Stories for July 2006

[Lott] Protecting Children

JFP LottBlog Here

Just days ago, Mississippi's capital became a focal point of the abortion issue as hundreds of anti-abortion protesters descended on Jackson to picket the city's abortion clinic and other sites they contend support abortion. Many counter-demonstrators followed, and Mississippians saw first hand the kind of tense, passionate, placard board protests usually seen in Washington, D.C.

Soulwax "Nite Versions" Drops Sept. 12

It's with excitement that we bring you news of the new release from Belgian outfit, SOULWAX. The highly anticipated "Nite Versions" album will drop September 12th, 2006 on Modular Records. Soulwax, a.k.a 2 Many DJ's are brothers, David & Stephen Dewaele, and their Soulwax compadres Stefaan Van Leuven and Steve Slingeneyer. They are the most revolutionary group to hit club music this century and many note them to have been the pioneers of the "Mash Up". Nite Versions features brand new interpolations of tracks inspired by and taken from their highly acclaimed and awarded Any Minute Now album. Nite Versions was inspired by the idea of extending and expanding a song to make it work on the dance floor. The Nite Versions live experience brings the full power of the record, with the added sass of a rock band that can tear a roof off playing dance music.

L.A. Times: ‘A Mayor By Day, A Lawman by Night'

Richard Fausett of the Los Angeles Times has published his story about Mayor Frank Melton. It starts:

Hello from Chi-town

So I'm up in Chicago right now teaching at the Academy for Alternative Journalism done at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern. It's been fun and inspiring—10 students are chosen every year for the workshop with the goal of increasing diversity in the alternative media by teaching them how to write alternative-style—meaning, for the most part, not like the daily newspaper. ;-) We teach heavy immersion reporting, narrative writing and in-depth research. I love it—it's definitely "being deliberate" about finding the right way to ensure that our industry covers all our communities in meaning ways.

GOP Ties Minimum Wage to Estate Tax

In an tiresome, cynical and increasingly typical move today, the GOP finally came out with a minimum wage proposal in the House that is designed, primarily, to defuse the minimum wage as a political issue in the 2006 elections. How? By tying passage of a hike in the minimum wage to the passage of a permanent tax break on wealthy estates, a measure that has much less broad support that does a minimum wage increase.

Clarion-Ledger Asks, Answers, Whines Anyway

In one of those nonsensical editorials today we all know and dread—there they go sticking their finger in the wind again—The Clarion-Ledger asks: "Banyard: Why Does Justice Take So Long?" They are talking about the 13-year-old who killed the pizza delivery man, and now is going to prison for life without parole. He is 17 now. They then answer their own question of what it took for four years:

Who Is Michael (Larry) Chapman?

Or whatever his real name is. And why is Frank Melton stashing him in a motel?

Clarion-Ledger to Independents: Drop Dead!

May 9, 2006 Want to know how far The Clarion-Ledger/Gannett Corp. is willing to go to control the competition? Keep reading. This past Monday, I sat down in Cups in Fondren with Lee Warmouth, the circulation director of The Clarion-Ledger, so that he could tell me about an "exciting new service" that his company has devised for free-distribution papers like the Jackson Free Press.

Family Feels the Backlash of their Confessions after Brokaw Special

As I normally do on Thursdays, I was reading the Jackson Advocate and the Mississippi Link for news stories that I may have missed or that they exclusively covered. This one about one of the families featured in the Tom Brokaw special got my attention: http://www.mississippilink.net/index.php?id=226

Herman's Picks

Tickets are available now at Be-Bop for North Mississippi Allstars on August 11, and Breaking Benjamin, Evans Blue and Dropping Daylight on August 22, $25. Also mark your calendars for the rescheduled Rock 93.9 Birthday Bash at the Voodoo Lounge on August 8. It's now scheduled to be an all ages affair with Buckcherry, Bangkok Five and others. It will be quite the throw down for a Tuesday night. Buckcherry fans should just plan on calling in sick for Wednesday, August 9. If you insist on a Friday night throw down, stay tuned for Candlebox on August 25 at Rain, in the old Headliner's location.

Blues Legend Jessie Mae Hemphill Funeral

We are deeply saddened by the loss of a blues music legend, Jessie Mae Hemphill, who passed away Saturday, July 22 around 7pm. Her music was an inspiration to music players and lovers around the world and will live on in the hearts of those who knew her and her art.

[Art Talk] Quarter For Your Thoughts

Christina Cannon and Howard Barron create their art by stopping time. Each has a unique style, and together they've created The Quarter Gallery, making their work and other local photographers' work available to you.

[Music] A Psychedelic Education

My Education, the San Angelo, Texas, mystics, have been spreading their cosmic vibrations from Canada to South by Southwest since 1999, and they land at Hal & Mal's on Thursday, July 27. Their sound is a beautiful and dark journey through a psychedelic sunset, with pretty melodies and swirling sounds. You'll hear many influences in these lush soundscapes: '80s ambient, krautrock, jazz fusion and psychedelic rock. My Education consists of Scott Telles on bass, Chris Haxstie on guitar, Sean Seagler on drums, James Alexander on viola, Kirk Laktas on piano, Brian Purington on guitar and Sarah Norris on vibraphone.

Gadget Of The Week

The HipTop 3, exclusively marketed by T-Mobile as the SideKick 3, was recently released at a premiere attended by none other than—wait for it—Paris Hilton. The SideKick 3 offers, somewhat surprisingly, a larger case than the SideKick II, but with a new professional skin and a more comfy keyboard. It also sports a removable battery, a miniSD card slot for additional photo and music storage, Bluetooth 1.2 support, a better LCD display and a 1.2 megapixel camera. What it doesn't support is WiFi, which would have been nice for faster surfing in coffee houses or—say—my house. The built-in applications are very similar to earlier offerings but with a better MP3 player and a few other tweaks. The killer SideKick app is the always-on instant messaging—eventually I figured out I could check my SideKick to deduce who is sitting at their desks back in the office based on their IM client being active, and chat them up accordingly while I'm sitting at home having a mid-afternoon Heineken Light. It's good to be the geek.

Alt.geek: Net Neutrality and Microsoft's New Heart

Net Neutrality—that all-important political Internet fight that few folks grok. The concept popped up in the context of the "Advanced Telecommunications and Opportunity Reform Act," a piece of legislation essentially written by the Telcos to allow them to start offering you television over your phone line, thus opening up "competition" between them and the cable and satellite services. That might be a minor positive for us dear ol' consumers, as it could mean that the phone company will offer you a bundle of DSL, TV and phone service for $3 less than the cable company offers that same bundle. Yippie.

[Wine] Worth The Money

How often have you gazed upon really pricey wines on a wine list or at a retailer and thought, "It can't be that good." Well, it can. Sometimes it's worth every penny. Of course, the old saying "you get what you pay for" does not apply in the world of wine. There are innumerable wines in the $10 and less category that are very good. However, to get that wow factor, quite often you have to lay down some serious cash.

Lifers and Choicers Agree: JPD Sucked

Demonstrators on both sides of the abortion debate recently forced the city of Jackson to address the right to protest in public. Though the state of Mississippi made history earlier this century for demonstrations and rallies on social issues, particularly on civil rights issues, the city of Jackson seems to have no exact number for determining how many demonstrators constitute a "demonstration," even as more radical pro-life groups pledge to storm the "Gates of Hell" here in Jackson in upcoming weeks.

Batman's Family: ‘Enough'

Albert "Batman" Donelson's family is suing Mayor Frank Melton, the Jackson Police Department, six "John Doe" police officers and the city of Jackson for negligence, civil assault, trespass, nuisance, infliction of emotional distress, libel, slander and breach of the covenant of quiet enjoyment, according to a June 28, 2006, notice of claim filed by Attorney Dennis Sweet III.

Confusion and Clarity On Islam

The past week has seen rallies, protests, outraged individuals who oppose abortions and those who believe that a woman's choice about her womb should be her own. Within the often-heated exchanges during the week, members of Operation Save America and their supporters took the opportunity to present other platforms that seemingly have little to do with reproductive health. Saturday, July 15, in Smith Park at the pro-choice rally, holding signs and yelling at the "Sodomites," several people were clad in shirts that on the front read, "Intolerance." Days later, anti-abortion zealots burned a Koran in front of Making Jesus Real Church.

Beauty, Schmeauty

The Hinds County Board of Supervisors let a $1.2 million beautification grant slip through their fingers this week when they voted against meeting $240,000 in federal matching funds. The grant, provided through the Mississippi Department of Transportation, would have paid to landscape six U.S. 80 intersections in Jackson. Supervisors must approve the problem by July 28, though that is now unlikely.

D.A.: ‘It's Unfortunate'

District Attorney Faye Peterson has responded to a full-page ad purchased in the Jackson Free Press last issue by police watchdog organization group SafeCity Watch. The ad said that local politicians considered property crime a low priority and called for city and county residents to pressure county supervisors to follow Sheriff Malcolm McMillin's call to expand the county jail by 132 beds.

The Floods Keep Coming

Workmen from Young's Floor Covering were laying down new linoleum on the floor of the Computer Co-op, in Jackson's Fondren area July 20. Though the business and its neighbors are partial to renovation and inside design changes, the new linoleum going down that day had nothing to do with aesthetics.

There Is NO EXCUSE For This!

WLBT got a tape of a mother severely abusing her child, and the mother is now in jail. Beating a child for ten minutes straight with a belt and a cable cord is inexcusable.

An Ass Cape And A Dream

Brian: And we're bringing you the 2006 Miss Mississippi Scholarship Pageant live on WJFP. This is my first time covering a pageant, but I have a wealth of experience to my left here in Ali Greggs. Ali, what do you expect we'll see tonight?

How To Be Pro-Life

It was peaceful in Fondren this week, the "no public restrooms" signs gone from store windows, locals lunching outside Basil's without worrying about their children's growth being stunted by horrifying political photos.

[Hutchinson] The Price of The Death Penalty

Clarence Ray Allen was old, sick and disabled when he was executed at California's San Quentin prison on Jan. 17, 2006.

[Stiggers] Don't Feed The Natives

Ike (on a bike): "Welcome fellow cyclists to the Ghetto Science Team's Village Ghetto Land summer recreation bicycle tour—inspired by the Stevie Wonder album 'Songs in the Key of Life.'

No. 45 July 26 - August 2

They Will Be Missed

The week after the Fourth of July saw the passing of two very different American patriots who each worked in their own way to make Mississippi a better place.

June Hardwick

June Hardwick, 31, believes in Jackson's potential. "People need to get involved, buy homes, get to know their neighbors," she says. "To make Jackson better, Jacksonians must reinvest in Jackson."

Deepest Midnight: Cedric Willis and The Failure of Mississippi Justice

Cedric Willis, then 19, stirred in his bed and looked up at his grandmother Sally. She had the smooth, dark skin of a woman 20 years younger, and her black hair, cropped short, rested atop her head like a crown. Bright beams of morning sunshine illuminated her through the blinds.

Sidebar: Justice Is Deaf

Police arrested Gregory Tavoras Hobson of Canton and Markeith Brown of Canton last December for the Dec. 8, 2005, shooting death of 16-year-old Keavin Jones. When Hobson's charges went before a grand jury recently, the jury said there was not enough evidence to push a prosecution against Hobson. More than six months after he was arrested and presented his alibi, police finally dropped the charges in late June.

Should MySpace Pay Music Royalties?

There's some chatter on the Internets about the fact that MySpace (now owned by Rupert Murdoch's NewsCorp) doesn't pay royalties for music used on the site. Once an artist posts music on the site, any other user can play it from their own page. In stores on or the radio, a performer would ultimately be entitled to some revenue for that; on MySpace, the fine print on the user agreement means no cash for bands. When Billy Bragg read the agreement closely enough, he pulled his clips.

Goliath's TDN Scheme Striking in Honolulu?

Artist Tommy Reaves Prepares for August Show at Rainbow

With the gift of capturing raw emotion on canvas, Jackson native Tommy Reaves,43, has been successfully honing his skills for the past few years to create work that evokes discussion and admiration. A product of an artistic family, he has blazed a trail that is all his own and gives him the ability to express himself in colorful pieces like only he can. During the entire month of August, he will have the opportunity to impress his existing sphere of customers and appeal to an entirely new group of art lovers.

Why Tom Brokaw Was In Jackson — Airs Sunday, July 23

[verbatim from NBC] "TOM BROKAW REPORTS: SEPARATE AND UNEQUAL" TO AIR ON SUNDAY, JULY 23 AT 7 PM

New York, N.Y. — In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, there were images that shocked America and the world. Not just the damage caused by the storm, but the sight of people left behind: inner-city blacks stranded by poverty, neglect, and failure from above and below. It's been almost a year since the storm, but in black neighborhoods across America, the same desperate conditions still exist. In the upcoming "Tom Brokaw Reports: Separate and Unequal," Brokaw travels to 200 miles north of New Orleans to Jackson, Miss., for an in-depth report on race and poverty, airing on Sunday, July 23 at 7 PM/ET on NBC.

BRIGHT EYES ANNOUNCE RARITIES COLLECTION

On October 24th, Saddle Creek will release Noise Floor, a collection of Bright Eyes singles, one-offs, unreleased tracks, collaborations and covers recorded between 1998 and 2005. Variously recorded to cassette four-track, minidisc, reel-to-reel tape machine, ADAT and computer, these songs trace Bright Eyes' evolution from basement project to band of international repute. Many of these gems previously lost to out-of-print obscurity are hereby resurrected.

Listen to C. A. Webb on WLEZ 103.7 FM—-Monday, July 24

In his first radio interview of the year, C. A. Webb will be a guest on WLEZ 103.7 FM as part of their "What's Happening in Jackson" segment. This will take place on Monday, July 24, 2006 at 12:30 CST. Webb will be introducing information about the "1st Annual Mississippi's Best Awards 2006" that will take place on Saturday, October 28, 2006, as well as how the entire state is encouraged to do their part to make sure they are represented.

For All The Women

In honor of this week's dead fetus parades and other displays of flaming religious hypocrisy, I would like to provide the women in this forum with some information they may, or may not, find helpful.

Batman's Family Fires Back

In a note of claim dated June 28, 2006, the Donelson family informed the city of Jackson and Mayor Frank Melton in particular that they were bringing suit for offenses related to Melton's April 9 tirade outside Beverly Jackson's Huron Street home. The suit claims negligence, gross negligence, civil assault, trespass, nuisance, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent infliction of emotional distress, libel, slander and breach of the covenant of quiet enjoyment.

Bush to NAACP: "We Want a United America that is One Nation Under God"

I am listening with great interest to President Bush as he addresses the NAACP for the first time during his presidency. He is making a lot of great points that I want to explore and get comments on. The one that stuck out to me the most thus far is what I used in the title: We want a United America that is One Nation Under God." That says so much.

O, What A Maniac

This story about Ed Orgeron's first meeting with the Ole Miss football team has been around for awhile now, and shame on Doctor S for not bringing it up sooner. Orgeron has also reportedly tossed some furniture (and f-bombs) around in team meetings since. But he doesn't seem to talk to the alums that way. Maybe this is why everybody in the UM athletic department hates him. Not that it matters, since Orgeron was Chancellor Robert Khayat's personal choice for the job.

Blueberry Heiress

Every summer, my mother and I head out to Oktibbeha County to pick blueberries. I even managed to snag one of the heirs to the blueberry farm as my first-grade boyfriend. After a year of phone calls and movie dates with our moms, it was apparent that I wasn't meant to be the next Blueberry Heiress of Oktibbeha County.

JPD Under Fire In Abortion Clash

Jackson police stood with full riot gear in Smith Park downtown on July 15, ready to take on protesters in the country's abortion battle. Both sides were poised for battle in the city with Mississippi's only remaining abortion clinic, months after the Legislature barely beat back an attempt to ban all abortions in the state of Mississippi.

Melton Targets Homeless People

Jackson Mayor Frank Melton incited the wrath of advocates for the homeless when he used the city's emergency order to enforce a 10 p.m. curfew for the city's homeless population.

Melton Withdraws Chandler…Again

Phone calls from irritated firemen have driven Mayor Frank Melton to pull the confirmation of interim Fire Chief Todd Chandler.

The Peacemaker?

The effortless July 5 council vote giving Ward 1 Councilman Ben Allen the president's seat was a dramatic contrast to the council president vote of 2005, when Ward 6 Councilman Marshand Crisler took the presidency from Ward 2's Leslie McLemore after a last-minute coup involving Ward 4 Councilman Frank Bluntson, Ward 5 Councilman Charles Tillman and Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes.

Summer Brew Crew

The summer is in full swing, and if the heat doesn't falter, it'll be a long road through August. Of course, one way to stop sweating is to start drinking (hydration is important), and if you'd like a refreshing, seasonal departure from your usual brew (Guinness doesn't always hit me as refreshing) as you stand vigil at the thermometer, try a beer that's got some wheat in its barley. The substituted grain provides a highly crisp spin on a beer, and throws in some interesting flavors—cloves, fruit (mostly citrus) and honey.

Art Smart

So long as Frank Melton isn't accosting you with a firearm in a church when you're just innocently trying to discuss the state of the arts in Jackson with the Arts Council, it's a great time to be an art lover in Jackson. The past couple of weeks had so much going on that even we couldn't keep on top of it, but here's a quick rehash in case you missed out.

[Art Talk] Life Is Color and Light

"You'll have no trouble recognizing my house," Teresa Haygood assures me when I ask directions to her studio. As I slowly proceed down the quiet neighborhood street, the conservative, neatly manicured yards give way to what is most certainly an artist's yard. There are vibrant bottle trees glistening in the sun, and gnarly metal sculptures lurking in the shade of the towering pines. But the perfect accent that gave it away was the large ceramic kiln hanging from a boom in her garage, suspended there awaiting its first assignment.

The Best In 7 Days

High school basketball, North/South All-Star Games (girls 6:30 p.m. and boys 8 p.m., Clinton): The state's best juniors play at Mississippi College's A.E. Woods Coliseum. … Colleges, Mississippi State Central Mississippi Summer Extravaganza and the Southern Miss Jackson All-Star Party: The MSU revival starts at 7 p.m. at the Mississippi Coliseum (tickets $10 each, http://www.msu-alumni.com), while the Golden Eagles will rally at the Mississippi Trade Mart starting at 5 p.m. (adults $15, children $8; Troy Johnson (601) 607-3258.

[Music] Sweet and Soulful

The sweet and soulful voice of Akami Graham fills a room full of people who've come to kick back, share a drink with friends and listen to great music at the end of a long hard day of work. Here at The Executive on Thursday nights, it isn't a rare thing to observe listeners eagerly showing their enjoyment by singing along, or to watch as male club-goers show their appreciation for Graham's act by willingly giving up their own cold hard cash to the siren as she belts out some of the greatest hits from artists like Chaka Kahn, Betty Wright, Alicia Keys and Mary J. Blige.

Rated Arrrrrrr

Before you read this: I have completely assumed that, if you are going to see "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," you're both aware that it is a sequel to "Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl" and have already seen the first. That said …

Matthew Bowdoin

"To me, the weirdest soda is a banana soda," says Matthew Bowdoin, owner of the Fondren Beverage Emporium. That's saying a lot for a man whose store also carries celery soda and DOA—a sweet, carbonated pickle juice.

[Publisher's Note] Frank Melton's PR Problem

Last week's "Chamber Confidential" e-newsletter from the MetroJackson Chamber of Commerce popped into my inbox, and the headline of Chamber President Duane O'Neill's note caught my eye: "Doing Business Under a 'State of Emergency.'" In as polite a way as he could, O'Neill made a very basic point:

One Day In a Cause

Today has been an upsetting, disturbing, thought-provoking day. Six weeks ago, I discovered the Unitarian Universalists. I've never been a religious person; I'm convinced that organized religion is not my thing. That makes me something of a social outcast here in the "buckle" of the Bible Belt. Not that it bothers me personally, but it's been isolating from time to time. Discovering the UUs, as they refer to themselves, has been invigorating. But this story isn't about religion.

[Stiggers] Pimp My Living Space

Ghetto Science Home and Garden Television presents "Pimp My Living Space." Join Grandma and Grandpa Pookie as they help you change your dump into a more livable dump.

No. 44, July 19-26

Wasting Away in the 'Back Room'

In a speech in Jackson, AARP CEO Bill Novelli finally addressed an issue that would benefit the elderly: community care for senior citizens. I wish that he would address the issue of failure of care in far too many nursing homes in this country.

ARTICLE: 12 Jobs That Let You Have Weird Hair

I don't like the use of the word "weird" by the author - I prefer "unique" - but the article itself gives pretty sound advice for those who want to earn a paycheck and still maintain their sense of self.

Oktibbeha County Rejects Civil Rights Monument

Nice. From the Ledge:

Catholic Guilt

Flowood police are investigating why a 28-year-old deliberately cut off his penis.

Did anyone catch this in the CL today?

Mississippi artist Bill Durham included on "The United States of Americana, Vol. 4"

Bill Durhams' cover of rockabilly smash "PINK CADILLAC" was selected for inclusion on "The United States of Americana, Vol. 4." The compilation also includes hipsters BR549 and Alt-Country gem Bobby Bare, and is being serviced to over 200 Americana/Roots Music stations by Shut Eye Records of Atlanta, Georgia. Durham's music is also available to radio through AirPlayDirect.com and RadioSubmit.com.

All God's Kitties

OK, my heart is breaking a little. Miss Ali just picked up her brand-new little puffy black kitten—that Todd found in our backyard. This is the, let's see, ninth or 10th cat we've rescued in Jackson: Miss S, King Eddie, OC (Other Cat), Frodo, Jack the Cat, Maxie, a little orange thing/don't know his name, a little gray thing at Target that another woman took home, and now little Ernie, alternately known as "Crappy" and "Jesus" (in the Spanish pronunciation).

Come On And Rescue Me ...

Driving to work this morning, I saw a handful of pro-birth protesters with huge magnified fetus signed, probably Photoshopped (their favorite tech invention), in front of UMC. It seems that most of the traffic was ignoring them; it wasn't like they were met with a bunch of honks of support. I wanted to ask them what they were going to go to help "rescue" all the unwanted children and ensure they have adequate food and educations once they get our only abortion clinic closed and go on back wherever, but knew it wouldn't do any good with such zealots. I wonderfed if they had a permit to protest there; it seems they didn't and got arrested a short time later.

Road to @#$%^&* Wellness

Well, it seems I'm on the road to wellness whether I like it or not. I've found a wonderful, wonderful integrative doctor, Dr. Joseph White (of the Optimum Health Institute up near Tougaloo), who has helped me figure out why I've been tired so much (you know, the reasons beyond working 80 hours a week for four years now!). I'll spare you details, but let's say my system is out of balance, and it's making me miserable as a result. And I'm not facing anything life-threatening (thank God), but could be if I don't get my healthy lifestyle back in place.

Donna's Blog Gets a New Attitude

OK, all, I've decided to take my blog in a different direction. That is, I'm going to use it as more of a catch-all journal than a place to aggregate media stories. I stayed offline all weekend — heaven! — and I realized that there are so many little things I observe in this crazy, wonderful place called Jackson that I don't have a place to put.

Lott flip-flops on FEMA

Clarion-Ledger Moves In; Indy Media Boxes/Racks Trashed

What citizens can do. June 20, 2006—A little while ago, calls started coming in from the reservoir area, telling us that our racks and boxes, and those of other members of the Mississippi Independent Publishers Alliance, were lined up next to dumpsters at businesses near the reservoir. Todd just drove out there and, lo and behold, there all of us indies were—lined up next to the dumpsters at several locations, including the Conoco on Old Fannin Road (pictured, right) and the one on Lakeland Drive near Wal-Mart. Goliath is on the move. An Alliance member called Ronald Gooding at The Clarion-Ledger, the "Non-daily distribution manager," who said that his guys had been moving our boxes all day, but that he was unaware that any had been put by dumpsters. Interestingly, the eviction letter that TDN/Gannett/Clarion-Ledger sent us said that "the store owner/operator will remove them or have them removed" if we didn't agree to pay TDN to be in their boxes. I guess they changed their minds; not a single business has itself asked us to remove our boxes/racks. We're also hearing that Gannett is letting businesses out of contracts who ask to be—so there's the best reason yet to go visit businesses where the JFP and other free pubs are located. Ask them to keep supporting indy media, and not allow the Gannett Corp. to make us pay our competition for distribution in order for you to be able to pick us up in their businesses. Remember: You can help save independent media; see how here.

Jazz artist Andre Delano comes home for "Battle"

July 20-23, 2006 as part of the "Battle of the Saxes" hosted by Jackson State University.

With a fusion of jazz, blues, funk and even gospel Andre Delano proudly releases his first album, appropriately entitled FULL CIRCLE. A native of East St. Louis (IL) and graduate of Jackson State University (MS), he has traveled around the world sharing his love for music. Not only has he had the pleasure to entertain countless listeners, but Delano counts among his accolades his privilege of touring and performing with well-known artists such as Maxwell, Stevie Wonder, Wynston Marsalis and others. Conversations caught up with Andre Delano as he prepares to come "full circle" back to Jackson, MS

Mississippi Organizations Prepare to Celebrate the "BEST" of the State

An upcoming awards ceremony/dinner will bring together movers and shakers from all walks of life: the Mississippi's Best Awards. "This was something that was a long time coming and months in the making," says Cyrus A. Webb, one of the event's founders and the Chief Coordinator. "We want to do all we can to highlight inclusiveness. It is our state's ability to be all things to all people that gave me the idea for the Mississippi's Best Awards (aka MBA)."

Melton's Message to Homeless

July 14, 2006—[verbatim] Jackson is a city of Grace and Benevolence where we treat all people with respect and dignity. Today, we are taking a new approach toward establishing a dialogue with Jackson's homeless population.

NOW President Speaks at ‘Freedom' Kick-Off Rally

[Posted by NOW] Please join the MS Reproductive Freedom Coalition for Reproductive Freedom Summer: Providing a Peaceful Presence, Jackson, Miss., for a week of events to show support for reproducitve freedom and the only clinic in the state. July 14, welcome party at Hal & Mal's: silent auction, voter registration, local entertainment. July 15-22, 2006. Kick- off rally on Sat. July 15, in Smith Park 12-2 pm. Kim Gandy, president of National Organization for Women will be speaking along with local activists.

Isbister, Moyo, Others Kick Off ‘Freedom' Events at Hal & Mal's

Laurel Isbister will play Friday night as part of the local line up that kicks off the Mississippi NOW Reproductive Freedom Summer events going on in Jackson July 15-22. The opening party starts at 7 p.m. and goes to 10 p.m. in the big room in the back at Hal & Mal's. Laurel's set Friday starts at 8:30, and she'll be joined by percussionist Loye Ashton as well as spoken word diva Thabi Moyo. Thabi and Laurel have recently penned a new song together that they think you'll like.

‘How to Become a Real Conservative'

Intriguing letter today in The Clarion-Ledger. It starts:

Create fiscal insolvency, including irresponsible tax cuts, corporate giveaways and massive spending increases.

The Story Behind Clarion-Ledger's ‘ShopLocal'

The name is Orwellian, almost. Even as the Jackson Free Press and other local businesses believe that Jacksonians need to spend money with businesses actually owned locally, The Clarion-Ledger, an outlet of the Gannett Corp., promotes its own version of "ShopLocal" on its Web site and in its paper, heavily pushing the likes of Sam's and Home Depot—not exactly everyone's idea of "shopping local." The national newspaper trade magazine, Editor & Publisher, currently has a piece on the ShopLocal network, explaining how the "local" service works:

Summer Play "Got the Whole World in His Hands"

Genesis & Light Center reports the following:

"This summer, Albert Wilson and Genesis & Light Center's Summer of Drama 2006 project will be performing it's 7th hit stage-play entitled "Got the Whole World in His Hands" and we are asking you to do a story on our Drama group. This powerful production will be performed on Friday, July 21st at 10AM or 6:30 PM or Saturday, July 22nd at 6:30 PM - at the Alamo Theater.

[Music] ‘Cause I Gotta Have Faith

Faith Gilmore and I both graduated from Mississippi College in 2000. I can still remember her sitting in the quad, strumming her guitar and singing the refrain from the Cranberries' "Dreams"—I was always struck by her amazing voice and the confidence with which she sang. And then there was graduation day, when she wore flip-flops and exited the platform dancing and twirling with her degree in hand. Needless to say, she has always been a free spirit, and it is no surprise to see her musical success today.

Walkin' The Creek

Peering through the last few feet of shaded brush and trees, I began spotting glimpses of them ahead in the bright sunlight. Splashing in the water. Laughing. Talking over one another as they discovered the cooling waters of Copiah Creek.

We Shall Overcome

There is a certain despair spreading among many Jacksonians. Some devoted citizens are even saying they might leave the city because of Mayor Melton's antics and poor leadership. One JFP blogger, "justjess," posted under Adam's last cover story about the administration's apparent lack of a plan for fighting crime: "I try very hard to keep the optimism of 'ladd' that 'the city can and will prosper despite this administration'; however, I have the concern of 'madd' that 'this city is not going to prosper under this administration.'"

Death Penalty Doesn't Deliver

This month marks 30 years since the death penalty was reinstated in the United States. In the past 30 years, we as Americans have executed 1,031 people. Are we better off?

Art By Chance

"It was just meant to be," says Elyse Savitch, owner of District Fine Arts in Washington, D.C. "I was just walking by and happened to notice her sandals. I commented on them, and we started talking."

[Kamikaze] Daytime Drama

On my most recent trip to New York, I sat in my hotel room and watched in amazement at how much coverage the Star Jones/Barbara Walters debacle received. Sandwiched right between continuing coverage of the war in Iraq and the launch of the space shuttle Discovery, there were the ladies of "The View" at each others' throats again.

[Stiggers] Smacked Like Mammy

Boneqweesha Jones: "It's time for Boneqweesha's Entertainment Tonight report! This show is not associated with the B.E.T. network. I have the exclusive audio from a brief phone conversation between Sista Star Jones and Sis Condoleezza Rice.

[Greggs] Missing The Window

I first heard the phrase "missing the window" in my youth. It quite possibly was gleaned from one summer's obsession with the movie "Space Camp." You know the one, right? Kids go to Space Camp, kids accidentally get launched into space, Kate Capshaw was the "real" astronaut on the flight? Yes, it was extremely reality-based. I just recently discovered the cute valley girl in the film is Kelly Preston—John Travolta's Scientologist wife. For some reason, the very fact that she didn't know she would later marry "Danny Zuko" and completely lose her mind is very amusing to me. I often point to the screen and snicker at her references to space aliens in the movie—she has obviously been groomed since the early '80s for this dubious transformation into Scientologist alien queen.

New President Predicts ‘Rough' Year

The July 5 council meeting gave Jackson its first Republican council president since the adoption of the mayor/council form of government. Ward 1 Councilman Ben Allen, who walks away with easy or undisputed wins in his own ward every election year, found himself council president after a quick rundown of inter-faction debate. Allen blew no kisses at his success, and immediately predicted that his presidency would span a very hard financial year for Jackson.

Amazing Grace

Grace House is a local homeless shelter for people suffering from HIV and AIDS. Many people, due to the stigma of this illness, lose family, friends and ultimately, their ability to support themselves after testing positive. Trey Mangum, the director of Grace House, sat down to speak about an innovative program for residents—an art exhibit and reading they are holding for the residents at the Lott-Stanton Gallery. Grace House residents created all of the artwork for the exhibit during art classes taught at the shelter over the past six months.

No. 43 July 12 - 19

Criminalizing Abortion Won't Save Child

Each time I see activists gnashing their teeth and praying outside the abortion clinic in Fondren, I feel an intense sadness. Neglecting to explore the reasons why a woman would choose to terminate her pregnancy is to forsake our responsibility to create an environment suitable for future generations.

Feds to Slash School Funding?

Federal mandates connected to the "No Child Left Behind Act," signed by President George Bush in 2002, demand that Mississippi improve its school test scores or face losing federal money for education.

Local Musicians Take Awards Home

"It was amazing," Jericho said of the 28th Annual Cingular Wireless Mississippi Gospel Awards and the 32nd Annual Cingular Wireless Jackson Music Awards held this past weekend. "The thing that really struck me about this particular award was the historical context it was given in. … All the old-school groups were there; basically, they paved the way for everything we're doing." Jericho's group, Compozitionz, took home the awards for Local R&B Group of the Year and Local Entertainer of the Year.

Janet Scott

A proud product of Jackson Public Schools, Janet Scott is a shining example that public school works. She's intelligent, well-rounded and constantly looking for ways to give back to her community.

Melton Aiming at Gun Shows Again

The Clarion-Ledger is reporting today that Frank Melton is again trying to close down gun shows, as well as other guns shops. Could it be that this is the reason he declared the "state of emergency"—so that he could eliminate gun sales in Jackson?

Upcoming Band Promotes Natural Disaster Awareness

The band "Crews South" will be playing at the Voodoo Lounge on July 20th, from 11:15 p.m. till 12:30 a.m. in efforts of raising awareness of the F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Foundation. Band members include lead vocals Aaron Mordecai, back up vocals Lynn Birmingham, and Andy Pollard of Alabama along with local artists such as Trent Lewis, Jeremy Rainey and Nick Stroud, band leader and road manager, of the Jackson music scene. Crews South's sound is an original soulful click between current country rhythm rock and jazzy blues. They grab the ears of many genres. Their lyrics such as "The band is on and the music is tight," and "I wonder what I would see if we could paint our lives" describe their originality and unique style.

Clarion-Ledger: Wilcher Must Die

In an editorial today, The Clarion-Ledger explains its support of the death penalty and why it is good that the state is going to kill Bobby Glen Wilcher today:

Just Like A (Super)man

"Superman Returns" is a pseudo-sequel to the first two Christopher Reeve Superman movies. Superman (played by Brandon Routh this time around) has returned after a five-year absence to a world that has moved on. Lois Lane is engaged, has a family, and is completely blindsided when Superman swoops out of nowhere to save her life and the lives of several reporters from an airplane about to explode in Earth's atmosphere. But Lois is not the only one who's baffled by Superman's return. Lex Luthor has been able to get off from his double life sentence in prison because Superman was nowhere to be found to testify in court for Luthor's crimes. As Jimmy Olsen tells Clark Kent, "How bad do you think that pisses Superman off?" Luthor, having been to the Fortress of Solitude (Superman's Arctic "home base"), returns to rob what alien technology he can in order to create a new world. It is now up to Superman to find a place in a world that claims to need him no longer and save its people from themselves.

The Medical Malpractice Myth Exposed ... Again

We dared to write about the complicated "Hoodwinked" myths that have sprung up around the issue of tort reform nearly three years ago, as propagated locally by The Clarion-Ledger's "jackpot justice" obsession. We told you then that their "research" was based more on rhetoric than fact. Here's a new piece in Slate that explores this myth:

About Time: Gitmo Prisoners Get Geneva Rights

AP is reporting that the Bush administration is finally allowing accused prisoners at Guantanamo Bay their rights under the Geneva Conventions:

ARTICLE: Hampton Business School Sticks by Requirement for "Conservative" Hairstyles

You know, I guess this issue would not bother me so much if it did not involve a historically black university. It is a shame when African Americans discriminate against their own people.

I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Cuculoupes

A Houma, LA, homeowner finds an interesting species of vege-melon growing among her cucumbers and cantaloupes. Thanks to accidental crossbreeding, I'm able to post an article with a silly title.

ARTICLE: Slavery reparations gaining momentum

When the average American hears the term "slavery reparations", he or she may think of radicals who are only making noise to start trouble and get free government money. Well, the "radicals" of the 21st century are using a different approach, and some are from the place least expected: the church.

Barbour Supports Civil Rights Museum

[The following letter is verbatim from Gov. Barbour to the Civil Rights Museum Federation Committee at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History]

Whistling Dixie

Crossroads and the JFP present "C.S.A." Monday, July 10th at 7 p.m. at New Stage Theatre. Tickets are $7 and $5 for members.

Update: Coach O In Town

The college football season unofficially kicks off on Tuesday, July 18, when the Central Mississippi Ole Miss CLub and the Rebel Club of Jackson host the Rebel Reunion at the Mississippi Trademart (that's the building next to the Mississippi Coliseum). The guests will include football coach Ed Orgeron and his staff. The social hour and children's activities start at 5:30 p.m. The program starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 each, free for students. For info, call Craig Miller at (601) 573-7126 or Luke Abney at (601) 969-7000.

Danks Letter to JFP & Clarification

Super Group:Fishbone, Janes Addiction, Bad brains, Suicidal Tendencies Hawaiian Lyon

MR.GREEN ALL-STARS "Seeing Is Believing" and Summer Publicity Tour Announced at 12 Noon July 11, 2006 The touring lineup features the funky, punk, bass lines of Norwood Fisher, from Fishbone, the snarling blasts of metal thrash guitar and virtuoso solos from Rocky George of Suicidal Tendencies, the pounding tribal drum rhythms of Earl Hudson of Bad Brains and the jaw dropping stage performance, & vocal range of Lyon Rowland of Hawaiian Lyon Human Rights. Hear music at www.myspace.com/mrgreenallstars The new album "Seeing is believing", is a unique blend of Reggae, and Hardcore Punk rock music. The super skilled musicians move effortlessly, with complete fluidity between punk rock sounds and down beat soulful reggae dub, creating a highly distinctive sound that is unmistakably their own.Addressing ideas from Political to Rastafarian philosophies The anarchy and the spiritual are closely interconnected within many of the songs. The album is a refreshing mix of shout along melodies, tons of hooks and a powerful energetic delivery. Punk Rock Reggae Originator "H.R"., of legendary Bad Brains lends his own eclectic vocal style on 4 tracks including cover song She's A Rainbow by theThe Rolling Stones, and No EgoTripp"n, Featuring Stephen Perkins from Janes Addiction on 2 drums trks,and Josh Cardinaly's guitar driving leads,and hardcore breakdowns. The new album was Produced by UpMostHigh Records www.upmosthigh.com mixed by Dave Aron who has worked all around the world ,with artist such as:Snoop Dog, Red Hot Chili Peppers Tupac and Sublime. It was engineered by the "Mad Scientist", best known for his work with Bob Marley and King Tubbys Channel One Studios n Kingston Jamaica..AllStar Musicians on the album:,Freddy Flynt ,Ezra Robison,Clinton Stoggsdill, Balboa,Goerge Hughes,Willy Waldman and engineers Mike Hogue,Irin Mawhirter.and more . Mr. Green All Stars is definitely the unsigned band to look for 2006. They are currently shopping for Record Deals, and National Tours.

Ask a Ninja: Funniest Website Ever

My college-aged brother CJ turned me on to Ask a Ninja a few months ago when I visited him in Washington State. I don't remember to go back often enough, which is great, actually, because then I get to watch four or five episodes in a row. It's hilarious.

ARTICLE: The New Crime: Wearing Dreadlocks While Walking

Okay, the New Orleans victims of Hurricane Katrina have had to deal with death, destruction, losing everything they hold dear and governmental neglect. Now they have to face racial profiling by law enforcement in St. Tammany Parish, the home of David Duke.

Jason Molina To Release Two Albums

type of songs he did on his more experimental albums, The Ghost, and Protection Spells.

2006 marks the tenth year that Jason Molina and Secretly Canadian have worked together and to celebrate, they are... uh... doing what they normally do... release records! August 22 will see the release of Jason Molina's second solo record Let Me Go, Let Me Go, Let Me Go. This vinyl-only limited release is akin to his last solo record Pyramid Electric Co, and revisits the

[Lott] Correcting the "Supreme" Court

Despite the glorification of judges and lawyers on television, in movies and within popular culture, the mission of our courts is simply to enact the American people's will in our laws. It may be called the "Supreme" Court, but the framers of our Constitution intended that the American people and their elected representatives have the supreme say.

Never Say Die

I am surrounded by people with low back pain. It hurts to watch them—walking with that "can't stand up straight" shuffle, getting up from a chair and pausing to catch a breath, grimacing every time another searing pain shoots down their leg. Ouch. I remember it well.

Mentally Ill in County Jails

The Clarion-Ledger has an important story today about how mentally ill people who have not been charged with crimes are being held in the Hinds County Detention Center in Raymond. (I'd tell you who wrote it, but there's no byline on the story as of this posting. Sorry.)

Ben Allen of Ward 1 Elected ‘El Presidente'

Just in ... The City Council has elected Ben Allen of Ward 1, the council's only declared Republican, to the seat of council president. More details soon ...

BOXER-TURNED-BLUESMAN FOLLOWS UP BLUES MUSIC AWARD-NOMINATED ALBUM WITH "ROUND TWO"

The comeback continues. On August 8th, Cat Head Presents of Clarksdale, Mississippi will release Round Two — the second comeback album by Mississippi-born bluesman Big George Brock. Round Two is the follow-up to last year's Blues Music Award-nominated Club Caravan CD and features special guest Hubert Sumlin — Howlin' Wolf's legendary guitar player.

Now That's A Fancy Sandwich

My mother-in-law and I have extremely different cooking styles … she cooks what she knows and follows recipes by the letter. I like to improvise and embellish on the old classics. I spend money on fancy knives for chopping, and she prefers to chop with the same old knife she's used since 1977. But there's one thing we do have in common when it comes to cooking—we both like to feed her son. Of course, I sound like his mom when I say he's a good eater, but the truth is he likes everything—well, almost. Once, I asked him if there was a food he didn't like, he considered the question for several minutes and finally declared he didn't particularly care for deviled eggs, but if at a picnic in a pinch, he'd suffer through them.

Fighting Crime: What's The Plan?

Also: Darren Schwindaman's editorial cartoon

Punks and Heavy Weaponry…or…Just Another Night In Jacktown

On June 28, Mayor Frank Melton, clad in a brilliant-white bullet-resistant vest and a sidearm, invited members of the media to join him in the hunt for Vidal Sullivan. A cameraman from WAPT, Richard Fausset of the Los Angeles Times and I boarded the Mobile Command Center (MCC), and then we thundered out of the compound, stopping traffic on Ridgewood Drive, with four police cruisers and three media cars in tow. The cruisers swept in from the left and right, their blue strobes flashing, as we penetrated to the Kroger on I-55 for water and soda.

You Can't Kill Light

Founded in 1909 by Dr. Laurence Clifton Jones, Piney Woods is the largest of four predominately black boarding schools remaining in the country. World renowned, the school boasts that more than 90 percent of its graduates go on to graduate from colleges and universities. The institution's legacy is great, and its roots run deep. The school has only had three presidents in its history. Who could bear the torch next? Someone who would continue on in the way of those who'd lead before. Onto the 2000-acre campus stepped Dr. Reginald T.W. Nichols.

[Wine] Go, Go Garretson

Recently I had the great pleasure to meet and host Matt Garretson of Garretson Wine Company. Never heard of it? Well, check out their Web site. The first thing you'll see is Matt's response to that: "Well, we never heard of you, either. …" Talk about a great guy and some fantastic wines. Garretson provides a much-needed diversion from the norm of what the current market has to offer. He makes no Cabernet, no Chardonnay, and in Matt's words, no cry babies.

Been Profiled?

In these strange times, chances are good that you'll be stopped at a JPD roadblock set on enforcing Mayor Frank Melton's state of emergency, especially if you frequent West Jackson. When you see those blue lights and the police dogs snarling on their leashes, what should you do? More to the point, what can the police do to you?

[Music] Take a Little Time to Rewind

Upon first listen, one might think The Rewinds have to be from Birmingham, England, and not Alabama. But make no mistake—these guys are good ol' Southern boys. The confusion comes because their self-titled debut album, just released this month, is a unique mix of '60s Brit-pop vocals and '80s Brit-pop guitar. The timing for this debut could not be better, as The Rewinds provide the perfect soundtrack for the summer months.

The Best In 7 Days

Pro baseball, Cincinnati at Atlanta, (6:30 p.m., TBS/620 AM): The one-time NL West rivals begin a four-game series at the Ted.

Mr. Newhouse: Think ‘Community'

July 5, 2006 Get up to speed on The Clarion-Ledger's scheme here. Or, see Darren Schwindaman's TDN cartoon primer. Editor & Publisher magazine—a national industry bible for journalists, newspapers and news magazines—has a story in its current issue about the free distribution schemes that Gannett Corp. newspapers are implementing around the country. The story focused in large part on TDN ("The Distribution Network") in Jackson, Miss., spearheaded by the Clarion-Ledger.

Gwen Robins

Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., Gwen Robins made her move to Jackson in August 2000 at age 63. "You know I was born and raised there, and I never was away from home this long," Robins says. She wanted to be closer to her daughter, who lived in Jackson, but the idea of moving so far away from home into a strange southern city was daunting.

[Hutchinson] Republicans Rip the Voting Rights Act

In 1980, Ronald Reagan told biographer Laurence Barrett that the 1965 Voting Rights Act was "humiliating to the South." The carefully handpicked, emotionally charged words from then GOP Republican presidential candidate aimed to tap into the fury of white Southerners over civil rights, and, of course, garner their votes.

[Stiggers] In My Beautiful Balloon

Judy McBride: "Welcome to the first meeting of the Ghetto Science Community Center's gripe, moan and complain (GMC) focus group. I've established this focus group for individuals who are close to the edge, and trying not to lose their heads in this wilderness. As a psychologist, I've realized that living in today's society is like a jungle, sometimes. And it makes me wonder how a person avoids going under.

No. 42, July 5-12

Misogynist Vulgarity

I read Kamikaze's unwarranted attack on Oprah Winfrey ("Shut Out By The Queen," June 22) in your last issue and felt compelled to respond.

Enron Founder, Ken Lay Dies of Heart Failure

Will post more on this as I get it, but CNN just reported that Enron Founder Ken Lay has died of Heart Failure. His family has released a brief statement, but are asking for their privacy at this time.

The effects of Sexual Deception

Okay, I have to admit it: I watch some of the movies on Lifetime. One recently got my attention and caused me to think about my feelings about the power and consequences of deception. The movie, based on a true story, was "A GIRL LIKE ME: The Gwen Araujo story."