Folks, tell me something: Why hasn’t someone built a better mousetrap?
In this day and age, we sent stuff to other planets and people don’t even care. We’ve sent people to the moon! We have every kind of electronic gizmo known to man — and we still try to catch a mouse with a plank and some bent wires.
There is only one thing I hate worse than a mouse, and that is setting those cotton picking traps.
Now most of you know me; I don’t get rattled by lots of things! I catch critters and snakes with no problem, but i can not stand the snap of those silly traps.
They go off with the slightest of movements, but somehow after you set them, they will stay set for years! What is wrong with this picture?
Pam woke me up from a sound sleep with a blood curdling scream, “Mouse! Mouse! There is a mouse!”
She screamed as she danced around me on the bed! The only thing that scares me more than a mouse trap is a mad woman!
This day is a federal observance, but not a public holiday. That means we can (and will!) celebrate this day, but you probably won’t be getting the day off from work.
National Freedom Day celebrates freedom from slavery, and recognizes that America is supposed to be a symbol of freedom and liberty.
President Abraham Lincoln signed the 13th amendment on February 1, 1865. The states still had to ratify the amendment before it could become part of the Constitution. It became fully adopted on December 6, 1865.
Major Richard Robert Wright Senior, a former slave who founded the National Freedom Day Association, played a crucial role in creating the observance. Major Wright was deemed as a community leader in Philadelphia and was active in education, the media, business, and politics. He hoped to see a day that would be dedicated to celebrating freedom for all Americans. He worked to get the day recognized and got various leaders to support him. Wright was so well connected that he is reported to have known personally all the presidents from Rutherford B. Hayes (the 19th president) through Harry S. Truman (the 33rd president). He was almost ninety years old when he began to began to advocate for an annual commemoration of what he designated “National Freedom Day.” Wright invited national and local leaders to meet in Philadelphia to formulate plans to set aside February 1 each year to memorialize the signing of the 13th Amendment.
The first commemoration of such a day took place on February 1, 1942, although it was not made into law yet. A tradition of laying a wreath at Liberty Bell also began.
According to historian Mitch Kachun, Wright defined the purpose of the project in language that resonated with President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms defining America’s goals for global peace: freedom of speech and worship and freedom from want and fear. The “adoption of National Freedom Day,” Wright said, was consistent with the principle articulated by President Roosevelt: “This principle implies that all men are not only equally entitled to all the freedoms, but some men in seeking to possess and enjoy these freedoms, must realize that they cannot have them without sharing them with others. In practice, they must prove that our declaration of freedom includes all men.”
At the age of 87, Wright traveled over 13,000 miles to rally support for the bill. Despite his efforts, the bill languished in Congress for five years before being defeated just a few weeks after Major Wright’s death in the summer of 1947. Wright was 92.
One year after Wright’s death in 1947, both houses of the U.S. Congress passed a bill without opposition to make February 1 National Freedom Day. The holiday proclamation was signed into law on June 30, 1948, by President Harry Truman. It was the forerunner to Black History Day and later Black History Month, officially recognized in 1976, though began by Carter G. Woodson in 1926.
U.S. lobbyist Richard R. Wright was 9 years old when President Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment on Feb. 1, 1865. For this reason, Wright lobbied to use the same date as National Freedom Day; a day to celebrate and promote harmony, happiness, and equal opportunity across the United States. More than anything, National Freedom Day is a marker for the abolition of slavery, but that act in itself opened up a new era of possibilities for African Americans, lending to the normalization of not just black people, but many minority cultures, for a better social status in America. This process took a long time over the course of U.S. history. The introduction of the 14th Amendment in 1868, the Indian Citizenship Act in 1924, even the 19th Amendment in 1920 was influenced by this rush of minority rights.
TRISTAN PICOTTE, PARTNERSHIP WITH NATIVE AMERICANS, “NATIONAL FREEDOM DAY”
Many people in the United States reflect on and remember the importance of freedom on National Freedom Day. For some people, it is a time to promote goodwill, equality, and to appreciate our many freedoms. Wreath-laying at the Liberty Bell has also been a tradition to mark National Freedom Day for many years. Other events include annual breakfasts, luncheons, musical entertainment, film screenings, and literature meetings that explore the theme of freedom and celebrate the people, groups, and movements that led the way to the freedoms we now enjoy.
Good morning Tupelo! Today is Saturday, February 1, 2020. It is the 32nd day of the year. There are 334 days left in the year and 53 days left of winter! Valentine’s Day is in 13 days, and Spring starts in 54 days.
If you’d like to become a sponsor of our daily Rundown, please contact joshua.ballard@ourtupelo.com or call 662-260-1498
HAPPENING TODAY
Today in Tupelo, here are the things going on around town:
If you have little ones, don’t miss StoryTime with Barnes & Noble at Barnes Crossing today (and every Saturday) at 11 a.m. and then again at 3 p.m.
A special program of dulcimer music will be provided by the North Mississippi Dulcimer Association from 10 a.m. until Noon, at the Parkway Visitor Center located at milepost 266 near Tupelo, Mississippi. The North Mississippi Dulcimer Association teaches dulcimer history, tradition, craftsmanship, and music by sharing its knowledge and talents. The Appalachian mountain dulcimer is the first instrument developed in the United States. Dating back to the early 1800s, the dulcimer is an instrument whose very name means “sweet sound.” The National Park Service and the North Mississippi Dulcimer Association invite everyone to listen to the soft sweet sounds of the dulcimer and learn about its extensive history.
Southern Winter Pride will be tonight at the Link Centre at 7 p.m.. Southern Winter Pride will unite Queens from all over the south to create a show that is unique and exciting! Hosted by the supreme Miss GoDiva Holliday! Tables available for purchase and tickets available at the door and online! 18+ and as always, GoDiva welcomes you for only $5 per person! There will be a Cash Bar onsite, and please remember to bring your dollar bills to tip the Queens!
The American Red Cross North Mississippi Chapter will hold its annual event – An Evening of Jazz – tonight at the BancorpSouth Conference Center in Tupelo. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the program starts at 7 p.m.. An Evening of Jazz is the chapter’s largest fundraiser of the year. The money raised will support the various lines of service that Red Cross provides in North Mississippi and beyond.
In neighboring communities, you might be interested in these events:
The Historic Elkin Theatre in Aberdeen invites you to this weekend’s show! Regular admission is $5 each, and all concessions are $1 each. Doors open at 6:30 pm, and the movie starts at 7 pm. Admissions and concessions are cash only. Showing this weekend: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (PG)
It’s Nerf Night at Dinger Nation in Nettleton! Doors are open from 5-7 p.m., and Nerf Night is for children ages 5-13. $15 prepay or $20 at the door (Cash only at the door please!) You bring your own Nerf Gun! (Guns must take traditional bullets — no mega or rival guns.) WE PROVIDE: BULLETS, GLASSES, DRINKS, and SNACKS!
If you have little ones, don’t miss StoryTime at the Pratt Memorial Library in Fulton today (and every Saturday) at noon.
If we missed a listing you know of, please let us know!
Want us to know about something coming up? Just tag our Facebook page, or you can even mark us co-host on an event you are having on your Facebook event listing. You can also send us a message on our Facebook page, or shoot us an email at submit@ourtupelo.com and we will help you share it.
Be sure to check out our extended calendar of events as well, for upcoming happenings in the area!
Have a great day and get out there and enjoy Our Tupelo!
* We update all listings periodically as new information becomes available.
Good morning Tupelo! Today is Friday, January 31, 2020. It is the 31st day of the year. There are 335 days left in the year and 54 days left of winter! Valentine’s Day is in 14 days, and Spring starts in 55 days.
If you’d like to become a sponsor of our daily Rundown, please contact joshua.ballard@ourtupelo.com or call 662-260-1498
HAPPENING TODAY
Today in Tupelo, here are the things going on around town:
If you have little ones, don’t miss Storytime at Reed’s Gumtree Bookstore at 10:30 a.m.
The Link Centre will be hosting Sessions Open Mic night tonight, and welcomes all spoken word artists, singers, musicians, comedians. It’s a great night out with friends, for meeting new people, or date night. Doors (and open mic list) open at 7pm, and show starts at 7:30pm. Admission: $7.
In neighboring communities, you might be interested in these events:
The Historic Elkin Theatre in Aberdeen invites you to this weekend’s show! Regular admission is $5 each, and all concessions are $1 each. Doors open at 6:30 pm, and the movie starts at 7 pm. Admissions and concessions are cash only. Showing this weekend: Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (PG-13)
Union County Heritage Museum in New Albany will have Storyline Cafe tonight at 7 p.m.. A night of storytelling — especially those blunders that make for great conversation and more than a few laughs!! A bit of fun, humor, light refreshment and friends — old and new! $10 will cover the night.
If we missed a listing you know of, please let us know!
Want us to know about something coming up? Just tag our Facebook page, or you can even mark us co-host on an event you are having on your Facebook event listing. You can also send us a message on our Facebook page, or shoot us an email at submit@ourtupelo.com and we will help you share it.
Be sure to check out our extended calendar of events as well, for upcoming happenings in the area!
Have a great day and get out there and enjoy Our Tupelo!
* We update all listings periodically as new information becomes available.
Good morning Tupelo! Today is Tuesday, January 28, 2020. It is the 28th day of the year. There are 338 days left in the year and 57 days left of winter! Valentine’s Day is in 17 days, and Spring starts in 51 days.
If you’d like to become a sponsor of our daily Rundown, please contact joshua.ballard@ourtupelo.com or call 662-260-1498
HAPPENING TODAY
Today in Tupelo, here are the things going on around town:
Power Lunch and Prisoner Letters by Indivisible of Northeast Mississippi will be at MidTown Pointe at the Gloster Creek Village Food Court at noon. We will be continuing our Mississippi Freedom Letters Campaign, writing letters of encouragement and support to Mississippi prisoners living in the cruel, harsh conditions that have led to so many prisoner deaths in a very short time. We have all the supplies. Just show up. All are welcome!
O’Charley’s Restaurant will be hosting Trivia Night at 7 p.m.. Trivia Night at O’Charley’s is suitable for all ages, and prizes include appetizers, deserts, and gift certificates. There will be four rounds of different categories every night.
Steele’s Dive will have Matt Nolan live on the patio at 7 p.m..
Outside of the Tupelo area, here are some events you may find interesting:
In Fulton, check out STEM Story Time at the Itawamba County Pratt Memorial Library in Fulton, every Tuesday at 4:00 p.m..
Perpetual Groove with Funk You will be at Proud Larry’sin Oxford at 9 p.m..
In Corinth, the 2020 ALCORN COUNTY WILDLIFE TASTING SUPPER – 42nd Annual Event, will be at the CROSSROADS ARENA in Corinth, Mississippi. Doors open 5:00 P.M.. The Door Fee is ONE Wildlife Dish Per Person, and NO store-bought dishes can be entered in Dish Contest! Adults = $10.00 each or 1 wildlife dish; Under Age 5 is Free. “Dish Contest Registration” is at 5:00 p.m.
FOOD TRUCKS
Tupelo’s Food Trucks can be found today at the following locations:
Jo’s Cafe will be at Ballard Park on West Main Street from 11 until 1:30 p.m..
If we missed a listing you know of, please let us know!
Want us to know about something coming up? Just tag our Facebook page, or you can even mark us co-host on an event you are having on your Facebook event listing. You can also send us a message on our Facebook page, or shoot us an email at submit@ourtupelo.com and we will help you share it.
Be sure to check out our extended calendar of events as well, for upcoming happenings in the area!
Have a great day and get out there and enjoy Our Tupelo!
* We update all listings periodically as new information becomes available.
Good morning Tupelo! Today is Monday, January 27, 2020. It is the 27th day of the year. There are 339 days left in the year and 58 days left of winter! Valentine’s Day is in 18 days, and Spring starts in 52 days.
If you’d like to become a sponsor of our daily Rundown, please contact joshua.ballard@ourtupelo.com or call 662-260-1498
HAPPENING TODAY
Today in Tupelo, here are the things going on around town:
Tupelo-Lee Humane Society invites you to Kitten Yoga! Kitten Yoga is held every Monday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.. Classes are $10 per person and will be taught by professional yoga instructors in an environment filled with kitten happiness!
North Mississippi Medical Center will host a free smoking cessation class for individuals who are trying to stop smoking or using other tobacco products. The classes will meet at 5:30 p.m. Mondays, in Room 21 of NMMC’s East Tower, 830 S. Gloster Street.
Tupelo Community Theatre will hold auditions for Monty Python’s Spamalot tonight at 6 p.m. in the rehearsal hall of the Lyric Theatre in downtown Tupelo. Those auditioning should be adults at least 18 years of age. Men’s roles range up to 60 years of age and women up to age 50. Those auditioning should be prepared to read from the script and sing. Email 1tct@bellsouth.net for the music beginning Monday, January 13th. Christi Houin will direct and production dates for the show are April 23-25, 2020. For more information contact the director at 662-891-3157 or call the TCT office at 662-844-1935.
FOOD TRUCKS
Tupelo’s Food Trucks can be found today at the following locations:
If we missed a listing you know of, please let us know!
Want us to know about something coming up? Just tag our Facebook page, or you can even mark us co-host on an event you are having on your Facebook event listing. You can also send us a message on our Facebook page, or shoot us an email at submit@ourtupelo.com and we will help you share it.
Be sure to check out our extended calendar of events as well, for upcoming happenings in the area!
Have a great day and get out there and enjoy Our Tupelo!
* We update all listings periodically as new information becomes available.
February 21 & 22 at The Claude Gentry Theatre in Baldwyn
Another musical MUST-SEE — Love or Something Like It — a musical revue of love (and a few anti-love) songs, performed by Big Tony & The Gentrys (Anthony Hopper, Clark Richey, Amye Gousset, Leah Petty, Barney Davis, Amy Davis, Paul Langley), along with special guest artists, Jim Bishop, Phyllis Robinson, Marty Hurt and Tupelo’s own Toni Johnson.
Performances are set for February 21 & 22, beginning each night at 7 pm.
Admission is $15.
A guest reception will follow the event at The Alley Cat Gallery in Baldwyn.
*The graphic used in promotion of the show is a reproduction of “Small Worlds,” a painting by the extraordinary artist Sylvain Chamberlain. Many of his original works are on display, and available, at The Claude Gentry Theatre’s sister business The Alley Cat Gallery (including “Small Worlds”).
Friends, it is COLD this morning! How many of y’all grew up in a house with just a couple of heaters?
We did! I can’t take the cold like I used to. Maybe that’s why? We had one gas heater in the living room, after we quit using the fireplace. And one in the big ole kitchen. The rest of the house went unheated! You slept in the cold!
We would stand by the heater getting our nerve up, and tear out down the hall and jump under the covers! We had hump-teen quilts — so many you couldn’t roll over!
Maw Nell had a big old feather bed! Loved those in the winter! You just fell in and the bed sorta fluffed up around you! Then on a cold morning like today, you piled out, grabbed your clothes and dressed in front of the heater! Man that was fun!
More than one person I know got branded by them old heaters! If you bent over too close you got grill marks on your buttocks! Gosh that hurt!
A friend of mine got scarred for life on his butt! And years later if anybody saw it, and asked, he told them he got hurt in the War! Ha! Well he said that was partly true cause he was fighting one of his brothers for a warm spot!
Local Con events are a celebration of the imagination in all of us. When growing up, we all believe anything is possible, and seek out media and movies that promote that childlike wonder.
Tupelo⚡️Con 2020 is coming March 7th – 8th! WE ALL GOTTA EAT, whether you’re a Storm Trooper, Jedi, or a Local Food Blogger!
There will be fun for the entire family! You can cosplay your favorite characters, meet celebrity guests, find and play your favorite games, enjoy special entertainment, and so much MORE!
Tupelo Con is taking place at the Tupelo Furniture Market, located at 1879 Coley Road, and the hours will be Saturday, March 7, from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m., and then on Sunday, March 8, from noon until 6 p.m.
To see Tupelo Con’s growing list of guests, vendors, and fun and exciting activities, visit them on Facebook HERE and their website HERE.
Somewhere between adolescence and adulthood, some may lose their interest in the magical and impossible, while others embrace it.
At the upcoming event, you’ll find fans and curiosity seekers of all ages looking for relics and reminders of favorite Comic books characters, TV show personalities, video, and board games.
I’m proud to say, you can count me in, among the young at heart!
