AND IT BURNS, BURNS, BURNS
Researchers at Millsaps College recently helped identify a new species of tarantula. The spider is named after singer Johnny Cash because it can be found near the prison that Cash sang about in “Folsom Prison Blues.” According to the Clarion-Ledger, Brent Hendrixson of Millsaps is one of the main contributors to the research, during which they collected nearly 3,000 of the spiders to study. The spider is one of the smallest tarantulas in the United States and is a non-aggressive species. Chris Hamilton, researcher at Auburn University, was instrumental in naming the spider and coincidentally, has a tattoo of the famous singer on his right arm.
HARRY TRUMAN, DORIS DAY, RED CHINA, JOHNNIE RAY
We didn’t start the fire, but a four-legged friend did. According to CBS News, a gas explosion at a Gulfport home this week had an unusual trigger. Fire investigators have reached the conclusion the gas explosion was caused by a puppy’s collar getting caught on a gas valve in the laundry room. The valve was opened, causing a gas leak that flowed through the home’s vents. The water heater then turned on, which ignited the gas, causing the explosion in the house, which blew a hole in one of the walls. Fortunately, none of the family was at home and the four dogs of the family were safely taken out.
WHAT DO SHAWKSHANK REDEMPTION AND A BOY SCOUT TROOP HAVE IN COMMON?
Two words: Morgan Freeman. Actor Morgan Freeman returned to Mississippi to accept the Yocona Area Council of Boy Scouts’ Distinguished Citizen Award in Tupelo on Friday. The Yocona Area Council of Boy Scouts has seen recent growth. 56 boys gained the distinction of Eagle Scout in 2015. According to the Daily Journal, the award from the group recognizes Mississippians who have made a nationally positive impact without forgetting Mississippi. Morgan credits his acting career to the time he spent in Mississippi. “I got roots,” Freeman said.
ONE SMALL STEP FOR MAN, ONE GIANT LEAP FOR TSDS (The School Down South)
Buzz Aldrin paid a visit to the school down south recently in Bettersworth Auditorium. The famous astronaut, now age 86, made the trip to Starkville to speak to the students about his experience on Apollo 11. Aldrin showed pictures of the mission and told exclusive anecdotes about what really happened. Aldrin admitted he didn’t take pictures of Armstrong because “he was pissed off about Neil being the first on the moon.” According to the Clarion-Ledger, Aldrin said he believes that the date of the spacecraft landing should be a national holiday. Aldrin was presented with a cowbell and finished his presentation by telling the students, “Get your ass to Mars.”
