Columbian-Progress from Columbia, Mississippi • Page 3

Wknd Edition, January 14, 1935 Th Columbian-Progrsu 3 I 4 Who needs Florida? i nere sieet in Georgia By Mike Bagwell Freelance columnist rr their weather is going to be. All I ask is that local forecasters get It right. Just tell me if it's going to be sunny or if I'll need an umbrella. I don't even need their guess at temperature. If I walk outside and suddenly break into a sweat I know it's going to be hot.

If my nose hairs freeze I know 111 need a heavy coat and extra warm underwear. Just get the darn forecast right! That's not too much to ask is it? Quit being cute and simply be more accurate! As a matter of fact. I blame weather forecasters because the unicorn became extinct They probably called for sunny skies and the little creatures missed the boat It's something to think about The return trip from Florida went flawlessly. And I have to admit it's nice to get back home after a week long vacation. Who wants to stay in 80 degree weather when there Is frigid temperatures mixed with sleet and snow awaiting In Georgia? I have to say that to date there's been no accumulation of frozen precipitation near my home.

However, that hasn't stopped local weather forecasters from predicting what, amounts to the coming of the next Ice Age. A typical forecast goes something like this: "A blast of Arctic air will whip down from Canada sending temperatures into the lower teens. Combined with an upper air dis turbance that poses the threat of rain, our first winter storm could be here by morning." Frankly, I have two problems with such a forecast. First, my intelligence was Insulted right off the bat. I already know Arctic air comes down from Canada.

It sure doesn't whip up here from Miami. Second, where's that upper air disturbance that might cause rain located? Is It in the next state? In the next county? Is it directly over my house? If it's over in Washington it's just a bunch of hot air moving in our direction and we can all break out our swimming attire again. Still, when locals -in and around Atlanta hear a by the cart fulL "Hope we don't lose our electricity again," she said as she somehow managed to guide four over-loaded carts to the checkout line. "Why not Just toss 'em in the neck deep snow that's going to hit tonight?" I asked. I think she would have answered but she was too busy fighting her way to the head of the ten-items-or-less express line.

As usual, the severe cold weather never arrived, probably because an upper air disturbance over Washington melted the frozen precipitation before It hit ground. As for the woman with four carts of frozen pizzas. I figure she started her own pizza delivery service. Then she took up pro wrestling as the Masked Pepperonl. What I'm saying here Is simple.

Weather forecasters go overboard to make the upcoming weather sound interesting but somehow might miss their predictions altogether. They put smiling sunny faces on a weather map and then tell us what the weather will be at the airport. That's stupid. To date I've never met anyone who lives at an airport. And why do they tell us the weather at far away places like Elkshead, North Dakota or Moosebottom.

Montana? Unless a strong prevailing wind is going to blow the scent of large animals with poor personal hygiene In my direction. I don't care what weather forecast that evenly remotely mentions sleet or snow they rush out and strip grocery store shelves of everything from Sterno to toilet paper. For example, last year before a cold weather crisis was supposed to leave us stranded for days, I saw one woman buying frozen pizzas Letters to the Editor -Senior' writers should be on lookout for sharks in poetic seas Dear Editor, Being a senior citizen doen't mean we have lost interest in everything around us. I am 82 years old and I have always loved writing and reading poetry. IVe learned the hard there are "sharks In the poetic seas" and we must be careful of those who Erey on us.

I know you don't ave enough space for me to elaborate, but please warn the "senior" writers to seek out the legitimate organizations who are non-profit such as their state poetic societies to avoid being taken advantage of. These groups come under the National Federation of State Poetry Societies. Don't be misled by big impressive titles like "American Universal. National and etc. If they tell you that purchase "may" be required in order for Jour work to be assured that purchase "will" be required and at a price that is much too high.

Check with your public library to find your state poetry or writers organizations. I found such a group with the POET'S VOICE of Southern Poetry Association, a non profit association of poets. They work with senior citizens, prison Inmates and students to encourage an appreciation of poetry and writing. They have been nominated three times to receive the MS Governor's Award For Excellence In The Arts. They work closely with the Gulf Coast Writers Association.

They will send free Information to anyone who sends a 10 self addressed, stamped envelope. (SPA, P.O. Box 524, Pass Christian. MS 39571). They have a sponsorship program for those who can't afford membership.

They also list other poetry associations and groups that are trustworthy. Writing is one thing we never get to old to do. My writing gives me a reason to get out of bed each day. I hope you can help me to reach others with me message. They too can become as busy and happy as I am at 82.

but please beware of the Vera Landrum Bay St Louis Red Cross writes to say thanks 'Songwriter of Year' to compose ballad about former Columbia cowboy, rodeo everything they owned in a fire. The Red Cross was there to assist them Again, thank you to all. who made this a Merry Christmas and a brighter new year for these families. Wanda Broome Executive Director Dear Editor. The American Red Cross would like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to Nancy Lang, organizations, businesses and individuals who adopted a fire victim family for Christmas.

Thanks to all of you, a number of families had a very Merry Christmas. The Red Cross disaster services are free. We primarily rely on voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people to provide disaster relief. Disaster does not take a holiday. Only one day after Christmas, a family lost Country music's "Independent Songwriter of the Year" for 1994.

John El-lars. is working on a ballad about Earl Bascom. formerly of Columbia. He currently is working on a ballad about as-come and his old time rodeo experiences at Columbia's first rodeo back in 1935. Ellars received this year's coveted title based on several country songs he wrote during the year, including "Tired of Workta" and "Lonely Me." Schools release lunch menus for week FRIDAY Fish sandwich, French fries, cole slaw, brownie, fruit and milk.

Jelly or pimento and cheese sandwich, tater tots, fruit cup, cookie and milk. FRIDAY Lunch: Fish sticks, baked beans, French fries, coleslaw or green salad, bread, brownie, peach and milk. Sandwich line: Ham sandwich with trimmings, French fries, brownie, fruit and milk. f- ovum WMfc JT 1 i MM lit with cyi2 JLi WEST MARION 8CHOOLS LUNCH MENU Jan. 16 Jan.

20, 1995 MONDAY Holiday no school TUESDAY Lunch: McRlb sandwich, French fries, green salad, cookie, fruit and milk. Sandwich line: Hotdog with chill, tater tots, peanut butter cookie, fruit and milk. WEDNESDAY Lunch: Fried or baked chicken with rice and gravy, broccoli with cheese or California vegetables, rolls, fruit and milk. Sandwich line: Bar-be-que sandwich, French fries, banana pudding, fruit and milk. THURSDAY Lunch: Beef vegetable soup, peanut butter and Jelly or pimento and cheese sandwich, crackers, fruit, cookie and milk.

Sandwich line: Peanut butter and COLUMBIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS LUNCH MENU Jan. 16 Jan. 20, 1995 MONDAY Holiday no school. TUESDAY Ham and cheese on bun, green peas, potato rounds, krispy treat and choice of milk. WEDNESDAY Pizza.

French fries, chilled fruit, chocolate chip cookie and choice of milk. THURSDAY Sloppy Joe. whole kernel corn, chilled pears, vanilla cookie and choice of milk. FRIDAY Vegetable beef soup or sandwich, baked beans, onion rings, crackers, strawberry shortcake and choice of milk. EUERY GO.

YD. Oir OEflOEH EAST MARION SCHOOLS LUNCH MENU Jan. 16 Jan. 20, 1995 MONDAY Holiday no school. TUESDAY McRib on bun, French fries, fruit and milk.

WEDNESDAY Fried chicken with creamed potatoes and gravy, broccoli, rolls, fruit and milk. THURSDAY Beef stew with rice, fried okra, rolls, fruit and milk. cnnPG7 Oil SALE Regal. Reg. 20.99.

SAVE 54 "VfJ.OCK Plush Saxony carpet. ifcaT GSS 8K3S CompleKd IbUM mm Hi' OUR RES. RETM. PRICES I Jjjlji llL.Vl,- LAMINATED -JViVw-l TK TJ- flooring HSfiXfc 1 24 Colors! Reg. 4.99 "SG-L: ffi SS WSE IQ.YD.

Completely Installed with Pad 5 marcus CERAMIC 12 12 San Marcos Clemente. Reg $6 99 6" Blue, Gray or Mauve. Reg. $1.98 CERAMIC FLGOi? "FILE UNBEATABLE! 7 durable choices This newspaper proudly supports the citizen-soldiers of the Mississippi Army National Guard slate-looks, solids, rustic style. Reg.

47 OFP WOOD CARPET SAVE 55 Top Quality Level Loop Color Time. Reg. 19 99 mi mi hi SO YD. 3-ply. Reg.

$5 59 BUY 1 CET 1 Hub WAUCOViSitiC Recently discontinued rolls. Free roll same pattern only. Selected locations. 50 OFF P. f-f" fW Honey.

Reg. 74 iLJl (1 S0 FT no-vjnir UiriVL TILE Long-Wearing Self-Stick Easy! Great tor utility rooms Formerly Texaco 3 Friday Saturday, January 13 14 I While suooHes last playrooms. Beige. Reg. 65 2 Liter fun 51 rOkCGS CIISTC'I 1" "tsw.

colors. ir-7THir xmh rem most with purchase et any Custom Vinyl Mini Saturday, Jan. 14 Colco Hot Dog STORE HOURS; Km. Klut- tt Jk. ClOSEP SUWW HWY.

ACTOSS FROM TURTLE CREEK HALL IN HAmESBURO 10 a.m. -3 p.m. Wagon StCoke Our Cigarettes And Beer Prices 1 1 si i Dri Ticea 4 75, TT TTnT".