All results / Stories / Jackson Free Press
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.
One for the Guys
The idea behind this review was twofold—to get a man's perspective on the latest Sweet Potato Queen book and to do a bit of a combo review of "The Dummy Line," a novel by Mississippian Bobby Cole whom Browne's husband, Kyle Jennings, represents.
Grace and Humor
In my over-50 yoga class, I frequently see people frustrated by their inability to get a pose "right." I gently remind them that they're not 20-somethings any more and, usually, they laugh at themselves for trying so hard and relax a bit. After 50, bodies just don't respond like they used to.
Kendra Preer
Living three states away from Jackson didn't stop Kendra Preer from getting a doctoral degree from a Jackson university. Preer commuted from Ohio to Jackson State University once a month to earn an executive Ph.D. in urban higher education.
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.
The Magic of Jade
When I met Gerard Helferich last fall, he handed me a piece of jade. The dark green disk, carved in the shape of an ear, was about an inch and a half high. As we spoke about his book, "Stone of Kings: In Search of the Lost Jade of the Maya" (Lyons Press, 2011, $24.95), I held the stone, methodically rubbing my thumb over its smooth surface.
Exposed: Outdoor Nuptials
Do you want to be close to nature and incorporate trees, flowers, water or beautiful gazebos into your wedding ceremony or reception? Location, indoors or outdoors, makes all the difference. You may choose a particular venue based on a set theme, seasonal temperatures, the number of invited guests and venue availability.
Biz Roundup: JSU Student Opens Boutique
Shuntel's Boutique celebrated its grand opening today. The store, located at 5749 Old Canton Road, specializes in jewelry, shoes and handbags.
Anti-Corruption Laws Strong Overall
Mississippi is sixth in the nation for government transparency and accountability, even as our campaign-finance laws need strengthening, a recent report found.
JSU International Week
This is the 22nd year that Jackson State University will devote five days to celebrating cultural diversity and promoting education about other countries. From April 9 through April 13, the university's Division of International Studies presents International Week with events designed to promote cultural awareness.
Project Cocoon
In a couple of weeks, Jacksonians will have an opportunity to participate in an international art event: Cocoon Jackson.
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.
[10 Things About] St. Patrick
Do you know your facts about Saint Patrick? What about his myths? Test your knowledge and read on.
Meredith McGee
When Darlene Collier's memoir landed on Meredith McGee's desk, McGee knew she needed more than just a typing service.
Reforms Coming to Henley-Young
Children entering Henley-Young Juvenile Justice Center will now get a mental-health evaluation and counseling at the beginning of their stay, a significant change from recent practices. Youth incarcerated at the Hinds County detention facility will also have better rehabilitation options, input from family and advocates, and more time outside their cells.
Boom Time
Known as the "Summa Cum Laude" of college bands, the Sonic Boom of the South will provide visitors to Fondren an education on how we do it here in Mississippi as the band leads the Zippity Doo Dah parade March 24 at dusk.
Dedmon Hearing Set for Wednesday
A hearing for Deryl Dedmon has been set for this Wednesday. Dedmon is charged with the capital murder of James Craig Anderson in what prosecutors say was a racially-motivated hate crime.
Finding the Maya
Dr. George Bey does not subscribe to the belief based on the Mayan calendar that the world will end Dec. 21, 2012. However, he has a request of believers: "Please give me your money a few days before," he says. "I would like to use it toward research."
Rickey Thigpen
Rickey Thigpen has a few words of advice for Jackson's young people: It's better to be great than to be successful. "Set your goals and aspirations high," he says. "... I use the word 'success' tentatively, but I like the word 'great.'"
JPS Close to Picking New Superintendent
About 200 people gathered at Galloway Elementary School last night to hear from the two finalists for the Jackson Public Schools superintendent post: Dr. Dennis Carpenter and Dr. Cedric Gray.