Stories for February 2012

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Wednesday, February 29

4 the Record

One of my favorite films of all time is "Pee-wee's Big Adventure." It has stuck with me my whole life. It entertained me as a kid, and it made even more sense in college, often at 3 a.m. while I was discussing the meaning of life with a bunch of hippies. It continues to make me laugh and remember what it was like being a child.

Natural ‘Wonder Drugs' for Stress

My alarm woke me at 6 a.m., and I headed for the shower. Soon I was out of the house and headed to work to arrive by 7 a.m. This was going to be a great day.

[Girl About Town] Fantasy Hair

"I can't wait to meet your new hair!" That's been my favorite response to the newest addition to my life: a new length of tresses—real hair, just not my own. (Although, much as Tori Spelling says of her boobs, if I paid for it, it's mine, right?) That's right, dear readers; I got extensions.

Thoughts and More Thoughts

There is not just one topic on my mind this week. Instead, I have thoughts on a few things from around the sports world.

[The Slate] The Best In Sports In 7 Days

Not even February's extra day can hold back the Madness of March.

[Publisher's Note] The Ledger's Obsession with ‘Exclusive'

Something interesting came to the attention of our advertising sales department during the production of this edition of the Spring Arts and Events Preview. It seems that The Clarion-Ledger is now telling some arts organizations that if they would like The Clarion-Ledger (or, presumably, their subsidiary publications, such as VIP Jackson) to sponsor a non-profit or charity event, then The Clarion-Ledger must be the "exclusive print sponsor" of that event.

The Ledger's Obsession with ‘Exclusive'

Something interesting came to the attention of our advertising sales department during the production of this edition of the Spring Arts and Events Preview. It seems that The Clarion-Ledger is now telling some arts organizations that if they would like The Clarion-Ledger (or, presumably, their subsidiary publications, such as VIP Jackson) to sponsor a non-profit or charity event, then The Clarion-Ledger must be the "exclusive print sponsor" of that event.

Pushing the Beer Limit

Asking Craig Hendry to name his favorite beer is like asking him which of his two kids he likes best.

Friendship Ball Honors Brooks and Reed

Owen Brooks and Phil Reed are builders. In addition to the voter registration and education drives he led as director of the Delta Ministry, Brooks oversaw economic development projects, organized Head Start centers and helped start the Mound Bayou Community Hospital and Health Center.

Power to the People

When someone offered Melissa Cooper $700 for some of her prescription pain medication in 2010, she jumped at the opportunity.

Charter Schools Likely Coming

After years of unsuccessfully trying to pass legislation favorable to charter schools, the new Republican majority in the Mississippi Legislature looks poised to get at least one of its bills passed this year.

[Editorial] Teach Kids About Safe Sex

Adecision by a Department of Education task force earlier this week confirmed what some of us have suspected for some time: Schools in Mississippi really don't have any legal way to teach comprehensive sex-education. A recent law gives school districts a choice between abstinence-only and "abstinence-plus" sex education in theory; in reality, they're just different names for the same policy.

Teach Kids About Safe Sex

Adecision by a Department of Education task force earlier this week confirmed what some of us have suspected for some time: Schools in Mississippi really don't have any legal way to teach comprehensive sex-education. A recent law gives school districts a choice between abstinence-only and "abstinence-plus" sex education in theory; in reality, they're just different names for the same policy.

[Stiggers] Drink Your Big Black Cow

Mr. Announcement: "Ghetto Science Public Television presents highlights from Kunta 'Rasheed X' Toby's thought-provoking documentary film series 'The Pursuit of Crappyness: The Unemployed, Underemployed and Part-time Djs are Close to the Edge.'"

[Kamikaze] Behind the Curtain

It appears the culture wars of 2008 have returned for a sequel in 2012. You can attribute some of it to the Republican presidential candidates. Sure, gas prices are rising, and there's growing unrest on foreign soil, but why bother with those issues when it's so much more important to legislate morality?

[Purvis] The Art of Appreciation

I love gazing at art, but know only enough about it to embarrass myself if I try to discuss it in more informed company.

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Mississippi Maestro

Maestro Crafton Beck stands in front of the skilled musicians in the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra. Beck, 55, stands over the 65 musicians seated in a sea of string, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. The orchestra consists of full- and part-time members plus additional musicians from the community. As he raises his right arm, the orchestra fills the auditorium with symphonic music.

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Six Decades of Music

As 1944 dawned, the course of World War II was turning in the Allies' favor. On the home front, Jackson's population of 70,000 coped with sugar, shoe, gasoline and tire rationing. But wartime restrictions couldn't dampen the city's enthusiasm for art, theater, dance and music.

African American Art at MMA

Growing up in the 1940s in the South, Walter O. Evans never had the chance to visit museums or galleries because of racial divides in society. In 1978, however, Evans began collecting art, starting with Jacob Lawrence's portfolio of silkscreen prints.

‘I Was There'

Turning 12 is hard enough for a girl. Old friends start acting weird, especially the slightly older ones starting high school. You can try to hold on to the magic of childhood during a carefree summer, but reality might have other plans. To turn 12 in the 1960s in segregated Mississippi only could have added to the confusion of adolescence.

Eating History

If you're looking for a way to improve your mind while you satisfy your mid-day hunger, look into History is Lunch, a lecture series from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. All sessions are free to the public with water and coffee provided. All you need to bring is yourself and your lunch.

Nirvana for Film Addicts

The 13th Annual Crossroads Film Fest is April 13 to 15 with events in Madison, Fondren and downtown Jackson. At the Malco Grandview Theater in Madison, movie buffs can view independent films from Mississippi, the United States and around the globe. Expect to see films from Germany, Poland, Bosnia, Russia, and South America.

Romance and Angst

A true rags-to-riches story, "Cinderella" has all the romance and angst perfect for ballet. The Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet presents its performance of a classic story March 3 at Jackson Academy's Performing Arts Center, 4908 Ridgewood Road.

Eyes of Green Fire

Aldo Leopold believed in wildlife management and conservation long before it was fashionable. "Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land," he wrote in his well-known book, "A Sand County Almanac and Sketches Here and There," published shortly after his death by Oxford University Press in 1949.

Sandra Murchison

Sandra Murchison, chair of the art department at Millsaps College, began a project on the Mississippi Blues Trail two and a half years ago, focusing primarily on the Delta. She makes etchings, impressions and rubbings of markers on the trail, which commemorate locations, people and moments important to blues culture and history. She then turns them into 3-D mixed-media art projects that tell some of the stories behind the historic sites.

‘Abstinence-Plus' Now Just A Mirage

School districts have until the end of June to decide whether they will adopt abstinence or "abstinence-plus" sex-related education policies, but so far, the only "abstinence-plus" curricula that have been approved are exactly the same ones that have also been approved for abstinence-only policies.

Whole Foods: A Mixed Blessing

North Jackson's Highland Village has made a deal that could bring economic and health benefits to Jackson. Whole Foods Market is set to open its first location in Mississippi at the shopping center by the end of 2013.

Shopkeep: The Everyday Gourmet

As you browse the wares at The Everyday Gourmet on County Line Road, certain details will immediately grab your attention--like the dangling spoon and fork chandelier, and the sweet, outdoorsy scent from candles and wood products.

Cooper-Stokes Wins Ward 3 Runoff

Unofficial results of yesterday's Ward 3 runoff election are in and show LaRita Cooper-Stokes edged out opponent Joyce Jackson for the City Council seat.

Hood Links Sunshine Act to Pardons

Attorney General Jim Hood's campaign site sent out an email this morning urging his supporters to call senators and oppose the Sunshine Act, which would allow agency heads to hire outside counsel to represent them. (Read more about the act in our archives.)

Tuesday, February 28

The Men AG Hood Wants Executed

Attorney General Jim Hood wants the state of Mississippi to kill two more men next month.

Heroes, Expansion, Grants

The City of Jackson awarded grants totaling nearly $30,000 to five local businesses from the Small Business Development Grant and Storefront Improvement Grant programs.

Marian Wright Edelman

Mississippi has made some progress in education within the last half-century, but many people remain at the bottom in terms of education and economics, civil-rights veteran Marian Wright Edelman said in a press conference last week.

JPS Students Present Concert

The Jackson Public Schools All-City Music Festival is underway, with 866 students performing in five orchestras.

Monday, February 27

AT&T Seeking Revenge in New Bill?

If telecommunications giant AT&T gets its way, customers will have to call Washington, D.C., regulators to lodge complaints.

William Winter Institute Awarded $3.1 Million Grant

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation recently awarded a $3.1 million grant to the William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation at the University of Mississippi.

Mariquita Lewis

In 2008 Mariquita Lewis moved to Richland from Jackson to take care of her mother after she had a stroke. Her concern for her mother's health, as well as the organic movement she saw in Minneapolis as a college student inspired her to start an urban garden.

Community Events and Public Meetings

AARP Tax Aide Volunteer Service. The service is available to low- and moderate-income taxpayers with special attention to those ages 60 and older. Bring all necessary documents. No appointment required. Free.

Study Measures Tourism at Casinos and State Parks

A report from the Mississippi Development Authority shows that tourism is the fifth-largest private-sector employer in the state.

Friday, February 24

Lawmakers, Activists Speak Against Abortion

Lawmakers and abortion opponents came together at the Capitol yesterday to support anti-abortion efforts, making their way through various committees in the Mississippi Legislature.

Bennie Thompson

Rep. Bennie Thompson, Mississippi's only Democrat in the U.S. Congress, believes state and local government should be spending the federal money it has available. The state's senior Congressman doesn't understand why Jackson's government isn't taking advantage of the money, programs and opportunities at its disposal.

Obama Singing Again

I'm not sure why he's on this tear -- one theory might be that President Obama feels good about his re-election chances given the GOP's rather clueless focus on contraception as a wedge issue in their 2012 primary season -- but for whatever reason, Obama at least LOOKS like he's having fun with a microphone and a backing band. This time it's a line of Sweet Home Chicago sung with a little help from Mississippi's own B.B. King.

Immigration Bill to Come Up in House

The Mississippi House Judiciary B Committee will consider an anti-immigration measure called the Mississippi Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act.

Thursday, February 23

Anti-abortion Efforts Continue

Pro Life America Network organized a press conference at the Capitol today with legislators and Gov. Phil Bryant to talk about anti-abortion efforts. We'll plan on having more on that tomorrow, but for those who are interested, here's what Bryant had to say:

Fla. Landlord Owns Seized Hinds Complex

For the second time this week, Hinds County sherriff's deputies locked the offices of a Jackson apartment complex on Wednesday.

Staches for Stewpot Celebrates Third Year at Duling Hall

If you've seen an unusual number of mustachioed faces around Jackson this February, it could be because this month marked the Third Annual Staches for Stewpot, a fundraiser for Stewpot Community Services in Jackson.

Team of the Day: Mississippi College Basketball Team

Mississippi College is a perfect 14 for 14 in American Southwest Conference Tournament appearances. MC has the most ASC Tournament bids in conference history.

City Lifts Boil Water Alert

The city has lifted a boil water alert in effect since last Friday after two consecutive clear tests by the Health Department, a statement this morning said.

Wednesday, February 22

Brawley's Blues

Mississippi Blues Marathon runners crossed the finish line to blues pumping from The Juvenators in front of the Old Capitol Museum. The local blues band, fronted by Virgil Brawley, congratulated early finishers with continuous music at the intersection of State and Capitol streets.

We All Loved Her

In the last couple of months, the music industry has taken quite a hit when it comes to obituaries. Hubert Smith, Howlin Wolf's guitarist, passed. We lost rapper Heavy D not too long ago, as well as Jimmy Castor, an American funk R&B saxophonist, and "Soul Train" emcee Don Cornelius. (I'm telling you, at my house growing up, we knew Saturday cartoons were over once we heard the "Soul Train" theme song.

[The Slate] The Best In Sports In 7 Days

If the New York Knicks could sign Tim Tebow and pair him with Jeremy Lin, it would shut the country down, because the Internet would explode.

Rebuilding the Saints

The 2011-2012 season for the New Orleans Saints might be remembered as "the season that might have been." New Orleans would have won its first road playoff game and hosted the NFC Championship game, but the Saints were unable to hold a lead late against the San Francisco 49ers Jan. 14.

Where Will Manning Land?

Acquiring a quarterback in the NFL via free agency or trade brings the phrase "buyer beware" to mind.

So 2012: Value, Mini-Bites Trending

The growing popularity of voluntary simplicity—in which practicing individuals aim to reduce commercial consumption and become more self-reliant—also seems unmistakably tied to our collective concerns about the environment and sustainability.

Healthy and Kid-Approved

In 2010, first lady Michelle Obama initiated the "Let's Move!" Program to encourage healthy lifestyle behaviors for children. The initiative focuses on eating healthy and being active. The goal is to encourage the whole family to make small changes to achieve an overall healthy lifestyle.

What Happened to Winter?

It seems that winter almost completely passed us by this year, which means our local stores still have stock. Lucky for us, most fall and winter merchandise is marked down, making now a perfect time to scoop up some basics for next year. While I was out around town, I found some excellent things that will be great to work into next winter's wardrobe.

Living in Hell

I just finished reading a chilling historical novel, "The Healing," which resoundingly answered an oft-debated question: "What was the Civil War really about?"

[Editor's Note] Living in Hell

I just finished reading a chilling historical novel, "The Healing," which resoundingly answered an oft-debated question: "What was the Civil War really about?"

Jackson to MDOT: Take Back Roads

The city of Jackson has not been able to afford the maintenance on its roads for years. With government budgets facing cuts across the board, Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr., the City Council and state Sen. David Blount, D-Jackson, are trying an old approach to an old problem.

Rebels Without a Pause

On the first floor of the Capitol last Wednesday, a handful of Democrats assembled to enjoy a late lunch when a burly assistant sergeant-at-arms burst in to say that Speaker Pro Tem Greg Snowden, who presided that day, wanted all the members to return to the chamber.

Books-a-Zero

You know things are bad when librarians start protesting. In light of Gov. Phil Bryant's executive budget recommendation that calls for a 15 percent funding reduction for the Mississippi Library Commission, bibliophiles are gearing for a battle to keep library cuts on par with those of other state departments.

Weaning from Cable

The Cable Company and I have been fighting. Until recently, they've been winning. There was a brief stint where I dealt them a heavy blow when I opted for Internet via AT&T and went to satellite television. (Take that, Cable Company!)

[Tech Talk] Weaning from Cable

The Cable Company and I have been fighting. Until recently, they've been winning. There was a brief stint where I dealt them a heavy blow when I opted for Internet via AT&T and went to satellite television. (Take that, Cable Company!)

Stop Obstructing and Get to Work

Republicans in the Mississippi Legislature seem to be dealing with a lot of pent-up demand. Every day, we hear of another piece of legislation that is a virtual rehash of a bill that could not be passed without a Republican majority in both houses of the Legislature.

Stop Obstructing and Get to Work

Republicans in the Mississippi Legislature seem to be dealing with a lot of pent-up demand. Every day, we hear of another piece of legislation that is a virtual rehash of a bill that could not be passed without a Republican majority in both houses of the Legislature.

[Your Turn] Save the Libraries

Brandon Jones, Executive Director, Mississippi Democratic Trust

In his FY 2013 Budget Recommendation, Gov. Phil Bryant stated that libraries are not an "appropriate government function" and are a "non-core area." Consistent with these beliefs, the Republican budget calls for a 15 percent cut to Mississippi's public libraries.

Save the Libraries

Brandon Jones, Executive Director, Mississippi Democratic Trust

In his FY 2013 Budget Recommendation, Gov. Phil Bryant stated that libraries are not an "appropriate government function" and are a "non-core area." Consistent with these beliefs, the Republican budget calls for a 15 percent cut to Mississippi's public libraries.

[Your Turn] Fix the System

The recent flap over Haley Barbour's 200 pardons and commutations has highlighted problems in our current gubernatorial clemency processes. At my request, the staff of the legislative Performance and Expenditure Review Committee reviewed the files of those who were pardoned.

Fix the System

The recent flap over Haley Barbour's 200 pardons and commutations has highlighted problems in our current gubernatorial clemency processes. At my request, the staff of the legislative Performance and Expenditure Review Committee reviewed the files of those who were pardoned.

[Queen] If I Were A Man

We are just as capable and ready for battle as any man—whatever that battle is.

Senate Passes Charter Schools Bill

The after hours of debate, the Senate passed a bill this afternoon to loosen the rules for creating charter schools in Mississippi.

The JFP Interview with Steve Holland

In a matter of 24 hours, Steve Holland went from seemingly being the director of "Punk'd: Mississippi Edition" to directing funerals.

A Magic Deeper Still

Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy Pevensie accidentally leave their mundane lives for the wonder and adventure that an enchanted wardrobe grants. In C.S. Lewis' celebrated "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," the courageous children escape the atrocities of that period in British history, exchanging their anxieties for mythical Narnia and its magical creatures.

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The JFP Interview with Joey Fillingane

It's Valentine's Day, and everyone seems to be courting Sen. Joey Fillingane. Just two days before Mississippi's Feb. 16 legislation draft deadline, his secretary and gatekeeper has to run interference on an unending parade of lobbyists who all want just a few moments of the state senator's time.

Nine out of Ten Experts Agree

"If I knew for a certainty that a man was coming to my house with the conscious design of doing me good, I should run for my life." —Henry David Thoreau

Personhood: Symbol or Substance?

Although state Sen. Joey Fillingane, R-Sumrall, says it's unlikely the Mississippi Legislature will take up the debate over personhood this year, efforts by state lawmakers in Mississippi and elsewhere in the country are gaining steam.

A Fire for Change

Spend just a couple of minutes with Joyce Jackson at Collins Funeral Home, where she works, and you will see why many members of her community asked her to run for City Council.

Picks for Oscar

Most cinema scholars revere 1939 as the ultimate year in motion pictures. Nothing since the new millennium comes remotely close to the majestic heights reached in 1939 or even the peaks of the early 1940s or mid-1970s. That is, until 2011.

Bob Gilchrist

It wasn't until he was at Loyola University in New Orleans in fall 2011 that Bob Gilchrist finally became comfortable with the fact that he is gay.

MIRA Civic Engagement Day

The Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance plans to walk to the Capitol today to protest a series of bills targeted at undocumented immigrants.

Tuesday, February 21

Officers Arrested on Bribery Charges

From the U.S. attorney's office, verbatim:

Jackson, Miss - Monyette Quintel Jefferson, 27, Terence Dale Jenkins, 25, and Anthony Ricardo Payne, Jr., 25, all Jackson Police Department Patrol Officers at the time of the offense, have been arrested for accepting bribes to protect what they believed to be drug transactions following an undercover operation, U.S. Attorney John Dowdy and FBI Special Agent in Charge Daniel McMullen announced today.

A Win for the State's ‘Power Brokers'

"Power brokers" win out over the voices of individual legislators in a new set of joint rules the Republican-dominated Mississippi Legislature passed last week, Democrats say. The new rules are among the most serious and far-reaching changes in recent memory.

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Attorney General Jim Hood has warned that Mississippians may be the target of a email scam claiming to come from the Ford Foundation.

Shawn Wilson

For most, the words "separate, but equal" bring up dark memories of segregation and racism that haunt the South's past. But when filmmaker Shawn Wilson decided to find out more about his family history, he found a much brighter definition of the phrase.

Personhood Resolution in House

As the window for introducing bills in the Mississippi Legislature closes, the personhood debate has once again surfaced.

Monday, February 20

Hip-Hop on ‘The Help'

The film 'The Help' has 99 problems but garnering critical acclaim ain't one. Armfuls of awards and nominations haven't immunized the film based on Kathryn Stockett's best-selling novel about African American maids in Jackson from criticism that the film perpetuates the Mammy meme of early cinema.

Friday, February 17

Boil Water Notice; JSU Suspends Activities

A water main break is causing low water pressure at Jackson State University, leading the school to suspend classes and activities this weekend.

Pushing Back Against Library Cuts

Gov. Phil Bryant's budget recommendations call for a 15-percent funding reduction for the Mississippi Library Commission. Bibliophiles are gearing to keep the cut from being so steep and, at the least, keep them on par with proposed cuts at other state agencies.

Mitchell Staying at Clarion-Ledger

Award-winning journalist Jerry Mitchell is not among a dozen Clarion-Ledger employees facing an early retirement buyout choice. Speaking at this morning's Friday Forum at Koinonia Coffee House, Mitchell addressed the future of the Gannett-owned daily newspaper.

Sen. Thad Cochran

A national group has recognized Sen. Thad Cochran for advocating for volunteer programs. ON Tuesday, Cochran received the Edward M. Kennedy National Service Lifetime Leadership Award at the Friends of National Service awards reception.

Personhood Mississippi: We Are Listening to Voters

Personhood Mississippi founder Les Riley sent out a statement this morning praising Personhood legislation in the Oklahoma Senate and promising further efforts in Mississippi that will address voters' concerns about contraception and in vitro fertilization.

APAC Celebrates 30 years

The Power Academic and Performing Arts Complex is celebrating its 30th anniversary today.

The magnet school opened in January 1982 and serves students in grades 4-12 who want extra instruction in the arts. Last fall, the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts

Thursday, February 16

Getting (a Little) Past Politics on Keystone Pipeline

This morning I got to the office with an e-mail in my inbox, apparently forwarded to me, from the office of Scott Brown, famously the GOP senator from Massachusetts who took over Edward Kennedy's seat. It's pasted here below the fold. (Presumably it was forwarded to me by an advocacy group against the pipeline or as part of their e-blast system; I get a lot of interesting political e-mail.)

Runaway, Prostitute or Victim?

Not too long ago in another state, a high-school boy offered a high-school girl a ride home. He drugged her drink, took nude photos of her and used the pictures to blackmail her into having sex with a series of other men. She wasn't poor, from another country or in foster care; her father was an executive at General Motors.

City: Spending Down, Overtime Up

When Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. and the city of Jackson set the budget for the 2011-12 fiscal year, they didn't plan to do as well as the first-quarter numbers now indicate.

Deville Smith

Deville Smith was born in Jackson in 1991 and grew up to become a star basketball player at Callaway High School. He averaged more than 20 points and added four rebounds with four assists per contest during his senior year.

Rep. Brown: Irby Clemency File Missing

Here is the statement, verbatim:

House Democrats have just released a statement from Rep. Cecil Brown, D-Jackson, on former Gov. Haley Barbour's pardons. In it, he says files are missing for several pardon recipients, including Karen Irby.

Dems: Ain't No Sunshine in this Bill

This time around, the "sunshine" bill didn't wither. Despite their best efforts to slow down and trip up House Bill 211, which supporters argue adds a layer of transparency to the state's use of hiring outside legal firms when disagreements arise with the attorney general, the state's chief legal officer, the measure passed 59 to 55. After a similar bill failed last week on a technicality, its Republican authors made fixes earlier this week and brought it to the Wednesday morning. Democrats pressed Mark Baker, the chairman of the House Judiciary A Committee, on a range of what they perceived to be shortcomings of the bills. Some clearly just wanted to mess with Republicans.

Wednesday, February 15

Dark Songs of the Bloodbird

Bloodbirds are found in Australia, not Mississippi, but there's one here who sings only in the dark. Adam Harrington, who performs under the name Bloodbird Harrington, is a Jackson-based singer and songwriter who wrestles with a number of dark themes in his music.

Tupac Shakur: 15 Years Later

I have often written in these pages about the cool opportunities that find their way to me based on my position as a music columnist. One of the coolest things I have experienced so far is building a relationship with famed hip-hop journalist, scholar, poet and author Charlie Braxton.

Strong and Natural

In April 2010, I had my last chemical hair relaxer. "I have had it," I thought as I decided to go natural once and for all, and I made the firm decision that I would never use a relaxer again in my life.

[Girl About Town] Jackson at its Best

My love for Jackson is pretty unbridled all the time, but certain things send it into overdrive. Top among those are the quintessentially Jacksonian events—the times when a diverse group of people comes together to celebrate what makes this place great, and to eat, drink and dance.

Spring Casserole

Au gratin potatoes are a family-revered dish of decadence. A common au gratin preparation uses potatoes, but, really, you can use any combination of vegetables. Traditionally, layers of potato and onion come smothered in a buttery cream sauce and melted cheese.

Justice, Faith, Power

For some people, February means king-cake season. In the South, a king cake is like a cake-sized cinnamon roll, usually with purple, green and gold icing. Traditionally, a king cake has a small trinket inside (usually a baby), but due to choking hazards, some bakeries put the trinket on the side.

[The Slate] The Best In Sports In 7 Days

Whitney Houston sang one of the best national anthem renditions, ever, at Super Bowl XXV. She is gone, but her anthem will live on forever.

Wii Be Movin'

I am hot, sweaty and getting tired. I am moving as best I can, but I keep getting popped in the face. Next to me, Lacey has a determined look in her eye. She is moving fluidly, but I am flailing about, just trying to keep my head above water.

Where's the SWAC?

The NFL has become so big that they can televise guys running 40-yard dashes with drills, and people watch. Feb. 22 to Feb. 28, that's exactly what will happen when NFL teams descend on Indianapolis once more for the NFL Combine.

Evolve My Mind

I have always measured the quality of my education against what my father taught me. School bored me mostly, but having a conversation with Papa rarely did. He was a natural teacher of philosophy, political science and history. He peppered his lectures with anthropology, science and economics.

[Week in Jacktown] February 8 - 14, 2012

Wassup Jacktown! Miss me? I know you haven't heard from me in a while, but I'm still recovering from the Best Of Jackson party (I have to thank Phingaprint for when I twerked when I shouldn't have :-p ). So, a lot of things have happened lately that I hadn't a chance to report!

Pardongate: Continuum

Imagine that every person who received a pardon from Gov. Haley Barbour did exactly what the state constitution says and ran a newspaper ad for 30 days before they received the pardon. Then what?

Bring the Noise

Legislative Republicans are setting 'em and knockin' 'em down. After a clumsy first month when the House didn't even have committee assignments, bills are starting to soar through the committee process and going to the floor.

Personhood Redux

Just three months after voters turned down a Personhood Initiative, at least one legislator is trying to get it back on the ballot.

More than Factories

A member of the Screen Actors' Guild, state Sen. John Horhn has some ideas on keeping the state's economy from sagging.

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Truth Troops

Some people—including some journalists I've worked with over the years—assume Stars and Stripes is a propaganda arm of the Department of Defense. It's not. It's an all-American institution that is in danger.

No Miracle Cure

'The business of education is not a business, so you can't run it like a business.'

Time to Swim, not Sink, Together

With evidence everywhere that good public education is key to our city and our state's economic future, not to mention public safety, it is time that to slay the dinosaurs of the past who don't want to fund or reform education in a way that makes sense for the most children.

Time to Swim, not Sink, Together

With evidence everywhere that good public education is key to our city and our state's economic future, not to mention public safety, it is time that to slay the dinosaurs of the past who don't want to fund or reform education in a way that makes sense for the most children.

[Stiggers] Gainful Employment

My purpose is to celebrate and make history by encouraging the workers who remain jobless in 2012. I will not condescend or criticize people who feel betrayed by the government, politicians, corporations, etc. Instead, I will use the stories of people like Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, Ida B. Wells Barnett, and Ella Baker to motivate the despondent and defeated masses still looking for a job with health-care benefits.

[Kamikaze] Year of the Underdog

I'm drawn to stories of the underdog—the little guy or gal triumphant against seemingly insurmountable odds.

[Johnson] Right the First Time

Charter schools have the potential to be a boon for children in our state's education system.

Clarion-Ledger Losing Experienced Staffers

Twelve employees at The Clarion-Ledger are considering early retirement buyouts. The Gannett-owned daily newspaper continues to shrink as it loses its most experienced staffers.

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Education: A Strong State Economy Starts Here

Research shows that struggling schools and low education levels hurt individuals as well as the state as a whole, bringing economic and social challenges. Fortunately, people outside the educational community are starting to talk about how Mississippi can make its schools—and work force—better.

For the Love of Art

Toddlers dance around the dining room table as Samuel McCain absorbs the musical notes from his iPod. The tunes might inspire his next piece of artwork. Sitting against the patio window, his easel holds the blank canvas where a palette knife might chisel bright paint like a sculptor with a block of granite.

Tick Tock, Tick Tock

"Safe House" is a CIA-agent-gone-rogue thriller. No further information is needed to understand the plot line, and if this picture didn't have Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds and a fine cast of actors—along with that inexplicable something else—there would be no point in discussing the film.

The Truthniks

When it comes to political memoirs, most are either too safe to be interesting or too salacious to be taken seriously. With political thrillers, the plots are often either too thin to be enthralling or too complicated to be enjoyable.

Of Love and Pardons: How They Met

On the night of Dec. 7, 1992, Joseph Ozment and three friends arrived to rob J & R's Old Store in Hernando and found Ricky A. Montgomery there, working alone. During the robbery, one of Ozment's accomplices shot Montgomery three times, though not fatally. Ozment, fearing Montgomery would be able to identify him, delivered two more bullets to the head of the 40-year-old clerk, who was begging for help.

Drilling the Front Lines

Captain Louis Skrmetta is on the front lines. So far, Skrmetta, whose family has operated tour boats between the mainland and Mississippi's barrier islands in the Gulf of Mexico since 1926, is fighting a winning battle to rebuild his business to pre-Hurricane Katrina levels.

Christine ‘Chrissy' Wilson

Mississippi has no bigger cheerleader when discussing the art, history and culture of Mississippi than Christine "Chrissy" Wilson. She has edited many of the markers on the Mississippi Freedom Trail commemorating the state's civil-rights heritage as well as the Mississippi Blues Trail and the Country Music Trail markers.

City Wants State to Take Back Roads

The Jackson City Council will have a special meeting at 11 a.m. this morning to discuss their recommendations to the state Legislature.

Ward 3 Race to End in Runoff

Although LaRita Cooper-Stokes gained 42 percent of the votes in a special election yesterday, it wasn't enough to give her the Ward 3 City Council seat outright. She and Joyce Jackson, who received 22.6 percent of the votes, will meet up again in a runoff election Feb. 28.

Tuesday, February 14

Sunshine Act Still Clouds Legislature

Debate over the Sunshine Act, which Speaker Philip Gunn introduced last week and failed on a technicality later in the week, continued to rain down on the Legislature as a House committee returned the issue on Monday.

Record Store Coming to Fondren

In an age of iPods and MP3s, Fondren is about to get a dose of good-ol' vinyl LPs and their younger, shinier CD brothers.

Sen. Joey Fillingane

Personhood supporters and detractors are still trying to sort out the ramifications and nuances of an anti-abortion resolution introduced yesterday. Sen. Joey Fillingane, R-Sumrall, introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 555, seeking to amend the state Constitution to "protect the life of every unborn child from conception to birth."

Ward 3 Election Today

The Jackson City Council will fill the empty seat left by recently elected Hinds County Supervisor Kenneth Stokes today after voters in Ward 3 select their new council member.

Monday, February 13

JFP Endorses Beneta Burt for Ward 3 Council Seat

At a Ward 3 candidate forum last week at the Medical Mall, several themes emerged: First, most of the plethora of candidates who are running for Kenneth Stokes' vacated seat had few specific, new ideas to share. Second, Stokes' wife, Larita, must think she has a lock on the seat because she didn't show up to answer questions (although someone scattered her campaign material around). And third, about every candidate talked repeatedly about how getting government grants can help save Ward 3 and solve its problems.

City Needs Transportation Funds

The Jackson City Council discussed bills the city is supporting in the Legislature at a morning committee meeting.

Community Events and Public Meetings

AARP Tax Aide Volunteer Service. The service is available to low- and moderate-income taxpayers with special attention to those ages 60 and older. Bring all necessary documents. No appointment required. Free.

Fillingane Introduces Anti-Abortion Resolution

Within the last couple of hours, Sen. Joey Fillingane introduced a resolution to amend the state constitution "to protect the life of every unborn child from conception to birth."

City Supports Several Bills

The city of Jackson will support several bills in the Legislature this session. Roosevelt Daniels, city policy director, is expected to present the following items this morning at a City Council Legislative Committee meeting.

Friday, February 10

Metrocenter Moving Forward

A city councilman who used to be a lawyer and lobbyist for David Watkins and some of his firms made a motion Tuesday to allow the mayor to negotiate payments with the Watkins' firm Retro Metro for needed computer cabling in new city offices at Metrocenter Mall. Councilman Quentin Whitwell, Ward 1, says he no longer represents Watkins and denied that he had any conflict of interest in the Metrocenter project.

Memorializing Medgar

It's unlikely that Medgar Evers will be forgotten for a very long time.

Stuart Kellogg

At 10 p.m. in Jackson, about 80 percent of the people who are watching TV have their sets tuned to one of the top-three local news stations.

Thursday, February 9

Holland's Gulf of America Bill Sweeping the Nation

To understand his bill to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America in state waters off the Mississippi coast, you have to understand that Holland is one of the most progressive and most eccentric members of the House. He's also one of the longest serving and most knowledgeable about the inner-workings of the Legislature. He's not exactly hid his disdain for the fact that Speaker Philip Gunn not only didn't give him a committee chairmanship but left him off the committees he's served on for two decades. In fact, Holland quipped to me yesterday that every member of the Legislature should be arrested for loitering on public property because they aren't doing \"####."

Supreme Court Hears Pardongate

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Ward 3 Candidates Speak

Change, moderator Othor Cain said, was the theme of a Feb. 7 forum at the Jackson Medical Mall. Nine candidates vying to represent Ward 3 on the Jackson City Council discussed crime, street improvement and economic development.

Wendi Reed

Last season was historic for the Jackson State Lady Tigers softball team. Under first-year head coach Rick Fremin, the team won more than 20 games for the fourth time in program history. More importantly, the Lady Tigers won their first Southwestern Athletic Conference softball championship. JSU received a bid to the Alabama regional and faced the Crimson Tide in their opening game. The Lady Tigers lost two straight games, however, ending their season.

Wednesday, February 8

Rodeo Songs

In 2008, Chris Cagle left Nashville and the country music business. He spent the next couple of years building Big Horse Ranch in Marietta, Okla., from the ground up while starting a family.

The Man Behind The Music

Murph Caciedo is one face you might not recognize in public. This semi-shy, talented and friendly guy, while unknown to most Jacksonians, is arguably the hardest-working musician in the city.

[The Slate] The Best In Sports In 7 Days

NFL hall-of-fame voters got one thing right this year: electing New Orleans Saints former offensive tackle Willie Roaf to the hall.

Cheerleading: A Sport?

Some girls dream of being movie stars. Lexi Worsham dreams of cheerleading.

Time to Make History

March madness could be a great time for Mississippi. As many as four teams could end up getting bids into the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.

[Editor's Note] Aloha, Jackson

When we boarded our plane in Dallas bound to Honolulu in January, I'd had only had two hours' sleep. Inevitably, I tossed and turned in anticipation of getting up at 4 a.m.--and then traveling for more than 12 hours. So when I saw the large man I would have to share my other armrest with, I grimaced.

Aloha, Jackson

When we boarded our plane in Dallas bound to Honolulu in January, I'd had only had two hours' sleep. Inevitably, I tossed and turned in anticipation of getting up at 4 a.m.--and then traveling for more than 12 hours. So when I saw the large man I would have to share my other armrest with, I grimaced.

Unemployment Down Again

Unemployment figures in the United States continued their downward trend last month from the most recent high of 10.2 percent in October 2009.

The iPad v. Laptop Debate

A hard-drive crash that forced me to reinstall the operating system on my 4-year-old MacBook interrupted work on this week's column.

[Tech Talk] The iPad v. Laptop Debate

A hard-drive crash that forced me to reinstall the operating system on my 4-year-old MacBook interrupted work on this week's column.

Getting Into Workflowy

I am loving Workflowy.com right now, the oddly named, completely free outlining tool that will surprise you. Its simplicity is deceiving.

Stop the Injustice of ‘Justice'

Nothing brings the inequality and foibles of our justice system into stark relief like an upcoming execution. As lawyers battle over last-minute efforts to save a human life, it's impossible not to weigh one man's sentence of death against others who receive lesser sentences—or even pardons—for equivalent crimes.

Stop the Injustice of ‘Justice'

Nothing brings the inequality and foibles of our justice system into stark relief like an upcoming execution. As lawyers battle over last-minute efforts to save a human life, it's impossible not to weigh one man's sentence of death against others who receive lesser sentences—or even pardons—for equivalent crimes.

[Stiggers] In Return for a Dollar

Welcome, fellow hustlers, to the first Compensatory Investment Request Support Group Meeting of 2012. I look forward to a great year for our group. The purpose of the Compensatory Investment Request Support Group is to provide a forum for new and established street entrepreneurs.

[Outlaw] A More Perfect Union

Change will come—even in the state that seems slowest to change.

No Sex in This City

A few years ago, I went on a journey to find my Mr. Right by going on 100 dates in a year. I blogged about each date, with plans to write a best seller and have Drew Barrymore play me in the blockbuster movie that I just knew would come to fruition.

Red-Washed Origins

Feb. 14 hasn't always been celebrated with flowers, over-decorated chocolate boxes and cards filled with fuzzy sentiments. It's a day steeped in gory pagan ritual, with an executed priest as its patron saint.

The Single's Valentine's Day Survival Guide

If you're single this Valentine's Day, you probably haven't bought into the hype. Still, Valentine's Day can be trying for the more sentimental singles out there. You're alone in a world (seemingly) full of (seemingly) happy couples. So, how will you get through the day without battling the nausea induced by sweetness overload?

Divine, Delicious, Decadent

The table is set, candles are lit, and music is playing softly in the background. It's Valentine's Day, time for a romantic dinner for two. But what's on the menu?

Vulnerability and Strength

To love is to care deeply enough about an idea to see it come into being, whether that idea is a romance with another person, writing a novel or starting a business. Love sparks your desire to learn all you can about that someone or something. It is what keeps us engaged during difficult times.

Love, Cinema Style

Whether at home or at the theater, nothing is more enjoyable with a loved one like a movie.

[He Said] ‘Stay Awhile'

Even now, though, trying to be romantic can make me ... nervous. It's balancing a gift, a box of chocolates and a dozen roses while sautéing shrimp for the special, romantic shrimp pasta dish that neither looked nor tasted like the picture in the cookbook. Or, at least I thought.

[She Said] ‘Funny and Sweet'

When I was first contacted regarding writing about romance, my very first thought was: "What the hell do I know about romance? I'm married."

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To Jump or Not?

If you haven't seen the movie, you've probably heard of it. Tyler Perry's comedy, "Jumping the Broom," tells of two families of different social and economic backgrounds united for a wedding.

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For the Love of Greek and Sports

The pair first met in 2005 during Hurricane Katrina. Taylor, a Long Beach native, was running through the pouring rain to her dorm from a hurricane party on the Millsaps College campus when she saw a friend from the Coast.

D. I.Y. Valentine

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to get crafty for your loved ones. Sure, store-bought Valentines can be cute, but there's nothing quite like getting something personalized and handmade.

I Believe in Love

Valentine's Day often gets a bad rap. Some think it's too sappy, and others think it should be called "Singles Appreciation Day." Regardless of whether you're in a relationship, I believe Valentine's Day is a day to acknowledge love—love for yourself, love for your family and friends, love for your significant other and love for life! Happy Valentine's Day, y'all.

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Love

Ah, romance! It's an emotion that has inspired symphonies, poetry and monstrous, fluffy pink teddy bears. As Valentine's Day nears, here's some advice for people playing the dating game, longtime couples looking to renew their romance and singles drowning in aisles of red flowers and pink bows. Be our valentine, Jackson?

Smart? Not Really

Growing up with eager readers, Sumrall native David McRaney flocked to the art of storytelling. McRaney, 34, works by day as director of new media at WDAM, but in his spare time is an avid blogger and published author.

Oxford Film Festival 2012

The Oxford Film Festival follows closely on the heels of the Sundance Film Festival, which, in my book, officially launched the 2012 independent film season.

Mississippi Executed Hart Turner

Attorney General Jim Hood this morning argued successfully in a federal appeals court in New Orleans to lift a stay of execution for Edwin Hart Turner. At this point, without further intervention by either the U.S. Supreme Court or Gov. Phil Bryant, Mississippi will move forward to execute Turner this evening at 6 p.m.

Fight the Power

When something called the Child Rape Protection Act passes by a margin of 106 votes to 9, you'd think that discussion would be minimal. That wasn't the case last week when House lawmakers spent more than four hours locking horns over the proposal, sponsored by Speaker Philip Gunn, R-Clinton, in its first floor debate of the session.

Time Warp on a Platter

"Hail! Hail! The gang's all heeere! What the heck do we care? What the heck do we care?" I smile thinking about where I've heard that tune so many times over the years--comfortably ensconced in a vinyl booth at Crechale's (3107 U.S. Highway 80 W., 601-355-1840), taking in the jukebox, the furniture that looks as if it's been there for decades (and probably has), the recessed red-neon lighting along the ceiling. I'd like to say I've tried most everything on the menu, but I usually order the stuffed flounder or stuffed shrimp. I just can't get past those two items. They are too consistently good for me to stray.

Food for Lovers

The following local restaurants are featuring special menus for Valentine's Day.

The following local restaurants are featuring special menus for Valentine's Day.

Thomas G. Harris

One Sunday before Christmas, a packed bus from an out-of-town Missionary Baptist Church pulled into the parking lot of Romantic Adventures on U.S. Highway 80. The traveling Sunday school disembarked to buy dirty Santa gifts. This isn't the oddest thing owner Thomas G. Harris has seen.

In Their Words: Jason Moffitt

The JFP is featuring the stories of some of the people Gov. Haley Barbour pardoned, in their own words.

Tuesday, February 7

Hood Decries "Sunshine Act"

Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood cried foul this afternoon on the less-than-sunshiney manner in which the House Sunshine Act was introduced and passed out of committee in less than 18 hours. Hood said he didn't even get a chance to read the bill that would usurp some of his constitutional rights as the state's chief legal officer because he was up until 2 a.m. preparing briefs for the Thursday Supreme Court hearing about Pardongate.

Sunshine Act Aimed at AG Hood

Before a House Judiciary A Committee commenced this morning, a young staffer quipped to a buddy that with the end of hunting season in Mississippi, he has nothing to look forward to.

Welcoming New Businesses to Town

Royal Bleu FashionsOne University Place has opened its doors to a new boutique in the heart of Jackson.

Stephen Ekunwe

Stephen Ekunwe, a biology professor at Jackson State University, has recently been named a fellow of the African Scientific Institute. The ASI Fellows association is an international group of accomplished academics, researchers, and business people in the fields of science and technology. The association elects individuals to membership and recognizes each fellow for excellence in his or her field and gives awards for distinguished achievement. There are currently 553 ASI Fellows from 41 countries.

Metrocenter Cabling on Agenda Today

At a special meeting yesterday, Councilman Quentin Whitwell made an emergency motion for the city to get a supplemental lease at the Metrocenter Mall, an idea he shared with the Jackson Free Press last week. His motion died, but it comes before the council later today.

In Their Words: Thomas Cole Kendall

The JFP is featuring the stories of some of the people Gov. Haley Barbour pardoned, in their own words.

Monday, February 6

Court Orders Stay of Execution for Hart Turner

Press Release of James Craig (verbatim).

Read Is State Executing a Mentally Ill Man?

Hinds Jails Switching Commissary Providers

Hinds County jails are joining the buy-local movement.

Teaching ‘Nice Girls' to Stand Up to Bullies

Many young girls know one--a "friend" who makes fun of them and points out faults at every opportunity but responds to complaints and hurt feelings with a laugh and "just kidding."

Stephen Gostkowski

Before replacing kicking legend Adam Vinatieri, New England Patriots placekicker Stephen Gostkowski was a three-sport star for the Madison Cenral Jaguars in high-school. He was all-state in football, baseball and soccer.

Community Events and Public Meetings

AARP Tax Aide Volunteer Service. The service is available to low- and moderate-income taxpayers with special attention to those ages 60 and older. Bring all necessary documents. No appointment required. Free.

Friday, February 3

Is State Executing a Mentally Ill Man?

Hart Turner's mind seems to have broken Dec. 12, 1995. After two failed suicide attempts, a half-dozen stays in mental institutions and years of mental and physical abuse, Turner shot and killed Eddie Brooks and Everett Curry in two separate robberies about four miles apart on U.S. Highway 82 in Greenwood. Until that early morning, Edwin Hart Turner had no criminal record.

EEOC: Discriminating Against Felon Illegal?

Have you ever been convicted of a felony? The question, which is standard on most job applications, often spells heartbreak for many people who know that checking yes means their resume will likely end up in the garbage can.

Band of the Day: Colour Revolt

"All bands have their humble beginnings where they just want to play shows and write music," Sean Kirkpatrick says, and tonight Colour Revolt celebrates. Colour Revolt's Vinyl Release Party is tonight at Hal and Mal's Red Room. The band will play alongside The Weeks to celebrate the rerelease of Colour Revolt's first EP on vinyl.

In Their Words: Mitchell Travis Tanksley

The JFP is featuring the stories of some of the people Gov. Haley Barbour pardoned, in their own words.

Thursday, February 2

Deuce Headed Back to Ole Miss, Reports Say

Not, of course, that he'll be playing. (Although just imagine if he had a year of eligibility and wanted to get a Master's degree...) According to CoachingSearch.com via Sports Illustrated, Deuce McAllister, former Ole Miss and New Orleans Saint running back, will be headed to the coaching staff in a yet-to-be-determined capacity, although he will not be one of the nine official assistant coaches.

Bryant: Can't Do Nothin' For Ya, Man

Phil Bryant is grounded, and the Legislature's allowance is being reduced. This week, Bryant made his first executive budget recommendation to lawmakers at the Capitol. As expected, he took a do-the-same-with-less approach to government spending.

Study: Race Affects Broadband Access

Gene Marks is not a poor black kid, but he played one in Forbes magazine.

City Tech Wiring Overlooked

City Council members want to know why the city waited so long to notice that developer Retro Metro wasn't providing computer and telephone wiring at the city's new Metrocenter Mall offices. The cost of a change order to make it happen now is $250,000, with developer Retro Metro finishing the work in the old Belk store. The project already exceeds $2.5 million.

Maurice Bolden

The University of Southern Mississippi could be on the verge of a special basketball season.

In Their Own Words: Lindsay Kathryn Welch

Starting today, the JFP will feature some of the stories of the people former Gov. Haley Barbour pardoned, in their own words. Oktibbeha County, 2000 Lindsay Welch gave birth to a son in the bathroom of her Starkville home late at night on March 19, 1999. Welch, then a 19-year-old freshman at Mississippi State University, wrapped him in a towel and left him on the kitchen counter to go lie down. When she returned three hours later, the baby's hands were cold and his heart wasn't beating, she testified later.

Wednesday, February 1

Diary of The Showstopper

Hip-hop artist Kimberly West came home one day in 2003, and almost as soon as she walked through the door, the phone rang. She didn't expect the bad news that came next.

[10 Things About] The Weeks

After missing the Esperanza Plantation Holiday Showcase in December, The Weeks return to Jackson. On Friday, Feb. 3, the band performs with Colour Revolt at Hal and Mal's at 8 p.m. Here are a few fun facts about their songs to get you geared up for the show.

Support Your Local (Mall) Record Store

At a New Year's Eve potluck, James Crow (aka Herbert Brown) told me a tale of buying records at the FYE music store at Northpark Mall. He captivated me with descriptions of full record bins loaded with new albums and re-releases of classics. He came home with A Tribe Called Quest's "Midnight Marauders," among others.

[The Slate] The Best In Sports In 7 Days

One last football game of the season this week: Super Bowl XLVI.

46 for XLVI

It's Super Bowl XLVI in 46 numbers.

It's a Family Thing

Football has always been a way for my father and me to bond. When I played in high school, my father would help me keep in shape and work with me to get better.

Savory Morsels

For me, few things cause a dietary downfall as quickly as the presence of hors d'oeurves and appetizers. There's just something appealing about small morsels. I have been known to make a meal of dips, starters and tiny treats.

Your Annual Tuneup

When I was a resident physician, I drove a Mercedes. I thought I was doing what people expected of a young doctor in the show-off city of Los Angeles, where I completed my medical training.

Get Screened

In addition to the normal tests performed during a physical, the American Cancer Society recommends getting screened for cancer at specific intervals. The following is a summary of recommendations for low-risk patients.

Questions for the Doc

When you go for a physical, be prepared to let your doctor know about any physical or emotional problems (like depression or anxiety) you may be having.

[Girl About Town] Of Sushi and Marathons

I don't think of myself as a particularly athletic individual, but a few years ago, I started running—as in a fitness activity, not because someone was chasing me. It even got to the point where I ran the inaugural Mississippi Blues Marathon in 2008.

Choosing The Light

In my line of work, people like to talk trash about you. And there's really something about a woman speaking her mind that just hacks off a lot of men, and some women. And Lord help me if I dare tell them they can't do the nasty all over the Jackson Free Press website (inevitably using a cowardly fake name). They go off and start websites, and blogs, and Facebook pages to mete out their revenge. We're used to it by now.

Arena Back on the Table

City leaders fear that one day, the USA International Ballet Competition could leave Jackson because Thalia Mara Hall needs about $9 million in repairs.

Sh*t Anonymous Bloggers Say

You know it had to happen. They're too cowardly to put their real names to their angry posts. If you watch closely enough, you realize they must be using the Anonymous Blogger playbook.

Recession Hurt Some More Than Others

During the recent recession, men and African Americans saw the steepest decline in median wages, a new report says, while women made gains, and wages for whites stayed about the same.

Plunge Forward

It'll take a year to read Scott Ginsberg's newest book, "Ideas Are Free, Execution Is Priceless". By design. It's one of those motivational books with a suggestion a day for a year. I love these books because they're so easy to dig into it.

MS Supreme Court to Hear Pardongate

The hearing scheduled to take place this Friday, Feb. 3 on the constitutionality of the pardons and commutations granted by former Gov. Haley Barbour has been canceled and the Mississippi Supreme Court will take over, WLBT is reporting. Attorneys for four former inmates who lived and at worked at the governor's mansion asked that the case, previously in Hinds County Circuit Court, be moved to the state's high court. Justices will hear arguments on Thursday, Feb. 9

The Week in Business

The Jackson Redevelopment Authority has begun the process of preparing a new request for proposals for a convention center hotel. The new RFP will have rigid specifications, JRA board members said at the Jan. 25 regular meeting.

[Editorial] Change Felony Voting Laws for All

Here's what continues to get us about former Gov. Haley Barbour's excuses for all those pardons. He keeps saying that he is a Christian and, thus, is concerned about the trustys and others whom he believes served enough time and now should be able to go vote and hunt and get professional licenses and the like. Our question to Barbour is: Where were you all these years?

Change Felony Voting Laws for All

Here's what continues to get us about former Gov. Haley Barbour's excuses for all those pardons. He keeps saying that he is a Christian and, thus, is concerned about the trustys and others whom he believes served enough time and now should be able to go vote and hunt and get professional licenses and the like. Our question to Barbour is: Where were you all these years?

[Stiggers] Love and Black History

Jojo wants to give his customers the gift of history to instill in them the ability to learn and think critically during the 'Tribute to Carter G. Woodson and Pre-Valentine Day Sale.' Therefore, Jojo will stock his store with plenty of black history books.

[Kamikaze] ‘I'm No Token'

I attended the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership annual luncheon last week. It's one of those affairs where the city's power players share a meal and listen to a speaker talk about how to move our city forward.

[Queen] Walking In Dignity

When my father named me, he spoke my destiny into existence. The name is taken from the Nigerian Yoruba tribe. Funmi means to help people, and Folayan means to walk in dignity. Some may disagree, but this is the meaning my daddy intended: to help people walk with dignity.

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Presidential Pardons Heavily Favor Whites

White criminals seeking presidential pardons over the past decade have been nearly four times as likely to succeed as minorities, a ProPublica examination has found.

Mississippi Pardongate: What's Next?

When state investigators caught up to convicted murderer Joseph Ozment Sunday night, he was living in a Laramie, Wyo., hotel and driving the Mercedes-Benz of his fiancée, LaChina Tillman, an engineer with defense contracting giant Northrop Grumman.

The Barbour Pardons: How We Got Here

July 2008: Gov. Haley Barbour grants clemency to five convicted criminals assigned to work in the governor's mansion by the Mississippi Department of Corrections after reducing their status' to minimum security: Michael Graham, Clarence Jones, Paul Warnock, Bobby Hays Clark and Bobby Hays Clark.

The Color of Clemency

Mississippi's pardon process isn't race-blind, either. A Reuters analysis, completed by Himanshu Ojha, Marcus Stern and Jackson Free Press stringer Robbie Ward, found that the more than 200 acts of clemency former Gov. Haley Barbour granted during his tenure helped more white prisoners than African Americans.

Facebook is Going Public

Facebook is going to have to adjust its privacy settings -- because they're finally going public. The Menlo Park, Calif.-based -media behemoth released its prospectus this afternoon, which contains the first tangible financial data on the company whose revenues have long been held under wraps. According to the S-1 filing to the US Securities Exchange Commission, revenues grew from 153 million in 2007 to 3.7 buh-buh-BILLION in 2011.

Communication is Key

Zachery Williams does not want to discuss his age. He doesn't understand why people keep asking him something that to him just doesn't matter. Williams is one of 11 candidates in the Feb. 14 election to replace Kenneth Stokes as Ward 3 councilman.

Take a Load Off the Elderly

This is not the first time Harrison Michael II has run for City Council. The last time he ran in 2009, he only faced two other opponents, Albert Wilson and the incumbent at the time, Kenneth Stokes. Now that Stokes has vacated his City Council seat to become a Hinds County supervisor, Michael is trying again to represent Ward 3.

A Golden Standard

"Are you ready for some football?" A voice in the dark asks before the start of New Stage Theatre's production of "Lombardi."

The Iconic Coach

When I think of NFL head coaches, several names come to mind. Depending on your age, you might think of Bill Belichick, Sean Payton or if you are younger, Mike Tomlin.

A Pleasing Affair

The poster for "The Artist" reveals a raffishly handsome gentleman gazing into the soft, wide eyes of a beautiful ingénue. They are glamorous in the high-contrast, black-and-white photo.

An Ill-Fitting Life

Jackson native Barrett Hathcock has given readers a small gem with his short-story collection, "The Portable Son". The stories read like a novel. Instead of unrelated snippets, protagonist Peter Gallatin's struggle toward adulthood links the tales together

Cyberstalker Hindman: Well-Connected

When you're caught in a sting to catch online sex predators, like Douglas Hindman was, it pays to have friends who dine at the governor's mansion when it comes time to get a pardon.

JRA: No Free Passes

Don't pop in on the Jackson Redevelopment Authority asking board members to buy your property or hire you on the spot because you have a passion for a particular downtown project. From now on, expect them to vet you thoroughly first.

Short'nin' Bread

Soul food includes mouth-watering dishes such as collard greens, fried chicken, barbecued spare ribs and corn bread, as well as less well-known but just as sumptuous recipes such as cheese grits, fish and grits, fish and rice, and the recipe below--short'nin' bread--or the more correct version, shortening bread.

Andrea Lynn Phillips

Dr. Andrea Lynn Phillips does a lot with a little at her practice, Phillips Medical Services. She and her staff of seven provide medical care to mostly uninsured patients at a discounted price at the Westland Plaza Clinic (909 Ellis Ave., 601-948-8501).

Somebody Say Something

This past month, I spent a lot of time reflecting on the fact that it has been 10 years since my suicide attempt.