Monday, January 30
Favre Wants To Hold Packers Hostage
This just in: Burned-out superstar QB Brett Favre tells ESPN he is leaning toward retiring. He would like to wait until the Green Bay Packers start training camp to make …
Friday, January 27
Oh. My. God.
AP is reporting:
The U.S. Army in Iraq has at least twice seized and jailed the wives of suspected insurgents in hopes of "leveraging" their husbands into surrender, U.S. military documents show.
Welcome to the Wild, Wild West
So, how many innocent people's lives were endangered in this inter-agency chase and shoot-out in the streets of Jackson? Good to know they recovered a small amount of marijuiana to …
‘It Just Looks Really Bad'
The picture of how this city (and state?) treats sex with minors is very disturbing to me. Witness this article today about the police officers who allegedly had sex with …
Thursday, January 26
New Releases: Alicia Keys "Alicia Keys Unplugged"
Alicia Keys — "Alicia Keys Unplugged" Fans receive the very best of Alicia Keys on her recent live album, "Alicia Keys Unplugged." The album includes her newest single entitled "Unbreakable" …
New Releases: Various Artists "Crunk Hits-Crunk and Disorderly"
Various Artists — "Crunk Hits – Crunk and Disorderly" The 2005 edition of "Crunk Hits-Crunk and Disorderly" from TVT Records features several of the South's hottest MCs, including Lil Jon …
Ledger Off the Hook … Sort Of
U.S. District Judge Tom S. Lee, of Jackson, has dismissed The Clarion-Ledger from a defamation lawsuit filed against it by retired Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics pilot Robert Earl Pierce. The …
Wednesday, January 25
The Art Of Being The Best
Just mention "the state's inferiority complex" to a Mississippi native, and he or she will likely respond: "God, isn't that the truth?" Let's just say that residents of our dear …
*Best of: Urban Living
<b>Best Urban Bike Ride:
The scenic, beautiful Natchez Trace Bike Ride for the metro area is in Ridgeland off Pear Orchard. You see two separate views while biking. From Pear Orchard there are many …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
College basketball, Tougaloo at Belhaven (women, 5:30 p.m.; men, 7:30 p.m.): The intracity rivals renew their rivalry in Fondren.
*Best of: Food and Drink
<b>Best First Date, Brunch and Appetizer:
Walking through the front door of Julep, you know your meal will be special. Taking a first date to Julep will foster intimacy amid a hip, urban atmosphere. The appetizers …
*Best of: Nightlife
<b>Best No Cover,
Every time I walk through the door of Fenian's, I hear the theme song from "Cheers." I hear this because "making your way in the world today" is made a …
[Stiggers] Dee-wishious Chocolate
The Qweem-O-Wheat man addresses the Cootie Creek County Community College Black Student Union during their Pre-Black History Month Miss Sausage Biscuit Beauty pageant.
[Greggs] The Love Of Power
I've been reading the "The 48 Laws of Power" recently. I won't take credit for buying it, as it was a gift from a friend. A gift, that once I …
Lott's Back
For months, U.S. Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., has been keeping both supporters and enemies scratching their heads at whether he would run for his Senate seat a fourth time. The …
Fear Of A New Tax
Last week, Gov. Haley Barbour did as expected and vetoed Senate Bill 2310, calling it an "irresponsible" revenue change "in a time of fiscal uncertainty." Barbour's office claims the state …
The Toothless Union
A state union organizer is seeming to do an about-face when it comes to support of city employees.
Lester Hailey
Lester Hailey stands ready to help anyone who walks into Beemon Drugs. Since graduating from pharmacy school 28 years ago, he's been behind the counter, on the raised area occupied …
*Best of: People and Community
<b>Best Local Scandal, Best Public Figure,
As much as I attempt to cover issues apart from city politics, I always end up getting dragged right back to the council chambers and good ol' Frank Melton, a …
Sunday, January 22
Ledge's Ronnie Agnew Lays Down the ‘Bottom Line'
Clarion-Ledger Executive Editor Ronnie Agnew's column today is bizarre in so many respects that we're not sure where to begin. He is certainly laying down the law for the newspaper's …
Why I'm Pro-Choice
I'm beginning to believe that the pro-life movement is made up mainly of a tense alliance between very sincere, deeply religious people and very insincere, deeply cynical people. The people …
New Cat Power Drops
of Memphis musicians, including Al Green sideman Teenie Hodges on guitar, Leroy
On January 24, 2006, Matador will be releasing the long-awaited new studio album from Cat Power, 'The Greatest' on CD and LP in most major industrial countries. Recorded at Memphis, …
Saturday, January 21
CL Reports: Melton Headed to Pakistan
Melton To Meet With Pakistani Officials
It sounds like the people of Pakistan will soon be the wiser when it comes to disaster relief -- according to the Clarion-Ledger, after a stop in D.C., Mayor Frank …
Trading One Depot For Another
While The Home Depot in South Jackson is relocating to Clinton, a new Food Depot debuts on W. Northside Drive this week. Being the nosy person that I am, I …
Friday, January 20
NFL Girls Gone Wild Update
Doctor S' favorite NFL story of the year (heck, of all time) continues. The Carolina Panthers lesbian cheerleaders who threw down in a Tampa night club's restroom are back in …
Ledge Admits to Being Sued in MBN Case ... Finally
Now that the judge is dropping the MBN defamation suit against The Clarion-Ledger, and two of its editors/reporters, the newspaper is telling its readers that it was being sued by …
Frank Melton to Keynote Belhaven Journalism Conference
[verbatim] Jackson, MS (BlackNews.com) - Frank E. Melton, mayor of Jackson, Miss., and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the TV-3 Foundation in Jackson, will deliver the keynote address at …
Thursday, January 19
Rice's attitude linked to "sexual problems".
Condoleezza Rice's anti-Russian stance based on sexual problems
For the love of all that is good and holy, please read the title to this article in a Russian paper. (Link found on Wonkette).
Wednesday, January 18
Let Us Be Audacious
Let us be dissatisfied until integration is not seen as a problem but as an opportunity to participate in the beauty of diversity.
Is Fire Department Up To Par?
An unnamed source inside the Jackson Fire Department says he is worried that the Jackson Fire Department may not retain its current ISO rating when the city is up for …
Come Fly With Her
Sometimes we need help. Whether it's getting out of a job, getting out of your head or getting a whole new life, some things just aren't do-it-yourself projects if you …
Chili to Share
Chili con carne is Spanish for chili with meat; it got started in Texas, and Texans think it's a crime to add beans to it. So says "The New Food …
BeerTalk: Taste of The South
Most beer aficionados are not even aware that the southern United States is the next big "thing" on the beer horizon, with many microbreweries and brewpubs opening in the region. …
The Best In Sports In The Next 7 Days
College basketball, William Carey at Tougaloo (women, 5:30 p.m.; men, 7:30 p.m.) : The Crusaders and Bulldogs do battle in the GCAC again.
[Music] ML Has A Dream
As I listen to a very sexually charged album by a young man whom I am soon to meet, I expect to encounter a very suave and assertive individual, a …
Warriors, Rescuers, Spooks: The U.S. Military's Growing Involvement In Domestic Affairs
Avian flu, hurricanes, weapons of mass destruction, drug runners, illegal immigrants, would-be terrorists, Fox News, CNN, and Google are just a few of the things Col. Tom Muir's men and …
The Art Of Killing
A Review Of "Shadow Of The Colossus"
What is art? A painting by da Vinci? Michelangelo's David? A guitar solo by Hendrix, maybe. But while Mona Lisa can be seen, David can be felt, and a riff …
[Kamikaze] Relax, And Hire Young
Without thrusting myself into the political fray, I must say that Ward 4 Councilman Frank Bluntson and Ward 5 Councilman Charles Tillman were dead-on last week in response to Mayor …
[Stiggers] Dr. Collard Greene Goes Organic
Chef "Low" Fat Meat: "My health-conscious friends complained about the food I used to serve at my restaurant.
Rapping For Reform
Gray skies and a steady drizzle did nothing to dash the exuberance of 200 young people gathered on the steps of the state capitol on Monday, Jan. 16. Many of …
Marianne Dixon
It's not difficult at all for Marianne Dixon, 33, to talk about her job, her husband or Jackson, the city she calls home. Taking a seat at a round, four-top …
Legislature Stands Up To Veto Threat
The Mississippi Legislature churned like machinery last week, sending out bills in record time, and often with little discourse.
A Crying Shame
Some City Council members were showing anxiety over recent firings in city government last week. The Clarion-Ledger had reported that the Melton administration has fired as many as 53 city …
Barbour: 'Why I'll Veto the Tax Bill'
*verbatim via e-mail* There has been a lot of discussion over the past few days about Senate Bill 2310, which proposes to eliminate the sales tax on groceries and increase …
Archie Fires Back
Archie Manning is sick of FOX Sports talking head Terry Bradshaw. Manning tells Newsday that Bradshaw's latest comment about his son Colts QB Peyton Manning was "a cheap shot." Archie …
2 Less Bulldogs
Walter Sharpe has broken his last team rule at Mississippi State. Coach Rick Stansbury kicked Sharpe and fellow sophomore Jerrell Houston off the team on Wednesday for "violating unspecified team …
N.O. Now Payton's Place
Sean Payton will be introduced as the New Orleans Saints' new coach on Wednesday. Expect Payton to draft USC quarterback Matt Leinart and lead the Saints to a 4-12 season. …
Tuesday, January 17
The definition of Overkill
I found this article online this morning. I picked the CBC article instead of the Reuters version of it for a particular reason.
North MS. Delta Blues Update
"Live" Blues in the Delta, North Mississippi and Beyond... www.cathead.biz/livemusic
Monday, January 16
Update Re: Woman Who Protested Medicaid Cuts From Bed
After struggling to get my Medicaid coverage back (for now anyway), I wondered what was going on with Dorothy Bishop's situation.
This Ain't Funny, People!
If people made fun of cancer the way they make fun of mental illness, what kind of society would we have?
Dr. King: More Than an Icon
Geov Parrish writes for Alternet:
MLK, Jr. Day, the holiday, has devolved into the Mississippi Burning of third Mondays. What started out as gratitude that they made a movie about it, gradually becomes revulsion at …
Sunday, January 15
Saturday, January 14
Friday, January 13
Thursday, January 12
ARTICLE: Fetuses Don't Count For Carpools, Court Says
I will no longer use the phrase "Now I've seen everything" ever again.
PHOENIX -- A judge says an Arizona woman's
Justice Dance Mix
Vice records proudly announced the signing of parisian techno powerhouse JUSTICE. Comprising of gaspard augé and xavier de rosnay, JUSTICE first came to the attention of the dance world cognoscenti …
Rep. Erik Fleming Launches JFP Blog
Follow news about the legislative session and ask direct questions of Rep. Erik Fleming, D-Hinds, on his new JFP blog.
JFP Unveils Amped-Up 2006 Capitol Blog
Jan. 1, 2006—The Jackson Free Press has blogged about the state Legislature since we launched three sessions ago. This week, we introduce our even better JFP Capitol Blog just in …
Wednesday, January 11
Everything's Turning Up Rose'
I've noticed lately that more and more rosé wines are turning up in our market. Around here, most people would see a rosé and write it off immediately as one …
Young Influentials 2006
Photo Charles A. Smith
Each January, the Jackson Free Press features the year's top young influentials—Jacksonians 35 and under making a difference in the community and having a positive influence on others.
Convention Center At Risk?
In 1995, Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. and local business leaders managed to convince legislators to authorize more than $17 million to build the Telecommunications and Conferencing Center, now due …
She's Got A New Attitude
In a surprising move last week, Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck stepped away from her usual role as the governor's mouthpiece to come out in favor of a cigarette tax.
Kim And Klarissa Hardy
Everyone has heard of the Hardy boys—that determined brotherly duo—but even they would be no match against the Hardy twins. Kicking off our Young Influentials line-up this year, Kim and …
Let Me Count The Ways
When my assistant editor, Casey Parks, left the JFP last month to go on to graduate school, she wrote a goodbye editor's note that made me cry. I admit I …
[Stiggers] Tricklin' On Down
Brutha Hustle, the Carlton Sheets of the ghetto, introduces Hustle-Nomics 2006, a plan that helps financially challenged individuals supplement their current income within an inflated economy.
[Greggs] An Angry Young Woman
Topics often jump out at me over the course of a week. This week, everything was jumping, and not a one of them was staying down. I went over my …
No. 17, January 12-18
<b><u>Strutting Across the Stage</b></u>
I had not anticipated incurring the wrath of Mr. Kamikaze by my offhand remark about rap, but since he has become enraged, ("Disrespecting Rappers," Jan. 5-11. 2006), I suppose I …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
Figure skating, U.S. Championships (7:30 p.m., ESPN2): For the first time since 2002, figure skating matters.
[Music] What's Happening, Mississippi?
Daniel Johnson, 26, and Walter Young, 22, are on a mission to publicize the talent and power of Mississippi rock bands through "Mississippi Happening," a radio show on WLEZ 103.7 …
Herman's Picks
If you're a fan of WMPR and Seven*Studioz Reggae deejay C-Lecta, send him some love. He is in Trinidad this month to lay his father to rest. Show him your …
Tuesday, January 10
That's How Little Vick Rolls
A lawsuit last summer revealed that Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick has used the alias "Ron Mexico." Now they're calling his younger brother, Marcus, "New Mexico." Little Vick hasn't even …
Rebels Add Assistants
The unemployment stats in the Miami area just went down. Ole Miss Ed Orgeron landed two new assistants on Monday, both of them former Miami assistants. Dan Werner is the …
'Like a Baby on a Pacifier'
Mayor Frank Melton has refused to renew a contract with Washington lobbyists Winston & Strawn, LLP, ending 10 productive years of lobbying efforts for the city. The firm is the …
Why My Heart Aches This Evening
When I heard about the body of a 15-year-old girl being found at Presidential Hills Park, my initial thought was how the incident will affect the reputation of the park, …
Monday, January 9
Mississippi Democratic Party Rolls Over, Plays Dead
"In 2006," DNC chair Howard Dean predicts, "Democrats will take back the House and Senate."
Alison Krauss & Union Station Bring Grammy-Nominated Hits to Jackson's Thalia Mara Hall
Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Thursday, March 2, 8 p.m. Thalia Mara Hall, Tickets on sale Friday, January 13 at Be-Bop. Tickets are $43, $38 and $35, …
Best CD's of 2005
Herman's Best of 2005
2. Bloc Party- "Silent Alarm"3. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah- "Clap Your Hands Say Yeah"4. Broadcast- "Tender Buttons"5. The New Pornographers- "Twin Cinema"6. Sufjan Stevens- "Illinois"7. Death Cab for Cutie- …
Ugly Day For Eli
Eli Manning's playoff debut was a disaster on Sunday, as the Carolina Panthers stomped the New York Giants 23-0 out in the swamplands of Jersey. Eli threw three interceptions and …
Barbour's ‘State of the State' Address
"Thank you. Lt. Governor Tuck, Speaker McCoy, ladies and gentlemen of the Legislature, fellow Mississippians. Thank you for being here for my third State of the State address. I apologize …
Sunday, January 8
David Hampton ‘Worried' About Frank Melton
It seems that concern is growing over at The Clarion-Ledger for their hand-picked choice for mayor. Editorial Director David Hampton writes today:
Saturday, January 7
1997 Business Journal Interview with Harvey Johnson
I just ran across an interview with new Mayor Harvey Johnson from June 30, 1997 in Nexis. I'm posting some portions that seem relevant to today's Jackson:
Young Saint?
Biloxi Sun-Herald columnist Jim Mashek has seen the future and it's Vince Young wearing a Saints uniform. Sooner rather than later.
20 Police Officers Fired; No Details Given
WLBT reported Friday night that the mayor and police chief have fired another 20 or so police officers, but will say what they did to deserve, or even how many …
Bus On McNair, Favre
What will Mississippi's favorite has-been quarterbacks do next? Agent Bus Cook of Hattiesburg said he thought Steve McNair would be ''amenable'' to playing for the Dolphins if the Tennessee Titans …
Poll: Americans Want More Dems in Congress
AP is reporting:
Speaking of—who the hell the Mississippi Dems got running against Pickering? Have I missed the big announcement?
Friday, January 6
Pentagon: Up to 80% Soldier Deaths Due to Light Armor
New York Times is reporting Saturday:
It's Miller Time
Reigning world cup skiing champion and Olympic favorite Bode Miller tells "60 Minutes" "it's not easy" skiing when you're drunk. He says he's done it before and might do it …
Legislature Funding a ‘Field of Dreams'
It's amazing the lengths these yucks will go in order to try to make up for the precious manufacturing jobs lost in the state due to NAFTA madness. And, thanks, …
Is Tuck Her Own Woman?
Here's an story from Bobby Harrison at the Daily Journal from back in December that discusses her new support for a tobacco tax and other ideas that Mr. Barbour might …
Letters to the Editor
As I was telling the love of my life, Knol, the CL Letters to the Editor are the first thing I do every morning when I wake up. To quote …
Thursday, January 5
Fred Smoot: Party Animal
Jackson's own Fred Smoot has pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from his part in the Minnesota's infamous sex-boat cruise on Lake Minnetonka. Smoot, you recall, brought new meaning to …
Will It Stay, or Will It Go?
Mayor Frank Melton began the year 2006 with a resolution to remain a dogged pest to development he views as going too slow. On. Dec. 30, Melton announced that he …
DIY: How to Skateboard
So your brother kicks your butt at skateboarding. Your best friend makes fun of you because you're too scared to try. After practicing all day, the only thing that you've …
Back to the Battlefield
For years, the Battlefield Park neighborhood, cupped between Gallatin Street, U.S. 80 and Terry Road, has been a high-traffic territory for illicit drug activity and prostitution. Many local residents look …
Wednesday, January 4
[Music] The New Funk
Musicians like James Brown carried out the funk era, while legendary bands like Parliament, the Ohio Players and Earth, Wind, & Fire kept funk's fire burning brightly. Today, though, most …
Legislature 2006: A House United?
Last year, in the days before the new legislative session, lawmakers were ready to walk into the state capitol with their guns out. Mississippi was, and remains, a state where …
Erica Flannes
Erica Flannes, 28, met me inside Fondren Corner, just about where she sets up for Fondren's ARTMix.
The Cult Of Irresponsibility
Just how bad of a newspaper is The Clarion-Ledger? A hint comes three-quarters of the way into Executive Editor Ronnie Agnew's "end of the year" column (Jan. 1, 2006). The …
Rose Bowl Updates
The Rose Bowl just started. It's supposed to be a big game, apparently. Anyway, you can get some offbeat updates at Every Day Should Be Saturday or Fox Sports. And …
[Kamikaze] Disrespecting Rappers
The year 2005 was a great one for hiphop. As a genre, it continues to dominate the music industry and pop culture in general. Here locally, hiphop has almost (and …
[Stiggers] Bring Your Own Soap
Picture this scene: You're at home in the dark without water, gas and telephone because you cannot afford to pay your utility bills. You seek help from your neighbor. But …
[De Groote] Devil Worshipers of the Mid-'90s
Troy's "Big Mini" was our favorite means of conveyance on many high school adventures back in the mid- '90s. We drove that Ford minivan through absolute hell and back, and …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
College basketball, Loyola of New Orleans at Belhaven (women, 5:30 p.m.; men, 7:30 p.m.): The Blazers face the Wolves in the house that Rugg built.
[Music] Elementary Listening
King Elementary has become one of the main attractions of the Jackson music scene in the past few years and extended its reach to venues nationwide, such as Los Angeles' …
Art, Organically Speaking
Michelle Acuff, a sculptor born and raised in Chicago who teaches at Millsaps, throws a hand outward toward a work in progress.
2005 Year In Review, Part 2: To Hell and Back
The second half of 2005 turned out to be the most interesting six months any of us have lived through in a while. On the positive side, the city continued …
Being Poor Is No Crime
I saw this letter to the editor in the CL today and it really hit home with me.
Tuesday, January 3
Beyond Repair: Council Responds to Maple Street ‘Sweep'
City Council members moved to distance themselves from Jackson Mayor Frank Melton's eviction of tenants living at the Maple Street Apartments at the City Council meeting on Jan. 3. "The …
Monday, January 2
Who Dat Talking Bout Coaching Them Saints?
New Orleans Saints coach Jim Haslett was among four NFL coaches who got fired on Monday. The other casualties on Black Monday: Mike Martz, St. Louis Rams; Mike Sherman, Green …
Education Funding a Big ‘Question Mark'
The Clarion-Ledger editorializes about the upcoming legislative "Katrina session" today:
This Could Have Been The Last Time ...
The NFL playoffs are set. Many of your favorite Mississippi players won't be participating ...
Sunday, January 1
Tate's the Treasurer, Man
State Treasurer Tate Reeves also has a new Web site up and running in time for the 2006 legislative session. It's kind of brown and flat and ugly, and seems …
‘Ronnie' on Why Covering ‘Frank' Is So Rad
OK, this is downright weird coming from a top media official at the Gannett Corp. In his pithy little end-of-the-year wrap-up, Clarion-Ledger Executive Editor Ronnie Agnew practically coos over why …
