Thursday, November 30
Matt Hinton, Star Blogger
Matt Hinton has come on board as the JFP's new sports writer. Dude has an incredible blog, Sunday Morning Quarterback. It's officially been added to Doctor S' daily rotation. And …
AG: State Meth Laws Curbing Problem
[verbatim from AG's office]Since Mississippi's Meth Law went into effect just over a year ago, meth lab seizures have gone down 65%, announced Attorney General Jim Hood today. The new …
Wednesday, November 29
Anatomy of An Error
On Saturday, Nov. 18, 2006, The Clarion-Ledger published an editorial titled "Will DA Accept Another Plea Bargain?" in which the writer made a huge error when he wrote the following:
[Music] Not A Minor Operation
Event planners for Operation Shoestring's holiday benefit have changed the format this year to include only three artists rather than the usual 13. But with Buffalo Nickel, Will Kimbrough, and …
Bard Of The Barstool
You can't always tell an unrecognized genius from a deluded would-be artist. In the bleak but amusing film "Factotum," Matt Dillon plays Henry Chinaski, an aspiring writer, indifferent laborer and …
Theater Round-Up
Legend has it that Charles Dickens, author of "A Christmas Carol," wrote the tale to make money to pay off some huge debts. If its popularity means anything, his debts …
Matters of Doom
Thousands of Mississippians and national gridiron partisans know Robert Brazile as "Dr. Doom." They remember him as a headhunting black college All American on Jackson State's 1972-73 Southwest Athletic Conference …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
College basketball, New Orleans at Ole Miss (6 p.m., Oxford, CSS/97.3 FM): Rebels coach Andy Kennedy is doing something right. … High school football, MPSA championship games (Clinton): Trinity plays …
Judge Bails, Attorney Rails
Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Tomie Green has recused herself from Mayor Frank Melton's upcoming Ridgeway Street trial, citing "recent improper and inappropriate contact with the trial judge and members …
The HDTV Guide
I recently turned my stuff-wanting attention to the purchase of a new television set. I've got the same RCA 32-inch tube that I bought for my first apartment after college, …
AG: Bodyguard Changed Story
After Mayor Frank Melton copped to three pleas in his gun cases, The Clarion-Ledger's Eric Stringfellow criticized the attorney general's office for not interviewing the mayor's two bodyguards. Det. Michael …
More Cops For Guns; Fewer For 911?
Jackson Mayor Frank Melton says he's more than doubling the city's seven-member gun-interdiction team because of the team's success since April. Officers will be moved from within the city's current …
The Greenhouse Effect
If your mama was anything like mine, you probably heard "Eat your vegetables!" more than once at the supper table when you were a kid. As grownups, though, we've all …
[City Buzz] no. 11 November 29 - December 6
The Dog Ate It
The city is off to a late start with its lobbying efforts, according to Ward 7 Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simon, who chided the executive branch Monday for not having its legislative …
Can Landlord Ordinance Be Enforced?
Landlords say the city hasn't got the staff to enforce a recent rental-property land ordinance the city passed last week.
Beach Biking
Looking over a business conference agenda's recreational options earlier this year, I felt pretty inadequate.
Training Schools Flunk Again
Mississippi school children continue to suffer physical abuse at the Oakley and Columbia training schools, according to monitor Joyce L. Burrell's report. Burrell reports numerous allegations of abuse and glacial …
[Parks] There Is No Other
In journalism school, we were taught not to intervene in our stories. After working in Mississippi, where I helped organize benefits to raise money to help fix some of the …
Satnam Sethi
When I meet Satnam Sethi, 69, he is sitting at a long holiday dinner table, crowded with children and grandchildren. He steps away for a moment to reflect on the …
[Stiggers] When Kramer Cracked
Nurse Tootie: "This is your favorite nurse sitting in for Boneqweesha Jones on the Boneqweesha Report. As you all know, that Kramer dude from the sitcom 'Seinfeld' had some N-words …
Photog-in-Residence: Christina Cannon
"I'm not a formal photographer at all,so when people hire me, I let them know that up –front. I'm flexible, and that makes the work fulfilling for me. I like …
No. 11, November 30 - December 6
<b><em>Toward a Consensus on Two Lakes?</b></em>
The dream of a publicly accessible lake running through Metro Jackson, providing flood control and stimulating community development, will move closer to reality in coming weeks. The prospect of the …
Frere
I started to post this a few weeks ago, but something in me paused. My brother is flying to see me tomorrow, though, and I thought of it again. It's …
Upcoming Matador Releases to Look For
http://www.myspace.com/loveofdiagramss
JANUARY 30 - LOVE OF DIAGRAMS s/t EP. This is a H-O-T M-F-F trio from Melbourne that lock in with the intensity you think your old Rough Trade singles had, …
Lawyers Debate Why Blacks Lag at Major Firms
All you great legal minds out there might want to chew on this New York Times story a bit. It discusses the debate among lawyers about why law firms are …
Willie Morris Library Opens Today
The brand spanking new Willie Morris branch of the Jackson-Hinds Public Library opens today at 10 a.m. at 4912 Old Canton Road. Willie's wife (and JFP senior editor) JoAnne Prichard …
As The Eli Turns
Eli Manning, everybody's second-favorite former Ole Miss Classic is still in the headlines in the wake of the New York Giants' meltdown in a 24-21 loss to the Tennessee Titans. …
Tuesday, November 28
THE EARLIES "The Enemy Chorus" Drops on Jan. 23.
The Earlies sophomore effort "The Enemy Chorus" is a hypnotic voyage through a largely aphotic locale with unpredictable bursts of light and sound - perhaps amidst the heavens, or maybe …
Why I Am Tempted To Stop Watching Local News Programs.
Not forever, just for a few months maybe. How much bad news should a person hear about in a day?
I'm tired of hearing about crime. I'm tired of hearing about Melton. I'm tired of hearing about the backlog of court cases in Hinds County, the suburban elite, and potholes. …
Conerly finalists
The finalists for the Conerly Trophy have been announced. They are Delta State quarterback Scott Eyster (the first four-time Conerly finalist), Southern Miss running back Damion Fletcher and Ole Miss …
Eli Makes Tom Sick
The New York Giants jumped out to a 21-0 lead against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday in Nashville, only to give up 24 points in the fourth quarter and lose, …
Monday, November 27
BREAKING: Mayor's Office Drops Legislative Ball
The city is off to a late start regarding its lobbying efforts, according to Ward 7 Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simon, who chided the executive branch Monday for not having its legislative …
BREAKING: Judge Green Recuses Herself
Judge Tomie Green has recused herself (PDF, 125K) from the upcoming Ridgeway trial, citing "recent improper and inappropriate contact with the trial judge and members of her family which makes …
keeping it real
After multi-dozens of radio and TV interviews, magazines stories (ones I've written and ones I've been featured in), I am feeling so disconnected from my trip to Africa. A book …
Cities Compete in Hipness to Attract Young
The New York Times has a story about cities trying to attract and keep the vital "creative class." Be sure to read Todd's story about Jackson's "Creative Class Rising" back …
Sunday, November 26
‘Afterschool' Car Tag Announced
[verbatim release] - Mississippi drivers will soon be able to support afterschool programs in their
Peavey Electronics and the Mississippi Afterschool Alliance are helpingMississippi become the first state to offer a car tag that benefits afterschoolprograms. The tag will be unveiled at the Lights On …
Saturday, November 25
College Football: Instant Replay, Nov. 25
How Mississippi teams did on the grid on Saturday:
Ole Miss 20, Mississippi State 17: The Rebels win the Golden Egg on a day when the Bulldogs' special teams weren't very special.
Friday, November 24
Fightin' Texas Aggies Stun Hapless Loser ‘t-sips'
Oh. My. Word.
NBC News Story About Crushing Defeat of t.u.
Wednesday, November 22
Open Letter to Wayne Dowdy: Please Run Somebody in District 3
Dear Mr. Dowdy:
In 2004 and 2006, independent white separatist candidate Jim Giles earned double-digit support from District 3 voters--simply because he was the top-billed challenger on the ballot, and therefore inherited many …
Have a Happy, Safe and LOCAL ‘Black Friday'
The Jackson Free Press wishes everyone a safe and loving Thanksgiving. And if you are one of the brave souls who actually shops on "black Friday," please remember that our …
DA's Letter to The Clarion-Ledger
The Clarion-Ledger ran a letter today from Philip Weinberg, chief assistant district attorney.
Cat Stevens
Cat Stevens, well, Yusuf Islam, has a new CD out. He hasn't put out an album in 28 years (longer than my life!), and really, I just think that's something …
Ripa Vs. Aiken
We are all made of stars.
Fine. I admit it. I watched Regis and Kelly and The View. I'm drawn to celebrity feud like Godiva and Elvis Merlot. It makes me laugh, it humbles me and …
Tuesday, November 21
Can Melton Be Removed?
By taking a plea last week on three gun charges, Mayor Frank Melton ducked a felony conviction that would have forced him to give up his position as mayor, but …
Stokes Delays ‘Slumlord' Ordinance
Members of neighborhood advocacy group Mississippi ACORN are growing impatient with City Council's decision to postpone a vote on a proposed rental housing ordinance.
[City Buzz] no. 10 November 22 - 29
A Hasty Decision Reconsidered?
The Jackson City Council will vote this week on whether or not to rescind approval of the construction of a parkway running to the international airport in Pearl.
Haley To Divide and Conquer?
Gov. Haley Barbour is proposing a budget with increases in K-12 education, but he refuses to fully fund the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP) formula because he says it will …
Sisters From Another Mother
"I'm Anne," Anne Campbell says in her impersonation of a southerner. "This is my sister Carmen, and this is my other sister, Carmen." All three laugh heartily.
Leland Speed Stepping Down from MDA
[verbatim statement] Governor Haley Barbour announced today that Leland Speed, executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority since the beginning of the Barbour Administration, is returning to the private sector …
[Music] Our Faces Made For Smiling
* Listen to Colour Revolt's "Mattresses Underwater", the song Casey Parks describes as "undeniably one of the best songs of 2006" here! *
[New Releases] Justin Timberlake "FutureSex/Lovesounds"
As cliché as the phrase has become, because of his new single Justin Timberlake has truly brought "sexy" back on the music scene. "Futuresex/Lovesounds" is an album listeners can use …
[New Releases] My Chemical Romance "The Black Parade"
My Chemical Romance's new album "The Black Parade" is the resurrection of alternative rock. Lately, alt. rock has survived only by those who started the movement (Kurt Cobain made millions …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
Pro football: In case you missed the 10 jillion ads in the last week, the NFL Network is going to show its first regular-season game on Thanksgiving night. Since most …
Warren Hogue
Artist Warren Hogue, 25, is just beginning to find his voice as a painter. His works are already powerful, though, with bold, saturated colors and heavy brush strokes reminiscent of …
Tarring and Feathering Faye Peterson
I was sitting in the student center at Belhaven College Friday afternoon, participating in a media-ethics forum with several other media leaders from around town. The conversation was compelling, and …
[Kamikaze] Don't Blow It
After I signed my first recording contract, an old industry mentor asked me: "You've bought the album. Now what are you going to do with it?" In other words, now …
[Stiggers] A Dose of Holiday Reality
Boneqweesha Jones: "It's 'Late, Late, Late Night Conversations,' the television show for insomniacs who are tired of looking at those food-processing and real-estate infomercials. My special guest is Sis. Judy …
[Parks] Mississippi: America's Africa
Before New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof and I left on our trip to Africa in September, WNYC's Brian Lehrer interviewed us on his radio show. A caller asked us …
JFP Exclusive: Meet Witness Stephen Stamboulieh
See an archive of JFP stories and blogging on Frank Melton
Why I Love Feministing
Look at the poster and then read the comments. If you haven't fallen out of your chair by the end of page two, you need a vacation.
Melton: After Guilty Pleas, What's Next?
Now that Mayor Frank Melton has pled guilty to gun charges, he must gird his loins for the upcoming trials against him and his two city-financed bodyguards regarding their alleged …
"Live in New York?" I'd Recommend It
I surfed over to the C-L's website this morning on the off chance that there was a correction or re-statement of last Saturday's editorial. Didn't find one, which I guess …
Winners in Run-offs
Dewayne Thomas and Virginia Carlton were victorious in run-off elections held on Tuesday. Carlton, who was running against Ed Patten for a seat on the court of appeals, took 20, …
Random Musings
Maybe it's the lack of sunlight this time of year, but my mind is going a million different directions and I can't focus worth squat. Anyone else feeling like this? …
Monday, November 20
Fleet-Morris Stores Now MIPA Distro Spots
The Fleet-Morris chain of convenience stores has ended their exclusive contract with the Clarion-Ledger's "The Distribution Network" and opened up 17 storefronts to the Mississippi Independent Publishers Association's community distribution …
NFL: Instant Replay, Bengals 31, Saints 16
The New Orleans Saints fell apart on Sunday. Once again, they ran up big numbers — in yards and turnovers – as they lost to the Cincinnati Bengals 31-16.
Just click
When I got back from Africa, a lot of people told me they felt like there was nothing they could do. I was so frustrated with myself for not offering …
Secret Pentagon Study Gives 3 Iraq Options
And none of them are pretty: "injecting more troops into Iraq, shrinking the force but staying longer or pulling out, The Washington Post reported Monday. The newspaper quoted senior defense …
Sunday, November 19
How Would You Reform Public Education in Mississippi?
The Clarion-Ledger is making a lot of hay out of recent statistics indicating that only 50.6% of JPS students graduate, rather than the previously estimated 67%. The trouble is that …
Recuse Them All
UPDATED
Below is a PDF of Melton attorneys' motion to the Mississippi Supreme Court to remove Judge Tomie Green from presiding over the settled weapons trial:
[Lott] Getting Votes That Get Results
This week I sought and won the position of Republican Whip in the United States Senate. I've told Mississippians for several months that I would seek a Senate leadership position …
Saturday, November 18
College Football: Instant Replay, Nov. 18
It was a Saturday of upsets, close calls and disappointments for Mississippi's college football teams (keep checking back, this will be updated all weekend):
Friday, November 17
Stewpot Robbed for Second Time in a Week
According to The Clarion-Ledger. The question is, where the @#$% is the police chief, and why isn't she out in front telling the public what she is doing to deal …
Melton Hosting Get-Out-of-Jail-Free Party
Got a tip last night at Fondren Unwrapped that Bob Hickingbottom is calling Melton's supporters, and former supporters, asking them to donate money to attend what they are actually calling …
Rise Up with Fists
Jenny Lewis, former lead singer of Rilo Kiley, has been one of the best-kept secrets in folk rock for years. Now armed with the retro backing vocals of the Watson …
Thursday, November 16
See the Casey Parks Lesson Plan
I was just talking to Ayana Taylor, JFP-reporter-turned-teacher, and she told me that she had run into a NYT lesson plan for teachers—using our very own Casey Parks and her …
Should Dems Write Off the South?
The lefty blogosphere is "atwitter" (with apologies to the Mississippi Press Association) over the notion that the 2006 mid-term elections were not only a repudiation of various Bush Administration policies …
Best of Jackson 2007 Ballot Fully Operational
Click here to cast your ballot for the JFP's 5th annual Best of Jackson awards! Just do it.
This Has to Be Satire
There is no way that Wyatt Emmerich wrote the following without his tongue firmly implanted in his right cheek:
Of Red Meat and Breast Cancer
Young women, beware of the emerging evidence that eating red meat can increase your risk of breast cancer. Per a New York Times editorial today:
Wednesday, November 15
Farish Street Reborn
After years of waiting, construction workers were banging hammers against a building that will soon be the first new entertainment venue open for business in the Farish Street Entertainment District …
City Buzz no. 9 November 15 - 22
The Return of John
Mayor Frank Melton is looking to correct a mistake he made about a year ago when he refused to renew the contract of lobbying firm Winston & Strawn LLP. Months …
Council Calls For Independent Attorney
Members of City Council say they are still stinging from being duped by their own attorney into paying her thousands of extra dollars.
Bond Proposal Triumphs
To the astonishment of naysayers (and some supporters), an overwhelming majority of Jackson voters approved the recent $150 million Jackson Public Schools bond issue. Like the Convention Center bond proposal …
Young Dems Hit Jackson
Beginning Friday, Nov. 17, Jackson hosts the three-day Young Democrats National Fall Conference. Kate Jacobson, 22, is the Mississippi chapter's vice president. Jacobson, born in Washington, D.C., came to Mississippi …
Gadget of The Week [11.15.06]
How can your life be truly full and rich when you don't have a personal digital projector? (I ask myself this kind of stuff all the time.) Two different companies—LumenLabs …
Thanksgiving Fare
If there are two things I love, they're my momma and her famous nobody-can-do-it-better cornbread dressing. My family can't imagine eating out for Thanksgiving dinner. Whoever is around gets together …
[Drink] ‘Tis The Season
The holidays are the season of martinis, when even feeble, febrile suburbanites accustomed to buttery chardonnays might indulge in a cosmopolitan. As we enter martini season, however, I feel obligated …
BREAKING: Is Melton Facing Constitutional Removal?
CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
The Jackson Free Press has learned that Mayor Frank Melton could face a new wrinkle since pleading guilty to two misdemeanors and "no contest" to a third for violating the …
Tower of Power
Hop-scotching across hemispheres, "Babel" considers cause and effect on a global scale. Two young brothers (Boubker Ait El Caid and Said Tarchani) play target practice with their new rifle in …
[Music] Aye, LBE
I've been listening to Living Better Electrically's self-titled EP since it came out in 2003, and still I'm at a loss for words when people want to know what they …
Welcome, Mr. Whitaker
Just in case y'all missed it last week, The Clarion-Ledger's most recent publisher, John Newhouse II, has left his post at the C-L, and we're told, the employ of the …
[Chickdom] Parenting From The Box
Just three weeks into our marriage, I called my new husband, Mr. Steam Jeans, to ask a very simple question, "Honey, do you want to do 'Wife Swap?'" His immediate …
[Parks] Fear of Stigma, Here and There
The Central African Republic was a long cry from the Gulf Coast, but looking into the eyes of the Africans I met, I saw something familiar each time. When New …
[Stiggers] Work Those Steps, Brotha Hustle
Judy McBride: "I'm guest facilitator for this week's Bootleggers Anonymous meeting. My objective today is to help individuals addicted to gaining personal income through the means of piracy or copyright …
Have An Antidepressant Day
Angela Bolin was lying on her bathroom floor in a T-shirt and panties when she woke up in a pool of blood. Paramedics hovered over her. Her mother, father and …
The Best In Sports In Seven Days
High school basketball, Lanier at Forest Hill (girls, 6 p.m.; boys, 7:30 p.m.): As usual, the Bulldogs are the team to beat in Class 4A. But hardly anybody ever beats …
Martha Bergmark
Martha Bergmark, 57, left a troubled Mississippi in the 1960s thinking she would never come back. Now, she relaxes in her downtown office surrounded by a computer, printer and stacks …
BREAKING: Melton Takes Plea
Frank Melton has pled no contest to three midemeanors on gun charges. As part of the plea, the felony charged Melton faced for carrying a weapon onto the campus of …
Tuesday, November 14
BREAKING: Melton Jury Chosen
The jury in the first Frank Melton trial has been chosen—the 12 main jurors included six African Amerians, one Hispanic and five whites. Four are men. There are two alternates, …
Witness List for Mississippi v. Frank Melton, Round I
As the first day of the felony gun trial of Frank Melton draws to a close, the following witness list has emerged from both sides:
Watch This Space ... for a False Alarm
Watch here for more updates, or false alarms, as they happen, or don't happen.
UPDATE: After lunch today in the Frank Melton gun trial, there was a flurry of activity as Beverly Kraft, spokeswoman for the Administrative Office of the Courts, told reporters that …
[BREAKING]: Melton Jury to be Sequestered
While Mayor Frank Melton sat in City Council, his cheeks sunken and his face haggard, Judge Tomie Green issued some unwelcome news to the jurors who will decide the mayor's …
Documents Related to the Melton Trial
The following is a list of documents that might be useful to readers following the Melton gun trial:
The
Monday, November 13
NCAA Contenders
Congrats to Millsaps and Delta State, who won spots in the NCAA playoffs. First-round games are on Saturday.
The JFP Blogs the Melton Trial
Watch this site throughout the first round of Mississippi v. Frank Melton, slated to begin Nov. 14, for daily blogging, and photo galleries, about the Jackson mayor's first trial for …
Sunday, November 12
YDA National Conference Comes to Jackson - November 17th Through 19th
I'm not planning on going, but if you're aged 18-35, politically engaged, and not a Republican, this is a rare opportunity to meet national Democrats without leaving town. The folks …
Press Association on the JFP ‘Wags" Being ‘Atwitter'
This is fun. The blog of the Mississippi Press Association (I think I'm the only one who ever runs into it) posted something about John Newhouse exiting the Clarion-Ledger, ending …
Saturday, November 11
College Football: Instant Replay, Nov. 11
It's a Major miracle in Mississippi college football. Stay tuned, there will be updates all weekend.
Millsaps 34, Trinity 12: The Majors win the SCAC title and earn their first NCAA Division III playoff berth in 31 years.
Women Turning U.S. Blue?
Newsweeks' Politics Blog is exploring the pivotal role that women played in this week's election—they wanted change, went to the polls and made it happen. Go, grrls.
High School Football: Instant Replay, Nov. 10
The MHSAA Class 5A playoffs kicked off on Friday. As always, the first round was action packed:
Provine gives top-ranked South Panola a heckuva scare before losing 28-21.
Friday, November 10
Donna Ladd Subpoenaed
Today, Jackson Free Press Editor-in-Chief Donna Ladd was subpoenaed by the attorney general's office to appear in the upcoming criminal trial of Mayor Frank Melton regarding articles she has published …
Thursday, November 9
What if Mississippi had a "Challenge Day"?
On today's episode of Oprah, 64 students at a high school were brought into the gym to discuss and confront issues that divide teenagers - issues which continue into adults. …
[BREAKING]: Subpoenas Issued in Melton Trial
(For background info and links to stories about the Melton indictments, see the JFP Melton Blog here).
[BREAKING]: City Council Acquires Outside Counsel
In a special meeting this afternoon, City Council confirmed that City Attorney Sarah O'Reilly-Evans has been issued a check for around $45,000 for her work on the convention center bond. …
It's Official: Allen Concedes, Democrats Control Congress
The fat lady's getting hoarse. AP is reporting:
Wednesday, November 8
Jesus, He Knows Me
This was recorded 15 years ago. Funny thing is it's still up to date; they wouldn't even have to make a new video.
One Story At A Time
She's petite—5 feet, 3 inches at most—her vocabulary is huge, and her future is gargantuan. Casey Parks, former assistant editor of the Jackson Free Press, has done more in her …
Party With Paula
Southern cooking maven Paula Deen was at Lemuria Oct. 31 signing her new book, "Paula Deen Celebrates!: Best Dishes and Best Wishes for the Best Times of Your Life." Deen …
[Drink] Little Sips
How does a can of wine sound? Or how about a little bottle of something-something? The big thing right now in the wine business is to lure folks in with …
[Music] Earthbound To Martin's
Birmingham's Earthbound blends lush instrumentation with down-home, everyman vocals. Like Widespread Panic's first cousin twice removed, the five-man group provides a sound that is a bit more "put together" than …
[Music] A Rurnt Weekend
Jessica Mizell, a senior at Belhaven College, is an editorial intern at the JFP and one of the main organizers of Rurnt Fest.
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
College basketball, Concordia at Belhaven (women, 5:30 p.m.; men, 7 p.m.): The Blazers host a doubleheader.
Change Is Vital
Lose weight, exercise, quit smoking—no one wants to hear it again. Most of us, especially when we're young and healthy, just ignore the advice. We stopped listening a long time …
Pity Would Be No More
In a few hours, I would be leaving Africa. After two weeks traveling through Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon and the Central African Republic with New York Times Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Nick …
Ronni's Wild Ride
"Have you ever noticed? Anybody going slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac."
[Stiggers] Legends of Chief Crazy Brotha
Miss Doodle-Mae: "As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, the staff of Gadus Discount Dollar Store and I want to share with our customers what we believe is the true meaning of …
The Art Of Campfire
A wilderness ethic has emerged over the last decade or two that discourages campfires while camping, because they char the earth, put too much pressure on forests in crowded wilderness …
[Kamikaze] The Show Must Go On
First of all, let me say that the Mississippi's Best Awards, held on Oct. 28 at the TelCom Center, was an excellent idea. The vision honoring the best our state …
Fantasy Island Swamped
The LeFleur Lakes Plan might be on the ropes, project head John McGowan said in a recent Northside Sun article. Plans for a new overpass might make the project unviable, …
[City Buzz] no. 8 November 8 - 15
Barbour Disses MAEP
Gov. Haley Barbour says he won't be bound by the Mississippi Adequate Education Program, which provides funding for teachers' salaries, classroom materials, school utilities and other education necessities.
Frankie's Got A Gun
From the day Frank Melton took office as mayor of Jackson on July 4, 2006, he has exercised his right to bear arms in dramatic and public ways. Almost immediately …
A Loose Cannon?
Cliff Cargill is a licensed, certified NRA instructor who teaches rifle, pistol, shotgun, home safety and personal protection. He was with the Hinds County Sheriff's Department from 1993-95, where he …
Jamaal Jackson
This week, Jackson State University celebrates its homecoming, and one person who will be mixing business with pleasure is the university's Student Government Association President Jamaal Jackson. The 21-year old …
A New Contract With America?
An interesting piece in Salon today takes on the idea of what "corruption" really meant to Americans as they went to the polls last night. Exit polls showed that corruption …
A State/CFL Legend Passes
Jackie Parker is considered by many to be the best Mississippi State football player ever. He died Tuesday at age 74. After leaving Starkville, "Spaghetti Legs" became the greatest football …
The Day After: Dems Take Washington
OK, here's your chance. Gloat. Whine. Vent. What are your thoughts on the very decisive mandate the country sent last night? Let 'er rip.
Mississippi in the Times
There's an article in yesterday's Times about an advertising campaign to show Mississippi as not last in everything. Though the quotes are kind of balanced, I still feel like it's …
Clarion-Ledger Publisher Is History
In case you missed it in the rout of Republicans last night, The Clarion-Ledger announced that publisher John Newhouse is leaving the company (NOT country). That means we're looking at …
Hinds and Mississippi Results
U.S. Senate - Trent Lott
JFP School Bond IssueChancery Court Judge District 5, Subdistrict 5-1 - Dewayne Thomas and William Bell (run-off)Chancery Court Judge District 5, Subdistrict 5-2 - Patricia WiseCircuit Court Judge District 7, …
Tuesday, November 7
The Election Predictions Thread
Ready to throw your weight behind your predictin' prowess? Here's the "official" word (mine, that is) on what's going to happen in today's elections. Are you brave enough to answer …
Clarion-Ledger No Longer a ‘Newspaper'?
My, my. It seems that Gannett Co. is causing consternation in its news room and talk in the newspaper industry by its decisions to turn its newspapers into "information center" …
Election 2006: On The Ballot
Listed below is a roster of the names and issues that will be on your ballot if you live in Hinds County. Some names may not be present, depending upon …
Election 2006: JFP Interview with Sen. Trent Lott
U.S. Sen. Trent Lott has been a stalwart anchor of the Republican Party ever since he switched from Democratic status during the '60s Southern Strategy years. The strategy saw segregationist …
Election 2006: Circuit Judges
District 7-4
Born in Jackson in 1945.Graduated Ole Miss in 1971.Graduated from University of Memphis in 1969.One of the first African Americans to attend Millsaps in 1965.Served in the U.S. Navy from …
James Blunt, New Voice in Pop
Anyway, in case you're wondering if Blunt is a one-hit wonder, here's "High":
So you've probably heard "You're Beautiful," James Blunt's smash hit--a song that became so popular, so fast, that it has already inspired a clever (if slightly mean) Weird Al parody. …
Monday, November 6
College Football: USM 42, Memphis 21
Southern Miss 42, Memphis 21: The Eagles end this one early with 35 first-half points. Out-of-town papers: Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Mobile
Casey's NY Times Blog FREE
My blog for the New York Times is free this week if anyone wants to read it:
Back from Iraq
Last year, we were all on edge.
"I'm not making fruit salad!" my mother affirmed -- more than once -- as Christmas approached. She gleaned the fruit salad recipe from my dad's grandpa years ago. No one …
Vanity Fair ‘NeoCulpa' Posted
The much bally-hooed Vanity Fair piece NeoCulpa is online. And, yup, it's just in time for the election.
Florida GOP Gov Candidate Ducks Bush
My, how things have changed. The political albatross that President Bush has become was yet more apparent today when a Republican candidate for governor ducked an appearance with the president …
Sunday, November 5
Klan Wizard Sam Bowers Is Dead
JACKSON, Mississippi (AP) -- Former Ku Klux Klan Imperial Wizard Samuel H. Bowers, who was serving a life sentence for the 1966 bombing death of a civil rights leader, died …
Joint Editorial: Rummy Must Go
In what's being described as a rare joint editorial due to appear in print on Monday, the Army Times, Navy Times, Marine Corp Times and Air Force Times will call …
Saints 31, Buccaneers 14
Drew Brees throws for three touchdowns as the New Orleans Saints trounce the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-14.
Home
Flying from Seattle, Wa., to Chicago, I feel weightless for exactly two seconds.
Amidst so much movement, I think I should be finding more things to write about. The truth is, most of my life in the last month has been spent on …
Saints at Bucs: Will Reggie Be Ready?
The New Orleans Saints' October homestand is over. Sunday, they play at division rival Tampa Bay (noon, Ch. 40/620 AM). The Saints beat the Bucs on Oct. 8 thanks to …
Fujiya & Miyagi's "Transparent Things"
"They're doing for 70s krautrock and motorik what the DFA did for early 80s electro. Indeed, without even being asked, they've gone and done the unthinkable: They've actually made krautrock …
Saturday, November 4
College Football: Instant Replay, Nov. 4
&ItemidHere's how Mississippi teams did on the grid on Saturday (keep checking back for updates):
Friday, November 3
Young Voters May Sway Election
MSNBC is reporting that more young people may vote Tuesday than they have in many years—primarily because young people their age are dying in Iraq and because they don't approve …
ARTICLE: Dispelling election day rumors
I've never heard anyone say that you couldn't vote if you didn't pay your utility bills first. Unfortunately, someone heard that and stayed home because of it.
Get Your Motor Running
Suggested NASCAR romance pick-up line: Honey, do you know how to drive a stick shift?
How's this for a combination of the sacred and the profane: A series of Harlequin romances set in the world of NASCAR? Vanity Fair gives this a thumbs-down, but what …
Vote for AirTran?
The Metro Chamber sent out an e-mail blast today encouraging people to visit the AirTran website and vote for Jackson as their next destination via an online poll:
Evangelist Prez Steps Down Because ... Gay?
Oh. My. Word. When I was editor of the Colorado Springs Independent, this right-wing preacher was one of the most outspoken in the city's Religious Industrial Complex (with Focus on …
Minor: Haley Should Release Tax Returns
In Bill Minor's syndicated column this week, he argues that Gov. Haley Barbour should be more accountable to the public:
Thursday, November 2
20/20 Special on People of Privilege: Friday, November 3, 8 PM CT
From abcnews.com: A two-hour special on people of privilege: those who flash their money to gain entrance into college, and others who use their keen celebrity likeness to get red-carpet …
Yaw Bee Baw: The Michael Oher Story
Michael Oher, Ole Miss football's own "freak of nature" is the subject of "The Blind Side" by Michael Lewis, the author of "Moneyball." Every Day Should Be Saturday has an …
EXCLUSIVE: City Attorney In the Money?
City Attorney Sarah O'Reilly-Evans could collect up to $650,000 on the $65 million convention Center bond proposal, according to a clause in her city contract, first revealed publicly on Nov. …
New Poll: Election Referendum on Iraq, Bush
The New York Times is reporting that approval of Bush's handling of the war in Iraq is down to 29 percent—the lowest ever. It also show that next week's election …
Wednesday, November 1
Election 2006: JFP Interview with Rep. Erik Fleming
Rep. Erik Fleming has been a full-time representative of Hinds County since 1999. Before that, he was a reporter for both the Jackson Advocate and the Mississippi Link newspapers.
Making Elbow Room
Police Chief Shirlene Anderson has been pushing the idea of a misdemeanor jail as part of her plan to battle repeat offenders in the city.
Residents To Legislature: Please Help
The Battlefield Community Association has a new way to fight crime in West Jackson: Members are taking the fight to the Legislature.
Return of The Dems - What Would It Mean?
The battle for the 110th Congress is looking more promising for Democrats this year. National polls, like a Reuters/Zogby poll released last week, show that voters will favor Democratic candidates …
14 Cents To The Promised Land
"We must not let anything interfere with the ability of the youth of this region to secure here in the region as good an education as is available anywhere in …
[Stiggers] Tune In, Drop Out
Broth Hustle: "Greetings, bootleg satellite dish owners! The Ghetto Science Team's telecommunications division and I have joined to provide poor folk with a new listening experience called the Broth Hustle …
no. 07 November 1 - November 8
<b>Backing for Blanche</b>
An initiative is underway that I believe is of great importance to all Mississippians. The first black U. S. Senator, Blanche K. Bruce, R-Miss., who served during reconstruction has never …
Tacos and Fish Sticks
The surfboard on the wall reads, "Go with the 'FLOW'ood," and Taco Del Mar is the most recent restaurant to come rushing in with the influx of eateries opening in …
[Drink] Dead Guy Ale
The word rogue brings many images to mind. When considering myself, for instance, I am roguishly handsome and roguishly charming. For beer drinkers, the word rogue brings to mind Rogue …
Gadget of The Week
How serious are you about amateur digital photography? Fuji has released the S6000fd, an SLR-like digital camera that offers some very good specs for an under-$500 price point. (It's closer …
What Dreams May Come?
I saw William Dunlap in the gift store at the Mississippi Museum of Art, signing copies of his book "Dunlap" (University Press of Mississippi, 2006, $45) with his whiskey on …
Boyz In Da Row
"Saints Row" is part of a growing genre known as "GTA Clone," referring to the "Grand Theft Auto" series, built on free-roaming criminal adventurers. The similarities are instantly recognizable, from …
Theater Round-Up!
It's 1962, and Tracy Turnblad is the girl to know. She's a big girl with big hair, a soft heart and a passion for dancing. She's not a closet dancer, …
[Music] It Needs To Be Felt
A month ago, Brad Goodwin was waiting for his turn at an open mic night in Baton Rouge. The 21-year-old was ready. He had been playing music since he was …
The Best In Sports In 7 Days
College football, West Virginia at Louisville (6:30 p.m., ESPN): Hey, here's a Big East game that matters (for a change).
Marvin Jamison
Marvin Jamison is not your typical butcher. Yes, he wears the white butcher's hat and coat. He can slice a fine cut of meat or convince the pickiest eater to …
True to Our Authentic Selves-Women and Radio
Who knew that Gloria and Jane would create a media that my husband adores? Not those tauting the "feminazi" rhetoric for sure. He came home a few weeks ago raving …
