Saturday, February 28
A Dirty Game?
What is the dirtiest college sport? According to Slate, it's flag football. Who knew? During Doctor S' undergraduate days (both of them), flag football was a good way to work …
Friday, February 27
Thursday, February 26
Will Goldwater Followers Vote Against Bush?
Sidney Blumenthal writes in Salon about the father of modern-day conservative, and why he turned on the right of today: "It was Goldwater, the genuine article, who established the image …
Three Houses Divided
It was as if State Rep. Charles Young, D-Meridian, had conjured it all up: this meeting, for the first time, of Mississippi's three houses of education: K-12, Community and Junior …
[City Buzz] A Time to Speak
A TIME TO SPEAK: Due to it being the 40th anniversary of Freedom Summer, 2004 seems to be the year of activism in the state of Mississippi. In fact, at …
Jobie Martin
In the library at Morrison Academic Advancement Center, where he substitute-teaches, Jobie Martin's delivery is as graceful, his timing as sharp, his voice as mellifluous as when he was hosting …
Gov. Barbour, Do More Than 'Hope'
Read last issue's "No Deposit, No Return", the story that helped set off the education firestorm against the governor the week after it came out.
[Stauffer] Movin' On Up
Read about the JFP's exciting moves—from moving into new offices in Fondren to hiring a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter.
[Stiggers] Denials Without Confessions
Network affiliates, Other Brotha/Funkee Finger Productions present "Denials without Confessions," a fresh, exciting and controversial soap opera for this spring. Here is a rough promotion/synopsis of first episode: Supa producer, …
[Ask JoAnne] Because I Said So
A. It's column time again, and I have not received any bona fide questions to answer lately. (It's not difficult, by the way, to have your questions qualify as bona …
A Monumental Mess
An old man sits in a shower of sunlight staring straight ahead. It is hard to tell his age; he could be 60 or 80. He is abnormally quiet. An …
Vasti, Proud and Strong, by Scott Barretta
Feb. 26, 2004—Guitarist, songwriter and producer Vasti Jackson may well be the busiest musician in Mississippi. In the last several years, the Hattiesburg resident has appeared in several feature films, …
Amen, Smoke , by Charlie Braxton
Feb. 26, 2004—Whoever coined the phrase "where there's smoke, there's fire" must have been a fan of Jackson-based rapper Smoke D. When Smoke hits the microphone, he spits nothing but …
Farish Street Blues: Rebuilding A ‘Music Town," by Scott Barretta
I wouldn't have a gal on Farish Street, I wouldn't speak to one that lived on Mill
— Doodleville Blues, by John Henry "Bubba" Brown & Cary Lee Simmons
Six to Watch, by Palmer Houchins
Want to make it big in the music industry, but discouraged because you're from a small city like Jackson? Don't despair; here are six who are breaking out.
Temple for Talent, by Eric Stracener
Since the heyday of recording on Farish Street passed, the only local label with any real national name recognition has been Malaco Records, which has continued with a steady output …
The Alamo Lives On, by Scott Barretta
The spirit of Farish Street in the '50s and '60s is evoked at the Alamo Theatre on the third Friday of each month when The Musicians take the stage for …
Young and Restless, by David Chilton
Two years ago I went to an all-ages show at Musiquarium. As I entered Banner Hall, I heard this massive buzz from upstairs. My jaw dropped when I entered MQ, …
State of Hip-Hop, by Alphonso Mayfield
Label Musical Chairs
The biggest news involves one of the most storied labels in hip-hop. Island Def Jam head Lyor Cohen recently left his position to head Warner Music Group's U. S. Recorded …
A Sweet Little Scene, by James Hughes
It's September 1983, and I'm hanging around the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, regretting that I've shown up six months too late to get into grad school and waiting …
Wednesday, February 25
McCoy releases budget
AP reports: "McCoy said the House plan would inject $673 million into the anemic state budget. He says the money would come from several sources, including increasing costs for licenses …
Tort reform raises rally
Byrd of the AP reports :" 'We're saying that we know better than the citizens of this state as to what value a life might be, and that's wrong,' Tollison …
Tuesday, February 24
Wyatt Emmerich: Raise Cigarette Taxes
Emmerich writes: "For Pete's sake, let's raise the taxes on cigarettes. Mississippi currently has one of the lowest cigarette tax rates in the nation. Just a quarter-a-pack increase could raise …
House, McCoy Budget Puts Education First
Clarion-Ledger online today: "Mississippi's Adequate Education Plan that funds K-12 public schools and the state health insurance program would be fully funded under a House budget plan unveiled today at …
Barbour Urges Tort Reform Rally
[Verbatim; from Barbour office) Governor Barbour is asking tort reform supporters to attend a rally at the New Capitol Building this Wednesday (2/25) at 1:30 p.m. on the second floor …
Monday, February 23
Barbour, McCoy on course for collision
Geoff Pender of THE SUN HERALDwrites "Barbour is slick; McCoy is sly. Both are powerful - Barbour through his alliance with Tuck and the Senate, his considerable public relations skills …
Sunday, February 22
Nader Wants to Be 'POTUS'; Barbour Sez Dems 'Nervous'
AP reports: "Nader's decision was greeted with a chorus of condemnation from Democrats, longtime friends and former supporters who blame him for Al Gore's loss four years ago. They suggested …
Not The Dogs' Day
Alabama rolled into Starkville on Saturday and beat No. 4 Mississippi State 77-73. It was the first time the Bulldogs had lost since mid-January and only the second time all …
Saturday, February 21
Senate passes bill to raise pay
The Clarion Ledger reports today: "Senate Bill 2647 would allow a 22 percent hike for tax assessors and tax collectors, along with a $5,000 bonus for anyone serving in both …
Barbour supports bill saying teacher jobs can't be cut
Emily Pettus of the AP reports "'Getting rid of teachers should not be the first, knee-jerk reaction to saving money in education,' Barbour said. But, with K-12 public education facing …
Bungling in Boulder (updated)
Colorado has named an interim football coach, but suspended coach Gary Barnett says he expects to be reinstated. Think again, Gary. If there was ever a candidate for the NCAA …
Friday, February 20
[Lott] Protecting Gun Rights
I'm co-sponsoring a Senate bill that will protect America's firearms manufacturers and sellers from outrageous lawsuits holding them liable for crimes committed with guns. Like the tactics we're seeing employed …
Escape from Hollywood
Attend "Daddy Cool" Feb. 23, at 7:30 p.m. Millsaps College, Ford Academic Complex, room 215. Free. 974-1299.
Thursday, February 19
Jackson Miss Hospitality Sought
Between ages 18 and 24 by July 25, 2004
The Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau needs qualified applicants for the competition to be held April 10, 2004 at 921 North President St. Winner receives a $1,000 scholarship to a …
Another Question You Didn't Ask Answered
In a shocking development, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia has come out of the closet and revealed that he is heterosexual. Uh, thanks Jeff. Meanwhile, Garcia refuses to answer …
Dumb and Dumber
Colorado will probably be looking for a new football coach soon. And a new athletic director and president, too. Coach Gary Barnett said something really stupid in response to a …
Kerry and his ‘Band of Brothers'
Mary Lynn F. Jones writes on Alternet: that Kerry has strong appeal with veterans, who could swing the election. Kerry is finally giving Vietnam veterans a platform. "They're eating it …
The Progressive Populist Moment?
Tom Hayden writes for Alternet: It's been a remarkable shift after the past decade of Democratic catering to corporate interests and conservative voters, Only one year ago, candidates John Kerry, …
The DLC vs. Howard Dean
Naeem Mohaiemen writes for Alternet: "[A] core part of Dean's appeal was his overwhelming support among young people. In 2000, one of the lowest voter turnouts was among young people. …
Wednesday, February 18
No Deposit, No Return
If you were the melodramatic type, you might call it a nightmare. Barely a year into the new mandates, and increased (and largely unfunded) costs, of the federal No Child …
A ‘Crucial' Tax
To help the city fund a convention center, the Jackson City Council has approved Mayor Harvey Johnson's proposal for a 1-percent optional sales tax increase, and other proposals that will …
[Just In] Barbour Says He Won't ‘Streamline' Education
We just received this from Barbour's office: Contrary to what some have said, the "Operation: Streamline" legislation does not affect funding for education at all. There are no bills dealing …
Mississippi Mulls Marriage Amendment
The Advocate reports: Mississippi gay and lesbian leaders are trying to raise awareness about a bill that would constitutionally ban gay marriages. "We've got the word out through memberships, through …
Barbour Details ‘Streamline' Budget
[verbatim statement] (Jackson, Miss.)-- Governor Haley Barbour was joined today by Lieutenant Governor Amy Tuck and scores of legislators as he filed the bill that represents his budget-fixing plan, "Operation: …
Barbour Faces Budget Opposition
... especially on education cuts. The Clarion-Ledger reports today: On Tuesday, dozens of lawmakers — mostly GOP allies — gathered with Barbour to pledge support for the changes. "I'm willing …
[Stiggers] Walking Abreast in the Naked City
Hey Yawl! This is Bone-Qweesha Jones of the Hooked on Phonics Hair and Touch-up Beauty Salon proudly presenting an exclusive literature experience with the poet laureate of the street corner, …
Tuesday, February 17
[Buzz] Don't Say ‘Tort Reform'; Collective Forms
DON'T SAY 'TORT REFORM': It's kind of fun to watch lawmakers try NOT to talk about a favorite topic: tort reform. Although legislating against "lawsuit abuse," especially with industry-friendly damage …
High Tech, Free Trade and ‘New Labor'
The blogosphere seems a bit a-flutter over the dawning awareness that an increasing number of "knowledge worker" jobs -- mostly high-tech -- are being outsourced by American corporations to other …
PEER slams state veterans' homes
Andy Kanengiser of the Clarion Ledger reports "Mississippi's watchdog agency today slammed the state's four veterans homes in a hard-hitting report that says residents' health and safety is at risk."
Amendment opposed
The AP reports "Same-sex marriages are already banned by Mississippi law. The legislation proposed by Sen. Alan Nunnelee of Tupelo would protect that law from court challenges by making it …
Random Rants
YES it's been sort of a slow sports month, outside of college basketball. However, Uni Watch weighs in with an excellent critique of the uniforms pro sports leagues dress their …
Monday, February 16
Sunday, February 15
Tolerance Onstage
"Papa Married a Mormon" will be performed Feb. 19-21 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. on the main stage in the Marion L. Smith Auditorium, located in …
Bush "Dead Even" with Kerry; on Defensive
AP is reporting: "Republicans have a lot to worry about; hence the reason Bush has been on the defense, says national pollster Mark Schulman."
Smooth Talk: Barbour on the Budget
The former lobbyist was smooth. Gov. Haley Barbour touched on a lot of issues that many Mississippians think are important in his first State of the State address last month. …
[Lott] Doing Our Job
The U.S. Senate is considering highway legislation that will improve public safety, make transportation easier and help create new jobs. Since the beginning of our republic, Congress has been charged …
Friday, February 13
[Sex] An Unsaintly Valentine
If there'd been an award for Best Adult Emporium in last issue's Best-of-Jackson roundup, first prize would surely have gone to Romantic Adventures, an unassuming-looking establishment—on the outside, that is, …
[TV] A Soapbox Alternative
Tired of standing on that shaky box of wood, the sound of your voice becoming moisture laden with 90 percent (or more) humidity? Take a cue from June Hardwick and …
Smith-Wills Coming Attractions
March 16: Mississippi State vs. Louisiana Tech, 6:30 p.m.
Jackson-area fans of the Big 3 will get a chance to see their favorite team this season at Smith-Wills Stadium. The schedule:
The Boys of Winter
Waterproof Arctic weather gear? Check.
Nope, just assembling the required equipment for a trip to an early season college baseball game in Mississippi.
Thursday, February 12
[Ladd] Rest In Peace
When Dr. Monique Guillory called me and said she wanted to bring the "Without Sanctuary" exhibit to Jackson, I swallowed hard. I knew about the horrifying and controversial exhibit of …
[Cannon] Stamp Out Black History Month
It's here again. Black History Month. "Roots" will be played over and over and over again. The Black Heritage Movie Network will show films like "Sweet Sweetback's Baadassss Song." And …
[Spann] Road-Tested, Mother-Approved
I still remember the day I discovered my first gray hair. I was blow-drying my hair and just as I parted a new section to dry, I saw it in …
Dan Joyner
I met with Dan Joyner recently at Cups, in the heart of the Fondren district where, as Joyner puts it, people interested in the arts can hang out together. Joyner, …
Reality Check: State of the State
Gov. Haley Barbour laid out his agenda and policies, in many ways for the first time, when he gave his State of the State address on Jan. 26. Of course, …
Senator says he won't approve local and private taxes
Bryd of the Associated Press writes:"The chairman of the Senate Local and Private Committee says he won't approve any tax increase bills, including those from cities that are trying to …
Holding Steady
Tuition increases may be imminent in the state, especially if the Legislature does not at least fund state colleges at their current level—but even that would mean they wouldn't be …
Let Us Rise in Love, by Carole Cannon
Sweet Honey in the Rock shows up and shows out. This hurricane of African American women whirling, playing percussive instruments, moaning, humming, laughing, soothing, sassing, singing. In voices as deep …
[Jacktown] Hip-Hop High Society, by Alphonso Mayfield
I should call this the good and the bad issue because there are several Jackson artists who have benefited from good fortune and several that have suffered from some severe …
Wednesday, February 11
Young People to Pols: Don't Forget Us
Scott Beale writes for Alternet: "Dean's campaign was the first ever to reach out to young Americans, not just as campaign runts, but as participants in a discussion of political …
Bill will open schools
Sun Herald reports : "The bill would still let children take most of their classes at home. But they could go to public schools for classes that might be difficult …
White wins Senate election
Posted from the Associated Press: "It's been a struggle, but I'm telling you it's been a learning experience, Republican White said Tuesday night. I did the job before, but I'm …
Tuesday, February 10
Andy Sullivan Turns On Bush
Andrew Sullivan, the (mostly) conservative warblogger and pundit, has written a piece for the New Republic called Attention Deficit, vigorously taking issue with Bush's recent appearance on Meet the Press.
[Featured Blog] Obesity, Cars and Suburbia
Good column today from Ellen Goodman, especially for those of us interested in urban planning, the creative class, and all that stuff (Philip and Todd, I'm looking at you). It …
Saturday, February 7
5 Questions to Ask President Bush
Joe Conasan at Salon outlines 5 questions he'd like to ask the president. I'd love to hear the answer to these, too.
Friday, February 6
Support for Bush Dropping
The presidential elections this year may actually be interesting, if the Democrats have a shot at winning. It seems like Bush has hit a rough patch:AP poll notes sharp decline …
Wednesday, February 4
[Featured Blog] Kerry, Bush and the Economy
Originally posted Feb. 4, this has been our busiest blog of the last week or so. It's turned into an interesting discussion about Bush's economic policies. Feel free to join …
State Lottery propsed for new revenue
Eric Stringfellow of the Clarion Ledger writes: "This measure also would be a great boost to morale, at least for the remaining employees. Barbour has also proposed reducing state government …
Tuesday, February 3
Barbour Signs First Bill: Private Prisons
(Jackson, Miss.) -- Governor Haley Barbour signed House Bill 544, the Tallahatchie County Correctional Authority Bill, into law today making it his first piece of legislation to sign into law …
Miss Jackson You're Nasty
Now Janet Jackson says the Super Bowl halftime strip show was planned, but it went too far. It was a wardrobe "malfunction." At least JJ and Justin Timberfake are sticking …
Monday, February 2
Football Recruiting or Whither Willie
Wednesday is the big day when high school seniors can sign with the college football factory of their choice. But before you make your national championship hotel reservations based on …
Cock Of The Walk
Meanwhile, on the male nudity front, British buff-master Mark Roberts is celebrating his successful streak at the Super Bowl. The second half was delayed after Roberts got on the field …
Money Grab
WJTV-12 might have to break out its checkbook and write the FCC a check for $27,500 or more. Why? The FCC has promised to investigate the "deplorable stunt" during the …
Sunday, February 1
Mississippi Gospel and Bluegrass Opry
Mississippi Gospel and Bluegrass Opry - Sat., Feb. 12, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Harmony & Grits. Pearl Community Room, next to Pearl City Hall, Old Brandon Rd. $7.50, Kids free. 924-1175. www.msoprygospelbluegrass.com
Bach to Blues
Bach-To-Blues series offers live secular or sacred music at Trinity Lutheran Church every 3rd Sunday at 6 PM. The Jackson church is located at 6401 US Highway 18 W at …
