Sunday, December 31
Tom Head's New Year's Resolutions
1. Kick the Marlon Brando habit.
Most of us have them--and I spend way too much time on abstract stuff, and not enough time on community-building stuff, so here are mine...
Bless The Beasts And The Student-Athletes
Deadspin delivers two late contenders for sports story of the year:
Johnny Fontaine Will Be Starting For Palermo Soon: Italian soccer coach gets goat's head for Christmas.
Friday, December 29
Hang'em High: Saddam Executed
Saddam is dead.
Melton's Bahamas Trip Still Haunting Him
How 'bout them apples? (And what a testament to the puzzle a couple of blog entries can unlock!)
Remember way back on March 3 when we first told Jackson on a JFP blog posting that Melton seemed to be bound for the Bahamas right in the midst of …
Thursday, December 28
He Who Laughs Last Thinks Slowest
I've been saving up for this one. One, Vanity Fair owes us an apology OR a rebuttal. Two, Christopher Hitchens's picture looks like a mustached woman waiting for her bread …
President Ford: Iraqi War, WMD Story a ‘Mistake"
Bob Woodward did an interview with President Ford in 2004 that was embargoed by the former president until after his death. It is published today in the Washington Post, along …
Wednesday, December 27
Spies In The Sky
Jackson and the metro area have a new set of eyes in the sky, thanks to local helicopter pilot Coyt Bailey, SafeCity Watch, philanthropist Jim Barksdale and other private donors, …
Smoot In Smash-up
Former Provine High/Hinds CC/Mississippi State star Fred Smoot has run into trouble again. Smoot will miss the Minnesota Vikings' final regular-season game after breaking his jaw in an automobile accident …
The Great Divide
The few of us still in the practice of keeping straight the interchangeable Meineke Car Cares and Micron PCs of the ever-inflating college football bowl season—postseason rewards for the game's …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
College basketball, Mississippi Valley State at LSU (5:30 p.m., Baton Rouge, La.): The Delta Devils take a beating for a good cause in the Hispanic College Fund Classic.
[Music] Donks and Southern Charm
"Inside peanut butter, outside jelly, seven days of the week, seven different Chevys." If you've heard these lyrics, you know Cadillac Don and J Money, the men behind the infectious …
Temp-Gate Rocks City
In a contentious Dec. 21 meeting, City Council voted 4-0 to an amendment refusing to make payments for temp agencies supplying workers to the city of Jackson. On Tuesday, the …
Barbour Flipping On MAEP?
Gov. Haley Barbour has said that the Mississippi Adequate Education Program formula will likely receive full funding from the Legislature now that the state superintendent of education has released a …
[City Buzz] no. 15 December 27 - Janurary 3, 2007
Grant Writers Suing City
Former city employees LaSeine Hunter Hilliard, Meisha Jones and Stanley Murray are bringing a civil action against the city of Jackson for termination against Civil Service rules and state law.
The Big Fix Is In
Finding displaced and abandoned dogs after Katrina wasn't difficult. Offers of food can usually persuade dogs to trust rescuers. Cats presented a different challenge. Frightened cats hide from strangers and …
Most Intriguing Jacksonians 2006
People living in Jackson may always remember 2006 as the year when Melton melted down. It's not all we'll remember about this year, of course. Renovation began on the King …
AG: ‘Sneaky' Insurance Cos. Wrong to Delay Katrina Suits
[Verbatim statement from Jim Hood] "State Farm, Allstate, Nationwide, Farm Bureau, USAA, and Nationwide have caused many people on our Coast to wait a year and three months for a …
Top 10 Days In Sports, 2006
Jan. 17: Mississippi State basketball coach Rick Stansbury kicks Walter Sharpe off the team.
2006: The Year That Was (Nuts)
As we survey the top local news from this past year, we have to take a deep breath and feel a measure of pride. Time after time over the last …
New Year's Eve In The Capital
One of the most exciting things about a new year, other than a chance to wipe the slate clean of all those indiscretions from the previous year, is all the …
Sen. Horhn Announces Historic Pocahontas Rest Stop
[verbatim statement] Dec. 28, 2006—Eight years of effort finally paid off. State Senator John Horhn announced today that the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) has allocated $1.9 Million and begun …
In Hindsight, We Need Oversight
As 2006 comes to a close, it's become achingly clear that Jacksonians are going to need to do something about the way we're governed. The indicators are clear and, oddly …
[Braden] Absolutely Perfect 2006
I've decided to send this yankeefied newsletter as proof that we are not an agoraphobic family—we just don't like spending time with folks who don't really want to spend time …
[Stiggers] Broke, Busted, Can't Be Trusted
Rev. Cletus: "This is your Reverend Cletus Car Sales radio broadcast! Remember: If you need to get from point A to B, see one of my deacons at the car …
Patrick Harkins
"I love the other (guitar) stores here," Harkins says. "It's just they're doing something slightly different."
Gerald Ford – 1913-2006.
The statement from his family did not list a cause of death. He was 93.
Saints To Get Week Off
Read it and rejoice, Saints fans (from The Associated Press):
NEW ORLEANS — This is new territory for the New Orleans Saints and their rookie coach: With a game to go, they have not only clinched the division, they have …
Tuesday, December 26
Fraud, Katrina Contracts Could Waste $2 Billion
The Associated Press is reporting on staggering waste and loss of funds due to no-bid and fraudulent contracts, especially to Republican supporters, after Katrina, as well as how few minority-owned …
Nanny Hunt a ‘Slap' for African Americans
The New York Times has an interesting piece about the difficulties well-to-do African Americans can have getting quality child care in the U.S.:
Back To Basics with Kwanzaa, Regardless Of Race
The holiday season can be chaotic. In some cases, it turns into a popularity contest: Who gets the most thoughtful gift? Who gets the stock gifts? Who only gets well …
A Cut-Eli Reunion In NYC?
0" align=left /> New York Daily News columnist Gary Myers has joined the "Fire Giants coach Tom Coughlin" camp. Myers suggests Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis as the best possible …
Monday, December 25
Pro Football, Instant Replay: Saints 30, Giants 7 UPDATED
The New Orleans Saints chopped down the New York Giants 30-7 Sunday. Meanwhile, Giants coach Tom Coughlin should begin updating his resume. Giants QB Eli Manning deserves a lump of …
Merry Christmas & Happy Kwanzaa from the JFP Staff
Todd, Donna, Stephen, Renee, Jakob, Darren, Brian, Natalie, Adam, JoAnne, Herman, Ronni, Casey, Pat, Korey and the other JFP contributors wish you all a safe and thoughtful Christmas and Kwanzaa …
Soul "Godfather" James Brown Dies at 73
CNN is reporting the following:
"ATLANTA, Georgia (AP) -- James Brown, the dynamic, pompadoured "Godfather of Soul," whose rasping vocals and revolutionary rhythms made him a founder of rap, funk and disco as well, died …
Saturday, December 23
Peter, Bjorn And John "Writer's Block"
In their hometown of Stockholm, Sweden, Peter, Bjorn and John agreed on some rules before they started recording Writer's Block — 1: Keep it simple. 2: Whatever you do, don't …
Friday, December 22
College Basketball, Instant Replay: MSU Takes 2
There's obviously something about playing in Jackson that agrees with Charles Rhodes. The former Lanier star scored 25 points to lead Mississippi State past New Orleans 89-63 at the Mississippi …
The Gift That Keeps on Taking
Tonight, the City is hosting a dinner for Jackson's homeless. It's a gift to that population the city insulted and injured the rest of this year. It reminds me of …
The Year in Civil Liberties…and Twisted Sister Performing "O Come All Ye Faithful"
Okay, I haven't done a blatantly self-promotional post in a while--and I've just finished my Greatest Hits feature for 2006, highlighting ten pieces of especially popular (and, presumably, least objectionable) …
Tahitian Pomegranate Renewal
Visiting Kansas for Christmas, and when I first went to take a shower, I saw my mom had the same shower gel I had taken to Africa with me. Mine …
Thursday, December 21
BREAKING: Council boots temp agencies, refuses to pay
Amid growing concerns about who Mayor Frank Melton is hiring and whether or not they have been drug-tested, City Council voted 4-0 Thursday to an amendment booting temp agencies supplying …
Cooking with Feminists
Fonda and Steinem explain the concept, and the need, for NON argument talk radio. Love them.
I only have time to say I LOVE it. Finally some women on Colbert. Now let's get more on The Daily Show.
Wednesday, December 20
Baltimore Police Department Has Racially Insensitive Appearance Policy
Sign this petition before January 1, 2007, and help in the fight against another form of racial discrimination - specific hairstyle restrictions. Last time I checked, we are in the …
Fired Principal Alleges JPS Supe Sexually Harassed Him
WAPT is reporting: Jackson Public Schools has fired the principal of Chastain Middle School on Wednesday morning, citing missing money and poor performance. But Principal Michael Ellis said he was …
Mr. December
In the age of ESPN, the Saturday night Game of the Week and the BCS, if you still want to catch a glimpse of college football's regional roots amidst the …
The Best In Sports In Seven Days
College basketball: Mississippi State fans get to see their heroes when the men's and women's basketball teams play a doubleheader at Mississippi Coliseum. The women play at 4:30 p.m.; the …
[Music] Long Way Home
For Jonezetta, 2006 has been a busy year. In January, after signing with Seattle-based label Tooth & Nail Records, the band took one month to write and record their first …
Art For The Body
If you loop around downtown trying to get a gander at the King Edward, you need to stop your car and visit Ink Spot, which opened six months ago, a …
Gifts That Matter
Every time I pick up my mail these days, I get a half-dozen pleas from non-profits and charities to send money. Unfortunately for them, it was last year that I …
Gifts Losers Don't Give
It's only days until Christmas and—this is the point where a lot of people really screw up. If—like me—you haven't quite finished your shopping (or started), you might be tempted …
Suffer The Children
Ginger Smith is founder and administrator of The Renaissance Academy, a division of the Henley-Young Juvenile Justice Center, which works to educate troubled students in Hinds County. Since 2004, Smith …
LeFleur Lakes DOA?
LeFleur Lakes developer John McGowan insists that his project to flood the Pearl River basin between Jackson and Flowood to create lakefront property for downtown Jackson is dead in the …
A Blue Christmas?
The Rev. Jerry Falwell pulled no punches when he told an election training group of the Christian Coalition in 2004 who controls the Republican Party.
Environmental, Evangelical, And No Place To Go
Even though the Bible speaks extensively about looking after the world the creator made, Sunday morning sermons rarely address issues such as shrinking ice caps, vanishing glaciers or how much …
Taking Religion Back
Politics and religion: two subjects that should never be introduced in polite conversation. When I moved to Mississippi, the admonition became a hard and fast rule for me. Mississippi politics …
[Greggs] No, Are You OK?
As some of you know, I've been a social worker in this great state for about eight years now. Just don't tell that to the men I date. They'd have …
[Stiggers] Good Ole Boy Obama
Mr. Announcement: "This episode of 'All God's Churn Got Shoes,' features the directorial debut of 'Little Baby Sista X' and Kunta 'Rahsheed X,' Toby's sister.
[Kamikaze] Standing At The Crossroads
This will probably be one of the most personal columns I've ever written. Hip-hop is at a crossroads.
Sabri Agachan
One immediately feels welcome when entering Sabri Agachan's home. Take your shoes off and put on the slippers offered; accept tea in delicate glasses and an offer of food. The …
JPD Chief Has No Plan?
According to WAPT, Marshand Crisler has asked JPD Chief Anderson "to present a crime-fighting plan to the public," which she has declined to do. Is this a case of no …
Jill Conner Browne: Victory on Toys for Katrina Kids!
Our good friend Jill Conner Browne just sent this update out to her list about how efforts of many of you and others are making a big difference in the …
Tuesday, December 19
New "Clean Coal" Plan in ‘Sippi?
This just came across the transom [verbatim release]:
JACKSON, MS, Dec. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Silverado Green Fuel Inc. announced plans today to build the first low-rank coal-water fuel ("Green Fuel") facility in the United States. The $26 M …
Revisiting the "N" Word: Responses to my Column
The Clarion-Ledger printed my most recent rebuttal to columnist Leonard Pitts column on the "N" word yesterday. I know we've THOROUGHLY discussed it here but some C-L readers chimed in …
JFP Columnist Kamikaze on Kim Wade Show Tues. 5pm
*Update: Catch Part II of Kamikaze's visit with Kim Wade (1180 AM) today, Dec. 19, at 5 p.m.
Going toe-to-toe with Kim Wade on his daily talk show on WJNT. We're going to dig deeper into the David Banner controversy, the Millsaps controversy, and the city of Jackson …
Decking the Halls in a Blender; Share Your Traditions!
Mr. Steam Jeans and I are spending our first Christmas together with our "blended" family. The Monkey is nine; the Princess is ten, so we have about a decade of …
Monday, December 18
Quote of the Day: Going Along to Get Along
I love this. From Gender 3.0 blogger Cameron Scott:
This is a NEWS Headline, Ledger?!?
Look at the kind of crap that is helping beef up the "news headlines" over on Gannett's local "information center," now that the Ledger is, uh, moving beyond the idea …
Loome: Politicians Misrepresenting MAEP Formula
[Verbatim from Nancy Loome] There has been a good deal of political posturing surrounding the Mississippi Department of Education's announcement of the updated MAEP figures. Rest assured that the negative …
Sunday, December 17
Redskins 16, Saints 10: Aints Go Backing In
The New Orleans Saints had it all in front of them on Sunday. All they had to do was beat a below-average Washington Redskins team at home in front of …
Let Us Pray
Here I am, a spit and polish away from 30, and I still can't figure out what the hell that means.
I remember that time when I was 5 or 6 years old, sitting in my Southern Baptist Sunday school class, as the teacher told us about the parting of the …
Suggested Reading: ESPN, December 18 (UPDATED)
But that's not all ...
The latest issue of The Magazine is chock full of Mississippians, starting with the cover story on Adalius Thomas (p. 48), the former Southern Miss star who's become a human …
Saturday, December 16
One Christmas Wish
A few months ago I decided to make a list of the top 10 or so things the Jackson City Council could do to improve its weekly meetings. At the …
Friday, December 15
Supreme Court: City Can't Call Duplex a ‘Drughouse'
The Clarion-Ledger is reporting that the Mississippi Supreme Court has upheld the order that city officials cannot refer to the Ridgeway Street duplex, allegedly demolished by Mayor Frank Melton and …
two interesting stories
The NYTimes has two really interesting stories today.
In one, Diamonds are for Never , Ophrah/that new movie "Blood Diamonds" are convincing many women into giving up diamonds:
Thursday, December 14
Hip-Hop is Dead
Hip-hop is dead.
That's was Nas is saying on his new disc (hitting the streets on Tuesday, yall), and I can't say I disagree.
Rev. Ross Olivier, Jesse Robinson on Radio JFP Friday
Tune in Friday (Dec. 15) at noon for the second beta version of Radio JFP on WLEZ, 103.7 FM. We have amazing guests this week—Rev. Ross Olivier of Galloway Methodist …
Melton Hires Judge Accused of Sexual Harassment
The Clarion-Ledger is reporting the latest chapter in "As the City Spins":
Bad and Beautiful
Roller derby is experienceing a rebirth on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Mississippi Rollergirls are Mississippi's first flat-track derby league. Right now the league consists of one team, but its …
Wednesday, December 13
It's Fruitcake Weather! RIP: Marie Rudisill
Click below and pay no attention to the dark-haired yankee. Bless his heart; Jay Leno did NOT understand the greatness that was Marie Rudisill. Notice he calls her the character …
[Faith] Restoring Stolen Years
"Your honor, we the people of Mississippi find the accused, Cedric Willis, guilty of murder."
When Every Choice Is Open
In a way, Neil LaBute's "The Mercy Seat" resembles an R. Crumb comic strip. In the 1960s, Robert Crumb appropriated the comic strip, a medium whose "Golden Age" was marked …
Heaven On Earth
For many people, the land of Timbuktu is a mythological one. They've heard the city's name, but don't realize it's an actual city—an actual society. Timbuktu, less than 10 miles …
2006 - 2007 College Hoops Preview
Jackson Public Schools alumni will be key players at Jackson State, Mississippi State and Southern Miss this season. (Ole Miss doesn't have a Jackson player on its roster, which might …
Inside Game: Previewing Local Favorites and Women's Teams
The Blazers are off to a 7-3 start, led by senior guard Bobby Johnson (25.7 points and 7.0 rebounds per game). He's one of seven Belhaven players with a double-figures …
[Music] Bulldozin' Bluesman
John Horton III is sitting in the cab of his bulldozer on a cool early December morning in Swift Water, Miss. As the Aqua Farms crew rebuilds a catfish pond, …
Do It For Your Country
There are certain holiday essentials. One such essential: eggnog. And you simply can't have eggnog without alcohol. Now, that's a holiday essential.
Then There Were Four
Holiday dinners with my family, particularly on my father's side, have always been interesting. For the past 15 years or so, our Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners have consisted of the …
The iTodd's Gift Guide
The holidays are frustrating for a geek. Why? Because we know exactly what we want. And no one else does. Why? Because they're not paying attention. Here, then, is a …
The Gears Keep Turning
Many games over the years have been advertised as "Halo-killers." These so-called next-generation shooters proved to be only minor diversions in comparison to Microsoft's flagship game. Enter "Gears of War." …
Jackson, We Still Have A Problem
It's been a tough week or so over at Frank Melton's house. First, we broke the news online on Dec. 4 that the young man he is accused of mentoring …
[Lott] Turning Dirt Into Energy
As the holidays quickly approach, the price of gasoline is rising. Americans have come to expect an explanation for energy prices that yo-yo up and down in a volatile, seemingly …
[Stiggers] Hot Treats In The ‘Hood
Still Bill the Funk Doctor: "Happy holidays, groovy people! This is your 'funk doctor' broadcasting live from the Ghetto Science Team's Telecommunications Center, WGST, 107-and-a-half on your raggedy radio. You've …
No. 13, December 14 - 21
<b><em>Calling the Oscars</b></em>
"And the Oscar goes to" … Frank Melton this year for impersonating police, a Democrat, a law-abiding citizen and his golden performance as an award-winning mayor. I applaud you, sir.
Erik Mackinnon And Stephanie Miller
Meeting Erik MacKinnon, 36, and Stephanie Miller, 32, is like crossing paths with the Tasmanian devil and Tinkerbell. A consistent smile and a staccato laughter usually float around Stephanie, especially …
Bearing My Soul
I wanted to write a book about some of the things I dealt with in my life, but I haven't gotten around to it yet. For now, I created a …
Dem Upset in Final '06 House Election
Rodriguez appears to have won with 55 percent of the vote.
In what was largely seen as an upset victory, Ciro D. Rodriguez beat Republican Representative Henry Bonilla in a runoff election, adding one more Democrat to the new House majority …
Tuesday, December 12
Mayor Having Negative Influence on Troubled Teens?
Two of Mayor Melton's young housemates are back in jail. Last week, Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Swan Yerger revoked the bond of 17-year-old Michael Taylor for a 2005 armed …
From Golden Eagle to Golden Gopher?
Minnesota is looking for a men's basketball coach. Charley Waters, columnist for the (St. Paul, Minn.) Pioneer Press Dispatch seems to think that Hattiesburg's most famous former party animal might …
City Shaken By Departures
Last week saw a flurry of resignations from Mayor Frank Melton's administration, starting with City Administration Director Peyton Prospere, whose resignation became public Wednesday. On Friday, Deputy City Attorney Herb …
Battlefield Aching But Optimistic
Crime is still the prevailing concern at neighborhood meetings around the city. With the most recent crime statistics showing increases over last year in both property and violent crime, community …
[City Buzz] no. 13 December 13 - 20
King Edward Still Moving
Jackson Attorney David Watkins, who is a partner in King Edward Revitalization Co., along with Deuce McAllister and other investors, said the King Edward redevelopment is still ongoing, despite the …
Monday, December 11
BREAKING: Another of Melton's ‘Boys' Arrested
WAPT is reporting that Jeremy Bibbs, who lives with Mayor Frank Melton when he is not in college, has been arrested for carrying a gun on the campus of Copiah-Lincoln …
BREAKING: City Staff Under Demolition Pressure
The city got stuck with a $200,000 bill for demolishing the Town Creek Apartments and runs the risk of further mass expenditures unless it follows federal procedures in demolishing buildings, …
Gannett Plans to Shrink Dailies; Target Older Folks
Interesting poop about the Gannett Co.'s plans for its daily newspapers. (Remember that Gannett owns The Clarion-Ledger.) It seems that they plan to shift their strategy from producing print newspapers …
Dailies Aren't Telling Citizens What They Need to Know
Ain't it the truth? We're surrounded by evidence of this problem, as discussed by Governing magazine. This is a good story, and very thought-provoking. It starts out:
EDITORS MIX IT UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS
release iTunes exclusive Remix EP...bands and fans leak their own remixes as well. On the cusp of leaking the details to their next album (which they're currently in the midst …
Saints March In, Conquer
The Saints, the media and football fans everywhere knew that the Sunday Night Football game between the cinderella Saints and the surging Dallas Cowboys would be a "tester" for both …
Saturday, December 9
Joss Whedon on Gender Equality
This is what a (male) feminist looks like. It's all worth watching (as it explains the connection between Whedon's mother and the group hosting his speech), but if you're pressed …
The Strays "Le Futur Noir"
It is a rare moment when a debut album can rival an album by The Clash. On several tracks you might think these rockers are channeling Joe Strummer with such …
Friday, December 8
Darkel "Self-titled"
The solo debut from Jean-Benoit Dunckel from "Air" masters the fey French disco aesthetic like no one can. Polish "Air" sampled electro-pop and bubblegummed the atmosphere to a perfect pop …
Join the JFP for Southern Fried Karaoke Saturday
Join Donna and Todd for the third annual holiday edition of Southern Fried Karaoke this Saturday, Dec. 9, starting at 9 p.m. in the Hal & Mal's restaurant. Good singers …
Judge Revokes Melton Teen's Bond
The Clarion-Ledger is reporting that Judge Swan Yerger has revoked the bond of Michael Taylor, a mentee and housemate of Mayor Frank Melton, in an armed robbery charge brought in …
Silly Little Editorial About Melton in Ledger Today
It's really amusing to watch The Clarion-Ledger squirm over their annointed choice for mayor. Today, they start their hand-wringing editorial about Frank Melton with this:
Thursday, December 7
Know a Jackson cartoonist who does strip called "Social"?
If so, we're looking for him. We have his portfolio, but no number, and really want to talk to him.
Grammys
The Grammy noms are out. I know I'm harping on music this week, but I told you it's my favorite time of the year. The Dixie Chicks "Not Ready to …
Think Equal
Here's a great ad on marriage equality for same-sex couples:
A clear majority of Americans support civil unions, and an equal majority oppose same-sex marriage. I am absolutely sure that this is because most heterosexuals simply have no idea just …
Please Help With Presents for Katrina Kids
Dec. 4, 2006—Sweet Potato Queen Jill Conner Browne just forwarded us this e-mail. Everyone, please do what you can to help these children get presents this year; drop-off info in …
Wednesday, December 6
Rapture In Veterans Stadium
Football coaches, typically, shy from making predictions. But Puckett's Jaris Patrick was willing last week to offer one forecast.
Poot and Pay the Price
A plane is grounded and searched because of the smell of a burning match. However, the match was not lit to ignite a bomb - it was to cover the …
City Writes Santa List
The City Council's Legislative Committee met last Friday to discuss a wish list for the upcoming state legislative session. Rep. John Reeves, R-Jackson, attended the meeting, chaired by Ward 7 …
Fighting For The Homeless
Michael Stoops says he hasn't spoken at a conference in Mississippi since Ray Mabus was governor, but this Friday, he'll be back behind the lectern, giving the keynote address at …
Here, Piggy, Piggy
Christmas dinners have changed over the years. My family used to sit down to turkey, ham and all the fixins'. Now, my aunt drives three hours to Chicago to buy …
[City Buzz] no. 12 December 6 - 13
Ex-jobs for Xmas Season?
With three weeks until Christmas, Mayor Frank Melton is again talking pink slips. Melton told WAPT Monday that he plans on shaking up the city's Public Works and City Housing …
Onward To Nowhere
December 6, 2006 The crime summit, once billed as the key to solving crime in Jackson, has devolved into little more than a neighborhood association meeting focused on quality-of-life issues …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
Junior college basketball, Coahoma at Hinds (women, 6 p.m.; men, 8 p.m., Utica): The Eagles play their final games before the holidays.
Letter from Jesus
Monkey and Koncha
Like I've said before, the holidays are not a good time for me and I'm prone to scrooginess since my family is not so close to me anymore. I can …
[Music] More Alike Than Different
You may not think rappers and country rockers meet up too often, but I met Ryan Baucham and Cody Cox of country-rock group Goodman County at Seven*Studioz, where we talked …
Damon McMahon "Mansions"
-- Herman Snell
As the frontman of the Pink Floyd/Moody Blues-inspired, NYC-based Inouk, Damon McMahon spent the last few years touring with Modest Mouse, Secret Machines, White Magic and the like. His first …
Something Old, Something New
On Dec. 7, Emmi Sprayberry and Ron Chane will try to bring something new to their old haunt at Swell-O-Phonic retail store in Fondren: pop art. The new collaboration between …
The JFP Interview: Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simon
Ward 7 Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simon has been a familiar face on the Jackson City Council since the days of Duran Duran. Barrett-Simon's demeanor in an interview is cautious if not …
Album Lists
It's the most wonderful time of the year, I think. No, not Christmas! End of the year Best of Lists! I'm totally a geek for lists, and I really burst …
Indigo Changes
America's baby boom generation set out to change the world in the '60s and '70s, and they succeeded. Marching together, they helped stop an unjust, undeclared war and made choice …
Consider The Alternatives
Is it possible that the LeFleur Lakes proposal—a project to damn the Pearl River and create a system of lakes in the name of flood control and Hinds/Rankin development—isn't the …
[Sawyer] Man At His Worst
I have been away from the writing world for a while, away from the whirling dervishes that are American politics. But I must admit, it's hard to shake off a …
[Stiggers] Girls Gone Wild For Christmas
Jojo: "The older women in my family have a fascinating holiday tradition. Every Christmas they decorate their living room couch next to their coffee table with doll displays. Relatives, friends …
[Kamikaze] Lighten Up
After reading all the controversy surrounding the Borat movie, two things have become painfully clear. One, some Americans lack a sense of humor and two, alcohol is a bigot's truth …
Kenneth Grigsby
Young Democrats of Mississippi President Kenneth Grigsby, 32, is an attorney at Phelps Dunbar who's been living in the Jackson area for five and a half years. The Tupelo native …
BREAKING: City CFO Peyton Prospere Resigns
Updated
City Chief Financial Officer Peyton Prospere has resigned, effective Dec. 31, according to city spokesman Commander Tyrone Lewis. Prospere will be replaced by Rick Hill, who has worked with Prospere …
I'm Fed Up!!! Tired of folks blaming hip-hop for our ills: My response to Leonard Pitts' Column
Peace and Blessings, my name is Kamikaze. Im a nationally known hiphop artist from Jackson, MS and President of the Mississippi Artists and Producers Coalition. I also write a bi-weekly …
Baker Report: Bush Iraq Policy ‘Not Working'
Now, here's a surprise. Bush and Cheney's Iraqi War has not worked. They have underreported the level of violence in Iraq. They need to try a bit of diplomacy. The …
70 Years Later and People Still Don't Get It
I just ran across this excellent quote while researching primary source material for my reference book on criminal justice history. I can't use it in the book, but it's too …
Tuesday, December 5
Slaves in the U.S.
The Oregonian had a fascinating story a few days ago about an Ethiopian woman whose employers (she was working for a family) basically made her a slave:
end of the year albums
It's a good time for music. Though the first single from Jay-z's new album "Kingdom Come" is underwhelming at first listen, Hov's come back album is everything I wanted it …
Monday, December 4
UPDATED: Ridgeway Minor Arrested for Armed Carjacking
Also see Schwindaman's cartoon story: Adventures of Above-the-Law Man!
Fighting Off the Winter Blues
Blues, blahs...whatever. Regardless of how much I usually love the holidays, the lack of sunlight and heat during the winter makes me feel yucky. It's a yearly battle that I …
Sunday, December 3
What is Hampton TALKING About?!?
OK, The Ledger's David Hampton has really wigged out this time. In his column about crime today, he divides all of us Jacksonians into two offensive categories. Don't get too …
David Banner, Kamikaze on Talk Radio Monday A.M.
[From Kamikaze] Banner and I will be on the morning show at 97.7 WRJH on hot talk at 9 on MONDAY talking about the controversy (both Banner's and the Millsaps …
College Football: Instant Replay, Dec. 2
How Mississippi teams did on the grid on Saturday (keep checking back for updates):
(For instant expert analysis about what happened around the nation, see Matt Hinton's Sunday Morning Quarterback.)
Saturday, December 2
Ellis Headed For Payday
Monta Ellis, the former Lanier High star who jumped straight to the NBA last year, was doing an interview live on ESPN on Friday, which ended abruptly when a Golden …
Friday, December 1
JPD Officer Resigns
J.R. Walker, the cop whose smoking, ranting face filled the news as he blasted Mayor Melton and the city administration for causing low morale in the ranks of the JPD, …
[Lott] Keeping the GO Zone Going
The Senate reconvenes on Dec. 4 in what's commonly called a "lame duck" session. Usually a lame duck session means that with the election over, little is expected to be …
16-Year-Old Arrested for Cross Burning
Police have arrested a white 16-year-old in Byhalia in North Mississippi for burning a cross in a black family's yard.
