Category Archives: Pop Culture

Another Great is Gone

Posted on November 16, 2016 by Thomas_Easterling

Mose Allison, born near Tippo, Mississippi, in 1927, died at his home yesterday. He was an important musical bridge to the past. His mixture of country, blues and jazz was beautifully idiosyncratic; he whetted his lyrics on the hard stone … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Music, Pop Culture | 24 Comments

Mississippi Cliches

Posted on August 17, 2016 by Thomas_Easterling

The Netflix documentary series Last Chance U offers a behind-the-scenes look at the players, coaches, and staff members at the most successful junior college football team in Mississippi, the East Mississippi Lions. The show sugar coats nothing: players’ troubled pasts, … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Pop Culture, Sports | 24 Comments

Making things obvious

Posted on March 3, 2016 by Thomas_Easterling

Donald Trump faces strident criticism from those who believe he has not distanced himself far enough from Neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups. If he won’t allow a single Muslim to immigrate to America because he fears terrorism, then how can … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Pop Culture, Race in Mississippi | 22 Comments

Help me help myself

Posted on February 10, 2016 by Thomas_Easterling

It’s February. The second semester is in full swing. So I must be worried about all things academic, right? Not quite. The spring soccer season has also started, and if I have to hear the same pump music my kids … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Pop Culture, Sports | 16 Comments

Bringing Mohammed to the Mountain

Posted on January 11, 2016 by Thomas_Easterling

There’s an old saying that if you can’t bring the mountain to Mohammed, bring Mohammed to the mountain. The Mississippi legislature will apply an understanding of that notion this session when it deals with the Mississippi Adequate Education Program. The … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Pop Culture | 6 Comments

What’s It Worth To You?

Posted on November 13, 2015 by Thomas_Easterling

Everyone who posts on this board has either been to college–me–or will soon attend it–you. So it behooves all of us to consider the kind of climate that will best facilitate your next level of learning. My friends at theatlantic.com … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Pop Culture | 1 Comment

Now it’s time to PUMP my kids up

Posted on September 18, 2013 by Thomas_Easterling

Yes, practices have started for fall soccer: it’s time to get suggestions from students regarding the music they think will get my kids’ adrenal medulla working overtime while they ride in the minivan to the soccer fields. ‘Cause hey, it’s … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Pop Culture, Sports | Leave a comment

Football’s almost here. . .and I’m not ready

Posted on August 15, 2013 by Thomas_Easterling

Some people look forward to the beginning of the school year because it means that football is on the way. I’m not one of those people. Read this and you’ll understand why. Continue reading →

Posted in Gender Issues, Pop Culture, Sports | Leave a comment

It’s that time of year again! D3 Soccer!

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Thomas_Easterling

It isn’t enough to be able to find the right soccer balls, two pairs of cleats and shin guards, and this year’s uniforms. That would be waaaaayyyy too easy. My sons also expect–demand?!–a compilation of (more or less) kid-friendly pump … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Pop Culture, Sports | 1 Comment