y
BROOKE HOGAN | SANDRA BROWN | SEA TURTLES | JOHN BOY & BILLY | JOE MONTANA
ʼall
JANUARY 2007
2007:: THE YEAR OF Y’ALL
THE M AGA ZINE OF SOUTHERN PEOPLE
AT HOME WITH
MICHAEL W. SMITH SMITH
NASCAR’S DIXIE DARLING
BEST FRIENDS DALE EARNHARDT JR.
AND
PLUS TALLADEGA INSIDER VERNON WINFREY SOUTHERN BARBER, FAMOUS FATHER
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“KILLER”
$ 3 . U.S. 9 5 U /S $5.95 $ 5 . 9CAN 5 C A N www.yall.com $3.95 DEC. 2006/JAN. 2007
DAKOTA FANNING
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A nap. A good book. A nice conversation. And over
500 GREAT DESTINATIONS. Getting there is half the fun. On Amtrak , you’ll find your time is yours again, to spend Ž
however you please. Enjoy the scenery, have a leisurely meal in the Dining Car or lean back in your seat with a good book. Sleeping Car accommodations may be available for an even more comfortable trip.
Call
1-800-USA-RAIL,
your travel agent or visit Amtrak.com.
Amtrak is a registered service mark of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.
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y
ʼall
THE M AGA ZINE OF SOUTHERN PEOPLE Volume 5 | Number 1
this-n-that 9
Where Y’all? Capturing hot Southern stars, from Dollywood to Hollywood.
30 Cranky Yankee
This ain’t New York City! Laurie Stieber shares her new life Down South.
31 On the Money
Money man Dave Ramsey gets you prepared for a Total Money Makeover.
32 Max’d Out
Wintertime in Dixie gives Max Howell the chance to catch up.
34 Y’all of Fame
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Dakota Fanning Georgia cutie Dakota Fanning has starred alongside many of Tinseltown’s greats. Find out more about this rising starlet.
22
Edgar Allan Poe came South early in his life, and went on to pen many American classics.
Brooke Hogan
63 Dixie Destination The Lodge at Buckberry Creek 66 Cajun Humor Coo Coo’s Tattoo 67 Lewis Grizzard
The 18-year-old daughter of wrestler Hulk Hogan is throwing her own hat in the ring. Hogan knows best!
Legendary Southern columnist Lewis Grizzard may be gone, but his words will live forever in his column for Y’all Magazine.
68 Wine Down South
Cover Story: Michael W. Smith
45
Christian music star Michael W. Smith has enjoyed three decades of success in the music biz. Y’all goes inside Smith’s Tennessee home to visit with the talented tuneSmith. This Southerner’s got a house full of honors, and five kids, too.
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Y’ALL • THE MAGAZINE OF SOUTHERN PEOPLE
COVER & LEFT: SMITH: CHAD MILLS, FANNING: COURTESY OF FANNING PUBLICIST, HOGAN: COURTESY OF VHI
Doc Lawrence breaks out the good wines for Y’all.
69 Blue Collar
Here’s Your Sign’s Bill Engvall tells us about his new batch of fans, thanks to Blue Collar.
70 What Southern Women Know Ronda Rich’s dose of Dixie wisdom.
71 Star Gazing
Southern boy Joe LoCicero reports from Hollywood.
72 GRITS
“Ms. Grits” Deborah Ford has a great column for “y’all” to enjoy.
76 In Memoriam
Remembering Southerners who have passed to the Great Beyond.
78 Festive South
We’ve got the lineup of winter events to check out.
11/5/06 4:32:37 PM
th
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ANNUAL
OXFORD FILM FESTIVAL
February 8-11, 2007 A M E R I C A N S C R E E N W O R K S T H E AT E R www.screenworkstheaters.com
O X F O R D F I L M F E S T I VA L . C O M
FOURTH ANNUAL
This project partially funded by a grant from the Oxford Tourism Council
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15 Joe Montana
He ain’t Southern. True. But NFL great Joe Montana cares about Southerners health.
36
Y’all Book Fair There’s a library of good reads this year.
54
Sea Turtles
The Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of Dixie are home to these parttime Southerners.
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17 John Boy & Billy
Charlotte radio duo John Boy & Billy keep Dixie waking up happy each day.
42
Talladega
Y’all rode the inside track at the fall race in Talladega, Ala. Sift through the fumes for this high-octane glimpse of NASCAR and its fans.
58
What to do in 2007
Y’all has bits of advice... for y’all.
26
Oprah’s Dad
Nashville barber Vernon Winfrey is a true Southern gentleman. He’s got a daughter, too.
50
Cheryl Woodcock
Okie gets the scoop in Hollywood.
61
Krystal
For over 70 years, Southerners have enjoyed the little burger from Chattanooga. We’ve got all the good bites for you.
MONTANA: GETTY IMAGES, WOODCOCK: D WALD
features
inside
Y’ALL • THE MAGAZINE OF SOUTHERN PEOPLE
11/5/06 4:33:09 PM
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yʼall
2007: The Year of Yʼall
®™
THE M AGA ZINE OF
In case you canʼt tell by my picture, name or Southern drawl, Iʼm not Chinese. But I do admire the Chinese for their food, work ethic and celebration. Stealing a little bit of Chinaʼs thunder, I am declaring 2007 as the Year of Yʼall! We donʼt need another rooster, horse, monkey or goat year. We need to celebrate yʼall, as in the people of the South! All South, all the time.
SOUTHERN PEOPLE ™
President & Publisher Jon Rawl jon@yall.com Managing Editor Tabatha Hunter tabatha@yall.com
VP & Associate Publisher Keith Sisson keith@yall.com
Art Director Carroll Moore carroll@yall.com
Sr. Account Executive Meredith Dabbs
meredith@yall.com
(662)236-1928
Photographer Chad Mills
Kentucky Bureau Colleen Cassity kentucky@yall.com
New Media Andy Young andy@yall.com
Louisiana Bureau Clay Reynolds louisiana@yall.com
Copy Editor Lauren M. Young Interns Holly Hall Katie Floyd Summer Fitzgerald Elizabeth Davis Illustrators Don Maters Contributing Writers Lewis Grizzard Deborah Ford Ronda Rich Paula Dabbs Tommy Joe Breaux Jeff Foxworthy Doc Lawrence Hadley Hickman Sarah Jo Gardner Laurie Stieber Dave Ramsey Joe LoCicero Max Howell Joey Hood Cameron Brady Jonathan Craig Chad Mills Katie Floyd Alabama Bureau Paula Sullivan Dabbs alabama@yall.com Arkansas Bureau Jason Nall arkansas@yall.com Florida Bureau Mark Cook florida@yall.com
Maryland Bureau Renee Wells maryland@yall.com Mississippi Bureau Ruffin Smith mississippi@yall.com Missouri Bureau Matthew Bandermann missouri@yall.com North Carolina Bureau Jason “Pig” Thompson northcarolina@yall.com Oklahoma Bureau Lee Cartwright oklahoma@yall.com South Carolina Bureau C.T. “Redd” Reynolds southcarolina@yall.com Tennessee Bureau Brian Ferguson tennessee@yall.com Texas Bureau Matthew Heermans texas@yall.com Virginia Bureau Sally Summerson virginia@yall.com
Publishing Consultant Samir Husni
Circulation
Curtis Circulation Company Phone (201) 634-7416
Georgia Bureau Laurie Stieber georgia@yall.com Y’ALL (ISSN 1557-2331), December 2006/January 2007, Volume 5, Number 1. Published bimonthly by General Rawl Media, LLC. Editorial and advertising offices at 7 County Road 305, Oxford, MS 38655-9302. Mailing address: P.O. Box 1217, Oxford, MS 38655. Telephone: 662-2361928. Basic subscription rate: 6 issues, U.S. $19.95; Canada $32.69. 12 issues, U.S. $34.95; Canada $45.80. Entire contents copyright 2006, General Rawl Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Products named in these pages are tradenames or trademarks of their respective companies. Opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect that of the publisher. For subscriptions, queries, and customer service, please visit www. yall.com Y’all Magazine Business phone: 662-236-1928. E-mail us at: mail@yall.com Subscriptions: Toll-Free 1-800-935-5185 Application to mail at Periodical Postage Rates is Pending at Oxford, Mississippi and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Y’all, c/o Magazine Processing Center, P.O. Box 0567, Selmer, TN 38375-9908. Printed in the USA.
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Look for exciting additions to the magazine of yʼall – Yʼall Magazine that is – during the coming year. Weʼve got a CD insert coming at you, a tribute to Southern writers, and many trips lined up to explore our little slice of Heaven. China may have the Great Wall, but weʼve got The Great Yʼall. Penning the opening paragraph of this letter reminded me of a funny story that actually happened back in 1994. I befriended a Kentucky Joe Montana with Publisher Jon Rawl. Joe is not from belle upon going to the South, but he is helping Southerners. See pg. 15 work in Nashville. As a sort of thank you, I invited her to come to South Carolina with me to visit my folks. When we hit the South Carolina state line, a light bulb (a dimly lit one) went off. “Oh, no,” she said. “I forgot my church clothes for Sunday.” Me, being a bit of a smarty pants, replied, “Thatʼs okay, we go to synagogue.” A puzzled look came over Miss Kentucky as she apologized, “Iʼm sorry, I didnʼt know your parents were Japanese.” My parents and I are actually 100 percent Southern American, and weʼre Lutherans to boot. This issue of Yʼall kicks off 2007 in a big way. Christian music star Michael W. Smith invited us into his Franklin, Tenn., home for an exclusive interview. One of the nicest guys in all of music, Michael shares his incredible ascent to stardom. Weʼve also got a super interview with Hulkʼs little girl, Brooke Hogan. The Florida beauty stars alongside her family in a hit reality show. Weʼve got the scoop on what Brooke likes to do when the cameras are off. Enjoy this issue of Yʼall, and thank you for reading the Magazine of Southern People. ®
Southernly yours,
Jon Rawl
Y’ALL • THE MAGAZINE OF SOUTHERN PEOPLE
11/5/06 4:37:30 PM
where y’all?
dixie diary
GEORGIA PEACHES: Y’all visited Columbus, Ga., in September for the Georgia Governor’s Conference on Tourism. These half-dozen Peaches left with new Y’all T-shirts. (Front L-R) Jennifer Miller (Coweta County CVB), Jena Davis (State of Georgia), LaTosha Francisco (Medieval Times), Cathy Llewellyn (GDEcD), (back) Rhonda Dixon (Marietta Welcome Center), Stef Meyer (Augusta CVB).
ROLL TIDE: “The Houndstooth Twins,” aka Maegen and Ashley Bailey (l-r), of Altoona, Ala., pose with Southern Gentleman “Colonel Too” at the Ole Miss-Alabama football game in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Oct. 14, 2006.
DECEMBER 2006 / JANUARY 2007 • Y’ALL
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where y’all?
cmt giants honoring reba mcentire
Reba McEntire and Martina McBride
Country singer/actress Reba McEntire, of Kiowa, Okla., was front and center at the CMT Giants: Reba taping, held at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, Calif. Watch CMT for show times. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Barbara Mandrell 10
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Dakota Fanning
Y’ALL • THE MAGAZINE OF SOUTHERN PEOPLE
11/5/06 4:49:05 PM
LeAnn Rimes
Wynonna Judd
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Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland
Dolly Parton
Kelly Clarkson
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where y’all?
southern style
Dallas, Texas, actress Robin Wright Penn arrives at The Times BFI 50th London Film Festival screening of Breaking & Entering, at Odeon West End in London, England. (Photo by Dave Hogan/Getty Images)
Hot Springs, Ark., native, Bill Clinton and wife Hillary Rodham Clinton arrive at the Rolling Stones concert at the Beacon Theater in New York City on Oct. 29. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
Millington, Tennessee’s Justin Timberlake accepts the award for “Best Male Act” at the 13th annual MTV Europe Music Awards 2006, held at the Bella Center in Copenhagen, Denmark. (Photo by Getty Images for MTV)
Country star Jamie O’Neal poses with her Gibson showcase guitar 12
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Y’ALL • THE MAGAZINE OF SOUTHERN PEOPLE
11/5/06 4:51:21 PM
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11/5/06 4:51:39 PM
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COOL UNDER
PRESSURE
1
by Hadley Hickman
In case you football lovers haven’t noticed, Joe Montana, also known as Joe Cool, isn’t on the field playing football anymore and he sure ain’t sittin’ at home suffering from that I’m-retired-now-so-what-theheck-do-I-do phase. In fact, he says that he “needs to retire from retirement.” So what exactly is Montana up to these days? After retiring from the NFL in 1994 at the age of 38, Joe Montana began the life of a regular Joe….if that’s possible for a man many consider to be the greatest quarterback of all time. When asked about his life after football, he’s as calm as ever. “I have an investment business that I started out in the [San Francisco] bay area, and I’m involved in a bank in New York, which gets me back East at least once a month,” he says. “Also my two girls are at Notre Dame and my two boys are both in high school and are both playing basketball and football, so I’m [constantly] following and chasing them around.” Plus, it seems Montana, 50, does a pretty good job at keeping up with the San Francisco 49er boys—Ronnie Lott, Steve Bono, and Eric Wright, to name just a few of his old buds.
PHOTO BY CHAD MILLS
As regular as that may sound, 2002 struck an irregular chord in the Montana family. Unbeknownst to many, Joe Cool, the three-time Super Bowl MVP quarterback, four-time Super Bowl winner, 2000 inductee into the football Hall of Fame, and the spectacle of perfection to little boys everywhere, was diagnosed with high blood pressure. How does a professional football player who stayed on a strict exercise and diet routine for nearly 20 years have high blood pressure? How does a man
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who once outshined all mortal men with his 127.8 quarterback rating suddenly become mortal again? He asked the same thing. “I found out from simply going in for a yearly physical that my wife said I should start doing since I was no longer getting them yearly in the NFL,” he recalls. “I expected to just check the box and get outta there.” But that wasn’t the case. “Even though I had a family history of [high blood pressure] and my grandfather passed away of heart disease at 54, I never thought it would affect me,” says Montana. His doctor suspected blocked arteries and immediately called a cardiologist. It was then and there that Montana, with the support of his wife and children, decided to do something about this disease and, in football dialect, make a comeback. Hoping to inspire the other 65 million Americans who suffer from high blood pressure, as well as keep his own health in check, Montana teamed up with his wife Jennifer and a leading authority on preventative cardiology to establish the BP Success Zone Program. This program encourages people suffering DECEMBER 2006 / JANUARY 2007 • Y’ALL
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16 from hypertension to seek professional help, develop a healthy diet and exercise program, and most importantly, to understand what high blood pressure means and how it will affect one’s daily life.
But Montana didn’t want to stop there. Along with his wife, a nutritionist, and a fitness expert, he authored Joe Montana’s Family Playbook for Managing High Blood Pressure. The book is filled with handy facts and tools about blood pressure and heart disease, expert advice, drug information, and tips from the pro himself on how to get and remain healthy. “If I can make changes in my diet and exercise,” he says, “anybody can make them.”
Besides touring the country and helping others with his same condition, Montana volunteers his time in other arenas as well, especially those causes designed to help children. He gives much of his time to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for sick children and the Boys & Girls Club of Richmond, Calif. And in that spare time left over, he raises money for children’s hospitals, educational programs and foster care services. As his nickname suggests, Joe Cool has indeed remained cool under pressure—but this time, just an entirely different kind of pressure.
j
TOP: DAVID MAXWELL/AFP/GETTY, BOTTOM: GETTY IMAGES
Promoting that program keeps Montana busy enough. He travels consistently across cities nationwide, including Birmingham and Memphis this summer, lecturing and opening people’s eyes to the fact that high blood pressure is serious. Indeed, it kills almost 30 people every hour of every day.
After hard work and dedication, Montana finally has his health under control. “I realize this is something I’ll have to deal with for the rest of my life,” he says, but thanks to great medication and positive life changes, he’s been at 120/80 ever since.
Go to www.visitjackson.com to find out about the city-wide holiday celebration happening in Jackson, Mississippi, from November 1 through January 7. You can also call 1-800-354-7695 or 601-960-1891 for a free brochure filled with festive events, shopping ideas, and exclusive Jingle Bell Jackson hotel packages. This project partially funded by the MS Development Authority/Tourism
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Each workday morning millions of Southerners – from Amarillo to Richmond, Cape Girardeau to Pensacola – get their fill of news, comedy and down home warmth from syndicated talk show kings John Boy & Billy.
John ohn Boyy & Billy: y neymooners Honeymooners by Jonathan Craig “The Big Show” casts the veteran n broadcast duo with scores of random celebrities brities that drop-in or call-in to their studio in Charlotte, N.C. You might catch an American Idol, a NASCAR great, comedians, or a number of other characters popping in on the show.
after that I met Billy and been working here ever since.”
The successful “marriage” of John Boy & Billy started out, oddly enough, on the wedding night of John “John Boy” Isley and his wife of 26 years, Eve.
For overr 20 years now John Boy & Billy have been a morning staple on WRFX-FM in The Queen City.
John Boy, 50, grew up in Graham, N.C., and came to Charlotte to work after interviewing for a radio station job during his honeymoon. During the interview, radio executive Bob Kaghan mentioned that he had a guy that would be a perfect fit for John Boy’s burgeoning radio career. “Billy was really good at writing stuff and putting commercials and producing stuff,” John Boy says. “So, I got married that Saturday afternoon and
Like his sidekick, Billy James, 48, grew up in North Carolina with dreams of going nto radio. After leaving his hometown of into stonia, Billy worked the broadcast circuit Gastonia, before landing in Charlotte.
Starting in 1993, “The Big Show,” which onalities to accompaincludes a cast of personalities an a successful synny John Boy & Billy, began dication across the nation. Today, the show is heard on 100 radio stations in 26 states. uo is kickAfter 26 years on the air, the duo ing stronger than ever. “Somethingg new happens everyday. Just ride with it. And ve then when we have our characters we have been doing for so long and when we hear something, we think, ‘Who would that be good for,’” John Boy explains. And three decades of getting up before sunrise still doesn’t seem to bother the boys. “I love to hit the snooze button,” Billy laughs. “We just hit the ground and get right on the air. A lot of guys get up early and go over the premises. But we just don’t care. If it’s in the paper we will find out about it when we get there.” “I am not a morning person. Once you
“The Big Show” crew with Tom Ridge (second from right)
DECEMBER 2006 / JANUARY 2007 • Y’ALL
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MEET BILLY JAMES Born: Dec. 11, 1958 Hometown: Gastonia, N.C. Education: Hunter Huss High School, National School of Broadcasting Family: wife Polly, sons David (16) and Andy (14) Favorite Food: Ruthʼs Chris Steak House and anything with John Boy & Billyʼs Grillinʼ Sauce on it. First Car: 1967 Volkswagen Beetle Favorite Saying: “Always remember: it ainʼt what they call you – itʼs what you answer to.”
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are up and out of the shower the hardest part of the day is over,” John Boy adds. The Southern broadcasters owe their success to the loyal listeners that follow the show. John Boy best sums up the show’s listenership: “The good old boys that fish and hunt, good old Southern boys. I met a doctor that listens to us in the operating room. All walks of life. Rocket scientists and surgeons, lawyers…it’s all out there. A lot like NASCAR.” The show is a clean show, Billy explains, making it good for families like his own, which includes his wife of 20 years, Polly, and two teenage sons (the Isleys have three
teenage sons). Afternoons and weekends provide the guys with the chance to enjoy family time and their hobbies. John Boy loves to go to the Carolina coast and go offshore fishing. He and Eve also love to ride horses on their farm in Union County, N.C. Billy gets his kicks with a good book, watching The History Channel or surfing the Internet. All right…we’ll allow John Boy & Billy to have the afternoons and weekends to themselves. Just keep letting the South eavesdrop on their fun each weekday morning.
Photos courtesy of John Boy & Billy “BIG SHOW”, http://www.bigshowinfo.com, Premiere Radio Network
MEET JOHN BOY ISLEY Born: March 28, 1956 Hometown: Graham, N.C. Education: Graham High School Family: wife Eve, sons Jonathan (19), Michael (17) and Matthew (16) Favorite Food: Anything mom makes First Car: Volkswagen Beetle Favorite Saying: “No, huh-uh” and “Where yʼall goinʼ later?”
11/5/06 5:00:25 PM
Dakota Fanning Georgia Peach, Hollywood Star by Tabatha Hunter
S
ince 2000, Hannah Dakota Fanning has been lighting up the silver screen and giving the South one more reason to be proud. She has starred opposite many of the biggest names in Hollywood, from Reese Witherspoon to Glen Close, from Denzel Washington to Tom Cruise. In all, the Conyers, Ga., cutie has been in 15 films and has made just as many television appearances. And at just 12 years old, Fanning is getting better and better with each role she takes on. DECEMBER 2006 / JANUARY 2007 • Y’ALL
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“Cookie season was my favorite thing I have ever done [as a Girl Scout]. It was really great.” 20
“Cookie season was my favorite thing I have ever done [as a Girl Scout]. It was really great. I went from door to door in my area where we live and in my aunt’s [sportscaster Jill Arrington] neighborhood and my best friend’s neighborhood and everything. Between my sister and me we sold 750 boxes. We were really proud of ourselves,” says Fanning, whose sister Elle, 8, is also a rising actress. Fanning’s favorite Girl Scout cookie? Tag Alongs,
FAR LEFT:PETER KRAMER/GETTY, LEFT:MICHAEL BUCKNER/GETTY, RIGHT:EVAN AGOSTINI/GETTY, FAR RIGHT: KEVIN WINTER/GETTY, FILM SHOTS: COURTESY OF WGA
I
t seems as if there is no role that Fanning cannot master. She dominated in the psychological thriller Hide and Seek, opposite Robert DeNiro. She made audiences smile with Brittany Murphy in Uptown Girls and warmed our hearts in Dreamer: Inspired By A True Story. In December, the multi-faceted and amazing actress will breathe new life into an old classic, E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web. Her role as “Fern” is one that Fanning calls a wonderful, sad, beautiful and funny circle-of-life story. The young actress is also generating Oscar buzz with her performance in the still untitled film known as “the Hounddog project.” Fanning started acting by doing what many kids do—playing around in the house. Lucky for us, her mother, Joy, saw Fanning’s flair for acting and took her to a playhouse in Atlanta. While there, the director of the playhouse recognized Fanning’s talent and advised her parents to go to Los Angeles for six weeks. From there, Fanning says, she and her mom moved and acting worked out. “I am just so lucky we never left,” says Fanning. One of the most amazing things about Fanning is how down to earth and settled she remains despite all of the fame she has garnered. In her spare time, Fanning swims, rides horses, plays with her dog Louellen, a schnoodle (miniature schnauzer/toy poodle mix) and, as a Girl Scout, sells a few cookies.
Y’ALL • THE MAGAZINE OF SOUTHERN PEOPLE
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the peanut butter patties covered in chocolate. True to her Southern roots, Fanning loves the food in Dixie. “I love fried okra. I do not like many vegetables but I love fried okra. And I love cornbread—really good cornbread. And fried chicken and then, oh my God, how can I forget the boiled peanuts. The kind from the side of the road in a paper bag. It is like peanut butter in a shell,” says Fanning.
Perhaps Fanning’s favorite thing about being from the South is the sense of place and hospitality. “My whole family is from Conyers, where everyone knows everyone. It is such a wonderful feeling to be in little small towns like that. Everyone is so nice in the South and so relaxed and so sweet. I am very fortunate to have a family that is like that,” she says. Dakota Fanning has also been fortunate in doing something she loves; which makes her a phenomenal actress. “I want to be an actress my whole life. I am just so fortunate to get to do what I truly, truly love to do. I just love to get to play new and different characters and as I get older and more doors open up, I am just excited for those new films,” says Fanning. Her role model? Jodie Foster. “I would hope to be so fortunate if I could be half as wonderful as she [Foster] is. That is what I hope to be. That is what I strive for,” says Fanning. Another one of her goals is to attend college, but she wants to go where she will be close to her mom and family. Fanning also took a moment to share with Y’all her wishes for everyone. “I hope that everyone can have that quality in life where they love their job as much as I do. I wish that on everyone and I wish everyone is close to their family and close to God. I think that is the most important thing. If you have that, you have everything.” With talent and a heart like hers, the South has a new dahling, and one we can be proud of for many, many years to come.
Dreamer (2005)
g
Man on Fire (2004)
DECEMBER 2006 / JANUARY 2007 • Y’ALL
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HOGAN Southern Double Threat
M
by Tabatha Hunter
any people know Brooke Hogan as one of the newest darlings of television, as the daughter of Terry “Hulk Hogan” Bollea, on her family’s VH1 reality sitcom Hogan Knows Best. She is a typical teenage girl with a not-so-typical lifestyle. On the show, Hogan tries to keep her mom, Linda, up to speed on all of the latest fashion all while keeping audiences everywhere enchanted. Hogan has everything a girl could want: a loving mother, an adoring father, beauty, brains and a brand new album. That’s right— the loveable blonde became a double threat in the entertainment business when her album Undiscovered hit shelves in October.
Hogan says Undiscovered is a project that she has wanted to do since she was 10, when she took a phone book to her parents and asked them to call around Florida to find her an agent. Ambition is not something the 18-yearold Floridian lacks. Singing is in Hogan’s blood. She admits that she has been singing around the Hogan household her entire life. “My dad has a musical background. He plays the bass guitar. My grandma and grandpa play piano and my mom sings and plays piano,” says Hogan. “The stage presence bug, I got that from my dad and then I got the musical background from my mom’s side of the family.” On the subject of the reality show and cam-
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER JULY/AUGUST DECEMBER 2006 / JANUARY 2006 2007 •• Y’ALL Y’ALL
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eras following her around everywhere, Hogan says that the cameramen have become family to the Hogans and she does not even notice them anymore, adding that “they are really cool.” The budding starlet also adds with a little laugh that the Hulkster “really does know best. At first I thought he was a little bit over protective, but now that I am in the real world and in the business world and I am an adult, he is good to have around.” The singer/actress/Southern beauty is a true daddy’s girl and some of her favorite memories growing up are of her father, the wrestling legend, making her and her brother, Nick, breakfast and taking them to school. Life for Brooke Hogan is very normal. She loves playing the guitar, dancing, singing and sunny Florida. “I like going out to the beach and riding jet skis and going out on the boat and playing in the sand and surf. I am a total earth girl,” says Hogan. Lucky for all of us, Hogan is also a complete Southern girl as well. She says her Southern roots are what keep her humble in a crazy world. “I am humble and people can relate to me. …There is no point in being a diva. The more humble you are, the less you need to make your life happy. You can just take things at face value and appreciate them,” says Hogan. The Belleair, Fla., native also loves fried chicken, grits and dumplings.
Christmas Memories with Brooke: “Every single Christmas my parents make it a humongous deal. My dad would dress up as Santa and my uncle would actually go out on top of the roof and make noises
“I am humble and people can relate to me. …There is no point in being a diva. The more humble you are, the less you need to make your life happy.” like there were reindeer. My parents would just take our whole living room and just cover it with presents. I mean, you could not even see the couch or the table or the carpets or the walls. It was just stacked with presents. We always had really good Christmases. They were fairy tales,” says Hogan. Gift Giving with Brooke: For dad, Terry “Hulk”: My dad loves silly stuff. …whatever new gadgets come out. He loves that kind of stuff. One Christmas I got him a Segway to ride around. This year, probably a new watch. (A diving watch.)
For brother, Nick: He would probably want something for his car. I do not know what it would be. I would have to ask him. Probably something for his car or new tennis shoes, some really cool sneakers. Whatever rappers wear. For that special pet: My dogs, I would buy them doggie slippers. [And the rooster?] I would probably buy him a new play pen.
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PHOTOS OF BROOKE HOGAN/VH1
For mom, Linda: My mom is usually good with lotions and slippers and stuff to pamper her because she is on her feet all day. You know, it is the simple things that make you happy. They (Hogan’s parents) just like to be around us for Christmas. …I would get her something from Victoria’s Secret or something from Bath and Body Works.
Y’ALL • THE MAGAZINE OF SOUTHERN PEOPLE
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LIVE FROM
THE BIRTHPLACE
OF AMERICAN MUSIC.
Blues, country, rock ’n roll. It all started right here. And on any given night, it’s still going strong. From the coast to the Delta to the northern hills, singers and musicians make juke joints, clubs and concert halls rock. Fans come here from around the world to sit down front and see the real thing – live and a-live, as we say. Novice or connoisseur, you should, too. Call or check out VisitMississippi.org to get your free Mississippi Tour Guide. Then look for the neon, listen for the applause, and come on in for the show.
VisitMississippi.org 1-866-SEE MISS (733-6477)
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Vernon W a cut above
Story by Joey Hood Photos by Carie Thompson
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LEFT: ADRIANE JAECKLE/GETTY
H
e’s a seasoned haircutter who dispenses pearls of wisdom at his old-school Winfrey’s Barber Shop, telling kids to stay in school and finish their education. He can also give a mean buzz cut to match in Nashville, Tenn. In 2003, he acted alongside Academy Award winner Olympia Dukakis in the under-the-radar sleeper, Charlie’s War. Just recently, his suburban home was featured in Music City’s high society glossy, NFocus. But some circles simply know the 73-year-old former Nashville city councilman for his greatest role: the father of television icon Oprah Winfrey. “I always told Oprah, ‘I’m just trying to get something in your head that no one can take from you,’” Vernon Winfrey says about his daughter’s education at the nearby Tennessee State University.
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n Winfrey “I always told Oprah, ‘I’m just trying to get something in your head that no one can take from you.” VW
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“A
nd everything worked out just like I said,” Winfrey adds with a smile. A heart-shaped clock with the letters “O-P-R-A-H-W-I-N-F-R-E-Y” splayed across the face and a framed headshot are the barbershop’s only signs of Mr. Winfrey’s famous offspring. But as even shop drifters can tell you, Mr. Winfrey himself is the shop’s best selling point. Raised during the Great Depression in the town of West, Miss., Route 2 Box 26 to be exact, times were tough for Winfrey and his family. His only child, Oprah Gail, was born in 1954, and he left Mississippi, VW eventually settling in Nashville, where he learned the barber trade, a job he’s kept for over 50 years now. “I want to tell you that you have beautiful dimples,” Winfrey says to one of his female visitors on this day.
“I once had beautiful dimples, but they turned into wrinkles.” It’s a muggy afternoon in the Music City, and onetime Winfrey’s Barber Shop patron Artrell Harris is chewing the fat with his childhood barber. Now a motivational speaker and chaplain of a Kansas City YMCA, Harris has fond memories of Winfrey. “He would never cut my hair with all this fad stuff. He said, ‘I’m going to give you a business cut. I want you to look professional. I want you to grow up and do great things,’” Harris said. Later, after Harris leaves, Winfrey tells of Harris’ monetary setbacks during college, and how he helped pay for the clergyman’s way out of his own wallet. “I saw something in him,” Winfrey said of Harris. “He’s one of the nicest young men I’ve ever known.”
“I once had beautiful dimples, but they turned into wrinkles.”
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“Live so the preacher won’t tell lies at your funeral” reads a sign above a half-drained cannister of custom-made barbercide. It’s a motto of Southern hospitality that Mr. Winfrey takes to heart. Occasional social calls from formerly cash-strapped undergrads notwithstanding, Winfrey’s Barber Shop moonlights as a halfway house to East Nashville‘s homeless population. On an earlier visit, a scrawny vagrant, all skin and bones with nothing on her back
Instead of shooing the woman away, Winfrey drums up change for the woman, so that she can buy a Coke at the neighborhood filling station. VW but a tattered shirt and pants caked with her own muck, strides up to the front stoop of Winfrey’s. Instead of shooing the woman away, he drums up change for the woman, so that she can buy a Coke at the neighborhood filling station. Before the woman leaves, Winfrey prods gently, reminding her to call her sister for a place to stay. “People have the way of calling on me because I’m Oprah Winfrey’s father and they feel that I’m rich,” he explains. “But as I’ve said before, sometimes if you listen to people, you can get a good barbershop education. As I always say, that if I can help somebody, then the living shall not be in vain.” DECEMBER 2006 / JANUARY 2007 • Y’ALL
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cranky yankee BAD BREATH SANTA
by Laurie Stieber
Laurie Stieber is an Atlanta-based entertainment attorney and freelance columnist. The New York City native can be reached at yankee@yall.com 30
Who cares about a shortage of gas and oil when our nation is the leading manufacturer of a commodity so much more vital for a healthy and secure economy? We produce the world’s most impressive surplus of Santa Clauses. “Ho, ho, ho,” America, stand up and be jolly proud! And do it now, because soon you may have to stop dreaming of a white Christmas and start trading in your evergreens for palm trees. If all those Santas keep on comin’ to town earlier and earlier, like they’ve been doing, Christmas will eventually knock the Fourth of July holiday out of its time slot. Naturally, that will trigger a domino effect whereby Halloween’s ghosts and goblins spook the living daylights out of the Easter bunny, who will hippety hop like lightning out of the flowerbeds and into the snowsuit that will be desperately needed in order to occupy the seat Christmas vacated when it took over the Fourth of July. Good luck, kids, finding those Easter eggs hidden in the snow. Not only is there a surplus of Santas, but they are showing up in the most unusual places, such as … Synagogue. That Santa goes by the name of Harry Hanukah. Basically, he has the same job description as Kris Kringle of Miracle on 34th Street fame. The difference is that Harry gets a 401K Plan because he delivers packages for eight days and eight nights. Kris is off the hook, in one. We met our first Atlanta Santa of the holiday season at McDonald’s. Imagine our surprise that fine, warm, Indian summer eve in October. Somehow, I had always envisioned Redneck Santas to be seen frequenting a cooler, more upscale eatery, like Dairy Queen. But there the jolly guy was, along with three of his very merriest elves. Jarrett [my son], with his back to the door, had not yet noticed them. Like any other impeccably well-mannered Southern child born in Pittsburgh, Jarrett was intently focused on twirling his French fry in the air, like a cowboy preparing to launch his lasso. That’s my boy; the Roy Rogers of McDonald’s. His sister, Alexandra, with five years seniority over Roy, dared him to dip the next fry into a big glob of ketchup, boosted by mayo and mustard, before flinging it around. “Let’s see what happens,” she said. That’s my girl; Roy’s partner in crime, “Dare Evans.” Within seconds, a fist’s worth of fries, with Jarrett’s hand attached to them, were racing toward the ketchup pump. Being the strict disciplinarian that I am, I knew that tough love was in order. “Drop your fries, cowboy! Put your hands up in the air and walk slowly back to the table. You may twirl, but you may not Dip n’ Fling.” (Shake n’ Bake is Dip n’ Fling’s Southern predecessor and my
soul’s inspiration.) A chorus of “Aw, Mom!” is a common refrain in the repertoire of Christmas Carols for children. Alexandra and Jarrett were singing it beautifully, with deep conviction, when suddenly … silence. Jaws dropped, they noticed Atlanta Santa and his very merriest elves, downing a couple of Big Macs and fries, biggie-sized. Whatever it was they were drinking in their giant CocaCola cups, I prayed that no one near them would light a match. That party was loaded! With presents, of course, kids. We went to say hello to Santa. Why do precocious children, without the slightest problem articulating, especially in the school library, go mute whenever it’s time to speak to Santa? The psychologist in me says it’s guilt, because what child is going to admit they were naughty, not nice, if a new I-Pod is riding on it? Jarrett was too young to understand the meaning of new I-Pod. “Are you really Santa?” he asked. “Ho, ho, ho, little boy,’ he blew into Jarrett’s face, with the force of a gale wind, ‘Ho, ho, hoooo! What do you want for Christmas?” Part of a mother’s DNA is the genetic ability to know when her child is about to mortify someone. The other part of the DNA is to be one second late for the intervention. “Did you brush your teeth this morning, Santa?
“
…what child is going to admit they were naughty, not nice, if a new I-Pod is riding on it?
”
Your breath stinks!” The merry elves were screaming so hard with joy and laughter, they were like an Oprah Winfrey audience after having heard that all of “y’all” were going to receive a free, pint-sized, bottle of Eau d’ Budweiser. Despite the frenzy, Alexandra was not about to forfeit her turn. She felt sorry for Atlanta Santa, and spoke ever so kindly to him. She said, “Santa, my daddy can take out your liver and put it back anywhere he wants to.” Santa, and his no longer very, merry elves, turned whiter than the North Pole and Antarctic, all smushed together. The last thing they heard before their mad dash to the mens’ room was, “My daddy is a liver ‘transmint’ surgeon at Emory ‘hostipal.’” On that sobering note, from my family to yours, we wish you a merry Christmas, happy Chanukah, and peace on Earth. “Mom,” Alexandra and Jarrett asked, “does Santa use toilet paper?” Go to sleep! Shalom, y’all!
Y’ALL • THE MAGAZINE OF SOUTHERN PEOPLE
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on the money
Tying a Knot in Your Money
by Dave Ramsey Dave Ramsey is a financial counselor, host of the popular syndicated radio show “The Dave Ramsey Show,” and author of the New York Times bestseller The Total Money Makeover. His columns appear regularly in Y’all.
Marriage counselors and statistics tell us that if we can agree on four things before we marry someone, we have a much higher probability of a successful marriage, not to mention a happier, more peaceful one. The big four are religion, in-laws, parenting, and money. After years as a financial counselor and working with marriage counselors, I know that money and money fights are the number one cause of divorce, not to mention the thing we fight about the most. So if you are married and have money fights, you are normal. But if this is a real problem area for you then there is also an opportunity to improve your relationship and maybe even reach an agreement with your spouse. Let’s face it – if we could agree on the checkbook, then there would be nothing left to fight about except who gets the television remote. So who should be doing the financial decision making? Both of you. This is not a joint venture; this is a marriage, and a peace will come with your joint decisions. Larry Burkett, noted financial author, says money is either the worst area of communication in marriage or the best. Opposites attract. Usually one of you is more creative and spontaneous – a Free Spirit. This mate is a little (or even a lot) less organized and tends to see budgeting as a form of torture or a method of the other mate controlling them. That describes my wife, Sharon. The other mate has more administrative skills and more of a bent toward numbers. There lives deep inside this mate a Nerd. That describes me. The Nerd can be the man or the woman and, believe it or not, the Nerd can be the spender or the saver. My nature is the spender, while Sharon is the tightwad. Normally if one of you has all the budgeting responsibility, it is the spouse with the administrative bent. The Nerd gets the budget because they are the only one that cares and they couldn’t trust anyone else anyway since they are so smart. The Nerd then will do a 17page perfect budget and present it to the family like a gloating, benevolent dictator. The subjects all bow in appreciation and still go do whatever they want with the money. This unauthorized flow
of money upsets the Nerd and further controls are implemented at which time the Free Spirit will dig their heels in and the budget wars are on. This is how most couples “manage” money. But there is a better way! When I began helping people get a handle on their money, I thought the end goal was to force couples to control their spending, but one of the by-products is shared values and saved marriages. Here’s how it works: first, the Nerd should prepare the budget, because we love to. Instead of making the budget kingly law, we should submit it to the budget committee (the two of you). Nerds, when you submit your masterpiece budget to the committee you must remember to shut up and listen. Free Spirits will not come to any more meetings if the meeting consists of you telling them what they are going to do and how smart you are for having figured it out. Also, the meeting must be short. Nerds, when your objective is agreement with your Free Spirits you need to remember you have about a 17-minute window of time before their minds move on to nonNerd activities that are more important to them. Nerds, your rules are to listen, take input, and keep it brief. Free Spirits, your rules are to show up, give input, and be realistic. And you can never again say, “Whatever you think, Honey.” This activity is important and the only way you can defend your position is to come to the meeting. As you sit there, you must be grown-up and realize that we cannot spend more than we make and have financial security or build wealth. Your wants, needs, and desires must be combined with your family’s, and the new total must be less than your family income. The level of unity, oneness, and the resulting return of communication and romance that sharing your finances can bring to a marriage cannot be overstated. In fact, it is truly the way that you and your spouse, probably for the first time in your marriage, become one. When budgeting together, spending together on paper first forces you to make the “you” in unity become silent. When you achieve this wonderful unity and co-existence, you will never want to go back.
DECEMBER 2006 / JANUARY 2007 • Y’ALL
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max’d out Wintertime in the South
by Max Howell
MAX’d OUT can be heard on many radio stations across the South and on www.maxhowell.com, HookedonDestin. com, and Kickoffzone.com. The show is streamed live daily M-F, 9-12 Noon CT
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In the never-ending cycle known as the “sporting world,” football season has come and gone, teams are preparing for their bowl games, and basketball, football recruiting and the NFL draft are coming up. I spent 30 of my best years roaming the sidelines of the South at colleges like Troy State, Florida State and Ole Miss; at high schools in places like Ozark and Ramer, Ala., and Panama City, Niceville, Gulf Breeze and Pensacola, Fla. I had the opportunity to coach some of the best players that ever played the game…names like Emmitt Smith and Deion Sanders come to mind. I coached with people like Bobby Bowden, Billy Atkins, Billy Brewer, Dwight Thomas, Len Register, Mark Richt, Micky Andrews, Skip Holtz, Chuck Amato, Charlie Strong and Rod Barnes. My career, spent mostly as an assistant coach, has been memorable; although I mention only a few names that you would recognize, my affiliation with hundreds of students and athletes has built a lifetime of special memories for me. If that wasn’t enough, being part of several firsts in sports talk radio in the South has given me even more
memories. I was part of the first sports talk station in Atlanta radio (680 The Fan, 1993-97 and 2000–04), co-hosted the premier regional radio sports talk show, “Conference Call” and “Southern Sports Tonight,” and finally founded the regional sports radio network, SportzMax, Inc. (SMI) with its TV counterpart, MAX’d Out on the Sidelines. I have been fortunate to have been a part of the “sporting world” phenomenon and have no regrets in my career choices. With radio and TV audiences, “MAX’d Out” can be seen and heard in over 140 Southern markets. Please tune us in and join the “sporting world” cycle. Even though football is over, we still have plenty to talk about: March Madness, National Signing Day, future NFL stars, and spring training in baseball will keep the airwaves full of conversation. Opinions, fact, fiction and rumors usually drive talk shows; we do our best to sort out the facts from the rest. With ’07 upon us, we hope you have a great new year, and for the best in sports talk, look to www.maxhowell. com, or tune in to “MAX’d Out,” 912 noon CT, daily. See y’all next time, Max.
Y’ALL • THE MAGAZINE OF SOUTHERN PEOPLE
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NOW AVAILABLE ON DVD The Confederacy’s Military Genius A documentary of General Nathan Bedford Forrest featuring commentary by Civil War author Shelby Foote. Presenting Rebel Forrest, the first documentary to look exclusively at the life of the Confederacyʼs “Wizard of the Saddle.” This film on Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest features expert analysis from Civil War writer Shelby Foote, Gen. Parker Hills, Nelson Winbush and others. Portrayed by Stan Dalton, Gen. Forrest comes to life in this objective work by director Jon Rawl. Ride with Forrest and discover for yourself the extraordinary life, controversy and myth that surrounds this Southern legend. Also available is the full 49 min. Shelby Foote Commentary on Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest audio interview CD, featuring commentary not heard in the documentary DVD/VHS.
by Rick Hynum
$1995 60 min. VHS
$1495
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49 min. Audio CD
$1995
60 min.
Mail check/money order payable to Jon Rawl, P.O. Box 1217, Oxford, Miss., 38655 $3 per item shipping charge. | www.RebelForrest.com | or call toll-free: 1-866-815-0872
11/5/06 5:27:09 PM
yʼall
of fame
Edgar Allan Poe was born to David Poe and Elizabeth Arnold Hopkins Poe on Jan. 19, 1809 in Boston, Mass. Both parents were actors and members of the Placide’s Theatre Company. They married while on tour in Boston in 1806, and had three children: William Henry Leonard, Edgar, and Rosalie. Elizabeth died in Richmond, Va., before Edgar was three years old. He was later named “Allan” for his foster family Frances Valentine and John Allan, a successful tobacco merchant in Richmond. On Feb. 14, 1826, at age 17, Poe registered at the University of Virginia. Before moving to the campus, he lived at Moldavia, a home owned by his caretaker John Allan. This is the only home that Edgar lived in that has a photograph remaining today. Across the street from this home lived Elmira Royster and her family, Edgar’s teenage sweetheart. Poe and Royster’s relationship was ended by disapproving parents, but was rekindled years later after Edgar’s wife’s death and his return to Richmond. Poe scored well in his classes and passed the session with good grades. Disapproving of debts that Edgar had amassed during college, Mr. Allan refused to let him return to college in Charlottesville, Va. Edgar was sent from their home without money. Poe returned to Boston and enlisted in the US Army as a private under an assumed name, Edgar Allan Perry. He was promoted to sergeant major after serving just two years, which included a tour of duty on Sullivan’s Island, S.C., which
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Edgar Allan Poe
(1809-1849)
provided settings for The Gold Bug (1843) and The Balloon Hoax (1844). With the help of Mr. Allan, he was discharged from the Army and moved to Baltimore to live with his aunt, Mrs. Maria Poe Clemm. Mr. Allan sent small amounts of money to him until he was appointed to the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. Poe penned his second book of poetry in 1829, while still at West Point. Mr. Allan and Poe had yet another quarrel shortly after and Edgar no longer received any financial aid from his foster father. Poe was dismissed from West Point in 1831. Poe continued to write poems and after his third release, he began to write prose. Some of his works appeared in The Philadelphia Saturday Courier in 1832. By December of 1835, Poe edited The Southern Literary Messenger for Thomas White in Richmond, where he worked for just over two years. During this time Poe married his cousin, Virginia Clemm, on May 16, 1836, in Richmond. While editing The Southern Literary
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Messenger, Poe wrote his only novel, The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym. The first part of the novel was published in his Richmond newspaper. Poe left Richmond hoping to start his own literary journal. Again, the North beckoned as the best place for such an undertaking. In 1838, Poe moved to Pennsylvania for six years, then on to New York where he worked for The New York Evening Mirror. In 1840, Poe’s Tales of the Grotesque and Arabesque was published in two volumes. Poe became famous with the success of his poem The Raven in 1845. Poe joined C.F. Briggs in an effort to publish The Broadway Journal. Wiley and Putnam issued Tales by Edgar A. Poe and Other Poems in 1845. Poe never succeeded as owner and editor of his own publication. The Broadway Journal failed, and his wife Virginia became ill and died on Jan. 30, 1847. After her death, Poe began to drink more frequently, and for this habit and the affect alcohol had on his change in personality, he earned quite a reputation. After lecture visits to Norfolk and Richmond, Va., Poe was found in Baltimore, Md., and taken unconscious to a hospital, where he died on Oct. 7, 1849. He was buried in the yard of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Baltimore. No autopsy was performed, and there are many theories about his death including epilepsy, rabies, murder and diabetes. by Meredith Dabbs
Poe’s Room at the University of Virginia
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The Southern Girlʼs Guide to Surviving the Newlywed Years: How to Stay Sane Once Youʼve Caught Your Man by Annabelle Robertson When it comes to marriage, statistics can be grim. Drunk with fairytale images of conjugal bliss, newlyweds are often caught unaware. As a result, after the honeymoon stage is over and the work that lies ahead becomes clear, more than half of all married couples head for the hills. Fortunately, Annabelle Robertson didn’t cut and run. The North Carolina author’s survived more than 12 years of marriage and, together with her US Air Force chaplain husband, has helped dozens of couples through the frustration that plagues those early years. Her secret? She’s a Southern Girl—and Southern Girls know better than anyone how to successfully emerge from a battle with poise, a smile and probably even a thank-you note. As she says, “Southern wisdom is definitely worth its weight in boiled peanuts.” We recently sat down with Annabelle over a glass of sweet tea. Here’s what she had to say about men, marriage, manners and mothers-in-law—and what it means to be a true Southern Girl. Hmmm…Southern Girl. Whatever happened to “Southern Belle?” Well, “Belle,” being the French word for “beautiful,” is, of course, applicable at all times to Southern women. We’re natural beauties, and we work very hard and spend lots of money to stay that way. But the term is slightly overused nowadays, don’t you think? As for “girls,” Southerners understand one very important fact, and that is that Southern women never grow old. My Delta-born grandmama would sic her Chihuahua on you if you even mentioned the word ‘age.’ And my mama, who’s in so much denial about being a grandmother that she insists our children call her “Auntie Kay,” sometimes tells people she’s my older sister. “You know you’re really getting old,” she always says, “when you start lying about your children’s ages.” I guess so.
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So what does it mean to be a Southern Girl? Two words: respect and loyalty. No matter how rushed she may be, a Southern Girl will greet people by name. She’ll compliment her cashier and ask about the custodian’s kids. She tips well, shows up for important events and always remembers birthdays (however belatedly). She says “Yes, Ma’am” and “Yes, Sir,” like her mama taught her. And she shakes hands and compliments her opponent after a sporting match—especially if she’s just lost. A true Southern Girl is also loyal. She may not be perfect (well, okay, pretty darn close), but she’d walk barefoot on summer sand before she’d let anyone talk ugly about her friends. And if that husband of yours hurts your feelings, she’s there. She’d even carry a baby for you—even if it did mean another three years at Weight Watchers. The truth is, it doesn’t matter where a Southern Girl was born; it’s the character that counts. Can you give some examples of Southern Girls? Well, a Southern Girl wouldn’t have let Martha Stewart get too big for her britches—much less build an elevator for her car. But a Southern Girl would have been right there beside her on the witness stand, denying it all—then bringing lipstick to the prison. A Southern Girl would never have taped Monica Lewinsky, much less turned her in. But a Southern Girl would have warned Hillary about Bill, long before she married him. Same thing for Lisa Marie and Michael Jackson. (What was she thinking?) And finally, a Southern Girl would have never even hinted that Starr Jones was fat—but she certainly would have chipped in for that surgery. Oh, and showing one of your ta-tas at the Super Bowl? Honey, perish the thought. You don’t see Faith Hill doing that sort of thing, now do you?
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What are some of the things you cover? Every area with potential for conflict—which can be pretty far-reaching. Take the home, for starters. Unless your decorating tastes lean toward Superheroes or Beers of the World, there’s about as much chance of a blizzard in Biloxi that you and your new husband are going to agree on furnishings. After all, what does a woman who enjoys fashion and style have in common with someone who keeps dumbbells in the dining room? So what’s the solution? Well, first of all, a man needs to accept that his home is not his castle. I don’t know who said that, but they were wrong, wrong, wrong. A man might own the castle, pay the mortgage on the castle and even be required to clean the castle, but he is never allowed to decorate the castle. Except for the “male” rooms, that is, where he can exercise full sovereignty. You know, the garage, the attic, the basement and the backyard—basically, any area that does not have central heat or air conditioning. What about his stuff ? Ah, yes. Well, to deal with this sticky issue, I’ve developed a color-coded disposal system. Red stickers for items you’ll throw out before the move; orange for the things you’ll lose (or break) during the move; and finally, green for the stuff you intend to keep temporarily.
What other tips do you offer? Everything you can imagine. How to decipher male-speak; training a man to apologize; pre-deployment strategies for social occasions and relating to his mother. I also have a no-fail method of motivating a man to do housework. I mean, guaranteed. Whoa…how do you do that? With rewards, honey. The kind of rewards men really enjoy. Isn’t that sexist? No, darlin’, it’s sexy. After all, you’re married, aren’t you? That’s what married couples do—especially when the wife doesn’t have to worry about vacuuming. (Hint hint, honey.) Anything else? Bunches. For example, a questionnaire that will help husbands determine if their “gift” is really a gift. That’s assuming they remember special days, of course. But if not, don’t worry. We have ways of making them remember, too. What are you working on now? Well, I’ll be on a book tour throughout the South during January and February. I’m also writing The Southern Girl’s Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth. It’s about all the exasperating things men do when we’re pregnant, giving birth and trying to survive those crazy, postpartum months. But don’t you think men are much more involved with their children these days? Absolutely. The baby years are still very stressful for couples, though. In fact, according to statistics, marital satisfaction hits an all-time low after childbirth. But, even if your husband’s perfect, he’s still a man— and men drive women crazy. It’s the way God intended it. But why would God do that? Because he’s a man. For more information, visit www.SouthernGirlsGuide.com
Annabelle Robertson
Daughter-in-Law Survival Kit 1) New locks – for doors 2) Caller ID – for phones 3) Duct tape – for mouth 4) Ear plugs – for arguments 5) Tape recorder – for evidence 6) Wig & sunglasses – for gatherings
by Meredith Sullivan
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WEDDING COUPLE: PHOTO BY VINCE BUCCI/GETTY
Now The Southern Girl’s Guide is written for newlyweds, right? Right. It’s the perfect gift for brides and newlyweds. But the longer you’ve been married, the more you actually need it. I deal with all the things men do to drive wives stark raving mad, you see. And unfortunately, that affects every woman.
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Pit Road Pets: NASCAR Stars and their Pets by Laura Lacy, photography by Karen Will Rogers
Southerners love NASCAR. Southerners also love their pets. This is the very reason author Laura Lacy and photographer Karen Will Rogers teamed up with the Ryan Newman Foundation to publish Pit Road Pets: NASCAR Stars and their Pets. The book not only provides readers with a candid look at some of our favorite NASCAR stars and the animals they love, but also a sneak peek into the hearts of animal lovers everywhere. Some of the drivers featured include Southern boys Dale Earnhardt Jr., Mark Martin, Elliot Sadler, and even a few from up North who have made their homes below the Mason-Dixon Line…like Ryan Newman. The book is all-inclusive of the NASCAR family; including drivers, crew chiefs, and NASCAR personalities with their families and pets. Lacy says this book was a ton of fun to write. She enjoyed meeting all of the drivers involved in the book; when asked about her favorite driver, she acknowledges the tough question and admits she has a great number of favorites. “Elliot Sadler was one of my favorites. Elliot has a great sense of humor. Kasey Kahne was sweet, but he is kind of shy. Patty and Kyle Petty are an amazing couple. Bobby Hamilton, Jr., is a riot. He is one of the funniest
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people I have ever met. I fell in love with Jimmy Johnson. Jimmy is a sweet guy with an amazing disposition,” reminisces Lacy.
there that we [Newman and wife,
It was Dale Jr., though, that captured the writer’s heart. “I was overDale Earnhardt Jr. and “Killer” whelmed with what a cool guy he is,” Dale Jarrett and “Zoe” Lacy says. “He is so heartfelt talking about ‘Killer’ [his pet Boxer].” One of the best things about Pit Road Pets is that a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Humane Society of Catawba County, N.C. The Humane Society will use the funds to build a no-kill animal shelter, a dog park, an education center and a regional, public low-cost spay/neuter clinic in Hickory, N.C.
Krissie] wanted to make this ours because it seemed like nobody was putting a lot of emphasis on it,” the driver says.
The book project and charity are near and dear to Alltell driver Ryan Newman’s heart. “I have always had dogs growing up from the time I was a real little guy until now. Animal rescue and adoption is something we wanted to raise awareness for. There are so many great foundations and charities and incredible causes out
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“Love them [pets] like they are family because they are and they should be.” - Ryan Newman Mark Martin and “Molly”
The book’s cover features Newman’s own dogs, “Harley,” “Digger,” “Mopar” and “Socks.” Of the four unique names, two were inspired by the dogs’ features and personalities (“Socks” and “Digger”), one from racing cars (“Mopar”) and Ryan Newman and wife Krissie, with “Harley,” “Digger,” “Mopar” and “Socks.” one with an interesting story: Newman and his wife Krissie discussed getting a Harley DaNewman, 28, also has a piece of advidson at one point, but decided on a vice to all pet owners. “Love them like dog over a motorcycle in the end - a they are family because they are and dog they named “Harley.” they should be.” All four dogs were adopted by the Newmans from either shelters or from the street. “To us, they [adopted dogs] make the best dogs because it seems they appreciate life a little bit more because they have been through some hard times,” says Newman.
Pit Road Pets: NASCAR Stars and their Pets can be found at your local bookstore and at any NASCAR racetrack. by Sarah Jo Gardner
Tony Stewart and “Kayle”
Kasey Kahne and “Calvin”
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Waltzing At The Piggly Wiggly | by Robert Dalby The times they were a changin’. Second Creek, Mississippi was learning all about progress. A new MegaMart out on the bypass had come to town and with its coming, some of the town’s older businesses were going. First there was the HardWhere to Find, then The Second Creek Newsstand and most recently Dunphy’s Dollar Store had said goodbye to a lifelong trade. Where was the customer loyalty? Just as Laurie Lepanto, president of the Nitwitts of Second Creek, arrived at the local Piggly Wiggly just off the downtown square, she found herself face to face with Mr. Choppy Dunbar, the owner. It seemed that after nearly eight decades of being in the hometown grocery business, the store had about three more months to live. The big MegaMart was about to take the life out of another business. Laurie was so upset that she vowed to find a way to try and help Mr. Choppy stay in business. After all, she had close ties to the Piggly Wiggly. She was almost born in the produce section when her Mother’s water broke on a shopping trip. Laurie hatched a brilliant plan to try and save the Piggly Wiggly. The first step was convincing Powell Hampton, the town’s most eligible bachelor and former ballroom dance instructor to help, and step two was convincing Mr. Choppy that they could stimulate business by setting up special hours each day to offer a dance with Powell to the ladies who came in to shop. While Powell would waltz them around or fox-trot them around or tango them around or whatever they wanted, the bag boys would round up their groceries from their shopping lists. Laurie invited Powell over for a tantalizing dinner with some delicious Delta muscadine wine, a few scented candles and a little Estee Lauder on her neck, and the first step was accomplished. Mr. Choppy wasn’t quite as easy, but he finally agreed to give it a try. The third step was to enlist her self-absorbed Nitwitts club to help. The club was comprised of some of the town’s wealthiest widows. They had elected Laurie as president three times in succession as she was the only one who could handle them and their penchant for one-upping the other. They kept a club slush fund for some worthy cause, possibly a vacation trip for them all one day, which Laurie proposed to use to help with the expenses 40
of getting advertisements out. Down deep they had good hearts and after much discussion they all agreed there was no better place to catch up on gossip than the Piggly Wiggly, and none of them would mind having a twirl down the canned goods aisle with Powell. Of course, helping to save the Piggly Wiggly was the real goal. They were all genuinely fond of Mr. Choppy who only had four fingers on his right hand. There was always great speculation about what had happened to the missing index finger. It was just after the tornado of 1953 and after that mysterious woman had come through town that the accident occurred. Was she his one and only love? Was chopping off his finger the only way he could get over her? Or did he just get distracted while chopping meat and whack himself ? Waltzing at the Piggly Wiggly grew out of author Robert Dalby’s own fascination with the eccentricities of the smalltown South he grew up with and loved. As a native and resident of Natchez, Miss., during his formative years, Dalby learned to expect eccentricity and quirky behavior as par for the course--he often only had to look as far as his own family and friends for inspiration. He was born into a large, extended Southern family, consisting of nearly two-dozen first cousins, two uncles, four aunts, two sets of grandparents and any number of ‘further-removed’ among the cousinly. He obtained a B.A. at the University of the South, better known as Sewanee. Dalby now lives in Oxford, Miss. For an irresistible Southern charmer about small-town gossip and second-chance romance, Waltzing at the Piggly Wiggly fits the bill. Not only do the ladies get to dance in the aisles, but a wedding adds a typical Second Creek twist to the story. Thrown in for good measure are a few of the Nitwitt’s favorite recipes to help you become the hostess with the mostest. Join these smalltown characters as they find love and enjoy life while Waltzing at the Piggly Wiggly. by Paula Dabbs
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Ricochet | by Sandra Brown
Sandra Brown was born in 1948 in Waco, Texas, and raised in Fort Worth. She and former television anchor Michael Brown have been married for 38 years. They have two children; daughter, Rachel and a son, former soap-opera actor Ryan Brown, who now lives in Tyler, Texas. Brown’s first pen name was a combination of her children’s first names: Rachel Ryan. Sandra met her husband at age 19 while she was working for the summer at Six Flags Over America as a dancer.
Sandra has written more than 50 New York Times bestsellers, including, Envy (2001). Her work is full of passion, mystery, suspense, heartache and romance. Brown has said that one of her writing influences is Tennessee Williams, which might explain why most of her work takes place in a dreamy Southern setting. Brown also lists Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird in her Top 10 favorite books. Brown is probably best known for her book French Silk, which was turned into a Made for TV movie. Before she began writing in 1981, Brown worked as a clothing model, in theatre, managed a cosmetics store, and in television (WFAA-TV in Dallas). After losing her job at the TV station in 1979, she decided to try her hand at writing. Harlequin passed on the first book that she brought them, but Bantam Dell Publishing did not; and 65 published novels later it’s safe to say that Brown’s career has finally taken off ! One of her newest books, Ricochet: A Novel, debuted Aug. 15, 2006, at No. 2 on three major booksellers lists and promises to be another hot love story with some twists. Much in line with today’s CSI series, this book is self-described as “a dangerous dame and a detective.” When she’s not writing, the Texan enjoys traveling and spending time with her family, including two golden retrievers, which were named after the brothers in the Texas! Trilogy- “Lucky” and “Chase.” by Meredith Dabbs
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Talladega Thunder
a view from the infield
Story and photos by Chad Mills
On October 6, Talladega Superspeedway took center stage in the world of NASCAR with a lot of questions waiting to be answered. The weekend would provide a lot of firsts for the fans that came from all over the country to cheer on their favorite driver, and ultimately end with a controversial last lap that left the majority in discontent.
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Brian Vickers in Victory Lane
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campers and tents, and Southern people everywhere inviting you to join them for a beverage or food. Only in the South can you find this type of atmosphere, where people you don’t even know are suddenly your long-lost friends. People are just there to have a good time and enjoy the company of others who are there for the same reason. Southern hospitality is a Southern trademark, and no matter where you go in the Southern half of the country, you will find it. Even at 200-mph.
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ALL PHOTOS BY CHAD MILLS\EXCEPT BACKGROUND PHOTO ON PREVIOUS PAGES BY MATTHEW STOCKMAN/GETTY
At Left: David Gilliland
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at home with Michael W. Smith by Tabatha Hunter
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Michael W. Smithʼs record speaks for itself. Smith is the vice chair for the Presidentʼs Council on Service and Civic Participation. He has won three Grammy awards, 40 Dove awards and an American Music Award. Smith has starred in a movie, The Second Chance, and People Magazine has named him one of their 50 Most Beautiful People. He has written 10 books, including a cookbook with his mother and a childrenʼs book with his wife, Debbie.
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Smith, 49, has had 29 No. 1 hit songs and has sold over 13 million records since his 1983 debut. Now he is prepared to once again set the Christian music world afire with his latest album, Stand. The album is named Stand because, “it’s time we take a stand believing we are loved. And then, let’s go. Let’s go change the world,” says Smith. The record was made in 40 days, a new feat for Smith. In fact, this is an album of many firsts for Smith.
It is the first time he turned over many of the production responsibilities to someone else and the first time he has written with an 18-year-old (Leeland Mooring). The result is Smith’s 19th studio album. “Every risk I took [making Stand] turned out to be extraordinary. I find myself having a record that feels like an album and does not feel like one of those records where you go to iTunes and just download one song,” Smith says. “I do not think there is a throwaway song on my record. I am real proud of it.”
Michael Whitaker Smith decided to follow his dreams of becoming a musician in the late ‘70s and he moved to Nashville from his native Kenova, W. Va. There he met his wife, Deborah “Debbie” Kay Davis, at a time when he was not even looking for a girlfriend. Smith saw Debbie walk past one afternoon and was blown away by her. He remembers calling his mother to tell her he had seen the woman he was going to marry, although he did not yet know her name. Soon Smith would find out her name after waiting for her outside of the lady’s room.
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ways have been. I think it has proved to be a good thing because I call my kids—they are awesome—and they are just doing great. I always made a commitment that if I thought the career was getting in the way that I would quit or I would take a very long sabbatical. And then, for years, I flew home after every show. I would be in Detroit, walk off stage and get on a plane and come home. I was driving car pool the next day.” Smith’s time with family has paid off. All of his children are successful. Ryan Whitaker, the oldest at 22, was recently
married, adding a daughter-in-law to the family. Of course, Ryan’s marriage also means that Smith could soon be a grandfather, something Smith says is “wacky and bizarre.” Whitney Katherine, 20, is a student at Pepperdine and wants to be an actress. Tyler Michael, 18, is the child Smith calls “Mr. Creative Genius musician,” while Anna Elizabeth, 16, and Emily Allison, 14, round out the Smith crew. “Our house is full of filmmakers, musicians and actors. It is very much alive around here—it is a lot of fun,” says Smith.
PHOTOS BY CHAD MILLS
The pair was engaged three and a half weeks later and married four months after that. That began chapter one in the incredible romance story between the Smith and his wife, who have now been married for over 25 years. The singer/songwriter/piano magician stays grounded by staying as much as possible at his cozy hillside home outside of Franklin, Tenn., where he graciously allowed the cameras of Y’all to come inside and hang out for a glimpse of Smith-life. “They [Smith’s five children] are the most important thing in my life. They al-
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“They [Smithʼs five children] are the most important thing in my life. They always have been. I think it has proved to be a good thing because I call my kids—they are awesome— and they are just doing great.”
Today, Michael W. Smith is at the pinnacle of the Christian music scene. It is a position shared by fellow larger-thanlife music giants Amy Grant, Mercy Me and Jars of Clay. And it is a feeling that Smith says is a little surreal, but a feeling that he is extremely grateful to have. “I just faced record number 19 and I am pinching myself. I never could have orchestrated this. All I can say is I am thankful. I thought maybe I would pass the baton along and let some of these younger kids take it and for some reason people are still buying records. I do not plan on quitting any time soon.” The man called “Smitty” by his fans counts Rev. Billy Graham, his son Franklin Graham, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush as his friends. Smith was able to meet George H.W. Bush (he differentiates between the father and son by calling them “41” and “43”—their presi-
dential numbers– at an NBC Christmas special in Washington, D.C. “I met them before the show, took the photo op and thought, ‘I have died and gone to heaven, I have met the President of the United States,’” says Smith. Little did the musician know, he and his wife would soon be approached by the Secret Service and asked if they would like to visit the elder Bushes inside the White House. “So, we ran all the red lights and pulled up in front of the White House and it was just like out of a movie. We just could not believe it. We went in, had the time of our lives and we have been friends ever since,” says Smith. Smith’s greatest legacy does not lie in who he is friends with or what awards he has received. His legacy lies with his family and with the music he has so graciously given, and will continue to give, to us all.
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Rising Southerner
Cheryl Woodcock The Latest from Hollywood… by Buckey Abercrombie
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Southern gal Cheryl Woodcock is a woman who wears many hats. She is a producer and interviewer for the nation’s most watched entertainment news show, Entertainment Tonight. The Oklahoma native also works on the television show The Insider, an up-and-coming celebrity news program. The daughter of a former state legislator and a direct descendant of Josiah Bartlett, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Woodcock, 38, is a bit of a political aficionado. Woodcock is also a writer for L.A. Confidential and Capitol File Magazine. But the most important role Woodcock plays is not on this list.
LEFT: FREDERICK M. BROWN/GETTY, RIGHT: MARSAILI MCGRATH/GETTY
She explains that the the most important and cherished roles Woodcock has are those of doting wife and loving mom of Skylar, 9, and John David, 5. “I really feel like just giving your children love, love, love is the secret to creating happy children and a happy household.” Woodcock’s love for her children comes through in everything she does. She starts her day by waking up her children and getting them ready for school. She then drives them to school, goes to work and makes sure she can pick them up at the end of their day. When she is with John David and Skylar, Woodcock is a mom and that is all. Cell phones are turned off and the kids are the center of their adoring mother’s attention. “Having a career is something I do when my children are in school,” says Woodcock.
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While at work, though, Woodcock is at the top of her game. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in Hollywood and produced hundreds of segments about the stars America loves. Some of Woodcock’s favorite celebrities include Michael W. Smith (who is included in this issue), Desperate Housewives’ Marcia Cross, Bob Barker, Vanna White and Paris Hilton. Her favorite celebs to interview are Brooke Shields and Rosie O’Donnell. “Rosie O’Donnell is a terrific woman— very down to earth and very real. I’m just in complete awe of her. And Brooke Shields too! She is always very smart. She is a very down to earth gal,” says Woodcock. The source of Woodcock’s success with Entertainment Tonight lies in having a phenomenal work environment and finding a great boss and friend in Missouri native Linda Bell Blue, the show’s executive producer. “I attribute all of my success to her. She is a terrific boss. Nobody knows the business better than her” The Oklahoma City native holds a degree in criminal justice and was a Kappa Kappa Gamma at Arizona State
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University. “The Sorority has really good quality gals all over the world. I am still so honored to be a Kappa. My sister was a Kappa. I was a three times legacy Kappa and on initiation night, she flew out. When they turned me around, it was my sister. She flew out and surprised me at initiation and gave me her pen,” says Woodcock who is very close to her sister, Cindy Gaytan. One of the things Woodcock attributes her success to is her faith. “We are very Catholic. We go to mass. I baptized both my children Catholic,” Woodcock explains. “I went to a Catholic high school and I was taught by nuns and priests and I think that gave me a great foundation. It keeps me grounded in this crazy world and this hectic entertainment business.” First and foremost though, Woodcock knows it is her family that makes everything she does possible because they are what make the beaming wife and mother happy. “I am happiest when I am with my children and my husband [David]. My husband and I have been married 10 years and he is the love of my life. I love him more today than I ever have,” says Woodcock.
PHOTOS BY D. WALD
Be sure to look for Cheryl Woodcock’s interviews on Entertainment Tonight and The Insider. You can also read her columns in L.A. Confidential and Capitol File Magazine.
Cheryl Woodcock’s Predictions for the Stars in 2007 BRAD PITT AND ANGELINA JOLIE: They will adopt more children and continue to help world causes. They are cute together and they make beautiful children. I will tell you one thing. I had dinner with Brad at a function at Irene and Mike Medavoy’s. Mike Medavoy is a producer—he has made many movies. So I walk in the door and there is Brad! My jaw dropped. He is so gorgeous in person and very kind and not as tall as you would think. I love that he is a Southern boy. We have all the handsome ones. BRITNEY SPEARS: I love Britney because she is a Southern gal and I just support her. I know she has had some trying times and the press has not been so nice to her, but I just think she is very talented and down to earth. I see her and Kevin Federline staying together and having more children. NICOLE KIDMAN: I think she will have a baby soon. She married another Southerner. Well, I know Keith Urban is orginally from Australia, but I know they live in Nashville now. THE CAST OF THE VIEW: Rosie O’Donnell is going to be terrific. Barbara Walters has always been an idol of mine. I think she is terrific. Everybody is going to love Rosie. She is really a woman’s woman.
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AT RIGHT: SARA DAVIS/GETTY
Saving sea turtles along the Outer Banks of North Carolina
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by Meredith Dabbs
The Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the United States are home to many species of turtles, including the loggerhead, leatherback, Kemp’s ridley, green sea turtle, hawksbill, and olive ridley. Sea turtles existed before dinosaurs, and there were once many more species than are found today. DECEMBER 2006 / JANUARY 2007 • Y’ALL
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How to Help Sea Turtle Conservation Efforts Individuals can aid sea turtle conservation efforts in many ways. The route chosen depends on the amount of time and money the person wants to invest. Many countries have national conservation societies that take a direct interest in sea turtles. 1. Become informed about the issues. 2. Write to government representatives, state and federal, asking them to support conservation efforts.
Sea turtles have survived ice ages, volcanic activity, an asteroid impact severe enough to wipe out the dinosaurs, and thrived for many years until the first mammals appeared. Human-associated threats include the destruction of nesting habitats, consumption of eggs, and deliberate and incidental killing of turtles in the sea. The book discusses each species in detail, and devotes a whole chapter to explaining habitat, history, behavior and photographs of each species. The sea turtle provides us with an insider’s look into marine life. They are one of the only sea creatures to come ashore to lay their eggs. This allows researchers to count them and observe the health of individuals and populations. By observing them, researchers can make predictions about their species and other sea creatures based on the data they collect from the turtles.
Though most of us will never have a personal encounter with a sea turtle, they have been swimming the seas for 100 million years. It is important to note that all sea turtles worldwide are on the U.S. and international endan-
gered lists. Also, sea turtle carcasses can be moved only by authorized personnel, enforced on land by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
3. Support national conservation organizations and the sea turtle programs they sponsor. 4. Individuals who live in coastal areas should inquire locally. Many projects are in need of helpers, and personal involvement with sea turtles is an enormously rewarding experience available to very few.
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SARA DAVIS/GETTY
Carol Ruckdeschel, a research biologist based on Cumberland Island, Ga., has collaborated with C. Robert Shoop and other researchers on a book, “Sea Turtles of the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the United States” (University of Georgia Press). The 152-page book offers a concise summary of the natural history of the sea turtle in a format that is suited to the needs of the general public. It is a great book for reference, with beautiful photos and illustrations for the reader’s assistance.
Look What’s Happening in Meridian, Mississippi
Arts in the Park April 7th, 2007 Meridian Bonita Lakes Park 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Juneteenth Celebration
June 16th, 2007 Downtown Meridian 2 p.m. - Midnight
Pops in the Park July 4th, 2007 Meridian Bonita Lakes Park 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. www.visitmeridian.com
Meridian/Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau
1-888-868-7720
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Resolutions for
by Cameron Brady
Every year millions of Americans resolve to change their lives in a drastic way for the year to come. New Year’s Resolutions provide us with an evaluation into the past year and planning for the year ahead. Here are a few examples of popular resolutions:and ways to make sure your goals come to fruition: SPENDING MORE TIME WITH FAMILY Y’all columnist and best selling author Ronda Rich wrote in the premiere issue that “Every Family Tree is Full of ‘Nuts.’” She’s right! She went on to say “the more eccentric, the better because completely sensible folks are completely boring.” This New Year try to spend more time with your immediate family with family “date” nights, and try to visit with the extended family as well. Ronda wrote about an aunt that had spent over 30 years believing she was married to Burt Reynolds and that she further believed that their union produced a son. If every family tree truly does have “nuts,” then find them. It makes for great stories (by the way…if a large number of relatives suddenly begin calling you and inviting you to dinner, they read this article and they think you could be the nut). LOSING WEIGHT AND GETTING FIT What, what…what! A Southernbased magazine talking about losing weight (don’t throw your Y’all issue out the window just yet, we are not talking about boxing up the FryDaddy). Let’s face it; we could all shed a few pounds. Most of us aren’t living the Hollywood lifestyle or adhering to the Sushi-diet (we use our raw fish for bait). So keep on enjoying fried okra, fried chicken and Sonic’s famous fried onion rings. As
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Southerners it is our birthright to have grease-soaked foods as an honorary food group. Keep this in mind though; we live in the South and are blessed with fairly moderate year-round climates. Walking or doing some outdoor exercise only three times a week for 30 minutes would dramatically improve our health, mental status and mood. And it can be fun! Tennis, basketball, hiking and cycling are all activities that can help shed a few pounds. If you recall the opening credits of the Andy Griffith show, Andy and Opie even got exercise from walking and skipping stones on the way to the fishing hole. Also, have your partner hold you accountable and vise versa. On the days that you don’t want to put your sneakers on or crawl out of the bed, it really helps to have someone to help motivate you. If you don’t have a significant other remember that spring is just around the corner and the Atlantic and Gulf Coast beaches will be calling, and you do want that new swimsuit to fit, right? QUITTING SMOKING Tobacco is big business in several Southern states. From the American Indian to the American novelist, tobacco has been a significant part of our heritage. Regardless, it is time to face the facts. One in 17 women will die from lung cancer every year, regardless of their smoking history. With a stat like that why chance it. With
power-hungry control freaks running little towns all over the nation, look for public smoking bans to become more common. You currently can’t light up at any restaurant or bar in the state of Florida. Instead of leaving your seat to go stand in the street and risk getting hit by a fast-moving Chevy just to get a few puffs, try giving up or at least cutting back. The days of classic Hollywood starlets being glamorized with a cigarette in their hand are over. Look for Popeye episodes to be re-released using digital imagery to remove his pipe. Times, they are a changin’ (but wouldn’t it have been great to see where William Faulkner would have stuck his Nobel Prize if someone had told him to “put it out”). GIVE BLOOD Contrary to popular belief, Clemson fans don’t bleed orange and purple and LSU fans don’t bleed purple and gold. Blood is blue while in the veins and upon oxidization becomes red making it so that only Ole Miss, SMU and Louisiana Tech fans actually bleed their school colors. Giving blood is a responsibility we all have and we all can benefit from each other’s generosity. Thirty minutes of your time isn’t much to ask to help save the life of another. Low levels in our blood supply could prevent someone’s Mawmaw from receiving a needed transfusion and could mean that one of our wounded soldiers might not
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make it home. It could be you needing that transfusion. Fortunately, blood donations are not traceable—so if you are an Alabama fan you would never find out if your O+ blood went to Knoxville to keep Tennessee football coach Phil Fulmer alive! (P.S. I know Alabama fans don’t want Fulmer dead…at least we think that is true). PAY OFF CREDIT CARD DEBT “Debt is Dumb and Cash is King… the paid off home mortgage takes the place of the BMW as the status symbol of choice.” Those words are recited by best-selling author and Y’all columnist Dave Ramsey everyday on his nationally syndicated radio show, “The Dave Ramsey Show.” Start you budget today using Dave’s Total Money Makeover. (visit www.daveramsey.com) You may not get all of those cards paid off within the year but giving just one Citibank or one Capital One card the famous Dave Ramsey “plasticimey” (aka paying it off and cutting it up) can be a great start. Dave wants you to sell everything and take that extra cash to pay off debt. He wants to sell so much stuff that the dog is hiding and the kids think they’re next. We won’t go that far, just make sure you keep enough cash in your new budget to get that three-year subscription to Y’all Magazine (www.yall.com) and try to spend some money with a few of our advertisers as well. TAKE UP A NEW HOBBY Knitting has experienced revitalization with actresses such as Sex in the City brunette and Columbia, S.C.-native Kristin Davis taking up the needle and yarn. Before long you might even have knitted a quilt worthy of display in the quilting capital of the world, Paducah, Ky. You can also sign up for a continuing education class to learn something
you have always wanted. Contrary to what you might have read on pg. 40 of this issue of Y’all, we don’t know of any Piggly Wigglys in the area offering dancing lessons, but your local community probably has something to offer. Mississippi’s “Pottery Princess” Gail Pittman became a household name for her hobby that became a profession. Pottery classes are usually available in most community arts centers. You may not make the big bucks like Pittman, but you could end up with some really original Christmas gifts for next year (or perhaps just an ugly ashtray that you won’t even use because the government won’t allow you to smoke). VOLUNTEER There is more to supporting local charities than donating a can of French onion soup and the unused canned beets from last year’s Thanksgiving feast. You may not realize it, but you don’t have to be in the South’s larger cities like Houston, Atlanta or Memphis to find homeless and hungry folks. Small towns all across Dixie need volunteers to help distribute donated items. If you are handy, you should try following in the footsteps of Plains, Georgia’s Jimmy Carter and pitch in with Habitat for Humanity. There are so many organizations that need a wide variety of help. Knock out two New Year’s resolutions in one and spend time with the family by taking the kids to the local animal shelter to bathe the puppies. This will also teach the kids about the value of participating in the community. As above-mentioned Y’all columnist Dave Ramsey says, “The more you have, the more you can give.” This is true, but even if we can write that $1,000 check to a local charity, it is still our civic responsibility to lend our
time and energy. And I am sure Dave would tell us that the rewards of such service will make us feel “better than we deserve.” READ THE TOP TWO SELLING BOOKS OF ALL TIME The most sold book in the history of the world is the Bible, and every year people make the resolution to read the challenging text from cover to cover. Believer or not, there is no doubt that studying the Bible will give you more appreciation for literature and the arts. So many classics have thick biblical references. If you are like some folks, you may have a hard time getting out of Genesis. Remembering all the names of all the sons of all the prophets and all the nations to which they belong can be a bit overwhelming, but there are some pretty good stories on the other side of that first chapter. One easy and enjoyable way to get through the Bible is to let the voice of Arkabutla, Mississippiʼs James Earl Jones read it to you. James Earl Jones Reads The Bible is a set of CDʼs that can be purchased for less than $30. The second most sold book in the world is Gone With The Wind. You are not a true Southerner if a hardback copy of this book canʼt be found somewhere in your house. On a related note, be sure to grab a copy of the upcoming FebruaryMarch ʻ07 issue of Yʼall, as we will have a GWTW tribute, complete with a feature on author Margaret Mitchell and a historic home tour guide of the South. Fiddle Dee Dee! Make a contract with yourself and write down your goals. Take the time to evaluate your goals every three months and have someone hold you accountable. Best of Luck in 2007!
DECEMBER 2006 / JANUARY 2007 • Y’ALL
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11/5/06 6:12:42 PM
Chattanooga’s
SQUARE MEAL by Buckey Abercrombie
Few things are as delectable and mouth-watering as one of those tiny square burgers with cheese from Krystal. The Krystal Chik comes close, as does the restaurant’s popular Chili Cheese Pup. But it’ s the Chattanooga, Tenn.- based company’s original little burger that remains a Dixie favorite. This fast-food eatery has a meal for every moment of the day and with a constantly expanding and evolving menu, a diner simply cannot get tired.
Krystal (most are open all night) for the one and only square Krystal cheeseburger. Eat a couple and you are guaranteed a good night’s sleep, having satisfied your hunger.
For breakfast one might enjoy a Krystal’s Scrambler, which contains every Southern staple from scrambled eggs to grits. For lunch, try the Krystal Chik combo or a couple of double cheese Krystal burgers with fries. For dinner a person with even the pickiest of palates might try the bold new taste of the BA burger - BA standing for none other than Black Angus, of course, and a phenomenal burger it is.
Krystal’s burgers are so good that the little delights have made the restaurant the second-oldest hamburger chain in the United States and the oldest one in the South. (The oldest hamburger chain in the United States is White Castle—the Yankee counterpart to Krystal. White Castle may have made it first, but Krystal made it right).
When those late night cravings finally get to you, cave in and find a
The very first Krystal arrived in Chattanooga on Oct. 24, 1932, during the Great Depression, as the brainchild of Rody Davenport Jr.
DECEMBER 2006 / JANUARY 2007 • Y’ALL
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NEW The South Carolina Encyclopedia Edited by Walter Edgar A Project of The Humanities Council SC “‘Monumental’ is much too small a word for this spectacular—and spectacularly well done—compendium of South Carolina people, places, and past history. This is a book to be treasured.”—John Jakes 1,120 pp., 400 b&w, 40 color illus., 80 maps, cloth, $75.00
Scorekeeping Essays from Home Bob Cowser, Jr. Remembrances and revelations from childhood in the rural American heartland told with wit and charm 128 pp., 18 illus., paper, $18.95
The Golden Christmas
Introduction by David Aiken A holiday romance, rich in historical particulars, from South Carolina’s foremost writer
An Antebellum Plantation Household
and J. Glenn Sherrill. The two felt that the risky business venture was worth it because they felt that “people would patronize a restaurant that was kept spotlessly clean, where they could get a good meal with courteous service at the lowest possible price.” These words would become the Krystal Kreed.
Including the South Carolina Low Country Receipts and Remedies of Emily Wharton Sinkler With Eighty-Two Newly Discovered Receipts Anne Sinkler Whaley LeClercq
Armed with this credo, the two men set up shop at the corner of Seventh Street and Cherry Street in Chattanooga. French Jenkins was the very first customer for the chain. He ordered six Krystal burgers and a cup of coffee for a total of 35 cents. The 74-year-old original location still stands, although it is no longer in operation.
192 pp., paper, $16.95
A popular culinary history with dozens of newly discovered receipts 240 pp., 24 illus., cloth, $29.95
800.768.2500 www.sc.edu/uscpress 62
Today, more than 400 Krystal’s can be found in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. All this chatter has this writer ready to eat. Krystal’s restaurant is where you can find me. I will be the one with a couple of Chiks, a couple of Krystal cheeseburgers, some fries and an extra large Coke. The apple pies are also awesome. See y’all there.
PHOTOS ARE COURTESY OF WKRYSTAL
A Tale of Lowcountry Life William Gilmore Simms
Y’ALL • THE MAGAZINE OF SOUTHERN PEOPLE OPL
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Dixie Destination: Gatlinburg, Tenn.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Alabama Bureau Chief of Y’all magazine, Paula Dabbs was recently invited on a media tour of The Lodge at Buckberry Creek. Paula shares her experience with Y’all readers. Enjoy.
by Paula Dabbs
I
magine yourself in the middle of God’s creation… lush foliage, tall, tall trees, roaring creeks around almost every turn, spectacular views from every angle. Does this ideal place still exist? Oh, yes, indeed.
The Lodge at Buckberry Creek in Gatlinburg, Tenn., is situated in the heart of Gatlinburg on 26 of the original 90 acres owned by the local McLean family. Perched high on a mountain, the view can’t get much better. It was built in the style of the Great Camps of the Adirondacks and opened in 2005. Each of its 46 luxury suites was authentically developed with great detail under the direction of noted designer Jeanie Johnson of Housebones. Ranging in size from 600 to 950 sq. feet, the suites offer beautiful views of the mountains, including Mount Le Conte. The Lodge has a rustic elegance that makes weddings, anniversaries, corporate events and just a weekend of relaxation truly special. There is a particularly notable collection of Scottish memorabilia dating back to the early 1800s, which has been gathered by the McLean family over many generations.
Our weekend at the lodge was much too short. We arrived on Friday evening for a press tour. After drinks on the terrace, we were treated to a wonderful dinner prepared by Chef Winston Guerrero and his staff. Each course had its own unique presentation. We returned to our room where turn down service was provided. Oh, yes. Did I mention that each of these suites is decorated with handpicked Adirondack-style antiques and include fireplaces, kitchens, private decks, luxurious baths with separate showers and soaking tubs, and that no two are the same? Have you made a reservation yet? Saturday arrived cooler and overcast. No problem for the staff at Buckberry Lodge. A cheery fire greeted guests in the Gathering Lodge. Continental breakfast is included with your stay, or you can order from their assorted menu. Visitors who choose to DECEMBER 2006 / JANUARY 2007 • Y’ALL
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Dixie Destination continued
explore on their own are welcome, or whatever you desire can be arranged at the front desk. This area also boasts a gift shop and conference room. Be sure to check out The Library. Our day included a trip into town to visit the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, a nationally renowned arts complex and cultural center in the heart of Gatlinburg. No trip to Gatlinburg would be complete without a little shopping, so the ladies talked the guide into a side trip...just one little shop. It came a downpour while we were inside, but our hosts provided umbrellas and ponchos to keep us dry. Our next stop was lunch in the Smokies and the mountain experience. This was no ordinary picnic. The chefs were there with a covered tent and, in true Southern style, elegance prevailed. White table linens, china, silverware, and some of the lodge’s most beautiful serving pieces accompanied a gourmet delight. We were then treated to a fly fishing demonstration by a local expert. Our outing was cut short by rain, but that just didn’t matter. We had scheduled a massage in our room for the afternoon. What a life!
Sunday morning arrived bright and cheery and after a bountiful buffet brunch, we reluctantly bid our hosts goodbye. Owners Buddy and James McLean extended the most gracious of Southern hospitality. They assured us that no matter what a guest requested, they would find a way to accommodate them. After spending a weekend at Buckberry Lodge, there was no doubt they could move mountains if they were asked...or at least change the view to a different side of the mountain. You can check out their website at www.buckberrylodge.com
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PHOTOS ARE COURTESY OF BUCKBERRY LODGE
Dinner on Saturday night was in a pristine setting. The Lodge has its own outdoor creek-side pavilion. Our transport to the bottom of the mountain was two Pinzguaers owned by The Lodge. They are rare Humvee-like military vehicles, perfect for mountains and forests. The chef again prepared a sumptuous feast from his outdoor cooking station. Although the air had turned chilly, there was a huge roaring fireplace surrounded by rocking chairs, a fire bowl and outdoor heaters to warm everyone.
11/5/06 6:23:00 PM
You don’t have to be perfect to be a perfect parent. There are thousands of teens in foster care who would love to put up with you.
1 888 200 4005 • adoptuskids.org
This project partially funded by the MS Development Authority/Tourism.
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cajun humor Coo Coo’s Tattoo
by Tommy Joe Breaux
Humorist Tommy Joe Breaux has been delighting the South with his cajun stories for years. Breaux has numerous tapes, videos and books available at www. tommyjoebreaux.com. 66
A lots of folks heard me talkin’ bout this fella named Coo Coo Comeaux, who is wat us Cajun folks call, “Ain’t correct.” Well, my cuzin’ Elmo called me de oder day and tole me dat ole Coo Coo was in T’Bub’s barroom de odder evenin’ braggin’ bout de new tattoo he just got put on. Everybody in T’Bub’s said, “Wat kinda tattoo, Coo Coo?” Coo Coo said, “Well, since dis is my first tattoo, I taught I would honor my dear ole Mama.” Everybody said, “Coo Coo, dat’s real sweet. Sow us dat first tattoo.” Coo Coo wasted no time in hikin’ up his shirt in de front and stood dare real proud showin’ off de word “MoM” dat was put on right in de middle of his stomak. Ole Nutie Landry was in T’Bub’s at de time an he started laughing his head off. Dis upset Coo Coo and he said, “Are you laughing at my Mama, Nutie?” Nutie said, “No, Coo Coo, I am laughin’ at ware you put dat tattoo. ‘MoM’ should be on yore arm or your chess, ware everybody could see it. Why in de world did you put it on yore stomak?” Coo Coo said, “Well Nutie, to tole you de truff, I was runnin’ a little short of cash and dem tattoo ain’t cheap, so by puttin’ it dare, I got de ‘‘O’ free.”
Y’ALL • THE MAGAZINE OF SOUTHERN PEOPLE
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grizzard Put Some South in Yo’ Mouth
Life Span In Georgia
by Lewis Grizzard
Lewis Grizzard (1946-1994) penned thousands of columns during his journalism career. Y’all Magazine is proud to showcase the late legend’s work in each issue. For more on Grizzard, log on to www.LewisGrizzard.com
A recent study showed that Georgia is near the bottom in a ranking of states according to expected life span of both men and women. Hawaii and Minnesota were the states where people live the longest. Hawaii, of course, features a warm tropical climate where people sit around drinking various exotic concoctions made with pineapple juice and watch lovely young girls in grass skirts move their sensuous bodies to ukulele music. The only drawback to living a long time in Hawaii is you get very old and your eyesight eventually goes, so you can no longer see the young girls move their bodies, but you still have to put up with all that ukulele music. As to Minnesota, nobody really lives a long time there. It’s so cold it just seems like it. Being a Georgian, I naturally was concerned upon discovering I can’t expect to live as long as people from other states. Georgia is a marvelously diverse state, with mountains and seashore and charming small towns, and, of course, bustling, exciting Atlanta. So what makes us die earlier than other Americans? I put some thought to this question and came up with the following: ATLANTA TRAFFIC: Other cities have traffic jams. Atlanta has traffic wars. Sherman burned this city; the highway department is dismantling it, piece by piece. There is so much highway construction in Atlanta that motorists have to wear hard hats. Rather than face another day in Atlanta traffic, a lot of people simply die to avoid it. A South Georgia hazard… GNATS: Gnats, tiny bugs, are the cause of a number of deaths in South Georgia each year. Some of these deaths have been attributed to swallowing a
“
large number of gnats while talking or eating. Some also think the reason a lot of South Georgians disappear and are never heard from again is they are carried off by giant swarms of gnats and drowned in the Okefenokee Swamp. KUDZU: Nothing grows faster than a kudzu vine. It has been known to cover entire homes in Georgia when the families are asleep for the night. They are then trapped inside and can’t get to a convenience store, so they starve. Those who try to eat their way out of kudzu quickly have their innards entangled in the vine because no matter how much you chew it, the blamed stuff just keeps on growing. Football’s not safe either… THE FALCONS: The Falcons lost a game to the Chicago Bears 36-0 and the Falcons’ coach blamed it on poor officiating. The Falcons have been big losers most every year they’ve been in Atlanta, and a man fell out of the stadium during a Falcons game once and was killed. I think he jumped after another Falcons’ holding penalty. LIVING IN BUCKHEAD: Buckhead is a tiny section of Atlanta where approximately 11 million white people under the age of 35 live. Each evening, all 11 million get into their Mercedes and go to trendy Buckhead bars and talk to one another. Here is what a Buckhead bar conversation usually sounds like: “I was like, `Wow!’ and he was like, `Really?’ “ These people might die from wearing their designer jeans too tight, becoming choked on Hearts of Palm while eating their salads or being trampled in a bar or by a polo pony. The study further revealed at what part of the year the most Georgians die. It’s when the state Legislature is in session.
Atlanta has traffic wars. Sherman burned this city; the highway department is dismantling it, piece by piece.
”
DECEMBER 2006 / JANUARY 2007 • Y’ALL
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wine
down south FINE WINE, GATORS AND GUMBO Louisiana has wines equal to its food
by Doc Lawrence
“Come on, ‘Aloysius,’” Jimmy Bonvillain called out over the waters of Black Bayou near Houma, La. After a few more shouts, a log traveling against the current headed straight for our boat. The log turned out to be “Aloysius,” a massive alligator, arriving as if on cue to get a snack from Jimmy in return for jumping like a dolphin out of the water. Jimmy is the son of the legendary Annie Miller, widely known as “Alligator Annie,” and says everything he knows came from mom - things like the names of every tree, plant, flower, reed and mature gator. Jimmy does his unforgettable bayou tour with flair and humor for visitors like me who thrive on the adventure from amazing Louisiana. Jimmy set the stage for my South Louisiana food and wine journey. Ponchartrain Vineyards in St. Tammany Parish produces fabulously fine wine, including the regal white, Blanc du Bois. The name conjures up images from Tennessee Williams. Blanc du Bois was literally created at the University of Florida in 1987. It is our new Southern wine grape, one we can call our own. A chilled glass of Blanc du Bois with raw oysters whispers, “y’all have some more.” The Blanc du Bois wine grape has become the mainstay of Louisiana fine white wine production. Cleverly labeled “Le Trolley,” these wines recall the wonderful dry white wines of the Alsatian and Loire Valley regions of France, and in the current vintage, some of the exciting aspects of sauvignon blanc from New Zealand. In the European tradition, Blanc du Bois fits with the savory dishes of South Louisiana like shrimp, oysters and freshly caught Gulf fish. The foodfriendliness and quality of Blanc du Bois surprises nearly everyone except John Seago, the retired lawyer who founded and manages the impressive winery near Covington, about an hour’s drive from the French Quarter. Ponchartrain’s most popular red wine is Rouge Militaire, made entirely from Cynthiana/Norton. It is spectacular, and if poured into a crystal wine glass with a deep bowl, almost always causes the uninitiated to believe it is red Burgundy. More venerable than Blanc du Bois, it is also very Southern, tracing its beginnings back to Virginia and Thomas Jefferson. This distinctive red wine is now being rediscovered across America and has world-class wine potential. Its intensity
suggests that it will get even better with cellaring. Armed with enough of Ponchartrain’s wine treasures to last the week, I pursued local cuisine. Cajun cooking reigns in Lake Charles where the men all seem to be great cooks. At Big Daddy’s Cajun Seafood and Steaks, the shrimp, catfish, crab and generous pours of wine were accompanied by the music from Chris Miller and the Bayou Roots, a first-rate dance band. It is the place to do the Cajun waltz, two-step and jig, a most joyous way to burn off calories and alcohol. Big Al’s Seafood Restaurant is the kind of place you wish cities like Atlanta had: working class families with children mingling with yuppie couples, blue collar laborers, people of all colors and accents enjoying soft drinks, beer and wine (from France) along with catfish, soft shell crabs, fried shrimp and oysters. Abear’s Café in Houma is a lunch spot with food and wine from that part of heaven where good groceries are de rigueur. The red Burgundy was perfect with a platter of fresh-caught fried catfish accompanied by gumbo. I finished off with homemade bread pudding, and one last glass of wine. Journeying through the bayous invigorates the soul and stimulates the appetite, prompting me over to Houma’s Italian gourmet shrine, Cristiano’s Ristorante. While the veal Osso Buco with a bottle of Chianti Classico combined for an unforgettable Louisiana evening, I’ll swear in open court that Ponchartrain’s Blanc du Bois pairs well with the Italian appetizers and Rouge Militaire would be divine with the entrees. I felt a yearning for boudin, the local pork and rice sausage, an oyster Po’ Boy and bread pudding with a bottle of red wine and enjoyed it all at Bayou Delight Restaurant while listening to Hank Williams wail “Jambalaya” from an ancient Wurlitzer jukebox. Leaving Louisiana began at the New Orleans airport. As we circled over the wetlands, I looked down, hoping I could spot Jimmy out there calling for “Aloysius.” That night, I opened a bottle of Blanc du Bois carefully packed in my suitcase. Before a nostalgic meal of shrimp with Roumelade sauce, I offered a toast to Tennessee Williams’ Louisiana legends Stanley, Stella and Blanche.
Doc Lawrence writes about wine and Southern cuisine from his homes in Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale. Doc is 2005 Chairman, Food and Beverage Section, Public Relations Society of America and welcomes comments: doc@yall.com. 68
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blue collar
Blue Collar Boost
by Bill Engvall
For more on Bill Engvall, log on to www.billengvall.com
The whole Blue Collar thing has been one of the funniest things I’ve been associated with. Jeff Foxworthy and I used to joke that in the twilight of our careers, we’d go out like Paul Revere and the Raiders and The Turtles and do car shows. The more we got to thinking about it, the more we thought it was a good idea. Foxworthy, Larry The Cable Guy, Ron White and I all have the same kind of fan base, so when our manager put The Blue Collar Tour together, it just took off. We all were given a gold record for the Blue Collar soundtrack, and the reception for the video has just been through the roof. What’s been great for me is that I’ve had a lot of exposure over the last 10 years since Here’s Your Sign came out, but before the Blue Collar Tour it had kind of plateaued off. It wasn’t dropping; it just kind of plateaued off. People would see me, and they loved it. But this has been a boost in the arm. All of a sudden now, I’m getting fans I didn’t have before because they didn’t know about me. And now with the show and the tour and everything, it’s been wonderful. I’ve got the greatest fans in the world. I get emails all the time at my website [billengvall.com] and people say they love it. The age
“
range and the demographic of my fan base have grown and now I’ve got everyone from kids to senior citizens. Again, it’s just wonderful. Blue collars are everywhere. I don’t know quite how to describe it. I think blue collar is just people who work for a living, anybody who works. It’s people who get out there and really work for a living. People say, ‘Well you’re in show business, you’re not really blue collar.’ I think it’s more of a state of mind, though. Just regular people. There are 200 million people between New York and Los Angeles, and they’re not always into Sex and the City. They’re not always into the hip stuff. Not that we’re unhip, but they just want to sit down and watch TV. I get this all the time – families sit down and watch our comedy together, which is what Jeff and I wanted. You don’t have to worry about what your kids are seeing with our material. I think what’s happened is that we just kind of tapped into a market that’s been largely underserved. It’s just fun. I don’t care if you’ve got a CEO of a Fortune 500 company; if you give him an electronic farting machine, he’s going to use it because it’s funny.
I don’t care if you’ve got a CEO of a Fortune 500 company; if you give him an electronic farting machine, he’s going to use it because it’s funny.
”
DECEMBER 2006 / JANUARY 2007 • Y’ALL
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what southern women
know
Southern Women and Special Occasions
by Ronda Rich
Ronda Rich is the best-selling author of What Southern Women Know (That Every Woman Should) and The Town That Came A-Courtin’.
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I never knew my friend’s Aunt Elsie, and yet, the valuable lesson she taught me will never be forgotten. Miss Elsie died a while back in her tiny Georgia town, having lived to be 81. Her grandest adventure happened over 30 years ago when she went to see a cousin in Memphis. They visited Graceland, had tea at the Peabody Hotel and shopped at the city’s finest store. Passing by the lingerie department, Aunt Elsie saw something that took her breath away – a long, flowing white peignoir set trimmed in matching lace and ribbons. It looked like something that Grace Kelly would have worn in a movie. Though it was completely out of character for this prim piano teacher who taught daily for over 50 years, she bought the peignoir set and hugged it gently to her chest as she left the store. It would become her favorite treasure. Miss Elsie was, according to her niece, a good Methodist woman who taught Sunday school and regularly baked cakes of goodwill then distributed them with promptness to those who were ailing or grieving. She put up with no nonsense and therefore conducted herself with the kind of discipline and discretion that she demanded from those around her. This included the long line of church pastors who, over the years, found themselves summoned far too often to her home for coffee where they were then asked to explain precisely what a certain sermon had meant and then challenged to defend it down to the letter of the scriptures. She was a plain, salt-of-the-earth woman who preferred sensible shoes, support stockings and flannel gowns. But that fancy negligee caught her eye and, in a moment of unexplained weakness, she bought it. For the rest of her life, she adored that gown, storing it lovingly in a cedar chest at the foot of her bed. “I’m saving this,” she explained. “In the event that I ever have to go to the hospital, I’ll have me something pretty to cheer me up.” Widowed at a young age, she confided blushingly to her sister once, “Well, you never know when another husband might come along. Then, I’ll have it for my honeymoon.” But she never wore it. Never took
the tags off. There was never another honeymoon or even a trip to the hospital. She died suddenly. One day, she just keeled over in her garden while attending to the perennials. She had spent the last 30 years saving the chiffon loveliness for a “special occasion” that never came. When she died, her daughter realized that her mother had one last chance to wear her beloved peignoir set. That’s how Aunt Elsie, the practical Methodist, came to be buried in a white chiffon gown and robe fit for a Hollywood queen and stunned the other Methodists as well as the stalwart Baptists who came for the viewing. Somehow, I suspect that wasn’t the special occasion she had been waiting for. Time just got away from her. In the South, our women are trained to believe in Sunday best clothes and company’s-coming-to-dinner china and linens. We save our best for others and shrug off the importance of ourselves. Mama was always like that, but a couple of years ago, she surprised us when we kids showed up for Thursday night supper. The table was laid with her treasured bone-colored china and the silver had been polished and perfectly positioned. I stopped in my tracks when I saw the table. “Who’s comin’ to dinner?” I asked curiously. “Just y’all.” “Y’all who?” “You kids.” “You put out the good china for us?” “Well, I don’t get that much company so I need to use it whenever I get a chance.” How true. After all, is it possible to wear out china? And as for the Sunday best clothes, after a couple of years, they’re out of style anyway. Use the china. Wear the clothes. You deserve the best. Don’t be like Miss Elsie and wait until it’s too late to enjoy the fruits of your labor or the bounty of your inheritance. Don’t wait for a special occasion. Of course, you can also be like Mama and mix the best with the rest. She set a beautiful table that night but she couldn’t blow all of her practicality into the wind in one puff. Personally, I didn’t mind the paper napkins at all.
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star gazing PRACTICAL WHIMSY southern hospitality hollywood style
by Joe LoCicero
Georgia-bred and L.A.-based lifestyle expert Joe LoCicero has been bringing Southern hospitality to the Hollywood scene for the past dozen years as an author, TV writer, and entertaining guru. His current book is The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Clear Thinking (Penguin 2005), with his next release slated for January. For practical-yet-whimsical gifts and tips, visit PRACTICALWHIMSY.com.
It’s Ornamental I wish Christmas cheer could last all year around… or at least that some of its colorful accoutrements could. But let me be clear here: I’m not talking about the twinkling string lights that — into August — still dot the rain gutters on that house down the block, or the tree that litters pine needles in a relative’s great room until February. While I don’t advocate holiday decorations wearing out their welcome, ornaments — metallic, glass, glittery, jeweled — can provide a celebratory flavor or favor for a gift or event throughout the year. I first picked up on this notion when the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, which doles out the Emmy Awards each year, had ornament maven Christopher Radko specially design a hand-blown glass ornament to celebrate the Academy’s 50th anniversary in 1998. (Those ornaments now go for ungodly sums on eBay.) For a few years after they were given to Academy members, you could find them displayed in their homes — no matter what time of the year — hanging on stands in various locales, propped up on bookshelves, their owners uttering quips to visitors like, “See my Emmy on the mantle?” In that spirit, I recently was helping a bride-to-be brainstorm ideas for a favor for her wedding, set for Thanksgiving weekend. Rather than avoid its proximity to Christmas and all that attendant hullabaloo, we embraced the season. Instead of sending guests away with the more traditional favors of wedding cake-shaped cookies or votive candle sets, this bride opted for finial pink glass ornaments, beautifully packaged in cellophane bags and cinched with cocoa brown-colored grosgrain ribbon. Now, each Christmas, when guests decorate their trees, they’ll also remember the memorable wedding they attended during that holiday time. Weddings aside, ornaments can set a tone in other festive ways. Last year, the Practical Whimsy home in Los Angeles was featured on a home tour in which each of the five homes included selected a holiday to
“theme” out their home. While our theme was technically “Thanksgiving,” we designed place settings at the makebelieve feast that included a glitter gold star ornament dangling in a champagne glass by each plate. If you’ve got an event or celebration that you know is coming up in ‘07, think about gathering up ornaments at half-price after Christmas this year… at practically any store you can think of. For instance, licensed ornaments — such as those in the shape of action heroes or characters from favorite kid’s animated series and movies — are perfect for including as decorations on the party table or dropping into a favor bag at a child’s birthday party. But if you’re a purist — and ornaments only have their place in your life at Christmastime — then let’s get back to the holidays at hand. Consider an interactive Christmas party in which all of your guests make an ornament to take home with them. You can be as elaborate — or as simple — as you like, depending on how much time you want to put into an “ornament bar,” and how crafty your friends and relatives are. On the simple side, you can purchase Styrofoam or plastic balls in varying diameters. You can set out little dishes containing beads and sequins that can be pinned in or glued onto the ball forms; squares or scraps of fabric that can be appliquéd on; or patterned papers that can be cut, applied, and shined by spreading Modge Podge adhesive (available at craft stores) all over with a small foam brush. If those methods sound too involved, drop the ball in a bowl with a shallow depth of glue, and then roll it around in glitter for a quick and sparkly fix. Another ornament idea for a party guest to (bake and) make is a cookie. A hardy gingerbread recipe (available on PracticalWhimsy.com) can be adapted for frosted, shimmering ornaments, replete with royal icing, nonpareils, sanding sugars and other decorations. Sure, that kind of ornament might be eaten on the way home from your party rather than make it up on a tree, but cookies (unlike some ornaments) weren’t meant to be hangin’ around for long anyway. DECEMBER 2006 / JANUARY 2007 • Y’ALL
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ms. ms. grits grits A Southern Girl Knows Her Real Man…Man-ners, Man-ners, Man-ners
by Deborah Ford
Deborah Ford is the founder of Grits® Inc. (Girls Raised in the South), a multi-million dollar merchandising company. Ford is the author of the best-selling GRITS Guide To Life, Puttin’ On The GRITS: A Southern Guide to Entertaining, GRITS Friends Are Forevah, and her newest, Bless His Heart. Contact “Ms. Grits” via email at msgrits@yall.com 72
Perhaps the most basic ingredient to a Girl Raised in the South is proper etiquette. Why is proper etiquette so important? Because good manners are a powerful tool. In many cases, they are the most powerful tool. They are the outward sign of our inner charm, and the intersection of femininity and style. Manners are the rules that govern the behavior of a Southern woman – from our public demeanor to our style of dress; from the way we hold a fork to the way we thank our hostess. Our manners have been passed down to us from our mothers and grandmothers, all the way back as far as the family tree goes (even if it’s crooked a bit). They are a connection to the past, and a reminder in this hectic age to slow down and enjoy all the pleasures life has to offer. We can all learn a lesson in manners from the women and men who make up the history of the South. After all, good breeding is our legacy! We know that in even the most trying times, our manners help maintain a sense of pride. They are something that can never be taken away by a bank, an unscrupulous boss, ex-husband or bad weather that destroys everything we have. From the most meager meals to the most lavish banquets, they are all served with style and grace. Friends and strangers alike are treated with kindness and decorum. If a Southern woman has only one nice outfit, it will be washed, pressed and ready for any occasion. If you are a Girl Raised in the South, you are taught that the key to good manners is to always be charming and polite. Most of us in the South act like
our mother or someone else’s mother is watching! We know not do anything we’re going to be ashamed of the next day. In short, having Southern manners means conducting yourself with class at all times. We even try to always be more composed than our men. After all, we’re the ones who have to straighten out the messes they get themselves in, bless their hearts. There are certain rules that a Southern girl never has to be told. We know that certain behaviors will drop us straight into society’s gutter. I know times have changed; however, the following list includes just a few of the many things Southern women should never do: • Drink a beer straight out of a can or bottle. • Walk down the street smoking a cigarette. • Chew gum, especially while talking. • Wear white after Labor Day. • Forget to RSVP or fail to write a thank you note. • Ask another woman about her real hair color. I’m not saying that a Girl Raised in the South always has perfect manners. We’re like the rest of the world and know that we can laugh and learn from our mistakes. If you make a mistake in your manners, don’t worry. You’re safe among true GRITS Girls, because it’s the worst manners of all to point out someone else’s faults – especially in public.
“…the key to good manners is to always be charming and polite.”
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Gen. Stonewall Jackson
yʼall
of fame
(1824-1863)
Lt. Gen. Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson was one of the top Confederate commanders during the Civil War. Born in Clarksburg, Va., in 1824, Jackson was a cadet at West Point (Class of 1846). He served in the artillery in the Mexican War and earned two brevets before resigning to accept a professorship at the Virginia Military Institute, a position he held for a decade. He also became strongly religious during this time of peace.
Jackson’s gravesite in Lexington, Va.
Upon the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, Jackson was commissioned a colonel in the Virginia forces and dispatched to Harpers Ferry, Va., where he was active in organizing the raw recruits. He would eventually rise to the rank of lieutenant general in 1862. Jackson and his Virginians fought brilliantly at the First Battle of Bull Run in July 1861. They were so distinguished that both the brigade and its commander were dubbed “Stonewall” by General Barnard Bee, and the nickname stuck. He would go on to fight alongside Gen. Robert E. Lee at the Battles of Antietam, Second Bull Run and Fredericksburg. In perhaps his greatest day on the battlefield, May 2, 1863, Jackson led his corps around the Union right flank at Chancellorsville, Va., and routed the Union 11th Corps. That night, he was returning to his own lines when he was mortally wounded by some of his own men. His arm was amputated. General Lee wrote of him with deep feeling: “He has lost his left arm; but I have lost my right arm.” Days later, Jackson died from pneumonia, on May 10, 1863. Many scholars believe Jackson’s untimely death was a turning point for the Confederate Army’s ultimate defeat. Jackson is buried in Lexington, Va., alongside his wife, Mary Anna Jackson, who died in 1915. by Jonathan Craig
“Let us cross over the river and rest in the shade of the trees.” Last words of Stonewall Jackson. DECEMBER 2006 / JANUARY 2007 • Y’ALL
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Living historian by Katie Floyd
“I am a Keeper of the Heritage and I pledge to protect and preserve my individual, local, state and national heritage. I am forever in prayer for Divine wisdom, forever in study for personal knowledge and forever in servitude of my country. I am a Keeper of the Heritage.” –Pledge of the Heritage Keepers of America
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Revel as George Washington
f you have ever wondered what George Washington would be like if he lived today, you can find out. Just go see one of Rick Revel’s American Heritage Theatre shows.
I
Revel, 50, is the founder and CEO of the Heritage Keepers of America, based in his hometown of Paris, Tenn. He has been coined by many as the “Voice of the South.” He got his start as a self-proclaimed Southern historian when his daughter asked for help on her homework for history class. “I’ve always been an active parent, so I looked at what she brought home. It was history homework and I found there were huge gaping holes in American history in what she was bringing home and studying compared to what I learned in school. I felt compelled enough to actually do something about it instead of complaining about it,” says Revel. He started his “Edu-Tainment” empire as a way for audiences to learn about American history and be entertained at
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Revel as Davy Crockett
Revel as Tennessee Confederate hero Todd Carter the same time. His crowds range from American Journey, a combination of folk children at elementary levels all the way country music and modern sound, and to senior citizens. He teaches at col- his video series that he produces, acts in, leges, although he does not have a col- and distributes to schools and individulege degree himself—something that he als who want to learn, he encourages finds very unusual. His entire mission Americans to trace back their family hisis to bring history to life. Revel says he tory and see where they fit in. His latest asked himself, “If George Washington video is a piece entitled David Crockett’s came back today, what would he have to Tennessee Trails and Tales; a film focusing say about America?” And that’s exactly on Crockett’s early years in Tennessee what he answers through bringing to life before the Alamo. One of the neatest historical figures such as Washington and aspects to Revel and his followers is disDavy Crockett, along with other histori- covering that they have famous ancestors cal figures. or ancestors who were involved in crucial By dressing up as who he chooses to points in American history. portray, right down to the clothing, acThe most important aspect of becent, and attitude (Washington being a ing Southern to Revel is his belief that favorite) Revel reaches audiences on an America was formed in the South. He interactive level. Rather than teaching says that while New England states have history like it would be taught in a book, their claim to fame, Washington and his goal is to make learning fun. And other strong Southern leaders built the that’s what he does. He has two daugh- America we see today. By narrating Civil ters with his wife, Jennifer – Emily,12, War reenactments (or the War of Northand Erica, 18 – both of whom love to ern Aggression as he puts it), he hopes travel and participate. to explain to people the importance of Revel says much of American history what they are witnessing, not just awe is untold. He points out that there were them with cannon blasts and gunshots. eight presidents under the Articles of Con- He says most of the characters he porfederation before George Washington was trays are strong Southern figures, but are recognized as the first president under indeed Americans first and foremost. His the Constitution. The Tennessean says ultimate goal: to educate people on the he spends most of his waking moments true history of the South while making it studying American history; particularly entertaining at the same time in order to during America’s formative period, 1776- preserve American heritage as it should 1876. He focuses on this period because, be. as he says, “That’s when we started to be“It touches people when they get a come a formidable nation—a force to be chance to find out that they are a part reckoned with.” of American history. That’s what I wind But perhaps Revel’s favorite part of his up doing; I show you and everybody else job is teaching people that they are a part how you are a part of history.” of history too. Through a song called
“It touches people when they get a chance to find out that they are a part of American story tory ory ” history.”
ving
h
DECEMBER DECEM MBER 2006 / JANUARY 2007 200 07 • Y’ALL Y ALL
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in memoriam
CHARLIE BRADBERRY The brother of NASCAR driver Gary Bradberry and a driver himself, Charlie Bradberry, 24, was known for both his NASCAR driving and his driving in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Bradberry had been racing since 1992 and entered the professional circuit in 1998. He was named “Rookie of the Year” at several different race circuits, including the Allison Legacy Series. He re-entered the NASCAR circuit in 2005 where he won five times. Bradberry was killed on Oct. 7, 2006, in Chelsea, Ala., when his pickup truck overturned on Shelby County 11.
DEREK JACOBS The 18-year-old engineering prodigy and student at Florida International gained recognition when he and his family got identification chips implanted live on television. Certified by Microsoft at age 12 as a qualified systems engineer, Jacobs was one of the youngest ever to receive this position. He went on to run his own computer-consulting company at age13 and was on the path to receiving his engineering degree and become a neurosurgeon. He was killed in a motorcycle accident in Boca Raton, Fla., on Sept. 30.
FREDDY FENDER Introduced by David Letterman as “one of the greatest voices in all of music,” Tex-Mex music legend Freddy Fender surely left his mark on society. Born Baldemar Huerta in San Benita, Texas, Fender is best known for his 1975 crossover hit “Wasted Days And Wasted Nights.” In the ‘60s, Fender surfaced in New Orleans, where he went to Del Mar College and worked as a mechanic. It was at this time that he developed his rhythm-blues-Cajun funk sound that led to his debut hit, “Before The Next Teardrop Falls.” The country singer died of lung cancer in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Oct. 14. Fender was 69.
BYRON NELSON Born within six months of Ben Hogan and Sam Snead, two other great golfers of his time, Byron Nelson certainly held his own. The Waxahachie, Texas, native received the Bob Jones Award, the highest honor given by the United States Golf Association, in 1974. The Hall of Famer was known as “Lord Byron” for his elegant style on the golf course, and had a great year in 1945 when he won 18 tournaments. He died in Roanoke, Texas, at the age of 94 on Sept. 26.
BRADLEY ANDRESS The 20-year-old bass player and singer with the punk band Close To Home died of cancer at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center of Edgewood, Ky., on Oct. 6.
died from bone marrow cancer and heart failure in Kansas City, Mo., on Oct. 6. O’Neil was a Florida native.
JOHN “BUCK” O’NEIL The 94-year-old former Negro Leaguer, known for his time with the Kansas City Monarchs and for being a first baseman and a manager, 76
DR. MASON ANDREWS The former mayor of Norfolk, Va., was best known for being the first obstetrician and gynecologist to deliver a “test-tube” baby. The cofounder of the Eastern Virginia Medical School died at 87 on Oct. 13, in Norfolk.
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ANN RICHARDS First coming to national attention in 1988 when she delivered the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention during her term as treasurer, Ann Richards was known as a flamboyant woman. Richards served as Governor of Texas for one term before being defeated by Republican George W. Bush in 1994. Richards died of esophageal cancer in Austin, Texas, and was laid to rest during a private burial service at the Texas State Cemetery. Richards was 73.
ERSKINE “ERK” RUSSELL Known for building his own college powerhouse at Georgia Southern University, the Birmingham, Ala., native lettered in four sports at Auburn. He was the defensive coordinator for the Georgia Bulldogs from 1964-1981, and went on to become the head football coach of Georgia Southern from 1981-1989. Russell was inducted into both the Georgia and Alabama Sports Hall of Fames and was named USA Today’s Coach-of-the-Decade in 1989. He died of a stroke when his SUV hit a light pole in Statesboro, Ga., on Sept. 8. He was 80.
ERIC TOLBERT The former North Carolina Federal Emergency Management Agency director who was in charge after the destruction caused by Hurricane Floyd, one of the nation’s deadliest hurricanes of 1999, died unexpectedly at his home on Oct. 18, in Lenoir, N.C. He was 49.
DON WALSER Texas Panhandle country singer Don Walser, a former opener for Johnny Cash, died at age 72 on Sept. 20, in Austin, Texas.
PRENTISS BARNES Mississippi musician and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Prentiss Barnes, singer for the Moonglows in the 1950s, died Sept. 30, when he wrecked his car on Mississippi Highway 48 near Magnolia. He was 81. “UNCLE” JOSH GRAVES The dobro player and member of Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs’s Foggy Mountain Boys, died on Sept. 30, in Nashville, Tenn. The 79year-old singer was a double amputee, due to his longtime battle with diabetes. JOEL T. BROYHILL The former Republican congressman from Virginia died of congestive heart failure and pneumonia on Sept. 24, in Arlington, Va. He was 86.
NELLIE CONNALLY The widow of former Texas Gov. John Connally, known for being one of the passengers in the limousine in 1963 with President John. F. Kennedy when he was assassinated, died at age 87 on Sept. 1, in her hometown of Austin, Texas. GUY GABALDON World War II Marine hero Guy Gabaldon caught 1,000 Japanese single-handedly in the Battle for Saipan in July 1944, earning the Navy Cross. He died of heart disease at age 80 on Aug. 31, in Old Town, Fla. DAVID SCHNAUFER Session musician David Schnaufer died of lung cancer in Nashville, Tenn., on Aug. 23. The La Marque, Texas, native was known for recording with Chet Atkins and Johnny Cash, and for his Appalachian music style. He was also widely credited for his work to popularize the dulcimer. He was 53.
DECEMBER 2006 / JANUARY 2007 • Y’ALL
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festive south Dec. 1-3, 2006 Chimneyville Crafts Festival A crafts festival preserving the fine work of regional craftsmen through demonstrations, displays and sales by more than 160 master artisans featuring one of a kind gift items of quilts, jewelry, and much more. Jackson, Miss. 601-981-0019 www.mscraftsmensguild.org info@mscraftsmensguild.org
Dec. 2 13th Annual Christmas in Collierville Enjoy Christmastime in the 1800s with horsedrawn carriage rides, continuous entertainment and more in the historic town square. Collierville, Tenn. 901-853-1666 www.collierville.com/mainstreet mnstreetcv@aol.com
Dec. 14-16 NAIA National Football Championship Families and friends travel from all over the nation to attend the National Championship game as two NAIA college teams compete for the title. Savannah, Tenn. 800-552-3866 www.tourhardincounty.org teamhardin@charterinternet.com
Dec. 2 The Winter Festival A Celebration of Lights, Music, and the Arts, Five stages of local entertainment, lighting ceremony, parades and youth tree decorating contest highlight this event. Tallahassee, Fla. 850-891-3860 www.talgov.com winterf@talgov.com
Dec. 16 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Ten miles of intracoastal waterways in Broward County are traveled by beautifully decorated vessels carrying musical groups, beauty queens and a floating circus. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 954-767-0686 www. winterfestparade.com info@winterfestparade. com
Dec. 1-3 Christmas in the Country This small town celebration is like a step back in time as the entire historic district is illuminated in lights. A live nativity, Christmas carols being sung by the entire community and a children’s Christmas parade provide something for the whole family. St. Francisville, Dec. 3 La. 800-789-4221 www.stfrancisville.us Plantation Christmas lauriemainst@bellsouth.net A re-creation of an early 19th century holiday celebration with period Dec. 1-Dec. 31 musical entertainment and Santa’s Village traditional decorating Alabama Constitution Village is converted reminiscent of the “Old into a holiday Fantasy Land with nightly snow South.” Tuscumbia, flurries, live reindeer and of course, Santa Ala. 256-383-0783 Claus. or 800-344-0783 Huntsville, Ala. 256-564-8120 colberttourism@comcast. www.earlyworks.com net colberttourism@comcast.net Dec. 1-31 Southwest Louisiana Christmas Dec. 3 Lighting Festival 29th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Two parades and lighting A 45-foot Christmas tree with over events kick off the festivities 10,000 lights, a holiday musical and that include story times, dance performance are only part of dance performances, what has become a grand festival of musical and theatre activities. Alpharetta, Ga. 678-297groups and more. Lake 6078 Charles, La. 800-456-7952 www.alpharetta.ga.us info@visitlakecharles.org kdodson@alpharetta.ga.us Dec. 1-2 Decatur Holiday Candlelight Tour of Homes The tour showcases a variety of homes in different areas in the city from old Victorians to new lofts and condos in the downtown area, as well as a lively festive marketplace with local musicians and more. Decatur, Ga. 404-3719583 www.decaturga.com events@decaturga.com
Dec. 17 Wright Brothers Anniversary Military and civilian flyovers, speakers and honorees are all together for a celebration of the Wright brothers’ first flight. Kill Devil Hills, N.C. 2523-441-1903 www.firstflight@earthlink. org Jan. 13-21, 2007 17th Annual Wilderness Wildlife Week Nine days featuring more than 100 experts devoted to the past, present and future of the Great Smokey Mountains . Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 800-251-9100 www.mypigeonforge.com events@cityofpigeonforge.com Jan. 12-20 Tampa Bay Black Heritage Cultural Festival A celebration of art, music, dance and literature offering ethnic foods and performances. Tampa, Fla. 888-224-1733 Ext. 143 www.tampablackheritage.org ken.anthony.bxps@statefarm.com
Dec. 9-10 13th Annual Holiday Tour of Inn The touring of 26 historic inns located in historic St. Augustine showcasing the best of what St. Augustine has to offer from restaurants to wineries to bakeries. St. Augustine, Fla. 904-824-2229 www. staugustineinns.com relax@oldcityhouse.com
Jan. 18-27 Augusta Futurity The largest and richest cutting horse event east of the Mississippi and also one of the top six in the world. Augusta, Ga. 706823-3417 www.augustafuturity.com janice. pelcher@augustafuturity.com
Dec. 2-8 Trees of Christmas “Christmas Dreams” See decorated trees representing dreams of Christmas past, present and future. Manchester, Tenn. 931-728-0273 jbcor2002@aol.com
Dec. 9-26 Christmas in Hopelands A night-time journey through the historic14acre Hopelands Gardens with over 100,000 lights with local performances and artisans. Aiken, S.C. 803-642-7631 www.aikenprt.net adavis@aiken.net (closed Dec. 13,20,24-25)
Jan. 27-28 Cape Fear Model Railroad Club The annual fundraiser held to promote model railroading features vendors offering trains, scenic supplies and railroading memorabilia – free clinics offered both days. Wilmington, N.C. 910-270-2696 www.capefearmodelrailroa dclub.org Ben.Jackson@charter.net
Dec. 2-23 The North Carolina Shakespeare Festival’s annual production of “A Christmas Carol” A production of an old Christmas favorite which remains true to the Dickens spirit. (Dec. 2-10, 21-23: High Point, N.C./Dec. 15-17 Winston-Salem, N.C.) 336-841-2273, ext. 226 www.ncshakes.org sales@ncshakes.org
Dec. 9, 16 Tryon Palace Historic Sites & Gardens Christmas Candlelight Tour The palace is illuminated and filled with elegant dancers and fascinating characters. Children of all ages will enjoy the grand illumination at evening’s end. New Bern, N.C. 1-800-767-1560 www.tryonpalace.org info@tryonpalace.org
Jan. 27-Feb. 18 Edison Festival of Light Includes Edison Day of Discovery presented by Florida Power & Light , City of Palms Turn on the Town, Junior Events presented by Sprint Yellow Pages, Crafts on the River, Run for the Light 5K; Stadium & Fireworks show; Grand Parade. Fort Myers, Fla. 239-334-2999 www. edisonfestival.org Edison@edisonfestival.org
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Art Is Just The Start…
T
o a great visit in Tuscaloosa. Besides our award winning arts community, we are also proud to
offer unique shopping, great dining, fabulous festivals and exciting sporting events. Tuscaloosa is also a great place to plan your next meeting, convention, reunion or wedding. To learn more about Tuscaloosa, go to visittuscaloosa.com to view our 64-page visitors guide online. Tuscaloosa… America’s one and only!
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