Pick It Up, Oxford!

Live Better!!!

2011-10-20T15:59:00.002-05:00

Hello DIXIE! Allan Innman on the cover of the TRAVEL section of THE NEW YORK TIMES - October 14th, 2011

2011-10-19T12:08:00.000-05:00

So, you all ready know Allan Innman because he's a super famous Mississippi artist. We have lots to look forward to from this guy. He's also in the cover shot of the travel expo on Oxford, Mississippi in THE NEW YORK TIMES ~ October 14th, 2011 issue. Awesome coverage by Dwight Garner and fantastic photos by William Widmer - please read the article if you haven't - http://travel.nytimes.com/2011/10/16/travel/faulkner-and-football-in-oxford-miss.html

We also know Allan Innman because he and Melanie Addington (not pictured in the NYTimes - what a shame! She is also very noteworthy and famous!!!) helped to organize the ART FOR EVERYONE fundraiser last night. I just heard that they raised $3,500.00 for the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council at the Powerhouse Community Arts Center in downtown Oxford. Such great news! A big 3 cheers for everyone involved. Wished I could have been there to help out! And hoping that the county re-instates funding for the Arts Council soon! Have a heart, guys!

Art

for

Everyone.

SAVE THE POWERHOUSE AND THE YOKNAPATAWPHA ARTS COUNCIL IN OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI!

2011-10-05T08:54:00.000-05:00

Dear fellow artists,

As you may already know, on Monday Lafayette County supervisors voted against renewing The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council annual funding of $15,000. As an artist, this hits too close to home. YAC and The Powerhouse provide such a crucial role in the arts for our community. As citizens, it’s our responsibility to stand up and show our support for the arts. Contact your supervisors, aldermen, elected officials, and the mayor to let them know your opinion on the matter.

In response to this funding issue, Melanie Addington and myself are organizing an event called "Art for Everyone Fair" that will highlight the arts in our community. We are planning a silent auction, raffle, and art sale to be held on Tuesday, October 18th, from 5–7pm at The Powerhouse to benefit the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council Endowment. This endowment is to ensure continued funding of the arts in the community for years to come. We are inviting artists and members of the community to come and be apart of a wonderful event and a great cause.

I humbly invite you all to consider donating artwork to the Art for Everyone Fair. Your donation would be greatly appreciated. Let us come together as artists and a community to show our support for the arts. Proceeds will go towards both the artist and YAC Endowment. You can donate your proceeds fully or choose a certain percentage to donate.

We are gladly accepting artwork of all types; ceramics, prints, photographs, paintings, jewelry, prints, drawings, etc. Large or small. Anything that you have available. You can drop off work at The Powerhouse between now and Monday, October 17th. Or stop by my office in Meek Hall 116 on campus. You can email me at jainnman@olemiss.edu, if have questions regarding the sale/auction/raffle. Or email the Powerhouse at yacoperations@gmail.com.

Please let me know if you are interested in participating. Also, please tell your family, friends, other artists about the event to spread the word of the Art for Everyone Fair.

I look forward to hearing from you all and thanks so much for being apart of the wonderful community of artists.
-Allan Innman

Help raise funds for after school art camps in rural Mississippi ...

2011-07-28T11:31:00.001-05:00

Visit http://www.indiegogo.com/Art-Camp-for-City-Children to learn more about what artists and teachers are doing to help kids in rural Mississippi explore the arts.

Art Camps for Kids in Rural Mississippi

2011-06-18T11:02:00.002-05:00

ART COUNCIL PAINTS OUTSIDE THE LINES TO RAISE MONEY FOR CAMP

The Yoknapatawpha Art Council is going worldwide to help raise money for a series of after school camps set to start in August. YAC has launched a 60 day online campaign to try and reach past the boundaries of their home in Lafayette County Mississippi. The Arts Council is using the online social media site Indiegogo.com which allows groups to raise money for absolutely any cause they want. The website provides a format for individuals, groups and charitable organizations to use the power of social media to raise money for everything from producing an album to taking a trip to Mexico. YAC will raise money for a series of after school camps for local Oxford/ Lafayette County kids. On the Indiegogo.com page, people can learn more about the camp as well as donate money instantly through PayPal.

“We already have a very strong support in our local community in Oxford. In this campaign we hope to reach out to those who may have a connection with Oxford, Ole Miss, or Mississippi but no longer live in the region,” YAC director Wayne Andrews said. There are over 100,000 graduates of the University of Mississippi and hundreds of thousand more proud Mississippian whose careers have taken them away from their home state. Project Coordinator Scott Fuller suggested an online campaign to reach out to those proud Mississippian. “I know many of my network of friends stay in touch online with their hometowns, their college teams, and the friends they made while attending college. I thought this campaign would be a great opportunity to help them stay connected.”

The goal for the campaign is to raise 500 dollars that will be put toward art supplies for the after school campers. Donors can expect a special thank you for their generosity from a simple handmade thank you card made by a child at the camp to a piece of art from the artist teaching the event.

For more information visit Indiegogo.comhttp://www.indiegogo.com/Art-Camp-for-City-Children

I [heart] The Mississippi Delta ... thinking of you in this, the flood of 2011.

2011-05-17T07:19:00.001-05:00

Please consider helping those in need in Mississippi and beyond!

Donate to The Red Cross - they have opened shelters for flood victims in Greenwood, Vicksburg, Yazoo City and Tunica.

Red Cross Health Services volunteer Cody Petersen entertains the children at the Vicksburg, Miss., shelter. Photo: Lise Harwin/American Red Cross

Lillo's in Leland, Mississippi - documentary on YouTube

2011-04-21T06:38:00.000-05:00

VOTE FOR "ROCKET SCIENTIST" BY TRAY EPPES ON NASA'S WEBSITE

2011-04-04T15:45:00.000-05:00

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR MY UNCLE'S SONG - ROCKET SCIENTIST - BY TRAY EPPES

Vote as many times as you can every day through April 19th! The 2 top songs will be played in space as the wake-up calls for the crew of the last NASA mission!

Tray Eppes' song, "Rocket Scientist" featured on NASA's website

2011-04-04T11:12:00.000-05:00

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/langley/news/researchernews/rn_epps.html

Check it out, friends! My uncle Tray's song, "Rocket Scientist" was chosen out of thousands for an online Original Composition competition to be the wake up song played for the crew of the last NASA shuttle mission in space! Voting ends April 19th! Please vote for "Rocket Scientist" by Tray Eppes as many times a day as you can between now and then! Thanks!

Click here to vote!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations and Happy Birthday to Delta Knits - 1st year in the business!!!

2011-03-22T19:37:00.000-05:00

A message from Jondelyn Catlette of Delta Knits ...

Hello everyone!

To begin, I would like to thank you for your support of Delta Knits. Because of your support of your local yarn shop we are able to celebrate our 1st year in business!

I am so excited to announce our 1st year in business celebration events!

Our first celebration event is a special Sit and Knit that will happen Friday, April 1st from 5-7 P.M. Brantley Catlette will provide entertainment, and Delta Knits will provide coffee, water, and cupcakes. Let me know if you are interested in bringing food or a bottle of wine. Delta Knits will have plates, cups, napkins, etc...

Our 2nd exciting event is our FIRST EVER 20% OFF OF EVERYTHING IN THE STORE SALE. This will happen Saturday, April 2nd from 11-5. This is a customer appreciation sale.

Thank you so much again for your continued support of your local yarn shop!

Sincerely,

Jondelyn Catlette
Delta Knits
349 Cotton Row
Cleveland, MS 38732
662-545-4165

REDFISH AT RAVINE!!! The latest from Joel and Ravine - Oxford, MS

2011-03-16T14:38:00.000-05:00

Hello once again,

I hope everyone is enjoying the spring weather as well as spring break (for those that actually have one!). I do have a few things to mention, but first and foremost, to announce the next food and wine pairing.

Italian wines will be the theme for the pairing in March, with some Italian food styles to match. The next pairing will be held on Wednesday, March 30th, beginning at 6 pm. The cost will be $35 per person, and Shanna has lined up some real gems for us to sample, and we may revive the bolognese from L&M's that we had last year for our Italian tasting! Please remember to call early if you are interested, and cancellations less than 48 hours in advance will mean we have to charge your card in full.

Secondly, while our Sunday Supper menu seems to continue to draw a crowd, its time for a price increase. The recovering economy, inflation, and increasing costs(gas) from our purveyors have forced our hand, yet it will only be $2 extra for the prix fixe meal. Starting this Sunday, March 19th, the cost will now be $25 for the 3 course meal. We hope you understand, it's still quite a deal!

Finally, I have ordered some amazing redfish from the Gulf of Mexico, it should be here on Friday night! The new purveyor I am using out of New Orleans has provided some amazing fish, so come out this weekend and check out just how fresh it is.

Thanks as always,

Joel

{eat your locals}
ravine
53 cr 321
oxford, ms 38655
oxfordravine.com
662.234.4555

Charlie from China: Adventures in Europe!!

2011-03-03T15:47:00.003-06:00

You may remember Bochao Yang from the Ole Miss China Space Symposium last year. He just sent these photos from his adventures in Europe as he is studying abroad in Brussels.

Party on, Charlie!

Click here to see my old pics from the Ole Miss China Symposium

And some more pics here...

Interview with Wayne Andrews of the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council in Oxford, Mississippi

2011-03-03T05:37:00.001-06:00

I love Wayne Andrews for a multitude of reasons, and the latest reason would be this one:

Yoknapatawpha Arts Council Launches the Oxford Art Crawl

Oxford plans to start a new monthly art crawl highlighting the private galleries, museums and community art spaces.
Oxford, Miss. –Oxford will be hosting a monthly art crawl with a traditional double-decker bus transporting people from Southside Gallery, the Powerhouse, Frame Up Gallery, Gallery 130 and the University Museum on the fourth Tuesday of every month.
Oxford has been recognized as the new home of the arts in the south with its multitude of visual, performing and literary artists who reside there. Various art groups have coordinated efforts to organize this unique event. Mary Katherine Milner, director of Tourism for Oxford has shared “Oxford is a hot spot for visual arts and we thought that these once a month tours would highlight the various venues in our community while showcasing the talent of our local artists.”
Traditionally the museum, gallery and exhibit spaces each held separate receptions. The organizers hope that through coordinating receptions, the scale of the event will bring visitors to enjoy the openings and the nightlife in Oxford. Visitors of the monthly art crawl will be able to park in one location and enjoy a ride on the historic double-decker bus to each venue, which will each host a reception from 7-9 p.m. Visitors will have a chance to meet with the artists, enjoy a glass of wine and walk the Oxford square. The Oxford Art Crawl begins Tuesday March 22, 2011 from 7-9 p.m. For more information on the Oxford Art Crawl, visit www.oxfordarts.com.

The 1st Annual World's Largest Crappie Festival in Water Valley, MS!!! Apply now to be a vendor!!!

2011-02-22T09:30:00.001-06:00

Acrylic Figurative Painting Class in Oxford, Mississippi - February and March 2011

2011-02-18T07:19:00.000-06:00

The U.S. government is paying catfish farmers in Mississippi to let some of their ponds go wild...

2011-02-09T12:44:00.001-06:00

The Oxford Artists Guild has a new logo!!!

2011-02-09T11:17:00.002-06:00

Check it out!
And be on the lookout for their new website! Coming soon!!!

Mississippi Memories ... A trip to Oxford over the holidays...

2011-01-26T13:30:00.003-06:00

Lizzie and Mama Cita

Mama Cita while not being harassed...

Shopping on the Square...

Favorite Oxford house still decorated for the holidays...

Thank You Scott Burton Photography for this awesome video of Oxford in the snow!

2011-01-18T14:28:00.002-06:00

Zero to 10...... inches of snow on the Oxford square from scottburtonphotography on Vimeo.

The Help is on the way!

2011-01-16T19:04:00.003-06:00

Release date: August 12, 2011!!!

Visited my friend Swayze while I was in Mississippi after the holidays, and she shared this pic of herself, in costume as an extra in The Help - filmed last summer in Greenwood, Mississippi!

Wowzers! Oxford Fiber Arts Festival!!! Jan 21st-23rd in Oxford, Mississippi!

2011-01-11T12:52:00.000-06:00

Delta Knits - a pilgrimage to Cleveland, Mississippi to see an old friend...

2011-01-11T11:50:00.008-06:00

December 2010 - Mississippi

Delta Knits ~ 349 Cotton Row, Cleveland, MS 38732

Jondelyn Catlette ~ Owner of Delta Kints ~ and former seller at the Oxford Maker's Market!

Great gifts!

Organic Yarn!

Awesome organic yarn that reminded me of sushi!

I was so thrilled to finally see Delta Knits and to visit with Jondelyn I remember a year ago at the Maker's Market in Oxford when Jondelyn told me her plans to open her own shop. I was blown away by her determination and ambition! And to think it's only been a year and she's so established! Jondelyn's shop is truly worth the trip, whether you enjoy knitting or if you just enjoy buying handmade organic goods! She also sells purses and wallets by Namaste ~ a company dedicated to animal-friendly products. I even purchased a PVC-free, vegan faux leather wallet during my visit!

Mississippi

2011-01-06T12:33:00.000-06:00

Mississippi I miss you!!

Holiday Time!

2010-11-07T14:08:00.000-06:00

Oxford, Miss.--On November 13, 2010 the Oxford Convention and Visitors Bureau and local event planner Fete of Oxford are kicking off the Holiday season in Oxford with the first Oxford Holiday Market. Held at the Oxford Conference Center the Oxford Holiday Market includes over 40 vendors from around the region boasting a variety of gift options including jewelry, clothing, home goods, and holiday decorations.

"There are so many fun things to do in Oxford around Christmas time,” said Mary-Kathryn Millner, Director of Tourism for the CVB, “ We hope people from around the region will plan a weekend get-a-way, or maybe just a day trip to take advantage of the charm and quality of Oxford’s shopping as they prepare for the holidays.”

The Market will also feature photos with Santa, on-site monogramming and a gift wrapping station. “We are so excited for shoppers to see the quality and variety of vendors that we have lined up,” said Hayden Hiter, Holiday Market organizer and CVB Sales Manager.

In addition to the Holiday Market, the CVB will hold two guided tours of Oxford on the Double Decker Bus on November 13 at 11:00 and 1:00, and University Museum will be hosting a family folk art day. Some of the other exciting holiday activities include the Downtown Council Open House on November 26, The Holiday Art Market December 3-5, the annual Oxford Christmas Parade on December 6 and Santa’s workshop day at the University Museum on December 11. For a full listing of Holiday events in Oxford, or for more information on the Oxford Holiday Market call 662.232.2367 of visit the CVB website at www.oxfordcvb.com.

Great article about Oak Hill Stables in Oxford, Mississippi in the Summer 2010 OLE MISS ALUMNI REVIEW

2010-10-23T13:31:00.000-05:00

This post is a little late - but I only just got my hands on the Summer 2010 issue of the Ole Miss Alumni Review.

Jim Urbanek wrote a fantastic article about one of my favorite places in Oxford, Oak Hill Stables. The article is filled with beautiful photographs taken by Robert Jordan. (My niece is featured jumping on horseback in the first photo.) Read this lovely article about Oak Hill Stables Bed and Breakfast's owners Laura and Owen Sale.

3 Blind Wines – The Wine Tasting With a Twist!

2010-10-06T09:32:00.002-05:00

Teams compete in a blind wine contest to benefit charity

A fundraiser for the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council & Oxford Tasting Society

Oxford, MISS. –– Oxford reigns as one of the South’s leading locales for fine food, culture and hospitality. It’s the home of many of the South’s most famous restaurants and the Southern Foodways Alliance, an organization dedicated to the study and celebration of Southern food. However, within all this greatness, something is missing.

It’s only natural, in a town that knows its art and food, the incorporation of great wine can’t be far behind. That’s why the Oxford Tasting Society and the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council have joined together to bring a unique wine tasting event to Oxford. 3 Blind Wines, the wine tasting with a twist, will be held at the Powerhouse on October 12th. “We wanted to take the traditional idea of a wine tasting and turn it upside down,” said Wayne Andrews, director of the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council.

3 Blind Wines is a blind wine tasting where teams of two people select three bottles of the same red wine. Two of every team’s bottles of wine are set out for the tasting with the labels covered up, and the third bottle of wine is held as part of the wine auction prize. Everyone then samples the other team’s wines and votes for their favorite wine of the night. The team whose wine is selected as the most popular of the night wins the auction which includes all the other team’s third bottle of wine. Winners could go home with a cellar full of free wine! “It’s a great way to sample a lot of different wines while supporting a great cause.” said Marvin King, president of the Oxford Tasting Society.

Tickets to the event are $25 per team ( $20 for members of the Arts Council and Oxford Tasting Society) plus the cost of three bottles of red wine. The proceeds benefit the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council and Oxford Tasting Society and annual programs presented by the organizations. Doors open at 7 p.m., and tickets are on sale now at the Powerhouse Community Arts Center. Ticket buyers who present their tickets at these fine wine stores, Star, P.J.’s and Kiamie Package stores will receive a discount, plus a free door prize coupon for the event. If you would like more information about 3 Blind Wines visit www.oxfordarts.com or call the arts council at 662-236-6429.

Grand Opening of the new La Rousse Salon & Spa!

2010-10-06T09:26:00.002-05:00

~ Grand Opening of the new Salon & Spa ~

Come Celebrate with Spirits, Jazz & New Orleans Cuisine

Friday, October 15th, 2010

6-9pm

1006 Jefferson Ave

Oxford, Mississippi

662.281.0548

3 Blind Wines... at the Powerhouse in Oxford...

2010-09-28T13:27:00.000-05:00

Three Blind Wines, wine tasting with a twist, is a blind wine tasting where teams of two people select three bottles of the same red wine. Two of every team’s bottles of wine are set out for the tasting with the labels covered up, and the third bottle of wine is held as part of the wine auction prize. Everyone then samples the other team’s wines and votes for their favorite wine of the night. The team whose wine is selected as the most popular of the night wins the auction which includes all the other team’s third bottle of wine.

How to Enter:

Tickets to the event are $25 per team ($20 for members of the Arts Council and Oxford Tasting Society) plus the cost of three bottles of red wine. Tickets are on sale at the Powerhouse Community Arts Center. Ticket buyers who present their tickets at these fine wine stores Star Package Store and Kiamie’s will receive a discount plus a free door prize coupon for the event.

I love Lou Haney...

2010-09-27T14:56:00.001-05:00

Stop by the Powerhouse and check out Lou Haney's show - "Anedoctal" on display through October 10th.

I love shorts... 10 Minute Plays in Oxford, tonight at the Powerhouse...

2010-09-23T06:27:00.001-05:00

Theatre Oxford presents the 2010 Ten Minute Play Festival

Thursday, September 23 at 7:00pm

Friday, September 24 at 7:00pm

Sunday, September 25 at 2:00pm
Please join us for a Closing Reception following Sunday’s show.
Tickets can be purchased at the Powerhouse: $10 in advance or $12 at the door for adults/ $8 in advance or $10 at the door for students and seniors.

All performances are at the Powerhouse Community Arts Center 413 South 14th Street in Oxford , Mississippi .

The plays are: “Of Course, Of Course” written by J. Wiltz and Keith Sisson; directed by J. Wiltz and Alice Walker ; starring Andrew Douglas, J. Wiltz, and Caren Watts; “The Dreamer” by Jim McCauley; directed by Marilyn Frey; starring Jim McCauley, Marge McCauley, and Jennifer Clark; “Buried Bones” by David O. Bell (First Runner-up of the 2010 National 10 Minute Play Contest); directed by Bruce Butler ; starring Nick Husbands and Gene Hux; “Taking Off” by Daniell L. Mattern; directed by Steve Wooten ; starring Clara Lee Arnold, Gregory Ernest, and Lester Ferrell ; “The Divine Visitation of Joe Pickleseimer” by Micah McCoy of Albuquerque, New Mexico (Grand Prize Winner of the 2010 National 10 Minute Play Contest); directed by Alice Walker ; starring Rob Cornelius and Peter Pinnow.

Each year at the Ten Minute Play Festival, Theatre Oxford produces the Grand Prize Winner of the National Contest as well as plays written by local playwrights. Neil White , author of the play Lepers and Cons and the memoir In the Sanctuary of Outcasts, will conduct a ten minute playwriting workshop in the spring. This is a perfect opportunity to hone your skills and get a script ready to submit for next year’s Ten Minute Play Festival. The workshop is set for May 7, 2011. Come pen your own short play and perhaps it will be on stage next season!
Theatre Oxford ’s Ann ual Ten Minute Play Contest is accepting submissions!
The deadline for submissions is February 15, 2011. For more information, please visit http://www.theatreoxford.com/.

Theatre Oxford is a 501(c) 3 organization. All contributions are tax deductible as allowed by law.

National Geographic - THE SPILL - October 2010 Issue

2010-09-21T07:24:00.001-05:00

If you haven't read this issue, please consider picking it up! Two very important stories are back to back in this issue: The Spill and Time for a Sea Change. The Spill contains 50 pages of images from the gulf with tables and charts explaining everything from the dynamics of drilling to the possibly vast scope of unknown damage to be determined by the future of our oceans and wetlands. Just as important, Time for a Sea Change explains that our appatite for seafood may lead to a worldwide fisheries collapse.

Images from National Geographic - Tuna Boat, Solomon Islands by Jonathan Clay

Oil spill photo by Joel Sartore

What's New Pussycat?! It's Delacata - U.S. Farm-Raised and Sustainable

2010-09-09T11:29:00.000-05:00

The U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish industry battles on to bring Americans more sustainable fish and healthier options in seafood. What's new in the world of Catfish? The answer is: Delacata! I cannot wait for this fish to hit the market so I can start inquiring about it in restaurants - click here to read more about it!

Support American farmers by ordering catfish, and be sure to ask WHERE the fish comes from. I'm constantly surveying restaurants, markets and grocery stores, asking if the fish is farmed in the U.S. If they say no - I won't buy it. Watch the video below to find out why you should avoid imported catfish...

Oxford Maker's Market at Skipwith Cottage this Saturday!

2010-08-18T10:48:00.001-05:00

Next Market: August 21, 2010
Location: Skipwith Cottage
Time: 10am-5pm

Market Notes:
• New location! This will be our first Maker's Market at Skipwith Cottage. We're excited to have access to the space, and especially on such a busy Oxford weekend (i.e. students will be returning for Fall Semester). Information about layout and tent use is forthcoming (FYI: tents won't be provided).
• We need a logo. We're currently developing promotional items for Maker's Market and would like to have a logo that we'll implement in these and other market materials. We'd love any ideas or submissions from our artists.

Additional Info:
• Fees: $20 per artist/table, or $30 for two artists sharing one table.
• Set-up: Set-up is at 9am. Space is first come, first serve. Artists can begin breaking down their booths at 4:30pm.
• Presentation: Artists are responsible for their own tables and table-cloths. Chairs are available to borrow. Artists need to bring any screens, easels, or other set up for vetically displaying art. The Lyric does not provide any wall space of any kind for hanging or displaying art.
• Age: If the seller is under the age of 18, he/she must be accompanied by an adult.
• Money: Sellers must bring their own cash to make change for sales.
• Taxes: Artists are responsible for submitting their own taxes on sales conducted at the Maker's Market.

The Oxford Maker's Market is an art market based in Oxford, Mississippi. It occurs every 1st and 3rd Saturdays on The Square (usually at the Lyric). The Maker's Market is committed to local and underexposed talent. We try to showcase different artists, musicians and a variety of media at each event. Check out our website for photos from our past events: www.oxfordmakersmarket.com.
Copyright (C) 2010 Oxford Maker's Market All rights reserved.

The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council could win $20,000 from Tom's of Maine! VOTE FOR YAC ONLINE!

2010-08-16T14:33:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends, Members, and Supporters of the Arts Council:

The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council has been selected as a finalist for a $20,000 award in the 50 States for Good program sponsored by Tom's of Maine . Tom's of Maine receives thousands of submissions for this program. They have selected just 41 groups to consider as finalists. It appears that the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council project of renovating the Powerhouse Community Arts Center appears to be the only organization in Mississippi that was selected.

The program has entered the public support phase and we need your help. The program will be announced nationally this week in USA Today, but voting is already active and votes are being counted starting today. We need your help. Each day you can vote for the program you would like to receive the $20,000 in support. Although all the programs that have been selected are worthy we hope you will help bring support to a program in our community.

Please take time to vote right now. Share this link with your network of people. Then save this link, vote again everyday, and remind your friends to vote everyday.

http://www.tomsofmaine.com/community-involvement/living-well/finalists-overview/poll

Thank you for your continued support of the arts.

- Wayne Andrews

Why can't I be in Oxford this weekend to go to this awesome party....???

2010-08-13T12:26:00.000-05:00

Meet the cast and crew of the movie Where I Begin, currently filming in Oxford.

Saturday, August 14, 2010
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Southside Gallery
$15 or $10 for members of the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council

Featuring Lance Nichols from the HBO series Treme and the upcoming films Welcome to the Rileys & Green Lantern, Bo Keister from Remember the Titans.

Catering provided by Party Waiting to Happen & Beverages Service Presented by Miller Lite, Amstel & Ty - Ku.
...
Proceeds from the event support the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council.

Limited tickets are available.

Purchase tickets from Southside Gallery & Yoknapatawpha Arts Council.

Oxford, I miss you ... and this email from Ravine Restaurant sounds deelish...

2010-08-13T10:26:00.000-05:00

We just received some amazing wild sockeye salmon and red grouper, they both look and taste delicious. Will be doing the salmon with some lump crab tonight and maybe tomorrow if it lasts that long.
Come into ravine this week for your fresh fish fix!!
Thanks as always,
Joel

Joel Miller
ravine
53 cr 321
oxford, ms
38655

www.oxfordravine.com
662.234.4555

I Miss You, Powerhouse! Yoknapatawpha Arts Council Events...

2010-07-26T13:54:00.000-05:00

The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council Calendar of Events

Week of July 26th – August 1st, 2010

Main Event :

This Thursday, July 29- its the first ever Silent Movie Night from 7:30-9:30 at the Powerhouse.

Local Film Maker, Rex Harsin, is making this evening as authentic as possible- with the black and white movie style and he’s bringing in live musicians to give that ultimate classic 1920s feel. It’s a special movie night that can’t be missed! Tickets are $10 individual and $5 for students.

For anyone still interested in purchasing a raffle ticket for the designed guitar in the Seeing is Hearing Art Show (displayed in the Powerhouse) that will be given out at the end of the month – please see our website at www.oxfordarts.com. Raffle tickets are only $5!

Friday, July 30 the Oxford Park Commission presents Movies in the Parks with “Field of Dreams” showing at FNC Sports complex. OPC will set up their huge inflatable movie screen and take in a family-friendly movie. Here's the best part - IT'S FREE! So bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and movie pals and enjoy a fun filled night with OPC! The movie starts at dusk. Come early and enjoy music from local music acts.

This week at the University of Mississippi Museum :

Teacher and Student: Abstract Works of Marie Hull and Andrew Bucci

On display now – September 18, 2010

Free Admission for Everyone – Everyday, with suggested donation

Teacher and Student: Abstract Works of Marie Hull and Andrew Bucci is organized by the Mississippi Museum of Art and supported with funds provided by the Museum's statewide Traveling Exhibition Endowment, a fund made possible through significant private contributions matched by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, with additional funding provided by the Mississippi Arts Commission's Arts Reinvestment Initiative.

ALSO at the University of Mississippi Museum

Mitchell Wright’s: The Reconstruction

On display now – October 2, 2010

Free Admission for Everyone – Everyday, with suggested donation

Sponsored by: Honey Bee Bakery

Native Mississippian Mitchell Wright’s: The Reconstruction exhibition of enigmatic paintings and drawings was inspired by the William Faulkner short story Barn Burning (1939). Born in Winona , Wright lives and works in New York City where Faulkner also wrote his famed short story.

The University of Mississippi Museum is located at University Avenue & Fifth Street | Oxford , MS 38655

Hours of operation are Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday along with university holidays.

For more information, please telephone (662) 915-7073.

E-mail Laura Parkinson parkinso@olemiss.edu or William Andrews wpandrew@olemiss.edu

GOTTA DANCE

AUGUST 14, Saturday -- 7:00-10:00 PM

JOHNSON COMMONS BALLROOM, Ole Miss Campus in Oxford , MS

EVERYONE WELCOME! And Dress is Casual!

If you don't already dance, come and have fun while you learn.

For more information contact Fred or Kathy at 662-234-8530, or visit www.ombdc.com

Admission: $8 (members); $12 (non-members)

Student admission: $5 (members); $9 (non-members)

Yearly Membership dues: $25

Student Yearly Membership dues: $15

Ole Miss Ballroom Dance Club

A look ahead into YAC Calendar events August 2nd – August 8th of 2010

Monday August 2nd, 2010 – the Oxford Architecture Exhibit will be on display in our main gallery. Local artists interpret and imagine the historic architecture of Oxford- through paintings, pictures, and mixed media.

The show will stay in the gallery until September 3rd.

Tuesday August 3rd, Troubadour Lounge returns to the Powerhouse

Cary Hudson & Kelly Norris

$5.00 cover – Music and Beverages till it runs outs!

Thursday, August 5th- Opening night for Theatre Oxford ’s play “Barefoot in the Park”. Show starts at 7:00 pm and will run through Saturday the 7. Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park”- presented live on stage by Theatre Oxford.

If you have any questions please view: www.theatreoxford.org

*Monday, August 2 – 7, the Yocona International Festival- Mississippi ’s only international folk festival brings dancers, musicians, and artists from the Netherlands and Korea . This touring festival visits 5 cities in North Mississippi and features a free children’s program. Schedule can be found online: www.yoconafestival.org

Thank you for reading YAC’s Weekly Calendar of Events

If you have any questions please contact Beth at yacoperations@gmail.com

Call (662)236-6429

Or visit www.oxfordarts.com

This is crazy but I like it...

2010-07-19T06:57:00.000-05:00

Rest In Peace, Ham Sammich ... victim of Canine Distemper in Oxford, Mississippi

2010-06-24T10:57:00.000-05:00

I was devastated to learn that a dog that my friend adopted from the Oxford Lafayette Humane Society in May 2010, suffered from Canine Distemper and had to be put to sleep 3 weeks after the adoption. Ham Sammich came from an over-crowded home in North Mississippi, and was surrendered to the OLHS some time in the Spring of 2010. He was six months old at the time of adoption, and had received all of his shots/vaccinations. At first, Ham Sammich, (a daschaund-chihuahua mix) seemed fine, but after only a few days he developed a severe fever and would not eat. At an animal hospital in Illinois, doctors found that he had a very serious blood infection. It was determined that he suffered from Canine Distemper, an extremely contagious disease. Canine distemper is an incurable, often fatal, multisystemic viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. It is caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV). CDV occurs among domestic dogs and many other carnivores, including raccoons, skunks, and foxes. CDV is fairly common in wildlife. The development of a vaccine in the early 1960s led to a dramatic reduction in the number of infected domestic dogs. It tends to occur now only as sporadic outbreaks. However, according to the OLHS, an outbreak of Distemper is "going around" the North Mississippi area. They suggested that even though Ham Sammich had received the vaccine for distemper, he was perhaps all ready infected when he arrived at the shelter.

I'm writing this post to inform the people of Mississippi of this silent outbreak, as I have searched for information about distemper "going around" and have found no information. I am a huge fan an supporter of the OLHS, and do not intend to blame or slander them with this information, but as I also could not find any information about distemper on their website, I think it's only fair to list what I've heard right here. The OLHS is a fine organization, greatly in need to funding to build a new and more adequate shelter in Oxford, Mississippi.

Be on the lookout for symptons of this highly contagious disease. Early symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, and mild eye inflammation that may only last a day or two. Symptoms become more serious and noticeable as the disease progresses. The initial symptom is fever (103°F to 106°F), which usually peaks 3 to 6 days after infection. The fever often goes unnoticed and may peak again a few days later. Dogs may experience eye and nose discharge, depression, and loss of appetite. After the fever, symptoms vary considerably, depending on the strain of the virus and the dog's immunity.

After my friend's dog was put to sleep, the vet strongly recommended that she dispose of all dog beds, blankets, collars and toys - anything that the dog had been close to - and also to bleach the floors of her home where the dog had lived.

Oxford Maker's Market this Saturday!

2010-06-16T07:24:00.000-05:00

The Oxford Maker's Market is an art market based in Oxford, Mississippi. It occurs every 1st and 3rd Saturdays, at The Lyric Oxford, although this market will be located in front of Skipwith Cottage, on the square. The Maker's Market is committed to local and underexposed talent. We showcase different artists, musicians and a variety of media at each event. Check out our website for photos from our past events: www.oxfordmakersmarket.com.

Our next market is June 19th. This market is part of the Rhythm Revival fundraiser for the Oxford Medical Ministries. The OMM sponsors a clinic which provides medical care for individuals who are employed but do not have health care.

The festival during the day is from 10AM-3pm then it moves into the
bars at night with a wide variety of great music.

Booth space is limited and free of charge, however a donation to the Oxford Medical Ministries would be appreciated but not mandatory.

Booth size is 6’ but if you plan on using a tent, booth space can be expanded to 10’ x 10’. Please let me know if your items will require more space than a 6ft table.

Requirements to sell: - Set up is at 9:00am for the market, though we are not technically open until 10am. All spaces for sellers will be located facing Skipwith Cottage and will be assigned upon confirmation of selling. Bring your own table, table cloth, chairs, and tents if you are using one. Most artists bring 6 ft tables that collapse and are easy to carry. Card tables also work well. Sellers must bring their own cash to make change for sales. There are ample ATMS within walking distance of the Oxford square. - Mississippi sales tax .07% must be submitted to David Molina before end of market.

If you would like to sell at this market, you must contact me by Friday with your name, a brief description of what you will be selling, and contact info. This will be used in assigning booth space as it is limited to about 10 artists and will be first confirmed first served.

Let me, jasonheavner@yahoo.com, know if you have more questions, you may call me too - 662.202.4145. And PLEASE let me know a.s.a.p. if you want to sell on June 19th.
　
If you choose to sell or perform with the Oxford Maker’s Market you get a free page on our website! http://www.oxfordmakersmarket.com Please email David Molina a photo for your profile pic, photos of your work and your name, your company’s name, your website, your location and the type of artwork that you create with a brief statement about yourself and your work. David’s email is dmmolina@gmail.com. Also please check out David’s web page on the Oxford Maker’s Market site, to get an idea of what your page will look like: http://www.oxfordmakersmarket.com/artist/4

Thanks so much for your interest and support! If you have any questions about the market, please call Jason Heavner – 662.202.4145, or David Molina 440.821.6163.
- Jason Heavner

The Oxford Maker's Market http://www.oxfordmakersmarket.com/

CAST and CREW CALL FOR EXTRAS FOR THE HELP!

2010-06-11T12:20:00.003-05:00

(Bryce Dallas Howard will play Hilly Holbrook)

EXTRAS needed for a Major Motion Picture

DreamWorks Studios
"The Help"

OPEN CALL for EXTRAS

We are looking for BACKGROUND ACTORS (non-speaking) to work as extras -
no experience necessary!

Men & Women (all ages)

Saturday June 19
10 am - 2 pm

Leflore County Civic Center
200 Highway 7 South
Greenwood, MS 38930

Everyone must bring a recent snapshot no larger than

4" x 6" & a pen (photo is not returnable)
If you do not bring a photo, you will not be considered

Filming begins in and around Greenwood mid July 2010
Visit Indie Mississippi at: http://indiefilmms.ning.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network
Crew members interested in submitting resumes for the production of THE HELP to be shot predominantly in Greenwood beginning in July should email or fax a resume to:
thehelp@gmail.com or 662-453-5124.

Visit Indie Mississippi at: http://indiefilmms.ning.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network

The next wine pairing at Ravine restaurant in Oxford, MS

2010-06-09T19:33:00.000-05:00

Happy summer,

The heat is upon us, the gardens are growing strong, and the World Cup is around the corner! Joseph and I thought what a good time to highlight the wines of South Africa, with the media focus for the next month being on that country.

We have found some great wines available at the state, including white and red bordeaux blends, and a pinotage (first bred in S.A.). This tasting will be held on Wednesday, June 23rd, starting at 6 p.m., and the cost will be $25 per person.

I hope you will call early, as this tasting will surely fill up as fast as the Italian tasting last month. As we will be closed from June 30-July 4th for our summer break, this will definitely be our only tasting of the month. I should also mention that we had problems with cancellations last month, so the rule will be strictly enforced on the 23rd. If you cancel less than 48 hours in advance, your credit card will be charged the entire amount.

As well, today, Wed, June 9th, will be our once-in-a-while tapas discount night! IF you are one of the first 20 reservations tonight, you will receive a $25 discount card upon your arrival. (This may be used tonight only, does not include alcohol, gratuity, or to go food.) So if you need a reason to go out tonight, come enjoy tapas with us at ravine for a great deal.

Thanks,

Joel

Joel Miller ravine 53 cr 321 oxford, ms 38655 oxfordravine.com 662.234.4555

Check it out ... this is what Oxford has needed for a long time ... Traveling Tailgate: The Answer To Your Tailgating Needs!

2010-06-08T12:05:00.000-05:00

OMG, y'all. Finally! A new resource for tailgating at SEC games! Check out the site, http://www.travelingtailgate.com/mississippi.html and enter to win a free tailgate setup!

The Oxford Enterprise is now accepting wedding announcements

2010-06-07T20:26:00.000-05:00

The Oxford Enterprise is running complimentary wedding announcements. Submit your wedding by filling out this pdf.

What's on at the Powerhouse in Oxford...

2010-06-07T19:35:00.004-05:00

The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council Calendar of Events for the Week of June 7–13th, 2010 for the Powerhouse Community Arts Center and Oxford , MS

Join us for Art Camp at the Powerhouse:

Students and Adults have the opportunity to explore various visual art programs this summer through the Arts Council’s summer art camp. Students will work with local artists, professional instructors and teachers. These camps provide a space to learn and explore anyone’s creative techniques.

Classes & Instructors:

Rebekah Flake – Painting Styles: Techniques from Great Artists- Cities , House, Farms and Fields

Painting Styles: Techniques from Great Artists- Expressions of People in Art

Pastels of People, Pets & Wild Animals

Katherine Rhodes Fields – Photography Workshop (available for Adults)

Chandra Williams – Art Start, Seeing as an Artist

Andi Bedsworth – Creative Collages

Micah Guinn’s – “Preserving Your Family Film” and “The Basics of Shooting Good Video” (available for Adults)

For more information about our Summer Art Camps please contact YAC at yacoperations@gmail.com

or visit www.oxfordarts.com

************************************************

Sunday, June 13th, 2010 the Summer Sunset Series is continuing their concert series with the Blackbird Hour. Each concert will be performed at the Grove and will start at 7:00pm. The performances are FREE and OPEN to the Public.

Other upcoming Summer Sunset Concerts:

June 20th – Oxford Songwriters Showcase

June 27th – Germantown Symphony

Oxford Park Commission presents "Movies in the Parks"

On select nights in June and July, OPC will set up our huge inflatable movie screen in various parks and take in a family-friendly movie. Here's the best part - IT'S FREE! So bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and movie pals and enjoy a fun filled night with OPC! All movies start at dusk.

Come early and enjoy music from local music acts. 2010 movie schedule includes:

June 18 at Avent Park- "The Goonies"

July 16 at Bailey Branch Park at FNC-"Kung Fu Panda"

July 30 at FNC Sports complex-"Field of Dreams"

******************************************

On Saturday, June 12, 2010 from 7:00-10:00pm it’s Time to Dance! Located at the Johnson Commons Ballroom of the Ole Miss Campus, Group Dancing Lessons are being offered. It will be casual, open dancing, and a variety of music styles to fit anyone’s fancy. Everyone is welcome AND even if you don’t dance you can still go and enjoy yourself while learning!

Admission: $8 (members); $12 (non-members)
Student admission: $5 (members); $9 (non-members)
Yearly membership dues: $25
Student yearly membership dues: $15

You may join at the door, if you wish and save on admission to club events!
You do not need to be a member to attend.

For more information contact Fred or Kathy at: 662-234-8530
Visit our web-site at: www.ombdc.com

To the highest bidder - an opportunity to attend a True Blood Premiere party!!!

2010-06-04T11:49:00.000-05:00

Tanya Wright as "Kenya" in True Blood

Scene from Season 1 True Blood

From Melanie Addington:

As most of you may know due to my annoying Facebook updates, I am
making a movie this summer titled "Where I Begin." We decided to go
the grassroots way of funding in support of indie film. Anyways, we
have a special incentive to donors thanks to Tanya Wright, co-star of
True Blood, who has offered to take the biggest donor between today
and Sunday at midnight, to the L.A. premiere of True Blood Season 3 as
her guest. Afterwards, the person will be her guest at the after party
with the cast. I am super jealous and wish I could be my own biggest
donor to the film right now!

If you know anyone who may be interested in this, or maybe would be
willing to post or Tweet or Facebook this out or even just forward the
e-mail to a friend that loves True Blood, we would appreciate it. I
can provide any other details you might need about the film or
anything else. I appreciate it more than I can say, but will
definitely try my hardest!

Here are the details:

WANT TO GO TO THE TRUE BLOOD PREMIERE AND AFTER PARTY?:
All you have to do is be the highest pledge to the “Where I Begin”
Kickstarter campaign
(http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1264907053/where-i-begin-support-indie-film)
between now and Sunday at midnight and you get to attend the premiere
of True Blood, season 3, this Tuesday, June 8 in Los Angeles with
co-star (and amazing actress!) Tanya Wright, and then the after party
with the cast!

Flight and hotel are not included but if you live in Southern
California, this is quite the deal. Or if you have no concerns over
buying a flight, then hey, still a great deal! I mean, you get to hang
out not only with Tanya but with Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Jim
Parrack, Sam Trammell, Ryan Kwanten, Carrie Preston, Alexander
Skarsgard and more!

Go to Kickstarter.com and pledge to help us make our movie, or contact
the filmmakers at whereibeginmovie@gmail.com for a non-kickstarter
donation. If you are the highest pledge (or in the case of a tie we
will draw straws!) then we will be in touch with the details of how to
meet up with Tanya and other necessary information. We are looking to
raise $7,000 more dollars in the next 41 days. Help us make this movie
and support grassroots indie film!

Where I Begin - http://whereibeginmovie.com/

Melanie Addington

Oxford Film Fest News...

2010-06-02T11:13:00.000-05:00

The Oxford Park Commission has purchased an inflatable outdoor screen and will be hosting family-friendly films on four Fridays throughout the summer.

June 4 The Blind Side

@ Avent Park

June 18 The Goonies

@ Avent Park

July 16 Kung Fu Panda

@ Bailey Branch Park (across from FNC offices on Office Park Dr.)

July 30 Field of Dreams

@ FNC Sports Complex

Movies start at dusk.

Live music starts at 6:pm.

Bring blankets/chairs/bug spray, etc.

************************************************************

Tuesday, June 22
Powerhouse Community Arts Center
7:00 p.m.
FREE

Festival co-director Micah Ginn (of UM Media and Documentary Projects) will talk about how to protect and convert your home movies to DVD, no matter what format they are in (8mm, VHS, Beta, etc.).

He will display footage from some of the home movies he has restored, demonstrating the techniques used for various formats, and will take questions about preservation and transfer.

********************************************************

SUBMIT YOUR FILM TO THE OXFORD FILM FESTIVAL!!!

Have a film to submit? Check out our listing on Withoutabox.com or download a paper entry form from our website.

Early Bird Deadline: July 15
Regular Deadline: September 1

Entries are accepted in the following categories:

•Animated Short
•Documentary Feature
•Documentary Short
•Experimental Short
•Narrative Feature
•Narrative Short

Filmmakers from Mississippi are especially encouraged to submit.

YAC Calendar of Events for Oxford, MS

2010-06-02T10:55:00.003-05:00

The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council Calendar of Events

Week of June 1st–6th, 2010

for the Powerhouse Community Arts Center and Oxford , MS
We hope that everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend. We’d like to remind everyone to please take this opportunity to renew their membership with YAC, if you haven’t already. The flyer for renewal is attached to this e-mail with our information.

Join us for Art Camp at the Powerhouse:

Students have the opportunity to explore various visual art programs this summer through the Arts Council’s summer art camp. Students will work with local artists, professional instructors and teachers. These camps provide kids with a space to learn and explore their creative techniques.

Classes & Instructors:

Rebekah Flake – Drawing & Painting Nature

Painting Styles: Techniques from Great Artists- Cities , House, Farms and Fields

Painting Styles: Techniques from Great Artists- Expressions of People in Art

Pastels of People, Pets & Wild Animals
Katherine Fields Rhoades – Photography Workshop
Chandra William s – Art Start, Seeing as an Artist
Andi Bedsworth – Creative Collages
For more information contact YAC at yacoperations@gmail.com or visit http://www.oxfordarts.com/

************************************************

Sunday, June 6th, 2010 the Summer Sunset Series is starting up with their first concert by the Mississippians Jazz Ensemble. Each concert will be performed at the Grove and will start at 7:00pm. The performances are FREE and OPEN to the Public.

Other upcoming Summer Sunset Concerts:
June 13th – Blackbird Hour

June 20th – Oxford Songwriters Showcase

June 27th – Germantown Symphony
Oxford Park Commission presents "Movies in the Parks"

On select nights in June and July, OPC will set up our huge inflatable movie screen in various parks and take in a family-friendly movie. Here's the best part - IT'S FREE! So bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and movie pals and enjoy a fun filled night with OPC! All movies start at dusk.

Come early and enjoy music from local music acts. 2010 movie schedule includes:

June 4th at Avent Park- "The Blindside"

June 18 at Avent Park- "The Goonies"

July 16 at Bailey Branch Park at FNC-"Kung Fu Panda"

July 30 at FNC Sportscomplex-"Field of Dreams"

Call for extras: The Help filming in Mississippi this Summer!!!

2010-06-01T21:00:00.001-05:00

(Emma Stone pictured above - she will play the character Skeeter Phelan. Image from Glamour Magazine)

“The Help” based on the best-selling novel of the same name will be filming in Mississippi in July and is now casting for extras. Ole Miss alum, Tate Taylor has adapted the script and will be directing. If interested, you can visit the Mississippi Film office site for the application and instructions to contact them. The filmmakers are also looking for any cars that were made before 1963.

Visit http://www.visitmississippi.org/film/film_news.asp for information.

The Help, the best-selling novel by Mississippian Kathryn Stockett, will be filmed this summer in Mississippi, mostly in and around Greenwood and Leflore County.

This film project has been months in the making through many local and state agencies, as well as businesses and private citizens working tirelessly to attract this major motion picture.

When informed of the site selection, Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour commented, “I am delighted that DreamWorks has chosen to film The Help in Greenwood, Mississippi. This film, which will be directed and produced by Mississippi natives and is based on Mississippi-born author Kathryn Stockett’s best-selling novel, will create numerous jobs during its production.”

The City of Greenwood, Leflore County, the State of Mississippi by way of the Mississippi Development Authority, the Mississippi Film Office, the Greenwood Convention and Visitors Bureau, Entergy-Mississippi and AT&T-Mississippi joined forces with the Greenwood-Leflore-Carroll Economic Development Foundation to develop a creative plan and incentive package to attract the studio decision makers.

Gray Swoope, Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority said “We were pleased to have worked with DreamWorks executives and local economic development officials on this project. Film production projects have a tremendous positive impact on a community’s economy, as these types of projects create jobs for local residents and new business opportunities for area businesses.”

The Help, a publishing success story of 2009, spent 56 weeks on the New York Times best-seller list, oftentimes at #1. In addition to the novel being written by Mississippian Kathryn Stockett, it will also be directed and produced by Mississippians. Tate Taylor, a native of Jackson, adapted the screenplay and will direct the film, while Brunson Green, also a Jackson native, will produce the film in conjunction with DreamWorks Studio and Chris Columbus’ 1492 Pictures.

Filming will begin in July in Greenwood and the surrounding areas. The film will star Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Octavia Spencer.

Aloha ... our last night in Mississippi ...

2010-05-26T22:55:00.004-05:00

Joe, Lizzie, Laurie and Paul

After many unexpected delays, we crashed a luau in the delta before finally leaving our beloved state. (It was hot outside, y'all!)

We currently reside in Richmond, Virginia. We miss Oxford, Indianola, Lake Washington, Greenwood, family and our friends. I will continue to post news and information concerning Mississippi on this blog from time to time. Cheers, until we meet again, Magnolia State!

When I came up from the South

I felt so down in the mouth

Then I took one look at you

And thought about Dixie skies of blue

I thought about sweet magnolias too

I never missed a cotton bowl

I like my juleps a trifle tall

Yes sir, I'm strictly from Dixie

- Ella Fitzgerald

The beat goes on ... Jason Heavner is the new Oxford Maker's Market coordinator ...

2010-05-19T09:30:00.001-05:00

Jason Heavner has picked up the Oxford Maker's Market flag after I had to put it down because sadly, I'm leaving Oxford, tomorrow! You may have seen Jason on the cover of the Oxford Living section of The Oxford Eagle during Green Week back in April, 2010. Jason is an amazing creator of art. He works in many media, but is popularly known for his folksy crosses.

I just got this email from Jason about the next Maker's Market. Rock on, Maker's Market - I will miss you the most!

Attention Makers Market Artists and friends,

We have been invited by the Yockna(patwpha) Bottoms Farm to participate in Patawpha Fest 2010. This is going to be a great event with tons of live bands, a farmer's market, crawfish boil, and available camping. There are no seller fees, but you are asked to make a donation to the farm, if possible. If you are interested in selling, please bring your own table, if you have one. They have a few tables we can use, and obviously, we can share space on our tables. Please, come enjoy the food, music, community, and most importantly, supporting a great cause... and bring a tent for camping out! Sounds like a mini Woodstock!

Requirements to sell: - Set up is anytime before 1:00p.m. for the market, which is kick off time. You can drive your vehicle to the setup location, but they ask that all cars be moved before 1:00p.m.. We will sell until whenever, All spaces for sellers are first come first serve. When you arrive to claim your spot, please have all of your merchandise with you and begin setting up immediately. If you abandon your spot during setup, the Maker’s Market committee reserves the right to move any tables/chairs/items left only to reserve a spot. - Bring your own table, chairs, and table cloth, and if you want shade, you will need a canopy. Most artists bring 6 ft tables that collapse and are easy to carry. Card tables also work well. - Please bring your own screens, easels or other setup for displaying wall art. If the seller is under the age of 18, he/she must be accompanied by an adult. - Sellers must bring their own cash to make change for sales. Mississippi sales tax .07% must be submitted to David Molina before the end of market.
Let me, jasonheavner@yahoo.com, know if you have more questions, you may call me too - 662-202-4145.

If you choose to sell or perform with the Oxford Maker’s Market you get a free page on our website! http://www.oxfordmakersmarket.com Please email David Molina a photo for your profile pic, photos of your work and your name, your company’s name, your website, your location and the type of artwork that you create with a brief statement about yourself and your work. David’s email is dmmolina@gmail.com. Also please check out David’s web page on the Oxford Maker’s Market site, to get an idea of what your page will look like: http://www.oxfordmakersmarket.com/artist/4

- Jason Heavner

The Oxford Maker's Market http://www.oxfordmakersmarket.com/

Word on the street in Mississippi - say goodbye to Gulf shrimp and oysters

2010-05-19T09:12:00.000-05:00

As the oil continues to snake it's way all over the Gulf, restaurants in Mississippi prepare to order their regular seafood from anywhere other than the Gulf. At a restaurant in Greenwood, MS, I asked the chef if she would continue to serve her regular catch from the Gulf. She answered that I can say goodbye to Gulf shrimp and oysters, and to thank goodness for pasteurized crab meat. Fish caught lower down in the Gulf will still be served.

Issues of the depletion of our world's seafood have plagued my mind, ever since I read this National Geographic article - Seafood May Be Gone by 2048. We must continue to support the people of the Gulf, even if we cannot purchase their seafood. It reminds me once again, to always ask where my seafood was farmed or caught. I only purchase U.S. farm-raised catfish, when I buy seafood at the grocery store. At least I know I am supporting U.S. farmers and that my fish wasn't raised in a sewer somewhere without regulations.

Support Oxford businesses that are helping fight the oil on the coast! La Rousse Salon is sending all of their trimmings to help soak up the oil!

2010-05-13T12:49:00.000-05:00

La Rousse Salon & Spa has been my favorite salon in Oxford. On my last visit to La Rousse, my stylist, Debbie, told me that La Rousse is collecting all of the leftover hair that ends up on the floor at the salon and sending it to the coast. They've collected big trash bags full of hair - and this hair will be put inside silk stockings that will float along the coastline and absorb oil. Apparently the hair really soaks up the oil - I hope this will help attract the oil, and keep it away from other animals.

It's so important to keep these efforts moving! Support local businesses and groups who are collecting products to help clean up the Gulf. The University of Mississippi had a collection last week for stockings and rubber gloves. One thing to consider when purchasing these badly needed products: purchase them FROM small businesses. Let's keep everyone above water by saving the Gulf with products sold at local, small businesses. For instance, you can get 10 pairs of rubber gloves (the ones used for dishwashing are preferred to the medical kind) at Big Star in Oxford for less than $15.

Square Books partners with OLHS to help raise money - please pre-order your books!

2010-05-12T15:36:00.002-05:00

From Hattie Alton of the Oxford Lafayette Humane Society:

We are very pleased to tell you about a wonderful opportunity that's come our way-a partnership with Square Books to raise important funds for Oxford- Lafayette Humane Society. A great new novel about dogs, A Dog's Purpose, is coming out July 6, 2010. Between then and now, Square Books is accepting orders for the book, "pre- sales" as they are called. For every pre-sale of A Dog's Purpose, Square Books will donate 10% of the cover price to Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society. That's around $ 2.20 for every pre-sale. It could add up quickly, providing us badly needed funds! Best yet, it is money we make without having to spend money-there's no overhead cost to us.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This novel is being lauded by some of the nation's top animal advocates. More about that below, but first, here are the details of the program. To support this effort, all you need to do is buy one or more copies of A Dog's Purpose by going to the book store's website

http://www.squarebooks.com/book/9780765326263

or by phoning in your order at 662- 236-2262, or by visiting the store to place your order at 160 Courthouse Square, Oxford, MS 38655 Between now and July 1, 2010, Square Books will donate 10% of the cover price to Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society.Be sure to tell them you want the money to go to Oxford- Lafayette County Humane Society, as they are donating to two charities in this program. It's that easy!

$22.95

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A Dog's Purpose is written by the NY Times Bestselling Author and nationally syndicated newspaper columnist W. Bruce Cameron. Read more about the author at www.adogspurpose.com . Dr. Marty Becker, Resident Vet "Good Morning America," and "The Dr. Oz Show" says, "Anyone who has ever loved a dog needs to read this wise, touching, often hilarious book." The book follows the life of a dog who lives not one but multiple lives, from feral animal to hoarded dog to beloved pet to rescue canine. Eventually the dog understands that life is more than just living, it is about doing something. There must be a reason why he keeps being reborn, and he believes he needs to discover that reason-his purpose. This is a book that can be enjoyed by all members of the family, and is certain to be a favorite of animal lovers everywhere. Iris M. Dart, author of Beaches, says, "This book is a classic." Please consider participating in this program! It's a great way to help Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society pursue our important work.

Sincerely,

OLHS
Oxford Lafayette Humane Society

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

email: info@oxfordpets.com
phone: 662-236-7631
web: http://www.oxfordpets.com
Pre-order online or by phone BEFORE JULY 1, 2010. For more information visit adogspurpose.com or contact Publicist Karen Lovell at karen.lovell@tor.com.

Donate your stuff to the Oxford Film Fest's yard sale - Melanie Addington is collecting donations now until the yard sale on May 22nd at the Oxford Conference Center!

2010-05-12T10:35:00.000-05:00

I am in the process of packing up our apartment to move (so sad to be leaving Oxford!) and I found all sorts of things I didn't need - so I donated them to the Oxford Film Fest's yard sale. This is a really great opportunity to get rid of stuff AND to help the Oxford Film Fest stay afloat! If you don't have anything to donate, be sure to attend the yard sale on May 22nd and see what they are selling!

Help the Oxford Film Festival raise funds by participating in the May 22nd yard sale at the Oxford Conference Center. The festival is looking for your donations of gently used items that we can sell as part of our event. If you are interested in donating, please contact Melanie Addington at melanie@oxfordfilmfest.com or 877-560-3456.

Happy Graduation from Ole Miss!

2010-05-09T19:53:00.003-05:00

Joe and Lizzie in the Grove after Ole Miss Law graduation, May 2010

Prof. Tucker Carrington, Joe Oglesby, Prof. Desiree Hensley and Lizzie Oglesby - Tucker and Desiree are two of my favorite Oxford people. They both run two very important programs in Oxford. Tucker is the director of the Mississippi Innocence Project and Desiree is the director of the Civil Legal Clinic and Supervising Professor of the Low-Income Housing Section. Both work very hard to assist people who are in serious need of help, and who may not be able to afford a lawyer.

Joe Oglesby with Prof Joanne Gabrynowicz - Joanne is the director of the National Center for Remote Sensing, Air and Space Law and Research Professor of Law. Joann's resume is really amazing - you can read more about her on the National Center for Remote Sensing Air and Space Law website. What I deeply admire about Joanne is her love of culture and her passion for communication with students and professors from other nations, like China. She is building powerful bridges of communication that are priceless now and vital for the future of space law.

Lizzie O. will be selling art and gifts made from recycled and repurposed materials at Taylorpalooza, Saturday night 5-8pm

2010-05-07T12:16:00.000-05:00

BP Oil Spill in the Gulf - What You Can Do to Help in Oxford, Mississippi

2010-05-03T11:04:00.000-05:00

Ole Miss Students for a Green Campus, is holding a supply drive to collect supplies needed to protect and clean up the fragile Mississippi and Louisiana coastline from the recent Gulf oil spill. Supplies will be collected at the Quad entrance to the JD Williams Library this Monday through Thursday, May 3rd-6th from 8:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. You may also bring supplies to the Office of the Dean of Students, Union 422, from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Supplies needed are rubber gloves and nylon pantyhose that will be used to construct oil booms to contain and absorb the oil. Please contact Students for a Green Campus at sgc.olemiss@gmail.com for details.

Oxford Maker's Market tomorrow, Saturday May 1st at the Lyric Oxford!

2010-04-30T21:44:00.000-05:00

Maker's Market at the Lyric Oxford, Saturday May 1st!

Art, Music and Drinks!

Join us - 10am-5pm.

Images from China

2010-04-30T21:41:00.000-05:00

Our friend Sarah from the Harbin Institute sent me these photos of the great snow storm in China, just days before the earthquake that struck northwestern China back in April. It is truly terrible to think of earthquake victims forced outside in this mess. It's a big country but I believe it was even colder in Qinghai province.

UPPER DECKER today at the Lyric! Red Star Bar will be open - don't let the rain get you down!

2010-04-24T08:55:00.000-05:00

At the Lyric on Saturday is the Upper-Decker Stage, organized by Dent May and featuring these bands:

1pm Love, Actually

2pm Nine Giants

3pm Glow Worms

4pm Junk Culture

5pm Dent May and friends

6pm Unwed Teenage Mothers
The Maker's Market will also have tables of local art for sale inside the Lyric. The Red Star Bar will be open.

RECYCLED MARKET PREVIEW IN FRONT OF THE STUDENT UNION ON THE OLE MISS CAMPUS 10am - 2pm TODAY!

2010-04-22T08:35:00.002-05:00

RECYCLED MARKET PREVIEW

TODAY!!!

10am - 2pm in front of the Student Union on the Ole Miss campus

Please stop by to check out what WILL BE FOR SALE tomorrow, Friday, 10am-5pm in front of Skipwith Cottage on the Oxford Square!

Happy Green Week, Oxford!!!

T-Shirt and Blue Jean Ball - Tuesday Night at the Powerhouse, 7 - 9pm

2010-04-19T23:19:00.000-05:00

Bring your own T-Shirt to decorate! Read all about this event on the Oxford Artist's Guild's blog - http://oxfordartistsguild.blogspot.com/2010/04/support-t-shirt-blue-jean-ball-at.html
Free and open to the public!

$25 discount if you call Ravine and are one of the first 20 reservations for Tapas night!

2010-04-19T17:00:00.001-05:00

From Ravine:
Hello one and all,

The tapas night promotion last month was so well received, we thought we would try it again in April. Certainly, many of you will be downtown this Saturday for Double Decker, so why not enjoy a mid-week repast off the square at ravine?

This Wednesday, April 21st, we will provide a $25 discount for the first 20 reservations that call the restaurant. This discount will be for food only (no tax, gratuity, or alcohol), and will be applied this upcoming Wednesday only. You can see the menu at our website, oxfordravine.com.

Call me at the restaurant phone number and mention the email, and I will make a note if you are one of the lucky 20. This offer stands for people who did not take advantage of the same deal in March.

Thanks,

Joel
ravine
53 cr 321
oxford, ms 38655
oxfordravine.com
662.234.4555

It's Green Week at The University of Mississippi and in the City of Oxford!!!

2010-04-19T14:14:00.000-05:00

Check out the University of Mississippi's Green Initiative website for exciting events all week long in the name of going green!

http://www.olemiss.edu/green/green_week.html

Activities for Monday, April 19

Focus Area: Recycling and Waste Minimization

Walk the Walk Opportunity: Adopt-A-Highway

Sixty-five stretches of highway in the Oxford/Lafayette area are available for adoption. The goal is to recruit campus and community organizations to adopt 25 stretches of nearby highways. Organizations can sign up for the Adopt-A-Highway program by visiting the Student Union plaza between 10am-2pm on Monday, April 19 or by emailing us at green@olemiss.edu. Additional information will be released on this website.
Walk the Walk Opportunity: Recycling Pledge

Members of the Oxford, Lafayette, and University Community will be encouraged to pledge at least 2 hours to volunteer to support either the Oxford Recycling Center or the University’s Gameday Recycling Initiative. Visit the Student Union Plaza from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to join this pledge.

Outreach/Education Activity: Campus Recycling Plan/Oxford Curbside Recycling
Visit the Student Union Plaza from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to get information about recycling on campus and to sign up for curbside recycling in Oxford.

Activities for Tuesday, April 20

Focus Area: Transportation

Walk the Walk Opportunity: Commuter Challenge

Members of Oxford, Lafayette, and University Community will be encouraged to commit to using an alternative means of transportation at least one day a week. Transportation options include the OUT bus, bike, walking, and carpooling. Visit the Student Union Plaza from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to take the next step forward in the commuter challenge.

Outreach/Education Activity: Oxford University Transit (OUT) Promotion

Bike & Car-Share Awareness/Promotion

Oxford University Transit (OUT) Promotion. A major effort will be coordinated to provide students, faculty, and staff with information about this free transportation service, including maps and schedules. Rebel Pedals will also be highlighted, and the university will announce the next phase of enhancements to this program. The university will also release a plan for future transportation programs.

Support local artists at the Oxford Maker's Market this Saturday, April 17th, 10am-5pm! Hit the Midtown Farmer's Market first - 7am-11am.

2010-04-15T14:37:00.005-05:00

The Oxford Maker's Market occurs every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. It occurs at The Lyric Oxford on the Oxford square. Support local artists and makers of all sorts of art and gifts! 10am - 5pm, live music from local musicians and full bar inside The Lyric at the Red Star Bar. Check out photos from past markets http://www.oxfordmakersmarket.com/

This weekend also marks the start of the Midtown Farmer's Market - one of my favorite things about Oxford!!!! Saturdays, 7am - 11am April 17th through October 30th and Wednesdays 12-5:30pm. This weekend boasts a bounty of locally produced food, including berries, honey, eggs, milk, meat, breads and much more! Check out their new website: http://www.mtfarmersmarket.com/

Opportunity for artists to show and sell art made from recycled materials

2010-04-12T18:14:00.000-05:00

Happening today - Household Hazardous Waste Collection

2010-04-10T12:07:00.001-05:00

Three Rivers Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Saturday, April 10, 2010 8 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Free collection and disposal to all residents in Lee, Pontotoc, Itawamba, Monroe, Calhoun, Lafayette, and Union Counties. *No commercial waste will be accepted, only household hazardous waste. * Armory Parking Lot beside the Oxford Conference Center, 102 Ed Perry Boulevard, Oxford (Just off Highway 6 and Sisk Avenue).

Click to read the entire pdf here for more info.

Pick up a copy of the latest April 2010 Invitation Oxford - Double Decker and Oxford Goes Green Issue

2010-04-08T11:47:00.002-05:00

A really informative issue - the April 2010 Invitation Oxford magazine is on the stands everywhere in Oxford - pick up a copy today, or read the great cover stories on their website - http://invitationoxford.com/content.html

And don't forget to recycle your hardcopy when you're done with it!

The cover stories in this issue follow the Earth Day subjects of Reducing, Reusing and Recycling. All three of the Green movement's Rs are so important! But personally - I find myself putting REDUCING at the top of my list. When I use the term reducing - I primarily mean the reducing of purchasing and of consuming so many products with environmentally unfriendly packaging. There are many more ways to reduce, such as reducing the use of energy, which you can read about in Jesse Wright's article about the Doyle family on page 38.

The reason that I am reducing my use of products that can be recycled, or refraining from the purchase of some consumer items that I know can also be recycled, is the fact that I'm not sure where the packaging for so many items goes after I recycle it.

I continue to recycle, of course, but my latest concern is that final destination of so many plastic bottles and containers. In the Recycle article by Katie Morrison in the latest Invitation Oxford issue, one learns that the Oxford-Lafayette Recycling Center has grown exponentially since 2002, and is even turning a profit these days. I loved seeing the pic of Amberlyn Liles, the director of the OLRC. She always responds promptly to my emails, and I was thrilled to put a face with a name as I have not met her in person. (She's so cute! What a great pic!) The article states,

"Oxford's recyclables go on to live another life as diaper filler, feminine hygiene products, roofing shingles, Patagonia pullovers, carpets, cereal boxes and playground jungle gyms, among other products."

The article does not go in to any detail about who takes the crushed cans on to be recycled, or how the paper gets turned into more paper products that Oxonians, in fact, use again. We only see the photo of the cans, paper and plastic saved from the landfill and awaiting recycling.

I challenge Oxonians and Mississippians alike to reconsider the purchasing of so many products with plastic and/or excess packaging. Just because we can recycle it, does not make it environmentally friendly to go overboard with the purchasing of so many plastic items, such as bottled water, for example. Many of the items we throw into our recycling bins are shipped to other countries to be downcycled into lower quality products. In the end, these new items are not recycled but end up in landfills in other nations.

Watch The Story of Stuff Project's The Story of Bottled Water video below:

Bid on Lizzie Oglesby's photographs at the 11th Annual Paws for Art Charity Auction, Tuesday, April 6th at The Library Bar and Grill!

2010-04-05T17:25:00.002-05:00

You are invited to the 11th Annual Paws for Art Charity Auction, Tuesday, April 6th at The Library Bar and Grill!

The Patron Party will begin at 6:00 p.m. and tickets are $45 per guest or $80 per couple. The Patron Party offers a sneak preview of live and silent auction items, a one hour open bar, and admission to the Auction Party and Live Auction. The Auction Party will begin at 7:00 p.m. and tickets are $30 per guest or $50 per couple. Plan to join us for a fun evening and enjoy live and silent auctions, a cocktail buffet catered by several of Oxford’s favorite restaurants, a full bar, and live music. The auction features presenting artist, Baxter Knowlton and auctioneer, Robert Taylor.

For more information, please e-mail Hattie Alton, Development Director at hattie.alton@gmail.com

The following 2 photographs by Lizzie Oglesby will be for auction at the event! Place your bids and help raise funds for the Oxford Lafayette Humane Society's Capital Campaign - I've never seen a shelter in more need of renovation than this one.

Maker's Market at The Lyric Oxford tomorrow!!!

2010-04-02T15:37:00.000-05:00

Rockin' Relief at Taylor's Pub raised $675 for Haiti - look for the Rebels For Haiti at April 17th Maker's Market at the Lyric Oxford

2010-03-29T21:07:00.000-05:00

Support local artists on the courthouse lawn tomorrow, Saturday March 27th, Oxford, Mississippi's Oxford Artist's Guild ~ Art and All That Jazz 9am - 5pm

2010-03-26T12:26:00.002-05:00

ROCKIN' RELIEF BENEFIT FOR HAITI - Wednesday Night, March 24th at Taylor's Pub on the Oxford square

2010-03-23T19:41:00.000-05:00

For $5 on Wednesday night, March 24th at Taylor's Pub in Oxford, Mississippi, you can make a difference in Haiti. Please stop by the ROCKIN' RELIEF BENEFIT for Haiti, tomorrow night and help us improve the living conditions for people in need.

ROCKIN' RELIEF Benefit for Haiti
BE A REBEL. GIVE A DAMN.
Wednesday, March 24th
Taylor's Pub, 6pm - Midnight
$5 at the door

There is an awesome Haiti Benefit Party happening TOMORROW, Wednesday March 24th, 6pm at Taylor's Pub on the Oxford square - 1101 East Jackson Avenue, Oxford, MS 38655 (662) 234-2155 ‎

Line up of musicians + screening of Ole Miss grad student's documentary about Haiti:

6:00pm - Jay Lang
6:30pm - Clip from Haiti documentary by Rachel Smith, "MINUSTAH vole kabrit"
7:00pm - Tyler Kieth
7:45pm - The Reviews
8:15pm - Cadillac Funk
9:15pm - Silas Reed N' the Books
10:30pm - Burnside Exploration

Local Pizza (c/o Funky's), Haitian Prize Raffle (donated by Square Books, Oxford Wine and Liquor, Taylor's Pub, etc.), T-Shirts for sale ($20) and goodies from the Oxford Maker's Market!

Proceeds from this benefit are earmarked for the construction cost of 3 toilets and 3 showers outside of the LAMP Clinic in Cite Soleil. Total construction cost: $11,500... LAMP is a 501-3c Non-Profit. http://www.lampforhaiti.org/. For more details please contact Rebels for Haiti - rebelsforhaiti@gmail.com

Tom's Shoes/Hope for Africa Barefoot Walk, TOMORROW Tuesday, March 23.

2010-03-22T14:15:00.000-05:00

TOMS SHOES Party on Campus! This info from the Associated Student Body of the Universtiy of Mississippi:

As part of the celebration of the inauguration of Chancellor Dan Jones, many student groups will be sponsoring days of service in honor of Chancellor Jones. The theme for the inauguration is Transformation through Service. Thus, throughout the next two weeks, we will show how students are transforming lives on the local, state, national, and global level.

Our first event is the Tom's Shoes/Hope for Africa Barefoot Walk, which will be held Tuesday, March 23.

TOMS Shoes and Hope for Africa present the Barefoot Walk. This Tuesday, starting at 3 PM in the union plaza, participants will have the opportunity to come decorate a TOMS/HFA T-Shirt (the first 100 people get a T-Shirt for free!) while listening to some great acoustic performances.

We'll start the walk around campus at 4:45. The forecast looks good, but we'll be there rain or shine! If you want to walk in socks, you'll be asked to make a $3 donation, and for shoes, $5. Of course, we encourage everyone to go barefoot to experience a life without shoes firsthand and to help spread awareness of the impact a simple pair of shoes can bring to a child's life.

For more information about TOMS visit http://www.toms.com/
For more information about Hope for Africa visit http://www.hopeforafrica.info/

Sign up sheets are located in the ASB office now, and they will also be available the day of the event.
Thanks, and we can't wait to see you Tuesday.

Steve Stringer
Hope for Africa, President
Toran Dean
Tom's Shoes, Campus Representative
Associated Student Body

TOMS Shoes are so great. If you want to buy a pair, our Marimekko shop on the square sells them. Click here to view their website.

Marimekko Oxford
403 South Lamar Blvd.
Oxford, MS 38655
800.926.2701

Happy Spring Break, Ole Miss! 2 Major Events When You Return...

2010-03-12T12:37:00.002-06:00

First major event after spring break - Rockin' Relief Benefit for Haiti - Wednesday, March 24th, 6-midnight at Taylor's Pub on the Oxford square - see flyer below. Pre-order t-shirts here.

Second major event - the Oxford Artist's Guild will have their Spring Show - ART AND ALL THAT JAZZ - on the courthouse lawn in the center of the Oxford square, Saturday, MARCH 27TH, 9am - 5pm. Stop by to sample some local art and spread the word! Support your community members and the local art scene of Oxford, Mississippi!

There are currently 38 guild members signed up for this show - it's going to be huge!

Live long and prosper ... and may the dialogue continue ...

2010-03-08T21:03:00.001-06:00

It was such fun last week to meet the Chinese students who travelled to Oxford, Mississippi for the US - China Student Space Law Symposium 2010 at Ole Miss. I loved photographing the students at the various parties and I know from their many thank you emails that they had a fabulous time here during their brief visit. They were all so dear as to invite everyone they met to come visit them in China. Professor Gabrynowicz said, as she described our participation in this symposium, "We've all made the world just a teeny-tiny bit better."

Here's to the hope for continued dialogue with our Chinese friends, in all matters of the world, for the planet Earth and in space. (Cue the final frontier soundtrack - these are the voyages of the starship Enterprise...)

This is, indeed, a very interesting time for space law, with the problems of man-made space debris, satellite imaging, and the militarization of space coming into focus as truly serious issues. It was even more interesting that the news of the Chinese space station was revealed to the U.S. media during the symposium.

China plans to launch an 8.5 ton military space station, Tiangong-1, in late 2010.

Photo Credit: TV Grab - image televised during a national Chinese New Year broadcast.

To learn more about the topics discussed during the US - China Student Space Law Symposium 2010 at Ole Miss, read these blog posts from Res Communis, the University of Mississippi School of Law's blog on the legal aspects of human activities using aerospace technologies:

U.S. – China Student Space Law Symposium: Welcome

U.S. – China Student Space Law Symposium: China and Non-weaponization of Outer Space

U.S. – China Student Space Law Symposium: Enlightened State Interest – A Legal Framework for Protecting the “Common Interest of All Mankind” from a Hardinian Tragedy

U.S. – China Student Space Law Symposium: Prospects of Chinese Space Tourism and Proposals for Its Legislation

U.S. – China Student Space Law Symposium: The March of Science – Fourth Amendment Implications of Remote Sensing in Criminal Law

U.S. – China Student Space Law Symposium: Criminal Jurisdiction in the International Space Station

U.S. – China Student Space Law Symposium: Studies on Legal System of Chinese Satellite Communication

U.S. – China Student Space Law Symposium: Some Issues on International Remote Sensing Law

U.S. – China Student Space Law Symposium: An Insurer’s Dilemma for Insuring Commercial Human Space Flight

U.S. – China Student Space Law Symposium: Legal Issues on Militarization in Outer Space and Space Debris

The University of Mississippi - Space law in spotlight

2010-03-08T08:21:00.002-06:00

From the Clarion Ledger -February 28, 2010

OLE MISS
Space law in spotlight
OXFORD - With China joining Russia and the United States as the only nations that have sent humans into space, international legal issues continue to emerge.

Scholars from two of those nations are slated to address some of the issues - security, satellite communications, insurance, environmental monitoring, space debris and even space tourism - Wednesday at the University of Mississippi as part of the U.S.-China Student Space Law Research Symposium.

Sponsored by the National Center for Remote Sensing, Air and Space Law at the UM School of Law, the symposium enables students from Ole Miss, the Beijing Institute of Technology School of Law and the Harbin Institute of Technology School of Law to have open discussions regarding the issues.

The overall goal is to bring together students from the U.S. and China to share their research experiences while at the same time help foster relations between the two nations, said Joanne Gabrynowicz, the center's director.

The symposium is set for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the law school's Moot Courtroom II. To help bridge the two cultures, UM law students have volunteered to serve as ambassadors to their Chinese counterparts. The Chinese students will be on campus all week.

Law students from China and Ole Miss participated in competitions in order to attend the symposium. The dean of the Harbin Institute of Technology School of Law and the deputy dean of the Beijing Institute of Technology School of Law are also among the participants.

For three years, Gabrynowicz has served as a guest lecturer at both the participating Chinese institutions, which helped lead to the collaboration of the symposium.
For more information, visit spacelaw.olemiss.edu.

Farewell to our new friends - dinner and song at the home of Prof. Gabrynowicz

2010-03-04T22:53:00.001-06:00

The Wealth of the Double Fish - Pie and Reb Ale with our new friends...

2010-03-04T08:19:00.004-06:00

Beijing Institute of Technology School of Law Students are currently visiting Ole Miss!

2010-03-02T11:12:00.004-06:00

It's a little known fact that our Ole Miss is the National Center for Remote Sensing, Air and Space Law. That's right, folks, it's the only one...in the nation. The Center serves the public good and the remote sensing and space industry by addressing and conducting research, education and outreach activities related to the legal aspects of applying remote sensing, air, and space technologies to human activities.

On March 3, 2010, the National Center for Remote Sensing, Air, and Space Law will host a student research symposium comprised of top students from the Beijing Institute of Technology School of Law, the Harbin Institute of Technology School of Law and the National Center for Remote Sensing, Air, and Space Law at the University of Mississippi School of Law. Each participating institution has competitively selected their top three students to present their legal research at the University of Mississippi School of Law in Oxford, MS.

If you see the students from China on campus - be sure to say hello! Or in this case - ni hao!

If your head isn't all ready spinning from the knowlege that the University of Mississippi is the only university in the nation at which one can receive a certificate in space law, check out the rigorous agenda for this research symposium:

U.S. – China Student Space Law Research Symposium and Live Blogcast
Presented by The National Center for Remote Sensing, Air, and Space Law
at the University of Mississippi School of Law
3 March 2010
08:00 – 17:15
Moot Court Room II
08:00 – 08:10: Welcome from Dean Samuel Davis, Dean, University of Mississippi School of Law
08:10 – 08:20: Welcome from Dr. Alice Clark, Vice Chancellor, Research and Sponsored Programs, University of Mississippi
08:20 – 08:30: Welcome from Prof. Joanne Gabrynowicz, Director, NCRSASL, University of Mississippi School of Law
08:30 – 08:40: Welcome from Prof. Shouping Li, Deputy Dean, Beijing Institute of Technology
08:40 – 08:50: Welcome from Prof. Haifeng Zhao, Dean, Harbin Institute of Technology School of Law
08:50 – 09:00: Break
09:00 – 09:45: Legal Issues on Militarization in Outer Space and Space Debris
Ms. Tianyu Du, Harbin Institute of Technology School of Law
09:45 – 10:30: The March of Science: Fourth Amendment Implications of Remote Sensing in Criminal Law
Mr. Surya Gunasekara, NCRSASL, University of Mississippi School of Law
10:30 – 11:15: Some Issues on International Remote Sensing Law
Mr. Yang Kuan, Beijing Institute of Technology
11:15 – 12:00: Studies on Legal System of Chinese Satellite Communication
Ms. Wang Qing, Beijing Institute of Technology
12:00 – 13:00: Lunch
13:00 – 13:45: Criminal Jurisdiction in International Space Station
Ms. Sidan Ren, Harbin Institute of Technology School of Law
13:45 – 14:30: Mr. Paul Ordyna, NCRSASL, University of Mississippi School of Law
14:30 – 15:15: Legal Issues on Space Tourism and Its Implications to China
Ms. Xu Si, Beijing Institute of Technology
15:15 – 16:00: Enlightened State Interest-A Legal Framework for Protecting
the “Common Interest of All Mankind” from a Hardinian Tragedy
Mr. Nicholas Welly, NCRSASL, University of Mississippi School of Law
16:00 – 16:45: China and Non-weaponization in Outer Space
Mr. Bochao Yang, Harbin Institute of Technology School of Law
16:45 – 17:15: Wrap-up, Commentators
18:15 – TBD: Student Hosted Reception – Mr. T.J. Koger

Commentators: Prof. Percy J. Blount, Research Counsel, NCRSASL, University of Mississippi
Prof. Joanne Irene Gabrynowicz, Professor of Law and Director, NCRSASL, University of Mississippi
Prof. Shouping Li, Deputy Dean, School of Law, Beijing Institute of Technology
Prof. Haifeng Zhao, Dean, School of Law, Harbin Institute of Technology

The Harbin Institute of Technology, People's Republic of China

Beijing Institute of Technology homepage

Yappy Hour February 23, 2010 at Frank & Marlee's

2010-02-28T10:45:00.000-06:00

Mississippi United For Haiti

2010-02-25T21:36:00.002-06:00

There are still more than 1 million Haitians without homes and still in need of medical attention. Doctors Without Borders/Médecins San Frontières (MSF) continues to provide medical assistance in Haiti, and also distributes tents, blankets, and hygiene and cooking kits to some of the many displaced people stuck in makeshift, unsanitary camps.

The Oxford Maker's Market raised $63 in funds for Doctors Without Borders/Médecins San Frontières (MSF), by selling donated rings. We continue to contribute to the cause individually. For ongoing events in support of Haiti, check out United for Haiti - Mississippi State and Ole Miss:

Mississippi United For Haiti

Thank you so much to the patrons of the Oxford Maker's Market!

We sincerely appreciate your interest in our market and your continuing support. - Lizzie Oglesby

2 important parties tomorrow - Yappy Hour at Frank and Marlee's and Recycled Art reception at the Powerhouse

2010-02-22T14:22:00.001-06:00

February 23, 2010

Yappy Hour!!

Yappy Hour is back! Please bring your furry friends (if friendly and socialized) to Frank and Marlee's off the Oxford Square Tuesday, Feb 23rd from 6-8 PM to benefit the new Oxford Lafayette Humane Society shelter! Enjoy yappy-tizers, food, and beverages. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for kids.

and...

Recycled Art Show

Artist Reception

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

6:00-7:00P.M.

Show Features:

Andi Bedsworth, Besty Chapman, Emily Stone,

Janet Akers, Jennifer Hyatt, Samantha Kay Breeding,

Gabriella Delawey and Linda Jackson

8 artists creations from reclaimed objects

Free in the Gallery of the Powerhouse

Open Monday – Friday 9:00AM-5:00PM

An Exhibit in the Powerhouse Gallery Series

Sponsored by: Yoknapatawpha Arts Council,

City of Oxford, Lafayette County and the Elizabeth Firestone Foundation

Annual Jan Hawks Memorial Book Sale today and tomorrow! Proceeds go to scholarships for Ole Miss students!

2010-02-22T09:13:00.002-06:00

The American Associate of University Women (AAUW) Annual Jan Hawks
Memorial Book Sale is today and tomorrow! February 22-23rd, 8:00am – 4:00
pm, Student Union lobby.

The O-U-T bus line stops at the student union for easy access.

All proceeds from the sale will go to scholarships for University of
Mississippi students and to the AAUW Educational Foundation, the world's
largest source of funding exclusively for graduate women. The Foundation
funds groundbreaking research, fellowships and grants, special awards, and
vital community action projects.

The book sale is in memory of Jan Hawks, long-time AAUW member and
founding director of the Isom Center.

Nobody's Free Until Everybody's Free ... Future of the South Conference at Ole Miss this weekend

2010-02-18T09:27:00.003-06:00

Chris Myers Asch, U. S. Public Service Academy will speak on Friday, February 19, 2010 in Johnson Commons Ballroom. He wrote The Senator and the Sharecropper: The Freedom Struggles of James O. Eastland and Fannie Lou Hamer.

The Senator and the Sharecropper is the story of two larger-than-life personalities from one humble corner of the Mississippi Delta: the Senator, James O. Eastland, a fabulously wealthy cotton planter and one of the most powerful figures in the U.S. Senate, and the sharecropper, Fannie Lou Hamer, who grew up desperately poor a few miles from Eastland’s plantation. During Eastland’s long tenure as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, he ruthlessly and effectively bottled up civil rights legislation on Capitol Hill. From Hamer’s lowly origins, she emerged as a spiritual leader of the Civil Rights Movement that eventually toppled Eastland—a woman who “shook the foundations of the nation,” in the words of Andrew Young.

The Senator and the Sharecropper tells how these two pivotal figures came to confront one another on the national political stage at the height of the civil rights struggle. Their intertwined histories—set against a backdrop of Sunflower County’s rise and fall as a center of cotton agriculture—offer a powerful window onto the unraveling of Jim Crow during the upheavals of the 1960s and, in our own time, the persistence of profound inequality in the post–civil rights era.

Formerly an elementary school teacher in Sunflower, Mississippi, with Teach for America, Chris Myers Asch is now the co-founder of the U.S. Public Service Academy. He holds a PhD in American history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Asch lives in Cincinnati.

The Porter L. Fortune, Jr. History Symposium/Future of the South Conference
The Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi

Sponsored by the History Department and the Center for the Study of Southern Culture at the University of Mississippi Scholarly talks and discussion will take place Thursday and Friday, February 18-19, 2010, and an unstructured discussion of the relationship between the history of the Civil Rights Movement and the future of Mississippi will take place on Saturday, February 20.

Particpants in the symposium will include:
Chris Myers Asch, U. S. Public Service Academy
Curtis Austin, Southern Mississippi University
Rita Bender & Bill Bender, University of Mississippi
Emilye Crosby, SUNY Geneseo
David Cunningham, Brandeis University
John Dittmer, DePauw University
Jelani Favors, Morgan State University
Diana Freelon Foster, Mississippi Truth Project
Francoise Hamlin, Brown University
Wesley Hogan, Virginia State University
Byron D'Andra Orey, Jackson State University
Joseph Reiff, Emory and Henry College
Chauncey Spears, Mississippi Dept. of Education
Charles Tucker, Mississippi Truth Project
Akinyele Umoja, Georgia State University
Geoff Ward, U of California, Irvine
Michael Williams, Mississippi State University
Nan Woodruff, Penn State University

PROGRAM

Thursday, February 18, 2010. All events in Johnson Commons Ballroom.
9:30-11:00am Presentations
Emilye Crosby (SUNY Geneseo)
Michael Williams (Mississippi State)
1:00-2:30pm Presentations
Francoise Hamlin (Brown)
Jelani Favors (Morgan State)
3:00-4:30pm Presentations
Akinyele Umoja (Georgia State)
Wesley Hogan (Virginia State)

Friday, February 19, 2010. All events in Johnson Commons Ballroom
9:30-11:00am Presentations
David Cunningham (Brandeis)
Joseph Reiff (Emory and Henry)
1:00-2:30pm Presentations
D'Andra Orey (Jackson State)
Chris Myers Asch (US Public Service Academy)
3:00-4:00pm Comments by John Dittmer (DePauw)

Saturday, February 20, 2010. All events in Tupelo Room, Barnard Observatory

9:00-10:30am
Discussion of Civil Rights Movement and Education: chauncey Spears (Mississippi Department of Education), Curtis Austin (Southern Mississippi), Rita Bender and Bill Bender (University of Mississippi)

10:45-noon
Discussion of Civil Rights Movement and Youth: Moderated by Nan Woodruff (Penn State), a discussion with members of the Mississippi Truth Project, including Geoff Ward (California, Irvine), Charles Tucker, Diana Freelon Foster

All events are free and open to the public. No registration is necessary.For more information on the symposium, contact
Ted Ownby at umsymp@olemiss.edu

Also, at the B. B. King Museum in Indianola -
Book Signing with Chris Myers Asch

Saturday, February 20, 2010 4:30 PM

The B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center will host a book discussion and signing by former Sunflower County resident, Chris Myers Asch. Asch will be at the Museum Saturday, February 20 at 4:30pm to discuss his book The Senator and the Sharecropper: The Freedom Struggles of James O. Eastland and Fannie Lou Hamer.

A native of Washington, D.C., Chris Myers Asch studied history at Duke University and the University of North Carolina. He first came to Sunflower County as a Teach For America corps member in 1994. He spent three years teaching at East Sunflower Elementary School in Sunflower before co-founding the Sunflower County Freedom Project, an academic enrichment and leadership development program for middle and high school students. He ran the Freedom Project for seven years before leaving Mississippi to work on the U.S. Public Service Academy.

His first book, The Senator and the Sharecropper: The Freedom Struggles of James O. Eastland and Fannie Lou Hamer was published in 2008 and earned the Liberty Legacy Foundation Prize from the Organization of American Historians and the McLemore Prize from the Mississippi Historical Society. Asch currently works as the Coordinator for the Center for Urban Education at the University of the District of Columbia. He is married to former Gentry High School teacher Erica Seager, and the couple has two daughters.

For more information, please contact:
Erin Mulligan, Volunteer Coordinator
400 Second St.
Indianola, MS 38751
662.887.9539 Ext 228

emulligan@bbkingmuseum.org

Paving paradise? Ole Miss students meet to talk transportation...

2010-02-15T13:43:00.004-06:00

Last week I was invited to a meeting of the Oxford/Ole Miss Transportation Focus Group on the campus of Ole Miss. The meeting served to gather information through an open discussion concerning the improvement of environmentally friendly transportation around Oxford and Ole Miss. Information shared at this event will be used to compile a news story for The Oxford Enterprise.

After discussing issues such as improving Oxford University Transit, bike sharing, car sharing, and other methods of traveling around Oxford, this focus group overwhelmingly concluded that Ole Miss needs to build an eco-friendly parking garage. We all determined that more parking would be a sure solution to many of the problems of transportation on campus. Perhaps if students could use their cars to get to campus, and then park, they could take advantage of other methods of transportation during their time on campus?

Among the 12 or so people who attended this event, only one person was a frequent user of O.U.T. - Oxford University Transit (new bus pictured above.) This is the free bus for students that runs all over town. (Costs $ for community members, click here to read current fares.) A few students said that they wouldn't consider the bus because they did not want to have to rely on it. They did not want to have to wait for the bus, if their class got out early, and then they might be stuck on campus. The bike sharing program seemed to be of little use to the students at this meeting, as they said they either didn't know much about it, or it seemed too time consuming, as in the time it would take for a student to get to a bike sharing station, rent the bike, ride the bike to class, and lock the bike on a bike rack - it would have just been faster to drive (if they could find a parking space on campus.) A handful of students admitted to skipping class simply because they could not find a parking space on campus. When asked if the cost of gas was an issue for travel or road trips, all agreed that it was not an issue. And when asked about the Ole Miss solar-powered golf carts on campus (pictured below) that often offer rides to students, one student very honestly admitted that she had declined an opportunity to ride because there were no other students on the golf cart at the time and she thought she would seem weird if anyone saw her riding on it.

A few other issues were mentioned, like recycling and energy consumption on campus. Students were unaware of the curbside recycling program, offered by the city of Oxford, and they all agreed it was a shame that so many bottles of beer on the square that are consumed do not get recycled. One student who had actually been to the recycling drop off center on Molly Barr Road, told us that she was surprised that she had to break down her cardboard boxes to fit them through the slot of the dumpster to recycle them. It seemed like extra work, to have to break down the box, when her previous recycling experience in her home town did not entail having to flatten boxes. Energy consumption on campus was dismissed as the students agreed that Ole Miss would not be interested in spending the money to make changes to old buildings. In fact, the University has made a commitment that all new buildings on campus will be LEED Certified. The Green Buildings Program is currently in development, which will operate within the Office of Facilities Planning. Two LEED Certified buildings are currently under construction on campus- the new law school and the Center for Manufacturing Excellence. We decided that Ole Miss might be interested in building an eco-friendly underground parking garage on campus, as they could charge money for parking during the week and would potentially make a fortune during football weekends. Perhaps it could be a win-win situation, if Ole Miss would consider it. After a bit of research on the web, I found this info about regular parking lots:

Parking lots can be bad for the environment for many obvious reasons. Increasing need for more parking lots may indicate that more cars are on the road, which means that more gas is being consumed and more pollutants exhausted into the air. More pavement means less green space, thereby reducing the number of trees and plants that serve as natural “air cleaners” by absorbing carbon dioxide in the air and releasing oxygen. More pavement also means less open soil that can collect rainwater, which helps to replenish natural aquifers. Areas that have less of a natural groundwater supply suffer even more from an overabundance of parking lots.

Cars are dirty pieces of machinery and leak all sorts of toxic liquids onto parking lots. Oil, grease, coolant and other fluids collect on the asphalt and sit until rain washes it into storm drains which may drain to lakes and streams. The runoff from parking lots is often highly polluted. Another negative effect of parking lots is called the urban heat island. The asphalt or concrete in parking lots more readily absorbs and retains the heat from the sun’s rays than the surrounding ground. This in turn raises surrounding temperatures a few degrees, affecting what is called the “urban growing season.”

There are such things as eco-friendly parking garages - click here to check out this article from USA Today, in which Gloria Ohland states, "Unless there are parking spaces, you're not going to get people to use transit."

Thanks so much to Mitch McCauley for inviting me to this meeting. It was so important to hear the honest opinions of students. Until gas prices go up or public transit becomes glamorous, I'm afraid that the student body may not take advantage of the giant strides that Ole Miss is making in terms of transportation in this small town. Check out the University's website - UM Green Inititative - for good news on the eco-friendly frontier: http://www.olemiss.edu/green/index.html.

Please also read this post from a lecture that I attended back in November - Red, Blue & Green - Ole Miss' Mike Mossing & Jim Morrison talk substantive change beyond "green marketing"

News from Larson's Big Star - don't forget to check out Big Star's selection of goodies for Valentine's Day... Betty Boop Cake!

2010-02-11T14:07:00.007-06:00

So I try to purchase whatever I can whenever I can from Larson's Big Star in Oxford. The simplicity of the shop and the lack of frazzled patrons scurrying about makes Big Star what it is: the antidote to Kroger. Big Star may not have sprawling aisles of Valentine's junk, they also have not yet put out Easter (if you're all ready shopping for bunnies head over to Kroger to peruse their dueling Valentine's and Easter aisles) - but Big Star has plenty of candy in their candy aisle - to the far right of the store, a few Valentine's-themed snacks right when you walk in, a multitude of ready made cookies and crackers in the their Always Save aisle, and some awesome cakes and cupcakes in their bakery - check out the Betty Boop cake!!!! What I wouldn't do for an excuse to buy this:

I hope kids still know of Betty Boop. She has always been my favorite cartoon character. If I had an avatar - it would look much like Miss Boop.

Big Star also has some great looking V-day cupcakes, to rival anything that Kroger has come up with! If you're in a bind and don't have time to pre-order your fancy V-Day sweets from Honey Bee, this is definitely your next best option.

And for your Mardi Gras party - you definitely need this Saints cake!

Big Star also has a great selection of asian foods! They have wasabi peas! I usually buy my wasabi peas from Farmer's Market, but FM sells them in a huge can, and then I'm always stuck with a big can. I really only use wasabi peas for a goat cheese appetizer that I make, and I'm thinking about switching to Big Star's brand so I don't end up with so many peas leftover. Here's a pic of my well-encrusted with crushed wasabi peas, goat cheese log:

I simply crush the wasabi peas with a mortar and pestle, then roll a log of goat cheese in the crushed peas, and I present the log in a pile of wasabi crumbs because as people cut into it, they always want more of the peas with the cheese.

But back to Larson's Big Star - I think it's so amusing that they stock these religious prayer candles. When in need, you can find them in the Spanish foods section!

A sign of the times - Big Star has discontinued one of their few Organic products - Best Choice's Clearly Organic Original Pasta Sauces. They are on sale if you're in the market for spaghetti sauce! I'm sorry to see them go, perhaps they are being replaced with a new or better product? In general, I think folks these days are trending more towards local foods than organic foods - at least I know that I am, but it's still good to have organic products available! Big Star does, however, sell reusable shopping bags, and they are very friendly and kind towards those shoppers who bring their own bags. I always apologize when I produce my bags, as I know it disturbs the regular flow at the register, but lately one employee at the Big Star replied, "Not a problem at all, people bring their own bags all the time." So nice!

Thank you to Chad Larson for his kind e-mail - I'm glad he noticed that I write about his family's store often! I highly recommend that all Oxonians consider the Big Star before they make a dash to Kroger (and don't even ask me about Walmart - seriously - don't ask.) Big Star may be a smaller shop, but the simplicity of it is what really appeals to me. They have just about everything I need during the week, and I get in and out of there quickly and without having to rearrange shopping carts in the parking lot, and without having to wait in long lines at the register.

I don't mean to sound so down on Kroger - they certainly sell items that I need and I end up shopping there also. I have to say that the Kroger employees are very, very nice people. They make shopping at a larger, chain store bearable.

Coolness - old plantation diary found that was certainly a source of inspiration to Faulkner - read the article from the NYTimes

2010-02-11T12:25:00.000-06:00

Click here to read the article - fascinating!

Donate items for auction to support the Oxford Lafayette Humane Society

2010-02-10T21:43:00.000-06:00

February 9, 2010

Dear Humane Society Supporter,

We are pleased to announce our 11th Annual Paws for Art Charity Auction, April 6th at The Library Bar and Grill. The Patron Party will begin at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are $45 per guest or $80 per couple. The Patron Party offers a sneak preview of live and silent auction items, a one hour open bar, and admission to the Auction Party and Live Auction. The Auction Party will begin at 7:00 p.m. and tickets are $30 per guest or $50 per couple. Plan to join us for a fun evening and enjoy live and silent auctions, a cocktail buffet catered by several of Oxford’s favorite restaurants, a full bar, and live music. The auction features presenting artist, Baxter Knowlton and auctioneer, Robert Taylor.

This year our goal is to raise over $70,000 for our operating budget. Paws for Art 2010 Charity Auction is the perfect opportunity for you to promote your business and help our community’s homeless animals. Three sponsorship opportunities are available. Please see attached sheet for sponsorship benefits.

We are also seeking donated artwork, retail items, services, and gift certificates for our live auction and silent auction. To be included in the auction program, all donated items must be received by March 26th. Of course, all donations are tax deductible and you will receive a receipt for tax purposes.

On behalf of the 4,600 homeless animals we receive each year, I would like to thank you for considering sponsoring or donating to Paws for Art. Your donation will have a truly lifesaving impact on our animals.

Please call the OLHS Development Director, Hattie Alton at 662-202-4017 or email hattie.alton@gmail.com. Hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Cyd Dunlap and Hattie Alton

559 Highway 7 South Oxford, MS 38655 (662) 236-7631 http://www.oxfordpets.com/
Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society is a 501©3 nonprofit organization, Federal Tax ID# 64-0669316
No goods or services were received in consideration of this gift.

Oxford Maker's Market raising funds for Haiti

2010-02-10T21:37:00.001-06:00

The Oxford Maker's Market is one of the hottest venues to find locally handmade crafts, art and gifts in Oxford, Mississippi. At the first market of 2010 last weekend at The Lyric Oxford, artist Andrea Thomasson sold handmade flower-shaped hair pins for $10 each, with half of the proceeds going to Haiti, and the Maker's Market sold donated rings for $2 each (that were not handmade) with 100% of the proceeds going to Doctors Without Borders.

Andrea's table, see flowers for Haiti on the far left side

The Oxford Maker's Market's RINGS FOR HAITI - these rings were donated to the Maker's Market. Because they are not handmade AND they were free, the Maker's Market is selling them for $2 each with funds going entirely to Doctors Without Borders. They raised $22.00 at the first market, and they hope to continue to raise funds for their charity of choice at upcoming markets.

The Oxford Maker's Market will make it's next appearance Friday night, February 12th at the Vaudeville show at the Powerhouse in Oxford. They will be selling Valentine's-themed art and gifts. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.

Honey Bee Bakery's Valentine's Day Gift Menu

2010-02-10T16:10:00.002-06:00

Yum.

If you are headed to the Vaudeville show on Friday night at the Powerhouse, be sure to check out Honey Bee Bakery's station! I can't wait to see what they've got for us!

Empty Bowls - A Grassroots Movement to End Hunger

2010-02-09T19:55:00.002-06:00

Oxford, Mississippi Empty Bowls

The 7th Annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser will be held on Thursday, February 11, 2010
at the Oxford-University United Methodist Church
North Ninth & University Avenue in Oxford, MS 38655

Reserved parking-at parking lot onTyler Avenue & 10th

11:00 a.m until 1:00 pm
$15.00 for soup, piece of bread and bottle of water

All proceeds will go to the Oxford Food Pantry of
Oxford, Mississippi

The latest wine pairing from Ravine...

2010-02-09T19:50:00.000-06:00

Hello again,

It is that time again for ravine's monthly wine and food pairing. For those of you that missed last month's, the display of local food that we are accessing now was fantastic. Dr. Juergens made some wonderful pairings of wine, and it was a great overall experience. I hope this month's somewhat different approach will stimulate your curiosity.

This month's pairing will be held on Thursday, February 18th, starting at 6 p.m., the cost will be $25 per person. Now I realize the conflict with the basketball game, but this day seemed to work best for us in this busy month. I hope you will consider joining us, seeing as how Ole Miss will most definitely pound Vanderbilt thoroughly.

The theme this month will be of the German persuasion. Dr Juergens, Joseph, and myself had talked about a German wine pairing before, but it was not until a regular client of ours mentioned it that we said, "Why Not?" The main focus of the theme will be the wines, but I will be pushing my culinary limits and making some German cuisine to pair with the food. Dr Juergens will certainly emphasize the brillant white wines of Germany, but has also hinted at least one fabulous red will make the cut. It should be exciting to see what he comes up with that night.

So please, if you are interested, call early, and remember-- cancellations less than 48 hours in advance will be charged in full to your credit card. Please use the telephone to make reservations, as email notices are more difficult to confirm in a timely manner.

Danke,

Joel+Cori+Henry

Joel Miller ravine 53 cr 321 oxford, ms 38655 oxfordravine.com 662.234.4555

Opportunity for artists in Mississippi to sell handmade art at the Oxford Maker's Market

2010-02-01T08:19:00.000-06:00

Dear artists and friends,

I am Lizzie Oglesby, the new keeper of the Maker's Market Artists' Roster for Winter and Spring 2010. I am thrilled to join the team, and I hope that I can be most helpful to you all. On behalf of Oxford's own Maker's Market, I wish you a very Happy New Year! We are starting our winter 2010 season with a Boom Boom!

The market will resume in February with our regular schedule - every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. Our regular 1st and 3rd markets will be held at the Lyric - unless we inform you of a location change. Winter market hours are from 10am to 5pm. Please email me if you would like to sell at either of these upcoming markets - Feb 6th or Feb 20th. Booth fees are $20 for pre-registration, and $25 on a market day (space permitting). After you have confirmed your interest in selling with me, please drop your selling fee off at David Molina's office on the University of Mississippi's campus (101 Vardaman Hall) or mail your fee to David Molina at 907B Cleveland Ave. Oxford, MS 38655. If you are paying with a check, please make your check out to David Molina. (We are still in the process of figuring out legal stuff so we can establish the Oxford Maker's Market as an entity, after which we will open a bank account for the organization).

Start making some Valentine's themed artwork!
We have been invited by Southern Lush and Lace to sell Valentine's themed art at the Powerhouse Community Arts Center on Friday night, February 12th at 8pm during the burlesque show, A Night at the Boom Boom Room - Vaudeville Burlesque Revue. We are very excited to be invited to participate in this event, and we hope to have a couple of tables representing Valentine's or Love-themed work from many different artists. THERE IS NO FEE TO SELL AT THIS VENUE. Please volunteer to help us sell your art! This event will not be a full-blown market, just a few tables with mixed items. PLEASE DO NOT BRING MORE THAN 3 - 5 ITEMS DEPENDING ON SIZE - SPACE IS LIMITED AS THERE WILL BE OTHER VENDORS. A few of our Maker's Market committee members will be staffing our tables, if you would like to sell but cannot attend. Tickets for the burlesque show should be available for purchase beginning Tuesday, January 26th. Please spread the word and tell people to buy tix for the show! NO FREE TICKETS TO THE SHOW FOR SELLING ART AT THIS VENUE. Tickets must be purchased in person at the Powerhouse Community Arts Center - tickets are not available online. Please email me, Lizzie Oglesby, if you are interested in selling/volunteering for the burlesque show.

We are working on updating our website, http://www.oxfordmakersmarket.com/. If you sold art at the market in the past, please send us a photo and/or description of the art that you sold at the market. If you are an artist who is planning to sell at an upcoming market, please also email us a photo and info. Please email this info to oxfordmakersmarket@gmail.com so that David Molina can upload it to the website.

Can't wait to see you all in February!
- Lizzie Oglesby

Art Show at Ravine!

2010-02-01T07:26:00.002-06:00

Hello,

I thought I would take a moment and update everyone on our latest happenings. This Thursday, February 4th, we are having a new art show up on our walls here at ravine.

The artist is Keith Wiseman, who has done some fabulous photography of Oxford and Lafayette County past and present. He is truly talented, and we are lucky to have his work displayed here at our place.

There will be complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres during the art show as well. The food will be a preview of our new tapas menu that will be our regular Wednesday offering. All the small plates will range from $3-10, and offers everyone a chance to sample/graze through the menu without being too costly. As well, we will have wine and cocktail specials each Wednesday to compliment the tapas.

So stop using the weekend as an excuse to go out and eat, and come join us this Thursday for a great art show. The added bonus will be the yummy bites and complimentary wine. The show is from 5-7 pm this Thursday, February 5th-- see you then.

Thanks,

Joel

Joel Miller ravine 53 cr 321 oxford, ms 38655 oxfordravine.com 662.234.4555

A Year In Photos From Doctors Without Borders

2010-01-30T18:12:00.000-06:00

http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/publications/alert/articlefull.cfm?id=4130&cat=alert-article

Click the link above to see a year in photos from Doctors Without Borders - they have some incredible images and text from their continuing work in Haiti, Pakistan, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo, Bangladesh, Gaza, Latin America and beyond. Donate if you can - this is such an important organization.

So many folks in need...

2010-01-28T13:26:00.000-06:00

International need is SO important on a global scale - but we must not forget that we are also surrounded by neighbors and friends in Mississippi who need our help.

A message from Janet Barnes, secretary of the Oxford Artist's Guild:

St. Peter's Episcopal Church and St. John's Catholic church are having a joint fundraiser for the Interfaith Compassion Ministries, which is desperate for funds since so many people are out of work and needy. It will be from 9 to 12 on Saturday Feb 6th and they are asking for donations of art items from anyone that can contribute anything. Large or small items are needed. They can be brought to the St Johns Student Center at 410 South 5th Street from 9am to 12 on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday before the sale. This is a very worthy cause and if you can help, please do. Our Oxford Artist's Guild Library Show reception is during the sale time, but maybe you could run by there at 9 to shop. There will be other contributed items as well.

University of Mississippi's Dean of Students Office Coordinating Haitian Relief Efforts

2010-01-15T07:08:00.001-06:00

A message from the Ole Miss Dean of Students:

Several in the university community have expressed a desire to help the people of Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake there.

Because disaster response officials have identified certain limitations on
what can be done and what is needed, the university needs to centralize
response efforts by members of the UM community. Doing so will not only
enable us to respond more effectively but also maximize our assistance to
the Haitian people.

Therefore, we are asking that all efforts to assist the people of Haiti or
to organize fundraising events be communicated and coordinated through the Office of the Dean of Students. Assistant Dean of Students for
Multicultural Affairs & Volunteer Services Valeria Ross is leading this
effort. Please contact her at 662-915-7247 or vross@olemiss.edu and share
your disaster relief plans.

Many thanks to those of you who have already asked how you can help the
people of Haiti.

Several members of our university family are from Haiti or have friends or
family there. If you are among this group, members of the university
family will continue to keep you, your family members and friends in our
thoughts and prayers.

A lot of news from the Oxford Lafayette Humane Society...

2010-01-14T10:35:00.002-06:00

First things first, tomorrow, Friday, January 15th, at 1 PM at the shelter there will be a meeting about this year's Paws For Art - the biggest fundraiser that the Oxford Lafayette Humane Society puts on each year. Stop by, pet some cats and attend the meeting if you are available and interested in helping with the event this year.

Secondly, I got the email on Tuesday night that OLHS rescued 33 dogs from a puppy mill on Monday night, January 11th. I am so glad that OLHS could step in and take care of this situation. Sadly, this sort of thing happens frequently in North Mississippi, and all over our nation. If you don't know what a puppy mill is, click here for more info. The OLHS shelter in Oxford is in need of dog & puppy food (no red dye), laundry detergent, bleach, foster families, and donations for those that are sick and need vet treatment!
Pass the word, the dogs that they rescued are rotties, daschunds, maltese, poodles, westies, boston terriers, pit bulls, shih-tzu, pomeranians.

In other, more happy news, please support our shelter at their next event:

Whiskers and Wine

to benefit the Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society

at Lenora’s Monday, January 18th 6-8 PM

Their goal is to honor the cats and kittens in our community and to raise money for

Cat Kennels ($250) and Cat Rooms ($3,000) for the new shelter.

Enjoy food, wine, and door prizes!

Tickets are $25 a person, $40 a couple & can be purchased at Lenora’s, OLHS, and The Frame Up!