Eat your greens. They're good for you!
The Northwest Rankin Middle School is doing something that makes me so excited: They are reading a book (A Long Walk to Water), trying to make a difference (raising $15,000 so a village in South Sudan can have a well), AND using social media to help (through a Twitter account and the #LeaveAPawPrint hashtag). THREE of my favorite things! If you're excited too and want to help, you can donate here. If you have more time than money, share their message on social media to help out!
Speaking of teachers, I heard an interesting segment on NPR One this week on classroom discipline and how no one really teaches teachers about how to control a class. Before I taught writing in college during my assistantship for my master's degree, I witnessed a psychology PhD student lose control of an intro to statistics class he was teaching and I was taking. I learned more about what NOT to do as a teacher in that class then I did about statistics. And, sadly, he had good intentions. He was not a bad guy or a bad teacher. He just conceded control of his class and could NOT be a good teacher.
October 25th was Make a Difference Day, but if you want to continue making a difference and you're a Mississippi hunter, you may want to find out more about Hunters Harvest (and use some of your bounty to feed the hungry).
Mississippi’s strong record of producing football greatness shined on last weekend as Peyton Manning broke an NFL record that was held by Mississippian Brett Favre beforehand. Manning threw his 510th touchdown pass in last Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers, leading the Broncos to a 42 to 17 victory. Favre’s number was 508.
“Just want to say congratulations on breaking the touchdown record,” said Favre in a video on nfl.com. “Well deserved. Not surprised, and hopefully many more to come for you.”
I like both LSU and Ole Miss (and Mississippi State even too!). But no matter who's playing, I'm definitely a fan of using the word "slobberknocker" much more in sports writing.
Halloween is this Friday - and it seems like if you don't dress up, YOU will be in the minority. No need to spend all that money though, just make your own costume! Goth Barbie might be a good one. Barbie sales are plummeting downward, excepting these Barbies with fangs and fishnets. Go figure...
Mark your calendar for a benefit for harp great, Greg "Fingers" Taylor. It will take place on November 8 in downtown Clarksdale from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.. This harmonica festival will honor Taylor's music and will raise funds for his mounting medical bills.
Bands scheduled to perform are Mitch Kashmar, Johnny Sansone, Watermelon Slim, Blind Mississippi Morris, Deak Harp & Lee Williams Juke Joint Duo, Billy Gibson, Terry "Harmonica" Bean, Bill Abel & Jon Popper, Carson Diersing, Kilborn Alley Band, Reverend Robert, and Heather Crosse. Hosted by Deak's Harmonica Emporium, the Pink Bar, and Delta Blues Museum, the event will take place at the Delta Blues Museum Stage located next to the Delta Blues Museum. Taylor played the harmonica in Jimmy Buffett's band and on Buffett's records for many years.
Wristbands are $25 at the gate, and $20 in advance. No coolers or outside drinks allowed, food and beer will be sold on site at Pink Bar. There will also be a harmonica workshop on the preceding Friday at Deak's Harp Emporium. For more information and for tickets, visit www.mississippisaxophonefestival.com.
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