Faking the Funk
Boneqweesha Jones: "Welcome to this special edition of 'Qweesha Live TV.' Tonight, I want to talk about corporate businesses and their hiring practices. Some reliable sources have reported to me that businesses like 'Y'all Mart' are faking the funk on hiring unemployed teenagers and adults."
Stinker Quote of the Day: 'Rainy'
The Republicans aren't kidding anyone. They're saving up so they can make it rain a little bit during an election and hold on to the governor's mansion and majorities in the Legislature.
Leaders Must Remember City’s Poorest
Based on everything that has been discussed, the people of Jackson may well be staring at yet another increase in the amount they pay for water.
World War III Vibes
By all means, I am not trying to generate paranoia, but it's hard not to be paranoid in times when terrorists dabble in advanced technology, when we live in a typically safe nation with a president who is agitating a terrorist organization even more.
Needed: A Workforce Ready to Succeed
Jackson businessman and jazz patron Charles Hooker posted the following under Donna Ladd's editor's note last issue, "About Those Pesky Soft Skills," in which she discussed how too many Mississippians are not taught "soft skills" such as planning, time management, teamwork, positive attitudes, communication and work ethic before entering the workplace.
Jackson: At a Crossroads
The city of Jackson has an opportunity, but it lacks resources due to a lowered tax base. Even with revenue, you cannot spend your way to prosperity.
It’s Time to Truly Invest in Transparency
The City of Jackson recently completed a pretty grueling budget planning process, while the state will soon start a round of budget hearings in anticipation of the upcoming legislative session, which coincides with a statewide election cycle.
Needed: The ‘Why’ Doctrine
Implementing the "Why" doctrine on simple and complex issues alike would conform our society to a more cynical and more-aware nation with a thirst for answers and knowledge that can't be quenched by "well, that's just the way it is."
Mississippi: The Next Stage for Progressivism?
A lot is changing in my home state, and the change here says much about the South today.
Yarber Needs New Attitude with Council
In the last two mayoral administrations, Jackson City Council members have griped about not receiving adequate or timely information from the administration. We have found merit in those complaints.
Stinker Quote of the Week: 'Skin'
Corporal punishment in parenting has entered into mainstream conversation among political pundits after the Minnesota Vikings deactivated and then reinstated running back Adrian Peterson amid child-abuse charges.
10 Years Ago: Debating the Convention Center
Convention business in the U.S. is indeed tough, most convention centers lose money, and the economic benefit of a convention center can vary dramatically.
Inside the Lens
If you see something cool, take a photo. A friend once told me that she doesn't understand photographers who never seem to have their camera with them; who never see the perfect shots in front of them.
Hosemann Twists Voter ID Facts, Again
At last July's Neshoba County Fair, Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann upped the ante on the usual GOP talking points of "business good, government bad"; state's rights; Obama's failures.
MPB: Don’t Treat Us Like Children
Once again, Mississippi Public Broadcasting—which receives public dollars—has initiated a form of censorship to keep certain controversial content away from a Mississippi audience.
Stinker Quote of the Week: 'Terminating'
Short of getting himself elected commander-in-chief or asking President Obama very nicely, Bryant is likely fighting a losing battle against these immigrant children.
You Say ‘Riot,’ I Say ‘Uprising’
Mr. Announcer: "In the ghetto criminal-justice system, the people are represented by members of the newly established Ghetto Science Community Peace Keeping Unit: police officer and part-time security guard at the Funky Ghetto Mall Dudley 'Do-Right' McBride, attorney Cootie McBride of the law firm McBride, Myself and I, and guest rookie peace officer Brother Hustle. This is their story."
Taggart’s Mission Commendable
Andy Taggart, an attorney from Madison who is the former chief of staff to Gov. Kirk Fordice and an author, recently spoke in the Delta to drug-court graduates about the tragic death of his son Brad who, at the age of 21, killed himself two years ago after privately struggling with drug addiction.
About Those Pesky ‘Soft Skills’
I want young Mississippians to have a shot at their full potential—and not have to leave their own damn state to do it.
‘New Day, New Way’ at Lanier High School
As the first high school built for African American children in the city of Jackson, as well as the oldest high school still in operation, Lanier High School was designated as a Mississippi landmark in 2007.
Dialogue Around Costco Needs to Improve
The announcement that Costco wants to build in Jackson on Lakeland Drive has created a rift between those who are thrilled that Costco wants to bring 235 decent-paying jobs into the city of Jackson and residents and museum directors who are concerned about green space and traffic/commercial congestion.
Stinker Quote of the Week: 'Reasonable'
In responding to St. Lawrence University professor Alan Draper's critique of Mississippi's voter-identification requirement, Hosemann enumerates the steps his office followed and data it collected to implement the law to meet constitutional muster.
Bad Habits Start Young
Our junk-food habits contribute to the childhood obesity epidemic and the related illnesses later in life. In Mississippi, the state Department of Health reported in 2009 that 40 percent of the state's children are obese or overweight.
What’s It Like Living LGBT in Mississippi?
When I say that some LGBT Mississippians are afraid to come out of the closet and live authentic lives, it's not theoretical or an intellectual decision—they are genuinely afraid for their lives and livelihoods.
Media: No One’s An ‘Angel’
The New York Times' description of Michael Brown is part of a much wider and more troubling trend of the way media cover the deaths of young black men, compared to the way the same outlets cover killings of and by whites.
Stinker Quote of the Week: 'Diversity'
It seems to us that if there's an imbalance in JPS' diversity, Whitwell should be asking his constituents—or better yet himself—how to fix it, not Dr. Gray.
From Gaza to Ferguson
Miss Doodle Mae: "The staff of Jojo's Discount Dollar Store are very nervous, anxious and stressed out because the Internet, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, television, radio, newspapers and magazines constantly report about wars and rumors of wars from the Gaza Strip to Ferguson, Mo."
The Difference Between Leadership and Authority
People who have authority over you can tell you what to do; people who offer leadership make you want to follow them, and they tend to make you feel safe.