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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

Parade Hats

Parade season is a perfect time to get crafty. You can use old newspapers and other supplies you have on hand to create a personalized parade hat to keep you stylish and shaded on the parade route.

CITYBEAT: On the Road Again

Citizens are complaining about recent bus-route changes, and a special committee for JATRAN is trying to respond.

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.

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?

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.

[Stiggers] All About Justice

Miss Doodle Mae: "Our boss, Jojo, organized a spiritually charged and thought-provoking staff meeting this morning. He did this in response to the "shoot first and don't ask questions later" actions of a neighborhood watch captain who gunned down a teenager carrying Skittles and a can of ice tea.

A Woman's Power

Last week, I was part of a panel that explored the question of why more women don't run for public office, sponsored by She Should Run. The Washington, D.C.-based organization is at the vanguard of researching the current landscape (women hold only 17 percent of congressional seats, for example) and dispelling the myths of women taking leadership positions.

[Stiggers] Nothing But a Number

The most rewarding experience for me was when Lil' Momma Roscoe and the seniors took up a monetary love offering for me. After seeing the seniors party and socialize so hearty, I've concluded that age is nothing but a number.

[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."

Dinner and a Movie

Last Saturday night, Todd and I sat at a small table next to the open kitchen at Parlor Market and were dazzled by the chefs' performance.

[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.

[Brown] Moving Forward

On May 5, Democrats from across the Third Congressional District of Mississippi will meet at the Golden Moon Resort in Philadelphia to elect their slate of leaders for the next four years.

The Wonder of it All

In the early 1960s, Mama and Papa leased an old, rundown gas station in Liberty, N.Y., in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, and spent every weekend of one winter and spring converting the property into our summer "retreat." We lived in Brooklyn at the time, but my parents were determined to get my sisters and me out of the city as much as possible, especially during the summer.

[Barkley] Act on Your Beliefs, Guv

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

[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.

[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.

[Gregory] Boots, Again

People keep saying women aren't under attack.

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.