I am a 23-year-old first-year law student at 
"Broken Engagement " by Gen. Wesley Clark... Interesting foreign policy piece by Wes Clark.
Three Thousand Words: A random array of places I've been and people I know.
Three Thousand Words: A random array of places I've been and people I know.
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Photo: University of Virginia School of Law | Charlottesville, Va.
Monday, May 31
Ex-Nickelodeon Stars Relate Horrors Of Green Slime SyndromeYes! You Can't Do That on Television stars are back in the headlines! It's about time.
The New York Times > Sports > Other Sports > Rice Proves He's No Punch Line at Indy 500
When did everybody stop caring about The Indy 500?
Memorial Day .... I returned from Pickwick on Sunday. My legs are a deep shade of red due to cavalier application of the sunscreen. Overall, the weekend was fun. I'm not sure why I am writing sentences like a 6th grader. For the working stiffs out there, and the rest of us, appreciate this holiday and more than anything, take this opportunity to remember the men and women who risked their lives to protect our country.
Friday, May 28
 Kerry ahead in swing states .... In a very troubling sign for President Bush, John Kerry is winning handily in the so-called battleground states. If these polls numbers hold, the real question may not be who wins this election, but if Steven Kilgore will get a cabinet appointment in the Kerry Administration.
John Kerry's campaign may seem a bit aimless and his positions somewhat unclear, but Kerry would like you to know something: He has a plan.
"I think it's important to show them you have a plan," Mr. Kerry said last week on his plane during a campaign swing in the West. "If you don't have a plan, I don't think people are going to have much confidence in you. But I have a plan. I have a specific plan about manufacturing jobs, a specific plan about how we're going to fight for a fair playing field, a specific plan about science, technology investment. A specific plan about health care. "I think you have to run an affirmative campaign, and I think you have to - I have to - show America that I have a plan for the country," Mr. Kerry said. "And I do have a plan. And that's what I'm doing." Well, that's a relief. There's no way that someone who didn't have a plan would say the word plan that many times. Unless that was the plan. CREDIT: Wonkette Thursday, May 27
You Stupid Hummer ..... Alex Blagg weaves a true story of a near-death experience at the hands of a gas-guzzling Hummer. This one has a great ending.
Blogging as an Obsession ... My favorite reference source, The New York Times, writes about how lots of people keep blogs even though few people read them, and the bloggers become obsessive over posting entries.
After going days without substantive posts, I think few of you would venture to say this blogger is battling an addiction. Wednesday, May 26
Al Gore ... Today, someone named Al Gore blasted the Bush Administration calling for resignations of Rumsfeld, Rice, and Tenet. This is the same Al Gore who endorsed Howard Dean, thinking his backing would solidify the Democratic nomination for the frontrunner from Vermont. Think again. Al Blagg has more sway on public opinion these days than Al Gore.
Conversations with SNN ... The Snyder News Network will be having its first in-depth interview in several weeks with a local celebrity. Stay tuned.
Tuesday, May 25
Sorry .... For my adoring fans, the site has failed to be updated this week as I spent most of Monday in Oxford, and most of Tuesday asleep or reading Stephen L. Carter's The Emperor of Ocean Park.
Sunday, May 23
Ben Ferguson .... As the youngest talk radio host in America, Ben Ferguson, 22, has become Ole Miss's latest celebrity. He's recently published a new book. The Clarion-Ledger has a great article about Ben. Read here.
Friday, May 21
Off to Oxford ... I am spending a 36-hour weekend in Oxford and Memphis, though I do not plan to follow The New York Times's travel itinerary. I'll return on Sunday or Monday with a complete weekend report, and may provide periodic updates during the weekend as a treat for SNN's more diehard visitors.
 New York Times on Oxford, Miss. Thanks to Josh Kyle for the heads-up on this article. Basically, the article is a yuppie's guide on spending a weekend in Oxford. Read here Thursday, May 20
 JOSH GREGORY, Editor of the Magnolia Report, was recently featured in The Clarion Ledger. Josh was one of my fellow staffers on The Amy Tuck Campaign, and has been wildly successful in designing websites and databases for different businesses. Read the interview with Josh here.
Much Ado About Government Pocket Change ... Every time we have a special session, the media goes into a frenzy about the cost of a special session. "$33,000 a day!" The Clarion-Ledger cries in their articles and editorials. The Magnolia Report, a conservative-leaning website on Mississippi politics styled similar to The Drudge Report, has a steadily-increasing figure in huge font on the top of its website (the cost of the special session so far). The J.T. & Dave Show crowd love talking about how "their" money is being wasted by a special session.
$33,000 a day is big money to you and me and most American family, but it is pocket change in the grand scheme of a state government with a budget of over a billion dollars, especially when leaders are dealing with an issue as crucial as tort reform. It's very difficult, especially with a new legislature, to take care of all important business from January to May. While calling a special session over the sole issue of Voter ID would have been questionable, reassembling the legislature to end a deadlock over tort reform has merit. If legislators can end the impasse, tort reform -- according to the governor -- would attract new businesses to the state and spur small business growth. That growth, in turn, would lead to more revenue and more jobs, which in turn lead to a larger tax base (much larger than $33,000). So for now, I think the pundits should stop arguing about the cost of having a special session, and start debating the cost of not having one.
Slow News Day .... The highlight of my day was visiting with Frank and Isabel at Hamil's, and changing my AOL Instant Message box's wallpaper to tile of Britney Spears's brown eyes, a move that has caused a few chuckles among friends.
Hamil's .... Mark off another of my foods/restaurants I had on the Top 10 list. This afternoon, I ate lunch at Hamil's, the delectable All You Can Eat buffet in The City of Madison. Joining me were Frank Rosenblatt and his girlfriend Isabel (sp?). Besides the great conversation, I enjoyed pulled pork, fried chicken breast, creamed corn, blacked eye peas, cornbread, coleslaw, sweet tea, and world's best dessert -- bread pudding. I don't know many restaurants in Mississippi (or America) that match Hamil's quantity or quality. If you're not salivating by now, then you are still full from a big meal or you just don't appreciate good food. If you are ever on Highway 51 around lunchtime and have a huge appetite, stop by. The crowd is a snapshot of Mississippi - white collar businessmen and blue collar laborers, men and women, black and white, retirees and high school students. And while the food may wreak havoc on your waistline, it will barely dent your wallet. The meal and sweet tea will cost you $6.00, about the price of a salad at most North Jackson eateries (or the price of a Big Mac in Norway).
4 stars.
DEAR SCOUTMASTER .... where have you been these last few years? What did you do, and where did you go, to fill the void in your life after SNN temporarily shut its doors.
Wednesday, May 19
DC Smack...
I find infighting humorous, probably because it's so rare in DC. Today, though, Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert took a shot at John McCain. Here's how it happened. A reporter was interviewing Hastert on the Hill....... Reporter: "Can I combine a two issues, Iraq and taxes? I heard a speech from John McCain the other day..." Hastert: "Who?" Reporter: "John McCain." Hastert: "Where's he from?" Reporter: "He's a Republican from Arizona." Hastert: "A Republican?" Oh, take that! DC Smack!
Sweet Safire .... Good to see some common sense remains at The New York Times. Read here.
Tuesday, May 18
Sid Vicious For Vice-President
 As Democratic Presidential nominee-to-be John Kerry continues to mull over potential running mates, the Snyder News Network will be proposing several who could bolster the Democratic ticket. The first is SID VICIOUS, Aka SID JUSTICE, Aka SYCHO SID. Sid is from West Memphis, Ark., a southern candidate with real appeal in the desperately needed Deep South. Arkansans dominated through the 90s - Bill Clinton was the leader of the free world, Wes Clark was the leading general of NATO, and for a time, Sid was one of the leading wrestlers in the WWF. Now, Sid his baggage. He was nearly institutionalized while in the WWF, his relationship with a witch doctor named Papa Shango could raise eyebrows, and a famous international incident with Arn Anderson at a London hotel room in the 1980s might attract negative scrutiny from the media and turn off some of Kerry's peace-loving democratic base. But wouldn't it be great, after 8 years of a Kerry Presidency, Sid could campaign for the title saying he sought to become 'The Master and Ruler ... Of the World!"
Letter from Howard Dean M.D.,
Will Bardwell received a 'personalized' letter from Howard Dean today. Here it is. Dear Will, George Bush has failed our country. And my top priority between now and November is making absolutely certain that the American people hold him accountable. This administration will say anything to avoid responsibility for the massive mistakes it has made. But John Kerry will not let them hide -- and you can help by contributing to his campaign now: https://contribute.johnkerry.com George Bush cannot be trusted to tell the truth. He misled us about Iraq, and his administration's paranoid secrecy cuts the public off from information about our government's actions. He would not testify under oath to the September 11th commission -- and could not even meet the commission in private without Dick Cheney's supervision. He cannot be trusted with our safety. George Bush has thrown away 60 years of America's moral leadership in the world and left us in weak isolation. He has stretched our military dangerously thin by rushing into Iraq, and by sending National Guard and Reserve troops to join them, left our homeland unprotected. And George Bush cannot be trusted with our future. The millions of jobs lost have weakened our economy. More Americans are sick because he has failed to help the tens of millions of us who have no health insurance. And his attempts to divide us by race, gender and sexual orientation are weakening the fabric of our society. The first step in making America strong again is electing John Kerry. And today the famous fundraising bat is in your hands to help Senator Kerry take his message to the American people: https://contribute.johnkerry.com We had a spirited primary season this year. But the differences between any of the former Democratic candidates are nothing compared to the fundamental differences between the Democratic agenda and the right-wing ideologues who are destroying this country. John Kerry will restore American values and our nation's traditional purpose in the world. With your help, we can take our country back -- and take back the White House in 2004. Sincerely, Governor Howard Dean, M.D. P.S. The millions of engaged citizens who will participate in this election will revive our democracy. That work is already beginning with organizations like Democracy for America: http://www.democracyforamerica.com
Tuition & Fees Rising Again ....
In a move to offset funding shortfalls, Mississippi public colleges & universities are considering raising tuition and fees for the 2004-2005 year. Yuck.
My Day So Far ...
My day so far could only be described as 'very productive'. I woke up around 11:30 AM, earlier than expected because of my 4 AM bedtime, and rather than dilly-dallying around, I immediately 'seized the day', skimming the articles in The Clarion-Ledger while talking to my dad about a merger between Union Planters and Region Bank. Then I returned to my bed, where I am surfing the web, talking on AIM, and looking for items to add to the blog. I wish I had time to stop and catch my breath. This has been one hectic Tuesday.
For Conservatives, Mission Accomplished ....
NYT article about the reasons and ruthlessness behind the GOP's domination of Washington's agenda. Read here
Democratic Dream Team ....
 Monday, May 17
 Troy ... Beware of Brad Pitt bearing armor. I must admit, I had been anticipating Troy, the 'epic' from Director Wolfgang Peterson. I read Homer's Odyssey in Bobbie Downey's AP English class and was familiar with the famous war through Chris Tucker's 10th grade Western Civilization class and additional independent reading. Brad Pitt as Achilles was a bit of a stretch (he doesn't look Greek), but every movie needs a star and since I preferred the actors speaking English as opposed to Greek, I couldn't be too picky about the historical realism of the film. The movie was Gladiator, The Patriot, and Mid 1990s WWF wrestling wrapped into one, with all the bad qualities of those three fathers more prominent than good qualities. The movie took far too many historical liberties, poked fun at Greece and Troy's belief in Gods, and was never able to hook me (maybe because I knew the ending). Diane Kruger, the German actress portraying Helen, is beautiful, and Hector is a complex character. But rather than dropping $6.75 at the multiplex, wait for this one until video, rent Gladiator to whet your Ancient Europe appetite, and look forward to Oliver Stone's Alexander, set to hit the big screen later in the year.
WEDDING PHOTO
 Though there will be many weddings on my agenda this summer, this one didn't make the cut. I wonder if Mississippi Magazine will include this couple in their 2004 Wedding Registry. Saturday, May 15
One Family, Two Tax Rates (from the NY Times)
IN his campaign speeches about "the two Americas," Senator John Edwards criticized the tax system by saying, "I want this president to explain to middle-class working families why a millionaire sitting by a swimming pool getting a financial statement each month to see how much money he made is paying a lower tax rate than a secretary, than a firefighter, than a schoolteacher. This is not our America." If Mr. Edwards wants to pursue this theme, he can now point to some more prominent examples of the divide: the presidential candidates' households. In fact, he can point to two Americas within one family, the Kerrys. Teresa Heinz Kerry released her 2003 tax returns last week, which revealed that she paid $587,000 in taxes last year on income of more than $5 million, mostly from taxable dividends and interest and tax-exempt bonds. It came out to a tax rate of 11 percent, about half the rate paid by her working-stiff husband, Senator John Kerry. The majority of his nearly $400,000 in income came from his Senate salary and book royalties. President Bush and his wife, Laura, paid a still higher tax rate, nearly 28 percent, on income of over $800,000, nearly half of which came from his presidential salary of $397,000. Vice President Dick Cheney and his wife, Lynne, had total income of close to $1.9 million, including nearly $800,000 from dividends and tax-exempt bonds, which helped lower their tax rate to 13 percent. Whether or not they sat by a pool reading their financial statements, their tax rate put them in Mrs. Heinz Kerry's America.
Wow ... I've been watching The Triple Crown for about a decade (the year AP Indy won a leg of Triple Crown), and I've never seen a thoroughbread dominate so completely. Smarty Jones is the real deal.
Josh Kyle's Replacement .... Josh Kyle's return to the U.S. has left the French Education ministry desperately looking for more Mississippi-born instructors for French pupils. They have found his replacement, though, in Jackson's own Lucien Smith. Lucien, a St. Andrew's and Harvard graduate, will be moving to suburban Paris in August or September to begin teaching English to French pupils. Lucien has been a member of the policy staff for Governor Barbour. It remains to be seen whether he can instill some of Barbour's conservative cost-cutting principles into France's bloated bureaucracy.
Prep School Peers Found Kerry Talented, Ambitious, Apart .... In yet another well-written and compelling feature story by a writer from The New York Times, John Kerry's days at a New England Prep School are explored, giving me even more questions than answers about a very complicated presidential contender. Read here.
Thursday, May 13
Kerry's Possible Running Mates .... The Washington Post gives brief sketches of the contenders for the spot of No.2. Read here.
Congratulations, Nic Lott ... Congratulations are in order for Nic Lott, who was hired last week as Deputy Director of The White House Office of the Public Liaison. He will be Presient Bush's go-to guy on special interest groups related to education and housing. At 25, he is the youngest person hired in a deputy director position for The Office of The President. For those of you who don't know Nic, he the first African-American student body president at Ole Miss, and last year was the youth coordinator in the Barbour for Governor campaign. He is from Taylorsville in Smith County.
Welcome Home, Josh Kyle .... MC graduate, Dude, and soon-to-be Ole Miss Law student Josh Kyle was greeted at The Jackson International Airport a host of family members, high and college friends, and a Viking. Josh Kyle spent the last year teaching English at a vocational high school in Manosque, France, a small town in the southern part of France an hour from Marseilles.
Great to Be Back .... Since I returned, I have exerted a great effort to make very little effort. Most of my day is occupied reading The New York Times on the internet, chatting on AOL Instant Messenger, and fielding an occasional phone call from a kind friend. I must say, Mom's cuisine greatly outpaces European food in quantity and quality, and the comfort of home is a welcome respite from a top bunk, a metal locker, and snoring roommates in a generic European hostel.
Wednesday, May 12
Harvey Johnson: Sportscaster? .... Bardwell and Thigpen, Harvey Johnson has joined your ranks. The Jackson Mayor traded places with WLBT 3 anchor Rob Jay, serving as sportscaster for Wednesday evening's 6 pm broadcast.
After the lackluster segment by Mayor Johnson, I was tempted to say 'stick to your day job', Mayor. Yet considering the way he's botched that job over the last seven years, I decided that wasn't the most appropriate response to his performance.
Kerry in a Landslide .... Washington Monthly's Chuck Todd thinks its the most probable election scenario.
Unless circumstances change dramatically from now until November, I believe the election will be tight. But Todd brings up interesting observations. Read here. Tuesday, May 11
Europe by the Numbers ...
55 days. 41 cities 18 countries 7 foreign currencies 9 night train 1 private home 2 pensions 3 1-star hotels 22 hostels  Most recent digital photo, taken in Florence 10 days ago. I liked Norway so much I started resembling a Viking.
Is Mississippi Doing Better? Not according to The Clarion Ledger. The editorial board of Mississippi's largest newspaper gives our new Governor and the legislature a D- after their first session.
 Personally, I think laying blame of the Governor is premature and unwarranted. Though I have not been closely following the situation, it seems that Barbour wants to balance the state's budget without selling out the future. Does anyone have thoughts on the 2004 legislative session?
I'm back .... in one piece and suprisingly not exceedingly jetlagged.
Monday, May 10
Homeward Bound ... After spending nearly to months visiting 40 cities in 18 European countries, I am flying home. I will arrive in Jackson tonight at 8:25 CDT, worn and weary, but happy to be back in Jackson.
Your emails and this blog helped tremendously in curbing the initial homesickness and making the distance between Europe and home seem less substantial. I look forward to seeing everybody, sharing the more interesting stories of the trip, and hearing about what I've missed in your lives during the last two months.
Speakers' Corner .... Wow! So I planned to check out Speakers' Corner in Hyde Park for 30 minutes or so before leaving for The British Museum. Four hours later, I had to scrap that plan.
Speakers' Corner is the largest consortium of nutjobs across the Atlantic. When I have several free hours, I will write the story about my Sunday in Hyde Park. Let me tell you ... it was like nothing you have ever experienced. Anyone visiting London on a Sunday must go. Sunday, May 9
Europe and Bush ..... Well-developed article from The New York Times about George Bush's standing in Europe
Saturday, May 8
Who do the Clintons support ..... In Living History, Hillary Clinton says Dick Morris has the people skills of a porcupine. This is disputable, but undeniable is Dick Morris's political shrewdness. In this column for the New York Post, Morris claims President 42 has timed his memoirs to stymie Kerry momentum and keep Hillary Clinton in position to be the presumptive Democratic nominee in 2008.
Read here. Friday, May 7
Big Announcement ..... Since the weekend is almost upon us, I will refrain from posting about my recent reading choice, which is certain to cause outrage from many of you, excluding Alex, Lindsay, and Bardwell.
Another Day in Dublin ..... As I have soured on train travel and the junket to Belfast would not be covered under my Eurrail pass, I have decided to spend another day exploring Dublin. Though small, Dublin has much to offer as a capital city and as the site for a pretty famous revolution. Plus, Bono is Irish.
Tomorrow, I take my final RyanAir flight, traveling from Dublin to London. Thursday, May 6
Great Blast from The Past Column on CNNSI.com ..... Remember, Dan McGwire, Jim Druckenmiller, or Timm Rosenbach? I do. They were all supposed to be franchise quarterbacks of the 1990s. Didn't work out, did it? CNNSI.com columnist Duane Cross looks back at 1st round picks and judges their success (or usually lack thereof).
I think Eli Manning will be a successful 1st round pick. Losman will bust, and either Roethlisberger or Rivers won't pan out. Read here
Godfrey Criticizes the Manning's Moves (GASP!) ..... My friend and entertaining journalist Steven Godfrey will never shirk from controversy. A few days ago in The Daily Mississippian, not only did this veteran college newspaper fail to shield himself from controversy, he plunged headfirst into it. Steven Godfrey disagreed and criticize the actions of The Mannings.
Now, questioning Archie or Eli in Oxford is along the same lines of questioning the Emperor back in the day. Fortunately, Rule of Law still prevails in America and Godfrey was not beheaded by a mass of angry middle-age men wearing red and blue polo shirts and khaki slacks. Almost 60 people responded to his column on the DM's Feedback Forum. Anytime you reach 60, you know real controversy has ensued in Oxford. Only mascot changes draw this kind of passion in people. I didn't have time to read most of the posts, though I saw my fraternity brother Bo Rhea responded. While I don't agree with Godfrey, I think we do have to think about this issue objectively. Let's assume that Dontae Walker had come out Clinton High School, and fulfilled his great potential, working hard in the weightroom and classroom, staying away from drugs and The Ramada Inn buffet. Let's say he turned into a magnificent player and last spring, was the undisputed top player in the NFL draft. But Dontae got up and said he didn't want to play for The Bengals because they were an atrocious franchise, and despite Corey Dillon's recent flashes of success, The Bengals hadn't had a great running back since James Brooks (or Ickey Woods briefly). Dontae wanted to be traded to Dallas, where he could follow in the footsteps of Tony Dorsett, Herschel Walker, and Emmitt Smith. If the Bengals picked him, Dontae might have said, he would have sat out until the next season and gone back to Starkville to get a MBA. The omspirit.com folks would have gone nuts, saying that Dontae was a thug and that he and Jackie Sherrill should be expatriated and shipped to Zimbabwe. I think how Eli and Archie handled San Diego was acceptable. Archie told AJ Smith Eli would prefer to play elsewhere. Smith was perturbed and leaked their private conversation to the media. At this point, Smith closed the door to any real negotiations or reconciliation by breaching Archie's trust. Smith's actions, in this case, are an example of why San Diego is an awful franchise. When the leadership doesn't stay true to their word, they foster a culture of mistrust that trickles down into the locker room. After the story leaked, Eli became emphatic he didn't want to play for San Diego. The media and many fans saw it is as petulance. I think he had the right to say what he thought. Remember what happened to Ryan Leaf. If placed in a different environment, Leaf might have succeeded. But he was forced into duty too quickly, harrassed by teammates (San Diego has some of sort of hazing tradition), and quickly melted into the bright spotlight placed on young and heralded quarterbacks. Michael Vick never publicly complained about San Diego because he never had to play there. He was saved by Atlanta before forced into that terrible fate. And while the Falcons were lousy, they were only a year removed from The Super Bowl. So from this rant, here are my three main points. 1. Godfrey is a great writer, whether I always agree with him or not 2. We Ole Miss fans (and sports fan in general) need to chill out 3. Eli did what he had to do. I am looking forward to pulling for the Giants over the next few years.
Disaster Strikes SNN .... A few of my most loyal SNN followers will be reading this, because they know the true origin of the new SNN is drewsnyder.blogspot.com, not www.snydernews.net. Users who type in snydernews.net are redirected to drewsnyder.blogspot.com -- usually.
But today, thanks to my own neglect, my domain name expired. Luckily Dad e-mailed me, and I was able to quickly renew the site before snydernews.net became open to anyone for purchase. Nevertheless, the domain expiration has caused problems with URL forwarding. People trying to access www.snydernews.net may receive a 'domain expired' message for the next 24 to 72 hours. In the meantime, use drewsnyder.blogspot.com to access the set and alert others who may not be aware of this URL. About a year ago, The Washington Post had the same thing to happen to them with their website, washingtonpost.com. The site was down for a few hours before the problem was fixed. On the bright side, at least I can say SNN and The Washington Post have something in common.
This is horrible .... Coach Fired for Giving Player 'Crybaby Award' Trophy
Regardless of whether the kid was a brat or not, show some restraint, coach ........ Wednesday, May 5
Dublin .... I was impressed with RyanAir. They don't provide peanuts or soft drinks unless you pay, but the airline gets you to the destination quickly (my flight from Rome to London was 30 minutes ahead of schedule) and as I mentioned in a previous post, the price cannot be beat.
Dublin's charm is derived from its lack of charm. The city reminds me of a gritty Mid-Atlantic City, but with thriving pubs and a gorgeous River (the Liffey). I am staying at The Four Courts Hostel, and my room overlooks the River Liffey and a building that looks to have some historical significance. I should know the name, but I don't. It may be called The Four Courts. Tomorrow morning, I will check out Trinity College and other significant points of interest in Dublin.
Onto Dublin ..... This afternoon, I will experience RyanAir for the first time, flying from Rome Ciampino to London Stansted, then after a long layover, from London Stansted to Dublin International. These two flights together cost me a whopping 55 Euros.
The remainder of my itinerary is as follows .... May 5th - May 7th Dublin, Ireland May 8th - May 10th London, UK (With day trip to Oxford, UK) May 10th - Return to the USA Monday, May 3
Silvio Berlusconi ..... The Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, has huge billboard with his face and various slogans planted all over Italy. Imagine how long a George W. Bush billboard with his face on it would last in Alex Blagg's backyard of San Francisco. Maybe the Italians avoid defacing billboards because they are focusing their efforts on their trains. Italy is the only country where the trains have graffiti lining the insides of the cabs.
Guided Tour of Ancient Rome .... Weary of plotting another itinerary and hoping for a detailed account of the buildings I admired, I chose to take a walking tour of Ancient Rome. It was a wise investment.
Chris, a graduate of The University of Idaho from Idaho Falls, showed 11 of us -- 9 Americans and 2 Aussies -- around Ancient Rome while provided us with a detailed history of Rome's beginnings and historical turning points that rivaled my 10th grade Western Civilization book. The trip to Rome has piqued my interest in The Roman Empire, and I plan to read about the Romans on my return to The States. Tomorrow, I will tour The Vatican, arguably a more world-changing enterprise than Julius Caesar could have ever envisioned his Rome becoming.
Circus Maximus and the Subway ..... 325,000 people used to pack into the Circus to watch chariot racing. Today, 325,000 people pack on the Line B subway to Termini every 10 minutes. Each time I board the Metro, I fear suffocation.
The Colosseum ....... in Rome reminded me of another voluminous, decaying structure .... Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. The Colosseum might be better maintained, though it lacked the stale peanuts and bubble gum on the floor that give our Vet such character.
Bardwell on Sports ..... Go to meridianstar.com, go to the search box, type in Will Bardwell, and read his coverage of Ole Miss sports. As insightful and well-written as any Rebel coverage in Mississippi and beyond.
Updated Wedding Schedule ....
Thanks everyone for the feedback. Here is the updated list. May 22nd Laura Lee Scanlon - Tripp Hise (Wherever Laura Lee is from - Jackson, TN, I think) June 5th Lindsay Hays - Jon Reeder (Memphis, TN) June 12th Amelia Purser - Mike Bailey (Madison, MS) Melissa Lowther - Stewart Boyd (Jackson, MS) Heather ????? (soon to be Conkin) - Tim Conkin (Memphis TN) June 19th Doty Wohrman Tripp Yates (Memphis, TN) Emily Penick - Chris Decker (West Point, MS?) June 26th July 3rd July 10th Stoner Huff Bradley Kellum (Yazoo City, MS) July 17th Morgan Stuart Haydn Roberts (Macon, MS) July 24th July 31st August 7th Staci Henson - Brent Tyler (Jackson, MS) August 14th Margaret Dillon Guest - David Carroll (Oxford, MS) August 21st Jan and Payton Perrett (Dekalb, MS) TBA Sara Hart Rosenblatt - Gordon Fellows (Jackson, MS)
A Great Story .... The Macon, Miss. held hostage by insurgents in Fallujah escaped from his captors.
Read here Sunday, May 2
A Chance Encounter With an Old Friend ..... After returning from Pisa late Saturday Night, I walked over to the internet cafe I had been using in Florence (population 300,000). As I walk in the cafe, who should I see but Ross Stowers, Ole Miss alumnus. Ross is working for Agage in Florence for the year.
I had been asked several weeks ago if I had stumbled into anyone I knew in Europe, and I gave the questioner one of those 'you've got to be kidding me' looks. The folks at Disneyworld are right. It is a small world after all.
D-Rob and Meg Robbins .... Saturday, I had a wonderful visit with David and Meg Robbins in Pisa, Italy, two Ole Miss alumni now doing mission work for Campus Crusade (called Agape in Italy).
I will write more about my visit to Pisa when people are not waiting in line for the internet.
Harvey Johnson featured in London Times article about John Ferry ...... Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson was quoted in an article about Presidential hopeful John Kerry's failure to excite voters.
The article contrasted two speeches held at the National Conference for Black Mayors. Benjamin Hooks, the first black judge to be appointed in the desegregated South, and Senator Kerry. Hooks enthralled the audience, while Kerry's speech about protecting chemical plants? failed to generate much buzz. This, the article contends, has become a major problem throughout Kerry's campaign. Harvey Johnson was quoted at the end of the article ' After Hooks had spoken in Philadelphia, Harvey Johnson, the mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, shooks his head admiringly. 'Some people have got fire locked up in their bones,' he said. He was not referring to Kerry. END OF ARTICLE. I am glad to see Jackson and Mississippi getting exposure abroad. That was one of two references to Mississippi in the article. The other was about at the time in the US when Mound Bayou, Mississippi, had America's only black mayor. Saturday, May 1
To Pisa .... Today, I am traveling to Pisa to hopefully see the staff from Campus Crusade for Christ working there. Tomorrow, I will be entering Rome, though with a little less fanfare than Caesar received.
May Day in Europe ..... May 1st is a huge holiday in Europe, and May 1, 2004, marks one of the more important days in modern European history. Today, the European Union is expanding. 10 countries are joining I believe, and their entrance to the Union has been huge talk around the continent for months.
Joining the EU will help nations like Poland, Czech Republic, and Hungary to modernize, but for tourists, it may signal the end of Prague's low prices. It will also be interesting to see how the new countries maintain their relationship with the U.S. Central and Eastern Europe is much more supportive of Europe than Western Europe (minus Britain), and there will be a question of whether these countries will stand by 'Old Europe' if 'Old Europe' makes a decision that could strain relations with the U.S.
Venice .... For The Birds
Not even Russ McNees, the human global positioning system, could make his way through Venice without getting turned around. Venice is a labyrinth of narrow allies and canals with green water. I would have to say there is no other city like it in the world. For transporation, you must use a water taxi, a weathered and aging boat that transports you from canal stop to canal stop. The water taxi provides a great view, but it's enjoyment is usually abated by the throngs of middle school Milanese children on field trips. Ever since I set foot in Italy, I feel as if I have been a captive of one giant middle school field trip. Everywhere I go, everywhere I turn, I am surrounded by pre-teens, yelling, screaming, and treated one another quite dreadfully. They can also sniff out an American, and that usually draws them to me in packs, where the ringleader, typically a tall, thin boy with gelled hair, will try to communicate with me in broken English. The conversations are funny, and I hit it off with one group after we established a common interest in pro wrestling. The Italians would yell out the name of a wrestler, and then I would yell out the name of a wrestler. It became a game. St. Mark's Cathedral or the Piazza San Marco is one giant bird's nest. Hundreds of thousands pigeons swarm down as tourists neglect the famous buildings and instead feed pigeons and take pictures of the birds as they land on their arms, head, shoulders, and anywhere that allows the birds access to bird feed. I probably lost two hours of travel time navigating allies and then guessing incorrectly on which water taxi to take. Though the trip was short and stressful, Venice's beauty will be forever etched into my memory. A one of a kind adventure that is worth the hassle and the middle school kids.
Rocketing to the Top of the Record Books ..... Reading CNNSI.com, I see that Roger Clemens has moved to 5-0 on the season and will move ahead of Steve Carlton on the career strikeouts list during one of his next two starts. After this season, he should be around 11th or 12th on the career wins list.
Love him or hate him, Roger Clemens has been baseball's premier power pitcher of the last 20 years. He and Greg Maddux will go down as the best pitchers of their generation. I still wish Roger was a Red Sox, though. |
