Marshall Ramsey

Marshall Ramsey bio

2007-12-17T10:57:00.000-06:00

Marshall Ramsey, 39, is the editorial cartoonist for The Clarion-Ledger. He is a two-time Pulitzer finalist and is nationally syndicated by Copley News Service. His cartoons have appeared in USA Today, Newsweek, U.S. News and World Report, The Chicago Tribune, The New York Times and on his Mother's refrigerator. It is also rumored that his work has appeared frequently in the bathrooms of several prominent local politicians.

Ramsey is a 1991 graduate of The University of Tennessee. His collegiate cartoons won the John Locher Memorial Award, the top prize awarded to college editorial cartoonists. He has also illustrated several books, including six children's books for financial expert Dave Ramsey and one for chef and author Robert. St. John. He's a dad, husband and an amateur blogger.

Check out the new blog

2007-12-06T15:10:00.000-06:00

Here you go.

It's kinda working

2007-12-06T14:46:00.000-06:00

I will be posting over on the new site for the rest of the day. But it is still buggy.

My hair hurts.

Blogs aren't working yet

2007-12-06T14:14:00.000-06:00

Todd Bridges said that it will take about 30 minutes for everything to switching over (they are moving everything from the test servers to our main ones). Right now, when you try to click on my welcome entry (which is not showing the art that it should), you go to some hybrid page of the old site.

So in the meantime, I will keep using this page. I will put a message up that reads, "GO TO THE NEW BLOG!!!!"

The end is near

2007-12-06T13:52:00.000-06:00

I know some make fun of us for using Blogger, but the one thing I will say about it is that it took the process out of the creative process. One of my biggest fears about my job is that my time will get filled up with technical busy work that keeps me from creating. Blogger, designed for my 6th grade mind, kept that from happening.

And I could get my art to show up on the main page.

Y2K

2007-12-06T12:35:00.001-06:00

I'm sitting here, in the blog bunker waiting for the moment everything switches over. And like Y2k, I hope it all goes off without a hitch. But just in case it doesn't, I made a readiness kit:

1. A 12-pack of Coke. It might be something stronger if I wasn't at work.
2. My Frank Melton action figure with karate-chop motion.
3. A six-month supply of toilet paper.
4. My MEMA-emergency radio/TV.
5. A weapon (a sharp pencil)
6. A bottle of Haley Barbour campaign water (I got it at the Neshoba County Fair a couple of years ago)
7. Hand sanitizer.
8. A Calvin and Hobbes book (to read in case the internet goes out).
9. Five cases of SPAM (seems appropriate when dealing with a computer).
10. The rest of my pain pills from last week. Narcotics might be required.

I'm about to go flood the bathroom so we can have extra water. Just in case.

Winding this blog down

2007-12-06T10:56:00.000-06:00

In about three hours, we will convert over to the new system. Once you get used to it, I think you will like it -- I know I do. It take a little getting used to, but once you do, it really starts to be fun to play around with.

I will link the crap out of this blog, though, so you can keep checking back to comments and see old posts. No fear. I have 4,000+ posts I don't want to lose.

FBI Director is coming to town

2007-12-06T08:44:00.000-06:00

You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I'm telling you why - FBI Director Robert Mueller is coming to town. His motorcade just went past my window -- and it was armored to the teeth. You pout, you're taken out. There were dudes in the cars (the windows were down) with what looked like an M-16s -- pretty heavy firepower for Pearl Street. There were also some JPD motorcycle cops, several cars -- the procession looked like they were traveling from Baghdad International Airport to the Green Zone.

He was in Alabama yesterday talking about Civil rights-era cold cases. That's probably why he is here today. Or, he may be asking Malcolm McMillin to take over for him.

That's probably it.

Dick's Chute -- An appreciation

2007-12-06T08:00:00.001-06:00

There hasn't been this much concrete poured since Hoover Dam was built. All through downtown Jackson, concrete medians are going up -- and through the Waterworks Curve, they are going up on both sides of the road. It's making a really cool thrill ride. Sure, the walls terrify Mrs. R and most other drivers who don't drive through there often, but man, I love them! So much so that I hate that Evel Knievel took the dirt nap before he had a crack at them. He would have gotten all tingly riding his bike through Jackson.

But the most exciting area to drive is going from Woodrow Wilson (I bet 90% of kids don't know who he was) from UMC onto I-55 north. I have affectionately named that area after Dick Hall -- Dick's Chute. Dick's Chute replaced Dick's Sticks -- the contraptions that kept you from Blue Angeling over to Lakeland Drive (across four lanes of traffic). Now, you hit Dick's Chute while driving around 60 mph. Then you curve left and you end up into this concrete chute that spits you out into the left lane. The best way I can describe it is like this -- Remember when the Millenium Falcon shot out the second Death Star? You are like Lando shouting "YAH HOO!" by the time you hit the interstate. And you expect flames from an exploding Hyundai behind you (the older lady hit the wall) to lick at your rear bumper. AWESOME!

And if you want a real thrill, come back and do it at night. Double AWESOME!

Thursday Free-For-All

2007-12-06T06:04:00.003-06:00

What's happening? Me? I am still messing around with my new cellphone. That should keep me busy until New Year's...

Mississippi Trivia

2007-12-06T06:02:00.000-06:00

40. Beth Henley is a playwright and Pulitzer Prize winner from Jackson.

Source: visitmississippi.org

Question of the day

2007-12-06T06:00:00.000-06:00

Are you cool with Ed Thompson coming back as State Health Czar, or should Tyrone Nix have gotten the job?

Morning Blog News Update: Thursday Edition

2007-12-06T05:19:00.000-06:00

Like mentioned earlier, the blog has crossed the 4,000 mark and is still clicking along. And today is also another big milestone -- the website will switch over to a new design (yea!) and the blog will no longer be on Blogger. But fear not. The more things change, the more they stay the same. You will continue find the same kind of crap you have come to love and expect from me. And your links will take you to the new blog. I will continue to blog on this blog until the change and then will have links to it when the change happens. So nothing will be lost in the transition. Like bags on a flight. Uh oh.

Weather
Well, there is no change in the weather today. It will be pretty much like yesterday and tomorrow. Expect a high of 57 and sun. Rain chances go up to a nasty sprinkle this weekend.

Omaha Mall Shooting
Robert A. Hawkins, 20, goes into a busy shopping mall and starts killing innocent shoppers before he kills himself. Nine are dead, including the shooter. My questions is why couldn't he have started with himself. I realize people are walking around mad a World, but honestly, the World usually is only partly to blame. But outrage aside, what a terrible tragedy. And as place that has scars from such shootings, our hearts go out to our friends in Nebraska.

Nice honor for Croom
It's worth mentioning again, Mississippi State Coach Sylvester Croom went from being on the bubble to S.E.C. Coach of the Year. Nice guys do finish first.

Not Nix
South Carolina (and former Bower Assistant) Tyrone Nix won't be a candidate to replace Jeff Bower at USM and Larry Fedora (Oklahoma State offensive coordinator) and David Lee (Arkansas and soon-to-be Ole Miss offensive coordinator) have been interviewed.

Back to the Future
Here's the full story about Dr. Ed Thompson's full-time return to the Health Department. He'll pull a Malcolm McMillin and continue serve as a Department Head at UMC until a replacement can be found.

Not "24", more like 48. 48 days in Jail
Keifer Sutherland, son of Donald and star of the hit show "24", will be resting comfortably in a Glendale, California jail for the next 48 days, working off a D.U.I. sentence. "Kiefer made the decision to surrender to custody immediately," his attorney, Blair Berk, told The Associated Press. He could have waited as late as Feb. 12.

Grinch is coming
Lawmakers may slash budget. But of course they will, it's the year after an election.

Thursday's cartoon

2007-12-06T05:16:00.000-06:00

4,000

2007-12-06T05:08:00.000-06:00

According to my dashboard, the odometer just rolled over to 4,000 posts. Thank you. If you weren't reading this blog like you were, I wouldn't be posting so prolifically. I hope you've had as much fun as I have.

Today is the big change over. At around 2 p.m., the blog will switch over to our new system. In most ways, it will be better. And yes, you can create a page that uses your little picture, so that when you blog, your image shows up. You can even create a blog on our site. I know it sounds complicated, but it isn't. I set mine up all by myself. And while I am not stupid, I am way to busy to have time to do that -- and I did it pretty quickly.

Back to 4,000 -- it's an artificial milestone, but took some real sacrifices on the part of my family for me to make it so quickly. So Mrs. R, Son #1, Hot Laser Guy and Baby Ramsey deserve some props, too.

Back to the blog.

Couldn't happen to a nicer guy

2007-12-05T17:42:00.001-06:00

Sylvester Croom: SEC Coach of the Year.

Croom, who led the Bulldogs to a 7-5 record and their first bowl berth since 2000, was named coach of the year by his peers and by the Associated Press.

Excellent

2007-12-05T13:45:00.000-06:00

Former State Senator and Lt. Governor candidate Charlie Ross of Brandon has announced he is running for Chip Pickering's Congressional seat. As our good friend Montgomery Burns would say, "Excellent."

Quick hit

2007-12-05T13:26:00.000-06:00

From now on, if a quick cartoon idea hits me, I will sketch it and post it to the blog. Don't expect great art (ha, like you ever get great art).

Back to the Future

2007-12-05T12:54:00.000-06:00

Dr. Ed Thompson has been named permanent State Health Officer, replacing Dr. Brian Amy who replaced Dr. Ed Thompson. He was chosen from a pool of three finalists. Malcolm McMillin was probably one of them.

Balducci pleads guilty

2007-12-05T11:16:00.001-06:00

Lawyer Timothy Balducci has pleaded guilty to conspiracy and is working with federal prosecutors in the Scruggs case.

Read more here.

Investments

2007-12-05T11:05:00.000-06:00

I met the head of Atmos in Mississippi last night -- great guy and obviously very proud of his company. I wouldn't expect less. He was proudly telling me how his company had invested $300 million into the Mississippi economy and then he asked, "how many companies have done that?"

I answered, "I have -- I am redoing my kitchen."

He looked at me like I was from Mars.

P.S. Operation Tile Backsplash is now into the operational phase. I am staying out of it, other than the shifting around the financial means to fund it. I will be selling kitchen war bonds soon.

More blog info

2007-12-05T10:41:00.000-06:00

1. It will convert to the new system tomorrow a 2 p.m.
2. You won't need a Blogger log on (ding dong the witch is dead). You just register on the C-L site for everything.
3. Most of my recent posts will make the new blog. All of my posts will eventually get on there. I obviously have the largest blog to move, so Andy will be busy.
4. It will be better.

State of the Blog

2007-12-05T08:39:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow, (I am about 95% sure) the blog will be in a different format. Registration will be easier and the look will be more attractive. And to mark this milestone (and my 4,000th post), I have been looking back at the last few weeks to see what I can do different and better. One thing I have noticed is that I need to be trying some new stuff -- I have kind of fallen into a rut (always a risk when you are super busy). I want to keep this thing as fresh as I can and to keep the consistent growth it has experienced in the past year going. This thing is a canvas for me to be as creative as I can be -- I want to take advantage of it every way I can.

Let's see, what else? Hits are still steadily growing. For example, I've seen a 10% spike in hits since I have been back from vacation. So apparently, I am picking up some new readers out there -- so whoever you are, thank you for dropping in. This is your blog as much as it is mine -- most of the time your comments are funnier and more interesting than mine. The blog is also regularly one of the top non-sports related items on the website and that is a powerful motivator for me to keep spending time on it.

Andy will give me my marching orders today on what I need to do for the new format. It's my ultimate goal to have a one-stop shop for blog, cartoon, archive and store on one page. Tune in and hang on. This will be fun.

Observation

2007-12-05T08:38:00.001-06:00

The UPS truck is the big person version of the ice cream truck.

10 Posts until 4,000

2007-12-05T06:18:00.000-06:00

Let the countdown to another meaningless milestone begin.

Time to wake the sleeping beasts

2007-12-05T06:11:00.001-06:00

Even my dogs gave up on me this morning. They are asleep on my bed. But it is time to get the rat race started. Son #1 usually wakes up on his own, but he's sacked out. I need to get him going and get him to school.

I was talking with a co-worker on the way in to work yesterday and found out she has four kids. We outlined our mornings and told tales of getting the kids ready. And I think we both agreed it is good to get to work so we can rest.

Guilty pleasure #234

2007-12-05T06:09:00.000-06:00

I love watching stuff I bought as it moves across the country on the shipping companies' websites.

Today's mission: Watching new cellphones as they navigate from Memphis to my house.

Wednesday free-for-all

2007-12-05T06:02:00.001-06:00

It is Wednesday, isn't it?

Mississippi Trivia

2007-12-05T06:00:00.000-06:00

21. In 1982, through a Joint Resolution of the United States Congress, Jackson became the official home of the USA International Ballet Competition, which is now held every fourth year in Jackson, during the second weekend in June. This dance competition is touted as the Olympics of Dance, where competitors vie for gold, silver and bronze medals, cash awards and scholarships. Jackson is the only city in the United States to host this international event. In Europe, host cities include Moscow, Russia; Helsinki, Finland; Paris, France and Varna, Bulgaria.

Source: visitmississippi.org

Question of the day

2007-12-05T05:59:00.001-06:00

What do you think should be the Legislature's top issue this upcoming session?

Morning Blog News Update: Wednesday Edition

2007-12-05T05:03:00.000-06:00

That was a short nap. But this is no time to sleep -- I have very important work to do. I must bring you the Morning Blog News Update. I can sleep when I take my dirt nap. So before that fateful day happens, let's get started.

Weather
It is cold in my study this morning. That leads me to believe that it is cold outside. OK, just checked my Jim Cantore-model Weather Channel Weather Station and it is 39 degrees. But the good news is that it will be sunny and 67.

New Health Director to possibly be picked today. Maybe. It could happen. There's a chance. Stay tuned. Any second now. We're waiting. Hurry the @#$# up.
The new, shiny, happy Board of Health will vote on a shiny new State Health Officer. Kudos to Dr. Ed Thompson for stepping back into his former job and trying to pick up some of the pieces. And considering how serious the health issues facing this state, I hope the Board is picking someone who is more into solving them instead of just saying "yes" to the Board. To all of my friends at the Health Department, good luck on the new boss.

Another Beef Plant indictment
This time it is James Draper of Mount Juliet, Tenn. He's a refrigeration company sales representative and he faces federal charges for allegedly pocketing funds designated for equipment at the failed Mississippi Beef Processors plant in Oakland. He's the third person in deep beef doo doo. Will he be the last? Who knows.

Big dreams in a small town
Pelahatchie and Puckett (love that name) are planning for growth. And the way Rankin County is booming, I'd say their dreams will come true. There once was a man from Nantuckett who just said Puckett.

Latest on the Scruggs
Here's this morning's story. Timothy Balducci was arraigned and pleaded not guilty.
The Wall Street Journal is all over the story. Here is a Q&A with John Grisham about the case. And they are reporting that Scruggs' firm will be pulling out of the Katrina cases. Here's the Scrugg's Katrina Group's website with the letter on it.

The latest on Iran
From the story: A new U.S. intelligence review concluding Iran stopped developing an atomic weapons program in 2003 is a "declaration of victory" for Iran's nuclear program, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Wednesday. Bush read it differently. He still sees Iran as a threat."Look, Iran was dangerous, Iran is dangerous, and Iran will be dangerous if they have the knowledge necessary to make a nuclear weapon," he said. "The NIE says that Iran had a hidden -- a covert nuclear weapons program. That's what it said. What's to say they couldn't start another covert nuclear weapons program?"

How about a trailer for the new Narnia movie?
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian -- coming May 16,2008

The Grinch had nothing on these thugs
Two boys Scouts and their dads were robbed in Ohio while selling Christmas Trees. They were robbed of $350, knocked to the ground and had sawed-off shotguns pointed at them. "At first I thought it was just a little joke, but then, when I saw the gun, I was terrified," said John Hancock Jr., 13, of Troop 393. "And after I saw the gun this guy just punched me right here and it knocked me down," the boy said, pointing to his face. A local business owner replaced their money and the thugs got away.

Wednesday's cartoon

2007-12-05T05:02:00.001-06:00

Tower of Ridgeland

2007-12-04T23:13:00.000-06:00

Well. Well. Ridgeland Mayor Gene McGee cast the deciding, tie-breaking vote in favor of the 13-story tower in Ridgeland, 200 Renaissance. When it is done, it will house the Butler Snow law firm, Horne CPA Group and Regions Bank -- and it will leave a big ol' empty Amsouth/Deposity Guaranty/Regions Building in downtown Jackson. Developer Buster Bailey said construction could start as soon as next week.

Life of the party

2007-12-04T23:03:00.000-06:00

I got home tonight at 9:40 p.m. feeling a little grumpy and a whole lotta tired. My kids were asleep -- I missed out on seeing them tonight. Darn it. I had no time to unwind -- I was the guest of honor at a pity party for one.

But then I reread today's story about the 3,500 Mississippi National Guardsmen who have been alerted that they may go back to Iraq. And then I thought about the men and women spread out across the globe who would like to just have the chance to kiss their sleeping kids on the forehead tonight.

So much for the pity party. Think will go in, go to sleep and count my blessings like sheep.

Coloring inside the lines

2007-12-04T22:35:00.000-06:00

Archie Manning had to be proud the first time his kids scored a touchdown. I came home to find that my 5-year-old had meticulously colored inside the lines (I can't even color inside of the lines). Amazing little fart. My heart is bursting with artistic pride.

Speech to the newly elected legislators.

2007-12-04T22:13:00.000-06:00

I think I know how the Blues Brothers felt at Bob's Country Bunker -- standing in front of a bunch of freshmen legislators after an open bar made me feel about as naked as I could've felt while wearing clothes. I would have traded my kingdom for some chicken wire.

But hell, I survived. Made a joke about eating pork (legislators love pork) when there was all of the beef you could eat from the beef plant. Got a few groans on the beef plant cartoons. Showed some Billy McCoy and Amy Tuck cartoons. Showed Haley and John Arthur cartoons. I didn't hold anything back.

I was brave because I was nearer to the door than they were.

From all accounts, this incoming group of newly elected legislators is a pretty sharp bunch. Think of them as a good recruiting class. In a few years, hopefully a good team will emerge from their ranks.

Well, as a cartoonist, I hope not. But as a guy trying to raise kids in this state, I pray it does.

S.I. Athlete of the Year: Brett Favre

2007-12-04T15:40:00.000-06:00

And you want to know the truth? It's well deserved.

Here's the link.

And thanks Raymond for giving me a head's up.

Afternoon report

2007-12-04T13:58:00.000-06:00

I am not sure if I am lazy or if I am still zapped from the surgery, but I sure would like to go to a park somewhere and read a book today. It is great out there today. Am working on a cartoon for tomorrow that I will be able to use in my speech to the Legislature today. Can't wait for that.

25 to go

2007-12-04T08:35:00.000-06:00

Only 25 more posts until I get to 4,000. That and $2.99 will get you a gallon of gas.

Car karaoke

2007-12-04T08:17:00.000-06:00

"Seven Bridges Road" by The Eagles came on my iPod last night as I was driving home. CAR KARAOKE! I still don't have a voice left -- that one gets me every time.

Morning faux pas

2007-12-04T08:13:00.000-06:00

I got the blog done. I got ready, got the boys ready, emptied the dishwasher -- heck, I even got the trash out. What I didn't do was get my card that gets me in the building.

It sure is cold outside today.

Still getting the Southern Miss hate calls

2007-12-04T08:04:00.000-06:00

Got to love a cartoon that keeps on giving.

New feature

2007-12-04T06:05:00.000-06:00

Coming soon, you will be able to click on the cartoon and get a much larger version pop up on the screen. That will make all of the little details show up better.

Mississippi Trivia

2007-12-04T05:57:00.002-06:00

14. S. B. "Sam" Vick of Oakland, played for the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. He was the only man ever to pinch hit for baseball great Babe Ruth.

Source: visitmississippi.org

Tuesday Free-For-All

2007-12-04T05:57:00.001-06:00

What's up?

Question of the day

2007-12-04T05:56:00.000-06:00

Are you going to the Liberty Bowl? VHDAWG, we already know your answer.

Morning Blog News Update: Tuesday Edition

2007-12-04T05:05:00.000-06:00

Well, this may be the last Morning Blog News Update ever. I speak to the Legislature tonight -- I may not live to see the sun rise tomorrow. It's been nice knowing you. So if anything happens to me, I leave the blog to all of you in equal parts. Oh, and does anyone want to be my food taster? I hear they may be serving beef plant beef.

Weather
80 one day, cold as a marble in the freezer the next. Right now it is 29, but in just a few hours, it will be a sunny 63. A slight chance of rain pops into the forecast for the weekend.

Remembering Latasha Norman
This story is just a heartbreaker. Good kid, hooks up with a creep and ends up being abused. And then she pays with her life. Norman's pastor, the Rev. John Evans of Cathedral AME Zion Church in Jackson urged the crowd to forgive her killer (how hard to do) and delivered the most powerful message of all: He urged young women who are being abused to put an immediate stop to it. "That ain't love. That's slavery. Yes, it is. That's slavery. I thought we got out of that," he said. Well said. Well said.

Automatic Data Processing coming to Clinton
The old World Com building will be getting a tenant and our area could end up with 1,000 news jobs over the next five years. Automatic Data Processing on Monday said it bring a "solutions center" to the area on Jan. 1. ADP does business outsourcing services -- including payroll, human resources, tax and benefits programs.

Mississippi History: The Civilian Conservation Corps in Vicksburg
One of FDR's better ideas, the Civilian Conservation Corps mobilized an army of unemployed men to do valuable infrastructure work around the nation. Visit the Great Smoky National Park and most of the trails and roads were built or improved by the CCC. Here's a good story about the work these me did in the Vicksburg National Battlefield Park. There was some stuff I didn't know. (Not a huge shock). It's worth a read.

Clinton vs. Obama
Hillary is tearing into Obama, attacking his lack of experience and suggesting that he has too much ambition (not that she would know a thing about ambition -- and besides, what's wrong with ambition?). Anyway, with about a month to go, the fight really heats up.

Huckleberry Hound
That's who I think of when I hear Mike Huckabee's name. And I have been thinking of the blue dog a lot lately because the former large (now skinny) Governor from Arkansas is gaining serious traction, especially with the evangelical wing of the Republican party. His 15-minutes of fame have caused him to now poll up there with Hillary. From the story: The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Monday shows Giuliani with 20% support nationwide while Huckabee attracts 17%. Fred Thompson is at 14%, John McCain at 13% and Mitt Romney at 11%. Ron Paul attracts 7% of Likely Republican Primary voters nationwide and no other Republican candidate reaches 2%.

And you wonder why there are eating disorders...
Jennifer Love Hewitt is being attacked for being fat in the tabloids because photos taken of her at the beach. I am sure the dude writing the captions and taking the photos is a size freakin' zero himself. Idiots.

Want a Liberty Bowl ticket? Better hurry
I am surprised they aren't already sold out. Mississippi State received an allotment of 23,000 tickets from the Autozone Liberty Bowl; Mississippi State's ticket office processed telephone and Internet orders for 13,110 as of yesterday. Larry Templeton said State could get more if needed. Sounds like he may need to make that call.

Tuesday's cartoon

2007-12-04T04:59:00.000-06:00

I've probably drawn a tornado cartoon before, but I could not think of a better analogy. Especially after that amazing use of a tornado on Desperate Housewives the other day. If the little donkeys in the trailer were on the that show, they'd be taping their windows...

Christmas Song of the day

2007-12-03T19:35:00.001-06:00

Snoopy's Christmas by The Royal Guardsmen

Try whistling this

2007-12-03T13:14:00.001-06:00

Went to the car dealership to get some warranty work done on the Ramseymobile. Our vehicle is honestly the best car I have ever own -- it is perfect for hauling the Ramsey brood around over vast distances. Boys are happy with the DVD , Mom likes that she can listen to the radio and Dad has heated seats to keep his famously bad back from hurting. But it does have one minor flaw that causes me serious mind-numbing headaches. A trim piece around the windshield keeps warping, making a noise that sounds like a teapot on the stove. Think it is no big deal? Try it for 2,000 miles. Turning up the radio only solves some of the problem. After a few hours of listening to the high-pitched shrill sound, I am ready to play golf using kittens.

It's been fixed twice. And it still rewarps. Like I said, it's not like the transmission falls out on the road, but it's annoying. And I have enough annoying in my life. I don't need more. I just want it to not whistle. I don't need a several thousand dollar teapot.

So I went in today and the dealer fixed it again, with a smile and no hassle. They made it good without a single question.

Being a Ramsey, I don't believe in buying new cars (nor do I lease my cars either) -- but I have to admit, these guys are doing a good job luring me back in with my car finally pushes up iron daisies.

Maybe the Hollywood writers should STAY on strike

2007-12-03T12:37:00.000-06:00

I saw one of the all-time dumbest things on Desperate Housewives (I know, it's not Masterpiece Theater, but even for Desperate Housewives this was particularly stupid)

There was a tornado watch and people were taping their windows.

That made my hair hurt.

The new must have combination

2007-12-03T12:00:00.001-06:00

Forget Peanut Butter and Jelly, Bacon and Eggs, Mom and Apple Pie, cookies and milk -- the new must have combination is Pot Roast and Floss.

A couple of milestones

2007-12-03T10:55:00.000-06:00

Sometime this week, I will hit my 4,000th post. But more important than that, the blog will totally change. Same type content -- but the format will change totally. How? Beats the heck out of me. No one has told me yet. I have been told that it will be better.

I will keep you up-to-date as soon as I am filled in.

Christmas countdown

2007-12-03T06:07:00.000-06:00

Just twenty-one days left until you have to start your shopping.

To-do list:

2007-12-03T06:04:00.001-06:00

Here's what I have facing me today. Two cartoons will take about seven hours. So as you can see, this will be a long day.

Get oil changed in the van before work.
Run by the bank.
Draw two cartoons - one local, one national
Ed board.
Change password.
Clean cubicle once and for all.

Question of the day

2007-12-03T06:02:00.002-06:00

Is the Liberty Bowl where State should be going?

Monday Free-For-All

2007-12-03T06:02:00.001-06:00

Thoughts on what is happening out there?

Mississippi Trivia

2007-12-03T06:01:00.000-06:00

52. Mississippi University for Women graduate, Ms. Neill James, of Meridian, authored The Petticoat Vagabond, and also introduced the silk industry to Ajijic, Mexico. In 1983 she was inducted into The International Who's Who of Intellectuals in Cambridge, England.

Source: visitmississippi.org

Morning Blog New Update: Monday Edition

2007-12-03T05:33:00.000-06:00

Let's do a quick look on what we are up against today.

Weather
Got my cooler weather I was wishing for yesterday. A front blew through last night (did it ever) and now it will be in the 50's today. Now, I wish for a billion gagillion dollars.

Football news
Nix is a candidate. Saints blow another one. And the cowbell is now the Liberty Bell. Here is the complete bowl list and here are NFL scores. Links aplenty.

Couldn't happen to a nicer guy
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was handed a defeat yesterday in his bid to change the constitution to abolish term limits (and make him a dictator). The vote was 51-49. Hate that for you, big guy.

Top three movies
Enchanted ($17 mil), This Christmas ($8.4 mil) and Beowolf ($7.8 mil). Check out boxofficemojo.com for the complete list. Evil Knievel is still dead.

MARL (Mississippi Animal Rescue League) needs a major gift from Santa
MARL (it's a good thing they aren't the Southern National Animal Rescue League -- SNARL) needs another $250,000 on top of their current $550,000 budget to cover expenses. They do good work and if you have a couple quarters lying around, it's a good cause.

Wanna see promo pictures from the next Batman movie?
From The Dark Knight: Batman and the Joker.

Media
Imus is back today. An Los Angeles Times column calls CNN the Corrupt News Network because of the ethical lapses from the last debate.

Russia keeps Putin
Sorry, I couldn't resist. Putin wins in a landslide. A election violations are feared.

Monday's cartoon

2007-12-03T05:24:00.000-06:00

I got a passionate if not slightly rambling letter about how I was picking on poor oil when the price of everything else is going up too. I didn't have to heart (or patience) to write back as remind that oil-loving person that the cost of shipping is a big reason why everything else is going up, too.

I filled up my car yesterday -- $54.32. Merry @#$%^ Christmas.

Give me Liberty or give me...

2007-12-02T20:55:00.000-06:00

This is pretty old news by this time, but I thought I would give you a place to comment. State is officially headed to Memphis to play in the Liberty Bowl against Central Florida.

Memphians will have cowbells ringing in their ears for days afterwards.

Clarion-Ledger Holiday card

2007-12-02T19:23:00.001-06:00

Happy Holidays from our family to yours.

Sunday

2007-12-02T18:02:00.000-06:00

Never got rest much today -- so is life at the Ramsey house. We went to church and then had lunch at Sal & Mookies. If you haven't eaten there, you ought to. It ain't cheap, but the pizza was fantastic. We all cleaned our plates -- we ordered a large mushroom, sausage and pepperoni pizza. (You don't go too exotic when you have three small kids. After the pizza, we went over to the ice cream shop and finished the meal with ice cream cones. The boys had some neon blue crap that I would not allow in the van. So we ate it there. From there, we went to church Christmas pageant practice. When we got home, we cleaned. And now I am backing up my hard drive on my computer. My computer is seven years old -- a dinosaur. So I don't trust it that much any more (but I will give Apple credit, I have had three in 20 years). I got to watch at 20 minutes of the Colts game. The sacrifices you make for family. Now to go empty the dishwasher.

Oh for Pete's sake, the air conditioning just came on. When will cool weather ever get here.

Sunday Free-For-All

2007-12-02T07:37:00.001-06:00

What's going on? Think we may go see a movie...

Mississippi Trivia

2007-12-02T07:35:00.000-06:00

82. The Singing River, in Pascagoula, murmurs a tragic tale of Indian lore. The Pascagoula Indians were a tribe of contented, idyllic people, whereas the Biloxi Indians considered themselves the 'first people, " and were jealous of the Pascagoula. Anola, a princess of the Biloxi tribe, was in love with Altama, chief of the Pascagoulas. She was betrothed to a chieftain of her own tribe, but fled with Altama to his people. Faced with enslavement by the Biloxi tribe, the Pascagoulas joined hands and began to chant a song of death as they walked into the river until the last voice was hushed by the dark, engulfing waters.

The Singing River is famous worldwide for the noise it makes, like a swarm of bees. The music, which grows nearer and louder until it seems to come from under foot, is best heard in the still of evening, during late summer and autumn. Various scientific explanations have been offered for the phenomenon, but none have been proven.

Source: visitmississippi.org

Question of the day

2007-12-02T07:34:00.001-06:00

Do you send out Christmas cards?

Morning Blog News Update: Lite edition

2007-12-02T06:52:00.000-06:00

Need to limp to church today. Pain is subsiding and I need to go say thanks for getting me through the last few weeks. So this will be short.

Weather
Rain. At least a 50% chance of it. Wish it were higher, and that the Weather Service was predicting more of it. But I will take every drop that hits my house. Expect a balmy high of 78, too.

SEC Championship:UT beats UT, LSU is credited with the win.
Two interceptions, one for a touchdown and one to kill a game-tying drive plus a missed chip-shot field goal handed the game to LSU. Otherwise, Tennessee played the Tigers tough.

Why I am glad I live in a place where it will be 78 today
The Midwest has been plastered with Snow and Ice. And I am wearing shorts today. Heh.

Vote for me for Dictator for Life!
President --but soon to be Dictator Chavez --wants his term-limit removed and to be made "President for Life." Frank Melton is looking into changing Jackson's charter, too.

IMUS debuts tomorrow
Don Imus is back. Will he torch his protesters or will he be a kinder, gentler Imus. Or will I care? Howard Stern, a long-time Imus nemesis, said, "At this point, I don't think he's very relevant," Stern said. "People will tune out within a week. I defy you to listen. It's like a rodeo -- you know, see how long you can ride a bull? See how long you can keep listening to Imus."

The battle of Dickie Scruggs
The zillionaire trial lawyer is in for the fight of his life. Here's a story that talks about it. If he did what he accused of, he's an idiot. Why put your reputation and career (and son) at risk when you know the other side is going to be gunning for you. If he didn't do it, he put himself in a position to be set up. This is going to get down and dirty.

Christian (BATMAN) Bale in a new Terminator movie?
Presidential campaign in Iowa gets put on ice.
Shoney's trying to become a big boy again and reclaim some of its former glory.

Sunday's cartoon

2007-12-02T06:42:00.001-06:00

Let's just say he has a Lott of baggage.

A cartoonist looks at Forty

2007-12-01T19:59:00.000-06:00

Mother, mother ocean, after all the years I've found
My occupational hazard being my occupations just not around
I feel like Ive drowned, gonna head uptown
Jimmy Buffet: A Pirate looks at Forty

In twenty-one days my odometer rolls over to the big 4-o. I've been sitting around, trying to thing what my mid-life crisis should be. Red convertible? Nah, I am like a fork in the microwave with it comes to being in the sun, so I probably should stick to a hardtop. A trophy wife? No way. I could go for a hair piece, but I still have all my hair. And it is still muddy blond, or whatever my hair color is. So no hair-dye. I'm having a mid-life crisis crisis.

Actually, I had my crisis eight years ago. When it came to making me face my mortality, cancer beat 4o to the punch. So making 40 is more a relief. A celebration. I think of it as half-time. I had a good first half, I scored some points, but I am going to win the championship in the second half. It's time to do something amazing.

So for the next three weeks, I am going to figure out what that amazing thing is. And I am going to do it in record speed.

I'm excited about the next 40 years. They will be my best yet.

Con/Pro

2007-12-01T09:25:00.000-06:00

E-mails I have received so far this morning...

Mr. Ramsey,

The cartoon of December 1, 2007 is off base and unfair. I like Jeff Bower and was sadden, but not suicidal about his departure. Jeff has done a good job for USM, but the last few years have demonstrated a downward trend from his hay day. There are two kinds of coaches those that have moved on and those that will, even Ole JoPa at Penn State will move on one day. But USM did not crap on Jeff. We gave Jeff seventeen years. He gave us seventeen years. He could have moved on anytime he wished, we could have released him any time we wanted. But he is gone. Right or wrong will be determined in the next few seasons. BUT WE DID NOT CRAP ON HIM. As they say in the Godfather, "nothing personal just business." And even at USM sports are just business.

Marshall, if a picture is worth a thousand words, today's cartoon is worth a million. As a USM alum, I am embarrassed by the shoddy and callous treatment of the most loyal and one of the best college football coaches in America. Richard Giannini better hire a magician or his only legacy at USM will be as the AD who fired Jeff Bower. Thanks for expressing the feelings of many Golden Eagle fans as only you can.

Morning update

2007-12-01T08:17:00.001-06:00

I will get back with the regular Morning Blog News Update probably tomorrow. Sitting at the computer for long periods of time doesn't make me fell well -- so I have shirked my blog duties over the last few days. Last night, I fell asleep on the couch at 6 and I woke up this morning at 7. That is the longest I have slept at one time in nearly 20 years.

But enough about me. Here are a few stories that caught my eye:

Relocations on Lake Harbour Drive. We used to live off of it in an apartment when it was all woods. Now they are five-laning it. How times have changed. There will be homeowners who will lose their homes because of it.

Three are being held in the Redskins player Sean Taylor's death. It was a burgulary gone bad.

Whatta punk: Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez threatens U.S. oil if we question the vote in his bid to change the Venezuelan Constitution and end term limits.

The hostage standoff at Hillary Clinton's campaign office.

Today will be sunny and 70. Fall? More like spring. There will be a 50% of rain tomorrow and a high of 77.

Saturday Free-For-All

2007-12-01T07:56:00.001-06:00

It's the weekend...What's going on?

Saturday's cartoon

2007-12-01T07:49:00.001-06:00

Evel Knievel makes his final jump

2007-11-30T16:34:00.000-06:00

Evel (I have his action figure in my parent's basement) Knievel has died at the age of 69. I hope it was an easier jump than the Snake River Canyon one.

Countertops are in

2007-11-30T10:52:00.001-06:00

All we lack now is the tile backsplash. That's next on the agenda. But the counters looks great (I will post a picture as soon as I can find my photo cable).

I did a masterful job directing from the couch. Now, thankfully, my neighbor is going to reconnect my plumbing.

I have the best neighbors ever.

Friday Free-For-All

2007-11-30T09:28:00.000-06:00

Since I am pretty much useless right now, keep everyone informed with what is going on in your life and beyond.

Morning Update

2007-11-30T09:27:00.001-06:00

I am directing the installation of the new countertops from the couch. Afterwards, I plan on a nap and then will blog a lot today. I plan on an afternoon news update.

Thanks for your patience. I overextended myself yesterday and am feeling it this morning.

Friday's cartoon

2007-11-30T06:42:00.000-06:00

What's next?

2007-11-29T18:17:00.000-06:00

Thanks for hanging with me today. I pushed myself too much -- but I went ahead and did a new cartoon for tomorrow because of the latest Dickie Scruggs news. I have a feeling that I can use anyone one of the five ideas I did today.

What the heck is going to happen tomorrow? Is Haley going to come out and say he is retiring to dance on Broadway?

Well, it's off to the couch. A couple of Aleve (no more prescription painkillers for me, thank you.) and a remote control and I will be happy as a clam.

Chess

2007-11-29T17:43:00.000-06:00

Think of Mississippi Politics like a big ol' bloody game of Chess. There are the Business folks (Republicans) and the Trial Lawyers (Democrats) and they are playing to the death. Haley is King on one side and Dickie is king on the other. And his butt is currently in check. Will it be checkmate? I don't know -- unlike some, I am not ready to fry him. But if he did indeed do what he is accused of he should be punished for being stupid alone. Bribing a judge? It's a move an amateur would make -- or someone who's incredibly overconfident. Or is he completely innocent? We'll know for sure once the Mississippi trial of the Century kicks off: The power of the Government against the power of one of the richest lawyers ever. And like in Chess, every piece on the Trial Lawyer's side of the board will sacrifice itself to save the King.

2007-11-29T16:55:00.000-06:00

Prayers go out to the friends and family of missing Jackson State student Latasha Norman.

Scott Adams on why he is cutting back on blogging

2007-11-29T10:33:00.000-06:00

I thought was interesting. Scott Adams of Dilbert fame, does a very good blog -- but he is going to cut back on it because he say is is costing him money. Here's a quote from his post:

I hoped that people who loved the blog would spill over to people who read Dilbert, and make my flagship product stronger. Instead, I found that if I wrote nine highly popular posts, and one that a reader disagreed with, the reaction was inevitably “I can never read Dilbert again because of what you wrote in that one post.” Every blog post reduced my income, even if 90% of the readers loved it. And a startling number of readers couldn’t tell when I was serious or kidding, so most of the negative reactions were based on misperceptions.

Read all of it here.

Mississippi Trivia

2007-11-29T07:32:00.000-06:00

67. Leontyne Price, of Laurel was the first African-American to achieve international stardom in the field of opera. Ms. Price was with the New York Metropolitan Opera and gave her last performance on January 3, 1985, in the role of Aida.

Source: visitmississippi.org

Thursday Free-for-All

2007-11-29T07:30:00.000-06:00

What's up? I'm not for long.

Weather forecast

2007-11-29T07:29:00.000-06:00

Sunny, fall-like, with a high of 62. If you wear a sweater, you will sweat like a 13-year-old at a school dance. Rain chances go up later in the week.

Question of the day

2007-11-29T07:24:00.001-06:00

Do you think there is something to Dickie Scruggs' indictment or is he a target of a Republican Justice Department witch hunt?

Morning Update

2007-11-29T07:06:00.000-06:00

This is going to be short. My head is foggier than London and I am swimming in a sea of discomfort. But I thought I'd update a few things.

1. I survived. Four of my five senses were assaulted and my dignity died on the table, but I survived.

2. Why anyone (Rush Limbaugh, Matthew Perry) would get addicted to pain pills is beyond me. I do not crave walking through life wanting to barf.

3. And yes, I see that Dickie has been indicted. If I can cut through the mental daze I am in, I will do a cartoon on it. I have already received excited e-mails from some of my Republican friends. I guess they should be excited. It will cut off their opposition's #1 source of cash. Is it a political witch hunt or is Dickie really an idiot? If he did indeed do what he is accused of, he's not very smart. I have some digging to do today. When I wake up. I'm headed to the couch.

Thursday's cartoon

2007-11-29T07:05:00.000-06:00

I am pleased to announce...

2007-11-28T13:02:00.000-06:00

No syndicated cartoons while I am recovering. In fact, I think I ended up drawing one too many.

Just thought you would like to know.

Time to take a three-second break

2007-11-28T09:57:00.001-06:00

How many of you are finished with your Christmas shopping?

Your choice

2007-11-28T06:02:00.001-06:00

I can blog lots and lots today, but you will get syndicated cartoons for the next four days. Or I can draw like my butt's on fire so I can get out of the office by 1:30 to go get chopped on and leave you some cartoons. It's up to you -- I am aiming toward cartoons. If you disagree, let me know.

I will be spending a couple of days recovering from the latest addition to my collection of scars.

Mi$$i$$ippi Trivia

2007-11-28T05:59:00.002-06:00

100. Oliver Pollock was the largest individual financial contributor to the American War of Independence, and is buried near Pinckneyville. He is best known, however, as the man who invented the dollar ($) sign.

Source: visitmississippi.org

Wednesday free-for-all

2007-11-28T05:59:00.001-06:00

Anything going on?

Question of the day

2007-11-28T05:58:00.001-06:00

Was Houston Nutt the best choice for the Ole Miss job?

Morning Blog News Update: Who'd have thunk it edition

2007-11-28T05:18:00.000-06:00

Good morning. Frank Melton has quit, Leslie McLemore has been named as interim Mayor. Haley Barbour has been picked as Vice Presidential Candidate for Rudy Giuliani, Phil Bryant will be temporary Governor until a special election can be held. Sylvester Croom has been named as the new Arkansas Coach. Jeff Bower is being interviewed to replace him. Dick Cheney will quit and be replaced by Senator Mitch McConnell. Rush Limbaugh is retiring to become a professional golfer. Reruns from his early shows will be played in his timeslot.

None of that is true -- but considering how weird the last week has been been, why not? Hell, at this point I will believe anything.

Weather
There is a 100% chance of a sunset tonight. Otherwise, sun and a spring-like high of 68.

Dancing with the Stars winner is:
Race car driver Helio Castroneves. Although former Spice Girl Melanie Brown was the more polished dancer (what the story said, heck if I would know), Castroneves won over the audience with his.... oh whatever. He won. The Supreme Court will review the voting. I'm sure Florida screwed it up somehow.

Expensive Nutt job
The price of Ole Miss' new head football coach? $7.4 million over four years. As Pete Boone says: "That may be heavy on some ends, but the price of poker has gone up. They're high, but reasonable numbers with the market as it is." Southeastern Conference coaches average around $2 mill. First-year Alabama coach Nick Saban makes $4 million per year - the highest in the country. No-longer Coach "O" made about $900,000 a year. Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom makes about $975,000.

Scruggs Law Firm searched by the FBI
No, not for information in Scruggs' involvement in the Ole Miss coaching decisions. They were searching for a single document that "might be ancillary to something pertaining to Katrina litigation" but is not directly involved in any of those cases, according to Joey Langston who is representing the firm. From the story: Langston said that "the search warrant was issued from the northern Mississippi district of U.S. District Court and doesn't appear to be linked to criminal contempt allegations Scruggs and his firm already face in Alabama. Maybe it is about football.

ELECTION MAN! for SENATE
Yes, former Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson, Jr. is considering running for Trent's seat. Hooray! Sorry, that's the cartoonist in me. Other wonderful names floating out there: Musgrove! Mike Moore! Mike Espy! I can already draw all of them! Hooray! And, please hold your excitement, Erik Fleming is thinking about running again. (crickets chirping)

CNN/YouTube GOP Presidential debate
Yes, the GOP candidates for President will be facing the snowman from YouTube. This should be interesting. Not. Tune in tonight on CNN. I may take a few painkillers and watch Rudy Giuliani's teeth grow and then slide off the screen like a Dali painting.

Wednesday's cartoon

2007-11-28T05:12:00.000-06:00

The call from the Democratic HQ, "Save us Mikey, you're our only hope."

Bam!

2007-11-27T20:44:00.000-06:00

Emeril Live! has been cancelled. It will cease production on Dec. 11. The Food Network will continue producing Emeril's "The Essence of Emeril," and he'll "take part in "specials and other development opportunities in the future," Welch said," but the daily show will go away after ten years.

Pallbearers will pour Gatorade cooler over his casket

2007-11-27T13:31:00.000-06:00

Dr. Robert Cade, who invented Gatorade, died Tuesday of kidney failure. He was 80.

Sports vs. Politics

2007-11-27T13:11:00.000-06:00

I just ran into Kyle Veazey and Rick Cleveland -- seeing them in the office at the same time is like seeing Elvis doing shots with Big Foot. It's pretty darn rare. I was talking to them about the sports news and congratulating them for some massive blog hit numbers. Rick had this blog post on Monday, asking the question on what would get more hits: The coach firings or Trent Lott resignation? Wanna know the answer?

It's about five to one coaches.

A piece of tomorrow's cartoon

2007-11-27T12:33:00.001-06:00