental concerns. Sounds like a great place to start!

Body in Balance

realstorypublishing.com 9

You might think that these two ways of eating are the same, just like many other people do. They are both plant-based diets; however, vegans are stricter in regard to what by Clare Mallory they eat. Vegetarians practice a diet Arthritis is one of the top five - Cutting down on dairy and/or consisting of vegetables, fruits, beans/ conditions for which I treat people. gluten (the sticky protein in wheat, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds Arthritis can start off subtly and end barley and rye, and on oats) - or and sometimes animal products such up completely debilitating a person, completely eliminating it - will reduce as dairy and eggs. Some vegetarians and all too often the only solution most peoples arthritis symptoms do eat seafood, fish or chicken; it just left to a patient (that they are aware significantly. I usually recommend depends on the person. A vegan, also of) is chronic medication and all one or the other, depending on the called a total vegetarian, includes only the side effects and expenses associpatients constitution and personal foods from the plant/fungi kingdom ated with it. New patients are always health history. Cutting out both at the without dairy, egg products, gelatin very happy to discover that arthritis same time is fine, but then I recomor honey. They dont wear leather tends to respond impressively well mend adding one back to determine or use products made from animals to regular acupuncture, but there are which made the bigger difference. such as silk, wool or down. The vegan also some things you can do at home An alternative to cutting out gluten lifestyle is motivated by compassion to help reduce the pain, stiffness and would be to first try just cutting out for animals. Another way to define swelling associated with both osteowheat in general; sometimes that is this method of eating is plant based. and rheumatoid arthritis: enough to do the trick. Now, you might ask why - Arthritis is considered a - Reducing dampness in your people choose these lifestyles. Let me damp condition in Chinese Medienvironment helps, too. While you explain some of these reasons so that cine, and we live in a damp climate cant change the weather here, you you can better understand: here in Mississippi, which is a double can change your exposure to it by -Ethical (non-violence): whammy. Anything you can do, lessening your time outside and in Some people choose a plant-based therefore, to reduce dampness in your other damp climates such as indoor diet because they dont believe in diet will be helpful for reducing the pools. While swimming and water either killing animals for food or the symptoms of arthritis. Damp foods aerobics are great for creating move- humans responsible for the killing. include all fruits, but especially the ment and therefore helping with your -Ethical (food production): tropical ones (bananas are one of the arthritis, do your stuff and then leave These people are very concerned dampest fruits there are), all fried - indoor pools are very damp. And about how animals are treated in profoods (fried bananas or plantains are change out of your wet bathing suit as ducing food such as factory farming. a terrible combination for arthritis soon as possible, too. -Environmental: There is sufferers) and raw vegetables. Of - Finally, the obvious one: evidence suggesting that raising course, you dont want to go crazy Movement. This is no big surprise to livestock and industrial fishing have and eliminate any of these completely anyone suffering from arthritis, but ecological impacts. (except possibly the fried foods - if many people dont take the initiative -Religious: Some religions you have the willpower), but one to research good daily exercises that forbid partaking of meat and limit piece of fruit a day is enough for a will help with their arthritis sympspecific animal products. For inhealthy diet, and you can saut or toms. If you are unsure of how to find stance, Judaisms kosher laws forbid steam your vegetables and still keep good ones or how to research online, the consumption of pork and shelltheir nutrient content alive. Other contact a local physical therapist fish. foods, such as oatmeal and rice, are and if youre unsure who that is, ask -Health: Research suggests self-evidently damp. Seafood is by your doctor. that a plant-based diet is healthier. nature damp, having come from a wet There is always something Almost 70% of Americans suffering environment (the sea), so keep your you can do to improve your situafrom conditions associated with diet seafood intake to a minimum, but tion, no matter what it is. If you dont can improve their conditions by addmake sure you are getting a healthy know, ask. And if whoever you ask ing more plants. Currently, only 1% amount of fish. Dairy and gluten doesnt know, ask someone else. of the population follows the vegan are both damp, too; these two are so Remember - taking charge of your lifestyle, while about 3% is vegetarian. significant in contributing to arthritis health now will save you a ton of The American Dietetic Association symptoms that they deserve mention time, money and misery in the long found that well-planned vegetarin their own paragraph. run!

Points For Your Health: Arthritis

community
Millennials In Good Position To Invest For The Future
By Ryan Munson
If you were born anywhere from 1982 to 2001, or within a few years of this range, you are considered a Millennial. As a member of this group, you share many things - cultural references, familiarity with technology, attitudes toward work and family - with others your age. And if youre one of the older Millennials, you and your peers have something else in common - specifically, you have a good opportunity to launch investment strategies to help you save for the future. Why are you so well positioned to invest for the future? For one thing, its because you have so much of the future ahead of you. As an investor, time is your greatest ally, for a couple of reasons. First, the more years you have to invest, the greater the growth potential of your investments. And second, by investing for the long term, you can help reduce the impact of periods of shortterm volatility on your portfolio. Furthermore, since you may be in an early stage of your career, you probably have yet to reach your maximum earnings and may be eligible to put in the full annual amount to a Roth IRA, one of the most effective retirement savings vehicles available. (Eligibility to contribute to a Roth IRA is phased out over a specific income range.) When you invest in a Roth IRA, your earnings have the opportunity to grow taxfree, provided you dont start taking withdrawals until youre at least 59 and youve had your account for at least five years. Even if you do contribute to a Roth IRA, you can still participate in your employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k) if you work for a company, a 457(b) if you work for a state or local government, or a 403(b) if you work for a school or other taxexempt organization. And you should indeed contribute to your employers plan, because it offers some key benefits: Your earnings accumulate on a tax-deferred basis, and you typically fund your plan with pre-tax dollars, so the more you put in, the lower your taxable income. (Taxes are due upon withdrawal, and withdrawals prior to age 59 may be subject to a 10% IRS penalty.) The amount you can afford to put into your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored plan depends on your earnings and other circumstances but you should at least strive to contribute enough to earn your employers match, if one is offered. Otherwise, youll be walking away from free money. All the money you contribute to your plan is yours, but if you leave your job before a specified vesting period - which often ranges from three to seven years - you may not be able to keep all your employers contributions. Check your plans rules to see how this applies to you. Of course, since you, as a Millennial, are in the early stage of your working years, you may well be on the lookout for new job opportunities. But if you are close to being fully vested in your 401(k), you might consider waiting a few extra months or even a year to take a new job, so that you can leave with the money your employer has contributed. As a Millennial, youve got time on your side as you invest for the future. So make sure you take advantage of all the opportunities that come your way. This article was written for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Theater Class At MUW Provides Opportunities For Surrounding Schools


By Paige Canida-Greene
Creative Dramatics will be a new addition to the fall schedule at Mississippi University for Women. The course offering is in response to a theater workshop that William Peppy Biddy, MUW professor and chair of the Department of Theater, facilitated in the spring for Gordo Elementary School in Alabama. Biddy took a group of MUW students to help lead the activities, and it proved to be a rewarding experience for the undergraduates. MUW theater students who were selected as personal coaches were: Brittany Trimble of Tupelo; Ray Sizemore of Louisville; Parker Yarbrough, Joseph Musgrove and Jana Greene of Columbus; LaVosha Kern of Ethel; and Kayla Manzolillo of Ethelsville, AL. Musgrove said, Working with kids is definitely in my top five ways to spend my time, and I know that its a great way to give back to the community. Mississippi and Alabama communities dont get to enjoy theater in schools as often as people in other areas, so whenever possible I think its important to share what we have with them. The fourth, fifth and sixth graders learned and played games that taught skills involved in listening, observing and teamwork. Each grade had a 30-minute session. The students were divided into groups of 10-12 and assigned to a personal coach. After each session, the children, who were full of energy and eager to participate, were asked questions about their experience. The common response was that they had a lot of fun. Manzolillo added, Having the opportunity to share my love of theater with such a large group of kids was a fantastic experience. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Gordo Elementary and would love to return. The reward for the instructors was evident at the end of each session. The gymnasium was filled with genuine smiles as the children gave away hugs as appreciation to their personal coach. Biddy said, The opportunity in Gordo was great for our university

July 25, 2012 a weekly publication

students to test their teaching skills with elementary aged children. I hope we will have opportunities similar to Gordo to test our skills even further. MUW theater alumna Sara Hickox of Decatur will be teaching the class. She is pursuing a masters degree in applied drama at Goldsmiths College University of London. I am very excited to return

from my graduate studies in London to teach at my alma mater. Creative Dramatics explores the use of drama with students in grades K-12. The course will cover techniques on teaching theater itself, as well as using performance to teach traditional subjects, said Hickox. For more information, contact Biddy at wbiddy@as.muw.edu.

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Heimmermann Named Provost At Mississippi University For Women
Special to The Real Story
Dr. Dan Heimmermann will join Mississippi University for Womens administrative team as provost and vice president for academic a airs e ective August 1, 2012. Heimmermann comes to MUW from the University of Texas at Brownsville, where he currently serves as dean of the College of Liberal Arts. Prior to his experience in Texas, he was chairman of the Department of History and Political Science at the University of North Alabama. Heimmermann holds a bachelors degree from the University of WisconsinOshkosh and earned his masters degree and doctorate at Marquette University in Milwaukee. Heimmermann said, I am thrilled and grateful for the opportunity presented to me by President Borsig and the faculty and sta of MUW. I have been strongly attracted to MUWs focus upon the liberal arts as well as its specialized professional programs that respond to regional and national demands for educators and healthcare professionals. Additionally, e Ws

Regional Steering Committee Moving Forward


e steering committee formed to explore a possible regional development organization has already begun its work. A weekly meeting schedule has been set, with the rst meeting to occur on Tuesday, July 24. ese meetings will be used to receive input, evaluate options and make decisions with the elected and nonelected regional stakeholders. e committee will present a full report for review on September 14 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Lyceum Building on the East Mississippi Community College-GTR campus. e public will be invited to attend. In an e ort to present all stakeholders with a complete and viable proposal, the entire regional clearly articulated student focus, with an emphasis on teaching and learning but supportive of research and creativity, and its commitment to public service and global education are very appealing to me as well. In my visits to Columbus, I was struck by the communitys tremendous support, enthusiasm and genuine a ection for e W, its faculty and sta , and for the leadership of Dr. Borsig. It is my profound

Special to The Real Story

development organization plan will be unveiled and discussed at the September 14 meeting. is plan will also be available to the public via the three counties websites following the presentation at EMCC-GTR. Members of the steering committee are: Clay County - Robbie Robinson and Jackie Edwards; Lowndes County - Gordon Flowers and Jim McAlexander; Oktibbeha County - Marvel Howard, Jack Wallace and Parker Wiseman. e steering committee will be charged with exploring the following for the regional partnership: formation; purpose; governance; administration; funding; duties; and implementation.

belief that MUW is poised to build upon its illustrious past to forge an even greater future. My family and I are very much looking forward to our move to Columbus later this summer. Heimmermann and his wife, Claudia, have a 6-year-old daughter, Lucie.

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GED Graduate Does Something For Herself
Special to The Real Story
Ever since she dropped out of high school in 1969, Leola Shotwell of West Point has been taking care of someone her husband, her children or her grandchildren. Forty-three years later, she decided to do a little use it to take the next step in their education. Others will attempt to advance in the workforce. Shotwell, who retired from Bryan Foods in West Point in 1994, simply crossed it off her to-do list. Its something I wanted to do for myself. I didnt finish high school. I got married and had a child and went to work. I read in the newspaper they were giving free GED classes at Bryan Public Library, so I signed up, she said. Shotwell was also Leola Shotwell of West Point stands amidst her family, attracted to the flexible with her graduation cap and diploma, following the graduation ceremony for East Mississippi Community nature of the GED proColleges Adult Basic Education GED program Thurs- gram. The class meets twice a week, and, as day at the Golden Triangle campus. Shotwell, 60, is retired from Bryan Foods but has wanted to earn her instructor Vicki Cooper explains, students diploma since dropping out of high school in 1969. leave as soon as theyre something for herself. ready to take the test. After a lifetime of regret over Some people stay one night, stopping one year short of earning and some people stay two years, said her high school diploma, 60-yearCooper. old Leola Shotwell received her GED Shotwell spent about a year Thursday from East Mississippi Com- taking classes, minus some time munity Colleges Adult Basic Educamissed due to illness, but she was tion program. anything but casual about her studies. She was joined in the LyShe never missed a class if she could ceum auditorium at EMCCs Golden help it, and she routinely showed up Triangle campus by 31 fellow graduto class early, often beating Cooper to ates, each with their own motivations the library. for earning their diploma. Many will She always had a book in her hand and would be waiting, reading a book, when I got there, said Cooper. She was the perfect student. She was always early. She kept all the pencils sharp. She was the solid rock of the class. Shotwells reading habit helped immensely as she re- East Mississippi Community College Adult Basic freshed herself on much Education instructor Vicki Cooper stands with recent graduate Leola Shotwell of West Point before the GED of the material shed learned in high school. graduation ceremony Thursday at the Golden Triangle The algebra was a bit campus. Shotwell, 60, is retired from Bryan Foods but tricky, but her hunger tohas wanted to earn her diploma since dropping out of learn saw her through. high school in 1969. at Bryan Foods, Shotwell took every And the class even introduced her to a new preoccupation. opportunity to emphasize the imporNow Im consumed with the tance of education to her new peers. We had a lot of younger stucomputer. I want to learn about computers, and I dont have any intention dents in the class, and she would try to motivate them to get serious and of stopping, said Shotwell. come to class, said Cooper. Shes already taken three The keynote address at computer courses under Cooper, who Thursdays graduation was delivhas proven to be a mentor of sorts. ered by two former GED recipients, Mrs. Cooper is one of the Stacy Redmond and Megan Copley. most patient, understanding people Stacy Redmond of Columbus is a you could deal with. I would recommend her class to anyone wanting to 1999 graduate of EMCCs ABE/GED get a GED. And if I can get one at my program. She went on to earn her practical nursing degree from EMCC, age, anyone can, Shotwell said. Cooper is equally impressed and she is now a registered nurse at with Shotwell, who she says acted as a Baptist Memorial HospitalGolden mentor herself. Drawing on her own Triangle and is working toward her vast experience, from dropping out of bachelors degree at the Mississippi University for Women. Megan Copley high school to operating a bandsaw earned her GED in 2001 and began her college studies at EMCC. She is now enrolled in law school at the University of Mississippi. All graduates of EMCCs ABE/GED program are qualified for tuition guarantee to cover two years of classes at EMCC.

July 25, 2012 a weekly publication

Starkville Tea Party Regular Monthly Meeting Scheduled


The Starkville Tea Party supporters and other concerned citizens are encouraged to attend our monthly meeting on Saturday, July 28, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.Jeppie Barbour, former mayor of Yazoo City and current Mississippi GOP activist, will be the speaker.He will be helping East Mississippi Community College held its summer 2012 Adult Basic Education GED program graduation Thursday at to set up grassroots organizations to the Golden Triangle campus. Pictured are: First row from left: Leola Shotwell (West Point); Michelle Smith (Crawford); help Governor Romney carry MisKatega Spencer (Macon); Sara Langford (West Point); Theresa Stockman (Sturgis); Kayla Studdard (Caledonia); Tierria sissippi.The meeting will be held at Wofford (Maben); Kerri Hannah (Starkville); and Sierra Dickert (West Point). On the second row are: Shenquina Capers The Golden Triangle Planning and (Starkville); Sierra Baptist (Crawford); Candace Murray (Starkville); Andrea Rice (Brooksville); Victoria Robinson Development District, 106 Miley (Columbus); Melissa Hardcastle (Macon); Ciara Jenkins (Starkville); Charles Thompson Jr. (Columbus); Tyquintin Road, Starkville.Refreshments will be Walker (West Point); and Thomas Yoder (Crawford). On the third row are: Antonio Brown (Scooba); Charles Doremus served. Jr. (Mathiston); Tyson Moore (West Point); Jacob Leggett (Starkville); Quadrinna Orr (Columbus); Reid McPherson For more information, e(Columbus); Shelby Steadman (Sturgis); Paula Laster (West Point); Decarlous Hill (Starkville); and Khari Eichelberger mailstarkvilleteaparty@gmail.com, (Louisville). or call(662) 546-0675.

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community
Rexs Rentals: Your One-Stop Party Shop
The Real Story Staff Report
Planning a wedding? Corporate reception? Anniversary celebration? Family reunion? Birthday celebration? Whatever type of event you have in mind, Rexs Rentals is your go-to source for everything event related! As a matter of fact, the first thing that crosses your mind when you walk into their well-stocked, wellorganized showroom is Wow, is there anything that they dont have here? Rex and Lisa Dickerson have spent the past 20-plus years (since October 1991) amassing a wealth of supplies and equipment and now have one of the largest inventories in the South. Although a full listing of all their rental items would require more space than is available for this column, focusing on just some of the equipment and supplies will help to illustrate the diversity of their inventory. Lets start small, as in flatware. The variety of forks, knives and spoons is sufficient to make even Emily Post and Letitia Baldridge (two legendary etiquette experts) happy. punch bowls and carafes, tongs and salt and pepper shakers, waters pitchers and bread baskets you name it and they have it! Worried about the weather? Dont be! Rexs has tents ranging in size from 10 x 10 on up to 30 x 60, as well as side walls, lighting fixtures and flooring everything that you need to create your very own outdoor room or oasis. All of these other items are important, but whats a party without dcor? They have candelabras, mirror party balls, plant stands, pedestals and so much more! If you want your event to have a whimsical touch, Rex and Lisa can rent you a popcorn or snow cone machine or even a fog or bubble machine. Perhaps the most unusual item that they have available is a portable baby crib. One of the best things about Rexs Rentals is..they deliver! Thats right no finding a pick-up truck or trailer and lugging all of that stuff for you! Simply make your selection and leave the transport to them. Although they generally offer delivery within a 120-mile radius, they will consider traveling farther; they have actually delivered materials to an event north of Birmingham before. Oh yeah they pick up the items, too! Although Rex and Lisa have tents that cost thousands of dollars, the most valuable thing they have to offer their customers is service. Rest assured, they know about service. They are not only extremely knowledgeable about the party and event

Now that you have the right utensils, you must have something upon which to place your food. They have every dish that one could need, even down to bread and butter plates. Oh my, the glassware! There are champagne flutes, wine glasses, water glasses, martini glasses, highball glasses okay, you get the picture. If you need something into which you can pour libations, they have it! Whether you need tables for your guests or for a buffet line, you have choices, both in size and shape. Of course, you have to sit on something: Rex and Lisa have the traditional white wood chairs, or, if your event is more casual say, a picnic they have plastic chairs as well. What is a table without linen to adorn it? Rexs offers beautiful, well-maintained napkins, tablecloths and skirting in a variety of colors, sizes and styles. If you need serving items, they have serving items! There are

business, they are incredibly patient and helpful as well. They will take the time to make sure that you have everything you need to make your event extra special. More than that, though, they are two of the nicest people that you will ever meet! Plus, Rex is one funny guy! If he ever decides that he needs a second career, he may want to consider stand-up comedy. Seriously though, if you want to ensure that your event is going to be truly memorable, the place to start is Rexs Rentals! Rexs Rentals is located at 322 Main Street. You can also find them on the web at rexrents.net, or call them at (662) 328-4416.

Contact Helpline To Host Back-2-School Bash


The Real Story Special Report
For 35 years, Contact Helpline has been a lifeline to the depressed, suicidal or just plain lonely members of our community. Now, they are asking for the communitys help. They are hosting a Back 2 School Bash on Friday, August 3, 2012, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Trotter Convention Center (123 Fifth Street North). The event will feature music, skits, dance, face painting, games and a book-bag giveaway (book bags will be filled with school supplies and will be given out on a first-come-first-served basis; registration for the free book bags will take place from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Admission to the event is one canned good per person to support the Helping Hands program. For more information on the Back 2 School Bash, call (662) 327-2968. Contact Helpline provides a crisis line that is available 24 hours a day to residents of Choctaw, Clay, Lowndes, Monroe, Noxubee, Webster and Winston counties, as well as most of northern Mississippi. Callers may remain anonymous, and all calls are kept confidential. The crisis line numbers are as follows: Lowndes County - (662) 628-0200; Choctaw, Clay, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Webster and Winston Counties - (662) 323-HELP (4357); Monroe County and most of northern Mississippi - (800) 377-1643. The number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is (800) 273-TALK (8255). They also provide a reassurance contact, a regular phone call at a prearranged time, to those people who are elderly or physically challenged and living alone. These calls

Katrina Speed and Zakira Thomas stuff book bags with school supplies in preparation for the Back 2 School Bash that is scheduled for August 3, 2012, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Trotter Convention Center (123 5th Street North). are intended as a method of checking on the individuals well-being and to demonstrate that someone does care.

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A State of Emergency
Interim CMSD Superintendent Dr. Martha Liddell
Dr. Liddell made it clear that the CMSD is in an urgent predicament. "We are in an emergency situation, make no mistake about that. Our sta ng budget is 30% out of proportion. We are in the position to be under 7% of our reserve level and that is a problem. "

CMSD:

e Yin and Yang of Leroy and Harry


It doesn't take long for a newcomer to the area to realize who the two most powerful political gures are in Lowndes County. Board of Supervisors President and District 1 Supervisor Harry Sanders and District 5 Supervisor Leroy Brooks stand head-and-shoulders above all the other politicians and dignitaries in the area. Part myth, part fact and part legend, the stories of Harry and Leroy are well-known and part of the cultural fabric of our community.

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e Saga of the CPD Promotions


(or Lack ereof)

From the Citizen...


Raymond Gross
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Commentary from members of the community

eres nothing to do in Columbus! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!

Culturally Speaking
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Basic Ed, Part I


Get Out of the Way, and Let Teachers Teach

Character education is important in Mississippis public schoolson the surface.

Character Counts

Tattoos: e Forbidden Art


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The Real Story

Race. It's on everybody's mind, but no one wants to talk about it; not only in Columbus, Mississippi, but throughout America. It is the two-ton elephant in the living room, but the country acts like it's not there. Not until the community gets rocked, does it become an issue. So, over the past few weeks, everyone in the country, including the Golden Triangle, has stood up and taken notice.
Page 2

Nothing ever comes easy in the world of politics. Even being fair and forthright, turns into the politics of power. Despite e orts to portray an image to the contrary, the simple fact is that politics is about control and those who participate in it o en have their own best interests at heart. In the meantime, regular folks" have to ght and scratch to be heard. e city of Columbus and the state of Mississippi are facing two critical situations, during the next year. e rst issue to confront our communities is the fact that Voter ID legislation has been passed by the Mississippi Senate, and is awaiting approval from the U.S. Justice Department. Page 2

WEVE GOT A SECRET!


In what was one of the most bizarre twists in local politics, this week, the Columbus Police Department saw t to shoot an individual and not notify the community or the media. at's right, campers - someone just got shot by the police, but move along folks; nothing to see here. Just a little shooting! Just keep moving and it will all go away. And, hey, don't worry about the other guy, who ed the scene, surely he will show up, sometime.
Page 2

Culturally Speaking Signs of Spring Abound!


Get Out and Get Your Culture On!

Mayors Department Head Meetings Closed to Press, Public


...we have been banned from the reindeer games and we are not allowed to attend the meetings anymore.

Citywide Neighborhood Watch Meeting Proves Very Informative


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...human nature; and the nature of good and evil...

Why Good People Do Bad ings


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Make a Donation for Relay for Life at our booth this Friday night, April 27th from 6-9pm and have your picture made with Porkchop!
Consumer Corner
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Happy Easter
from the Real Story Staff

Pothole of the Week


Rate It! Page 8

e Great Caledonia A er-Prom Caper


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What Kind of Cardio Exercise Are You Doing?


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Pay No Attention to the Man Behind the Curtain


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Autism: A Personal Perspective


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Consumer Corner
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Culturally Speaking

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Fenway Park Celebrates 100 Years


Part II Page 18

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ALCON!e ...well, um, mayb


In the case of the Columbus Municipal School Districts (CMSD) search for a superintendent, it could be said that they "almost got it right". ey found three outstanding candidates and, for a time, it looked like they were going to set the standard to which all other boards should aspire. Unfortunately, Friday night occurred, and all hope for consistency was lost.
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Why Do You Hate Me So?


Controversy Surrounds Caledonia Pit Bull Issue
All ten dogs that were "surrendered" were euthanized, within a matter of days.
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Why Do You ABUSE Me So?


e Columbus Lowndes Humane Society Responds
You want the truth. Do you want the truth? You cant handle the truth.

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Volume 1 Issue 20

FOUR SCORE
AND SEVEN YEARS AGO OUR FATHERS BROUGHT FORTH,
UPON THIS CONTINENT, A NEW NATION,

You cant handle the truth.

CONCEIVED IN LIBERTY,
AND DEDICATED TO THE PROPOSITION
THAT ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL...

Page 11

...THAT THIS NATION SHALL HAVE

A NEW BIRTH OF FREEDOM, AND

Welcome to the Party at Never Was...


e CMSD Announces Dr. Liddell as the New Superintendent
Page 2

Wherefore Art Thou Caledonia?


How a town full of so many good people could be so misguided is inexplicable.
NO

Caledonia, Caledonia,
F CALED
O

FOUNDED 1821

TO

A er four months of publishing print editions, I am proud to say that I could never have asked for a better team. We are o en imitated, but never duplicated.
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ank You to the Sta of

e Real Story

e Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway
Pages 11-13

It de es logic and seemly as if it is business as usual for many of the people on the Board of Aldermen. It's like a big joke, except that the joke is on the community and, as always, they will be the big loser. ey will be stuck with the bill of any lawsuit, judgment, etc.
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OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE, SH A FR LL N OM O TH T PE R EE AR ISH What seems like lo y words TH should be the cornerstone of every .
American's belief in the government.
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THAT THIS GOVERNMENT

NI

My MS Story
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Emaciated Dogs Seized


Page 5

Are You Sure at You Are Safe?


Page 6

Street Talk
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Someone is Watching You


Page 10

Find the Pit Bull


Page 11

Ask Meagan
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Its All About the Animals


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A Tribute to Fathers
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Ask Meagan
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e Adventures of the VIP


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Comics & Puzzles


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e Election Takes a Turn for the Fabulous


Page 10 Page 17

Ask Meagan Alicevilles Role in WWII

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My MS Story Part II
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Portrait of the Artist Page 16 Pig Tales Page 23

My MS Story Part III


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Portrait of the Artist Page 20 Pig Tales Page 24

Business Spotlight of the Week


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What Is An American Pit Bull Terrier?

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Letters to the Editor Page 4

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at 6 Months...
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The CCVB:

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What to do About The Madness


e CCVB Board could easily be dismissed as a joke, but, unfortunately, the joke is on us, the taxpayers.
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HOTDONIA

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e Problem at Wasn't

Celebrates 70th Anniversary

Columbus Air Force Base

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March 21, 2012

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Why have a unity picnic...

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March 28, 2012

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SPORTS
by Dick Mahoney and Jeremiah Short

pp. 20-23

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City Approves Free Paving for Private Business


Just when you thought the City of Columbus couldnt get any more insane, it reaches a new level.
Page 3

It's about three people who feel they can tell the community whether or not they can buy a beer at a particular store, even though the whole county has a history of being wet, while the rest of the State remained dry for decades.
Page 9

Happy 70th Anniversary to Columbus Air Force Base, from the citizens of Columbus and our surrounding areas and, most especially, from the sta of e Real Story Publishing!

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A Hot Night in Hotdonia


Gerhart proclaimed, He is a liar, and you can print that in your paper.
Page 4

when therE is no unity in the house?


e problem with bullying is that if everyone is afraid of the bully, who is going to stand up against him? at was the fundamental problem with what occurred at the March 20, 2012 City Council Meeting. Most everyone stood impotent, as the parade of ignorance occurred over and over again, at the meeting.
Page 2

See Inside for More CAFB Photos and History!


pp. 11-14

e Problem with Sherman


e arrest of Sherman Smith is a prime example of when crime and politics collide.

Culturally Speaking
Photography and Paintings and a Letterpress, Oh My!!

Frog Bottom Creations


Local Artist George Dyson Jr.

Reforming Education Protect Yourself from Violent Crime


A list of tips for adults, on staying safe A letter addressed to the members of the CCVB Board of Directors from Nadia Dale

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CCVB Board Must Work on Image


Page 7

Let Money Follow Students

Why Everything Matters American Wind Symphony Orchestra to Visit Columbus


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Photos by Christy Tracey unless otherwise noted


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ere is no better time to make a lifestyle change, than now.

e Real How To of Exercise


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Why does the government get a free pass?

Page 2

e Saga of Cal-City Continues


A Letter to Je Doty, from Caledonia City Attorney Je Smith

Fireworks at the Municipal Complex


Is he going to answer my question?!

e life and times of Porkchop, the pot-bellied pig

Pig Tales
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Page 6

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THE WOW OF THE SECOND AMENDMENT

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National Day of Prayer


Noon, May 3rd Lowndes County Courthouse
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MARKET STREET 2012

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Smithville
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Lets Hope We Dont Get Too Much of a Good Thing

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May 23, 2012

THE ON DECK CIRCLE


with Dick Mahoney Pages 23-24
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rF org

e t...

memorial day 2012


M AY 2 8 , 2 0 1 2
did you get to come see me at relay for life this past friday night? Check out our photos in the center spread!
and thank you for donating!

A DAY FOR HONOR

CMSD Superintendent Candidate Interviews


is week it was revealed that the search for the new Columbus Municipal School District Superintendent will be more of a marathon than a sprint. In what can only be described as a near "Gauntlet of Death," the interview process will span three nights. No interviews will be conducted on Wednesday, either because it is an assumed church night, or maybe everyone realizes that even Jesus would have seen enough by this time, and, thus, it will be a welcomed day o . Page 2 Columbus GNC Longest Operating Photos from Market Street Festival Franchise
Pages 6, 16-17 Page 4

Remember Memorial Day Like Your Life Depends On It


Page 2

Because, It Does

Alligator Sightings
Pages 5 and 19

When All Else Fails, Relay for Life See #5 and Photos with Porkchop Page 3
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Columbus: e Friendly City


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Vineyard Court Holds Senior Prom


Pages 9, 14-15

Ask Meagan Honesty and Friendship


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Portrait of the Artist: Judy Howle


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Summer Safety Tips


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Remembering the Fallen


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Consumer Corner Page 10 e Burden of Proof


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Street Talk
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Consumer Corner Sports

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Cancer: New Hope, Old Argument


Part II Page 18

Consumer Corner Sports

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Portrait of the Artist: Sarah Oswalt


Part II Page 9

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Ask Meagan: Bi-Racial Relationship and Unsupportive Family


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OUR FATHERS BROUGHT FORTH,

Paws AND SEVEN YEARS AGO Corner


FOUR SCORE

Theres good news! s, Welcome to Columbu Colonel Sears!


page 2

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July 18, 2012

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a weekly publication

One Year Later ...


Page 2

EDITORIAL CARTOONS

Citizens Allege Police Harassment, Sexual Misconduct


Page 4

(The CCVB and CMSD)


at's when I had most of my fun, back high high high high there em summer days, those summer days
Page 2

- Sly and the Family Stone

Pit Bull Corner


Page 23

A Day in the Life of Tennessee Williams


Page 18

Culturally Speaking
Page 20

Happy 4th of July!!


Weve gone MOBILE. Scan this QR Code with your smart phone and go directly to our website! Weve gone MOBILE. Scan this QR Code with your smart phone and go directly to our website!

Weve expanded!!
The Real Story is now covering Monroe, Clay and Oktibbeha County!

e Adventures of the VIP


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From the Citizen


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Pig Tales Page 24

Financial Focus Page 5

Weve gone MOBILE. Scan this QR Code with your smart phone and go directly to our website!

e Real Story is now covering Monroe, Clay and Oktibbeha Counties!

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15

from the citizen


City/Regional Planning By Social Equity Or Social Justice?
Starkville, Columbus and West Point politicians are currently working to develop a regional planning committee for the Golden Triangle area. Its rumored that Starkville politicians have finally given in to Joe Max Higgins pleas for regional planning. There could be another reason for regional planning, one that involves social equity vs. social justice. The latest census of the three cities surpasses the 50,000 population required to have a metropolitan planning organization (MPO). MPOs are federally mandated and funded transportation organizations. They are comprised of local government and governmental transportation authorities. MPOs became more prevalent in 1991, when President (George H.W.) Bush signed the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA). ISTEA focuses on transportation as a means to control economic progress, clean air, energy conservation and social equity. What is the difference between the Bush ISTEA for social equity vs. the liberal call for social justice? There are similar goals with both terms, but there are important differences. Social equity projects work to reduce group differences through achievement and citizen participation. Social equity is guided by the Constitution. It protects the rights of both the wealthy and the poor, striving for justice for all. Social equity focuses on individual liberty. Social justice projects work to enhance group differences. Advocates of social justice ignore individual rights, as they concentrate on economic equality for all. Economic equality is achieved by the redistribution of wealth, favoring some while penalizing others. Social justice focuses on collectivism. The committee should include private citizens who arent just yes men. The current committee consists of politicians and development groups (private, forprofit organizations) who all think alike. Its possible the planning committee wont concentrate on transportation and social equity as the ISTEA mandates. They could concentrate on social justice instead (if they dont consider the strings attached to money they accept). Regardless of the reasons for a regional committee, I see it as a new layer of government. A regional committee can create ordinances, zoning and debt. The politicians will be able to control rural land the same way they currently control land within city limits. The committee can create living conditions in one place that drives population to another location. That is serious power. The Dispatch quoted Parker Wiseman as saying, Make no mistake, it would be very strong. It would be nice if private citizens could trust politicians to do the right thing, but that has never been the case in our history. In November, we can strive for that goal. Vote for politicians who value liberty and justice for all, rather than politicians who focus on money and social justice. Elaine Vechorik Sturgis

Geez Louise! Ya Scared Yet?


I found it disturbing to read the recent (July 18, 2012 issue) inputs under the from the citizen column in The Real Story. Both articles, one by Gary Chesser and the other by Elaine Vechoric stretch credulity, warp reality and supplant common sense with a conspiracy theory. Although the page is a forum from members of the community to express their views, that the Real Story editors would choose to include this type of input under their title negates the foundation of the publication. With a bit of research, it is evident that this is fiction masquerading as fact. The common denominator in both letters is the content and interpretation of a United Nations document from the 1992 Rio Conference entitled Agenda 21. Recognizing that populations worldwide were stressing global resources and extracting earths wealth at an unsustainable rate, 178 countries agreed to provide a set of NON-BINDING guidelines for sustainable development. In truth,Agenda 21 does nothing but provide countries and communities with a set of principles to grow smartly a plan to fight overpopulation, pollution, poverty and resource depletion. Thats it in a nutshell. Agenda 21 is all about the survival of populations, offering a voluntary strategic plan for the smart utilization of earths limited resources. Read the document here: http://www.un.org/esa/dsd/agenda21/res_agenda21_00.shtml How those guidelines morphed into a conspiracy theory, based almost entirely in the U.S., speaks volumes about the paranoia of individuals who see a Socialist or even Communist takeover behind every rock. Under Agenda 21, these activists argue the expansive American way of life - our freedom, if you will - is under attack by the U.N.Their fear is that once the U.N.s so-called radical utopia is achieved, gun ownership will be forbidden and the UN will raise an army intent on terrorizing the populace in the name of social order, equality, sustainability and smart growth all words that anti-Agenda 21 activists believe signal the true intent of the U.N.s plan. Geez Louise! Ya scared yet? Professor Glen Beck espoused these ideas shortly before he went off the air, so it must be true. Heres a news bulletin.. WE ARENT THE ONLY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD. Although the USA is home to less than 5% of the worlds population, it is responsible for over a quarter of global carbon emissions;I guess we are exceptional. Also exceptional is the fact that we have the most vocal climate change deniers, backed up by straw men scientists hired by the largest resource extractors in the world. We want what we want, when we want it. Sustainability? Whats that? Weve been a country with land to spare and despoil, while we moved on leaving the shells of past development as the eyesores of our greed. Our empty buildings, cities and suburban sprawl become obsolete as we move on to greener pastures, which soon turn black with pavement. Look to your local communities to see the decayed, abandoned strips of yesterday and the new development that will be obsolete in 20 years. How long can this continue? Apparently community zoning is a nefarious plot. illiteracy. Glaciers were melting; CO2 emissions were rising to historic levels with the prospect of disastrous weather phenomenon to follow. They were prescient in that they rightly recognized these problems facing humanity. A total of 178 countries agreed to draft and present some limited preventive guidelines. This was not some socialist ploy to overthrow our American way of life. It wasnt specific to us. Why the panic and outrage at such a logical proposition? Do they want us to be as fearful and paranoid as they? Unfortunately, this U.N. document called Agenda 21 has been relegated to the dustbin of history and largely ignored for two decades to the detriment of all civilizations as our environment continues in decline. Most local solons dont even know it exists. The only use it seems to have is as a rallying pointfor a tight cadre of anti-government patriot activists whose fears are rooted in rightwing lore about a New World Order. Unfounded fear is a powerful motivator. Buffalo Springfield wrote: Paranoia strikes deepInto your life it will creep.It starts when youre always afraid..You step out of line, the man come and take you away.Stop, now, whats that sound, Everybody look whats going down. Laird Bagnall

We arent the only country in the world


Regulation for the good of all the citizens has become evil. People working together for the common good are an assault on our individual freedoms. Narcissists, rise up and fly your flag! How sad; we once saw the benefit of being united. Common sense is now Conspiracy. Sustainability is Socialist. Our throw-away society has become an American virtue so ingrained that simple guidelines become a villainous scheme to overthrow us. Have we become so spoiled and pampered that we think the world belongs to us? We act as though we can do whatever we want, disregard or ignore global problems and not pay the consequences. The United Nations rightly recognized, as far back as the late 80s, that this world was facing a crisis that threatened human survival. The Amazon, Africa, Haiti, and other developing countries were facing deforestation, inadequate or polluted water resources, unsustainable farming practices, overpopulation, disease, floods, famine and

July 25, 2012 a weekly publication 16

perspectives
The Search for Perfection
An article in the Manchester Guardian discusses the pending decision to install cameras at professional soccer games not unlike American policies to institute official review in American football and, to a lesser degree, baseball.Most of us see these technological improvements as good things. They seem to us above all to be a means of assuring fairness, and what is more American or British than fair play? Yet, as the Guardian article points out, the best part of the game of soccer and by extension, professional sports in the United States is its imperfectability.Sports have always been a metaphor for life, so what does this move towards perfectibility say about us as a society? As the articles author, Michael Hann, points out: For me, and for many other fans, one of the beauties of football is its imperfection. Your favorite player might be capable of beating six opponents then calmly side-footing the ball wide of the target. Your goalkeeper might make a wonder save then inexplicably throw the ball to the other sides center-forward. And so it is with referees and their assistants: most of the game, they get everything right, but then to the bafflement and anger of 30,000 people theyll make a decision so wrong it beggars belief. And you know what? Im fine with that. It is a reminder that we are all but human, and our lives are littered with errors. The imperfect, in fact, is celebrated above all else in football. Players and managers cut deep with flaws are celebrated above the metronomes that do their job without incident. Thats whyone of the best-known TV clips, from the 1970 World Cup, shows Pel missing a goal, not scoring. Its why people watch compilations of terrible mistakes. The search for perfectibility is very American. We have always felt that problems are there to be solved, that ingenuity will always prevail and that history itself is a story of progressive improvement.Look how far we have come, say the behavioral optimists.We have conquered disease, expanded human experience through technological innovation, and honed and perfected political and economic systems through democracy and market capitalism. However, we conveniently ignore the fact that, while we have conquered some diseases, new ones have risen up to take their place; and while there is no longer a threat from the Black Death, there is certainly one from Ebola or H5N1 Avian Influenza.Man-made contributions to the environment, whether in the form of toxic chemicals, petroleum by-products or other non-organic pathogens, represent unknown but potentially serious dangers. The brutality of Genghis Khan or Tamburlaine, who swept out of the steppes of Central Asia and marauded their way from east to west, will probably not be seen again, but the mass murders incited by Stalin, Hitler, Mao and Pol Pot were just a few years ago in the scope of human history.A nuclear world is still a dangerous and fragile place. In other words, those who still believe that human perfectibility is within our reach are not paying attention to history.Even playwrights have understood this.Shakespeares Histories recount the endless cycle of war, palace intrigues, toppling of monarchs, and the endless drive for more land, resources and power in the name of self-preservation. The installation of cameras and official review in American sports is a perfect example of our dissatisfaction with things as they are and our desire to make them better.We have none of the perspective of 1,000 years of European history,the 5,000 years of Hinduismor the 2,500 years of Buddhism. Europeans, after suffering through continual wars, have a more balanced and rational view of human history, which, as Shakespeare noted, repeats itself in predictable and never-ending cycles.Buddhists understand that there is no change but change and that the key to enlightenment is understanding that there is no such

By Ron Parlato

thing as perfectibility.Hindus believe in the evolution of the spirit but know that the affairs of man will always be brutal and damaging. The most ironic fact of cameras and official reviews in sports is the fact that the law of averages, the what goes around comes around, is never even considered.A team that is penalized for a bad call will benefit eventually from an equally bad call on its opponent. A ball that is called a strike will be balanced with a strike that is called a ball.If we had let well enough alone, baseball would still be as fair as it always was.Earlier fans knew this and not only lived with it but embraced it.Hey, Ump, whaddya, blind or something? was not only enough, but more satisfying than the antiseptic, cool and rational camera decision, and maybe more democratic, too. Whole sections of Yankee Stadium booing the umpire might affect his eyesight more than the images of a camera. Hann states, More to the point, though, disputes make football more exciting. Where commentators view an on-pitch fight and pompously declare No one wants to see scenes like that, fans see the same thing and bellow their approval. Equally, everyone whos ever crowded into a stadium knows the up swell of anger and adrenalin that follows a horrible call by the referee. They know the way the atmosphere picks up, the way voices rise, the way the fans exhort the team on to greater heights to compensate for the perfidy of officialdom until
SENIO

You dont know what youre doing at the referee. Those moments, when passion becomes uncontainable, are exactly what make football great. Why on earth would anyone want to take them away from the game? It is obvious that all sports will become creations of surveillance. More cameras, placed at more angles, will be deployed in baseball stadiums. As it is now, television has advanced laser/GPS technology that can tell precisely whether a pitch is a ball or a strike, whether a ball is fair or foul, or whether a wide receiver has gone out of bounds.A simple insertion of a computer chip in all athletes will make the game not errorless, but correct. Eventually, sports will become virtual.Video games are now so realistic that their extension to a virtual, 3-D world and even to a computer-mind universe is only a matter of time.In those worlds, we will simply be able to change reality if we dont like it, reverse roles, change winners into losers and create the perfect warrior of our imagination. Sooner or later, we will be able to perfect the human genome through genetic modification.Every advance in genetics, while touted as the answer to disease, aging, dementia and frailty, is really the search for perfection.Ifthe term American exceptionalism has any sense whatsoever, it is in this context. We are alone in the world in believing that it will ever be a better place.

WS NE

Senior News Line


By Matilda Charles
4. How are the caregivers insured? Are they bonded? 5. What skills do the caregivers have? Are they skilled in transfers, dressing and bathing? 6. How does the agency assess these skills? Do they rely only on the applicants word? 7. What is their policy if caregivers cant do what is stated in the contract? 8. If youre unhappy with the care, will the agency provide a substitute? 9. Is there a supervisor who will evaluate the quality of the care? How often? 10. Is the supervision via phone or home visits? Your best bets: Look for a caregiver through your church or support group. Ask others for recommendations. Contact seniors service agencies for recommendations. Matilda Charles regrets that she cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Write to her in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to columnreply@gmail.com. (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

20,000 people Hiring a Caregiver Through are singing an Agency

Cracked Windshield???

Auto Glass

Perfect Balance Massage

When you hire a caregiver for a family member or parent, how do you know who or what youre getting? If you hire someone through an agency, you would expect that its done all the background checks. But can you trust the agencies? AARP posted on its website the results of a study done by Dr. Lee Lindquist of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Lindquist discovered that only half of placement agencies do any background screening or testing of caregivers. Only one-third do any drug 1519 E. Gardner Blvd testing or check out qualifications. Columbus And only one-third send supervisors out to check on caregivers. 662.329.1733 Scary, isnt it? Lindquist developed a list of 10 questions to ask agencies if youre considering using them to hire a caregiver: 413 4th Ave. South 1. How do they recruit caregivers and Suite 16 what are their requirements? Columbus 2. What kind of screenings do they 662.574.1139 do? What level of background check? Hours by Appointment Any drug testing? 3. Is there any training, such as certideborahlampkin.com fication in CPR?

Deborah Lampkin

realstorypublishing.com 17

arts
Feast or Famine
The Real Story Staff
We are truly blessed here in Columbus to have so many cultural activities from which to choose. The problem is that they are often scheduled on the same day, at the same time. This coming week is a case in point. In the span of four days, Columbus will play host to six events. On Thursday, July 26, Columbus Community Theaters production of The Casserole Patrol will start a four-day run. This Laura Cole Thrash comedy features 13 actors from the Golden Triangle and is sure to have theater-goers crying with laughter. Performances are set for Thursday, July 26, through Saturday, July 28, at 7 p.m., with a closing matinee at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 29. The Friday and Saturday performances are dinner-theater style. Tickets for the Thursday and Sunday performances are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Tickets for the dinner-theater-style performances are $20. All performances are at the Rosenzweig Arts Centers Omnova Theater. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.columbus-arts.org, or call (662) 328-2787. Also on Thursday, the Sounds of Summer concert series draws to a close with a performance by Deacon Jones and the Late Night at 7 p.m. at the Riverwalk. This well-attended event is FREE and open to the public; lawn chairs and blankets are welcome, but please no coolers or pets. For more info, visit www.columbusmainstreet.com, or call (662) 3286305. Friday night (July 27) brings the latest installment of Words and Music: An Evening of Spoken Word and Songs, the open mic night that is held at Tampico Bay Restaurant (1515 College Street). This wildly popular monthly event features local singer/songwriters, poets and spoken-word artists. Last months version attracted 60 culture lovers and an incredible array of local performers. The event, which is FREE and open to the public, begins at 6:30 p.m. and ends when the audiences hunger for entertainment is satiated (last month, that was at 10:15 p.m.). If you are interested in performing or just want to learn more about this activity, visit www.randomactsofculture.biz, or call (662) 368-8181. As always. Get out and get your culture on!

July 25, 2012 a weekly publication 18

arts
Portrait of the Artist: Caleb Childs
The Real Story Staff
Some musicians develop their talents over many years of study and practice; others are born with it. Caleb Childs fits into the latter category. This incredibly talented young man (hes only 23) plays the guitar as if he had been doing so all his life. Thats not much of an exaggeration, since he started playing when he was 13. Childs, who claims both Starkville and Louisville as hometowns, indicated that he is entirely self taught; everything he knows, he learned by watching other musicians play and then trying to imitate them. In response to which musicians have influenced him, Caleb cited the late Willie King, Dickie Betts of The Allman Brothers Band, Bobby Womack and Django Rinehart. Childs primary instrument is the electric guitar, although he also plays a pretty mean harmonica. Hes a member of two bands: The Old Memphis Kings, which is a straight-up Delta blues band, and Sipsy Fires, which offers up classic rock. Sipsy Fires got its name from a situation in which the band was returning from a gig in Tennessee and was traveling through the Sipsey Wilderness Area, which was on fire at the time. The bandmates saw that as a sign, and Sipsy Fires was born. The Old Memphis Kings started out as Old Memphis, under the tutelage of Willie King. One night, Willie introduced the band as The Old Memphis Kings; the name just stuck. The Old Memphis Kings are: Drew Blackwell rhythm guitar, lead vocals; Beth Fulgham drums, vocals; Keatzi Gunmoney bass, vocals; and Childs guitar, vocals. Sipsy Fires is made up of: Keatzi Gunmoney bass, lead vocals; Phill Thompson keyboard, vocals; Mark Threet drums, vocals; and Childs guitar, vocals. When asked what the hardest part of developing a career as a musician has been, Childs replied, There are so many great musicians out there; you have to do something different to stand out from the crowd. While The Old Memphis Kings has enough songs written to make up a full CD but has not set a recording date, Sipsy Fires has tentative plans to record their first album by the end of the summer. Both bands play mostly club gigs and festivals. The Old Memphis Kings is scheduled to perform at Daves Dark Horse Tavern in Starkville on August 10. If you have not heard either of these bands perform, you can listen to some tracks and get more information by visiting their Facebook pages: https://www.facebook.com/ sipsy.fires and https://www.facebook. com/pages/The-Old-MemphisKings/10711942094. Whatever your pleasure Delta blues or classic rock you cant go wrong with The Old Memphis Kings or Sipsy Fires! Better yet, see them both!

Donnas Day: Creative Family Fun


Summer Fun With Seashore Shells
Hunting for treasures at low tide along a favorite beach is one of lifes simple pleasures for tots, teens and adults alike. Theres so much to see, smell and discover in natures giant sandbox -- scampering crabs, colorful seaweed, seagulls, jellyfish (they may sting you!) and all those shells. If youre lucky, youll find lots and lots of shells to hand pick and bring back home for a lasting souvenir of the day. Here are some simple lessons and activities that you can do with your young kids and grandkids when you get home. For those who arent hitting one of the coasts this summer, look for bags or baskets full of shells at neighborhood tag sales and thrift stores. Some specialty toy and craft stores sell them, too. CLEAN If you have just collected shells at a beach, wash them in a bucket with mild detergent and set them out in the sun on a towel to dry. Use old toothbrushes to scrub the sand out of crevices. Let school-age kids try a science experiment with broken pieces. Place a piece in a jar and cover the

By Donna Erickson

piece with vinegar. Set overnight. Did it disappear? Explain that shells are composed of calcium carbonate. The acid in the vinegar dissolves the compound. EXAMINE Sort them by type in piles, and find their names online or in a field guide. Challenge your preschooler to arrange the shells from each pile in rows from largest to smallest. Talk about how the surfaces feel and use adjectives to describe colors and features. Use a magnifying glass to observe details. You might be surprised to discover the colors of the rainbow inside some. Abalone shells have brilliant, rainbow-like hues. PUT SEASHELLS ON DISPLAY Create a bowl full of memories, and keep it on an end table or on the center of your dining-room table

for everyone to see. For a dramatic display, use a large, low pasta serving dish with edges. Fill it half-full with clean sand, and arrange shells and other favorite mini seashore finds on top. Set flat shells such as scallops or clams upright in the sand. For added attractions, tuck in a travel postcard, a trip photo in a small Lucite frame and a tiny sailboat or other purchase from a souvenir shop.

Donna Ericksons award-winning series Donnas Day is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday.com and link to the NEW Donnas Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is Donna Ericksons Fabulous Funstuff for Families. (c) 2012 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

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lifestyles

Posing As An Adult
Woman, Thy Name Is Stubborn
By Emily Gather Smith
To demonstrate the level of pure willfulness Ive had my whole life, let me tell you a brief story. I was about 6 years old, and we were having dinner. I was finished eating and wanted to get up, and, for some reason, my dad wanted me to ask to be excused. We had never been asked to do that before or since, so I guess he was trying to prove a point. And so was I. I refused to say it, simply because he was asking me to, and we stared at each other for about two hours. Finally, my mom made him let me get up because it was time for my bath and bed, and he had to relent. I had won. However, the next morning, at 7 a.m., while my dad was snoring loud enough to rattle the windows, I woke him up and asked, May I be excused? At the time, he was still a little ticked, but this became a famous Gaither family story. My parents also attended a church seminar called Raising the Willful Child. Im not sure if they paid for it or not, but I hope not, as I dont really recall any trees bearing fruit from that effort. They used switches and paddles before it was against the law to spank your children, and once I was old enough to climb up to the fireplace and reach the switches, I either broke them in half or hid them. My dad used to say that he spanked my brother once and he learned his lesson, he spanked my sister three or four times and she learned her lesson, and he stopped keeping count of how many times he spanked me. I can remember correcting teachers (not my proudest moments, even if I was right), arguing with friends relentlessly until we forgot what the issue was in the first place, and holding my ground as much as I could and having a heated discussion with a Sunday School teacher about how I didnt think Steel Magnolias was making fun of religion, rather the opposite, and that it was just showing the absurdity of being a fanatic. I believe I was 9 at the time. All of these things make me sound like such an obnoxious person, and I was (and still am, on occasion), but Ill tell you something if I werent stubborn, I wouldnt have ended up where I am now. I never would have moved to Pennsylvania from Mississippi to work for a political campaign, knowing no one, and I would have missed out on one of the best experiences of my life. If I werent stubborn, I might have settled for any number of inappropriate people as a spouse, but I knew I deserved better, and I knew that I needed to settle down within myself before I could even think about marriage. That would be the single best decision of my life, so far. If I didnt have strong opinions and a hard head, I might be (gasp!) boring, which is something Ive never aspired to be and, hopefully, have never been. I want to emulate Dorothy Parker and Nora Ephron, not the women behind the men, and no one ever made a difference by keeping their mouth shut. My point is, yes, I could stand to hold my tongue sometimes, and I am genuinely working on knowing when those times are, but I also know that I will never have relationships with those I love where we hold back; and not holding back is when you get the good stuff (like I was my dads favorite KIDDING!) Dont be afraid to rock the boat and make the boring people hit the water.

Pad Thai Recipe


Ingredients:

-8 oz. Thai rice noodles (or enough for two people), linguini width, available at Asian/Chinese stores -1 to 1- cups raw chicken breast or thigh meat, sliced -Marinade for Chicken: 1 tsp. cornstarch dissolved in 3 tbsp. soy sauce -4 cloves garlic, minced -Optional: 1-2 fresh red chili peppers, minced -3 cups fresh bean sprouts -Three spring (green) onions, sliced - cup fresh coriander/cilantro -1/3 cup crushed or roughly chopped peanuts (or other nuts, such as cashews) - cup chicken stock -1/8 tsp. ground white pepper -Vegetable oil for stir-frying, and wedges of lime Pad Thai Sauce: - tbsp. tamarind paste dissolved in cup warm water (look for tamarind at Asian/Chinese or Indian food stores) -2 tbsp. fish sauce, plus more to taste -1-3 tsp. chili sauce, or substitute tsp. or more dried crushed chili or cayenne, to taste -3 tbsp. brown sugar Preparation:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and remove from heat. Dunk in the rice noodles. Allow noodles to soak while you prepare the other ingredients. Note: you will be frying the noodles later, so you dont want to over-soften them now. Noodles are ready to be drained when they are soft enough to be eaten but are still firm and a little crunchy. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.

Make the Pad Thai sauce by combining the sauce ingredients together in a cup. Stir well to dissolve the tamarind paste and brown sugar. Set aside. Note: this may seem like a lot of sugar, but you need it to balance out the sourness of the tamarind - this balance is what makes Pad Thai so amazing! Warm up a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 tbsp. oil, plus garlic and minced chili, if using. Stir-fry until fragrant (30 seconds). Add chicken together with the marinade. Stir-fry 30 seconds to 1 minute. When wok/pan becomes dry, add chicken stock, 1 to 2 tbsp. at a time, to keep the chicken frying nicely. Continue stir-frying in this way until the chicken is cooked (five to eight minutes). Add the noodles, and pour the Pad Thai sauce over everything. Using two spatulas, wooden spoons or other utensils, immediately stir-fry the noodles. Use a gentle lift-and-turn method (like tossing a salad) to prevent noodles from breaking. Stir-fry in this way one to two minutes. If you find your wok/frying pan too dry, push noodles aside and add a little more oil to the bottom (but no more broth because the noodles will become too soggy). Add the bean sprouts, and sprinkle in the pepper. Continue tossing one more minute or until the noodles are cooked. Noodles are done to perfection when they are no longer hard or crunchy but chewy-sticky wonderful! Taste test for seasoning, adding more fish sauce until desired flavor is reached. Toss well to incorporate. Lift noodles onto a serving plate. Top with generous amounts of fresh coriander, spring onion and crushed/chopped nuts. Add fresh lime wedges (lime is great squeezed over the top). Submitted by Saowanee Sattrakoune, Chef/Owner of Sao Thai Restaurant

July 25, 2012 a weekly publication

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66 2.327.4001

bu m lkin olu s-W ise Rd., C

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We have fresh fish (KAJIKI SASHIMI), Ahi Tuna and more) from Honolulu

lifestyles
Dip-Dye DYI (Do-It-Yourself) Details
If you are looking for a fun and easy DIY that will give you an absolute summer must-have, then this VIP DIY: Dip Dye Shorts is your ticket to the happy train! It is easy and fun, and the outcome is fabulous! Celebrities like Alexa Chung (current host of 24 Hour Catwalk on the Lifetime channel and contributing editor to British Vogue) and Fergie (singer, songwriter and fashion designer) have been spotted wearing dip dye. Now it is time to venture into your closet, grab a worn-out pair of dark denim jeans (or purchase some at a consignment shop as I did) and follow my six simple steps to creating a splendid pair of dip-dye shorts! Supplies needed for this easy DIY: Bleach (I used Clorox Splash-Less.) Paint brush (I used a two-inch brush.) Dark denim jeans Pencil Scissors Vinyl/Latex gloves WARNING: This DIY involves bleach. Be fashionable in a well-ventilated area. Read warning label on bleach bottle. If this is your first time using bleach, I recommend wearing protective eyewear. Remember - safety first. Step 1: Put on the jeans and mark the desired length for the shorts with a pencil. You may want to enlist the help of a friend, relative or neighbor if you desire a more precise cut, or you could wing it like I did! Step 2: Take off the jeans and cut each pant leg at the pencil mark. This is not the time to wing it, so take off the jeans before cutting! Step 3: Mix one cup of bleach with one cup of water for dip-dyeing. You can also mix one cup of bleach with two cups of water for a less bleached look. WARNING: extremely potent. Since the bleach mixture is extremely potent, I will repeat what was said earlier - please perform this DIY in a well-ventilated area for your own fashionable safety! Step 4: Paint on the bleach mixture as far up as you wish to go. When I did this step, I went just over half way. This is only one way to do it. Be yourself, be creative and by all means branch out! Step 5: After painting on the bleach, let the shorts sit for approximately 10 minutes (or until desired bleached effect). Rinse, wring and toss in the washing machine. Do not put shorts in with clothes you do not want to bleach, although it would be the perfect time to whiten those socks. Step 6: Put together a fabulous outfit with your dip-dye creation and e-mail the details (with pictures) to me, the VIP! Why is this step so important? Well, the VIP would absolutely love to write a future blog about all the fashionistas who try my DIYs! So yall get busy DIYing and e-mailing me! With my DIY shorts, I created an adorable, versatile outfit consisting of a 1970s lace blazer (from The Attic in Columbus - you so must visit and shop there!), an REO Speedwagon tank (quite possibly my favorite tank top - EVER), a hot pink and lime green JCrew belt (borrowed from my moms closet and so very vintage) and, of course, the VIP DIY: Dip Dye Shorts! This outfit is perfect for a summer party, dance party, back to school party (even though none of us want to go back-to-school yet) or even just shopping with friends! Now, I will give yall three tips on how to wear dip-dye! It is the perfect summer fashion item that every fashionista needs to know how to wear! 1. Denim on denim: Wear dip-dye shorts with a denim buttondown for the head-to-toe denim look that many celebrities are wearing and fashion magazines are displaying. 2. Throwback: Wear your

lifestyles
The Adventures of the V.I.P.
Abby Hathorn

DIY as the 80s fashionistas did! Pair with a pastel-colored shirt with the neck cut out, a neon tank top, and heels for a totally awesome look. 3. Simple: Pair denim dipdye with a brightly colored v-neck Polo and a sensible pair of sandals. To finish off this simple look, wear your hair in a messy updo (for longer hair) or accessorize with a cute headband (for shorter hair). What a fashionable and comfortable way to take a walk on the beach or even go for a quick coffee run! I hope you have all enjoyed this VIP DIY. Just in case you forgot step number six, please refer to it again, because I know I have the most splendid readers here at The Real Story and on my blog, and I would love to include all of my DIY stars in a future blog! So e-mail me pictures of your VIP DIY creations! Dont forget to like the VIP on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ vintageinspiredpassionista) and follow me on Twitter (@Abbysauce_) and Instagram (@VintagePassionista) to keep up with me while I am on the go and not sitting on my bed with my laptop!

Stay Fabulous!

Renee Reedy Photography & Cinematography

www.reneereedy.com
Studio located underneath Cafe on main downtown Columbus

Recipes from Good Housekeeping


Sauteed Cherry Tomatoes
This savory summer side dish from our sister publication Redbook bursts with flavor and complements all kinds of meats and fish. 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 pint (2 cups) cherry tomatoes 1 tablespoon snipped fresh chives 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; add tomatoes and chives. Saute 2 to 3 minutes, until tomatoes are hot and skins start to split. Season with salt and pepper. Serves 4. Each serving: About 46 calories, 4g total fat, 4g total carbohydrate, 1g protein. (c) 2012 Hearst Communications, Inc. All rights reserved

realstorypublishing.com 21

petcorner

there are training solutions to solve that problem. Another solution, if you must bring your dog, is to bring along a DEAR PAWS CORNER: trustworthy friend who is willing to I cant leave my dog Shadie alone in sit in the car with the dog, with the the house, so I have to take her with motor running and the air condime when I go shopping. How long tioner on to keep it cool. Your friend can I keep her inside my car before it will need to monitor Shadie while gets too hot? My friend says 20 minyou shop. But this has its own pitfalls utes, if I keep the windows cracked a -- I dont know many people willing little. to wait around while their friend is in -- Danielle F., Atlanta the store. Again, I cant stress enough DEAR DANIELLE: how important it is to not leave How about never? A parked Shadie alone in the car, for even a few car in the summer heat, even with the minutes. She easily could su er heat windows open a bit to let in air ow, exhaustion or stroke. Instead, invest can quickly heat up to extreme temsome time helping to resolve Shadies peratures. Neither pets nor humans separation anxiety so shell be happy can stand the quick rise in temperaand healthy at home. ture -- so being le in a parked car can prove fatal. Send your questions or comments to If youre planning to go out ask@pawscorner.com, or write to Paws for a few minutes to pick up some Corner, c/o King Features Weekly groceries or handle a quick errand, Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL leave Shadie at home. Your dog 32853-6475. For more pet care-related should be able to handle a short advice and information, visit www. period without you. If Shadie doesnt pawscorner.com. handle it well, such as getting agitated, chewing up furniture or shoes,

Hot Cars and Pets Can be Deadly Mix

Paws Corner

By Sam Mazzotta

(c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

Animal Antics
The Real Story Staff Report
a sign of inferior intelligence, especially when compared to a cats clever independence. To a cat person, dogs seem desperate for attention of any kind - as evidenced by their willingness to beg shamelessly - and are too easily willing to forgive human transgressions. ey know a cats a nity for their owner is earned, since it is not instinctual, unlike a dogs need for social contact. ere is a widely held cultural belief that the pet species dog or cat - with which a person has the strongest a nity says something about the individuals personality, says Austin psychologist Sam Gosling. Yet numerous studies that have tried to tackle this question in the past have failed to nd convincing evidence for consistent di erences between the two kinds of pet lovers. Although a study that Gosling conducted tended to focus on the negative traits that were present in the respondents, depending on which species they preferred, one set of results illustrates the divide between cat lovers and dog lovers: Forty-six percent of respondents described themselves as dog people, while 12 percent said they were cat people. Almost 28 percent said they were both, and 15 percent said they were neither. Its that 28-percent gure that we should focus on, because it speaks to tolerance and acceptance, qualities that we should aspire to translate to other arenas. And to that we say, meowoof!

Are You A Woof Or A Meow?


ere are a number of issues which have proven, over the years, to be stubbornly divisive. Despite the best e orts of sociologists, authors, educators, activists and just plain folks, race, culture and politics defy total reconciliation. As if the truly volatile positions that evoke vehement reactions were not enough, it seems ironic that we have found another topic over which we can disagree: species preference. Youre probably thinking, What the heck?! ats right there are people who identify themselves as either a dog person or a cat person. And guess what - whether you are willing to admit it or not, you are probably one of those people! Now, you may be neither, but you probably still have strong opinions about what these seemingly polarizing preferences reveal about a persons personality. Dog people, for example, are truly puzzled by a cat persons a nity for an animal that provides seemingly little open a ection or even cooperation. ey question the value of a pet that refuses to perform tricks like dogs do and o en acts aloof towards its owner. And even though most dog lovers will acknowledge cats as lower-maintenance pets, they are critical of an animal that will silently sneak up behind you, lash out at you unprovoked and never, ever, risk its own life (not even one of the nine!) for their owner the way a faithful dog might. Cat people, on the other hand, sco at a dogs blind devotion to its owner. ey see the eager willingness of a dogs obedience as

Save aa Life Adopt Shelter


Pet today!
Gain a friend for life!

BRUCE LEE

Domestic Short Hair, male, brown tabby with white feet, about 5-6mths old, owner surrendered 7/6

July 25, 2012 a weekly publication

Lab mix, 3 mths old, black and white, male, He was owner surrendered 6/15 with his sibling Spud. He loves to be cuddled.

POLO

DENZEL
Domestic Short Hair, dark charcoal, male, about 5-6mths old, owner surrendered 7/9/12. He is a beautiful cat with an unusual color.

TEE

Tee: Terrier/Chihuahua mix, male 2yrs old, white, owner surrendered 7/9. He is the son of Tido and he is a great little dog. He is a bit shy, but warms up fast.

Terrier/Chihuahua mix male, 10yrs old, black and tan, owner surrendered 7/5. He is a lovey lap dog that needs a mature home without small children.

TIDO

Breakfast served ALL DAY on Saturdays

Lunch served Tuesday-Saturday 11:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.

Columbus-Lowndes Humane Society


Surrendering and Reclaiming Pets: Mon-Fri 10am to 5pm

P.O. Box 85 Columbus, MS 39703

662-327-3107

Adoptions: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm Sat 11am-3pm

22

Glenns

comicsandpuzzles
Salomes Stars
For the Week of July 30, 2012
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) A turn in a relationship upsets the amorous Arian, who is puzzled by Cupids romantic antics. Be patient and considerate. The confusion soon will sort itself out. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Its a good time for travel-loving Taureans to take off for fun-filled jaunts to new places. And dont be surprised if Cupid tags along for what could be a very eventful trip. stability you appreciate. Meanwhile, an expanding social life offers a chance to make new friends. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Use an unexpected roadblock in your monetary dealings to reassess your financial plans and make changes, if necessary. It soon will be smooth sailing again. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Aspects of love are strong for both single and paired Sagittarians. Professional dealings also thrive under the Sags clever handling of difficult situations.

1. What is the oldest food franchise? 2.On February 3, 1959, America lost three giants - Buddy Holly, J.P. Richardson (the Big Bopper) and Ritchie Valens in an airplane crash.Who gave his seat up to the Big Bopper just before take-off? 3.The organizers of the 1939 Worlds Fair in New York created a time capsule to be opened in 6939.Two novels were placed in the capsule. One was Arrowsmith by Sinclair Lewis.What was the name of the second novel?(Hint: The year 1939 should be of great help.) 4.Who was the sponsor of the first television commercial? 5.Whose business card read, Second Hand Furniture Dealer, 2222 South Wabash, Chicago, Illinois? Submitted by Glenn Lautzenhiser

Answers to July 18, 2012 puzzles

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You appear to be of two minds about continuing a relationship that seems to be riding roughshod over your emotions. A frank talk could help you CAPRICORN (December 22 to Janudecide one way or the other. ary 19) Set a realistic goal and follow it through to completion. Remember: CANCER (June 21 to July 22) StepYoure more likely to impress the ping back from a relationship probright people with one well-done job lem provides a new perspective on than with lots of jobs left undone. how to deal with it. Meanwhile, watch your words. Something said in anger AQUARIUS (January 20 to Februnow could backfire later. ary 18) You like to plan ahead. Thats fine. But be prepared to make some LEO (July 23 to August 22) A chang- changes because of an unsettled ing situation makes the Big Cat period that influences your aspects uneasy. But hold on until things settle through the 4th. down around the 4th. Meanwhile, continue your good work on that PISCES (February 19 to March 20) A still-unfinished project. brief phase of instability affects your usual work cycle. Use the time to VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) catch up on chores around the house A decided improvement in a workor office. Things settle down soon place situation results in an unexpect- after the 4th. ed, but very welcome, added benefit for everyone. Personal relationships BORN THIS WEEK: You love being also improve. the center of attention and probably would be a big success in show busiLIBRA (September 23 to October 22) ness. Money matters remain a bit unsettled but soon will ease into the kind of (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

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July 25, 2012 a weekly publication

comicsandpuzzles

sports
Harris: My Gift Is Not Coaching - Its Lifting People Up
When discussing college football teams, everyone mentions the star quarterback, running back or defensive player. No one ever mentions the unheralded walk-ons that play a major role in the teams preparations for each weeks game. Reggie Harris, a former Mississippi State long snapper (2000-2003), is one of those unsung guys. He didnt have to travel far from his hometown to become a Bulldog. Harris received a few offers from Division III programs, but he couldnt elicit an invitation to be a Bulldog. My senior year, it was always my dream to play at Mississippi State. I talked to the coaches about deep-snapping at Mississippi State; I ended up walking on as a deep snapper. The rest is history, said Harris. As a scout team player, Harris felt his job was to help the team get ready for the upcoming game. Our main job was to give them a test. Even though I wasnt on the travel squad, I felt like I had a part in the victory or the loss because I helped those guys prepare, says Harris. He added, Sometimes we had injuries. One week, I had to play defensive end. I ended up being scout team player of the week. Half of the time, the reason I was going so hard was because I was scared for my life. The former Bulldog never got a chance to play a starring role in his four years as a Bulldog. I was always a back-up - second or third string, usually, Harris stated. After two years, I ended up earning a spot on the travel squad. I really enjoyed those two years. Although the Macon, Miss., native played during a tough era of Bulldog football, he would never trade the bonds that were formed with teammates while he was there. You can have a bad team and people still have good friendships and relationships with each other. I think that was one of things that held us together. We just liked being in each others company, said Harris. After some initial thoughts of entering the ministry, Harris decided

By Jeremiah Short

with different people, with different personalities and different backgrounds. In coaching high school, you understand how that kid needs to be coached, explained Harris on how playing college football helped him as coach. During his time as a coach at Noxubee County High School, the Tigers won the state title (2008).

to take one of the numerous coaching offers presented to him: linebacker coach and defensive coordinator at New Hope High School. He held that position for two years before taking an assistant coaching job at his alma mater, Noxubee County High School. His unique ability to be able to connect to players may be why Harris was so sought after following his graduation from Mississippi State in 2005. The speed of the high school game is different. Youre able to process things a little bit easier. Along with being able to process things easier, you are able to relate to players. Youre on a college team

Tough Road for Gordon

him in a different direction; its something that has carried him through his playing days and his coaching career. As a player, one of the things the Lord really did was to help me grow and develop as a person. It has been my thing that has gotten me back to the basics. It makes you realize what it is all about, said Harris on his faith. During my coaching career, I got off track as far as my faith, but I ended getting reeled back in. That was the main reason I decided to move up to Branson, because I wanted to get back to serving. He became very involved in his new home of Branson, Mo., while he was trying to cleanse himself spiritually. And that may be an understatement - Harris held jobs as a personal trainer, fitness instructor, bank teller and official at a YMCA, simultaneously. After being away from coaching for two years, Harris could no longer ignore the itch to roam the sidelines. He accepted a position as a Later that year, Harris got involved wide receivers/defensive back coach in a publicized spat with Noxubee at Hollister High School located just County High School Principal Dr. outside of Branson, Mo. For a minHattie Thomas. It eventually led to his ute, I wanted to give up on coaching. accepting the head coaching job at There were some things, spiritually, I Ruleville High School. He expressed wanted to work on. I was really enjoya level of regret over his decision to ing doing that with the bodybuilding publicly accost Thomas. Sometimes and the mentoring I was doing here. I you may feel hurt, cheated or miswas real content with not going back used, but you just have to take it. into it. The more I worked as a referee Everything is hashed out, and I for- the timing felt right, said Harris give her and she forgives me. Life is about why he got back into coaching. too short to live with regret and hold While Harris enjoys coaching grudges. and considers it a blessing to be able Harris only spent one season to do it, he feels that it isnt what he is at Ruleville - resigning after the first best at doing. semester of school - while hoping to My gift is not coaching - its get into college coaching. His faith led lifting people up.

Trivia Answers: 1.A & W Root Beer, started by Roy Allen and Fred Wright in 1922. 2.Waylon Jennings. 3.Gone With the Wind, by Margaret Mitchell. 4.Bulova Watch Company, on July 1, 1941, at a cost of $9. 5. Alphonse Capone.

realstorypublishing.com 25

Never has four-time champion Jeff Gordon gone through a season like this one. Gordon, who turns 41 on Aug. 4, failed to make the Chase, NASCARs version of what other sports call playoffs, in 2005, but that year he finished 11th in the final point standings. At present he is 17th, winless and 89 points out of the top 10. In a span of seven races, the chance of Gordon reaching the top 10 (by regular seasons end) is almost nil. He could make the Chase as a wild card, but that almost certainly would require a pair of victories. Gordon finished sixth in the Lenox 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, but at this point, it makes little difference. Gordon must win and knows it. Indianapolis Motor Speedway is next up on the schedule July 29. Gordon is the only NASCAR

driver with four Brickyard victories. He can ill afford to let this one pass without winning a fifth. Weve made some gains this year, and the speed has shown many times, just the results havent, Gordon said. But I think back to last year at Indianapolis and how good we were, and thats what memory Im going to have going in there this year; how can we be that good, and improve on our performance versus our competition in these next several weeks. Gordon finished second to upset winner Paul Menard at Indianapolis last year. The urgency to win starts in Daytona in February, so were not doing anything different than we have all year long, Gordon said. Were just trying to cross our Ts and dot our Is and just do everything right. We know how hard it is to win, and we also know how easy it can be

when you do things right and have a fast race car. Is there urgency? Yeah, absolutely. One win is going to be great, but its still not going to get us into the Chase, I dont believe. We know weve got to put a string of races together here to get ourselves in that opportunity to win more than one race.

Its quite a challenge, even for one of NASCARs all-time greats, and the regular season is winding down. Monte Dutton covers motorsports for The Gaston (N.C.) Gazette. E-mail Monte at nascarthisweek@yahoo. com. (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

sports
When Will All Of This Come To An End?
By Jeremiah Short
The recent uproar over whether to remove Joe Paternos statue outside of the Penn State football stadium has been the water cooler conversation across America. One citizen even went so far as to have a banner flown over the Penn State campus stating, Take the statue down or we will. The Penn State administration, again being slow to act, has said a decision will take place in 7-10 days - likely by the time you are reading this, but I think you get the think the average college fan understands that dynamic. College coaches who have brought a certain level of prestige to their schools have long been worshipped like a deity or attained god-like status among the fans that follow them. It is almost like they can do no wrong in their eyes. But, time and time again, these very coaches let them down, as Joe Pa did the Penn State fan base. Even after the recent findings that Paterno had covered up Jerry Sanduskys transgressions for years, there are still fans who remain loyal to a coach that allowed such heinous actions to take place on his watch. Paternos situation is just the most point. recent example of a legendary or I have to wonder, how did popular coach not living up to fans the debate about the removal of a impressions. statue get so serious? This is not like Bobby Bowden, the former a decision about whether to remove Florida State head coach, who is the Lincoln Memorial or the Statue second to Joe Paterno on the career of Liberty; its over a statue of a man wins list, was hit with sanctions that who coached football games. I believe stripped him of 14 victories (2006 that there is a distinct difference and 2007 seasons) because of a between the landmarks, but I dont cheating scandal involving 25 of his football players. An ESPN report exposed the fact that Bowden had players on his team with IQs of 60 who read at second- and third-grade reading levels. This is the same man who has been condemning Paterno over his actions. The former Seminole coach may not have covered up a sexual assault, but he isnt in a position to throw stones. It sounds more like sour grapes, on his part, for losing the race to the top of the mountain. Another legend-in-themaking, Urban Meyer, who won two of the last six national titles with the University of Florida (he is now at Ohio State), was accused by his own players in a Sporting News article (From Champs to Chomped) of running a dirty program, engaging in all-out favoritism and overlooking instances of star players running afoul of team rules. One of the most damning accusations was that former Gator superstar receiver Percy Harvin attacked Billy Gonzales, the Gators wide receivers coach, with no penalty. And Ohio State hired Meyer to bring

respectability to their program after Jim Tressel landed the Buckeyes on probation. Meyer may let his coaches get assaulted with no penalty, but hey, he can coach them up, though. I dont even want to get started on Bobby Petrinos mess at Arkansas. The question I ask is this: When will all of this come to an end? By this, I mean this worshipping of men who are obviously flawed and whose main contribution to society is winning a ring or beating the rival school. I know some readers will say to themselves, My coach does it the right way; my response would be to give it a couple of years. Or 61 years, as in Paternos case. Its time for fans to take a step back and treat coaches for what they are - mortal men, not gods.

July 25, 2012 a weekly publication 26

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