Stories for July 2004

Mayor Johnson's 7/30 Newsletter

No Worry: The Feds Will Pay for Medicare (Maybe)

In a bizarre twist in ideology, Gov. Haley Barbour told Neshoba County Fair go-ers Thursday that the federal government should pick up the tab for the health-care costs of poor and disabled Mississippians. "Mississippi taxpayers shouldn't pay for health care coverage that the federal government will pay for," Barbour said, as reported by the Associated Press (and not by The Clarion-Ledger in its report today, which focuses more on Barbour's sophomoric bashing of John Kerry, calling him the "ideological twin" of Teddy Kennedy. Na na na na, boo boo.)

Federal Deficit to Top $450 Billion; Medicare in Trouble?

AP is reporting: "The White House's projection of a record federal deficit that could approach $450 billion this year will further fuel a campaign-season dispute over President Bush's handling of the economy. Bush's budget office planned to release its latest forecast Friday. Its magnitude, described by congressional aides speaking on condition of anonymity, will easily surpass last year's $375 billion, the largest ever in dollar terms. Republicans said the number would underscore the economy's upturn because it shows improvement over early this year, when expectations were for an even larger shortfall. [...] Some congressional aides said the report might also project an increase in spending by Medicare, the government's $300 billion health insurance program for the elderly and disabled. That could further heighten concerns about the program's solvency, already in jeopardy over the next two decades with the impending retirement of the huge baby-boom generation. Medicare's anticipated rapid growth in coming years is expected to be a major engine keeping the budget in the red. The report's release was coming two weeks after an often-ignored July 15 deadline, a delay White House officials attributed to a desire for accurate numbers." [emphasis added]

Full Text of John Kerry's Convention Speech

My name is John Kerry, and I am reporting for duty. We are here tonight because we love our country. We are proud of what America is and what it can become. My fellow Americans: we are here tonight united in one simple purpose: to make America stronger at home and respected in the world. A great American novelist wrote that you can't go home again. He could not have imagined this evening. Tonight, I am home. Home where my public life began and those who made it possible live. Home where our nation's history was written in blood, idealism, and hope. Home where my parents showed me the values of family, faith, and country. Thank you, all of you, for a welcome home I will never forget.

Straight to the Litter Box

Staggeringly bad filmmaking in nearly every conceivable way, it's hard to imagine a more boilerplate costumed comic-book actioner than "Catwoman," a DC Comics rip-off.

Jay Farrar Grows Up, by Stuart Rockoff

First off, in the interest of full disclosure, I must admit that I am a huge fan of Uncle Tupelo, Jay Farrar's now-legendary first band that breathed new life into country rock by infusing it with the sound and sensibility of punk. I had even once convinced my wife to give our first-born daughter the middle name "Anodyne" after Uncle Tupelo's last and greatest album. Luckily for our daughter, we opted for "Lucinda" instead. Even though my musical tastes have moved off in different directions, periodically I will still put an old Uncle Tupelo CD on, or listen to one of the many bootlegs I acquired, and marvel at the energy, passion and beauty of the music produced by three young guys from Belleville, Ill.

[Jacktown] Rumors and Beefs of Summer, by Alphonso Mayfield

Jackson, it's been a long, hot summer. There have been two problems plaguing our fair Jackson streets this summer. One is the total lack of new music coming from Jacktown artists lately. The second problem is that music news around the state has been slower than a Maxwell album screwed. Most of those highly anticipated albums that should have dropped already are still being retooled with new material being constantly added. So, we wait.

July 27 Record Releases

Beginning July 28 and continuing weekly, time permitting, JFP will begin listing all new music releases on the music blog. Please take a look at the plethora of releases for Tuesday, July 27. They are seperated by genre: blues, country, folk, indie/electronica/underground, jazz, latin, rap, rock/pop/r&b and world. Culled from Billboard Magazine, Pitchfork and Brainwashed.

"Fear of Music," Talking Heads

It was 25 years ago, August 3, 1979 to be exact, that Talking Heads released what would be considered by many as the sequeway album between their two distinct sounds. The earlier albums, "Talking Heads '77" and 1978's sophomore "More Songs About Buildings and Food," had a new wave almost post-punk feel to them. With the help of producer Brian Eno, the Talking Heads were determined to add a new dimension to their next release, one where polyrhythmic funk and atmosphere meshed seamlessly with their earlier herky-jerky style. Although "Fear of Music" was the second album produced by Brian Eno, after "More Songs ….," this is where the collaborative synergy between David Byrne and Eno really became evident. The result was an often overlooked gem in their catalogue and one that is arguably the best Talking Heads album.

[Rev] Veggie Car Road Trip, Part II

Last time we saw David, Mali and Emilio, they were heading south, out of the United States, scrounging used fryer oil for their 1980 diesel VW Dasher. David wrote: "Under a darkening sky, we approached Naco, a small border crossing near Douglas, Ariz. We saw The Fence. Uggh. It was as ugly as could be. [The Mexican] side is decorated with banners, one telling us that over 2,000 persons had died crossing the border, and how many more would have to die?"

[Parks] Keep the Gum and Buttons

We hear it often. We 18- to 24-year-olds hold the future in our hands. We have the power to swing elections and change America. And come November, when we do this, we'll be armed with hip slogans, slick gimmicks and absolutely no clue about the issues.

Where are the Rock Stars?

When Judy Coleman was 16, she watched MTV's "Rock the Vote" special "Choose or Lose" religiously. The rock stars sucked her in.

[Road to Wellness] Start Walkin', Weeks 1 and 2

As we prepare to launch another wellness campaign, read Bingo Holman's fun 12-week road to wellness from last year. Change your lifestyle, feel better, have a good life.

We Got Issues

Here's a riddle: There are 26.9 million of them, and as much as they fight for freedom to make their own decisions and choices, 17 million of them never make one of the most important ones.

Political Knick-Knacks

Just about everyone at this point has heard of the Governator's off-color remarks concerning Sacramento Democratic legislators—but just in case you want to be a billboard, you can endorse either side in cotton. http://www.sacramentogirliemen.com started it all with their t-shirts—if you're a Democrat they suggest you sing it loud and sing it proud with a smart blue girlie-man shirt—they even donate 20 percent of the $24 price tag to California's Democratic Party.

Holla! They Want Your Vote

Rock the Vote isn't the only agency trying to encourage youth voting. Check out our list of the premier youth-targeted voting programs:

[Road to Wellness] Now We're Cookin', Weeks 3 and 4

I don't know about y'all, but this wellness shtick is not as easy as I thought it was going to be. The hardest thing I've found is that I have absolutely no willpower. I'll do well for one day and then reward myself the next day with a trip to Keifer's for a pita with mozzarella (and feta cheese dressing) and cottage fries (big slabs of fried potatoes).

[Stiggers] So Why Are You Invisible, Man?

Greetings! My guest is one of the many street corner philosophers/intellectuals, handymen and jack-of-all-trades who cannot find a job as a black male. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome D. Invisible Mann.

[Aziz] Party With a Purpose

The most tragic outcome of the 2000 election debacle is that it added to a list of excuses that Generation Y already has on why they shouldn't bother to vote. When you look at the hang-ups of young voters, the same answers constantly arise. The most popular reason to evade elections seems to be because none of the issues debated at election time affect the young voter. Another reason is because politicians don't target young voters (outside of occasional appearances on MTV programs). However, I think there is a more evident reason: lack of education.

Of Sin and Politics

I remember being surprised when I got old enough to realize that not everyone had a yearly "giant house party" in their home county. In fact, the Neshoba County Fair was unique—an annual sawdust-filled bacchanalia when the strictures of living in the Bible Belt went out the window. Many people drank the devil's juice openly while deputies strode by nonchalantly, a bit of cheating went on, and real gambling occurred in the cabins along the racetrack— way back before casinos came to the state.

Joecephus Martin

Joecephus Martin, 24, is comfortable in his own skin. As I watch the time, he sits back in a black leather chair, and says, "I'm from the South, I don't rush." He is a teacher, a rapper, a student, a voter, a listener, a talker and a realistic dreamer.

Index: Your Vote Count?

• The percentage of Americans that voted in the 2000 presidential election: 54.7

• The number of Mississippians between 18 and 35: approx. 692,500• The number of Mississippians who voted in the 2000 election: 993, 571• The number of eligible Mississippi voters who did not vote in 2000: 1,074,495• The margin of Mississippi voters between Bush and Gore in 2000: 168,230• The number of Florida ballots that gave the 2000 election to George W. Bush: 537• The number of votes separating Ronnie Musgrove and Haley Barbour in 2003: 60,617• Number of Mississippians being dropped from Medicaid: 65,000Source: U.S. Census, Mississippi Secretary of State's office, Federal election data

[Road to Wellness] Onward and Upward, Weeks 5 and 6

Well, gang, we've put in a full month of trying to live a well-rounded, healthier life. Mr. Gunter and I are still (pretty) hard at it. He's discovered a new addiction: honey-roasted soy nuts. I found them at the Jitney 14 (Winn Dixie) in the produce section, and I can't seem to keep him away from them. I'm admittedly not doing as well on the walking lately, but I promise to pick it back up if all y'all do, too. So without any further ado … onward and upward.

[Road to Wellness] Keep On Keepin' On, Weeks 7 and 8

I finally joined the Y this week and promise to regale all of you with my (no doubt funny) escapades there. I've been drinking smoothies every day and eating OK, not great yet, but better. My favorite find lately is Luna bars, made by the Clif Bar Company. They're made especially for women, packed with soy, and come in a lot of great flavors; my personal favorite is lemon. What's in store for us these next couple of weeks? More of the same, my friends, more of the same.

[Road to Wellness] Skating into Health, Weeks 9 and 10

Can you believe we're almost done with our 12 weeks? After this one, there's only one more installment. I don't know about y'all, but I actually feel better, both mentally and physically. I feel stronger. Proof of that is in the pudding, as it were. Some friends and I are trying to start a roller derby league. A few weeks ago I would have said, "No way, Jose!" But now I'm raring to go. Our first meeting was last Saturday, and we had a blast. The music in the roller rink was pumping, a lot different from "Drop a Bomb On Me"—they were playing that last time I was there. Let me tell you, skating is some kind of workout, and I am beginning to love working out (don't tell anybody).

AP: Bush's Record Has Him in Tough Spot

AP is reporting: "Bad news for President Bush: Americans are anxious about the economy and unhappy about the Iraq war. The number of soldiers killed will probably hit the psychologically important 1,000 mark before the November election. And in the political horse race, he is tied or worse with Democratic rival John Kerry. There's a strong market for change at the White House, lifting Democrats' hopes.

This Sat.- 3 Doors Down, Nickelback, Puddle of Mud, 12 Stones

3 Doors Down, Nickelback, Puddle of Mud, 12 Stones. THIS SATURDAY- JULY 31st. 5PM GATES 6:30PM SHOW, ONE JACKSON PLACE, DOWNTOWN JACKSON, MS. GENERAL ADMISSION, $39.50-ADVANCE, $42.00-DAY OF SHOW (CASH ONLY) TICKETS ARE ON-SALE NOW AT Be-Bops, ON-LINE AT www.CC.com OR CHARGE BY PHONE AT 601-355-5252 OR AT THE GATE DAY OF SHOW.

[Rev] City Gal, Country Gal

As you might know, I'm a city gal. As you don't know, I just got back from a long weekend out in the boonies, and boy did I notice some differences between country life and city living. My friends and I arrived in our city car, tattooed with bumper stickers but otherwise shiny clean. The local country folk were mostly driving trucks covered in mud. There were some good bumper stickers on these rigs; my favorite was "Save a Cow, Eat a Vegetarian."

MoveOn introduces ‘Future Soundtrack for America'

MoveOn.org today announced a new CD put together by John Flansburgh of They Might Be Giants, featuring songs by Blink-182, Bright Eyes, David Byrne, Laura Cantrell, Clem Snide, Death Cab for Cutie, Mike Doughty, The Flaming Lips, Fountains of Wayne, Jimmy Eat World, Ben Kweller, The Long Winters, Nada Surf, OK Go, Old 97's, R.E.M., Sleater-Kinney, They Might Be Giants, Tom Waits, will.i.am of The Black Eyed Peas, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. In addition, the family of Elliott Smith contributed a mix of "A Distorted Reality Is Now A Necessity To Be Free," a song from Smith's as-yet-unreleased last record, and the first release of new material since his death in late 2003.

Dean Warns about Draft at ‘Rock the Vote' Party

CBS News reports: "As people wondered if former President Bill Clinton was here yet, and college-age guys scanned the chatting celebrities in the VIP area for actress Natalie Portman, the packed club of young Democrats cheered wildly. Former Gov. Howard Dean was on stage, chopping his arm, yelling passionately. The 2,000-person crowd roars. Dean avows: 'If you want a draft, vote for George Bush!'"

Blogging the Convention

List of and links to credentialed bloggers:

Forget boring corporate news accounts of the Dems' big party in Boston. The most entertaining way to follow the action is through the blogging coming out of Beantown. Following are a sampling of blogs that delegates are posting directly from inside. We'll post more as we find them. Enjoy.

Judge Blocks New Mississippi Anti-Abortion Law

Clarion-Ledger is reporting: "Mississippi's new abortion law infringes on a woman's 14th Amendment right to have an abortion early in the second trimester, a federal judge has ruled. In a ruling made public today, U.S. District Judge Tom S. Lee kept in place a preminary injunction he issued July 2 that prevented the law from going into affect. The law would have limited abortions after the 13th week of pregnancy to hospitals and ambulatory surgical clinics."

More Fun Than a Barrel of Spiders

Let's be honest—we've all wanted to be Spider-Man at some point or the other. Who wouldn't want to be able to swing around New York and beat up thugs? Well, now you can. "Spider-Man 2" allows you to traverse the whole of Manhattan, as well as Roosevelt, Ellis and Liberty Islands. The buildings are all detailed to the bone, and there are NO loading times for simply exploring the map. The combat system allows several enemies to be fought at the same time, and features a wide variety of attacks and skills to be used. As an added bonus, Bruce Campbell, star of "The Evil Dead," plays the narrator.

R.E.M. finish their newest album

R.E.M. have just completed work on their latest album, which is slated for release in time for the November elections. Click here to read the article at Pitchforkmedia.

Bush Tries to Lure Black Voters

The New York Times is reporting: "President Bush tried on Friday to sow doubts about Democrats' commitment to black Americans and told black voters 'there is an alternative this year' -- him. At the same time, Bush acknowledged, "Listen, the Republican Party has got a lot of work to do. I understand that.'''

"Corymb," Boom Bip

As life in the 21st Century gets into full swing, it is no surprise that electronic music has pervaded the music landscape. What is surprising is how much emotion can be conveyed and even generated by artificial instrumentation. Such is the case with the newest long player from Boom Bip, a Cleveland, OH native who has several releases under his belt and is considered by many to be a remixer extraordinaire. His music is best described as a hybrid of leftfield instrumental hip-hop, ambient and experimental electronica and Intelligent Dance Music (IDM). Although Mr. Bip has collaborated with and remixed for Amon Tobin, Four Tet and Lali Puna, the favor had yet to be returned by other artists in the underground music community. That is, until the release of 2003's "From Left to Right" EP.

"The Cure," The Cure

So far, 2004 seems to be the year of the "comeback," especially when it comes to those musicians who played an important part in laying the foundation for Alternative Music as we know it today. The Cure, who have been around since 1978 and have influenced several generations of Gothic and Alt-Rock bands, recently released their 13th proper album. After the disappointment of their last two albums, I honestly wasn't expecting too much from them on this release. However, I am very pleasantly surprised with "The Cure" and can safely recommend this as their best work since 1989's epic masterpiece, "Disintegration."

Fahrenheit 9/11 Worrying GOP

AP is reporting: "Republicans initially dismissed 'Fahrenheit 9/11' as a cinematic screed that would play mostly to inveterate Bush bashers. Four weeks and $94 million later, the film is still pulling in moviegoers at 2,000 theaters around the country, making Republicans nervous as it settles into the American mainstream. 'I'm not sure if it moves voters,' GOP consultant Scott Reed said, 'but if it moves 3 or 4 percent it's been a success.'"

My Two Chefs

What I know about grilling you could put on a table-top hibachi. My two sons, Lamont, 28, and Leland, 25, are way, way out of my league.

Wayne Dowdy Will Worry State GOP

Clarion-Ledger columnist Sid Salter writes that new Mississippi Democratic Party head Wayne Dowdy will worry the state Republicans: "Dowdy is a formidable opponent in every sense of the term. He's smart. He's tough. Dowdy has the demonstrated skills to repair some of the fundamental weaknesses of the Democratic Party in Mississippi — money and organization. But Dowdy's greatest weapon is the Medicaid debacle — Haley Barbour's size 13EEE political Achilles heel — and he'll use it."

Minor: Miss. GOP Lying About ‘Highest-Taxed State'

Columnist Bill Minor writes this week: "Bad enough that the chief propagandist for the Mississippi Republican Party is a turncoat Democrat, but worse that he lies to make taxpayers believe they can't afford health care for 65,000 of the state's neediest. State GOP chairman Jim Herring on Mississippi Public Broadcasting's 'Statewide Live' the other night kept repeating the fallacious party line that Mississippi is 'the highest taxed state in the nation.' Absolute hogwash. The facts are that Mississippians are among the nation's most lightly taxed.

[Road to Wellness] We've Arrived! Weeks 11 and 12

When we started this trip, the word "wellness" made me cringe. Now it's what I strive for on a daily basis. I'm still not exactly where I want to be, but I have a strong foundation for the journey now. In this last installment, I thought would I summarize all that we've talked about over the previous 10 weeks.

Poll: Dems Lead on Most Issues; Kerry and Bush Tied

AP is reporting: "John Kerry is heading to his party's national convention with Democrats faring better with the public on both domestic and international issues, according to a poll released Wednesday. But Kerry remains locked in a tie in the presidential race. When people are asked which party would do a better job of handling a given issue, Democrats are now 12 points up on handling the economy and have an even larger lead on issues from education to health care and the environment, according to the poll by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press.

Shop Local: Liz Henry, Fondren Traders

We just heard about two great retail sales—one at Liz Henry and another at Fondren Traders, both in Fondren. Both are discounting their very stuff up to 40 percent to make room for fall merchandise. Head on over there and tell 'em the JFP sent you.

Herman's Music Picks: Tonight at George St.

Wednesday you will delight in the eclectic alt. pop rock of Brax, direct from Los Angeles to George Street Grocery. Think of them as U2 meets Wilco, breed on the vocal stylings on Bowie. It may be your only chance to see them before they outgrow the bold new city.

Jail Generation: Lost Time, Lost Voice

"I've been working 14 years to keep my sanity, now I'm on vacation," mused J.J. Tennison, speaking in a slow, metered voice. In 1990, Tennison, then 18, and Antoine "Soda Pop" Goff, then 21, were convicted of manslaughter and sent to separate state prisons in California to serve sentences of 25 years to life. Then, in September 2003, they were declared innocent on appeal and exonerated. But speaking to the press last December, Tennison and Goff showed little bitterness. Didn't they despair over losing the prime years of their youth, asked one journalist, himself just pushing 25?

Geronimo Rex: Thoroughly Human, by Jessica Kinnison

Joey Plunkett's voice diffuses over Vince Johnston's repetitive, infectious guitar strokes and Ryan Rogers' strong, directive beat as a haunting echo that creeps into your senses without warning or thought of industry. "Listen to it twice; the first time the music seems catchy but hopefully by the second or third time you will pick up on the lyrics," Plunkett tells me.

Dick Cheney: One of the Worst CEOs in History?

(Click on the free day pass to read the full story without a subscription.)

From Salon today: "it's clear that Cheney deserves another nomination: as one of the worst CEOs in recent American history. Of course, there are plenty of CEOs that deserve to be on that list, including Enron's Kenneth Lay, Tyco's Dennis Kozlowski and Adelphia's John Rigas. While those bosses certainly are being pilloried, Cheney's disastrous five-year-long tenure at Halliburton deserves far more scrutiny than the mainstream business press has bothered to provide."

A Few Loose Screws

A Review of "I, Robot," PG-13

Will Smith has grown into our nation's most proficient green-screen actor. It's a dubious achievement, perhaps, but a very marketable skill in these glory years of computer-enhanced moviemaking. If you have aliens or robots to fight, then call Will Smith. He seems comfortable with this acting distinction, if his serving as executive producer and star, of "I, Robot" is any proof.

Art Sizzles at Tougaloo

Art: Nannette Acker Clark, "Deux." Mixed Media

Billed as "Hot Art 2004: A Week-Long Indulgence in the Visual Arts for Artists, Art Educators, Art Students" on the Tougaloo College Web site, the 8th annual Tougaloo Art Colony runs July 23-30.

The Last Shall be First

Three mothers, two black and one white, came to the State Capitol Monday, July 19, to tearfully beg the state to stop abusing children. One question: Will the state listen? Another question: Do Mississippians care?

[Aziz] Bought Out: African Americans Sell Future for Shoes

During my last year in school at Jackson State University I learned that African Americans spend three times more than any other ethnic group. When I heard this, I couldn't believe it. After all, I knew we as African Americans were definitely brand loyal, and I knew that we spent a lot more money on material things, but three times as much? This figure definitely appalled me because the average African-American salary is only $21,000 and some change. This means that with the help of credit, we are not only spending what we make, but more.

It Takes the Village Elders

A sense of place is a deeply understood concept in the South. The Piney Woods School, a private boarding school for black boys and girls, 21 miles south of Jackson on Highway 49, epitomizes place for its students and those who work there to make sure the education provided is pertinent, academically and practically.

JFP Index: The Jail Generation

In millions, how many black males in U.S. are dis-enfranchised due to felonies: 1.4

In millions, how many Americans are permanently dis-enfranchised from voting due to felonies: 3.9 (1 in 50 adults)

Vanishing Votes

First, the purges. In the months leading up to the November 2000 presidential election, Florida Secretary of State Katherine Harris, in coordination with Gov. Jeb Bush, ordered local election supervisors to purge 57,700 voters from the registries, supposedly ex-cons not allowed to vote in Florida. At least 90.2 percent of those on this "scrub" list, targeted to lose their civil rights, are innocent. Notably, more than half—about 54 percent—are black or Hispanic.

Ex-Felons Fight for Right to Vote

Twelve years ago, Yvonne Kennedy, a Democratic member of Alabama's House of Representatives, began a campaign to re-enfranchise ex-prisoners in the state after they had served out their sentences. At the time, Kennedy's crusade appeared little short of quixotic; in an era where politicians were made and broken according to their tough-on-crime credentials, who in their right mind would waste political capital arguing that ex-cons should have the right to vote?

Coming Up for Air

On Tuesday, July 13, the Jackson City Council approved a 180-day moratorium on building new apartments in the city. "This will give us time to work with the mayor's office, our legal department and city services to change the long-range plan for our city to one that works," said Ward 1 Councilman Ben Allen. The city zoning patterns have not been adjusted in 30 years.

Mississippi Felons: How to Vote

On May 11, 2002, the Mississippi attorney general published a modernized interpretation of the Mississippi Constitution of 1890's Section 241, which lists disenfranchising crimes.

Chasing Sunset

A group of men, who are not residents of the Lincoln Garden Apartment Complex at 4125 Sunset Drive, crowd the side of the wide entrance to the complex. They are leaning against their trucks, watching who comes in and out. The manager's office is closed. Children are playing between the buildings. They are trying to walk the edge of the curb, with hands out, using air for balance. But, the main difference between them and their friends who live somewhere else is that if they lose their balance they fall into free-flowing sewage.

Ann Williams

Ann Williams, 54, is a bit tough, a little hard to take in at first. But that's because she's passionate. And she speaks the truth.

Winners of the 2004 Jackson Music Awards

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners in the 2004 Jackson Music Awards that has held last weekend. Here are your winners...

[Stiggers] The Hippest Anchorwoman in the World

The following is an abbreviated transcript of the E! Network's urban news and entertainment show "Boneqweesha Live."

Guided By Voices Final LP and Tour Announced

For eighteen years Guided By Voices have been a guiding force in indie pop/rock music, and with their final LP and tour announced, Jackson venues continue to ignore the music of bands like Modest Mouse and GBV. Be on the look out for a late Sept./Oct. Modest Mouse date at Proud Larry's in Oxford. You'll have to travel outside the state for a piece of the GBV's finale.

Pitchfork's Top Albums of the 70's

While I can't agree with the order, putting The Cars before Dark Side of the Moon, there are some mighty fine albums to complete your collection here. I dont think there is a single album in the top 100 that I don't like. Here's the top 10 for you lazies:

[Spann] Daddy's Girl Grows Up

Pops called at 12:30 last Sunday night. Startled from a deep sleep, I felt my heart race when I glimpsed his number on the caller ID screen. But then a sense of relief flooded my body as I answered the call to hear his cheerful voice loudly bidding me to "Wake your ass up, girl!" As always, his enthusiasm was contagious, so I had to laugh despite the hour.

"I Steal And Do Drugs," hollAnd

Trevor Kampmann [aka hollAnd] has just released a new set of futuristic indie-electro-pop at its best. For those unfamiliar with the hollAnd "sound," points of reference include Mark Robinson, Barcelona, The Books and UPC. His last release, 2001's highly lauded "Drums," was an upbeat affair that featured very short, concise songs. While most of the tracks clocked in at under 2 minutes, each packed enough hooks [vocally and instrumentally] to compensate for their brevity. The tracks featured on his latest are more lengthy and subdued, but no less engaging. Where "Drums" was music geared for the daytime hours, "I Steal And Do Drugs" is more nocturnal in atmosphere. Or, if you are inclined to think of music in terms of seasons, this would be a perfect soundtrack for autumn.

How many would support a TRUE community radio station?

I realize that this isn't necessarily an event per se, but I started to think last night about how easy/difficult it would be to form a true community radio station in Jackson. Granted, we do have WMPR 90.1 and they do a fantastic job of catering to a sizable segment of the community. But, to have a voice for the ENTIRE Jackson community would be a dream come true for me.

[Rev] Veggie Car on a Road Trip

Hey! NPR's "All Things Considered" just did a short spot on SVO (driving your diesel car on straight vegetable oil). A lot of people on the best biodiesel and SVO listserv (http://www.biodiesel.infopop.cc) were pissed at the NPR story because they made it seem like the only people who used SVO drove junkers that couldn't reach a speed over 45 miles per hour, that they use SVO kits sold by Greasel or NeoTeric, and ... well ... that veggie-oil enthusiasts are weird. The fact of the matter is, quite a number of SVOer folk run relatively new cars on grease, at high speeds, and all of that with a system they built themselves.

Sly Croom Featured in New York Times

In a big story Sunday,, The New York Times profiled Bulldogs coach Sly Croom: "Home is 83 miles away in Tuscaloosa, Ala., but it might as well be a million. When Sylvester Croom is not at Mississippi State, he is traveling along Mississippi's two-lane roads, talking to alumni and high school coaches and just about any gathering with an extra chair. He is all but going door to door, selling the idea of him as the Bulldogs' football coach.

Compilation DVD forthcoming from WARP Records!

It appears the DVD music video market just got a bit more interesting, as WARP Records has recently announced that a collection of music videos is slated for SEPTEMBER 21st release. Although the music artists on the WARP roster are creative in their own right, the directors of their videos take things to a whole new level of bizarre. The most noteworthy is Chris Cunningham, who recently released a DVD of his video creations as a part of Palm Pictures Directors Series [along with Spike Jonze and Michel Gondry]. Cunningham has a way of making nightmarish images appear somewhat fallible and humorous, but certainly no less surreal. In fact, all the directors on this video collection add bits of their own unique takes on humanity to augment the more organic aspects of the electronic soundscapes contained therein. Tracklisting includes...

[Stiggers] The Honeymoon Phase: Calm Before the Storm

We interrupt "Rikki Lakeside and Jerry Springtymer Present Outrageous Talk Show Guests and Their Problems" to bring you a special message from Bro. Kunta "Rasheed X" Toby, producer of a new documentary film on PBS (Peoples Broadcast System):

Only Children Bleed

The House Juvenile Justice Committee is holding legislative hearings on the training schools at the Capitol on July 19 from 2-5 p.m. and July 20 from 9 a.m. until noon in Room 113. Call Rep. Eric Fleming, D-Hinds, at 925-1740 or 359-3374 for more details.

Want Your Band to Play at Montipaloosa ?

The Montipaloosa Music Festival 2004 is seeking up-and-coming acts for a "Battle of the Bands" to be held at this year's Labor Day Weekend festivities. Entrants will be judged by a panel and a limited number will be selected to perform on the main stage prior to the headlining acts. The selected artists' performance will be judged on crowd response, showmanship and originality. There is a non-refundable entry fee of $20. The winner will receive a cash prize of $250, 5 hrs. studio time at The Laboratory Recording Studio (Jackson, MS) and a free mastering job from Taproot Audio Design (Oxford, MS). For further information, please call (601) 587-3007 or visit www.montipaloosa.com

Mayor Johnson's 7/16 Newsletter

Jaro, Staxx Featured in Clarion-Ledger

Cheers to Jaro and Staxx for all the hard work they do for Jackson. We're very proud.

Today, The Clarion-Ledger featured JFP photographer Jaro Vacek and John "Staxx" Tierre in a story about Staxx's company Blockwear distributing in the Czech Republic with Jaro's help. We consider Staxx a member of the family, too, having featuring his clothes several times in JFP shoots. And, last October, Charlie Braxton wrote in the JFP about Staxx, and other local hip-hop designers who are distributing nationally and internationally last October. We also featured Staff as a young businessman to watch in April.

[Lott] Opposing Homosexual Marriage

The Senate has failed to pass legislation calling for a Constitutional amendment to protect traditional marriage and halt the proliferation of same-sex marriages. Despite the current setback, I believe debate on this issue has only just begun, and the topic is bound to fester until Congress assumes its responsibility and deals with it decisively.

[Ladd] A Fool by Any Other Party

Man, I can't stand Bill Clinton. It drives me crazy to see him all over the place, hawking his new book and his excuses for his bad behavior in the Oval Office. His reasons for lying to the American people. His rationale for using his power to screw around with the lives of a parade of vulnerable women, some barely old enough to drink.

Mississippi Gospel Music and Jackson Music Awards

Awards Show: Mississippi Gospel Music and Jackson Music Awards - July 18-19. Crowne Plaza Hotel. Sunday: Gospel Music Awards show at 5 p.m. Monday: Jackson Music Awards show at 7 p.m. General admission for both shows is $10. 981-4035.

Howlin Wolf Blues Fest

http://www.wpnet.org/wolf_festival_2.htm

Howlin Wolf Blues Festival - Civic Center, West Point, Sept. 3. $15. Rev. Slick & the Soul Blues Boyz, Willie King, Richard Johnston, Blind MS. Morris, Brad Webb, Big Joe's Juke, Vanessia Young & Pure Blues Express, Clarence Bluesman Davis, Wild Bill. 800-626-3764, 662-494-2921.

Great Southern Rock Revival

"Great Southern Rock Revival" Sun., Aug. 22, Noon-9 p.m. Free Concert in the Grove, Ole Miss Campus. Dirt Road Records presents DayBreakDown, Randall Bramblett Band, Tishamingo, Electric Mudd, and more. 662-234-3245.

Sunflower River Blues Fest

Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival Aug. 13-14. Railroad Depot, Clarksdale, MS. Blues concerts, lectures and seminars about music and its unique roots. Gospel Festival will be held on the 14th. 662-627-2209. www.sunflowerfest.org

Elvis Week

Elvis Week - Aug 7-16, Memphis, TN. Each August, fans come from around the world to celebrate the music of The King. Gospel concert by Elvis' backup singers and others, Gospel Brunches, Candlelight Vigil in Graceland Plaza and more; 800-238-2000. www.elvis.com

Satchmo Summer Fest

Satchmo Summer Fest - New Orleans, Aug. 4-8. Edu-taining weekend honoring New Orleans' native son, Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong. The Satchmo-inspired program includes musical informances and discussions, exhibits, a jazz mass, activities for budding young jazz fans, a club crawl, "red beans and ricely yours" foods, and a star-studded line-up. Free. Louisiana State Museum's Old U.S. Mint, 400 Esplanade Ave. French Quarter. www.satchmosummerfest.com

State GOP Offended that Hood Supporting Kerry

"Kedwards"? Are they guys for real? They sound like a bunch of fourth-graders.

The state GOP party is all bent up like a pretzel over the fact that a DEMOCRATIC attorney general is supporting the DEMOCRATIC candidate for president. They whine on their Web site: "Jim Hood (D - Houston) ran for Attorney General as a mainstream, small-town Mississippian, but yesterday he came out for the gun-grabbing, anti-Mississippi, anti-family agenda of the Kerry/Edwards - 'Kedwards' - ticket. What is he thinking? Are Hood's true beliefs coming out now that the election is over? One thing is certain, Hood's endorsement of Kedwards is a long way from mainstream Mississippi values. Do we really want him issuing legal opinions on our behalf?"

Mississippi Dems ‘Ready to Rumble'?

Bill Minor writes: "Barbour, the guy who won the governor's job with supposedly unmatched political smarts, made a colossal blunder by pushing through legislation that left thousands of recipients - many of whom voted for him - panicky over losing their present medicine benefits under Medicare. His administration has failed to convince those cut from the state program that they would keep similar medical benefits under his plan. It switches them in September into the federally run Medicare program. They would otherwise be forced to go there in January 2006 if the Medicare reform law is not revised by Congress.

Instrumental Hip-Hop?

Tim Stelloh writes for Pop Matters: "It sounds like a paradox: instrumental hip-hop. For all logistical purposes, it is. 'How can it be instrumental when there ain't no instruments!' barks the 'real' musician. 'How can it be rap when there ain't no MC and there ain't no wicky-wicky-wicky!' shouts the hip-hop purist. Of course sometimes there are "real" instruments, sometimes there is an MC, and sometimes there is scratching. But on the whole, sample-based instrumental artists like DJ Shadow, RJD2 and Prefuse 73 are a long way from the sound of their forebears. In one sense, they've pushed rap music to the apex of its identity crisis, thus alienating a hell of a lot of hip-hop artists and fans. But in another sense, they've taken rap back to square one."

Beastie Boys: Twilight of the Brats

Spin's cover story: "Ideologically, the Beastie Boys have almost nothing in common with who they used to be. If the '86 B-Boys and the '04 B-Boys met each other now, somebody would end up in the emergency room--or at least covered in egg yolks. Yet one thing has remained unchanged over the years, and it's the unifying principle that has allowed Horovitz, Yauch, and Diamond to remain relevant longer than anyone could have anticipated: The Beastie Boys understand what it means to be cool. It's almost as if being cool is their full-time job. They can make any retro reference seem contemporary; they innately sense the line between savvy cultural recognition and esoteric self- indulgence. They basically discovered Spike Jonze, made shouting out neglected soul-jazz musicians trendy (Dick Hyman, Eddie Harris, Richard 'Groove' Holmes), and taught people born in 1978 to care about the American Basketball Association. The Beastie Boys are hip-hop's version of the 'mavens' that Malcolm Gladwell wrote about in The Tipping Point: They are cool hunters for the rest of us."

Then I Got Mad

Click here to view a petition to recall Gov. Haley Barbour.

Blogging, the Dems and Trent Lott

A New York Times editorial today: "H. L. Mencken is said to have guffawed and slapped his thigh in delight at times as he would write about a typical day at a presidential nominating convention. Those long-ago times are enviable for their unpredictability — eons removed from the scripted conventions that will soon be offered to the nation once more as lean cuisine for thought. All the more reason to hope, then, that this year's one potentially risky innovation — accepting dozens of free-form online bloggers as accredited convention journalists — may lace the proceedings with fresh insight and even some Menckenian impertinence."

Clarksdale Blues Update

Hello from Clarksdale, Mississippi... America's Blues Crossroads. Here is your guide for North Mississippi Blues.

The Doors of the 21st Century: Atlanta

More than 30 years after the death of Jim Morrison, Ray Manzarek and Robbie Krieger have re-formed to play both old school and new Doors material, inspired by their appearance on VH-1 "Storytellers," where they performed with several singers, including Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots, Scott Stapp of Creed and Ian Astbury of The Cult. Their performance with Ian Astbury convinced the two original members he was the right vocalist to take Morrison's place.

Creating a 'Brand of Passion' for Voting

New York Times reports: "WHILE partisan political ads continue to dominate attention, a rapidly growing number of nonpartisan campaigns from recently created groups are trying the tactics of Madison Avenue pros to register new, and especially young, voters. Today, Declare Yourself, a nonpartisan voter-registration group started by the television producer Norman Lear, will raise two giant billboards in Times Square, showing Christina Aguilera and André 3000 with their mouths held shut, next to the message, 'Only you can silence yourself.

Doth the State GOP Protest Too Much?

It strikes me that the state GOP is getting pretty bent out of shape over Edwards, considering that the state is supposedly so locked up for George Bush. Over on their Web site, they're playing the Pickering and Kennedy cards left and right (pardon the pun). Are they really as confident as they let on over this election, or are they worried that voters in the state that given up so many of its children in the Iraqi War might not be so predictable this time around?

Dueling for the NRA Vote

Evan Derkacz writes for Alternet that the pro-gun vote doesn't necessarily belong to George Bush. He writes: "Although Kerry seems to have learned from Gore's mistakes and Bush has lost favor among much of the vigilant Second Amendment crowd, conventional wisdom grants NRA endorsement—a lock for Bush—a great deal of political weight. The NRA has been heavily involved in politics since at least 1980, when it endorsed Ronald Reagan for president. Since then, it has become the bogeyman of many a political campaign, wielding clout beyond its numbers, and is largely responsible for what many consider to be some of the world's most reckless gun control policies. But does it deserve the mythic make-or-break reputation this time around?"

Cheney Says He's Staying on GOP Ticket

AP is reporting that Vice President Cheney says he's staying on Bush's ticket. Good news for Dems and the ABB crowd?

Metallica in Therapy

Cynthia Fuchs writes about the new Metallica doc for Pop Matters: "Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky could hardly have known what they were in for when they set out to make a movie about Metallica. Though they had brief contact with the band previously (in securing permission to use some music for their film, Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills), this time, the mighty rockers' label was paying the directors to document the recording of an album."

Register to Vote!

Click here to get the process rolling and get involved. And remember to change your address if you've moved.

Can Dems Get Back on Track with Blacks?

In his column, Earl Ofari Hutchinson says yes, but only if they boldly speak out for issues that matter to African Americans: "Edwards potentially can ensure that blacks turn out in big numbers. But he must do more than take digs at the Confederate flag. He must use his vice presidential candidacy as a bully pulpit to speak out for affirmative action, tougher and expanded hate crimes laws, repeal of the mandatory drug laws that warehouse thousands of young blacks for mostly non-violent, non-serious crimes and attack the glaring race inequities in the death penalty and funding for mostly black and Latino schools."

NBA Player Takes on ... Campaign Finance Reform

Darla Walters Gary writes for Wiretap about NBA basketball player Adonal Foyle's crusade for campaign finance reform: "On top of playing basketball and pursuing a Masters Degree from John F. Kennedy University in Moraga, California, Adonal is the founder of Democracy Matters, an organization advocating for campaign finance reform. Yes, that's right, campaign finance reform! He is dedicated to working with high school and college-aged youth on campuses across the country to change the political environment in the United States."

Travels with JoAnne

You don't have to go past the Mississippi border to enjoy some of the best road trips in the U.S.: My two top destinations are Natchez and Greenwood—Natchez for old Mississippi and Greenwood (of all places!) for the new Mississippi. First, though, get the most recent Mississippi highway map and detailed maps of the counties—they come in many sizes from the Mississippi Highway Department, or buy a Mississippi Atlas at the bookstore.

the Best in Sports for the Next Seven Days

Colleges, fan fests: Tonight the Big 3 turn out to rally the troops, er, fans in Central Mississippi. The Golden Eagles' "All-Star Party" kicks off at the Mississippi Trade Mart at 5 p.m., the Rebel faithful will gather at the Country Club of Jackson at 5:30 p.m., and the cowbells start clanging at the Bulldog Extravaganza at 5:30 p.m. in the Mississippi Coliseum. ... High school basketball, All-Star Games: Catch the state's best rising juniors at Mississippi College in Clinton—girls at 6:30 p.m., boys at 8..

Carless in Jackson

The rising price of gas may seem like a ubiquitous problem, but it holds little value for many Jacksonians. While some people spend hours a day complaining about the $2-a-gallon thorn in their paw, others stand in the hot sun, often without complaints, waiting on their daily ride—the Jatran.

LBE in the World Series, by Jessica Kinnison

On the corner of 3rd and Lindsley in Nashville, on July 22, Jackson's own Living Better Electrically will play for the title of top independent act in the Southeast. They will be compete in a showcase against five other finalists in the Independent Music World Series. TAXI, a leading record company in the indie industry, narrowed the field down from 1,000 submissions to 100 semifinalists, and the editors of Billboard magazine chose the final six. Music industry executives and media will judge the final.

The Jazz Singer, by Charlie Braxton

Singer Al Jarreau is one of those ultra-rare artists whose artistry easily defies labels and categories. To traditional jazz fans, Jarreau is best known as a jazz singer whose penchant for head-spinning aural acrobatics took up the mantle of scatting and vocalese from the likes of Oscar Brown Jr. and the legendary Jon Hendricks of the vocal trio Lamberts, Hendricks and Ross. To many older fans of R&B, he is known for his sophisticated mixture of jazz and rhythm-and-blues.

A Chicken Sandwich in Two Days (or Less)

Approach your summer vacation with caution. Your list of things to do could keep you busy and on the move, but it's Saturday afternoon, the sun is shining, and the hammock beckons. In the kitchen sink, a hormone-free, free-range chicken has thawed overnight. It's a good country chicken, its neck still intact, a few wet feathers still clinging to its pale flesh. An extra wing is stuffed in the cavity—great luck since you've just discovered from one of your favorite cookbook authors that a substance secreted from the wing joint adds a gelatinous quality to the broth.

Moving Pictures

1. "Thelma and Louise" (1991) — Two morals in Ridley Scott's controversial film: rednecks are rednecks, so don't trust one in a parking lot. Second, dump the loser husband before you have to take a dive into the Grand Canyon. Great blowing-up-the-18-wheeler scene. Remastered DVD includes a "chick track" with commentary by stars Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon and screenwriter Callie Khouri and a deleted argument about beef jerky between the two lead characters.

[Lott] Big Media Lose, Consumers Win

The federal 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a challenge by consumer groups to rules proposed by the Federal Communications Commission, which would have allowed more cross ownership of local print, television and broadcast media. Having a single media company control both the print and broadcast media in a single market would be bad for consumers, and I'm glad the court has agreed. As a conservative, I believe that diverse ownership and more competition are good things because they encourage businesses to better serve customers in local communities. That especially includes the media who use public airwaves and in whom the public trusts.

[City Buzz] In Litigation

Andy Hilton

Andy Hilton, with his curly-blonde locks, seems like any 24-year-old—slightly laid-back and slightly restless, ever ready to talk about ideals. What surfaces, however, is a great sense of his unique vision: "I want to use design skills to benefit the community."

JFP PoliticsBlog Is Back! (Almost)

The JFP is re-launching our popular PoliticsBlog to track information about candidates our readers can vote for this year—from U.S. president to judicial races in Mississippi. Our news interns are currently assembling photos of candidates, putting together candidate questionnaires (can't wait to see Bush's answers) and preparing the site for re-launch by 2004 with new candidates. Meantime, you can click around the site, which still contains candidate information on last fall's candidates (including a very lengthy blog discussion about Haley Barbour!). And while you're in there, e-mail the interns at [e-mail missing] about what you'd like to see on the 2004 candidate blog—including specific questions you'd like to answered about the candidate. (We don't expect all the questionnaires to be returned — ;-) — but we will do research on your questions and post what we can find. You can also suggest links to information and the like. And, of course, we welcome your participation in the discussion.

JFP Blog Featured in OJR Article

Reggae Jam Session - Saturday

Mr. C-Lecta is on the air Saturday nights at WMPR 90.1 FM or http://www.wmpr901.com

"Together We're Heavy," The Polyphonic Spree

The fully realized sophomore LP by The Polyphonic Spree hallmarks their lushly textured, orchestral, pastoral pop for the 60's sunshine love and peace set. A symphonic Spiritualized pet sound of Sgt. Pepper and Flaming Lips, complete with horns, a Theremin, and booming choir. From the ashes of Tripping Daisy, epistle guru Tim DeLaughter, aided by 25 other robed agents of bliss recorded 2001's "The Beginning Stages Of…" in two days, and started the whole world singing. The slow precision of over a year in the studio and fronting a national Bowie tour has poised the inspirational troupe for 2004 international acclaim. Although there is a hit or two for the radio, this LP should be listened to in its entirety, like a good concept album. http://www.thepolyphonicspree.com

6,000 Miles to Go

• On the radio, a 14-year-old evangelist whips the congregation into a tearful whirlpool of repentance.

CelticFest - Sept. 10-12

CelticFest Mississippi 2004, Celtic Heritage Society's 13th annual weekend of music, dance, and fun is almost here! CelticFest is a celebration of the Celtic nations including Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man and Brittany and will take place on September 10-12 at the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Museum. CelticFest features an exceptional variety of exciting Irish and Scottish music and dance on 5 stages, plus Celtic heritage, music and dance workshops, a children's area, Celtic specialty vendors, and plenty of food and drink. Because much of the festival takes place indoors, CelticFest will be held RAIN OR SHINE!

"50,000 Fall Fans Can't Be Wrong," The Fall

Reviewed by Herman Snell & Alex Slawson

At long last, a true retrospective of one of the most influential (and underrated) bands of the last 20-plus years is available. Although they released two excellent collections of singles in 1990, "458489 A-Sides" and "...B-sides," this two-disc 39-track volume offers a more accurate look at the genius we know (and love) as The Fall. Included here are some of the singles seen on the aforementioned, but other seminal gems such as "Rowche Rumble" and "Repetition" also appear. Classic!

Are Christian bands downplaying their faith?

A Wiretap story by Nick Flanagan explores this provocative question about alt-Christian bands. He writes: "Christian bands became wiser to the forces of marketing and PR. Not content to stay within the Christian music market -- and wanting secular validation -- many bands began making the leap into the mainstream. Now they're taking cues from Stryper on what not to do; they're downplaying their Christianity."

Paul Burch and the WPA Ballclub at Martin's 7/16

Come out to Martin's, 214 South State St, 354-9712, for Paul Burch and the WPA Ballclub's alt-country show. Time Out, London's magazine-for-what's-happening, had this to say about Burch: "With a voice like crushed country velvet and a heart the size of Earl Scrugg's hat, Burch's songs chill, tuck, nag, snag, tickle and haunt."

Malcolm Shepherd at Thalia Mara Hall 7/15

Thalia Mara Hall "Paints the White House Black" with musical theater featuring the local R&B/gospel sensation from Dirty South, Malcolm Shepherd. Call 451-9098 for details. Buy tickets at Be-Bop or at the door.

Herman's Picks: July 8-14, 2004

The Bold New City is undergoing its own sort of VH1 Classic Reunion this week. Nostalgia go boom, and get you ready for the new W.C. Don's. You can rotate from Soulshine to Hal & Mal's to Martin's; to the rest of the Martin's building, in the new two-story, multi-room cool hang-out of W.C. Don's.

Love and Leftovers

My friends-the-caterers tell me that cooking for someone is the second most intimate human act. And, they tell me, you can tell a lot about someone by examining the contents of their refrigerator. If that's so, then I must be the reincarnation of my great aunt, Ida, a woman who couldn't bear to part with even the last tiny bite of leftovers—and this, before the age of microwaves and easy reheating. When we sat down for Sunday dinner at Aunt Ida's table, she hovered over us, shoveling bits of food from foil packs and plastic-covered bowls onto our plates.

Franz Ferdinand

Reviewed by Herman Snell & Alex Slawson

Franz Ferdinand's self-titled debut album combines 80's New Romanticism (Duran Duran, Simple Minds) with a Pixes indie-dance punk, and Interpol, in perfect proportions. This album is utterly addictive from start to finish. A top release of 2004, to be sure.

"Heroes to Zeroes," The Beta Band

Reviewed by Herman Snell & Alex Slawson

Scotland's indie-space rock darlings have amassed a cult like following and, with this, it is apparent why. H2Z's finally lives up to the "Hi-Fidelity" soundtrack hype with their strongest LP to date. Combine organ drenched melodies, electronically processed drums, misty guitars and the slow echo groove of mystical lyrics- all delivered with a quirky breeziness. Think (introducing..) The Asteroid #4, Dukes of Statosphere meets Syd Barrett's Floyd. Stripped down and lean, this is one of the year's best so far.

[Stiggers] Cussin'-N-Fussin-N-The House

Hey beautiful peoples! Bone Qweesha Jones, your on-the-scene reporter, here with the socio-political/celebrity scoop! And it's all 'bout music! Coming to you live, rough, rugged and raw! D.G.I. (Darned Good Intelligence) Entertainment presents the long-awaited CD titled "Cussin'-N-Fussin-N-The House," courtesy of your vice president, Dick "Off The" Cheney. This CD features some highly anticipated, chart-climbing hits like "Get the F--K Out of My Face," "Pressure-N-Stress Off My Chest," "I Said It Before and I'll Say It Again: Cussin'-N-Fussin'-N-The House Remix" and "My Position Against 'Fahrenheit 9/11': Quit Disrespecting My Homie."

Summer of Love

A little African-American girl dances, does handstands, twirls around. A blonde hipster college student, wearing a University of Michigan sweatshirt, holds her hand; a Mexican union worker from California teaches her how to sit Indian style; and a redhead originally from Canada convinces her to sit in a big-kids chair. All this activity occurs in a school library as veterans of the Civil Rights Movement recount their most vivid memories of the 1960s. The discussion is part of a New Freedom Summer training dedicated to teaching a new round of young people how to ensure the rights of immigrants, much as the original effort achieved legal equality for blacks 40 years ago.

Noise and Pulse, by Scott Albert Johnson

Every shaman knows that, at the very heart of the universe, there lies an inexorable, joyous pulse. As the late Nigerian percussionist and drumming scholar Babatunde Olatunji once put it: "We say that rhythm is the soul of life, because the whole universe revolves around rhythm, and when we get out of rhythm, that's when we get into trouble."

Major Crime Down Dramatically in Jackson

Slate - July 8-14

THE SLATE: the best in sports in the next 7 days

Pro baseball, Amarillo at Jackson, 7 p.m. (1240 AM): The Senators tackle the Dillas before leaving for a two-series swing through Texas.

[Comedy] Interview With a Bobcat

Bobcat Goldthwait appears at Rascals Comedy Club Thursday through Saturday. Showtimes are 8:30 p.m. Thursday / 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $22.50, call 957-6946. Rascals is located inside Headliner's, 6107 Ridgewood Road.

With Great Power

I met my first super-hero—the amazing Spider-Man—when I was around 7 years old. I am 24 now and still keeping up with many of those same comics on a monthly basis. Like the Greeks and Romans, these characters—Batman, Superman, Flash, Spider-Man, the X-Men and thousands of others—comprise American mythology. Everyone knows Spider-Man, particularly after the first "Spider-Man" movie, directed by Sam Raimi, broke box-office records and was so well received by the public.

An Open Letter to Michael Moore

I know you have used this approach a time or two in the past when communicating with prominent public figures—and with not-so-prominent Americans like myself who are on your e-mail list—so I hope you won't mind being on the receiving end, just this once. I've got a favor to ask.

[Silver] Notes from a Former Addict

Hi. My name is Lawrence, and I'm a recovering Republican. Addicted to the pachyderm's promise of smaller government, for years I voted a straight ticket. But, one day I realized that if Democrats wanted in my pocketbook, Republicans wanted in my bedroom. Enough was enough—I took freedom's pledge and became a Libertarian.

[Stauffer] On Mr. Moore and Making Us Talk

I saw "Fahrenheit 9/11" twice in the past few weeks—on opening night in San Antonio, and a second time at the UA Parkway Place in Flowood, during a screening that the Jackson Free Press sponsored with Crossroads Film Festival and The Collective. In the time between the two screenings, I'd read some of the responses to the movie, including many from the independent press. In fact, independent and alternative news outlets seemed to be treating the movie more critically than the mainstream press, which was, perhaps, more eager to move on to more important news … such as the release of "Spider-Man 2."

Richard Weiss

Before Richard Weiss, 36, got busy providing art house and other indie films to Jacksonians, he worked in the tech industry. After cutting his teeth renting foreign films at Video Library, Weiss started making databases of the movies he had seen and ones he hadn't seen but wanted to. Even though Video Library offered a wide selection, Weiss wanted more: "I noticed that there were a lot of things on DVD that they probably could never carry."

Films of War, Media, Politics and Controversy

Feel like stirring up a little trouble in the privacy of your own home? Fire up your rental card and head on over to the cheap aisle, where you can grab a little hullabaloo in a box.

[Ask JoAnne] A Girl and Her Hat

Q. I need a hat. Where can a girl get a hat? Is it appropriate to wear a hat to a wedding? Thanks.

A. I need one, too! And I'm sad to learn that the amazing Christabelle, who designed and made fabulous hats in Jackson*, has passed away. (But don't you know the angels are looking lovely in their Christabelle hats?) I've recently heard that there's a woman in Canton with a shop on the square—Alexia Lain—who has fantastic hats, but I haven't been there, yet.

John Edwards: Friend of Business?

The Washington Post today: "Business associations in Washington were uniformly hostile yesterday to John Kerry's choice of Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.) as his running mate, promising that a trial lawyer on the ticket will energize them and their members to defeat the Democrats in November."

[City Buzz] Republican Lite

This past week, The Magnolia Report, the conservative online news site, posted an MP3 clip in which George Dale, commissioner of insurance and a leader of the Mississippi Democratic Party, said on SuperTalk radio that Mississippi's Democratic leadership had specifically sought a "white" chairman in answer to a question about presumptive new party chairman, Wayne Dowdy.

"Fahrenheit 601": JFP Readers Want Film in Jackson

Here's the blog that has Jackson talking; originally posted June 19, 2004, this thread spawned a movement to bring "Fahrenheit 9/11" to Jackson. Now the energy has turned to bringing more independent film to the area. Read this thread to see how this grass-roots community effort came about. Be sure to support independent film (and media, and all local businesses, while you're at it). And join Crossroads Film Society if you're really interested in good indie film.

"Fahrenheit 9/11": What Did You Think?

If you've seen "Fahrenheit 9/11," please share your thoughts about the film. What did you like? What surprised you? What fact did you question? What questions did it raise for you? Did it change your vote, or your plans to vote? Please give us honest—some of which we may run in the print edition—reactions about the film, without devolving into personal attacks or nastiness. Please keep it civil!

Lewis, Ladd Featured in Glamour Magazine

Rage Caged

Hey, that was a great victory celebration for the Jackson Rage, wasn't it? Celebrating their great triumph at home last Saturday night at Jackson State before the largest crowd of the season in the first WBA championship game … uh, OK, so it didn't happen.

JFP Web Traffic Skyrockets in June!

[Barbour] Leaving No PLAD Behind

Mississippi Medicaid was bleeding badly—doubling in cost over five years—and changes had to be made. Our dilemma was this: How to keep the Medicaid program sustainable while making sure everyone had adequate health care coverage? A part of the solution was to move 47,000 state Medicaid recipients who are also eligible for federal Medicare (6 percent of all recipients - called PLADs, or Poverty Level Aged and Disabled) off of Medicaid and onto Medicare alone.

[Lott] Our Independence Day

As we celebrate our freedom this July 4th, we should remember our troops abroad and what it takes to remain free. We should also pray that former terrorist states Afghanistan and Iraq can achieve a lasting freedom in the coming years. While we Americans have known freedom all our lives, these people are just beginning. It is new to them. But once freedom is tasted, there's no going back. We hope they one day celebrate their own Independence Day.