News From 2002

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Although the number of people getting married increased shortly after the attacks of Sept. 11, prospective couples should make sure their reasons for marrying are the kind that can last a lifetime.

Some communities nationwide located near military bases reported some sharp increases in weddings in the days and weeks following the attacks. Many military personnel married in anticipation of being deployed, but Mississippi appears not to have been affected by that national trend.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

This time of the year tends to make me a little grouchy, especially when I wake up to 16 degrees outside. My complaining makes gardeners from the north start tuning up for a chorus of "My Heart Bleeds for You." This season will make me love spring all the more, but when August comes, I will whine about the oppressive heat and humidity.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Two Mississippi cities will host major garden and patio shows this spring promising something for everyone.

The first event will be at the Orange Grove Lyman Community Center on Highway 49 in Gulfport on Feb. 23 and 24. The second show will be at the fairgrounds in Jackson in the Agricultural and Industry Building on March 9 and 10. Both shows will be from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. on the first days, and from noon until 5 p.m. on the second days. Admission will be $3 for people age 14 and older.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Farmers from Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana will converge soon on Biloxi for a three-day conference that may yield solutions to the quest for profitable alternative crops.

The Ark-La-Miss Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference and Trade Show will take place at the President Casino, Broadwater Towers Hotel from Feb. 6 through 8. Topics to be covered include establishment of farmers' markets and other marketing issues, irrigation and fertility, and food safety.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Much of the safety of the U.S. meat supply depends on veterinarians, a specialty area two Mississippi State University students are soon to pursue.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Video conferences for distance education and for business meetings are providing options for meeting the travel challenges faced during these days of tighter budgets and increased concerns about flying.

Dan Brook, head of Mississippi State University's Computer Applications, said time has become a precious as money in today's society. Most people consider the time for travel as a part of the price for attending classes or meetings away from their immediate area. Video conferences provide face-to-face discussion immediately without extra hours of travel.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

Many books are written to build readers' self esteem, and I want to do the same for bold gardeners considering doing something radical by saying it is cool to have spider lilies.

Since the first of the year is kind of a down time in the garden, I want to give you something to ponder for spring. Consider planting one of the native spider lilies. The first spider lily you think of may be the red, fall-blooming Lycoris. Although they grow well here, these are from Japan.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- An online marketing site and a mischievous comic strip cat are teaming up to benefit Mississippi's 4-H youth organization.

In honor of the national organization's centennial year in 2002, eBay will auction limited-edition prints of a Garfield comic strip, hand signed by creator Jim Davis. Sales will benefit the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Caribbean Islands and the Pacific Islands. Proceeds from the Feb. 10 through 16 auction will go to Mississippi's 4-H Foundation to promote youth programs across the state.