Friday, January 31
Give Blood, Play Rugby
The Jackson Rugby Football Club is looking for players and spectators. The team will play its first home game of the spring season on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 1 p.m. at Chastain Middle School (at the corner of Northside Drive and Manhattan Drive). And if you want to play, no experience is necessary. For more information, call 714-4444 or check out the club's Web site http://www.jacksonrugby.com (which appears to be under renovation). Dr. S note: New Zealand rugby star Eric Rush (right) probably won't be at the game Feb. 15. But you need to go, anyway.
Monday, January 27
THEATER: Long, Blessed Summer
"Blessed Assurance," a play about Freedom Summer 1964, is at New Stage Theatre Jan. 29-Feb. 1 and Feb. 5-8.
EDITORIAL: ‘The Children Must Be Saved"
Please call your legislator today. We can make a difference right now.
The Best of Times
<b>Editor's Note by Donna Ladd</b>
The other night I was sitting in my office about 10 p.m. It had been another one of those 12-hour days that we've put in several times a week since launching this magazine last Sept. 22. It was a quiet, peaceful work night that can only happen after the crazy light of day passes and the damned phone stops ringing.
Sunday, January 26
JACKSONIAN: Ken Stiggers
"It's like a box of chocolates: You never know what you're gonna get," quotes Ken Stiggers, 41, of the City of Jackson's Public Education Government network studio (formerly officially called Public Access, and still referred to that way casually). He runs the local studio almost singlehandedly. "I wear 87 hats," he says with a deep Barry White-like "heh-heh-heh." Standing in the cramped base of operations of the studio, with videos lining the white concrete walls, he wears a black turtleneck sweater, dark jeans, brown leather shoes and a bomber jacket—a slick outfit that matches his build perfectly, if not his demeanor.
A Dream Lost
"When America celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, students in schools named after Dr. King will be reciting the 'I have a dream' speech in auditoriums where there are no whites and almost everyone is poor enough to get a free lunch, the very kind of schools Dr. King fought to eliminate." Timed to honor the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, the Harvard Civil Rights Project's new report, "A Multiracial Society with Segregated Schools: Are We Losing the Dream?," finds that "resegregation" of schools is at a level not seen in three decades.
Trolling for Alternatives
"We must find an alternative to war and bloodshed." Those words by the late, great Martin Luther King Jr. are helping drive thousands of America to organize against a preemptive war against Iraq. And after 30,000-plus protesters gathered in Washington and around the country two days before the holiday honoring Dr. King's birth, even the mainstream media are starting to pay attention. Here in Mississippi, The Clarion-Ledger ran two front-page articles, including one by James V. Walker, who accompanied 15 protesters from Jackson in two vans on their 2,000-mile round-trip journey to Washingon to protest the war.
Radical Peace
It was one of those gatherings you don't see very often in Jackson. Three young international peace protesters—"radicals," you could call them—carried copies of "World War III," a radical New York comic zine, into First Christian Church, where they talked to a couple dozen rapt, and maybe radical, Jacksonians about why the U.S. should not support the Israeli occupation of Palestine.
Tale of Two Downtowns
What step to take next will be a huge question for 2003. We could be going nowhere, or at least a relatively short distance—after all, we're in a recession, Mississippi's telecom industry is "retrenching," and the prospect of war may change local and national goverment priorities significantly.
Friday, January 24
2003: I Consume (Food)
<b>Best Vegetarian: High Noon Café,
Thanks to High Noon, many of us southerners were shocked to discover that squash is actually yellow, that cooked vegetables don't naturally glisten, and even mama's chicken salad is just as good with tofu and Nayonaise (just don't let her know).
Best of Jackson 2003: I Consume (Food)
Best Vegetarian: High Noon Café. Thanks to High Noon, many of us southerners were shocked to discover that squash is actually yellow, that cooked vegetables don't naturally glisten, and even mama's chicken salad is just as good with tofu and Nayonaise (just don't let her know).
2003: Who's Who
<b>WHO'S WHO</b>
It's not the way she looks, but her looks most men will tell you, don't hurt. Not in a she's-pretty-but-can-she-type kind of way. More like a she-can-sing-like-nobody's-business, oh, and she's-easy-on-the-eyes kind of way. Or, to put it another way: When she plays, some aren't sure if the puddle of drool on the floor is due to the fine-sounding music or the fine-looking woman. Eh, we know it's the music. Lisa Palmer—jazz singer, mother, wife, interior designer and member of Shirim Choir at the Beth Israel congregation—sings the standards like they're brand new; she makes her version of "Unforgettable" truly unforgettable. If you've somehow missed her, check out her recently released self-titled CD (available at Musiquarium and BeBop). Then go hear her live.
Best of Jackson 2003: Urban Living
The far-flung hair-cutting empire of Maurice's Barber & Style has shops in Jackson, Ridgeland, Madison and at the Reservoir. Much like the barbershops of yore, it's a pleasant place to hang out, and they don't mind if you bring the kids (as long as you're a customer, naturally). Of course, there's a big difference between this and your grandfather's barber shop: Most of the stylists and many of the customers are women. But like any classic barber shop, there's plenty of good conversation, stress relief and counseling available at no extra charge.
2003: Urban Living
<b>Best Barber: Maurice's,
The far-flung hair-cutting empire of Maurice's Barber & Style has shops in Jackson, Ridgeland, Madison and at the Reservoir. Much like the barbershops of yore, it's a pleasant place to hang out, and they don't mind if you bring the kids (as long as you're a customer, naturally). Of course, there's a big difference between this and your grandfather's barber shop: Most of the stylists and many of the customers are women. But like any classic barber shop, there's plenty of good conversation, stress relief and counseling available at no extra charge.
Thursday, January 23
Best of Jackson 2003: Best of Downtown
THE VOTES ARE IN, the ballots are counted, and we are thrilled to announce the winners of the first Best of Jackson readers' choice competition. We ran the Best-of ballot starting in Issue No. 1 of the Jackson Free Press, figuring the city had waited long enough for the type of readers' choice balloting that's done by alternative publications in urban areas throughout the country. These competitions lead to some of the most-read, most sought-after editions of alternatives published every year. People keep these issues and refer to them throughout the year. Why? Because readers want to experience and celebrate the best their cities have to offer, based on what they believe, not what the highest-paying advertisers tell them. Our Best-of competition, which we will continue to announce every January, captures our mission exactly: to bring Jacksonians and local businesses together in a community where we can all help each other and be part of something bigger than ourselves. Judging by the winners this year, this is an excellent first step. All of you put thought into your choices and shined a light on community jewels that are often overlooked. Thank you!
2003: Best of Downtown
THE VOTES ARE IN, the ballots are counted, and we are thrilled to announce the winners of the first Best of Jackson readers' choice competition. We ran the Best-of ballot starting in Issue No. 1 of the Jackson Free Press, figuring the city had waited long enough for the type of readers' choice balloting that's done by alternative publications in urban areas throughout the country. These competitions lead to some of the most-read, most sought-after editions of alternatives published every year. People keep these issues and refer to them throughout the year. Why? Because readers want to experience and celebrate the best their cities have to offer, based on what they believe, not what the highest-paying advertisers tell them. Our Best-of competition, which we will continue to announce every January, captures our mission exactly: to bring Jacksonians and local businesses together in a community where we can all help each other and be part of something bigger than ourselves. Judging by the winners this year, this is an excellent first step. All of you put thought into your choices and shined a light on community jewels that are often overlooked. Thank you!
2003: Nightlife
<b>Best Bar Bathroom: Hal & Mal's, 200 S. Commerce St., 948-0888</b>
Someone accused us of coming up with this category so that Hal & Mal's could win hands-down. That's not true: We've always believed that a bar is only as good as its bathroom. In Manhattan, much of the club's action took place in the bathrooms where party promoters actually staged unisex events. And in my favorite live music club there, they had two gender-inspecific bathrooms that men and women alike had to stand in line for; boy, did that make the men grumpy! You're right; a woman owned that club. But, I digress.
Best of Jackson 2003: Nightlife
Best Bar Bathroom: Hal & Mal's, 200 S. Commerce St., 948-0888 Someone accused us of coming up with this category so that Hal & Mal's could win hands-down. That's not true: We've always believed that a bar is only as good as its bathroom. In Manhattan, much of the club's action took place in the bathrooms where party promoters actually staged unisex events. And in my favorite live music club there, they had two gender-inspecific bathrooms that men and women alike had to stand in line for; boy, did that make the men grumpy! You're right; a woman owned that club. But, I digress.
Sunday, January 19
Blessed By The Blues, by Herman Snell
Though he's legally blind like many of the great bluesmen, Sam Myers made his way to the center stage mic at 930 Blues Cafe in November like he's lived there—at a mic—his whole life. In fact, he has. This Laurel, Miss., native played trumpet as a child, but at the age of 10 switched to drums, and then played then more than 10 years for the legendary Elmore James. In 1960 and 1961, Myers recorded with Elmore James in New Orleans. James played slide on four songs by Myers, including his most famous song, "Angel Child," and Myers played harmonica on several James tunes, including the classic "Look on Yonder's Wall." One of Myers' later songs, "Sleeping in the Ground" was covered by Eric Clapton and Robert Cray.
Friday, January 17
Big Men, Big Game
Normally, Dr. S wouldn't mention something as mundane as an NBA regular-season game. But tonight, the Los Angeles Lakers visit the Houston Rockets (8:30 p.m., ESPN) in a game that could be something special. It's the first meeting between Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal and Rockets rookie middle man Yao Ming. Shaq's the present; Yao might be the future. Their collision figures to be interesting. Previews ...
Thursday, January 16
FYI on Eli and Rod
Dr. S admits he was surprised to learn that Eli Manning and Rod Davis were going to return to their respective schools for their senior seasons rather than going on to the NFL. Eli, the Ole Miss QB, surprised Dr. S because he was going to be a first-round pick (probably). Eli can probably boost his stock by playing at Ole Miss – if he doesn't get killed in the process.
Wednesday, January 15
GUEST OPINION: What Trent Lott and I Have in Common
"The last straw is an awesome thing," wrote columnist Deborah Mathis in the Arkansas Times in December. "So small. Seemingly so insignificant. Yet powerful enough to topple careers, ruin lives and break the camel's back. Trent Lott can now attest to the power of the last straw."
Made In Mississippi
Back in 1980, seven years after the opening of the Mississippi Film Office (then called the Mississippi Film Commission), Ward Emling spent a lot of time answering the phone.
Hot Rod Staying In Hub City
Good news for Southern Miss fans; linebacker Rod Davis says he's going to come back for his senior year. That's bad news for the teams on the Eagles' schedule.
Tuesday, January 14
Breaking News: Eli returning to Ole Miss
Good ole Eli said today that he's returning to Ole Miss next year after all. Read the breaking story.
Monday, January 13
Jack Stevens
Jack Stevens greets me at the door of his Belhaven Heights triplex from the comfort of his wheelchair, a result of an unfortunate accident three years ago that keeps him for the most part immobile. A cloud of faded red hair surrounds his round bespectacled face. At 52 he's led an active, theatrical life in his hometown of Jackson. Growing up he attended "Power, Bailey and Murrah," and in his effervescent way, he makes them sound like the holy trinity of schools. He started acting while at Murrah and went on to graduate from Ole Miss in 1972 with a major in theater and a minor in English and history. He tried out for Yale's renowned theater department three times and was second alternate twice.
Saturday, January 11
THEY DID: Queen Makes Big-Ass Promise
Not too long after I met Jill Conner Browne, I was bouncing around Downtown alongside a huge rolling crown. I was wearing a sequined green padded number that flattened my boobs to my stomach, or so it felt, and caught on my black fishnets when I tried to go to the bathroom. As a Sweet Potato Queen "wannabe" in last year's St. Paddy's Parade, I have never looked worse in my life—and I have videotape to prove it.
A Spoken Word Revival
The power of the spoken word needs to be felt by a variety of ages and races, says poet and activist Jolivette Anderson. Currently the artist-in-residence at Lanier High School in Jackson, Anderson is bringing her long-time poetry-hostessing skills to Soulshine Pizza, in the Hal & Mal's complex, every Wednesday night starting Jan. 8. She will host a poetry open-mic, featuring the sounds of nu-soul band Break of Dawn.
Thursday, January 9
In the Name of Human Decency
Ronald Chris Foster is still alive … for now. Amid rising dissent, on Jan. 6 Gov. Ronnie Musgrove temporarily stopped the execution of Foster, who was 17 when he attempted an unarmed robbery and caused the death of the store manager in a struggle over a store gun. As we go to press, this question still looms: Will the state of Mississippi execute a juvenile offender? A similar case from Oklahoma is being presented to the U.S. Supreme Court later this month, and Musgrove decided to wait for that outcome.
Life Lessons at the Honky Tonk
"Let's go to the redneck bar," Blondie exclaimed from the backseat of my car. Three of us had just enjoyed a girls' day out after feeding the cows and touring my friend's farm in Canton. A little window-shopping and some fine dining on the Square had rounded out the day when we decided to hightail it over to the honky-tonk on Highway 43. We threw inhibition to the wind as I accelerated and made a hard right toward the bar.
Is Political Change Afoot?
"Bullet proof." "Political invulnerability." "Going to win." "Sure loser." The problem with conventional wisdom is that it is usually more self-fulfilling than wise, especially when promulgated by folks who just want to be right.
Saturday, January 4
Whatever Happened To ... ?
Remember Tang Hamilton, the standout basketball player for Mississippi State and Lanier High? He's still playing basketball, working on getting back to the NBA by playing for Columbus, Ga., in the NBDL. He was named the developmental league's player of the month for December after scoring in double figures in 10 of 11 games. And speaking of whatever happened to, Columbus is coached by another former Mississippi State star who went on to NBA glory: Jeff Malone.
Thursday, January 2
SPANN: Attitude Makes All the Difference
Somehow a white co-worker and I found ourselves talking about race relations. Sitting comfortably in my downtown Jackson office a year after the controversial state-flag vote, we joked about Mississippi rednecks and the Confederate flag-emblazoned halter tops we hoped to add to our wardrobes.
Jackson Diary
Edited by JoAnne Prichard Morris
Here's a great way to get into print in the Jackson Free Press. Just send us your true anecdotes, short tales and observations from your life in Jackson, or beyond if you think Jacksonians will enjoy your little story. Must be true. Click "Read more" to find submission instructions.
MINOR: Dixiecrats Ready to Walk Out
The following column by Bill Minor originally ran in the Times-Picayune on July 11, 1948.
South Toward Home
Coming of age in Neshoba County, I considered Jackson the big city. I loved standing in the seat of our long turquoise Chevrolet, my left hand curled around my Daddy's neck as we sped from Philadelphia to Jackson, either down the Trace or through Canton if he felt like driving faster. It was the 1960s, and Jackson was larger than I could imagine. We'd visit my brother's family on Queen Margaret Lane in West Jackson, a residential city street where I learned to ride a bicycle on pavement and chased the ice-cream man and splashed in a little above-ground pool. I loved going to the old Woolworth, amid the neon of Capitol Street, where my Daddy bought me a toy Santa one year that still sits on my mantle every December.
Bells of St. Peter's
The bells of St. Peter's Catholic Church rang for 15 minutes starting at 6 p.m. on Wed., Dec 11. Fifty or so people hung their heads over their small white candles; some wept. The state of Mississippi had executed another man on their behalf, this time Jesse Williams, 51, who was convicted of kidnapping and murdering Karon Ann Pierce 18 years ago.
Elvis, Beer and Thou
It was started in New Orleans by a guy named Elvis on Magazine Street in a bar called Brew Ha Ha. Beer fanatics Chris Crothers and Allen Tye of Jackson attended a home-brewing demonstration there a few weeks ago and decided to start a small club here in Jackson. The first meeting of the Four Ms (Mid-Mississippi Malt Masters) was held in the upstairs bar of Musiquarium overlooking a rainy and busy I-55 on Tuesday, Dec. 3.
Don't Nobody Know: Lalee's Kin
Everyone who cares about human dignity and justice should see "Lalee's Kin: The Legacy of Cotton," which debuted on HBO Sept. 18. I first saw it during the Crossroads Film Festival in Jackson last spring in a mixed-race audience, most of whom stayed to hear a lengthy and emotional discussion about African-American poverty in the Delta.
FOOD: Family Recipe
When Eda-Mae LaBranche came to Jackson more than seven years ago, she already had four biological children whom she nourished with oxtail and curry goat, mangoes and plantains.