"The Blind Side" in Oxford, MS

 "The Blind Side" has been the underdog hit at movie theaters since it's November 20 debut.  Two weeks after opening, the movie is at the #1 spot in not just Oxford, but also the US and Canada.  The movie is based on the true story of a homeless youth, Michael Oher, who was taken in by the Tuohys, wealthy Memphis family, and achieved success playing football at Ole Miss and was then drafted by then Baltimore Ravens.  It is an inspiring story of how the Tuohy's helped Oher overcome many of life's obstacles and adopted him into their family.  The Ole Miss and Oxford community share a special tie to the movie, since Ole Miss was home to Oher throughout his college career.  

Ole Miss Increases Awareness of "Date-Rape"

The University of Mississippi is striving to bring drug-facilitated sexual assault out in the open. More commonly known as "date-rape," drug-facilitated sexual assault has been kept quiet around the United States, especially on college campuses. In order to ensure victims help is available the Office of Health Promotions is increasing the awareness of "date-rape."

The University is stressing to all students and faculty members that sexual intercourse without consent is considered to be rape. Consent must be mutual through words or actions that indicate and agreement to engage in sexual activities.

So far the campaign has been successful. Information on the attempt to raise awareness has even made the front page of the Daily Mississippian.

Ole Miss Holiday Charities

This is one of the many logos for Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child. The logo tells you what the charity is about: flying shoe boxes with gifts to less fortunate children.

This is a photo of the lyceum during the Christmas season.

The University of Mississippi is known for many prestigious accolades as such as the safest school in the SEC and the former #4 football team in the SEC, but Ole Miss is not all about receiving. It occurs throughtout the entire year, but during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, many organizations on campus really come together in an effort to help out and give back to the community. Operation Christmas Child and Adopt-a-Basket are two of the thriving charities on campus. Operation Christmas Child's history dates back to 1970. It was founded by Bob Pierce who led a ministry called Samaritan's Purse in Korea. With this charity project, individuals are encouraged to donate shoe boxes with toys for boys and girls in different age groups. The age groups are: 2-4, 5-9, and 10-14. Samaritan's Purse has many other programs in place to help less fortunate individuals in other countries. The ministry has a relief and development project, HIV/AIDS Prescription for Hope, and a Sudan Church Rebuilding Project. This ministry has expanded and now has locations in all parts of the world: Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Hong Kong. This Operation Christmas Child can also be found working in partnership with students on various college campuses.





The Adopt-a-Basket charity is a project that was established in 2004 by a fellow faculty member, Valerie Ross, who works for the Dean of Students. With this charity, people are just asked to donate food and help pack the food in boxes. After the boxes are complete, they are shipped out to families in the community before Thanksgiving. As Mrs. Ross stated and through observation, many people came out to volunteer and donate food. At any given time there can be over 20-30 volunteers.





And even if one feels that they cannot afford to package gifts for Operation Christmas Child or have the time to volunteer, they are encouraged to donate to the Oxford Pantry at any time, not just during the holidays.

Thomas Dominates in Rematch Against UALR

Ole Miss senior guard Bianca Thomas has taken her game to another level this season, in leading the Rebel women’s basketball team in a 6-1 record, after the first month of the year. Thomas has become one of the most complete players in the Southeastern Conference and has really showed exactly what she is made of.

Wednesday night the Rebels battled UALR on the road in a very hostile environment. Thomas made it very clear to the players all week during practice how important the game was and how bad she wanted revenge from last year’s home loss to UALR. It was clear very early in the game that Thomas was going to take it upon herself and show everyone in attendance that Ole Miss was not going to lose this year. She even went as far as to gather her teammates at the free throw line after UALR had taken a lead in the second half and tells them that no matter what the score was at the time, Ole Miss was going to win the game. I could read her lips from my seat on press row when she yelled, “we are not going to lose this game.”

When the final horn sounded, Thomas proved everyone right as Ole Miss claimed a 70-51 over the Trojans to win its third straight game. She was virtually unstoppable during the game and scored a game-high 29 points to post her 15th career game with at least 20 points. Thomas also became just the 23rd player in school history to score 1,000 or more career points as she finished the game having scored 1,006 points during her time at Ole Miss. Maybe even more impressive, Thomas hit seven three-pointers in the game to tie the school record for the most three-pointers in a game. Believe it or not, but it was actually the second time she has hit seven three-pointers in a single game, as she also did it last season as a junior. Read More on game.

Thomas has really put the team on her back this season and has embraced her role as the team’s leader. She is one of the most talented players in our conference, and I am so excited about where she can take this team this year. I really believe she has what it takes to become an All-American this season. To see an interview with Thomas click here.

The Life of a Walk-On

Being a walk-on football player is not the easiest job.  Trust me, I know from experience.  The dedication and time is overwhelming. However, the part people may question the most is, why are you doing this for free?  Meaning, scholarship guys have their school paid for, and you're out here under your own terms?  

Kyle Horine is a 5-10, 180 pound red-shirt freshman from Kingwood, Texas.  While 5-A football in Texas is big, nothing can compare to the size and speed of a conference like the SEC.  So, why be a walk-on?  Sometimes you wake up at 6 a.m. to go lift weights and wonder why you are even here.  When it's 90 degrees outside and you're running sprints, thoughts of all the other activities you could be doing run through your head.  

But, when Saturday arrives and you're walking through the grove among thousands of screaming fans, you realize this is why you put in the time.  Walking down the long corridor from the IPF to the stadium, you think, am I really doing this?  You finally

 realize the surreal moment when you are grazing over the statue of Chucky Mullins, which is outside the tunnel.  And just like the words in scripted on it, "Never Quit", you too will not give up the chance to see the field one day.  

Guys like Andy Hartmann, the current starting fullback, and George Helow, who plays on special teams make you understand that it is possible not only to play, but contribute a significant amount.  Even Dallas Clark, the pro-bowl tight end for the Indianapolis Colts, was a walk-on.  

The biggest thing you will take with you won't be the rough times, but the times you spent with other guys on the team.  Not just on the field, but in the dorms as freshman, or on the square at night.  When you finally decide to hang it up, you will know that every second and every moment you spent as an Ole Miss Rebel will never be forgotten.

Ole Miss Community Giving Back

Each year around this time students are busy with loads of work as the semester ends, but also Ole Miss students are thinking about the less fortunate. With this in mind, numerous organizations have drives and charities to give back. Associated Student Body, greeks, and schools just to name a few, do their part to help needy people during the holiday season. Many will offer their drive in the Student Union for students to participate from Thanksgiving through Christmas.

Food drives like the one held by ASB, feeds many people and donates to the shelter, so that everyone may have a dinner for Christmastime. Greek Life participates in Toys for Tots, which donates toys to local children in Oxford and surrounding areas. The Honors College along with other volunteer students get together each year and sends shoe boxes given to them by Ole Miss students to give to Operation Christmas Child. Operation Christmas Child drive sends children shoe boxes filled with necessities and fills them according to gender and age.

ASB encourages students to become volunteers of a charitable event or donate old clothing to drive, small things like this helps students become a better samaritan. Most volunteers said small donations goes further than many would expect. Their donations and drives tries to make every ones holiday season a little more joyful, and by volunteering it also puts a warm place in your heart.
Students interested in getting involved in these or any other drives can stop by the student union to see what is being offered.

Click here to watch this story.

The Holidays are quickly approaching and many Mississippi residents will be in need of blood.  The Mississippi Blood Services are a non profit blood doning organization and the only one is Mississippi. Blood that is donated is given to local hospitals to help the quick recovery of patients who are in them. There are blood centers in Oxford, Jackson, and Greenville. The MBS also has daily local blood drives that are mobile where blood can be given.  MBS is licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), a founding member of Blood Centers of America, Inc. (BCA/hemerica), a member of America's Blood Centers (ABC), and a member of the South Central Association of Blood Banks (SCABB). Donating blood is completely safe there is no risk of contracting AIDS or HIV, a sterile needle is used each time blood is donating. 

The donation

 process is painless and takes about fifteen minutes to complete. Before the collection of 

blood begins patients are asked several health and sexual questions, nurses refer to this a a mini physical. After the blood is collected patients are asked no to participate in high energy activities for the rest of the day. Fluids and cookies are given to patients after collection to reassure the fluid and sugar levels in the blood are healthy and safe.

In every hos

pital one in seven patients are in need of blood. Every two seconds a patient needs blood for accidents victims, cancer patients, hemophilliacs, and patients undergoing surgery. By donating blood it not only benefits your health it is a great deed for your community as well.

Many lives have been saved through blood donations. To read testimonials click here.

FACTS

The Mississippi Blood Services were founded in 1979 and just one of the collection centers can donate up to 64,000 units of blood to patients in need a year.

 Seventy percent of all Americans are able to donate blood, but of that percent only four actually donate. 

The blood type mist needed is Type O.

A single car accident can require 100 units of blood.

Click here to see more facts about blood donation.

To find out more about how you can donate visit MBS website at www.msblood.com 

You can also follow the MBS on facebook or twitter. Those unable to donate blood can make monetary donations to support the MBS by clicking here.

Ole Miss - Sports Power Hour

Sports Power Hour is a radio talk show that goes on air Wednesdays at 7:00 pm. Its in theory Ole Miss' version of ESPN's Mike & Mike in the Morning except with more than just two broadcasters. Along with producer Tony Russell three senior students host the show. Senior Broadcast Journalism Majors Kory Keys and Alex Lake and also Senior Marketing Major David Henson are the three main hosts as they also have guest hosts sometimes. Keys, Lake, and Henson started by doing a post Ole Miss football game show for the home games in 2008 but, were not satisfied with just that. After following Ole Miss basketball for its 2008 -2009 campaign they went to Tony Russell and they wanted to do more.

From doing the post game show to no having a permanent one-hour spot, the three seniors have had numerous guests ranging from friends, players, and coaches from numerous sports stop by and co-host a show or for live interviews. After talking with Tony Russell and him talking to Rebel Radio was when they were officially given their chance. This chance was to be every Wednesday for one-hour at 7:00 pm. Since gaining the new show the three did not want to stop at just Ole Miss sports programs, so they went out and have rained recognition from other schools around the Southeastern Conference (SEC) as well.

In October the three of them got all their equipment together and went to SEC Media Days in Birmingham, Alabama. Upon arriving they had found out that they were the only student ran media that had showed up. When interviewing coaches from around the conference they realized they were along side of people that were reporters for a living, not just for fun like the three of them were doing. If you were to ask Keys, then Lake, then Henson who their most proud to have interviews so far the three of them would all say SEC Commissioner, Mike Slive and also the basketball coach with the most wins ever, the Tennessee Vols women's basketball coach, Pat Summit.

Just because football season is coming to a close does not mean the show is as well. You can catch Sports Power Hour with, Kory Keys, Alex Lake, and David Henson on Wednesday at 7:00 pm on Wednesday.

Where the pepperoni pizza will have you jumpin' for joy, man!

Recently, the Ole Miss Dining Services seem to have come under scrutiny again over rising food prices at the Ole Miss student union food court and other eateries on campus. Though some students may gripe, the university claims that the price increases are necessary.

Every year the food services here at Ole Miss hold a survey to compare their prices to competition around town and after seeing some of the results this year, I was very surprised.

The reason I was so surprised is because the prices of the items available on campus weren't astronomically higher than the prices at places like BP and Shell. The price of a box of Cheerios on campus is $5.79, while the price at Shell was over$6. Soft drinks and milk were priced at $1.39 on campus, which is the same price available at BP. Ole Miss Dining Services has even joined in on the "$5 phenomenon", making meal combos available in the food court for as low as $5.

"We can't be compared to places such as Wal-Mart because we are convenient stores." said Laine Poole, the Ole Miss Dining Services marketing manager. "We do not increase prices just because we have a captured audience."

Convinced that the university diabolically sought to exploit me for as much money as possible during my tenure here in Oxford, I was pleased to see that maybe they weren't the lying pirates I had made them out to be. Some items in the food court do still have higher prices compared to competitors, but can you really put a price on convenience?

The food court has served me well over the four years I have spent meandering around Ole Miss. It was home to the only Chick-fil-a in town until earlier this year! Located in the heart of campus, the food court offers convenience unparalleled for students living in the dorm or studying for hours on campus.

MS Blood Services Urges People to Help Save Lives this Holiday Season

With the Christmas Holidays just around the corner, many Ole Miss Students are in the spirit of giving, and what could be better than giving life? Mississippi Blood Services urges everyone to help save a life by donating blood today. Click here for the story. 

Founded in 1979, Mississippi Blood services is the only MS based not-for-profit blood center. It supplies a safe and adequate supply of blood and blood products to MS hospitals from the Tennessee line to the MS Gulf Coast. The Oxford location at 2627 W Oxford Loop is one of three distribution hubs, where donated blood can be distributed to one of the 49 hospitals they serve across the state. 

According to Lolita Gregory, Operations Director, "Anyone who is sixteen years of age, at least 110 lbs. and currently not under a doctor's care for a medical condition is able to give blood." "There is ALWAYS a need for blood, and never enough of it."

 

The process starts with a medical screening, or "mini-physical" to make sure donors are eligible to give blood. Questions about medical history, and background information are gathered, and donors are given a finger prick to make sure their iron levels are sufficient. If everything checks out ok, donors are then taken to the drawing stations. The entire process only takes about fifteen minutes.

Visit the  MBS Web site at http://msblood.com/ or call 1 (888) 90-BLOOD for information on mobile drives near you.

Watch MS blood recipient Vivian's powerful story, and get inspired to donate blood today.

The City of Oxford recently passed a new ordinance saying no more than three unrelated people can live together. This new rule has had a major impact on students living off campus. Some students have been told by their landlords that they have to move out by Christmas break. Other students have been trying to fight the new rule. Some students have talked to their landlord and have said they would pay the fine.

This new ordinance has inconvenienced many students. Not only are they being evicted half way through the school year, but they are having to find another place to live, minus a few of their roommates. Students are having a hard time finding another place to live that they can afford. Senior Ole Miss student, Tori Sawyer said, " My biggest problem with the new housing rule is that it leaves students homeless." She also said, " It is really weird having random people take pictures of our house everyday." Students hope the city will realize this rule is causing more harm than good. They hope Oxford will take a second look at the law and revise it.

Oxford High Outgrowing Current Campus

Oxford High School's student population is beginning to outgrow it's current campus, and the best solution seems to be to build a new school.

The Oxford School Board is currently reviewing other solutions such as combining seventh and eighth grades, and reconfiguring the current elementary schools. But this can only be accomplished by adding more space to current schools or building an entirely new school. Local residents fear that combining the schools would make them lose the "sense of community" that they have all grown accustomed to.

It is evident just by walking the grounds of Oxford High that it is in need of a new building. The population of Oxford has nearly doubled since the school was built in 1963, according to the principal, Bill Hovious. The population growth of Oxford has lead to the overcrowding in the schools halls, who now hold almost 1,000 students. But others feel like the construction of a new school would be far too expensive, especially during tough economic times.

The location, size and exact cost of the new school is still unclear. The overcrowding has become such a serious problem that the Oxford school board has held a "special" meeting discussing the topic, and there are more planned for the future. School Board President, Bela "Buddy" Chain expects a final decision to be decided on within the next school year. If the construction of a new school is chosen, Oxford residents can expect it to take 3 years to be completed.

Rebels for Prevetion Seeks to Motivate Safe Driving among College Students

Students gather at the Lyceum steps to commemorate the lives of their lost loved ones and friends. The event Rebels for Prevention hosted by the Peer Health Educators of Ole Miss seeks to show students the affects of unsafe driving, especially when alcohol is involved. Each year around 2,000 people under the age of 21 die in motor vehicles as a result of alcohol consumption. With auto accidents and college alcohol abuse steadily increasing each year, the organization wants to show students how drinking while driving affects everyone.

During the event students were able to share their stories of how alcohol abuse has impacted their lives, while encouraging their peers to make the right decision when it comes to driving. Students listened tentatively has they heard how their fellow peers were coping with their losses. A candlelight vigil was held in memory of people lost in car accidents. As the night came to a close the peer health educator organization stressed the importance of talking to a school counselor or a friend when tragedy strikes.

The Peer Health Educators will have several events focusing on important issues

for college students such as: health, finances, and safe sex practices.

Food vs. Students

Many students have become increasingly upset with the inflation of food prices on campus and some even believe that they are being taken advantage of by Food services. “They know college kids are lazy and that they will not drive off campus to get food,” junior Rhett Dixon said. “They will charge whatever they want because they know how college students are. They will raise the prices for this reason.” Students are paying much more for yogurt, snack bars, candy, and other snack items on campus than they would at grocery stores such as Wal-Mart and Kroger. A 6 oz. container of Yoplait yogurt at the Union can be purchased for $1.19 while the same container can be purchased at Wal-Mart for 53 cents. Candy items such as M&M’s can be purchased at Kroger for 50 cents, while students are paying $1.50 at the C-store.

Ole Miss Dining Services Marketing Manager, Laine Poole says that they cannot be compared to places such as Wal-Mart because they are convenient stores. She also says that every year food services holds a survey to compare prices of their food items to their competition around town and compared to competition at gas stations including Shell and BP, prices are relatively the same and sometimes even lower. Food services claim their main goal is to benefit the students and not to put them at a disadvantage. Poole states that “We are here to satisfy students’ needs on campus, It is a convenience to save gas, not have to look for a parking spot and get what you need in between class.”

Dining Services provides special combo meals in the Union ranging around $7 and happy hour specials for $5 which allow students to save more money. Food services are also encouraging students to stay on campus through Facebook and Twitter by offering promotions to get the students attention and give them what they want. Another way food services are trying to save money is by encouraging recycling. They currently provide ecofriendly to-go boxes for students at the Johnson Commons. They are made of recycled plastic and the students can use them, returned them so they can be sterilized, and receive another one, all for a $5 deposit.

Kettle Drive's $27,000 Dollar Goal

Every December we see them. From early morning to late at night they stand in the cold, ringing a bell to grab our attention and hopefully some of our spare change. They are the Salvation Army Kettle Ringers and in Oxford, Mississippi their job is more important than ever. Their mission is to try and raise $27,000 for the less fortunate by Christmas Eve.

To raise so much money in so little time seems unlikely. In this economy many don't have the money they used to, making it difficult to be generous. However, one Oxford Kettle Ringer, Richie Manning says on her first day two people donated hundred dollar bills. Also, Oxford Salvation Army Director Lisa Coleman says raising $400 a night is pretty common. Both Coleman and Manning believe they will reach their goal.

Money from the Kettle drive goes to several good causes such as healthcare and food for the less those in desperate need. Angie Taylor, Assistant Manage of the Local Salvation Army says she hopes they can help out a family whose home recently burned down and lost all of their possessions.

For those currently in Oxford, if you want to make a donation, they have 4 kettle ringers at three different locations. There is one ringer at Kroger, one at Big Star Grocery, and two at Wal-Mart. They are there from the hours of nine am to five pm and are more than happy for any donation of yours, big or small. Because in the Kettle Drive every penny counts.

Oxford University Transit, the cheap public chauffer system.

Oxford Mississippi is one of those towns whose population tends to swell at specific times during the year, being a college town. Oxford decided to start a public bus system to help with busy streets, but on the busiest of days(during a football game) the buses get rerouted to avoid going onto campus. In most big cities, public buses are a fairly common sight. Oxford is one of the towns that is just on the edge in average size of being able to support a public bus system.







To find out the bus times and destinations, check the Oxford University Transit website. University of Mississippi students are one of the selection of riders that can ride for free. This helps those who live in the dorms and are often low on cash. Students can catch the bus at the University of Mississippi Student Union and get off at Wal-Mart to do some shopping.





After the first of the year, OUT will have a few more destinations. This will help more people ride who currently don't because of no stops in a reasonable place for them to get on. So if you need to head out and are considering saving gas while doing it, or just want to go on a reasonably cheap tour of part of town, look for bus stop nearest you.

University of MS offers free Flu Sprays

MS Map of Swine Flu Cases.


The University of Mississippi offers free H1N1 vaccination nasal injections to students who do not have underlying conditions and are under the age of 24. Although the university was only given 1,000 of these vaccines they have yet to administer all the sprays due to the suspicion of the potency and reliability of the spray.

The Mississippi Department of Health reports that as of November 30th only 13 people have died from the disease in Mississippi but neighboring states have seen increased numbers. However the age and underlying medical condition of these victims within Mississippi was not included in that report. Director of Health Services Barbara Collier said "We want to encourage people to get the vaccine especially if your at high risk because the CDC has told us that things may get worse."

The university has also taken extra measures to help control the spread of the virus by adding disinfectant sprays to bathrooms on campus. So as of now the University Health Care Center is offering injections and nasal sprays but only the spray contains the live virus which is suited for individuals under the age of 24. For more information on how to obtain a flu shot you can contact director of Health Services, Barbara Collier at bcollier@olemiss.edu or call the Health Center at 662-915-7274. This blog was written by Bryant Gregory for the OleMiss Newsdesk. For corresponding story click here.

The Blind Side Premieres, Oxford, Ms.

The Blind Side movie hit theaters all over the country today, including Oxford, Mississippi. This movie is the story of Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized boy who became an All American Football player and first round NFL draft pick with the help of a caring Leigh Anne Tuohy.

Oher has ties to Oxford Mississippi, as a crucial member of the Ole Miss football team that went on to win the 2008 Cotton Bowl. Many Rebel fans and football enthusiasts in Oxford, Ms. have long awaited for this true story to hit the Malco Oxford Studio Cinema.

The Blind Side sold out completely in Oxford, Ms. on its opening day, and lines of fans decked out in Ole Miss apparel were backed up to the parking lot. Michael Oher's story is a big deal for football fans in Oxford Ms. and it shows. Fans have heard this tragic story and some have even read the book. They are ready to finally see this story on the silver screen.

The movie grossed about 34.5 million dollars in it's opening weekend of November 20, 2009. The movie is predicted to gross millions more and continue it's success.

Oxford University School Looking Foward to New Building

Driving down South Lamar you probably wouldn't even notice there is a school there. Oxford University School resembles a residential house rather than a school, but don't judge a book by its cover. Oxford University school has grades pre-k through sixth with around 250 and the school is rapidly expanding. Next year the school plans to add a seventh and eighth grade and soon after that, the possibility of becoming a high school.

The increase is student enrollment has surely made way for the construction of the

school's new campus. The new building will be located off of highway 7 by The Grand Oaks subdivision, it will include a new gym, athletic fields, and class rooms equipped with the latest technology on 25 acres of land. The school is working on a campaign to raise $1.5 million to fund the new campus. The school will also use funds from the sale of the existing campus on South Lamar.

Don Frazier, Headmaster of Oxford University School said the new campus is a pivotal part in developing the school into a high school. With the recent

influx of students in all Oxford schools, Oxford University School's new building could become very important in the problem of overcrowding in the schools. The students and faculty at Oxford University School have certainly outgrown their current campus, but when the new campus is finished in 2010 everyone will have a comfortable place to learn or teach.

Oxford, MS Food Pantry Prepares for Demanding Holiday Season

Across the United States, millions are dealing with many questions like "Will I have a job tomorrow?", "Can I pay all my bills?", and most important "Can I feed my family?". Due to a failing economy, unemployment along with rising food prices prompted many for eligibility to receive help. All recipients must meet federal and state low-income requirements to receive food.


In the past year, Mississippians who rely on the food pantry have largely increased. During the holiday season, food pantries usually receive a surplus, but this year, many pantries are in need like many of it's users.

In some ways, running a food pantry has never been more difficult. In fact, many pantries across the country have had to close doors due to a lack of donations.

Holiday season has arrived. Between the Memphis Food Bank, the USDA in Jackson, MS and many other sources, the Food Pantry in Lafayette County has been very fortunate in their donations in this time of need. Erin Pollock reports.

Oxford's Main Squeeze

Ron Shapiro opened his juice bar Main Squeeze in March of 2008. His idea is to bring organic healthy foods as an option to Oxford, a town known for its food but more often fried and soulful than healthy and organic. The atmosphere at Main Squeeze is more chill than other places around town. As you walk up to the front porch you notice that there isn't much coherence to the order of furniture adorning the front lawn and the porch is strewn out in the

seemless order the last folks sitting there had arranged.

The Main Squeeze has a slew of smoothies, juices, and most recently a vegetarian food menu to choose from. One of the most popular if not unique beverages would be the mythical

wheat grass shots, which may save your life. Melissa Loria has worked at Main Squeeze since it opened and known Shapiro since she was young and says he's a fun boss to have who, "always keeps things interesting and different."

Voted as Oxford's favorite smoothie spot by The Local Voice.

Ron, better known to townies as "Ronzo", has plans to keep the shop open for late night snacking, something that can be difficult to find in Oxford after about 10 p.m. Main Squeeze also hosts movie on hot summer nights where goers can pick up a smoothie and watch classic films that Ronzo says keep people interested.

Ninja Star Sweeps Small Town

It's been almost 30 years since the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles made their television debut, bringing fun and imagination to a generation of children growing up in the late 80's and early 90's. Due to the success of the Saturday morning cartoon, it wasn’t long before the Turtles developed a large and devoted following of ninja fans and enthusiasts.

Today, the ninja craze can still be seen stirring audiences as movie goers are now catching the recently released action packed thriller entitled Ninja Assassin. The movie follows a highly trained killer who seeks revenge on the very society that once guided him. The highly intense fight scenes that Hollywood depicts on the big screen are captivating martial arts fans both young and old.

The sensation has even found its way to Meridian, Mississippi where amateur filmmaker and martial artist, Adrian Anderson, is building a ninja craze of his own that’s a little out of the ordinary.

Not only have martial arts provided Adrian with the knowledge to defend himself from potential threats, it has also helped him develop a distinguished character. In 2006, he won 2^nd place in the 11^th He-Young Kimm Cup Championship held in the state of Louisiana where he received a silver medal in 2006. Currently, Adrian is pursuing his dream of sharing his two favorite past times with the world, especially now that his life has made it to the air waves.

Many of Adrian’s works have obtained a huge response, which has enabled him to take control of MCC's public broadcasting station, channel 12, by turning it into a portal for his unique humor and experiences. Some of the most memorable works that Adrian has created include Friday the 12th and of course, Turtle Power which depicts him performing his moves in full Ninja Turtle apparel. Currently, Adrian is on his way to becoming MCC’s most prolific filmmaker, and with the advent of YouTube he hopes to expand his fan base to a national level. This has been Craig Bauer reporting for Newswatch. Please be sure to keep checking on Adrian’s youtube page to catch some of his group’s new upcoming movies.

New Moon Mania Invades Oxford, MS

The nation has been abuzz with excitement over the long-anticipated November 20th release of New Moon, the second movie in a series of four based upon author Stephanie Meyer's highly acclaimed Twilight novels.

The popular franchise, which centers around a normal young woman caught between the affections of a vampire and a werewolf, has already grossed a whopping $396,439,854 worldwide, and that was BEFORE the release of New Moon, which earned $142.8 million dollars during the opening weekend alone.

The uber-success of the Twilight franchise is due largely in part to the enormous fan base it has amassed, dubbed "Twi-hards" because of their diehard, obsessive devotion to the series and, more importantly, their favorite character.

Generally separated into two categories (Team Edward and Team Jacob, obviously) these Twilight enthusiasts take their loyalty towards fictional characters to an entirely new and possibly unhealthy level, sparking arguments, t-shirts, and constant media frenzy surrounding the young cast members.

This fascinating fandom is alive and well in Oxford, MS, the small college town in which the University of Mississippi and its students are housed. The lone movie theater that Oxford boasts was packed to the gills at midnight on September 20th, overflowing with girls (and a few boys) hungry for their Edward/Jacob fix. As you will see from the video below, New Moon mania has gotten the best of quite a few of our otherwise completely rational peers. Watch the disturbing footage. . .if you dare.

As evidenced by the completely sold-out showings on all eight screens of the Oxford Malco Cinema and the attendees that you just witnessed, it appears that from New York City to Oxford, MS, no one is safe from. . . .NEW MOON MANIA. For Newswatch, this has been Alex Pence saying, "TEAM JACOB!" :)

J.D. Williams Library has increased activity towards finals

Students pass by this image outside of the J.D. Williams Library almost everyday, but recently the view on the inside is what is most recognizable to students. As the end of the semester is nearing, more and more students are taking advantage of the on-campus resources availiable to them.

The library, located on the University of Mississippi campus, holds 1,360,937 volumes throughout the three stories of shelves it contains. Julia Roles, Dean of Libraries and Professor, heads the 34 library faculty and professional staff members availiable to students with questions. Other than the books and library catalogs, students have computers, movies and even a coffee shop for their use. Rachael Sprinkle has more on the issue of increased student activity at finals time.

From now until the end of finals on December 11th, the library will be open 24 hours a day. Students can access journal and article databases through the library website off-campus, as well.

ASB rejects proposal to make accommodations for visually impaired students

Recently the Associated Student Body (ASB) at the University of Mississippi rejected a bill to make accommodations within the ASB available to students with disabilities. The bill, authored by journalism senator Courtney Powell, requested that the ASB offer its code and constitution along with the senate rules in both large-print and audio format for visually impaired students. According to Powell, she submitted the piece of legislation in an effort to ensure that all students, regardless of disability, have equal opportunity to participate in student government.


When the legislation was presented to the floor at a regular Tuesday night meeting, many questions were raised about the cost and practicality of providing such formats. There are 25 students who currently qualify for the accommodations. "Who are we as the governing student body to say we dont want to make these accommodations for them?" said Powell. "They should feel as involved in their student government as any other student." However, Powell said she somewhat taken aback by some of the criticism of the bill, particularly by one fellow senator who asked, "Can we not just provide them with reading glasses?".

Currently there are three copies of the ASB code and constitution available in the J.D. Williams Library, the law library as well as the ASB office. Powell says she will pay for the large-print and audio formats out of her own pocket to ensure that all students, able bodied or not, have an opportunity to participate in student government.