Stories for January 2012

Tuesday, January 31

AG's Office to Trusty: You Got Served

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 fiancee, LaChina Tillman, who has an impressive-sounding job with defense contracting giant Northrop Grumman.

Sears and Small Businesses

The Association of South Jackson Neighborhoods is calling on Jackson and Hinds County residents to make this week "Shop Sears Week." Through Monday, the association is encouraging people to buy from Sears to encourage the retailer to stay in Metrocenter Mall.

James Farrar

James Farrar, treasurer and director of daily affairs for the Mississippi Justice Party, joined the movement in December 2011. He was dissatisfied with the state of the country, especially in politics, both on the Republican and Democratic sides. He believed elected officials were merely following the letter of the law and forgetting about ethics and the people they represented.

Monday, January 30

AG: Trusty Ozment Found in Wyoming

After several weeks of trying to track down pardoned governor's mansion trusty Joseph Ozment, investigators from the Mississippi attorney general's office served Ozment with court papers last night in Laramie, Wy., AG Jim Hood said this afternoon. Hood said Ozment, convicted of killing a store clerk in DeSoto County in 1992, was driving his girlfriend's Mercedes-Benz when officers attempted to serve him. In the process of trying to avoid being served, Ozment bumped one of the investigators with his car, Hood said. Later, Ozment signed a receipt of service with the AG's investigators and two Laramie police officers.

Fox40 and WLBT Coverage of Best Of Jackson 2012

Thanks to both Fox40 News and WLBT for coming out of the King Edward to help us celebrate the Best of Jackson with a few of our closest friends, tons of fabulous restaurants and some great music by Adib Sabir, DJ Phingaprint and Anderson United Methodist Church.

Do Costs of Drilling Outweigh Benefits?

If Mississippi's own tourism website touts the pristine beaches, dunes and endangered wildlife-viewing on the Gulf of Mexico barrier islands, Capt. Louis Skrmetta can't understand why the state wants to muck it up with gas-drilling rigs.

Medicaid Assistance: Non-Smokers Only?

Medicaid recipients--and the agencies that provide services to them--could face a slew of new restrictions, including random drug tests, community service and nicotine testing if several bills in the Senate pass.

Band of the Day: The Weeks

This Friday, The Weeks and Colour Revolt will grace the stage of Hal and Mal's. Both bands, due to scheduling conflicts, were unable to perform at Esperanza Plantation's Holiday Showcase in December and are now making up for it.

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, January 27

Museum Needs Civil Rights Stories

To tell the story of the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi as a whole, historians will need stories from individual people involved with the movement, museum planners say.

Charter Schools: The Devil's in the Details

Charter schools offer benefits, but the state must be cautious in using them. That mixed message emerged during a joint meeting of the Senate and House education committees yesterday morning where officials, community leaders and education advocates discussed the pros and pitfalls of charter schools.

Heather McTeer

Eight years ago, fresh from a victory that made her Greenville's first African American mayor, first woman mayor, and the city's youngest mayor, Heather McTeer found out the city's chief executive didn't have her own computer.

Thursday, January 26

This Is What Ugly Looks Like, Folks

When I got in this morning, one of my writers had emailed me about a new Facebook page bashing the Jackson Free Press—apparently because the folks on it are sore for not winning Best of Jackson awards.

Arena Study to Include Thalia Mara

City leaders fear that one day the USA International Ballet Competition could leave Jackson due to Thalia Mara Hall needing repairs that cost about $9 million. Only four cities in the world hold the elite dance event, and Jackson is the only one in the United States.

Beneta Burt: Proof in Experience

Beneta Burt stays so busy as executive director of the Jackson Roadmap to Health Equity Project that she didn't think she would have time to run for City Council. After several phone calls from supporters in Ward 3, however, she considered it seriously.

Renardo Sidney

If Mississippi State is going to have success deep into this basketball season and play deep into the NCAA Tournament, they will need Renardo Sidney. The temperamental star's story is well documented.

Wednesday, January 25

[The Slate] The Best In Sports In 7 Days

Three football games left, but only one really counts. Plenty of basketball is on the way, and baseball is knocking on the door.

Mississippians Headed to the Big Game

Mississippi was going to be well represented in the Super Bowl regardless of which teams remained after the NFL Playoffs last Sunday. All four teams on the gridiron had players from our state.

Full Time Ain't Magic

I saw several articles last week calling for the National Football League to hire full-time officials after the Green Bay Packers were saved from a fumble against the New York Giants.

[Publisher's Note] Celebrating the Best

Welcome to our tenth annual "Best of Jackson" edition, celebrating the best that Jackson and its surrounding communities have to offer in terms of people, places, services and products. (And, yes, lots of food and drink.)

Celebrating the Best

Shut ‘Em Down

In announcing his long-awaited committee appointments, House Speak Philip Gunn, R-Clinton, likened himself to a high-school football coach.

[Tech Talk] Don't Be Evil

There was a time when Google represented that feeling you got watching Jonny Lee Miller and Angelina Jolie do battle with The Man in "Hackers" or Ryan Phillippe go toe-to-toe with Tim Robbins' corporate tech mogul in "Antitrust."

Don't Be Evil

App2Love

If you own or manage a small business, chances are you're dreading this week's end-of-January tax filings.

Celebrate the Best, Fix the Rest

The JFP applauds every person, business and organization that is making the capital city into a very special place. The world is starting to take notice.

[Stiggers] Chill With the ‘Peoples'

As the first month of 2012 ends, Lil' Momma Roscoe, the Clubb Chicken Wing staff and I are getting ready for the blitz of February holiday observances, such as National Freedom Day, Groundhog Day, Valentine's Day, Presidents' Day, Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras), Leap Day and Black History Month

[Letters] Vol. 10, No. 20

My name is Howard Klerk, and I am the president of the National Board of Trustees of The National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children Inc. based in Cincinnati, Ohio. I am a homicide survivor, and I represent more than 100,000 homicide survivors in the United States and Canada. We are a support group for homicide survivors by homicide survivors.

Vol. 10, No. 20

[Furr] The Gold Standard

I want tamales served up Mississippi-style, smaller and spicier and crafted from cornmeal and Delta blues.

Best Of Jackson 2012

You are holding the 10th edition of the annual Best of Jackson reader's choice awards. Every fall for a decade now, the Jackson Free Press has asked readers to vote for your favorite local businesses, people, institutions and organizations.

Best Of Jackson 2012: Community

As a child, I loved exploring the Mississippi Museum of Art at its former location on visits to Jackson with my mom. As an adult, I am continually impressed with the extensive permanent collection and world-class visiting exhibitions the museum brings to our state. The new facility, completed in 2007, provides a beautiful home for the collection while offering plenty of space for community meetings and events. The addition of the Art Garden provides a public space that Director Betsy Bradley likens to the "front porch of downtown." With a range of regular educational and community programming, the museum continues to be a home for cultivating creative innovation.

Best Of Jackson 2012: Urban Living

<b>Best Annual Event, Best Outdoor Event: Mal's St. Paddy's Parade

Downtown Jackson, 601-948-0888, http://www.halandmals.com/Parade.html

Best Of Jackson 2012: Food & Drink

<b>Best Chef: Craig Noone</b>

Parlor Market (115 W. Capitol St., 601-360-0090, http://www.parlormarket.com)

Best Of Jackson 2012: Music & Nightlife

<b>Best Bar, Best Bar Where Everyone Knows Your Name, Best Open-Mic Night: Fenian's Pub

901 E. Fortification St., 601-948-0055, http://www.fenianspub.com

Best Of Jackson 2012: Beyond Jackson

Best Casino Hotel, Best Casino for Shows: Beau Rivage

875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 888-567-6667, 228-386-7111, http://www.beaurivage.com

Beneta Burt: Proof in Experience

‘The Matchmaker'

Avi Nesher's "The Matchmaker" is a gold-dusted fable of love, friendship and everlasting hope. The movie opens at the end of the story, in war-torn Haifa, Israel, where Lebanese missiles have left casualties, and rescue personnel race to save any survivors.

Kristen Ley

Wearing white, paint-splattered pants and a French beret and holding a painting palette, 5-year-old Kristen Ley decided she wanted to be an artist. Her mom had dressed her up as one for career day. "I don't ever remember a time when I wasn't doing art," Ley says.

How much have wages changed for Mississippians in the past decade?

This morning, the Mississippi Economic Policy Center released a report on the State of Working Mississippi in 2012, showing how wages, education levels and other factors have changed in Mississippi's work force over the past decade.

Charter Schools on the Way?

While new legislation is just now beginning to roll out at the state capitol, education advocates and lawmakers are talking about potential bills to lower the requirements for traditional public schools to become charter schools.

Pardongate's Fancy Lawyer Tricks

Much like the Haley Barbour pardons that caused a firestorm in Mississippi and around the country, lawyers for many of those who received clemency deluged the Mississippi attorney general and a judge with last-minute motions days and hours before a Jan. 23 hearing on the constitutionality of the reprieves.

Tuesday, January 24

City Settles With Cedric Willis

The Jackson City Council voted tonight to settle Cedric Willis' case against the city for his wrongful arrest for murder and rape.

Rep. Moak Responds to Bryant SOTS

Democratic Response to State of the State

State Rep. Bobby Moak, of Bogue Chitto, gave the Democratic response to Gov. Phil Bryant's state-of-the-state speech. Here's the text of Moak's remarks:

Bryant Makes 1st State of State (Full Text)

Governor Phil Bryant

Gov. Phil Bryant delivered his state-of-the-state address this evening at the Captiol. Supporters and admirers heralded the speech as the first in the Mississippi history to take place outdoors.

Don't Fall Off Cliff, House Told

What seemed like a hundred House Appropriations Committee members, their staff members and others crammed into a room built for half that number this morning at the Capitol to sift through a telephone book-size legislative budget report.

Mimi's to Close

After almost two years in Fondren, Mimi's Family and Friends (3139 N. State St.) will close at the end of next month.

Doris Jones

Oral storytelling is the oldest form of media and entertainment in human society. Since the introduction of spoken language, man has entertained, educated and informed with stories told from generation to generation.

Monday, January 23

Hinds Judge Grants Extension in Pardon Case

This afternoon, Hinds County Circuit Judge Tomie Green postponed a hearing on whether to strike down reprieves former Gov. Haley Barbour granted on his final days in office. On Jan. 12 Green issued a temporary restraining order to stop the more than 200 pardons from moving forward and ordered five former inmates who worked in the governor's mansion to show proof they complied a constitutional requirement to file public notice.

Zero Tolerance for Children

Nsombi Lambright, executive director of ACLU Mississippi, doesn't bother going to her son's school anymore for lunch. She tried it as a way to connect with him, offer support for the school and show other students that adults care. But something wasn't right.

NOAA: 2011 Saw U.S. ‘Climate Extremes'

It was very hot last year. In fact, 2011 broke records for climate extremes, as the U.S. battled historic levels of heat, precipitation, flooding and severe weather, according to scientists from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration.

Laurel Isbister Irby

Laurel Isbister Irby released her sophomore album, "Nautilus," Jan. 21 at the Commons at Eudora Welty's Birthplace. "It's something for the creative community of Jackson," Isbister Irby said. "Jackson has been a really nurturing place for me as an artist so I wanted to share that with other artists and spread that around." The event featured visual art from Tony Davenport, Jessica Russell and Ellen Langford.

Community Events and Public Meetings

Free Income Tax Return Preparation Jan. 23-24, at Jackson State University (1400 John R. Lynch St.), at the College of Business, rooms 201 and 202. The Center for Business Development and Economic Research, and the Accounting Society offer the service from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Free; call 601-979-2029 or 601-979-2699.

Friday, January 20

Barbour Pardons Helped Many More White People Than Black Ones

I'm sure this will come as a surprise to no one, but it's official: Haley Barbour's last-minute pardons overwhelmingly benefitted whites. A Reuters team, including stringer and JFP political freelancer Robbie Ward, analyzed the race of the criminals on the list and found that although black peoplerepresent more than two-thirds of MIssissippi's prison population, fewer than a third of Barbour's pardonees were black:

Obama's in For the Good Times

Why is everyone so surprised that that President Barack Obama hummed a few surprisingly well-sung notes of Al Green's"Let's Stay Together" at a New York City fundraiser last night? After all, his boo, Michelle, just celebrated her 48th birthday a few days ago

Gunn Pulls Trigger on Committees

Now nearing the end of the third week of the Mississippi legislative session, House Speaker Phillip Gunn, R-Clinton, made his long-awaited announcement this morning of who's going to head up which committees in that chamber.

MSU Seeks Diversity

Mississippi State University wants to increase diversity in its faculty, students and alumni. While the school has added more blacks and more women leaders, at least one administrator recognizes that the university has room for more.

Jarvis Summers

Ole Miss was on a three-game losing streak to Mississippi State at home in C. M. "Tad" Smith Coliseum. The Rebels were on a six-game losing streak overall to their in-state rival Bulldogs.

Which Pardons Hold Up Under Legal Scrutiny?

Attorney General Jim Hood released a statement this morning, saying he has found 21 people among former Gov. Haley Barbour's 200-plus pardons who have fulfilled the constitutional requirements to receive pardons. The statement said that 156 people did not meet the requirement to publish their intent to ask for a pardon in a newspaper for 30 days. Hood's office is still processing 26 files.

Ala. Attorney: ‘The South Has Changed'

A county in Alabama is challenging a component of the Voting Rights Act that keeps a watchful eye on states with a history of civil rights abuses, the Associated Press reports.

Thursday, January 19

HOOD: 156 of Barbour's Pardons Did Not Meet Legal Rules

Attorney General Jim Hood this evening released his latest findings about Gov. Haley Barbour's barrage of last-minute pardons. This is verbatim statement from Hood:

Why He Did it: Barbour Gives Rationale in WaPo

In a Washington Post op-ed published today, Haley Barbour defended clemency pleas he granted in the waning hours of his governorship. He said that the ensuing controversy stemmed from people not knowing the difference between clemency and letting people out of jail.

Reeves: No Significant Increase in FY13 Revenue

Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves today said state revenue in Fiscal Year 2013 will not increase significantly, reflecting the financial difficulties Mississippi's economy may experience in the next several fiscal years."Economic recovery hasn't hit Main Street, and Mississippi families and businesses continue to struggle," Lt. Gov. Reeves said. "The economic outlook for the state reflects these challenges, and state agencies will have to continue to learn to be more efficient with less money."

House Burglaries Plague South Jackson

Read the full report here. (pdf 553 KB)

Jenirro Bush

Jenirro Bush entered this season as the lone returning senior for the Jackson State Tigers. The young JSU team needed to lean on Bush to help them win basketball games.

Wednesday, January 18

Rape Victim: Fix the System

A rape victim asked Gov. Haley Barbour why he was allowing her rapist out on furlough. His answer may surprise you. Or maybe not.

Ouch! What a Pain

Last year, pain radiated from James Lynch's neck down his right arm. A professor and interim chief of neurobiology and anatomical sciences at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, he knew from years of research and teaching where his pain was coming from and which nerves were being pinched. But he was still victim to his pain.

[10 Things About] ‘Nautilus'

Laurel Isbister Irby releases her sophomore album, "Nautilus," Jan. 21 at The Commons at Eudora Welty's Birthplace (719 N. Congress St.). The CD release party will feature a collaboration of art happenings, including live music and improvisational dancing. The event is free, and the CD is $10.

Songs from a DIY Donkey

Never in a hurry and always full of character, the Ming Donkey One Man Band mixes roots-music styles with a street artist's sensibility. Ming Donkey is a persona of Starkville musician and visual artist Jayson Triplett. He performs with a "less is best" approach, accompanying his guitar playing and singing with rhythm from drums and cymbals he plays with his feet.

Pizza, Beer and Improvisation

The northeast Jackson Pizza Shack at Colonial Mart hosts Jackson band The Ruminants each Tuesday during January for a residency that brings together food, beer and improvisational music. I caught up with saxophonist daniel johnson (who prefers to spell his name in lowercase letters) to talk about the gigs.

The Land of Milk and Garlic Bread

I have tried a few diets in my lifetime, and I find that I always struggle with the same roadblocks.

Kitchen Essentials

On any given Saturday or Sunday, you will most likely find me in front of the television watching a marathon of cooking shows on the Food Network.

[The Slate] The Best In Sports In 7 Days

My Saints vs. Tim Tebow Super Bowl dream died Saturday. Both teams were dead within 20 minutes of each other.

Surprise, Surprise

One reason I love sports is that the stories tend to write themselves. As the NFL Playoffs begin to reach the final three games, the storylines jump out of the TV screens at me.

[Bryan's Rant] Curse of the Home Team

It was a tough weekend for New Orleans Saints' fans. The Saints went to San Francisco to face the 49ers and left with their road-playoff-game losing streak intact.

[Editor's Note] Rethinking "Tough on Crime"

Gov. Haley Barbour left a lot of people reeling with his recent round of pardons and clemencies. Among the list are vicious, premeditated murderers. It wasn't the first time he's done this--remember that we broke the news of his string of woman-killer pardons in 2008--but this time the state and national media actually paid attention.

Rethinking "Tough on Crime"

Personhood: No Means No

Lysistrata had a plan to end the 20-year Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta. In the year 411 B.C., she gathered women in the warring region together for an important meeting. Then she told them her simple plan for a peace treaty: The women would withhold sex until the men decided to end the war.

Business Bookshelf

If you are considering starting your own business, or have already started one, get yourself a copy of the classic "The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It" by Michael Gerber (HarperCollins, 1995, $18.99) to learn how to sustain it.

Keep Up the Reform Momentum

Former Gov. Haley Barbour's unprecedented spate of last-minute pardons brought numerous issues regarding some of Mississippi's antiquated customs into the glaring light of national media attention.

Keep Up the Reform Momentum

Former Gov. Haley Barbour's unprecedented spate of last-minute pardons brought numerous issues regarding some of Mississippi's antiquated customs into the glaring light of national media attention.

[Stiggers] Numbed by Nonsense

Boneqweesha Jones: "Welcome to this special 2012 edition of 'Qweesha Live and Direct' on Ghetto Science Public Television. It's a new year of promise, potential and hope for the Ghetto Science Community, America and the world. "

[Kamikaze] Politics, as Usual

We are a nation of extremes. And as we've been inundated with debate after debate in this Republican primary season, it has been even more prevalent. I watched as Republicans jockey to position themselves as the "most conservative" while trying to discredit the front runner, whom they deem "moderate."

Ward 3 Election Update

A week away from the Jan. 25 deadline to qualify for the election to fill the Ward 3 City Council seat, it looks like eight candidates intend to run. Here are the people who have either told the JFP they intend to run or who have filed papers with the city clerk's office as of press time yesterday:

[Barkley] Act on Your Beliefs, Guv

Forgiveness and second chances should be the cornerstones of our criminal-justice and correctional systems in Mississippi.

Pushing Kids Out

Feeding the 'Cradle-to-Prison' Pipeline

Drodriquez Williams watched the news that night about the twin towers at the World Trade Center collapsing Sept. 11, 2001. It shocked the 9-year-old boy. Every time he saw the footage of the collapsing skyscrapers in New York City, he felt the need to do something grow deeper.

‘It Can Be in Ward 3'

Jackson needs more investment in businesses and needs it quick. That's how Albert Wilson, who is running for the Ward 3 City Council seat, thinks the city can boost both its tax base and the number of opportunities for its citizens.

Jewish Film Fest: Best of the Best

Michael Steiner screened about three dozen films for the upcoming Jewish Cinema Mississippi 2012 film festival. As co-chairman of the January event, he and the other screening committee members narrowed that batch of 30-something movies down to four that they consider to be the best in recent Jewish and Israeli-themed cinema.

Walking the Thin Purple Line

"Carnage," based on the Tony award-winning play "God of Carnage" ("Le Dieu du Carnage") by French dramatist Yasmina Rez, explores civility, savagery and vomiting on art books. The movie opens without drama on a long, static shot of a local park where a group of 11-year-old boys are playing.

Welcome to the Terrordome

Just before the Senate convened on Monday, a young lawmaker tried to jam a fistful of blue and white pieces of paper into an already overstuffed bill box.

deborah Rae Wright

deborah Rae Wright, who doesn't capitalize her first name, has lived in an early 20th-century home on west Jackson's Grand Avenue for 11 years. The 59-year-old lives with her current companion, a well-behaved cairn terrier (think Toto) named Zach, whom she rescued a few years ago.

Stuart Irby Found Dead

Jackson businessman Stuart M. Irby, 58, died last night of an apparent suicide.

WLBT reports that Irby's caretaker found him hanging in his home at about 8 p.m. Police do not suspect foul play.

Tuesday, January 17

MDOC Handbook: No Killers in Guv's Mansion

Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood will ask a circuit court judge on Jan. 23 to invalidate the pardons of at least 10 felons whom ex-Gov. Haley Barbour granted clemency before leaving office.

Elections Flap Results in New Voting Machines

Jimmie Lewis got fired today. About 20 minutes later, the Hinds County emergency operations director got his job back.

Lowest Tax Burden

Mississippi residents have the lowest tax burden in the nation. Mississippi Development Authority was quick to spread this news.

Shirley Williams

Shirley Williams, executive director of the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project, is preparing her organization to face a 31 percent funding reduction in 2012 after Congress recently voted to reduce funding to legal-aid programs.

Criminalizing Kids for Being Kids

Just as I'm finishing a story on the harm zero-tolerance policies have done to school children, I hear that Sen. Sampson Jackson II has introduced a bill in the Legislature that would require certain appropriate conduct from public school students.

Monday, January 16

Dems React to Pardongate

Haley Barbour's granting clemency to more than 200 people precipitated so much fallout that there's now fallout to the fallout.

Growing MLK's Community

In an empty lot next to a BP gas station on Northside Drive, Erika Roberts pointed to a few tall twigs poking out of the muddy ground, almost indistinguishable from surrounding grass. They don't look much like an orchard, but soon they will be blackberry bushes, blueberry bushes and muscadine vines.

John W. Franklin

For 24 years, John W. Franklin has worked to preserve African American history at the Smithsonian Institution. Last week, Jackson State University's Margaret Walker Center honored John W. Franklin with one of its annual For My People Awards.

Community Events and Public Meetings

7 p.m., Eat Jackson's Bread Pudding Throwdown, at Old Capitol Inn (226 N. State St.). The event includes a bread pudding contest, a gourmet coffee tasting, a bourbon tasting and door prizes. Raphael Semmes performs. Proceeds benefit the Proceeds benefit the Craig Noone "Rock It Out" Memorial Scholarship Fund. $40; visit eatjackson.com.

Saturday, January 14

Dems Call for Bi-partisan Pardon Reform, Attack Barbour Apologists

This came last night, verbatim:

JACKSON-Rickey Cole, Executive Director of the Mississippi Democratic Party, praised Democrats in the legislature for their leadership in working to reform Mississippi's pardon process.Cole said, "Long before this media circus began, Democrats in the Mississippi House and Senate have been working to protect Mississippi families and improve our system of justice. This will mark the fourth straight year that Democrats have worked to bring openness and fairness to the pardon process. Republicans have killed these bills in the past. I hope they're finally ready to join together in a bipartisan consensus to do what is right and what the people demand."

Friday, January 13

Barbour Releases Long Statement: ‘I'm Not Infallable'

Gov. Haley Barbour's office just sent this statement in response to the state and national outcry over his pardons and grants of clemency. It is reprinted here verbatim:

Donations for Gov. Candidates Keep Trickling In

With all the noise surrounding former Gov. Haley Barbour's pardons, you might be forgiven for missing the final epilogue, if you will, from current Gov. Phil Bryant's election campaign.

BREAKING: AG Hood Announces Pardon Findings, Serves Notice

Barbour Watch Archive

Also see: JFP investigation of Barbour's 2008 Pardons of Domestic Killers

Holiday Garbage Schedule

Verbatim statement from the city:

City offices will be closed Monday, January 16, 2012 in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Lumumba: Jackson Needs a New Culture

Jackson has an opportunity to form a new culture--the sum total of its people's lives--that covers not just music and history, but economic development and political goals, Ward 2 City Councilman Chokwe Lumumba said this morning at Koinonia Coffee House's Friday Forum. Lumumba said Jackson is undergoing a cultural change driven by changing demographics, as the city gains a higher percentage of black, progressive white, Hispanic and Indian residents.

Animal Planet to Feature Local Pets

Animal Planet's new show "Confessions: Animal Hoarding" will feature a local Mississippian tonight who had taken in numerous dogs, cats and even 12 pet rats.

Stalking: It's No Joke

The night I finished the story of Adrienne Klasky's murder, I felt as if my safe, stable life had disappeared. Klasky's killer, Michael Graham, had stalked Adrienne for about three years prior to murdering her in cold blood. Haley Barbour suspended Graham's sentence in 2008. He was out. Would he come gunning for me?

Why Not Risko?

Local bands Risko Danza, The Wild Card Charlies and Wicked Gentlemen will grace the stage of Hal and Mal's Red Room tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 14, for a charity bash honoring Risko Danza's one-year anniversary. Proceeds will go to Stewpot Community Services.

Thursday, January 12

Hosemann Releases Barbour's Pardon Orders

Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann's office released the full pack of executive orders former Gov. Haley Barbour issued to pardon or suspend the sentences of more than 200 people in the state. The documents provide some insight into Barbour's rationale for making each. Follow the Jackson Free Press' coverage of Pardongate here.

Green Stops Pardons; Barbour Explains, Sort of

Also see: JFP investigation of Barbour's 2008 Pardons of Domestic Killers

Green Stamps Still Exist? (sort of)

If you're under the age of 30, read this first because you probably have no idea what I'm talking about. Moving on...

Mississippi: Not That Bad

Despite its persistent reputation as first-in-everything-worst, Mississippi isn't nearly as hopeless as it thinks it is, a new report finds. Compared to other states with similar economies, Mississippi ranks high in entrepreneurial activity, personal-income growth and the least violent crime.

Why Not the Scott Sisters?

After former Gov. Haley Barbour pardoned more than 200 people at the end of his term earlier this week, supporters of Jamie and Gladys Scott say they don't know why the sisters weren't also given full pardons.

Noise Pollutes Downtown Residences

Joanie Thompson, a longtime resident of 736 S. President St., can't sleep at night from a throbbing loud bass that rattles her windows. It starts about 10 p.m. most nights and can go until 3 a.m. She knows exactly where the noise is coming from: Club Magoo's, 824 S. State St.

Personhood Heads to the Capitol

Just over a week into the legislative session, we're already seeing some movement on "personhood" bills, to define when human life and legal protections begin, similar to Initiative 26, which voters turned down in November.

Anthony Dixon

A large portion of Mississippi will root for the New Orleans Saints this Saturday. Certainly, the residents of the capital city will hope that Drew Brees and company win the franchise first road playoff game.

Barbour Finally Addresses Pardons; Insults Mississippians

Statement from the Office of Former Gov. Haley Barbour

Lobbyist and former Gov. Haley Barbour finally addressed the firestorm around his 200+ pardons last night in an email statement. Here it is, verbatim; please read my comments below it:

Wednesday, January 11

Help for the Culinary Coward

I have only recently discovered that the room housing my coffee pot and takeout menus is a kitchen. A few years ago, I was one of those people who actually bragged that I had no idea how to correctly boil an egg and had no intentions of learning in the near future. In the past year, however, I've been driven by sheer serendipity and financial woes to seek solace over the stove.

So Much Tea

My sisters decided to start drinking tea in an attempt to stop drinking soda pop. We realized there were different types and flavors as we shopped for one that would be satisfying. Experimenting with something new doesn't always turn out so great, but finding out the differences and importance of this healthy alternative became a fun research project.

Road to Revelation

When Shelby Lynne gives a concert these days, she no longer plays any songs from the early part of her career for one simple reason: She didn't write them.

[10 Things About] ‘Spamalot'

Kessler Broadway presents "Monty Python's Spamalot" Jan. 17 and 18 at Thalia Mara Hall (225 E. Pascagoula St.). The show, which tells the tale of King Arthur and the round-table knights, begins at 7:30 p.m. both nights.

Psychedelic Swing

A guitar riff rang out over the cheers of an energetic Hattiesburg crowd packed into Nick's Ice House on a cold night in early December. Vocalist and guitarist Will Poynor ripped his guitar cord hooked up to a nearby amp and shoved it into his mouth, teasing shocked onlookers.

New Year, New Music

Happy New Year, Jackson! Is anyone else glad that 2011 is over? While we all had our good and bad times, I like the idea of starting anew and making positive changes.

[The Slate] The Best In Sports In 7 Days

Word is, LeBron James gave his long-time girlfriend an engagement ring on New Year's Eve. At least someone in the family will have a ring.

Disease Threatens Athletes

On Feb. 19, 2010, Ole Miss football walk-on Bennie Abram took the field along with a silent and deadly killer. Abram collapsed twice during conditioning drills at the school's indoor practice facility. Rushed to the hospital, the 20-year-old died a few hours later. Autopsy reports showed that sickle cell trait contributed to his death.

JFP Top 25 FINAL

Alabama is at the top of the college football world. The Crimson Tide defeated the LSU Tigers 21-0 to win the BCS (Bowl Championship Series) National Championship.

[Bryan's Rant] Aboard the Tebow Train

Twenty years from now, it might be interesting to see what people remember as they look back at the 2011-2012 NFL season. As time passes, which storyline captivated our attention?

Kindling the Flame

You decided to take the next step in your relationship. You are moving in together, getting married or both. That is wonderful and exciting. Maintaining the vitality of a relationship, especially when you start to share a space, is a terrific opportunity to re-inforce why you want to be together.

Moon Made of Honey

Choosing the setting for your honeymoon is a dreamy affair. If you want to go overseas, make sure you have your passport and bank account ready. Spend time early fantasizing about it, then pinpoint the elements that are most important to you. Here are some ideas to get you started.

The Versatile DJ

Phillip Rollins, aka DJ Young Venom, is known for his neo-soul, hip-hop events and mix shows. He began his career around 2004 as an intern at Hot 97, where he taught himself the art of spinning records.

Rings on a Budget

Conventional wedding wisdom, dictated by the diamond industry no doubt, says that a man should spend one or two months' paychecks or more on an engagement ring to surprise his bride-to-be. In today's economy, that kind of extravagance is just not possible for many couples, especially with a wedding to fund.

The Toast of the Town

It's the moment we've seen in virtually every wedding movie ever made. Someone, usually the lead character, raises a glass, the reception hall goes silent, and we know one of two things is about to happen.

What Not to DIY

With the average wedding these days costing in excess of the average new car, it is certainly tempting to do as much of it yourself as possible. However, some things are simply best left to the professionals.

The Commons at Eudora Welty's Birthplace

David Rahaim's interest in southern literature led him to his position as manager of Congress Street Coffee at the Commons at Eudora Welty's Birthplace. In this role, he also oversees the Commons' use as a space for weddings and receptions.

Capturing the Magic: Brice Media

When Charles Brice was overseas in 2008, he and his wife, Talamieka, joked on the phone one day. He was toying with the idea of quitting the Army after five years working as a photojournalist and starting a company to focus on photography and graphic design. He didn't know it, but Talamieka was writing everything down.

I Do, I Do

When someone's getting married, you can usually count on several parties and showers in addition to the wedding itself. And all require gifts, of course. Jackson's local stores have fantastic selections for every wedding-related event, whether you're the giver or the receiver.

Celebrate We Did

It's no secret that Jackson knows how to throw a party—after all, we're the city that throws the Mal's St. Paddy's Parade. New Year's Eve is no exception. In fact, New Year's Eve could be considered training for St. Paddy's, now that I think about it.

AG: Barbour ‘Abused' Office With Pardons

Update 8:26 p.m.: Hinds County Circuit Judge Tomie Green has granted Attorney General Hood's injunction, saying, "There is a substantial likelihood of success ..." in the case of Hood's challenges to the constitutionality of some of former Governor Barbour's pardons. Download the fax from the AG's office (PDF, 37k).

Here's A Full List of Barbour's Pardons; What Do You Think?

Jan. 10, 2011—Click here to read a full list of outgoing Gov. Haley Barbour's pardons, then tell us what you think (and what you know about these folks' crimes!)

[Editor's Note] Grow Old With Me

The longest day of my life started on a tropical island. It was oh-dark-thirty, so early in the morning that it was still night. I had only taken a short nap following a goodbye party on the beach. The palm trees stirred in the warm sea breeze as I left Guam on my flight. I spent the night in Tokyo, crossed the international date line and landed first in Seattle, then later in Spokane, Wash., all on the same day: Jan. 9, 1986.

Grow Old With Me

City to Settle Willis Case

The City of Jackson is closer to settling the Cedric Willis case. The City Council could vote as soon as Jan. 24 to give Willis $195,000 for his wrongful arrest for murder and rape.

First Week Light on Substance

On a mild but drizzly afternoon that forced planned inauguration ceremonies indoors, Phil Bryant took the reins of Mississippi government.

[Tech Talk] Kindle Fire: Better Than Its Reviews

When Amazon first announced the Kindle Fire in September, tech blogs and reviewers met the news with plenty of fanfare. If any company was able to deliver a device that could rival Apple's iPad, surely it was Amazon.

Kindle Fire: Better Than Its Reviews

Evernote: Remember Stuff Everywhere

I learned an interesting tidbit about Evernote in an Inc. Magazine story about the company: From their market research, Evernote's management knows that many of their customers don't "get" Evernote the first time they use it. But, unlike many of today's cloud-based productivity apps, a lot of those lost customers return and find the product does make sense.

Barbour's Shameful Pardons

We first heard that then-Gov. Haley Barbour had pardoned another wife-killer Saturday night on WLBT after the Saints game. From there, the news snowballed, with another wife-killer added to the mix, culminating in a list of more than 200 pardons and grants of clemency that we were trying to sort through as the paper went to press.

[Stiggers] Help the People See

Miss Doodle Mae: "This is the part of the year when people get serious about resolving issues from last year. And it looks like boss man Jojo of Jojo's Dollar Store has jumped on the bandwagon. At this morning's first staff meeting of 2012, he explained why he made a New Year resolution."

[Queen] I Am a Feminist

One of my favorite quotes is by Margaret Trudeau: "I can't be a rose in any man's lapel." For years, these words have sung to the very core of my being, yet I failed to understand its significance to my life. A recent conversation led me to recall situations in coming-of-age that have awakened my reality.

With the End in Mind

Once two lovebirds decide to spend the rest of their lives together, lots of planning for the wedding and the reception must begin. It's easy to run into mental and physical roadblocks as you plan for your momentous day. However, don't fret, brides- and grooms-to-be. Read up and take notes on our helpful tips from buying rings to planning your ideal honeymoon.

How We Must Respond to Haley Barbour's Pardons

It is heartening to see so many people in Mississippi and beyond respond with outrage over former Gov. Haley Barbour's pardons of so many men who killed wives and girlfriends, in addition to other murderers and sexual predators. We wish this outrage would have happened nearly four years, and perhaps it would have had the mainstream media followed our lead and reported that all but one of the murderers Barbour had helped in 2008 were brutal woman killers. Coupled with the effort to bring Personhood to Mississippi, thus endangering women's lives and livelihoods (which was pushed by our new governor and ultimately by Barbour, along with scores of other male politicians), this all sends a terrifying message to women in Mississippi, for themselves, their loved ones and their children. Men are frightened and outraged, too, as they should be. You see very few people of any political party right now here who isn't angry at Barbour.

Tinker, Tailor, Texture

"Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy," based on John Le Carré's classic espionage thriller of the same name, is a lyrical poem of intrigue told in bits and pieces of flashback from different perspectives. It has many moving parts, and it is difficult to keep it all straight.

Sequel Prequels?

As soon as I began reading Bill Loehfelm's third book, "The Devil She Knows" (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2011, $26), I developed motherly concern for the book's protagonist, Maureen Coughlin, a Staten Island waitress who feels as if her life is slipping by. Maureen has been a bar waitress for more than 10 years and wants a change.

Why Did He Do It?

This morning, in the wake of Haley Barbour's Pardongate, an old joke popped into my head.

Why does a dog lick his balls?

Barbour Pardons Enough for 20 Football Teams

If you counted up all the pardons and sentence suspensions -- 222, over eight years -- Haley Barbour made as governor, you'd have enough for 20 football teams. And if gubernatorial pardons were a sporting contest, Barbour would be accused of unfairly running up the score on his fellow governors. According to various media reports: Barbour's fellow Republican Gov. Kirk Fordice issued one football team-worth of pardons (13) while Gov. Ronnie Musgrove, a Democrat and Barbour's immediate predecessor, issued only one. Democratic Gov. Ray Mabus, who is currently President Barack Obama's Secretary of the Navy, issued four pardons.

Pardons: ‘The Coward's Way Out'

Also see: JFP investigation of Barbour's 2008 Pardons of Domestic Killers

Reaching Fathers: John Taylor Jr. Runs for Ward 3 Seat

Family is a running theme for the Rev. John Taylor Jr. The 29-year-old candidate for Kenneth Stokes' Ward 3 Jackson City Council seat believes a lot of Jackson's problems start with fathers who don't take responsibility.

Brenda Wilder

This month, Brenda Wilder, assistant professor of music at Tougaloo College, will present her research project, "The Effects of Music for Mental, Emotional and Physical Healing of Residents on the Mississippi and Louisiana Gulf Coasts Following Hurricane Katrina," at the Hawaii University International Conference on Arts and Humanities.

Tonight: ILLLS, BOY Play Martin's

Tonight, two bands will grace the stage of Martin's: ILLLS, a new Oxford-based band, and BOY. This will be ILLLS' first time playing in Jackson and their first time playing with BOY.

The Birthday That Never Came

If you live in Samoa and your birthday is Dec. 30, I send my condolences. From ABC News Australia:

Tuesday, January 10

Barbour Back At Old Lobbying Firm

According to Roll Call, Barbour wasted no time in getting back to his other job, working as a high-powered lobbyist for the firm named in his honor -- BGR Group -- formerly Barbour, Griffith and Rogers.

Phil Bryant is the Governor

Here's the full text of Gov. Phil Bryant's inauguration speech from Bryant's website. The ceremonies, planned for the south step of the Capitol had to be moved into the House chamber due to rain.

Barbour to DV Victims: ‘You Can't Trust Us'

Also see: JFP Domestic Abuse Archive and 2008 investigation of Barbour's domestic pardons.

Sports, Stennis and a Saloon

SportsEvents magazine, an industry publication for sports event planners, has named Jackson as one of the top destinations for sports events in its 2012 Readers' Choice Awards issue.

Devon Desper

On Jan. 5, some of the best high-school football talent descended on Orlando, Fla., for the 2012 Under Armour All-American game. This game started in 2008 under the sponsorship of athletic clothing and shoe company Under Armour. Athletes were showcased to a national television audience, and several even declared their college choice during the game.

Monday, January 9

Barbour Pardons Two More Woman Killers

Gov. Haley Barbour's going-away present for Mississippi is to put a trio of convicted murderers back out on our streets, including two more who brutally murdered the women in their lives.

Sending out a Sears SOS

With future generations of Jacksonians potentially left with no place to buy Wrangler jeans, Kardashian Kollection accessories, large appliances and power saws, a city of Jackson-sponsored effort is now afoot to prevent the closure of the Sears department store at Metrocenter Mall.

Thalia Mara Makeover?

A group of organizations has offered to help the city raise money to refurbish Thalia Mara Hall. At a City Council meeting this morning, supporters of the project said they hope renovating the auditorium will breathe life into the downtown's blossoming "arts and cultural district" ahead of the 2014 International Ballet Competition.

John Taylor Jr.

Family is a running theme for the Rev. John Taylor Jr. The 29-year-old candidate for the Ward 3 City Council seat believes a lot of Jackson's problems start with fathers who don't take responsibility.

Community Events and Public Meetings

Events at Fleet Feet Sports (Trace Station, 500 Highway 51 N., Ridgeland). Free; call 601-899-9696.

Friday, January 6

Sachs: Reaganomics Toppled the U.S.

Economic Jeffery Sachs notes that Reagan's "War on Government" -- and the 30+ year experiment of low taxation for the wealthy and deregulation of financial markets has led to serious income inequality and national competitiveness.

Reeves Bipartisan in Chair Assignments

Calling it a leadership team that represents both the Mississippi Senate and the state, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves unveiled his appointments of committee chairs, vice-chairs and members at the Capitol this morning.

Personhood Stalled in Nevada, Arkansas

As Mississippi voters rejected a proposed personhood amendment last November, Personhood USA and other supporters of the measure already had plans underway to promote similar initiatives in other states.

Thursday, January 5

Business Leaders: Education Top Economic Priority

A report on Mississippi's economy lists education, work-force development, and strengthening and expanding the economy at the top of a list of goals for the state's future.

Jackson Crime Down, Maybe

Read the full report here. (pdf 553 KB)

Sheila Bedi

On Nov. 29, Sheila Bedi testified before the Attorney General's National Task Force on Children Exposed to Violence in Baltimore, Md.

Arkansas AG Tells Personhood to ‘Redesign' Proposed Ballot Initiative

Earlier this week, Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel sent sponsors of a proposed personhood ballot amendment back to the drawing board.

Barbour's Last Speech to Legislature as Gov.

Welcome back, or for you freshman, Welcome!

Outgoing Gov. Haley Barbour gave his final address to a joint session of the Mississippi Legislature yesterday. For your consideration, here are his remarks, as prepared, from the governor's office:

Wednesday, January 4

Behind The Scenes

Ryan "RedBoi" Lewis leans back in his chair, strikes a key on his computer keyboard, and a monitor flickers. Lights come on everywhere in the recording studio that is in his Jackson home. His 16-by-14-foot space is full of professional mix boards and wireless microphones. He spends about 12 hours a day in this studio, working every day.

Give Bass a Chance

On the first Friday night of every month, strange sounds emanate from Club Volume at the Joint at 206 Capitol St. To the uninitiated passer-by, the fast-paced break beats and deep bass shaking the club's windows probably seem off-putting and he or she simply ignores them altogether. But to the wide array of music fans waiting to go inside, this music, known simply as drum and bass, is the main draw.

Lagniappe To Your Health

Many folks jerk their Christmas décor down as soon as the turkey stupor wears off. Others, though, think it's bad luck to take it down before the evening of Jan. 5, also known as Twelfth Night in Christian traditions derived from the Old English.

A Part of the Community

Kismet's (315 Crossgates Blvd., Brandon, 601-825-8380) is more than just a place to eat. At some point the simple gyro shop became a part of the community.

Fixing a Salty, Spicy Mess

Cooking with salt and other seasonings can be dangerous. Too much of certain seasonings can lead to health problems. Using the wrong amounts or eyeballing an amount can lead to over-salted, over-spiced and inedible food.

Running on Friendship

"I'm done," I thought to myself. "Stick a fork in me. I am done."

JFP Bowl Schedule: Week 4

After nearly a month of bowl games, it all ends Jan. 9. This is our final bowl schedule; games this week will lead up to the national championship game. Enjoy the final college football games of the 2011-12 season.

[Bryan's Rant] Hazardous Hazing

When people think of hazing in college, I am guessing that the Greek system comes to mind for most. The press has written and talked about sorority and fraternity hazing for a while now, although colleges and universities have tried hard to end hazing in the Greek system.

Marathon for the Blues

Mississippi is often characterized as a state fraught with racial turmoil and economic and educational issues. From the pain and strife of the Magnolia State's past, however, has risen some of the most soul-stirring and original music the country can claim: the blues.

[The Slate] The Best In Sports In 7 Days

In the words of Jim Mora, "Playoffs! Playoffs!" Yes, the NFL playoffs begin this weekend.

Dealing With It

Being a paraplegic hasn't stopped Chris Waddell from competing. In 1988, Waddell was a rising star on the ski slopes. Then, a skiing accident changed his life, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. Determined to get back to skiing, a year after his accident he was on a monoski doing what he loved once again.

Resolve to Win

As a personal trainer and exercise instructor, I see lots of folks every day who want to lose weight. Especially at this time of year, it's the No. 1 goal for the majority of my clients. And it's a worthy goal given all of the health problems that being overweight can bring on.

Weight Loss Success

You may think losing weight has to be complicated, but the bottom line is pretty simple: Eat less; exercise more. You have to consume fewer calories than you burn off.

Manifesting Change

Every year approximately 45 percent of Americans resolve to lose weight, reduce debt, stop drinking or smoking, spend more time with family, or dedicate time and energy to a higher cause. Something about starting a new year beckons us to a clean slate, to seek our better, higher self.

[Editor's Note] Peace, Prosperity and Tolerance

Every December now for about a decade, we have asked the Jackson Free Press staff members to sign hundreds of holiday greeting cards that we send to freelancers, advertising clients, sources, and other friends and acquaintances of the JFP.

Peace, Prosperity and Tolerance

[Week In Jacktown] December 28, 2011 - January 3, 2012

Happy New Year, y'all! It's here, the year of the unveiling and crazy stuff that's supposed to happen this year. Jackson is one interesting place to live isn't it? Crazy or not, take a peak inside and find out what you may or not have missed.

Barbour to Lawmakers: Think About Online Taxes

Republican Gov. Haley Barbour, who completes an eight-year run as governor next week, addressed a joint session of the Mississippi Legislature this morning for the final time as governor. Barbour will be replaced next week when Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant is sworn in as governor at noon on Jan. 10.

Chief, I Crushed the Car

Recycling is great for the Earth, but a potential nightmare if you're the victim of auto theft in Jackson.

Not Your Ordinary Cable Network

Cable-television networks such as Nickelodeon and the Discovery Channel should serve as economic models for public broadcasting, Gov. Haley Barbour quipped recently.

New Year, New Start

Recently, the Jackson Redevelopment Authority decided to stop and breathe rather than be bulldozed into making a decision without having all the information they needed for the proposed convention-center hotel. This past week, the organization's board went a step farther.

New Year, New Start

[Kamikaze] Embracing Who I Am

I'm a fan of MSNBC's "Morning Joe." At the end of every show, in a segment called "What have we learned today," each of the hosts tells one thing new that they learned on that's day's show. It's always interesting, because as well-read as the hosts are, they still take in some new information almost daily.

[Barkley] Women: Time to Rebel

It is time for us to refuse to passively cooperate with government that ignores the realities that punctuate the lives of women in the Deep South.

UMMC Cuts 115 Jobs Today, Citing Economy, Uninsured Patients

The University of Mississippi Medical Center announced in a press statement today that is is laying off 115 employees. Here it is, verbatim:

Jim Barksdale to Head MDA

Verbatim Statement from the Phil Bryant Transition team:

Governor-elect Phil Bryant appointed Jim Barksdale Interim Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority at a 2 p.m. press conference on Jan. 4 in Jackson. Barksdale, former President and CEO of Netscape Communications Corp., will succeed Leland Speed as chief of the agency that leads Mississippi's economic development efforts.

Stampede

Republicans proved they can win elections. Now they must prove they can govern.

On Dec. 20, Haley Barbour stepped to the podium on the 18th floor of the Walter Sillers building to make his final budget recommendation to reporters—and started hacking away at state agencies.

A Wish List for DV Legislation

With all the new faces in the Mississippi Legislature this year, advocates for new and strengthened laws to protect victims of domestic violence are being non-committal about the specific legislation they plan to introduce during this year's session.

Of Mergers and MAEP

As the Mississippi Legislature writes the 2013 budget, funding for public schools is likely to be up for debate. Specifically, legislators will consider how much funding to put toward the Mississippi Adequate Education Program, which makes up the bulk of public K-12 funding.

Party of Lincoln?

Think it's strange that the now-lily-white Republican Party was the choice of freed slaves in the 19th century?

Lessons from the Past

When Republican John R. Lynch won a seat in the Mississippi House, the Legislature had a lot of important rebuilding to do after the Civil War, including schools and other public buildings. In fact, state government needed to entirely reconstruct and reorganize itself.

Juvenile Justice: What's Needed

Rep. Earle Banks, D-Jackson, chaired the Mississippi House Juvenile Justice Committee last year, but accepts that with Republicans running the Legislature, much will change.

JPS to Hold Town Hall Meetings

Correction: The date for the second set of town hall meetings has been corrected below.

T-Bones: Hattiesburg Music Mecca

A gigantic, abstract Miles Davis watches over patrons grazing through racks of new and vintage vinyl. Customers look through tightly packed CDs in wire racks that include albums from the Pixies, Bob Dylan, Radiohead and Al Green.

Silent Crusader

David Fincher's film adaptation of Stieg Larsson's international bestseller, "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," scorches the screen with a new-millennium Joan of Arc on a social crusade against violence. "I want you to help me catch a killer of women," Mikael Blomkvist says to Lisbeth Salander.

‘Grunge was an Adjective'

"Grunge" is a term that reminds some folks of youth and the first tastes of music considered "alternative." Maybe flannel comes to mind, that infamous Mudhoney EP cover or the first time you ever saw Chris Cornell. It takes me back to being a kid watching Kurt Cobain sing "Heart-Shaped Box" on MTV.

Green Gold

The search for jade's source in the Americas took on the air of mystery when evidence of forgotten, ancient and highly sophisticated civilizations emerged from the equatorial jungles. Where did it come from?

Post Offices Safe Until May 15

The U.S. Postal Service is in what one might call a tough spot. Since people learned how to pay bills online, parents learned how to tweet baby pictures and companies discovered pop-up ads, the centuries-old agency has tried to cope with lowered revenues by raising stamp prices, moving services online and making cuts.

Taking TCI's Land Back

Jason Brookins, executive director of the Jackson Redevelopment Authority, has the go-ahead to do whatever it takes to get the land across from the Jackson Convention Center out of the hands of developer TCI MS.

John Hugh Tate

"I'm a very pro-Jackson guy," John Hugh Tate says. "I love the history, the diversity and the artistic community. It is such a green city, just aesthetically beautiful."

Tuesday, January 3

Council Sets Valentine's Day Election

So far, it looks like three candidates have thrown their hats into the race to replace longtime Ward 3 City Councilman Kenneth Stokes. The council voted today to hold a special election on Feb. 14.

Protesters, Legislators Convene at Capitol

Holding signs above their heads and chanting, "Whose Capitol? Our Capitol!" protesters from several civil rights and union groups marched to "occupy the Capitol" during a rally this morning.

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Seven businesses will receive more than $50,000 in grants from the city of Jackson to make technology and operational improvements as well as facade upgrades. The city council authorized the grants, part of the city's small business development grant and storefront improvement grant programs, at the Dec. 27 meeting.

Susan Ainlay Anand

Flora native Susan Ainlay Anand, a licensed art therapist, and treasurer of the Art Therapy Credentials Board, is leading a series of creative workshops in the Hederman Cancer Center at Baptist Health Systems (1225 N. State St., 601-948-6262) starting Monday, Jan. 9 from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Monday, January 2

Boots Optional?

Phil Bryant may not support a woman's right to make decisions about her body but there is one issue on which the future guv is decidedly pro-choice: footwear. Mississippi's 64th governor takes the oath of office at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 10, followed by a parade and concludes with an inauguration ball at the Jackson Convention Complex at 6 p.m. According to the invitation for the event themed Rising Together, "black tie and boots are optional." As one whose love of western leatherwear matches Bryant's, I'm of the mind that boots should be mandatory. In fact, Satan wins if you dare to show up in regular ol' wing tips. And while many members of the media are waiting for an advance copy of Bryant's inaugural speech, my breath is bated for the moment Bryant's camp reveals his choice of boot for his big night: Will he go with a kick-ass pair of Tony Lama ostrich quills? Stylish Ariat Belly caimans? Or will he pull out all the stops and go with an American alligator hornback from Lucchese? I know my invitation is in the mail (members of the public can visit risingtogether.ms to buy tix for $50 each) but likely hasn't shown up yet because of the busy holiday season. In the meantime, I'll be shining my boots.

Legislative Session Commences Tomorrow

A potentially raucous Republican-led legislative session begins tomorrow at noon. Political observers describe the weeks leading up to the start of the session as akin to the first day of school.

Ten Resolutions to Spend Time Together

It's a new year, and many people are resolving to lose weight, exercise more and spend more time on hobbies. For 2012, one nonprofit is encouraging families to resolve to spend more time together.

Character of the Day: Charlie Brown

If your New Year's resolution was to join a community theater production, here's your opportunity. Black Rose Theatre holds auditions for "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" Jan. 3 and 4 at 103 Black St. in Brandon. Auditions begin at 7 p.m. both days.

Community Events and Public Meetings

Events at Fleet Feet Sports (Trace Station, 500 Highway 51 N., Ridgeland). Free; call 601-899-9696.