Warrior Playoffs 2010: Very memorable

By: Mary Ryan Karnes

Through nail-biting wins, surprising plays, and intense rivalries, playoff games have been the highlight of the 2010 season. When asked what the team’s greatest achievements were, head coach Nevil Barr replied, “Two things: Getting to the playoffs for the tenth straight year and winning the opening round for the ninth straight year against Petal.” And indeed, these achievements are substantial. Past the regular season, the Warriors have shown their true colors and played to win despite quite a few injured players. “I’m proud of the kids who stepped up, and felt for the ones who had season-ending injuries because they worked so hard in the off season,” Barr said.
The first round of the playoffs was against Petal. During the regular season, the Panthers defeated the Warriors 26-21. But less than three months later, Oak Grove left “the Friendly City” with a 35-34 playoff  victory. With a serious rival left in the dust, the next item on the agenda was a playoff game against Brandon. Earlier in the season, Brandon beat Oak Grove 49-35, but the Warriors trumped the Bulldogs 37-12 in the second playoff game. For Coach Barr, “beating Petal and Brandon when it really counted” were the games of which he was most proud. These wins were what advanced Oak Grove to the third round of the MHSAA 6A playoffs. A 0-34 loss to Meridian ended the reign of Black and Gold, but the Warriors have had a successful progressive season.
For every Oak Grove supporter, the first round of the playoffs was exciting. “There’s no doubt,” Athletic Director Tim Heldt said. “The first playoff game against Petal (was successful). Advancing is always good.” The fact that this rivalry game was a redemptive win on Panther territory makes the first win past the regular season even sweeter. Quarterback Steven Swindle said that the game that he was most proud of was also the Petal playoff. And fans that crowded the stands of an over-sized field in Petal felt the same way.
This season’s playoff victories not only advanced the team to the third round of the playoffs, but they also increased school spirit. On the day before the Petal game, streamers and posters supporting the Warriors were displayed all over the school. A colorful sign on the back wall of the school (near the gym) read “Hang the Panties Out to Dry.” And as vulgar as this may seem, the football team did exactly that. The next week, more decorations could be seen in preparation for the Brandon game. “As the season progressed, the fans got better,” Swindle said. As the student section was filled with tomahawks and booming voices, the battle cry of the Warriors could be heard from miles around.
On November 26, the football season ended with a cold loss to Meridian. Even though the game was during Thanksgiving break, fans still showed up with blankets and hot chocolate in tow to cheer on the Warriors. And now that the season is over, coaches and players are looking to next year. “Fortunately, we’re not losing that many players,” Heldt said. “But the ones we are losing will be very hard to replace.” Next season, the potential for the football team is great. Heldt, who will retire at the end of this year, expressed his happiness with the 2010 season. “(This season was) very memorable. They are all memorable.” For Heldt, the rest of the team, and every fan, Black and Gold never looked so good. “Well I tell you what, it’s just been a great experience all the way around. It just feels good working at such a great school,” Heldt said.

OG band members make their way

By: Christina Vilar

On November 20, seven OG band students auditioned at Pearl High School to be members of the 2011 MS Lions All-State Band. Sarah Keilholz, Connor Lawson, Nathan Lockey, Mary Katherine Oglesbee, and Christina Vilar were the five out of the seven students selected to be members of the Lions Band. Mallory Jennings and Walker Karstens also auditioned at callbacks.
The MS Lions Band is made up of a group of high school students who are in good standings in their own band. They meet two times a year: in the winter for concert band, and in the summer before the big trip.
Senior Mary Katherine Oglesbee ranked fifth as a percussion member and will be playing the snare drum. “As a senior, scholarships are very important to me right now,” Oglesbee said. “I believe that making the 2011 Lions Band snare line will open a lot of doors for me in the future.”
This year, the Lions Band will be traveling to Seattle, Washington, for the annual Lions International Parade. Lions club members from all over the world come to march in the parade and show their pride in their country. “The trip is going to be amazing,” sophomore Sarah Keilholz said. “I think this summer is going to be one to remember!” This is Keilholz’s first time as a member and has ranked eighth as a dancer.
Several hundred students from all over the state go to Pearl High School to audition for Lions Band. They have to prepare a two-minute solo, play a required scale and another major scale, and sight read a piece that the judges choose. Their reward for such hard work and dedication: the trip to Seattle.
Being a Lions Band member opens many doors in the music industry, especially when you’re a member of an international championship band. Senior and seventh chair baritone, Nathan Lockey said, “I believe that this will give me more experience to try and be a successful musician.”
Besides excelling in the music department, the Lions Band is a great way to meet friends, and get together with old ones. Senior Connor Lawson said, “I’m really excited to see my friends from last year, and I’m eager to meet some new and talented faces.” This is Lawson’s second year in the Lions Band and is third chair saxophone.
Jeff Cannon, the director/manager of the MS Lions Band, has been with the Lions Band for 17 years.  In a congratulatory letter he sent to last year’s members, Cannon said, “Our trip to Seattle promises to be equally as awesome [as our trip to Sydney] as we visit Vancouver Island, The Space Needle, and whale watching excursions in the Pacific.”  If they win in Seattle, they’ll come home with their third consecutive and 28th win for Mississippi.

Theatre students prepare for Drama Fest

By: Victoria Chen

The annual South Mississippi Drama Festival, more commonly known as Drama Fest and the equivalent of playoffs for sports, was held on December 3-4 at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Each year any public or private high school has a chance at submitting their top five students to perform a range of classics and comedies, to tragedies or original works.  All together there will be 17 different plays that will be performed.
Oak Grove’s crew was definitely the one to beat. This year at Drama Fest, Oak Grove placed in the top four shows, guaranteeing them a spot at state alongside Biloxi, Ocean Springs, and Pearl River Central.  Oak Grove High School is the only school in the state to win the state championship five times, and win the National Championship in 2008.
With Kaz Zumbro as costume, puppet, and mask designer, and Chris Permenter as set designer, the duo plans out what the rest of the team wants and needs for the show to work. And with that knowledge, Zumbro and Permenter devote their precious time into creating a variety of exceptional characters, sets, and props.
Oak Grove High School’s Mrs. Suzanne Allmon has been preparing her group of actors and actresses since September.  “We work hard every year, and I always tell my students if they do their absolute best in their performance, that’s all I can ask,” Allmon said.
This year’s State Championship will be held in Meridian at the Riley Center on January 14-16.

Forensics members receive high honors

By: Sara Sanner

The Oak Grove High School Forensics (speech and debate) team’s achievements speak for themselves.  The program has been up and running for a number of years but recently turned into a power house contender at in-state Forensic tournaments. Under the direction of Coach Shane Cole, the team has won the past five consecutive MHSAA State Championships in speech and debate.  This feat becomes even more impressive when one realizes that the State Championship includes competitors from an average of 20 schools and has only been offered for the past five years, making Oak Grove the only recipient of the award.
So far this season Oak Grove has won three tournaments, held at the University of Mississippi, Petal High School, and Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School.  The team’s main competition is Hattiesburg High School, who has won tournaments at Saint Andrew’s Catholic School and Gulfport High School.  This friendly rivalry has been on going for a number of years. Last year, the same back and forth struggle between each team for superiority was prevalent. Every single tournament was won by one of the two schools.  Finally, Oak Grove claimed victory at the end of the season’s State Championship and hopes to do the same this year. Cole commented on the rivalry saying: “Both teams are extremely competitive.  This rivalry reaches epic proportions that equals the amount of energy of any of our high school football games.  Each and every one of our students cares a great deal about representing Oak Grove as the best team in the state, and it is that drive that has pushed them to win five State Championships so far. Our school should be extremely proud to have produced such outstanding students.” The team’s success is not a surprise, however, since they hold ten students who rank in the top 25 competitors in Mississippi.  The schools closest to having such a wealth of strong competitors are Hattiesburg High School and Laurel Christian School which both have three students in the top 25.
Oak Grove’s Forensics members have always been leaders in school as well as on the tournament circuit and this year is no exception.  The current team has four National Forensic League Academic All-Americans: Steven Wild, Will Bedwell, William Ross, and Daniel Rigel.  In order to gain the title of All-American, “Forensicators” (as they are referred to in the speech and debate world) must obtain a 27 on the ACT, a 3.75 GPA, and 750 Forensics competition points.  Senior William Ross said, “The award is one of the highest honors that any team member can receive. Being an Academic All-American is what every student strives for.  Before you finish your career in high school in speech and debate, that is what you want to be named.” Mr. Cole expects to have four more of his students named Academic All-Americans by the end of this school year alone.
The team’s achievements do not stop in state.  Multiple students have competed on the National Forensics circuit with much success.  The Senior Public Forum Debate duo comprised of Will Bedwell and Steven Wild recently won first place at the National Circuit’s Grapevine High School Tournament outside of Dallas, Texas.  Last year the duo received fifth place at Princeton University’s tournament and were named the 31st ranked public forum team in the nation at the National Forensic League’s Tournament of Champions. Steven Wild also made finals at this past year’s National Competition in Congressional Debate.  Now both team members have placed their goals for this year’s season even higher with hopes of being named first place at the National Tournament this upcoming summer.
Even with such strong competitors, Oak Grove still faces a tough year defending their State Championship title. And just several weeks ago, the team attended Petal High School’s tournament where they stepped ahead of Hattiesburg High School by winning and holding a 3-2 tournament lead.  The Oak Grove team will continue to strive for a sixth consecutive State Championship title as they finish their way through their season.
The Forensics team will be displaying their talent in their Winter Debate Showcase on December 16 and 20 at 6:00 p.m. at OGHS.

Cheer and dance prepare to take state

By: Brittain Allgood

With Christmas break right around the corner, students prepare themselves for semester exams; for the football cheerleaders and Golden Spirits, they spend these few weeks perfecting and cleaning their routines for the MHSAA competition on December 17-18. Both the cheerleaders and Golden Spirits are two-time state champions, and both plan to maintain their title for the 2010-2011 year. The cheerleaders have been working strenuously throughout the summer but started the routine closer to the beginning of the school year. With 12 freshmen, the team has grown, not only in number but also in strength. The entire squad can do running tucks, which was not conceivable last year. They have also added new and improved stunts that will surely blow the judges away. To better themselves, the cheerleaders run suicides and practice their stunts to build stamina and endurance. Laura Lightsey, cheer coach and sponsor, pushes and encourages the girls every step of the way and has full confidence in their ability to succeed.
“I do feel like our squad can successfully win another state title this year as long as we can work together and stay relaxed,” Brittney Hiatt, senior cheer co-captain said. “This is probably the most talented group of girls that has come through Oak Grove, so I hope we can bring home another title!” The girls competed in the Dixieland Championship on December 11 and earned a bid to nationals to be held February 12-14, 2011, in Orlando, FL.
The Golden Spirits have always specialized in jazz and kick, and this year is no exception. They begin every early morning practice with kicks to gain stamina and flexibility. The cheerleaders may start their routine early in the season, but the Golden Spirits have a different strategy for success. They completed their jazz routine during summer break, but did not start their kick routine until a week after Thanksgiving. The girls say they work well under pressure and, learning a dance this close to state, drives them to work harder. Losing a powerful teammate, Andie Arthur, in the middle of the semester left the girls in a bind. Fixing formations with an odd number of girls is not an easy task for a choreographer. Tracey Oglesby, Golden Spirits coach and sponsor, cuts no slack when working towards victory. “This is a very motivated group of girls,” said Oglesby. “They work hard – especially under pressure. I am extremely confident in this team.” Winning first place with their jazz routine at a local invitational on November 13, the Golden Spirits feel confident with this dance, giving them more time to concentrate on their kick routine. Both teams have been working equally hard for their ultimate goal and will continue to work until they strut onto the competition floor. Be sure to wish the girls good luck as they spend the next week practicing and cleaning their routines.

Warrior basketball season starts off with slam dunk

By: Will Bedwell

The Oak Grove boy’s basketball team witnessed a huge crowd, the likes of which had never been seen before, as they stepped onto the court for their first home game of the year.  The size of the crowd had a definite effect on the players.  The team had an extra jump in their step as they put on a show for the crowd that resulted in their largest win of the season; beating Presbyterian Christian School 62–29 in stunning fashion.  Coach Bradley, however, was more excited with the crowd turn out than his boys’ performances, stating: “With a student section like we had that night, the boys without a doubt played harder.  Home crowds equal home wins.”  The team hopes to continue to have such a large turnout at home games.  Assistant Coach Brian Butler was quick to stress the fact that the team isn’t just the players’ but is also the school’s: “All the guys on the team are playing for the students.  It isn’t our team. It’s theirs, and they should be proud of it.”
And the students this year have plenty of reasons to be proud of the boy’s basketball team this year.  So far the team is 6-3 and playing stronger ball than has been seen in a number of years, if ever.  Two of the losses came during the championship games at early season tournaments; one to Pass Christian and the other to Harrison Central.  The other loss came last week against Gulfport.  Coach Bradley explained that the team just played sloppy during the first half of the game which lead to the loss.  “If the team had played the whole game just as they played during the second half, we could’ve won.  Sadly, we didn’t do that,” Bradley said.
The team’s focus is on the State Championship, and there is still plenty of the season left to play.    First they will have to perform well at the District Tournament in January in order to qualify for the State Tournament.  Doing such will not be an easy task this year.  Brandon and Meridian, the strongest competition in Oak Grove’s district, are ranked first and fourth in the state, respectively.  The team and coaches believe that these teams are still far from unbeatable and that if the team continues to improve every night, as they have been doing, then victory can and will be attained by the Warriors.
The style of basketball played by the boy’s basketball team is fast and aggressive.  The team is relatively small in stature, but what they lack in height they more than make up for in speed, determination, and ability.  Once the ball enters the court, the team believes it is their rightful property and will stop at nothing to control it.  The press defense they run coupled with a fast-paced high shooting team makes for an exciting game of basketball.
One new star that has emerged this year is senior Joseph Shaw.  Shaw arrived at Oak Grove this year after moving from the Mobile area.  He now leads the team in scoring, putting up an average of 20 points a game. Basketball is, most certainly, not a one man sport, and the team is very well rounded.  Some other high scorers are Josh Carpenter, Jamar Brewer, and Zack Barlow.  Leading the team in both assists and free throw shooting is senior Nick McLendon, who when speaking about his performance, emphasizes the team effort. “When we go out on the court, everyone has his roll to play.   No one player has the highest stats in everything.  We all have our certain niches, and when we perform those to our best ability, we win. We always win together,” McLendon said.
The junior varsity boy’s basketball team has taken such ideals to heart under the leadership of Coach Brandon Hill, and thus far have won their first game against Gulfport.  Hill believes if they play as they did that night, then they have as much potential for a victorious season as the varsity team.  Hill stated, “They work together, and they work hard.  That is exactly what wins games.”
This sense of cohesiveness is what the varsity team is banking on to bring home a State Championship this year–that and their fans.  The team only has seven home games left this year and hopes for as large of an attendance by the student body as occurred at the game versus PCS.  One more home game has even been added against Harrison Central on December 21, where the Warriors hope to gain revenge form earlier in the season.  Coach Bradley’s belief is if the team continues to improve as they have on the road as well at home, then they will be a viable force during the District Tournament. “If we can win this district, then we can beat any team at state,” Bradley said. And that is just what the Warriors aim to do.

Varsity soccer boys improve teamwork and attitude

By: Taylor Rigney

With the 2010-2011 soccer season well underway, the boys’ varsity team is going to great lengths to remain “unstoppable,” in the words of junior Chris Franovich.
This year, the team has been making some major changes regarding focus and attitude.  “In previous seasons we haven’t really cared and we would goof off at practice,” senior defensive back and striker Garrett Head said.  “This year we care a lot more, and we are a lot more serious.  Leadership is something that we have lacked the past couple of years, and that’s something every team needs.  Our seniors have really stepped up this year.”
Both Head and Franovich agree that the team has improved in many areas since last year, including communication, attitude, and team unity.  In fact, in order to promote teamwork, the team enjoys regular breakfast outings, and they even meet up to watch movies together before a big game.
Unity is vitally important to the boys, especially for the starting players: Rob Hairston, Josh Hinton, Bowen Terrill, Brennan Terrill, Graham Thomas, Cade Willis, Jay Lang, Garrett Head, Kyle Roblin, Will Fox-Lear, and Nathan Tavaii.
The boys’ coach, Jess Lang, stops at nothing to ensure teamwork and communication among the players. “[Coach Lang] never gives up on us and pushes us to give 110 %,” Franovich said.  “He also makes sure he knows each player individually and gives us pep talks before each game and during half-time.”
Even with such drastic changes taking place off the field, the team has still managed to kick up some interesting plays during games as well.  Franovich and Head each recall games against West Jones and Petal, before which the team knew they would have to play their hardest in order to win.  In true Warrior fashion, the boys did give their opponents more than they’d probably bargained for and clobbered the opposing teams in both games.  “We went into the game knowing that it would be tough, but we never gave up.  We played like a real team,” said Franovich of the West Jones game, which the Warriors won 3-0.
The season is inevitably moving forward, and the boys remain focused in order to achieve their goals, or better yet, goal, for the year.  “We have one goal, and that’s to win state!” Head said.
The boys are currently preparing for the playoffs, which begin after Christmas break in January.

How will you decorate your tree this season?

Merry Christmas

By: Miranda Rester

“Merry Christmas” is a phrase that brings most people a feeling of joy.  It reminds us of a time of year when families come together, neighbors exchange genuine smiles, and people see more in the world than just themselves.  Wishing a Jewish person a happy Hanukkah can also bring these blissful emotions of caring and loving others.  That’s why I believe you should say “have a Merry Christmas and a Happy Hanukkah” instead of a uniform, insincere “Happy Holidays.”
It seems that Americans have become so consumed in being politically correct about this time of year that they’ve forgotten the emotions involved.  They’ve forgotten that Christmas and Hanukkah aren’t just regular holidays like New Year’s day or Thanksgiving.  For many Americans, Christmas or Hanukkah is the most important time of the year because it’s an incredibly special day for their religions.
But some Americans think that if they don’t use the general and unspecific “Happy Holidays,” they’ll offend the numerous Americans that aren’t religious or don’t have a religious holiday this time of year.  However, that isn’t exactly true.  According to a recent Fox News poll, over 96% of Americans celebrate either Christmas or Hanukkah.
Wishing that nonbelievers have a Merry Christmas or a Happy Hanukkah isn’t forcing your religion on them.  It’s merely telling them that you hope they have a wonderful day.
I don’t view saying “have a Merry Christmas and a Happy Hanukkah” as being inconsiderate or offensive.  Many don’t celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, but they don’t throw a temper tantrum when you wish them a happy one.  “Happy Holidays” is just another way that the personal beliefs of Americans are being suppressed.
The First Amendment states: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.  Most people would use this quote when trying to say that religion is being forced on them.  However, it can also be used to show that Americans have every right to show their religion in any way that doesn’t harm other people.  Saying Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah instead of Happy Holidays is a perfect example of exercising this right.

Happy Holidays

By: Christina Vilar

We’ve all been exposed to them and some even afraid of them. The people who start complaining about how America has gone downhill because of the “Happy Holidays versus Merry Christmas” controversy.  So, should a well-intentioned fellow wish them “Happy Holidays,” the offended would snarl back in reply “Merry Christmas” and walk away with their pride intact.
The second after all the Thanksgiving turkey has been gobbled up, and stores start putting their insanely low sale tags up for Black Friday, people start thinking about the holidays in the upcoming month: Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and even New Year’s.  You can even count Bill of Rights day if you’re feeling a little patriotic.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to make your beliefs known by saying “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Hanukkah.”  But putting a knife to someone’s throat after they say “Happy Holidays” is a little sacrificial.  “Happy Holidays” is a very all-inclusive statement.  It’s a much easier way to greet someone without offending them, and it’s so much faster than saying, “Happy New Year’s, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanza, Happy Eid, and Happy Hanukkah!”  The First Amendment loosely translates into: “The government can’t tell you what to believe in, and which religious holidays to celebrate.”   Sure, America is 95% Christian, and we’re most likely to see green and red Christmas lights and a nicely decorated tree.  But just because the popular kids are doing it, doesn’t mean everyone has to do the same.
Since the holiday season is between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, wouldn’t it be better to say you’re celebrating the holiday season all month plus one week?  That means overeating and excessive partying are acceptable, because that’s what everyone does during the holidays anyway; even though our conservative American sensibilities are insulted by having extended periods of time where people are generally cheerful like everyone else likes to do it.
Every time someone greets me with a “Happy Holidays,” no matter who says it, I’ve always thought of it as a kindhearted statement implying, “We may or may not have different beliefs, and I don’t want to offend you, but I hope you celebrate your holiday with as much joy and love as I’ll celebrate mine.”
So during this holiday season, everyone just needs to give your holiday well-wishers a toothy smile, deliver your own warm hearted wishes, and make this a happy season for all to enjoy.

Pot prohibition should go up in smoke

By: Taylor Herring

In 1937, the United States Federal Government passed the Marijuana Tax Act to effectively prohibit the sale, use, and possession of cannabis in the United States. In 1973, President Richard Nixon created the Drug Enforcement Administration in an effort to declare an all-out war on drugs– pot, in particular.  In 1984, First Lady Nancy Reagan established the “Just Say No” campaign to eliminate marijuana use in the youngest segment of the population. Yet, in the past month of 2010 alone, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 16.7 million Americans used marijuana on a regular basis.
By virtually any standard, marijuana prohibition efforts have repeatedly failed to achieve their primary purpose: keeping pot away from the people.  Instead, the marijuana prohibition movement has served to drive marijuana use into the underground, criminal sector of society, and away from legal oversight.  Now, marijuana users are forced to turn to drug dealers and illegal farmers to obtain their precious crop– a process that not only fosters dangerous crime, but also has a detrimental fiscal impact on state and national governments, alike.  After 73 enduring years of failed marijuana control, the federal government should act to end the futile era of pot prohibition.  There are three primary justifications for legalization.
First, the harms of marijuana are often largely overstated.  Despite popular misconceptions, various analyses of the substance indicate that there is no clear connection between marijuana use and lung problems, impaired cognition, amotivational syndrome, or hormone deficiencies. The substance has neither addictive properties found in other “drugs” like heroin, methamphetamines, or cocaine, nor toxicity (there have been literally ZERO reported deaths as a result of marijuana overdose). In fact, a recent Newsweek article asserted that a person is more likely to overdose on potatoes than pot. The lethal dose of the seemingly harmless spud is a mere ten raw potatoes; a person would have to smoke a whopping 1,000 pounds of marijuana to overdose. This is, believe it or not, a feat unable to be conquered by the likes of Lil Wayne, Willie Nelson, and (let’s face it) a few of the 23% of admitted teen smokers in the United States put together. To the contrary, marijuana has been shown to have various medical benefits such as reduced nausea in cancer chemotherapy patients, stimulated appetite in AIDS patients, and reduced intraocular pressure in people with glaucoma. For these reasons, it is clear that, on balance, cannabis has positive medical impacts with negligible detriments, and, thus, could reasonably be integrated into society.
The benefits of legalization are not restricted to the medical realm.  From a public policy standpoint, ending pot prohibition is a fiscally responsible measure.  According to the FBI’s 2009 Uniform Crime Report, marijuana arrests accounted for more than half of all drug arrests in the United States, with one marijuana arrest occurring every 37 seconds.  The cost of these arrests and their associated legal fees are beginning to add up.  The Cato Institute recently issued a statistical analysis that found the legalization of marijuana would save the Justice Department a staggering $8.7 billion annually by eliminating such price tags.  The analysis noted another economic benefit to ending prohibition: tax revenues.  If marijuana were legalized, the substance would be taxed at both the production and retail level just as any other commercial good, and would reportedly generate another $8.7 billion in taxes, assuming it would be taxed at a standard rate. Coupled together, these factors give marijuana significant economic potential in the legal market (not to mention potentially skyrocketing profits for the fast-food industry).
After decades of dazed and confused prohibition policy, it is time for the United States to “just say no” to underground marijuana, and instead pursue a fiscally responsible policy that opens the door for medical treatments and closes the door to violent Mexican drug cartels.  It is time for the federal government to heed the wise words of rap artist Sean Paul and simply “legalize it.”

Upgrade/Downgrade

 

Compromise is something of an unused word in D.C., but the President and Republicans in Congress seemed to have blown the dust off of the age old philosophy when debating the extension of the Bush tax cuts.  President Obama has reversed his previous stance against extending tax cuts for all, and has presented a plan that fulfills the Republicans’ desire to extend tax cuts for all income levels for two more years, while giving the Democrats something they want by extending unemployment benefits.  While Democrats in Congress remain strongly opposed to his proposal, the White House has announced that it expects passage by the end of the year.  If the plan doesn’t pass and no vote is held, taxes will go up for all Americans starting in January.  If that’s the case, President Obama and just about every Democrat in Congress need to go ahead and start packing up their offices.

Upgrade: Democrats and Republicans putting on big boy underwear and striking up “compromise”

There’s nothing like having to open your Christmas gifts at 5:30 a.m. on Christmas Day so you have enough time to get dressed and rush off for another round of classes before you’re out of Christmas break!  Our school district has always been very generous with the number of days we’re out for Christmas break, but the way the days are situated on the calendar leaves a lot to be desired.  For starters, it’s impossible to get into the Christmas spirit when you’re sitting in a desk taking a final for Global Marketing two days before the day Ole Saint Nick is scheduled to make his appearance.  Spreading the break out evenly around Christmas, one week before and one week after, would undoubtedly increase Christmas cheer, which we all know is the magic that powers Santa’s sleigh.

Downgrade: Getting out for Christmas break three days before the sleigh’s take-off

Just when all hope was lost and I was beginning to worry our nation was destined to watching reruns of classic shows like Alias and Lost for lack of better programming, TV networks heard my cries and premiered some of the best new shows in years during the Fall of 2010.  As far as comedies go, Raising Hope, which chronicles the life of a young father who still lives with his parents and his senile grandmother, and Outsourced, which portrays the plight of an American salesman who’s sent to India to head up a calling center, keep the laughs coming week after week.  If conspiracy/sci-fi/thriller is your thing, then The Event couldn’t be any more perfect.  Despite never actually solving the mystery and explaining what “the event” actually is, this show wins top honors and keeps me on my seat weekly.

Networks pulling out all of the stops and creating TV shows a step up from iCarly: Upgrade

South Mississippi may be known for inconsistent and abnormal weather, but this year has been one for the books.  For starters, Oak Grovians woke up one November day to temperatures in the high 60s and fell asleep to temperatures in the low 30s.  A 30+ degree swing in one day can’t be healthy.  Following that anomaly, South Mississippi battled 20 degree temps before the weather took an about-face and the temperature climbed into the 70s only 24 hours after setting record lows.  To cap this weather roller coaster off, Hattiesburg experienced record lows in the teens, followed by thunderstorms and high temps two days later, which was again followed by record lows across the Pine Belt.  One thing’s for certain, this winter season has kept the doctors and Claritin makers extra busy.

Downgrade: Wacky winter weather causing headaches and head colds