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Photo: University of Virginia School of Law | Charlottesville, Va.
Wednesday, March 31
The Government .... the more I read about our federal government, the more urgent widespread change seems to be. This urgency could be spurred by the media´s propensity for sensationalism and negativitiy, but both parties seem more concerned with running down the other and winning turf wars than they do maintaining and improving our great nation. Some of you folks that have been following politics for decades, has it always been this way? Has the vitriol (sp?) always been this bad. A citizen can´t even come close to ascertain the truth because arguments and opinions from our leaders, opinion columnists, and tv pundits are so slanted in one direction. Howard Dean had the right idea. We do need to take our country back. But how? And from who?
Hardy and Jack ....... My two latest reads on the rail, Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy and Jack by Former GE CEO Jack Welch, are quite good so far, though Jack is not as strong as Guiliani´s Leadership, which I finished yesterday. Hardy is an outstanding writer, and his books are so bleak that they stay with you for a long time. The other Hardy book I´ve read, Tess of the D´Ubervilles (sp) was powerful and gut-wrenching. Does anyone have recommendation for some other books I should pick up and read as I go.
Mississippi´s youngest statewide official ......... good article about Tate Reeves, Mississippi´s 29 year old State Treasurer.
Tuesday, March 30
New Photos ...... will be posted this weekend while I staying at Josh Kyle´s house in France. Will have pictures from Paris, Madrid, Toledo, Lisbon, Lagos, Sevilla, Valencia, Barcelona, and Montpellier.
Orange Power ..... I may be in the minority, but I am pulled for Oklahoma State to win a national title. The Cowboys need to have some postseason success after their effort against the Rebels fell short in The Cotton Bowl. I enjoyed meeting their fans, who were not the least bit obnoxious with the exception of their bright orange wardrobes.
Ole Miss Rebel Spotted in Valenica ..... As I entered this internet cafe in Valenica and was waiting at the counter to pay, who should come up and greet me but Spencer Bryan, a sophomore from Memphis, TN, Ole Miss student, and fellow Snake, who is studying abroad for the semester.
Bush vs. Kerry .... How is race looking over in the States? Kerry has a substantial among the Canadians, British, French, and Spanish I've spoken with, but Bush is picking up steam in the states. Pundits, what are your predictions?
Gordon is having his inauguration Wednesday at the Lyceum in the middle of the afternoon. Check your local listings for additional details.
Bettie (sp?) and Byron, Gordon´s parents, will be in attendance, and apparently, so will Haydn Roberts. Hopefully Steve Guyton too.
Will Gordon give a memorable inauguration speech?
Will Alan Bean tear up in his farewell speech?
Will Hardy take tomorrow to finally donate his presidential salary ($1800 over 6 months) to charity as he promised voters during his presidential campaign?
Will Dustin Todd begin impeachment proceedings on Gordon immediately?
Will the post-inaugural snacks be as tasty as ever?
I don´t know. I won´t be there. But tune in to SNN to find out. Someone will have the answers.
Found my way .... barely made the train .... now in Valencia .... After hours of wandering though the serpetine roads of Sevilla, I found my Hostel and a restaurant where I ate a scrumptuous Seafood Paello.
I woke this morning to a pitch black sky and without the assistance of my wristwratch alarm. Not a creature was stirring in the hostel. I figured the time to be around 5, but to my horror, it was 7:41. The train to Valencia -- the only one of the day -- was leaving at 0800. I threw my belongings into my two bags, left The Sunday Times, put my clothes on, and busted downstairs. I awoke the dozing desk clerk to confirm the time, then sprinted to the bus station, where luckily, three caps were idling across the street. I ran to a cab, and the driver told me to go to the next cab. That cab driver told me to go to the next cab driver. The third cab driver took off and pulled his taxi into one of the winding streets on Sevilla. Stoplights were every few meters. Traffic was heavy. At 0757 we slithered into the front of the train station. I only had a 20 euro bill, and the driver said they didnt take change. I smelled BS, but I yelled ámigo, it is your lucky day. He started jabbering in Spanish. I dont believe the jabbering was badmouthing. I sprinted into the station, looked for the platform. Not seeing a train for Valencia, I ran toward the train to Barcelona. Might be the same. As I down the steps and onto the platform, the rail security guard asked where I was headed. Valencia. He nodded and pointed to the train. I leaped on to the train, chest heaving, and a guy who was a cross between George Clooney and Morrows dad said someting to me in Spanish. As I was catching my breath and thinking of my good fortune. The train began moving. I had made it on the train = with 20 seconds to spare. Until I spotted the train, I never thought I would make it. But I never quit moving. Even against great odds, one should never quit. Because you just never know.
Monday, March 29
Lost in Sevilla ......... I am trapped in a labyrinth. The roads are all one way, narrow, winding, and cars zip down them going 30 or more. I have seen a couple of old ladies nearly get decapitated. Cab drivers, residents, students, no one knows where the hostel I plan to stay is located. Good thing I hadn´t already booked it. If I disappear for good, you will know where I am located, Sevilla, Spain.
Sunday, March 28
A new friend, Pabst, and NASCAR ..... I made a new friend on the train on the way to Lagos. The only other American traveler, he is working in Edinburgh and has the same name as Michael J. Fox s character on Family Ties.
I saw a guy with a Pabst Blue Ribbon cap in Toledo, Spain. He had a southern accent. I went to get my bag from the bus, and when I looked up, he was gone. Must have been a mirage. Pabst is great.
Last night I dreamed I had finished 2nd in the NASCAR race at Rockingham and was becoming a big racing star. Only in my dreams could I be so lucky.
Lagos ....... This fishing town on the Atlantic Ocean is paradise on the Atlantic. The beaches are below towering cliffs, and off season provides relative tranquility with the same beauty. I am staying at Zatilda s house. She came up to me on the train and offered a room for 20 euros. Im not sure why I said yes '' I guess for a story to tell on the blog '' but I am glad I did. It is by far the nicest place i have stayed thus far. I have taken some great photos from this town and will provide a story for you in greater detail when I get extended time in front of a computer.
Friday, March 26
Charity Bowl .... Sigma Nu Charity Bowl is today. They are playing Kappa Sig. Talk about an odd couple. Sigma Nu and Kappa Sig, though neighbors, never interacted much while I was at Ole Miss. Many of my big buddies -- Varnado, Granville, Bean, Gannon, Beck and Squirrel, Buckster, etc. -- were Kappa Sigs, but for the most part, the two organizations stuck to themselves. Im looking forward to seeing how the game and the party turn out. I know the Sigma Nus will be hard pressed in the trenches without Murphy, Pete, Daniel Walker, and I.
Michael Archie looks to be a wonderful recipient. I hope the money raised will aid him greatly in his recovery.
Somebody post an update on the game and the weekend.
Parable of the Talents .... I was reading the Book of Matthew last night, and I did not completely understand some portions of The Parable of the Talents. Help needed.
Congratulations, Gordon Fellows.... Not only is he the new ASB President, but he has been named 2003 2004 Senator of the Year. That should factor into the BTN Leadership Award voting.
Dale says National Democratic Party out of touch with Southern voters..... Echoing the sentiments of Georgia Senator Zell Miller. Read here
Eustachy hired as USM Coach .....the former disfavored Iowa State University coach accepted a job as the new coach of the University of Southern Mississippi men's basketball program. Read the story hereIm surprised at the hiring, but happy for USM. Eustachy is a high profile guy with roots that spread across the country. Looking at his record, I think he may have succeeded at ISU off Tim Floyds talent. But with Louisville and most of the big name CUSA teams bolting to the Big East, now is the time for USM to establish themselves. Good move by Dr. Thames. Im sure the faculty will protest.
My Dream = Fletcher a Star
Last night, I dreamed my old, dear friend Brent Fletcher had become an international superstar in some sports that was a cross between lacrosse and rugby. I went to play with him one day, and it was amazing how good he had become. My other friend, Bryan Madden, a great athlete, was upset that Fletcher was upstaging and went to try the game out himself. Im unsure what happened after that, because the conductor woke me up and handed me my railpass and ticket back.
Celebrities
When I have time, I will tell yall about the best celebrity encounters of my life, most notably, Al Franken and Eb from Green Acres. In the meantime, let us hear your stories.
MSU Basketball
What was the response in Mississippi after MSU loss to Xavier in the NCAA Tournament?
In Lisbon..... Portugal is a unique place, not the European power it was once. Now, it is a sleepy town of 650,000 on the Tagus River. Maybe it is Europe s equivalent of Memphis, without the Rendezvous, the Grizzlies, Beale Street, and a feeling that one is about to be mugged on the street.
The con men here sell sunglasses out of their long jackets, and when you refuse them, they offer you these brown rocks or marijuana.
I decided to be supertourist for the day since I dont know my way around and I took a double decker tour bus around the city. I wise investment. Lisbon may be prettier than Madrid, though it cannot match Paris or Toledo, Spain.
The hostel I am staying in is wonderful, the Pensao Royal. The room actually has its own bath. I took my first long shower since I came to Europe.
Tomorrow, I will taking the ferry across the river and then a train to Lagos, Portugal, a beach town where I probably wont find a hostel. After Lagos, I will be visiting Sevilla, Spain, Valenica, Spain, Barcelona, Spain, Montpellier, France, and Marseilles.
Thursday, March 25
Open Thread====Comment on whatever interests you today.
Wednesday, March 24
The Rock = The Next Action Hero?
In France, The Rock is almost as big as The Louvre. Through the subways and on the streets, I saw advertisements for The Rock´s latest movie, Welcome to the Jungle. I even read an article in London´s Sunday Times about him. Apparently, he´s a bigger star in Europe than he is America. All the bouncers and tough guys in France dress and have the same hair style as the Rock. Who would have thought Rocky Maivia, that awful kid who barely beat The Sultan at Wrestlemania nearly a decade ago, is now being hailed as The Next Action Hero.
Questions to Ponder
Alone, and in a strange country, I spend most of my time thinking and taking pictures. Here are couple of questions I want to pose for ya´ll.
1. How are we supposed to treat beggars in the streets?
2. Is a country leader´s a liar if important information he reveals to his constituents that he received from normally reliable sources turns out to be inaccurate of false?
3. Could a 3rd party candidate, with the proper media attention and money, win the Presidency in 2004?
Please Respond.
Analysis of the Ben T. Newton Leadership Award
Ben,
Since I am the original recipient of this award, I thought I should provide an insightful analysis into who you should choose as this year´s winner. The group of contenders is strong, and you certainly have a difficult decision on your hands. Dustin Todd is a dedicated campus lawmaker whose pugnaticy and media savviness helped topple a presidential regime. Josh Combes is a consistent and reliable insider who spent four years in the ASB, serving three terms as senator, holding two cabinet positions, running for ASB President, chairing the Rules Committee, and ultimately ascending to the Vice President of the student body. But we can not forget Cassie Norton, who I nominated previously. Cassie is an attractive choice, a long serving member who was a senator and was a cabinet member under three separate presidential administrations. Then there is Alan Bean. Like Paul Bremer in Iraq, Alan inherited a mess, but has carefully administered to the organizations, restoring order where there had been none. There is also former ASB President Hardy Case. A take no prisoners type, Hardy waged war on The Elections Commission, The Department of Justice, The ASB Senate, The Dean of Students, The Chancellor, The Daily Mississippian, and his own cabinet. He brought the ASB into the spotlight with unprecedented coverage and is now the Executive Director of the Colonel Reb Foundation. A sentimental favorite might be Marshall Rivers, the William Taft of the ASB, who after serving campus wide as Treasurer, returned to the ASB senate to represent the graduate school. Just like this award´s namesake, Marshall didn´t retire from the ASB after his first 4 years were up. But my recommendation, Ben, goes to someone else. I think most of these candidates would be fine choices, but I´m recommending a proven leader, a visionary with bold new ideas and big aspirations for Ole Miss, an astute politican who buried his political rival and his special interest money and picked up an awe inspiring 2000plus votes, a Republican who effectively chaired the College Republicans throughout Haley Barbour´s successful campaign, a livewire whose loud laugh makes many laugh out loud (or at him). I´m talking about Gordon Fellows. I think Gordon is more than worthy of carrying on the legacy of this esteemed award. That´s my recommendation. Take it for what it´s worth.
Lookalikes Galore
The world is a very large place. That being said, we should expect to have some people out there look very similar to us. In Europe, I haven´t found my match, but I´ve certainly found some matches for others. Two gentlemen I´ve seen looked exactly like Matt Ginn, one girl was a near exact replica of Melinda Trotter, and for you guys that follow politics, in the airport this morning, one of the travel center employees was a dead ringer for Dewayne Thomas. Seated across from him reading a newspaper - a carbon copy of Richard White. Eerie, indeed. I was hoping to see more Jessica Simpson lookalikes, but I have seven weeks to go.
Throw Snyder From the Train.... For a few harrowing hours, I would have preferred this option. I decided to take the overnight train from Paris to Madrid to save a few bucks on a hostel. I had to upgrade to first class for the trip, so I was expected some long, luxurious seats to stretch my legs out. I was completely wrong.
The first leg of the trip was excellent, as I updated my journal and viewed the gorgeous French wine country. The stretch from Paris to Boudreaux was impressive. It definitely beats the view we have when we´re driving to Batesville on I55 North. After six hours, we stopped in Irun. Where that is, I do not know. I ate an emplanada and a boccadillo (not good), and after 10 minutes of figuring out which cab I was supposed to be in, I was seated and on my way.
There were only two of us in the cabin car. Myself and an ancient man with a whooping cough. He had coughing spells where I thought he might choke and die. But he made it. I fared only slightly better. I had managed to fall asleep around 11, but then I was woken up by a police officer who needed to see my passport. Then around 3 AM, the Tylenol PM kicked in, and I was able to have a great 4 hour nap. I crashed another hour and a half at the train station when I arrived at 7:35, and with a Diet Coke to kick start me, I was on my way.
On my next overnight train -- tomorrow from Madrid to Lisbon -- I´m going to get a couchette. I may be stuck next to another guy with whooping cough, but at least my back won´t be twisted and I can lie flat for an evening.
Spanish Keyboard..... This thing is crazy. It has all these odd symbols and none of our American symbols are in their regular place. It took me five minutes to find the ALT GR button that allowed me to hit the @ button. I would change it to the English keyboard, but the computer cafe administrator has that option locked. Although, after a few hours on this thing, I think it could be very user friendly.
Tuesday, March 23
Squirrel
Next time ya'll see Squirrel at Old Venice, get him to tell you about his trip to the Eiffel Tower and how he and three others made their mark on Paris.
Last Day in Paris
I'm spending my final day in Paris today, checking out Notre Dame, Museum D' Orsay, and any other landmarks I missed in Day One. Paris is much smaller than London, but more striking. The view from The Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe were magnificient. The Young & Happy Hostel was a great place to stay. Heavily American crowd. Very friendly. Taking the night train from Paris to Madrid this evening. When I find a more reasonably priced cybercafe, I'll be posting more regularly. Madrid is supposed to have better access than Paris.
Saturday, March 20
Speaking of protests .... I ascended to rank of political celebrity last February when a protest was staged against me! I was in my office, when someone came in and told me to check out the Union Plaza at 1 o'clock. A couple of former Ole Miss students had orchestrated a protest against the ASB administration. Their candidate had been disqualified for the election for several egregious violations, so naturally, instead of defending the allegations, the candidate and supporters tried to convince everyone of a vast conspiracy. So 1 o'clock rolls around, and about 15 people are outside The Union. Two or three have signs like 'Let the Votes Count' and 'The ASB is violating my civil rights.' 5 or 6 are hanging back, possibly a little uncomfortable about protesting a student government election. In typical protest fashion, the 'protestors' stood around for about 10 minutes and when the photographer from The Oxford Eagle showed up, they left.
Socialists Practicing Capitalism At Anti-War Rally .... Men and women wearing shirts saying 'Socialist Workers Party' spent their time at the protest rally selling newspapers, posters, and other accessories for peace-lovin', Bush n' Blair hatin' protestors. I asked one if since he was socialist would he share his proceeds with me. He did not respond. I think my question pertained more to communism than socialism, but hey, it's hard to be clever or cute on the spur of the moment.
My Visit to An Anti-War Rally .... Today, I had the 'privilege' of watching an Anti-War rally held at Trafalgar Square in London. The crowd numbered in the thousands, a group that included all ages and many different nationalities. Most held signs on stick posts that sad things such as 'Bliar! Bliar! Iraq's on Fire' , 'Wanted: Bush & Blair For War Crimes $$$ Reward: Peace $$$ ' , 'Free Palestine', and 'George Bush: No.1 Terrorist'. I even saw a paper dollar bill with 9-11 on it. I'm not quite sure what that was supposed to symbolized, and it's probably better I don't.
I try to be tolerant of other people's beliefs, but these people are absolutely wrong. I left angry and even more satisfied that I am an American.
One speaker was a Labour MP who went on to say that George W. Bush was the real terrorist, an oppressor to the Iraqi people and to the world. He said Tony Blair didn't represent the true Labour party. He even said World War I was a mistake. I've heard Vietnam called a mistake, but World War I? He talked about all these deaths throughout the world -- Iraqi civilians, Afghanis, Somalians, Cubans (didn't know Cuba was in a war). He neglected September 11. I guess that didn't matter. For individuals who preach 'peace', they sure do use some hate-filled rhetoric.
What these rallies are really about is for angry people to express their Anti-Americanism and Anti-Semitism under the guise of supporting peace. Israel should have been a complete nonfactor in this rally, but the Israel-Palestinian conflict was high on the agenda as well. No matter what America does, these people will oppose it. They hate our country. They hate us. You can't imagine the level of hatred until you've been a few feet from these people yelling and blowing whistles and doing all sorts of additional crazy things.
Osama Bin Laden and Saddam Hussein were not mentioned during the time I was at the rally. Go figure.
Look, I understand people are going to oppose the War in Iraq and may oppose any war. So be it. But there is a growing faction of individuals -- in America and abroad -- who have become dangerously fanatical. It's frightening.
London Through a Camera Lens ..... with an almost exhausted digital camera around my neck, I have tried my hardest to capture London. Set aside about a day, because that's how long it'll take you to view the 200+ photographs. Click here
That's Pat .... the International Version ..... e-mail me for the story.
Good Quote on The War on Terror .... The leader of the Conservative Party in Britain, Michael Howard, said that it would be a terrible thing if the Madrid attack led terrorists to conclude that 'attacking America results in retribution, but attacking Europe results in victory.'
The U.S., Britain, and others should not back down in the War on Terror. Folks, these terrorists hate Western culture and will attempt to destroy us no matter what approach we take with them. The 'leaders' in Spain think appeasement will work. Ask Neville Chamberlin and Britain if appeasement worked when they tried it with Adolf Hitler.
An American Health Care Crisis .... Before I launch into this blog, I'll admit I know very little about health care besides it is quite expensive in America relative to other nations and that the state and federal government provide good health care benefits for their works. I also know it's a major issue of the Democrats in the 2004 election.
Many leading Democrats want to socialize medicine to lower health care costs. They also want to buy drugs in bulk from Canada to alleviate the price Americans, specifically Older Americans, pay for prescription drugs. Bill and Hill tried to socialize medicine back in 1993 or 1994, but failed miserably in the effort.
Jonah Goldberg, a columnist for The Times of London, gives a very interesting and thought-provoking look into the American health care system and its differences with Europe. What's happening is simple.
Drug companies need lots and lots of money for research, so they can develop new drugs. This result is a heavy cost for the consumer -- the American consumer. We are bankrolling the drug companies so they can develop new drugs without financially collapsing.
What is happening, Goldberg says, is the baby boomer generation in America is pushing for more health care benefits.
Goldberg says,
......... 'we are likely to see self-absorbed, aging baby-boomers declare they're willing to forgo medical innovations tomorrow for cheap pills today. And once a country expands these sorts of entitlements, it's almost impossible to contract them.'
Goldberg believes Europe and Canada should do more to pay their fair share, but he says .... 'with the notable exception of Britain and a few others, the Europeans have made the same calculation they've made when it comes to fighting the War on Terror: count on the Yanks to take the risks and then enjoy the benefits without ever saying thank you.'
America's leaders are going to have to come to the table and figure out a way to solve this problem because this is a dangerous issue that will only worsen without immediate and proper treatment. We're going to need more than empty rhetoric from Democrats that attacks big drug companies and boats of bigger government, and we need more than election-year appeasement by Republicans who are more worried about getting votes from the elderly in the upcoming election and less concerned with America's long-term solvency.
.... a few of you med students and potential med students, please weigh in on this subject.
Friday, March 19
BlaggBlogg ..... I only have one buddy who has a blog. His name is Alex Blagg, and his site is http:/www.blaggblogg.blogspot.com. Alex is originally from Memphis, now lives in San Francisco, and his politics differ greatly from mine. Alex is a talented writer, and since these 'bloggers' are a network, I wanted to give his site some props.
George Bush .... The World's No.1 Terrorist? .... according to the British Socialist Party, he is. I wonder where Osama Bin Laden ranked on this list. Anyway, this bunch of wackos were passing out flyers in Queensway tonight as I searched for supper. The flyers said Tony Blair and Bush were murderers. Saddam Hussein was not mentioned. They are sponsoring a big protest tomorrow. I may have to check it out. No matter what happens, this protest will pale in comparison to the one I saw by the Somalians on Parliament Square Wednesday.
Hostel Time ..... Envision Stockard Hall -- before renovation. Then add a runny sink, six more people to a room and lousy plumbing and you've got a European hostel. It's also surprisingly difficult to reserve a room. My hostel situation is becoming so bleak that I may be forced to call the hotel rather than relying on online reservations
The Last Juror .... Grisham is Back to The Good Stuff .... i spent yesterday evening reading the last juror. if you haven't picked it up, i suggest you do so. it's john grisham in his element. he's writing about mississippi, politics, crime, and race, and small towns, topics in which he possesses a prodigious amount of knowledge.
he sets the book in the 70s ... which is a plus. the book brought me back to the eupora of the my early childhood.
grisham even indirectly mentioned my grandfather. he commented that an election was being held for public service commissioner, and my granddad was psc for north mississippi at that time. while that's very minor, it still is enough to let me tell folks john grisham mentioned my granddad in his latest book.
44.... yep folks, that's how many viewers Snyder News Network is getting per day, which puts me neck and neck with msnbc and the arsenio hall show in its hey dey.
ncaa tournament .... what does everyone think of the ncaa tournament so far?
Thursday, March 18
Day Two: Celebrities, Shepherd's Bush, Bad Chinese Food, etc. .....If you're ever in London - around Shepherd's Bush - please avoid a Chinese restaurant called The Happy Garden. The food was deplorable. Where is China Royale when you actually want Chinese? so far here are the highlights ..... taken a bunch of pictures .... mingled with a mob of angry somalians protesting in parliament square ..... got my picture with tom cruise and penelope cruz ..... barely found a seat on the gatwick express, but did receive a couple of angry glares before the person next to the empty would put his/her bad next to it .... walked about 2 miles below ground to catch a subway around london ..... checked out buckingham palace and all the other touristy stuff .... read some of grisham's last juror and ate a 1 pound double cheeseburger from mcdonald's to keep america in mind .... still haven't set my watch for london time ..... grabbed some tasty fish and chips ..... i've got some other stories .... but i'm down to 45 seconds on the internet cafe ticker. i will start writing this in a journal before transcribing it to the net.
Wednesday, March 17
Day One: Jetlag Strikes .... The European keyboard is causing me trouble, and I can barely string together a complete sentence, so I will keep this short. London is a marvelous and charming city. I've had my share of roadbumps -- mostly digital cameras problems -- but nothing too bad.
It's 8:30 in London, and I'm 30 minutes from sleep. I haven't gone to bed this early since 8th grade. When my brain begans to function properly again, I'll post some of my humorous stories from the first day including obnoxious plane' riding Americans, a scene from Forrest Gump, and my moody Kodak camera.
Tuesday, March 16
I'M LEAVING ON A JET PLANE..... today that will take me first to Detroit, and then finally to London Gatwick, dubbed "The Jackson International Airport of Britain" by Bardwell. I'll be spending eight weeks traveling Western and Central Europe with a sturdy travel bag, three days of clean clothes, a travel guide or two, my not so trusty digital camera, a keen eye, and an open mind. This is my first trip "across the pond." I'll be updating SNN regulary to keep you posted on my adventures and to provide perspectives as an American traveling abroad during such a tumultuous time.
Sunday, March 14
LINKS, LINKS, EVERYWHERE!........... A person who fails to read fails to learn. A person who quits learning quits living. That's the Drew Snyder quote of the early AM, and it is also a reason for all of you to actually click a few of these hundreds of links I've added to SNN. You can find all the news you need and want from Mississippi, the U.S., and the world. A whole wealth of new information is just a click away, and it's brought to you by me.
3:19 AM. I've finally added the links. Now I remember why I never particularly enjoyed website design. It takes too long, and I'm not very efficient with it.
Wednesday, March 10
Is anger all we want from our potential leaders ...
John Kerry. He is a 60-year United States Senator from Massachusetts, a multi-millionaire, a Yale graduate, a Vietnam veteran with a purple heart or three, and a testy, angry soon-to-be Democratic nominee for United States President. Despite his great personal story and nearly two decades of accumulating policy ideas in Washington, Kerry's presidential campaign thus far has been a three-issue candidacy consisting of 1. Bashing George W. Bush 2. Bashing George W. Bush 3. Bashing George W. Bush. Sadly, this strategy may prove effective, but for a united, prosperous America, we need to elect leaders who campaign on hope, not hate.
Memphis preseason No.14 !?!...... Is anything is possible? I once thought no, but now I may be changing my mind. The Memphis Tigers, a college football program stained by mediocrity over the last ... oh .... eternity or so .... has been ranked No.14 in Dennis Dodd's preseason Top 25 on CBSSportsline.com. Consider cross-state rival Tennessee is only ranked 16th. Like Waylon Jennings used to say as The Balladeer on The Dukes of Hazzard, "That makes about as much sense as purchasing beachfront property in Tennessee." Indeed, Waylon. Indeed.
Each year, the college football pundits predict a "breakout year" for Memphis, and each year they come up woefully short. Last year brought a glimmer of hope for the beleagured program, but despite last year's success, Memphis won't be anywhere near No. 14 by the season's end. Tommy West has done a marvelous job improving their program and I like to see Ole Miss's neighbor to the north experience success, but ..... and see ... this is where I must stop. Some crazed Memphis Tiger fan will grab hold of these short lines and the next thing I know, Tommy West and Joe Lee Dunn will be using my words to motivate their football team. Memphis hasn't arrived yet, but they're still tough enough that I don't want to risk irritating them.
The Jury is In: Grisham's Runaway Jury guilty of being a lousy movie... Two hours of my life were wasted Tuesday evening. After watching the amazingly refreshing Tanner '88 and the brilliant South Park (arguably the best show on television) on television, I popped The Runaway Jury into the folks' DVD player expecting a decent, though not good, movie. I read the book and was not impressed or entertained. But tonight, after two hours of bonehead logic and an absurb plot that involved suing gun manufacturers for the death of Dylan McDermott's character, I was not left cheering for John Cusack and his awful movie girlfriend, but wondering why my two hours of my life had been stolen from me. I was angered that a story so preposterous (sp?) was honestly taken seriously by so many people. This was the low point of Grisham's writing career -- this lousy book was followed by the equally bad "The Partner", "The Street Lawyer", and "The Testament". But in Grisham's defense, most of his book have been made into pretty good movies. One was excellent; two were very good; three were solid, and then there is the atrocity that is The Runaway Jury.
1. The Firm
2. The Rainmaker
3. A Time to Kill
4. The Pelican Brief
5. The Chamber
6. The Client
7. The Runaway Jury
Oh ... if you're counting ... Gene Hackman has starred in 3 of 7 of Grisham's movies.
BROKEN LINKS ..... "About SNN" and "About Drew Snyder" links under the Understanding SNN heading on the left bar of the website are not operational. I will be working on updating these when times permits.
SNN Reborn...... The new design is bland. The site contains barely any content. But the Snyder News Network, the website that created a small cult following at Ole Miss during 2000 and 2001, has returned as my personal web log. It's unlikely that this version of SNN will gain as much notoriety as the first. Despite its simplicity and lower expectations, the site should remain interesting.
Keep checking back. And in the words of the immortal Scoutmaster of old SNN fame -- "Be Prepared."
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I am a 23-year-old first-year law student at 
