Friday, June 30
Got Rights? The ACLU's Freedom Party – June 30
http://www.msaclu.org
Join the ACLU and the Jackson Free Press for a Freedom Party outside at 930 Blues Cafe on Friday, June 30, featuring performances by Willie King and other local artists. …
[Lott] We, the People
*Web exclusive*
On July 4 Mississippi is a sea of stars and stripes—red, white and blue. Our flag reminds us that the freedoms Americans enjoy were outlined when our founders signed a …
‘Net Neutrality' Struggling in US Senate
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation failed to add an amendment to the "Advanced Telecommunications and Opportunity Reform Act" that would guarantee "net neutrality." The vote, 11-11, means …
Sign the "Buffoonery and ‘Bad Hair'" Petition!
Ads from Dr. Miracle (http://drmiracles.com) have appeared in black magazines and are highly offensive. The same company also makes African Pride products. I see no African pride coming from this …
Six Flags Discriminates Against Employees With Ethnic Hairstyles; ACLU Is Investigating
If I can't work there because of my dreads, then I won't give them any of my money either. At this rate, they may not let me into their precious …
Thursday, June 29
Non-Corporate Coffee Locator
Just came across this -- click to Delocator.net to find the non-corporate coffee houses either close to home or when you're traveling. Nice not only because it's an option other …
Wednesday, June 28
Madison County Journal Profiles Melton
Ooo, look at this. The Madison County Journal has a rather glowing profile of Melton this week. Some money quotes:
[Liquor] Shooting The Booze
Many of us have suffered through a night where we stoop to liquor and dark lighting to lick our wounds and rebuild our faith in life and love. Unfortunately, there …
[ArtTalk] The Fire This Time
Art piece by Ji Wan Joo
I'm not from Mississippi, but I have lived here off and on for enough years that I have a certain attachment to the state. I was lucky enough to attend …
State of Emergency, Reloaded
Jackson Mayor Frank Melton declared an official state of emergency for the city of Jackson June 22, outlining a stricter curfew for city minors. He then announced an update to …
Better Late Than Never
A large group gathered in the gymnasium of Higgins Middle School in McComb, Miss. for a ceremony, Thursday, June 22. This graduation was different. There was no buzzing and flittering …
Sneak Attacks
Jacksonians first caught a glimpse of the kind of mayor they had elected less than a week after Melton won the primary. WAPT sent reporter Greg Flynn to the YMCA …
Melton Stuffed On Goliath Suit
In a June 23 decision, U.S. District Judge Tom S. Lee granted the Gannett' Corp.'s motion for summary judgment on whether Robert Pierce can join a lawsuit filed by Frank …
Crime Really Does Pay
Platform: PS2 | 360 | PC
"Hitman: Blood Money" is the only game in which the player can kill his enemies with a cake, Viagra, the clever use of a garbage truck and a sausage. When …
[Music] The Looney Bin
Looney Mill hails from Birmingham, Ala., and is burning up the asphalt playing gigs across the South and attracting quite a following. The jam band, who will be at Martin's …
Clinton, Coulter and Me
Former President Bill Clinton was not the biggest draw for me this month at the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies' national convention in Little Rock. I don't dig liars. Personally, I …
[Greggs] Help Is on the Way
Over the course of an average week as a mental health professional, I see many individuals in my office that most people would deem "crazy." I am often amazed they …
[Stiggers] The Pied Pipers of Crime Control
Jethro "Drum Stick" Johnson and Martin "Blue Note" Smith of the Ghetto Science Team Crime Prevention Association propose a new crime prevention program.
Edward Mclaurin
When you meet Edward McLaurin, one of the first things you notice, besides his neatness, is his reserved disposition. The 23-year-old Sharon, Miss. native looks you straight in the eye …
The Best In 7 Days
Cotton State League baseball, Clinton at Capital City (3 p.m., 1240 AM): The Corndogs call on the Rangers.
"Dangerously in Love" play auditions—- Saturday, July 22nd
J. Lee Productions is seeking young, attractive, and talented male and female actors and dancers ages 18- 25 to star in the dynamic play "Dangerously In Love". Auditions will be …
Tuesday, June 27
Monday, June 26
Managerial Mayhem
If you haven't seen the video of minor league baseball manager Joe Mikulik's tirade at the umpires, proceed immediately to any newscast. It will be there. Mikulik might be in …
Breaking: Setback for Melton in Meridian Suit
UPDATED
In a June 23 decision, U.S. District Judge Tom S. Lee granted Gannett's motion for summary judgment on whether Robert Pierce can join a law suit filed by Frank Melton …
Sunday, June 25
Nation of Islam Plans to Attack Crime in Jackson
The Mississippi Link (http://www.mississippilink.com) is reporting the following:
Join us for National HIV Testing Day—- Tuesday, June 27, 2006
National HIV Testing Day
* Community Room, 11:30-1p.m. --Community Forum about HIV with C. A. Webb and other community speakers
Saturday, June 24
Roxanne Rogers
There is nothing average about Roxanne Rogers, 27. This self-avowed "Pearl girl" is unique, from her Southern drawl to her gorgeous, funky hair. From the moment you enter Rogers' salon …
Football In The Frozen North
Do you remember Brad Banks? He was the Hinds CC quarterback who went on to have a super senior season at Iowa, finishing second in the Heisman Trophy voting. The …
A Swift Kick To U.S. Soccer
Doctor S has finally dragged himself out of the funk that the U.S. soccer team's World Cup performance put him in. The team actually played well for most of the …
Friday, June 23
Daylight Curfew?
The Clarion-Ledger ran a piece today about the impact of Melton's state of emergency. The short version is that the state of emergency is more a rhetorical gesture than an …
Donna Ladd and Cliff Cargill on Kim Wade Show TODAY
JFP editor Donna Ladd and NRA instructor Cliff Cargill join Kim Wade today at 5 p.m. on WJNT, 1180 AM, to discuss the "state of emergency," as well as the …
July 4th Products
I updated one of my Web sites by adding additional products choices. Come take a look, and I hope you like what you see!
Bracelets for Cervical Cancer
Here's a novel idea: make your own cute little bracelet and fight against cervical cancer at the same time!
Thursday, June 22
Is Melton Endangering Young People?
A major issue that has emerged in Mayor Frank Melton's determination to carry weapons anywhere he goes is whether or not he is endangering the lives of young people. He …
Wednesday, June 21
Rebel Belles: The Dixie Chicks Reload
Anyone who can't admit that it took courage for Natalie Maines to say she was ashamed George W. Bush came from Texas, and for her band mates Martie Maguire and …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
Pro soccer, World Cup, United States vs. Ghana (9 a.m., ESPN): The scenario for the Americans to advance to the second round is simple: The United States must beat Ghana, …
[Music] Blending Genres and Hats
Her Southern drawl infects you. Her softly strummed guitar unwittingly draws you in. So what? you say. In a world of copiously burgeoning musicians, Emma Wynters is special.
Off Their Rockers
Theater enthusiasts in Jackson have seen improvisational groups come and go. There was Capital City Improv and Glue. Then there was no one.
Zealous Zucchini
Thanks to the squirrels' repeated conquests of my birdfeeder, my backyard is currently filled with humongous bright yellow sunflowers. When the plants first started appearing, we had no idea what …
[Wine] Sun-Kissed Grass and Citrus
Before my days as a devoted mother of the most precious baby girl in the world, it was not unusual to find me (after work, of course) planted on a …
Summer Arts Preview
We were in denial for a bit there, but now that the thermometer has reached an official 100 degrees, we're not going to keep it from you any longer: This …
Millie Bob McPig
The JFP would first and foremost like to apologize that we are not only not the first, but in fact the third local publication to feature Millie Bob McPig, also …
[Editor's Note] Mayoral Stunts Hurting Jackson
I'm mad. And I'm getting madder by the day at the joke that Mayor Frank Melton is making out of the city of Jackson, a city I love, a city …
Calling Out the Guard
Note: The print edition erroneously lists Donna Ladd as the author of this piece.
Market Wars
The new Mississippi Farmers' Market, brainchild of Agricultural Commissioner Lester Spell, opened in February at a cost of $4 million, and first stirred up controversy when it displaced vendors working …
Art Needs You
Real estate gurus, businessmen and women sat down with artists to discuss arts and its importance to the lives of us all at St. Andrew's Cathedral on June 15. Panel …
[Stiggers] One Mo' Time
Mo'tel Williams, Brotha Hustle, Qweem-O-Wheat and Grandpa Pookie introduce the "Po' People's Diet"—a nutrition and lifestyle alternative for the financially challenged.
[Kamikaze] Shut Out by the Queen
Housewives all over America are waiting with bated breath. Will she or won't she respond to these scathing allegations? How long will she tolerate the name-calling?
Clarion-Ledger Lifts Ladd Out of Context
It's remarkable, really, to see how other journalists (or editors) work. Chris Joyner and I had a good talk about public records yesterday—and I made it clear to him repeatedly …
David Banner Recognized for Hurricane Katrina efforts
David Banner was awarded with the Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes humanitarian award at the annual HOT 107.9 Birthday Bash in Atlanta this past Saturday (June 17).
Tuesday, June 20
JUST IN: Melton Set to Declare State of Emergency
The Jackson Free Press got a phone call today at 10:45 telling us that the mayor was gathering reporters at City Hall at 11 a.m. to address his "state of …
Monday, June 19
District Attorney Challenges Chief Justice
An updated version of this story will appear in the print edition Wednesday, June 21.
Friday, June 16
Thank You, Captain Obvious
If you don't want to hit the link, I'll give you a blow by blow.
I was perusing the news headlines and found this
Live Fast, Chase Young
Vicksburg native Dmitri Young is on the run from the law. Well, actually the Detroit Tigers slugger is apparently in drug rehab. But he didn't show up for a court …
The Clarion-Ledger TDN Distribution Scheme Tracker
Click here for updates on Goliath's march and here for how to help.
Hello from Little Rock
All, I'm in Little Rock today at the national convention of the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies. Much of the talk here is about our battle with the Gannett Corp./Clarion-Ledger back …
Thursday, June 15
Luna DVD & Best Of CD
"Tell Me Do You Miss Me" A Documentary Of Luna's Final Tour, Coming on DVD and BEST OF LUNA Features 17 Indie-Rock Classics From All Seven of The New York …
NELLY FURTADO LOOSENS UP WITH A NEW ALBUM AND A NEW SOUND
Nelly Furtado's third album, Loose, described by Entertainment Weekly as "a confidently sexy mix of party anthems and slow jams," will release June 20 on Geffen Records. Anticipation
SHOUT OUT LOUDS "COMBINES" REMIX E.P. on itunes
Combines, the new remix E.P. from Swedish indiepop faves Shout Out Louds, is available now at iTunes and other digital retailers and is available on CD at select indie retailers …
Cotton State League Update
Doctor S asks and the Cotton State League delivers (10 games or so into the season). The wood bat league's Web site has finally been updated, complete with a schedule. …
Wednesday, June 14
Melton: Hood Is Wrong
Read PDFs of documents that Melton faxed to the JFP to prove that he can carry weapons places prohibited by state law. Click here for the PDFs.
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
Pro baseball, Jacksonville at Mississippi (7 p.m., Pearl, 930 AM): The M-Braves face the Suns. … Pro golf, U.S. Open (9 a.m., ESPN/2 p.m., Ch. 3): Will Tiger or Phil …
The Southern Color Palette
Artwork by Scott Allen
I met Scott Allen at Cups in Fondren to talk about his upcoming opening at Southern Breeze gallery on June 25. He greeted me with a friendly smile, and we …
The Whitewater Bug
In the early '70s, three Atlanta school teachers with a love for whitewater kayaking bought a simple motel on a narrow strip of highway in Wesser, N.C. Beside the highway …
Foodie Fathers
It all started on our Web site. Blogger JimNWR* started a forum thread, "Cool places to eat," which quickly attracted Men Who Like to Eat talking about their favorite Jackson …
Notice to the World
For more than a decade, at least two mayoral administrations have been fighting to make a Jackson city convention center a reality. On June 12, it finally happened.
Marcus McWilliams
"This is the place to be if you're looking for big stars," says Marcus McWilliams, a soft-spoken 32-year-old who is the Hilton Hotel's kitchen manager and a chef says.
Crime High, Perception Bleak
Recent Jackson Police Department statistics reveal that major crime this year remains stubbornly high compared to last year's figures. Though the May 8-14 ComStat Overview Report reveals that crime is …
[Talk] Thompson's Easy Win Shocks Many
U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-2nd District, easily trounced his Democratic opponent Chuck Espy in the June 6 primary. Thompson, who has held his seat for more than a decade, won …
Meet MIPA
June 14, 2006 As you may know by now, The Clarion-Ledger has recently revealed The Distribution Network (TDN), a scheme to control the distribution of free publications in the Jackson …
Melton Flies to Phillips
Blog post by Brian Johnson:
Mayor Frank Melton flew to Dallas today with city investment guru Jimmy Heidel and his ever-present body guards. In comments before the flight, Melton told members of the press that …
[Greggs] The Vanilla City
This next statement pains me to admit: I live in Madison. There, I said it. It's not that I don't love my home out here in the country. I do. …
[Stiggers] Have No Fear, Suburbanites!
"High prices have crippled fixed incomes of broke people. Poor folk clench on to the little money they have and remain trapped in the ghetto. Idle minds of the poor …
Dance Fever
"I liked to dance since I was little. I started with gymnastics first when I was 4, and when we moved to America, I decided to try ballet," Christina Shevchenko, …
No. 39, June 15-21
<b><em>Adventures in Journalism</b></em>
Nicholas Kristof is a journalist-adventurer in the Ed Murrow style. He has fought the traffic in sex slaves, actually buying some young girls out of such slavery. He has led …
Thompson's Easy Win Shocks Many
U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-2nd District, easily trounced his Democratic opponent Chuck Espy in the June 6 primary. Thompson, who has held his seat for more than a decade, won …
Why I Won't Vote in November
November 2006 is being described as a potential huge, watershed moment in American politics. But I won't be participating.
Tuesday, June 13
Ali wants in the NSA
In my ongoing quest to find gainful employment, I stumbled upon a listing on the "Career Builder" website which answers lots of questions regarding where the NSA gets their intelligence …
[Grayson] Save the Arts That Saved Me
As a Lanier High School graduate, I am proud (and aware) of the importance of my school's heritage as one of the most historic black public schools in the area—and …
Clarion-Ledger Features Casey Parks
The Clarion-Ledger did right by JFP contributing editor Casey Parks today in a delightful feature written by Gary Pettus. (Cheers, Gary. You make our profession proud.) And they flag the …
World Cup: Czechs Cool U.S. Soccer Fever
The United States has never won a World Cup game on European soil. This year's U.S. team has been hyped as the best American team ever. The Czech Republic team …
Out-Of-Town Papers: Ole Miss Flames Out
Here's how some out-of-town papers saw it:
It's all over for the Ole Miss baseball team, which lost to Miami 14-9 Monday night in Game 3 of the Oxford Super Regional. The Rebels gave up one grand …
Monday, June 12
Show and Tell for Alleged R. Kelly Sex Tape
Cook County Judge Vince Gaughan ruled against both prosecutors and defense lawyers for R&B superstar R. Kelly Thursday, saying he will not prevent members of the public at Kelly's child …
Sunday, June 11
[Lott] Security First, Amnesty Never
Editor's Note: This column was buried in e-mail until now, but it is still very timely. Meantime, we have established a special Lott blog to collect writings and stories and …
Asymmetrical Warfare
"They are smart, they are creative, they are committed. They have no regard for life, neither ours nor their own. I believe this was not an act of desperation, but …
Saturday, June 10
Donna Needs Bloggers' Help
All, today I've been preparing for a panel on "how blogging has changed my newspaper" that I'm sitting on at the AAN conference next week (right before the Bill Clinton …
Why White People Are Afraid
Robert Jensen, a UT journalism professor and the author of an intriguing new book, "The Heart of Whiteness," writes on Alternet about what he sees as white people's fears:
Out-Of-Town Papers: Oxford Super Regional
Ole Miss meets Miami in Game 1 of the Oxford Super Regional on Saturday (6 p.m., ESPN2/97.3 FM). The winner of the best-of-3 series goes to the College World Series. …
A Female President, Please
What a delicious post over on DailyKos by Georgia10 about Ann Kornblut's new book, "The Ascent of a Woman."
Redbird On ‘Roids?
St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols has been treated like the Anti-Barry Bonds by many baseball writers and fans, the poster boy for what many believed was MLB's post-steroids era. …
Don'T Look Now, It's The Stanley Cup
Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final is on Saturday night. In case you haven't been watching (and millions of Americans haven't), the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Edmonton Oilers in …
Friday, June 9
Building Bridges, Inc. Presents its 1st Annual "ARTS IN THE PARK"
BUILDING BRIDGES INC. PRESENTS ITS 1ST ANNUAL "ARTS IN THE PARK"
** Proceeds from auction and concession sales benefit Building Bridges, Inc., an organization assisting those infected and affected with HIV/AIDS.
Ann Coulter Really Bears Her Fangs
It's truly hard to be uglier than this women. It's amazing to think that The Clarion-Ledger runs this idiot every week. First her indifference to actual facts to support her …
No Separation Of Church And College Football
Ole Miss announced that its football season opener with Memphis has been moved to Sunday (Oxford, 3:30 p.m., ESPN) to get it on national television. This will be the last …
[Lott] Honesty is the Best Insurance Policy
I have introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate to make future insurance policies easier for consumers to understand. The "Honesty is the Best Insurance Policy Act" calls for requiring insurance …
Mississippi Repubs Reject ‘Net Neutrality'
According to a C-Net news story, the U.S. House voted, mostly along party lines, to reject an amendment to the Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act (Cope Act), that would …
Thursday, June 8
Cups Crazy
Soccer's World Cup and the NHL's Stanley Cup are going on this week. Both have lots of fans, but neither attracts hordes of casual sports fans the way the Super …
Gay Marriage Can't Change This ...
Associated Press reports:
The death of al-Qaida leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in Iraq came as more Americans than ever thought the war in Iraq was a mistake, according to AP-Ipsos polling.
Interview with Nick Berg's Dad
I think this interview is one of the best things I've read regarding the war in a really long time.
The Best In Sports in The Next 7 Days
Thursday, June 8
Pro basketball, NBA Finals, Miami at Dallas (8 p.m., Ch. 16): Two former ABA teams are in the Finals for the first time in the teams' history. Heat in seven. …
Adding Insult to National Guard Injury
This is simply awful, after everything they're going through already. Associated Press:
Rebels Are Super, Thanks For Asking
Ole Miss will play host to Miami in a Super Regional in Oxford starting on Saturday. The winner of the best-of-3 series goes to the College World Series in Omaha, …
Wednesday, June 7
Generic Sci-fi Goodness
*Platform: PC*
Games today get too wrapped up in story line. You watch CG videos, drawn-out cutscenes, and plot exposition until finally the game is over and you realize you hardly actually …
[New Releases] Mojave 3 – Puzzles Like You
Mojave 3 — "Puzzles Like You" Neil Halstead and his 4AD band mates have breezed out an indie-pop gem for your summertime sweet tooth. While there were moments of pop …
[Publisher's Note] Kudos for Team JFP
It's a big week at the Jackson Free Press. First, we sadly (for us) and happily (for her) bid farewell to Lynette Hanson, copy chief, as she leaves Mississippi, Jackson …
[Music] Honky-Tonk Heaven
After just the first few chords, it feels like the band Juanita Family And Friends are old friends. The Portland, Ore., sweethearts will perform at Hal & Mal's Restaurant on …
Batman v. Melton, et al?
Among all the possible violations of the law by Frank Melton that District Attorney Faye Peterson presented to the attorney general recently, the potential charge of filing a false arrest …
[Wine] The New Face of Chardonnay
When Merlot was such a big deal back in the early '90s, I didn't think it was such a big deal. When Pinot Grigio began its run en vogue in …
Jim Hood: The JFP Interview
Photograph by Kate Medley
In recent weeks, Attorney General Jim Hood has become a reluctant participant, of sorts, in the drama that the Frank Melton administration presides over in Jackson. After District Attorney Faye …
[Kamikaze] Hip-Hop Wins Again
Have no fear, readers. Your friendly neighborhood rabble-rouser is back after a self-imposed hiatus. I had to take a short vacation to shake the haters off. But before your mouths …
[Stiggers] Koolin' Out
Kunta "Rahsheed X" Toby Productions presents a sneak peek at his new dramatic comedy that will touch your mind and not your behind: "My Big Fat Meat Front Porch Wedding, …
‘Take The Fight To The People'
Jackson County Chancery Court Judge Jaye Bradley reversed her own December 2000 decision earmarking $20 million to The Partnership For a Healthy Mississippi, possibly jeopardizing the program's smoking-cessation programs.
Melton's Mile-High Gun Club
"I do not carry guns on planes, I carry two guns," Melton told WLBT reporters on May 28, admitting that he had carried a weapon on almost every commercial flight …
Danks: Do Developer Due Diligence
Developer John Disotell and the city of Jackson recently approved a memorandum of understanding to tear down the Smith-Wills stadium and build an enclosed sports arena, but the agreement is …
David Watkins
David Watkins is an attorney who's been haunting the city of Jackson for the last half-century. Though the Fondren resident has been all over the world, he says he always …
Hood Threatens Melton
Weeks ago, District Attorney Faye Peterson forwarded information to Attorney General Jim Hood's office requesting that he investigate accusations of possible misdemeanors and felonies committed by Jackson Mayor Frank Melton, …
So Long, Steve
Alcorn State legend Steve McNair is leaving Nashville. The Tennessee Titans have traded him to the Baltimore Ravens. Suddenly, the Ravens are a Super Bowl contender (if Steve cans stay …
Learn English. Worship Britney.
Simply the title of this article should lead you to believe we are now headed towards the downfall of the Western world.
Farming Out the ‘Big Job'
June 7, 2006 *This story also appears in the print edition, on the streets the afternoon of June 7.* The Clarion-Ledger and the Melton administration reached a proposed settlement to …
Tuesday, June 6
Oklahoma Rep. Fred Morgan: ‘Games are porn.'
Another headache-inducing law was passed through the state legislature in Oklahoma last month. Representative Fred Morgan [D], the bill's author sat down in a Q&A session with Gamespot to discuss …
Rebs To Entertain Canes
Ole Miss will play host to Miami in a Super Regional in Oxford starting on Saturday. Game times wll be announced at 11 a.m. on Tuesday. And if you don't …
Monday, June 5
Will it be affirmative?
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Supreme Court said Monday it will decide the extent to which public schools can use race in deciding school assignments, setting the stage for a landmark …
Sunday, June 4
Saturday, June 3
Bumpy Start For 2 of Big 3
Here's a non-Ledge look at Friday's games:
Ole Miss was the only one of the big three that won its first-round game in the NCAA Regionals. Who says the home-field advantage doesn't matter. The Rebels will play …
Jewels In My Crown - Hurry! Ends Sunday
Regina Taylor's "Crowns" is an adaptation of the eponymous coffee table book written by Michael Cunningham and Craig Murberry. The protagonist of the stage play is a young woman, Yolanda, …
Friday, June 2
The Dog and Pony Show
Please read this and then sigh and think about how ridiculous it looks at this point in his political career.
Transcript of Jim Hood Remarks Re: Frank Melton
PDF of AG Jim Hood's Letter to Mayor Frank Melton
For Those About To Bat ...
Meanwhile, here's your out-of-town newspapers preview.
Get your (college) diamond on, sports fans. The NCAA Regionals begin Friday. The Ole Miss-Bethune-Cookman game will be on local TV on Friday (7 p.m., Ch. 40) . And if …
Matador Records News
Yo La Tengo - new album. We're giving you plenty of time to get ready. On September 12,(September 4 in places other than North America) we'll be releasing a new …
Whistleblowers and Secrecy?
I'm going to be blogging about this issue on my About.com site, but I'm mentioning it here because I'm annoyed at the way our local newspaper has covered it.
Thursday, June 1
Big Sports Weekend
It's going to be a big weekend in Mississippi sports, so here's an early look at what will be happening. Check back often, because Doctor S will update this as …
