Thursday, March 31
Blues Divas on PBS
The 8-hour TV series "BLUES DIVAS" world premieres on MPB/PBS starting Thursday, April 7,
9 p.m. and runs for 8 weeks in that slot. The Blues Divas documentary was Directed and Produced by Robert Mugge. Executive producer, Ty Warren. With: Morgan Freeman, Irma Thomas, …
[Just In] JPS Superintendent's Remarks on Full Funding
These are the remarks of Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Earl Watkins today at a press conference at the Department of Education calling for the governor and the hold-out members of …
Live From Starkville
ESPN2 has announced that it's going to show Mississippi State's spring football game on April 9 at 1 p.m. The natural question is WHY? Doctor S knows: This is the …
Wednesday, March 30
ISSUE: As The Housing Crumbles
March 30, 2005 In his Feb. 14, 2005, press conference in front of Bobbie Johnson's house on Lamar Court, mayoral candidate Frank Melton complained that "half" the housing in Jackson …
Election Watch: City Council, Ward 2
March 30, 2005 Candidates for Ward 2 include incumbent Democrat Leslie Burl McLemore, a JSU political science professor who helps organize the annual Fannie Lou Hamer school, specializing in recognizing …
DIY: How To Feng Shui
Laurel Isbister is a name known to Jacksonians, but most know her only as a folk singer. But Laurel has also been a practicioner of a Chinese art known as …
‘We Can No Longer Hide'
On March 23, in the middle of a budget stand-off, House Speaker Billy McCoy, D-Rienzi, warned that the state budget will have some holes that will hurt Mississippians if the …
The Best in Sports in the Next 7 Days
Thursday, March 31
College Basketball: NIT championship (6 p.m., ESPN): Finally, we learn who has the 65th-best team in the NCAA. Don't miss it.
[Wine] The Many Faces of Riesling
Looking for a sweet wine? Try a Riesling. Looking for a dry wine? Try a Riesling. Looking for a dessert wine? Try a Riesling.
Tevye And His Kids
Look out: Here come the kids. New Stage Theatre is presenting "Fiddler on the Roof Jr." March 30 through April 3. Fiddler, directed by Kate Roselle, consists of a 34-member …
Crossroads Film Festival: Mississippi Filmmakers On Screen
We all know that Mississippi is the "crossroads" where the blues were born. But, of late, the state is coming into its creative own in many artistic areas. Film is …
Eating Popcorn and Paying Dues
This week marks the Sixth Annual Crossroads Film Festival, and in this issue of the Jackson Free Press you'll find reviews, recommendations and a program guide to give you a …
[Crossroads] JFP Picks & Reviews
Whether you've already bought into the anti-corporate, "Think Global, Shop Local" mantra, or you're just trying to figure out what all the Wal-Mart bashing is really about, Lori Cheatle and …
Robert Mugge
Bob Mugge, 54, born in Chicago to parents from the Deep South, has traveled the region, filming the music he loves for over 30 years.
Shining Stars
On Saturday, April 2, the stars will shine for those looking for a glamorous, star-studded way to spend the evening when Tougaloo College hosts the third annual Two Rivers Gala …
[Breaking] Education Funding Talks Break Down
[Just in from a "plumber" (our new word for unnamed source)]: "Budget negotiations, especially funding for education have completely broken down. The House has held firm for (close to) full …
[Fleming] Our Place in Paradise
"One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: 'Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!' But the other criminal rebuked him. 'Don't you fear God,' he …
Jasmine Gargoum
Politics and theater go hand in hand for Jasmine Gargoum, 21. A Millsaps senior whose double major is theater and political science, she has experience in the real world with …
[Stiggers] Antique Road Show With Grandpa Pookie
Live from Rico Tee's Pawn Shop and One Stop Liquor Store/Utility Payment Center, it's the Financially Challenged Antique Road Show.
Monday, March 28
URGENT: How to Help Get Education Funded NOW
Please call the House members and encourage them to hold their position in
The conference committee on HB 1646 (MAEP funding) is still negotiating. The House, under the leadership of Rep. Cecil Brown, is holding out for full funding. The Senate, under the …
Mayor Johnson Weekly Newsletter 3/28
JATRAN Acquires Six New Handilift Busses. Last Monday, JATRAN (Jackson Public Transportation Co., Inc.) unveiled one of its new 2005 Ford Starcraft Cutaway Handilift paratransit vehicles. The new vehicles seat …
Saturday, March 26
The Food Also Rises: Easter Dining
For some families and many Christian denominations, it's traditional to begin Easter Sunday with a sunrise worship service. Jacksonians without a particular church home—or looking to start the day with …
Friday, March 25
Bush Approval Slipping With Men, Conservatives
AP is reporting:
President Bush's job approval slipped into the mid 40s in national polls released this week as he lost some support among men and other groups of core supporters. Public approval …
Thursday, March 24
MPB to Broadcast JFP Editorial Friday A.M.
[Editorial] Mr. Barbour: It's Time to Start Governing
Listen to Mississippi Public Broadcasting Friday morning at 5:35 and 7:35 to hear an excerpt from the JFP's most recent editorial read as part of "Opinion Round-up." Following is the …
Score (Another) One for Big Business
The only bill to survive the Labor Committee, chaired by Rep. Harvey Moss, D-Alcorn, is one that benefits big business rather than workers. The lone bill, SB 2480, would lower …
Mississippi Opera Season Finale
The Mikado Sat., April 9, 7:30 p.m. The Mikado's rousing and recognizable music by Arthur Sullivan combines with W.S. Gilbert's political satire to create possibly the most popular of all …
Wednesday, March 23
Frank Melton to North Jackson: "It's Over!"
Mayoral hopeful Frank Melton has called his race against Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. before it ever began. "It's over!" he exclaimed to 35 wealthy women gathered at a breakfast meet-and-greet-and-fund-raise …
[Alert] Support Public Education Today
Here's what you can do right now to demand full funding of Adequate Education. An alert just in from Parents for Public Schools; the Jackson Free Press stands with PPS …
Nevada Barr
March 24 finds Nevada Barr back at Lemuria Books in Banner Hall signing her latest Anna Pigeon novel, "Hard Truth," at 5 p.m. Then she'll head over to Lemuriabooks.com to …
The Best In Sports In The Next 7 Days
Thursday, March 24
College baseball, LeTourneau at Mississippi College (6 p.m.): The Choctaws begin a late-week series in Clinton.
[Music] Crossing Over
Trying to discuss music with Donnie Cross is a cumbersome experience, to say the least. He has meaningful thoughts about the world of music but is far from laconic when …
"This Past Week" EP, The Radio Dept
Alex Slawson & Herman Snell
Formerly rooted in the Creation label's pop sounds of the 1980's, Sweden's The Radio Dept have made a bit of a transition on their latest EP. Moving further from the …
"Alone, Not Alone," Montag
Alex Slawson & Herman Snell
The micro-genre of French Canadian lap-pop has a new addition with Montag, as a forthcoming release is set for February release on Gooom records [Paris] and Carpark records [Montreal]. Nocturnal, …
"‘64 - ‘95," Lemon Jelly
Alex Slawson & Herman Snell
Who would have thought that down tempo and fun could exist in the same music, given the melancholic preponderance within this genre to date. Lemon Jelly have proven time and …
Operation Downgrade
Gov. Haley Barbour's "Mississippi Education Reform Act of 2005," SB 2504, finally passed in the House of Representatives in early March, after living in the shadow of a looming Medicaid …
Thou Shalt Honor The F-Word
Read my lips. The Ten Commandments are not a toy. And the U.S. Constitution isn't an instrument to be manipulated as the political winds shift.But here we go again. On …
[Kamikaze] Let's Get ‘Real'
Listen, this proposed "council" on racial reconciliation that I've read so much about in previous weeks appears to be a good idea ... in theory. But here's the thing, while …
[Sawyer] Ethics And Terry Schiavo
In times of great suffering and sadness, it seems as though there is often much more yelling and screaming than there is loving and listening. The fact of the matter …
[Stiggers] A Lap Dance For Medicaid
On this episode of "All God's Churn Got Shoes," the Right, Reverend "Chicken Bone" Jones conducts a morality campaign and protest rally across the street from the Mystical Magic City …
Akinwole Uhuru
Strength and determination are two words that give meaning to a name, specifically the name Akinwole Uhuru. As a 22-year-old Tougaloo College senior, Uhuru says that every time his name …
[Obadele] Here To Help Build A Better Life
March 23, 2005 Quietly the Provisional Government of the Republic of New Afrika (PG-RNA) has spent a year re-establishing its presence in Jackson, Mississippi. In this historic area Black people …
Tuesday, March 22
Harvey Johnson Jr. (D) - Mayor/Incumbent
"I love this city and the people who live here – all of the people – and I love this job. Love is about making a long-term, lifelong commitment to …
Monday, March 21
Bloc Party Storms Across America
British Post-Punkers' Bloc Party played 5 shows in 4 days at South X Southwest, and unlease their highly anticipated debut L.P. in stores now. They share the Vice Records label …
[Barbour] The Governor's Primer on Mississippi Medicaid
March 21, 2005 If you or someone you love depends on Medicaid, you should read this. And if you are not on Medicaid, you are paying for its services with …
Sunday, March 20
Dish It Out, Ladies
Here is an excerpt from the Maureen Dowd column causing a lot of the women-media chatter:
Super Furry Animals Reissued
For years, Wales' Super Furry Animals have been stunning US audiences with their creative integrity and unfaltering artistic prowess. But SFA-lovers in search of the band's back-catalogue have been hitting …
[Wine] Girlz In The Vineyard
Since the early 19th century, in a business dominated by men, some ladies have been kicking some serious butt in the wine world. We've seen everything from cutthroat businesswomen to …
[Lott] The Whole Package
March 20, 2005 With gasoline once again at $2 and higher per gallon, and some fill-ups pushing $50, we know we need a national energy policy. The question is: What …
Saturday, March 19
Herman's Picks
Chicago garage rock and rockers The Peelers will be at W.C. Don's on Tuesday. They're in the same loud, hard rocking vein of Orange Recording label mates The Drapes, Immortal …
Friday, March 18
Shipping Off Bodies
Hinds County is paying twice as much as it should for forensic services, according to crime prevention activists. Hinds County forensics consultant Ann Williams joined others March 13 on the …
Mayor Johnson Weekly Newsletter 3/18
Reverend Jerry Young
Today, Mayor Harvey Johnson, Jr. introduced nominees to the Convention Center Commission to the Jackson City Council and made his appointments to the inaugural Capital City Convention Center Commission. Johnson's …
Thursday, March 17
Birds, Hardball and Hail
Early Friday morning, Rep. Steve Holland, D-Plantersville, walked past some Senate leaders and Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck, gave them the middle finger and blew a raspberry at them. His bird …
Hot Over 'Heat and Serve' Housing
A heated March 9 Jackson City Council meeting followed a March 8 work session attended by about 40 angry South Jackson residents concerned over the plan to create a lease-to-own …
Hoops Nation
The NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament starts on Thursday. This is one of those days when the mighty engine that is the American sputters considerably as workers focus their attention on …
Wednesday, March 16
Et Tu, Kazoo?
What do kazoo-playing, pink umbrella-carrying women have in common with cave-dwellers, gypsies, cows, Hollywood stars, and toga-wearing females riding emus? They're all the same women—the Krewe of Kazoo. Since they …
Online Exclusive: SPQ Quiz
1. Which of the following is NOT a man you need in your life at all times?
B. A man you can dance withC. A man you can shop withD. A man you can talk to
Mr. Barbour: It's Time to Start Governing
It is telling that Haley Barbour was not in the state of Mississippi when he decided to call a special session this past weekend in a gambit to force the …
The Best In Sports In The Next 7 Days
Thursday, Mar. 17
College baseball, Belhaven at Millsaps (4 p.m.): The neighborhood rivals rumble in another installment of the Maloney Trophy series.
[Music] Ladies Sing: Chick Albums Not To Miss
Kate Bush — "The Dreaming/Hounds of Love" Trip-Hop guru Tricky has said Bush's work has been a significant influence on him and that she should be treasured more than the …
What Women Want
A friend of mine recently advised me about how to attract women. An authority on the subject, he is—in the vernacular—a "babe magnet."
W-O-M-E-N: In Mississippi, Are Girls On The Side?
Just a generation ago, most Mississippi women were facing an M.R.S. degree. "In 1969, graduating from Millsaps, your choice was to become a teacher or a nurse or go to …
Don't Call Me Ma'am
"Yes, ma'am." "No, ma'am." "Ma'am this, ma'am that." If there is anything I absolutely despise, it is the tendency of people in my home state to call me "ma'am." I …
George Ewing
From his white and brown cowhide cowboy boots to his black leather jacket atop a tucked-into-jeans black t-shirt to his rhinestone-encrusted cat-eye sunglasses to his buzz cut, George Ewing exudes …
The World of Queendom: A Primer
So you wannabe a wannabe. Congratulations. By inviting the spirit of the Sweet Potato Queens into your heart, you have committed yourself to a lifetime of fun and laughter and …
[Sawyer] The Arc of Justice
One of the great crimes of our generation is not the cries of suffering throughout our world, but rather that we maintain the ability to heal such suffering, and yet …
Tuesday, March 15
Jade Esteban Estrada
See Jade Esteban Estrada's musical about gay history at Hal & Mal's Wednesday, March 16, at 8 p.m. Sponsored by the Jackson Free Press.
Monday, March 14
David L. Archie (D)
- Attended Wallace State College
From his "It's Time for a Change…" flyer: - New vision of economic development: Attract new businesses - Build new housing - New restaurants - New stores - Put more …
Stanley Amos (D)
P.O. Box 11765
From Stanley Amos' "New Leadership ... A New Way ... A New Day" flyer: The potential for change is ours. Let us begin to change our image of our children, …
Ineva May-Pittman (D)
ht>Bio
Mrs. Ineva May-Pittman, 71, is a native of Jayess, Mississippi. She attended elementary schools in Jayes and Jackson and graduated from Lanier High School. She also attended CM&I High School. …
Dial Those Extra Digits Today
We cussed our phone system all morning until we remembered this. If you're in the 601 area code, don't forget that you now have to dial 10 digits to reach …
Sunday, March 13
Saturday, March 12
The Incredible, Shrinking SS Check
Mississippi, like many so-called "red" states, gets big returns for its tax dollar. The report "Federal Tax Burdens and Expenditures by State," explains that the state gets back $1.84 out …
Rowdy Rebels
Doctor S has noticed a distinct trend in the Ole Miss football program the last couple of years. When David Cutcliffe was coach, it was the players who got arrested. …
Upcoming at Martin's
Of Montreal (indie psych. rock/cd release) will perform on Sunday, March 20, with fellow psych rockers Viva Voce. ofmontreal.net The Slowcore Shoegaze of Timonium and indie rockers Audible will still …
Friday, March 11
Charter Schools Cause Shuffle, Get Boost
Mississippi's charter schools got a boost when the Mississippi Senate passed a HB 238 on March 2. Charter schools are independent public schools, cut loose from regulations of a school …
The Death Of Spring Training
A former Texas Rangers beat writer laments the gentrification of baseball spring training.
Blood, Sweat and Fear
In 1904, Upton Sinclair's novel about the plight of immigrant workers in Chicago meat-packing houses sparked legislation like The Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act. "In …
Crisis: Medicaid Games Come to a Head Today
Haley Barbour's phone numbers: 359-3150, 359-3150, 720-8733, 359-3150. Call now.
In an editorial today, The Clarion-Ledger writes: "The solution to the current Medicaid funding crisis is to take $200 million from the tobacco trust fund and approve a cigarette tax …
Bars And The NFL
Have you ever wondered what's the real history of facemasks on football helmets? Well you should have.
An Imperfect Storm
On Monday, March 7, Gov. Haley Barbour delivered a hardcore ultimatum at the Capitol. "We cannot tax or cut enough in three and a half months to cover a $268 …
National Hockey Leveraged Buyout
Daniel Gross has a plan for how the NHL can be saved. Daniel, why bother?
Thursday, March 10
The Great Dean Genesis
"He ain't ashamed of being a Democrat," Wayne Dowdy growled as he prepped the crowd for Howard Dean's entrance last Tuesday night. Neither was anyone else in the room, it …
SEC Hoops Preview
Ole Miss and Mississippi State begin play in the SEC Tournament on Thursday. The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal's Parrish Alfrord says the Rebels are a team plagued by inconsistency and …
Wednesday, March 9
[Rev] Vespalicious
There we were, on the plane, waiting for clearance to take off. One hour goes by, then two. Can you say hot box of panic and annoyance? The captain comes …
The Best In Sports In The Next 7 Days
Thursday, Mar. 10
College basketball, SEC Tournament, Ole Miss vs. South Carolina (noon, Ch. 12/97.3 FM), and Mississippi State vs. Georgia (2:15 p.m., Ch. 12/620 AM): The tourney continues through Sunday. … SWAC …
More Ways To Skin A Catfish
Did you know that catfish accounts for 46 percent of the value of aquaculture production in the United States? That 660 million pounds were produced in 2003? That the catfish …
[Music] Cinematic X-it
In the world of hip-hop wordplay, verbal sparring and vocal turf wars are commonplace. With this Wild West mentality so prevalent, an emcee is only as good as the last …
Hush! Somebody's Calling Our Name
Never say things can't change. Sometimes remarkable change comes, and it seems so obvious that people barely notice. That was apparent recently when both the Mississippi House and the Senate …
[Chick] Can Men Measure Up To Chick Flicks?
My friend Cowboy and I watched "Hitch" by accident, which is OK because I burned some calories laughing, but I honestly thought it was going to be a boy movie, …
What's In A Name?
Quick. Why did John R. Lynch get a street around Jackson State University named after him? Who is Forrest County named after? How about Duling Avenue in Fondren? Or Alcorn …
[Stiggers] 40 Acres And A Fool
Readin' Rain-Bro Is brought to you by contributions from the International Electric Slide Foundation and The Ghetto Science Team's Trust Fund.
Mike Peters
The brightly colored blue and gold building that sits on the corner of North State Street and Fondren Place and clearly reads "Fondren Corner" in bold cursive silver writing has …
GAO: Terror Suspects Bought Guns in U.S.
AP is reporting:
Viva NASCAR!
NASCAR went deeper South than usual over the weekend, holding a Busch Series race in Mexico City. The race was hailed as a success (more than 90,000 fans showed up), …
Tice The Ticket Man
Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Tice is being investigated for scalping Super Bowl tickets, SI.com reports. Is it a coincidence that Tice is the league's lowest-paid head coach? Will he still …
Tuesday, March 8
Springing Into Action
Ole Miss and Mississippi State opened spring practice on Monday. The Bulldogs were without their starting quarterback, who hurt himself stepping off a porch. The Rebels began the Ed Orgeron …
Monday, March 7
PENNYWISE IN THE STUDIO
CD SLATED FOR JULY, 2005 RELEASE. Southern California's quintessential punk rock band PENNYWISE are currently hard at work on their eighth full length album entitled The Fuse, set for release …
Rice Boils Over
Rice University has disbanded the school's men's and women's lacrosse teams and suspended five students who are accused of taking part in an alcohol-soaked hazing incident that sent four students …
Saturday, March 5
NFL Says Gay OK
Good news, the NFL will now allow the word "gay" to put on the back of personalized jerseys sold by the league's online shop, the New York Daily News reports. …
Friday, March 4
Astralwerks News
Astralwerks is thrilled to announce The Chemical Brothers triumphant return to the US for their first live dates in 3 years! Their single "Galvanize" featuring vocals from Q-Tip is heating …
[Speed] Change Brings About Progress
I have been executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) for just over one year. A colleague had to remind me of that. Quite frankly, I have been having …
Thursday, March 3
Whitlow: ‘Run Like the Dickens'
March 2, 2005 Jackson city politics is starting to become a new outlet of expression for former television news executives and directors. Frank Melton—the former owner of WLBT Channel 3 …
Wanna Cig, Kid?
Gov. Haley Barbour, who was Big Tobacco's "go to" lobbyist when he was in Washington, D.C., is still maintaining that he'll veto any kind of tax bill that is laid …
Capitol Report
On Monday, Feb 28, a conference was held in Room 103 between the Senate and the House, where Rep. George Flaggs, D-Vicksburg, accused the Senate of holding some of their …
Poll: Bush 'Out of Step' with U.S. Needs
The latest New York Times/CBS News Poll finds that Americans are increasingly deciding that President Bush's policies are out of step with the needs of the country:
Dean and the Elephants in Dixie
Charles Evers and I hit it off immediately the first time we met. We, after all, both have Neshoba County roots. My Daddy, it seems, used to drive him around …
Wednesday, March 2
"Jeff Hanson," Jeff Hanson
If your penchant for beautiful melancholy and harmonious singer/songwriter indie-pop hasn't been the same since the demise of Elliott Smith, Jeff Hanson is the cure. With instant classic Kill Rock …
"Strangers," Ed Harcourt
Fans of Rufus Wainwright, Badly Drawn Boy and Jeff Buckley take note. College singer/songwriter British pop rock doesn't get any catchier, anthemic and riff laden than Ed Harcourt. With singles …
"Do The Bambi," Stereo Total
File away your Air and Cornelius and ready your DJ dance set with the kitschy sounds of German Gay Disco. While much of Stereo Total is cheesy filler, there is …
"Outside Closer," Hood
With their last album "Cold House," this Leeds U.K. 4-piece successfully combined experimental hip-hop and rain drenched guitar laden Brit-pop into an innovative and beautiful whole- this was with the …
"Variance," Jega
With mind-boggling Drill and Bass inspired rhythms and IDM-ish keyboard textures; Variance is the much-anticipated third full-length release from Manchester native Jega. Although the ground covered in his latest is …
Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow
The Manchester Monarchs, a minor-league hockey team in New Hampshire, held "Mullet Night: The Final Cut" on Tuesday night. ESPN's resident hockey mullet, Barry Melrose, was on hand, as was …
[Geek] Human Nature 101
A Review of "Faces of Mankind"
One of the most intriguing yet frustrating games I've ever played, "Faces of Mankind" is based on a concept that would crack up most developers: a completely player-run world. There …
[Wine] Viognier ... What is That?
In the quest to discover wine, many of us peruse our favorite package stores and restaurant wine lists for new things to try. Every now and then something pops up …
Driving on Empty, by JC Patterson
Simply Human will surprise you. Four quiet guys, no egos. Just young dudes sharing a passion for the same kind of music: Fuel, Incubus, 3 Doors Down, Creed and Stone …
Desperately Seeking Dickinson
A Review of "Loaded Gun: Life, and Death and Dickinson"
However much is known about the life of 19th-century American poet Emily Dickinson (and the mind that created nearly 2000 poems, among them some of the most challenging and respected …
Coach O Cuts Coach Cut
Ole Miss' new football coach, Ed Orgeron, was in Olive Branch on Tuesday to speak to the Rotary Club. As usual, he was a ball of fire, promising national titles …
[Artist at Work] David Lambert
The paintings of Jackson artist David Lambert have received acclaim in cities across the country for their spontaneity, exuberance and raw energy. The characters that populate his works are often …
[Perry] ‘Eye for an Eye' Not Enough
As a transplanted native of Jackson, with family still there, I have been following the story of Edgar Ray Killen's upcoming trial. I was delighted to see that Mississippians such …
Crystal Wise & Precious Martin
It was 1995. Young Crystal Wise was at a party for freshmen University of Mississippi Law students at her friend's home. Precious Martin, a second-year Ole Miss Law student, was …
[Stiggers] Dr. Strange, or How to Learn to Not to Love Reality TV
Here's an important message from the law office of Cootie McBride, the people's lawyer: Some clients come to me with extremely large knots on their foreheads after taking a pain …
Kobe Will Settle
Kobe Bryant has agreed to make a monetary settlement with the Colorado woman who accused him of rape, various media outlets are reporting. Has any pro athlete in his prime …
Tuesday, March 1
Dean Does Dixie
Casey Parks interviews Howard Dean, Charles Evers and the head of the Jackson State University Young Democrats about race politics in the South.
Herman's Picks
The cruel gods of fate have deemed you to be wishing you could be in two places at once this fine dawning of spring week. Alias, the answer is clear, …
Dead Can Dance to Tour
Dead Can Dance reform, play live, in 2005. Dead Can Dance will be touring Europe and North America in 2005. Tickets are now on sale for the European dates, with …
