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Stewart v. Huckabee on Abortion: What do you think?

After growing up Southern Baptist— and spending a good bit of time on the opposite side of the spectrum when I was in college— I've had a number of different views on abortion, much like many Americans. In this series of clips, Mike Huckabee (former governor of Arkansas, another state I call home) and Daily Show host John Stewart hold a respectful discussion on the issue. A solid interview. Makes you think.

Kennedy: Limbaugh, O'Reilly, Beck Spread Hate

Speaking to reporters last Friday after his keynote speech at the memorial for slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers in Jackson, Robert Kennedy Jr. said some right-wing broadcast hosts feed the kind of hatred behind the assassination of abortion provider Dr. George Tiller and the killing of a security guard at the U.S. Holocaust Museum last week.

Hmph!

When I made the decision to leave Ole Miss and venture down to Jackson, MS, I was admittedly scared.

Taking breaks from epic Halo 2 battles and scourging fraternity pledges, I'd caught breaking news flashes of Jackson's zany mayor busting into residential buildings and wearing Kevlar vests.

Mississippi: You should probably move here

With sadness that I will not be in attendance for the Writer's Spotlight in Jackson this Saturday, I decided to show my love for my home state in the following lyric. Enjoy.

Earth to Northside Sun, Ledger, etc.: Stop Making Sh*t Up

It is simply remarkable to watch the media in Jackson that lost their mayoral endorsement go to the same tired, *false* well so quickly after Harvey Johnson Jr. won back the mayor's race in a landslide. Today's Northside Sun editorial starts out with this: "One reason we suspect Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson lost four years ago was his claim that crime was a perception rather than a reality."

The Bachelorettes Headline Chick Jam Benefit Friday at Hal & Mal's

See you Friday!

The first of several events scheduled around this year's 5th Annual JFP Chick Ball is this Friday night in the Red Room at Hal & Mal's. The Bachelorettes will bring their wigs and their talent to the stage with all door proceeds going to the JFP Chick Ball effort to raise at least $20,000 to seed Jackson's first batterer-intervention program. With a cover of only $5, the show starts at 9 p.m., and will also feature Lizzie Wright and Anna Kline. Wear a wig or not, but definitely show up for this very fun event for a great cause. You can also sign on as a sponsor for the Chick Ball for as little as $50, as well as volunteer your time, or give art or a gift for the silent auction. Visit http://www.jfpchickball.com for more info, or call 601.362.6121 ext. 16 to get involved!

Future of the Newspaper? You May Use a ‘Home Computer' To Read It

(Hat tip to Dave Johnson from his blog.)

This classic newscast from 1981 is too good to pass up. Major newspapers putting their stories online -- without the fancy photos "and the comics." But would they every really replace the "20 cent edition" in print?

Tweeting Pivotal Moments in World History

It seems like everyone has a Twitter account these days. Aging Politicians. Pro Athletes. Even MC hammer has gotten into the mix. But what about the historical icons of the past? If they had Twitter, then what would they twitt...ahem...tweet? Find out below:

Blues Legend Koko Taylor Passes Away

Koko Taylor, a Chicago blues icon who was scheduled to appear at this year's Jubilee!JAM, died today of complications following surgery on May 19th. She was 80 years old. More at Chicago Tribune and Jubilee!JAM news.

Starting Over

We've heard a lot of talk about change the past couple of years from a political standpoint. However, my approach to change is more personal - and probably long overdue.

Time to Hit Re-set, Jackson

As I sit waiting for the returns on election night, I can't help but reflect on the mess that was the last four years—and what got us there. As much as anything else, the need for media sensationalism and pandering to the powerful put us here. I have spent an inordinate amount of time in the last four years researching Frank Melton's history in Jackson. I have read about everything ever been written about him—and the so-called journalism that allowed someone so unsuited for elected office to become mayor in a "landslide" four years ago tonight, as The Clarion-Ledger put it, was simply abysmal. The Ledger, especially, let down an entire city by pretending that Melton was a "folk hero" who could solve crime in 90 days. This corporate newspaper endorsed the man who the most powerful people in Jackson wanted in office. And it pulled punch after punch that could have alerted voters what they were getting into.

[JFP Photos] Following Harvey Johnson

Photography intern Bryant Hawkins followed Harvey Johnson today in his final day of general electioneering. Check it out at http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/index.php/photos/category/76.

Oxford attorney explodes gun lie about Sotomayor

Up in Oxford, Tom Freeland is taking on the morons who are passing along the myth that Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor wrote her Princeton thesis about gun control. Tom writes:

Tease photo

How Do You Think Conan Did?

I grew up wanting to be Johnny Carson -- I thought he was a comedic genius and I watched more religiously than I imagine most teens did in the 80s. While Jay seems like a nice guy, I never really enjoyed watching him. I was also a fan of Letterman in high school and college and that carries over to today -- if and when I eschew the Roku and decide to watch late night TV, I'll watch Dave, followed by Craig Ferguson, who is easily bests anyone for a monologue in years, perhaps in the history of television. I'll flip to Conan between and after breaks in Ferguson's pre-monologue and monologue.

5th Annual JFP Chick Ball *Weekend* Coming July 25-26

The 5th Annual Chick Ball will be Saturday, July 25, and will again benefit the Center for Violence Prevention. We bought them a new mini-van last year; this year our goal is to raise at least $20,000 in seed money for Jackson's first batterer intervention program. In addition to the ball itself, form 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., this year we are adding a special play performance on Friday, July 24, at Hal & Mal's, as well as Saturday events for teens. Watch for more details! Right now, though, we need you to volunteer, donate prizes or become a sponsor (starts at $50 up to $2,500+ to be a diva sponsor). And sign up for our Twitter feed @jfpchickball so you don't miss anything.

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