MID-SOUTH MEMORIES
25 years ago — 1999
The bedtime ritual begins with a taped children's book with the story of a friendly snake named Verdi. Then there's Parker King's prayers. In his first-grade class at Altruria Elementary School, like at least two other classmates, Parker takes Ritalin or similar drugs to calm him and help him focus. When the effects of the drug have worn off and the last amen has been said, it's time for Parker's final ritual of the night. His father, medical supply salesman Mike King rolls Parker's back with a magnetic roller then tucks him to sleep on a magnetic mattress pad. The magnets seem to calm him at night as much as prescription drugs during the day, says his mother, school teacher Patsy King. Like a growing number of Americans, the Kings are convinced that magnets, through some subtle force that no one fully understands, are soothing anything from their son's attention deficit hyperactive disorder to the torn ankle ligaments that Mike King once got playing college football.
50 years ago — 1974
The astringent quality which makes "A Man for All Seasons"
memorable is gratifyingly evident in the Circuit Playhouse production of the Robert Bolt drama. Director Buck Clark has at his disposal a cast which performs at a level and with a consistency unusual in this community theater. In this role, Walter Smith is a low-key, understated but valid and effective Sir Thomas More.
75 years ago — 1949
A sweeping reorganization plan to increase the facilities of the Naval Air Technical Training Center at Millington so that it becomes the largest Naval Air station in the world was announced yesterday. The date the change become effective has been tentatively set as April 1.
100 years ago — 1924
WASHINGTON – With evidence of graft and corruption offered from many sources, there will be no slackening of the investigations of the Department of Justice because of the resignation of the attorney general, Senator Wheeler (Democrat) Montana, the committee prosecutor announced today. Criminal prosecutions would be sought by the committee, he said.