Editor’s Note: The following is a copy of a paper I wrote in college for a World War II History class. I interviewed my great-uncle, Powell Magee about his experiences as a POW of Japan in the Pacific Theater. With the exception of a few grammar corrections, it is presented here exactly as it was written. I have added multiple photos and maps to help readers understand the …

We all called her “Grandmother.” In reality, she was my father’s grandmother and my great-grandmother. Anne Matilda McCaleb (née Farrar) was born on May 8, 1887 and died February 3, 1983 at the age of 95, just a little over four years shy of her 100th birthday. There was never any confusion among the family when speaking of Grandmother because …

If you don’t live in Mississippi, Alabama or Lousianna, then you are missing out. I’ll probably get in trouble with the Southern Immigration Board for telling you that, but I can’t help it.  I just have to let the cat out of the bag. About once every 6 or 8 weeks, my wife and I take a couple of hours …

For years, I have thought the American Educational System fails us by not educating effectively when it comes to economics. It constantly surprises me how many people can barely balance a checkbook and yet these same people are expected to make educated and informed decisions when it comes to electing our political leaders. I was the beneficiary of a good …

For those who have read my previous movie reviews of “It’s A Wonderful Life” and “Meet John Doe,” I should warn you that this is less of a review and more of an analysis. Spoilers are included, but I don’t believe I’ll ruin the movie for those who haven’t seen it, but if you are worried, watch the movie first, then come …

On March 26, 2009, I had the distinct pleasure to interview Hartley Peavey of Peavey Electronics while co-hosting The Morning Show with Bill Smith and Dumpster Dog on WMOX AM-1010 in Meridian, Mississippi. It was a great opportunity to get to know Hartley better and to find out a little bit about what makes him tick, what his passions are, …

I am pumped! Yesterday, I purchased tickets for Pam and I to see Boz Scaggs and Michael McDonald in concert at the Beau Rivage in Biloxi! I have loved Boz Scaggs’ music since I first heard “Lido Shuffle” and I’ve thought Michael McDonald was awesome since he was a member of The Doobie Brothers many moons ago. To have them together …

Yesterday, Pam and I went to the funeral of the grandfather of a former employee. We don’t go to many funerals and haven’t since the funeral of our daughter, Alicia. No one enjoys funerals, but there are some funerals that are more positive and optimistic than others. Such was the funeral of James Louie Poythress. We went because we wanted to support his …

It’s Valentine’s Day, 2009 and therefore appropriate that I publish a love poem. Unlike many of the poems I wrote years ago, I have no difficulty remembering the inspiration for this one. In 1995, I met my future wife, Pam, on the Internet. After more than a year of long distance communication (She lived in Horseheads, New York and I lived …

A couple of days before Valentines Day, my lovely bride, Pam, joined me on the radio to tell our very own love story. We told how we met and how it happened that just a couple weeks after this broadcast, Pam and I were celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary. We both hope you enjoy the show! Valentines Day Show Part 1 …