Made In Mississippi

Drawn into the store by a tall chalkboard sign that reads “As big as yo head ice cream sandwiches,” I decide to go in. I walk through the double, wooden doors of a historic storefront on the Oxford square with a crowd full of women touring the town. I immediately notice another sign that reads “ store is not responsible for damaged or broken pottery.” The narrowly tailored aisle can explain such a sign, but another small sign catches my eye, “All products made in Mississippi.”
Located in Oxford Mississippi's historic square, Mississippi Madness provides its customers with products from all over the state. Originally opened in 1997, by Nancy Magname of Clarksdale, Mississippi, the store was taken over by John Welty, from in 2002. When under the ownership of Magname, the store served as a gift shop, a Viking cookware sales location, as well as a gourmet catering company. “As far as I know the catering company was very successful,” says todays’ owner Welty. “ That's where she got the name Mississippi Madness. She was cooking all the time.”
Now focused solely on the sale of Mississippi products, Mississippi Madness sells pottery, artwork, décor, candles and a select array of Mississippi sauces and goodies.
“The vases or coffee mugs are perfect go-to gifts for anybody, and it's easy,” says Mary Katherine Sharman, an art minor at the University and a frequent customer ”Just pick your price, that helps you decide on which style to choose.”
Pottery carried in the boutique is all made by the Woods brothers of Mound Bayou, Mississippi. Named Peter's Pottery, Mississippi Madness carries pieces of their work in brown, nutmeg, jade and ivory. “ I love Peter's pottery. It's a nice change from McCarty's pottery,” says Lanna Lipe Burkhalter, 23, from Indianola Mississippi. “I feel the nutmeg is such a great color, it can always find a place in your home,” says Sharman.
Photography displayed on the walls of the store is also an eye catcher alongside the tall shelves filled with pottery. The black and white photographs of African American males of the Delta by Virginia Tompson, bring the essence of the blues culture in Mississippi. “They are all so different and I feel like they really do a great job capturing the souls of these men,” says Erin Dunaway, 24, a customer from Tunica, Mississippi.
For those with a sweet tooth, brought in from New Albany Mississippi they also have cakes made by Sugaree’s Bakery. Ranging in flavors from lemon to carmel, these cake are perfect for birthdays and any event. This company that opened in 1997, brings in southern tradition by making their cakes very rich and including lots of layers. “ My mom's friend always brings one to the Memphis tailgate in the Grove which is a curse and a blessing I might add,” says Ryan Weaver, 22, a student at the University of Mississippi. “They are amazing and mouth watering. It's a cake that you've never had before.”
Another popular product they carry is the Yokna Sauce made in Natchez, Mississippi. “ The Yokna sauce is a bourbon based sauce that you just add butter too,” says Lake Graves. “ We sell out of it all the time. I think it's a great gift for the holidays because anyone can make it.” A native sauce to Mississippi that is also popular is the Comeback Sauce that is made in Ackerman, Mississippi. “ My dad loves this stuff,” says Graves. “I'm always bringing him a bottle home to him.”
Although sales are always a focus, Mississippi Madness owner and his employees also pay a great deal of attention to their customers. “We have a wide variety of customers and quite a few regulars that are always bringing their friends in, which is nice,” says John Welty, store owner. Not only from Oxford, the boutique also caters to people from miles away. “I have had people come in and say they came all the way from Rhode Island for the Yokna Sauce, “ says employee Graves. “ How they know about it is a mystery to me.”
“I like to think of my store as a tourist attraction,” says Welty. “With people coming in from all over the world, my customers can say they took home a little piece of Mississippi.”
Mississippi Madness is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. To 5 p.m. Even on the University of Mississippi's football game days. Stop by and take home your piece of Mississippi today! Also check out their website at /www.mississippimadness.net/

A Poisonous Delight

Filling the shelves around the globe you will see selves with apple juice, but could this drink be of concern for our health down the road?
Arsenic may be a natural occurring element within the soil we grow from, in the air we breath and in the water we drink but that does not mean it's safe for our bodies. While the FDA has regulations in place to protect these levels form becoming to high in our food and water in the United States, other countries are not held to the same standards.
Arsenic is a metal whose effects on the human body can be potentially fetal. What type you are ingesting (inorganic v. organic), how much and for how long is what scientists have proven to be the cause of side effects says
The only way to know the presence of the metal is by sampling and laboratory tests. It can not be smelt, tasted or sought.
A study done by the University of Nebraska, on the high levels of arsenic found in their drinking water showed long term and short term effects on individuals who ingested the metal. They all saw a variety of side effects; lung soreness, immune deffiencies, to even some signs of cancer.
“Inorganic arsenic is a chronic contaminant and carcinogen; long-term exposure (mostly by ingestion of contaminated drinking water) has been linked to cancers of the skin, lung, and bladder,“ said Dr. John M. Rimoldi, Ph.D, Professor of Medicinal Chemistry and Research Professor of The Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Mississippi.
In the United States, the FDA keeps the standard for arsenic levels in our drinking water and in our food at .010 parts per million10 parts-per-billion.
“Nanotechnology may help alleviate water-pollution problems by removing contaminants such as arsenic, mercury, and pesticides,” saids William E. Brooks, Mineral Commodity Specialist. “University researchers have used nanoparticles of iron or “nanorust” to remove arsenic from drinking water.”
On the contrary, studies show that standards in other countries such as China, Argentina and Brazil are not as closely regulated. On top of that, these countries are also allowed to include arsenic in their pesticides for food production. It raises concern because it is reported that only 2% of our international food imports are being inspected, said Today Health, msnbc.
In a study done by Dr. Oz, an American cardiothoracic surgeon, author, talk show host, and commentator for The Dr. Oz Show, reported that the levels of arsenic found in apple juice, in which, apples were imported from countries outside of the United States, showed high levels of arsenic.
In his study it was reported that 5 major brands such as; Juicy Juice, Minute Maid, Apples and Eve, Gerber and Motts with levels almost double drinking water standards in the U.S.
“I used to give my little boy Gerber, but when I heard this it was no more him,” said Chelsea Bourke, new mom of Asheville, North Carolina.
“It is wrong,” said Marilou Geib, a registered nurse in McHenry County, Illinois and mother of three children. “They're risking health for profit. I think parents just shouldn't give apple juice to their kids until they do something about this.”
With these leading brands appearing in Dr. Oz's study, his researchers found that most of the apples they use to make apple juice concentrate had been imported from countries such as China, Brazil and Argentina due to lower production cost. Cost is low because they are able to use pesticides that the FDA restricts the United States from using. This makes it easier for them to sell at a lower price and lure in those large cooperations looking to save.
Like some, you may wonder what you can do to protect yourself from high levels of arsenic. Researchers from the Dr. Oz show recommended:
 Looking on juice labels to make sure the apple juice concentrate is made in the United States.
 Buy Organic.

Image taken by Gabrielle Krotser

Who's Really Watching You?... Is Your Purse Safe in the Car?

It may be a fashion statement for some but what many may not realize is how valuable the items in that daily accessory really are to those who may be watching.
During a farewell visit with her sister, the last thing Kathy Pinn,of Diamondhead Mississippi, wanted to worry about was where she was going to place her purse.
She figured she could leave her purse in the car, taking into consideration they were parked in a dark area in a nursing home parking lot.
“I figured only caring people visit the sick and the elderly,” said Kathy.
Knowing better than to leave her purse in plain sight, she did take some caution and placed her purse under the seat. Little did she know, there was someone watching her every move.
“It was a very dark parking lot and my purse was black, I never thought someone would be watching me, and actually find where I had stowed it,” said Kathy.
After visiting with her ill sister with her husband and brother, they decided to call it a night.
To their surprise, the back window of the car had been smashed in and Kathy's purse that had been bestowed beneath the seat was gone.
The three of them immediately contacted the police reporting all of the items that Kathy had in her purse. However, it was too late. The thieves had already been busy at work.
“One of the most important things to do is report the incident as quickly as possible,” said Oxfords' police Chief Michael D. Martin. “The faster we can be at the scene of a crime, the better chance we have of tracking down a source of it.”
Unfortunately for Mrs. Pinn, within 20 minutes they had maxxed out three of her credit cards by fueling up and taking out cash where ever they could.
Have been traveling Kathy had many valuable things in her purse in case of an emergency . Some of the items she had in her purse were items such as; credit cards, insurance cards, a spare set of keys, a personal phone book, a cell phone and a set of house keys.
“It's always a good idea to keep valuables on you, you never know what could happen,” said chief Martin.
That being said her work didn't end after filing a report with the police the day of the theft. She would also spend the next two months replacing car keys, putting new locks on the doors to her house, applying for a new phone number, and filing with various identity theft agencies.
“ I felt completely violated,” Kathy said. “It was like they took a part of me that I know I can not get back.”
“Approximately 15 million United States residents have their identities used fraudulently each year with financial loses totaling upwards of $50 billion,” said indentitytheftinfo.com.
Today Kathy has replaced most of the item she lost that day, but one thing she will never get back is her peace of mind.
“It's very unsettling,” said Kathy.” I think the worst thing to know is that they are probably still out there watching and waiting for their next victim to leave their car empty handed. I just wish they knew what I've been through.”

Roller Boots

So these are my new inspiration! I'm definately thinking about making a pair myself.

O.U.T. Bus video

This is now my second post, WOW that was fast I know but recently I found my journalism video project( as well as my partner Kim Hobgood's) on the city of Oxford Mississippi's wesite! CHECK IT OUT, I'm so excited!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWSpiJnh3K4&feature=player_embedded