V15n23 - The Love Issue by Jackson Free Press Magazine

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JACKSONIAN Salar Almakky courtesy Salar Almakky

alar Almakky says his uncle first got him interested in music, introducing him to bands such as The Cure. Almakky, who can play bass, drums and guitar, is currently the bassist and a vocalist for local band Dream Cult. The band, which is comprised of Almakky, Justin Moreira, Hayden Boyd, and Travis and Cody Bass, has performed in Jackson, throughout Mississippi and has gained national exposure with its new album, “Weekend,” which Dream Cult released in July 2016. Two Dream Cult songs played on MTV’s “Real World,” season 32, and the group just signed a deal to get their music played in clothing stores. They’re also getting ready to tour in the next year. “We have so much stuff written for this next material (that) we need to stand back and take a deep breath,” Almakky says. Almakky, 23, graduated from Mississippi State University in May 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in biology. He is currently studying to take the Medical College Admission Test this summer. He says he hasn’t decided where he will apply, but it will include schools such as the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He also works as a barista at Sneaky Beans in Fondren. In his music, Almakky thrives on the creative partnership that comes between

contents

songwriting and then performing. “The most inspiring thing in writing music is the end product (and) having an idea of where the song is going or having 20 different ideas for where the song is going. … Live performing is letting everything go and taking solace in the end product,” Almakky says. Almakky lists influences such as The Cure, Wham!, Phantom Planet, Genesis and Gwen Stefani, as well as indie bands on Dream Cult’s label, Old Flame Records. He also credits his roots in Jackson and the city’s intimate music scene for his ability to form connections with other musicians for collaborations and fueling his musical journey. “(Dream Cult) met and are originally from Jackson,” he says. “We take pride in where we’re from. … I think (in Jackson), there are a lot more opportunities to communicate with other artists. It leads to collaborations with new bands or people being introduced to other people to start new projects (across) different genres, even.” In his free time, Almakky likes hanging out with his dog, collecting old records and spending time outdoors. For aspiring musicians, he says, “it has to be what you want to do. You got to want to do it.” —Brynn Corbello

cover photo by Imani Khayyam

6 ............................ Talks 14 ................... editorial 15 ...................... opinion 18 ............ Cover Story 20 ........... food & Drink 22 ......................... 8 Days 23 ........................ Events

7‘Amazon’ Tax Bill Moves Forward After contentious debate and a stall in the legislative process last week, the House passed its online and out-of-state retailers tax bill on Monday, Feb. 6.

20 Sweet Treats

See what local bakeries are doing for Valentine’s Day.

23 ....................... sports 24.......................... Books 26........................... music 27 ........ music listings 28 ...................... Puzzles 29 ......................... astro 29 ............... Classifieds

24 The Road to Desperation

“If I feel like I’m getting bored, I make something happen. I’m also of the opinion that I don’t want my characters to have one problem. I want them to have several things they’re dealing with because that’s how it is in life.” —Michael Farris Smith, “Writing ‘Desperation’”

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4 ............ Editor’s Note

Lusia Porter / Catfish Alley; flickr/git; Imani Khayyam

February 8 - 14, 2017 | Vol. 15 No. 23

editor’s note

by Amber Helsel, Managing Editor

Standing and Fighting Together

was watching Jim Gaffigan’s new standup comedy special, “Cinco,” on Netflix the other night and realized something: You know we live in a weird world when even he is getting political. Gaffigan’s comedy bread-and-butter is food (which is part of why he’s one of my favorites), but he talks a little bit of politics in the special, which he rarely does. These days, everyone is speaking out, and as Donald Trump’s tweets and speeches become more and more erratic, and his politics become even more insane and exclusionary, it’s necessary. Even I’m trying to make an effort to speak out more than normal, though I still try not to cloud my social-media feeds with all politics. The people need my humor and endless stream of consciousness. For the first time, I even attended a rally, not as a journalist covering it, but as a concerned citizen who wanted to stand against all the injustice. In general, I’m not a morning person, and on the weekends, my habit of sleeping through all my alarms is so much worse than it is during the week, so that means that I was late to the Women’s March on Jackson. I parked my car on Congress Street and then ran down to the Capitol, where I realized that the march had started, and the group was already on the other side of the Governor’s Mansion. I ran there, feeling slightly upset that I had missed the first part, but altogether, I was glad that I had managed to make it. I joined the march just as the group stopped in front of the Governor’s Mansion. People chanted, cried out against Trump and for justice, and then we kept going. And most of us stayed for the entire threehour-long event. We listened to speakers

such as reproductive- and disability-rights advocate Laurie Bertram Roberts and Hattiesburg pastor Brandiilyne Mangum-Dear, and music from artists such as Nellie Mack and Lydia Bain. What made me happiest during the march was watching two little girls, probably around 4 or 5 years old, who sat on the shoulders of their mom and aunt, joining some of the chants. As I watched them, I smiled and thought back

than family and friends, or because the president and the people he surrounds himself with don’t believe that you’re a person who deserves equal rights. It’s also really easy to believe that you’ll never make a difference. But as Women’s Marches around the country and even around the world showed, none of us is alone, and we can make a difference. I mean, Donald Trump is still president, but much of the world is in agreement that he’s

We have to face our demons head on, and we have to do it together. to all that had happened over the last few months, and what had happened in my own life over the last couple of years, from beginning to stand on my own two feet to finding my voice among the crowd and the courage to speak out. We live in a difficult time for women, children, people of color, immigrants, LGBT people, you name it. In the first couple of weeks of his presidency, Donald Trump has already made it more difficult for women to get abortions, for immigrants to get into the country, for scientists to work toward advancements, etc. It’s easy to get sucked into the madness and let the negativity and anxiety take over. And in the chaos of a post-DonaldTrump’s-election world, it’s probably easy to feel alone, whether you just feel singled out because you believe a little differently

terrible. So none of us are alone in that, and at the very least, the beautiful people on Twitter are succeeding in annoying the hell out of him, which is, in a way, some form of change. The Women’s March organization has kept going as well, and more marches and rallies covering different issues have popped up across the country. The people are mad, and chances are, we’ll probably get even angrier in the coming years. But it’s important to not let that anger take over. I’ve seen people talking about needing to strike a balance between staying informed and aware, and practicing self-care, but they also talk about how hard that can be, and they’re not lying. I try to strike that balance, though if I’m not careful, I end up becoming too blinded by my own world.

As human beings, we are naturally selfish creatures, and over the last couple of years, I’ve become exponentially aware of my own tendency to get sucked into my life and forget everything happening to other people around me. But I’m trying to fix that. I’ve realized that even if I have things happening in my own life that are crying out for my attention (like the whole insanity of trying to find and eventually buy a house), I’ve also got to think of others, especially in a time like this. Like me, some of you may not exactly know where you fit in all of this. But even if you don’t know where to start, it’s important to keep standing and fighting for equal rights for all. Because that’s what this country is about, right? Or at least, that’s what it should be about. We’ve ignored many of these issues for a long time, and some may believe that we live in a post-racial society. But we don’t. There’s still injustice. There’s still inequity. There’s still reason to fight, and there’s still reason to change and to challenge the status quo, and all the things we’ve ignored are beginning to surface. We have to face our demons head on, and we have to do it together. We’re definitely not alone in that. Valentine’s Day is next week. Even if you can’t see a reason to celebrate, why not try and do some good in the world on that day? Maybe start there and continue for the next four years, and for the rest of your life. Managing Editor Amber Helsel is a demolitions expert and the Demon Lady of Food. She’s also a Gemini who likes adventures, art, food, music, cats and anime. Email story ideas to amber@jacksonfreepress.com.

February 8 - 14, 2017 • jfp.ms

contributors

Dustin Cardon

Timothy Quinn

Arielle Dreher

Tim Summers Jr.

Imani Khayyam

Micah Smith

Brinda Fuller Willis

Mary Osborne

Web Editor Dustin Cardon is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi. He enjoys reading fantasy novels and wants to write them himself one day. He contributed to the Valeintine’s Day cover package.

Timothy Quinn is a family physician at Quinn Total Health. He received his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville. He contributed to the Valeintine’s Day cover package.

News Reporter Arielle Dreher is working on finding some new hobbies and adopting an otter from the Jackson Zoo. Email her story ideas at arielle@jacksonfreepress.com. She wrote about what bills are still alive in the Legislature.

City Reporter Tim Summers Jr. enjoys loud live music, teaching his cat to fetch, long city council meetings and FOIA requests. Send him story ideas at tim@jacksonfrepress.com. He wrote about the trial of Ben Allen.

Staff Photographer Imani Khayyam is an art lover and a native of Jackson. He loves to be behind the camera and capture the true essence of his subjects. He took the cover photo and many inside photos.

Music Editor Micah Smith is married to a great lady, has two dog-children named Kirby and Zelda, and plays in the band Empty Atlas. Send gig info to music@jacksonfreepress.com. He wrote about author Michael Farris Smith.

Brinda Fuller Willis often plays tricks on people with her identical twin. She’ll go anywhere to hear the blues, and she is a real farmer’s daughter. She interviewed Mississippi’s Grammy Award nominees.

Sales and Marketing Assistant, Mary Osborne, is seeking out new ways to share all things good all the time because what the world needs now is love. Send your thoughts to mary@jackson freepress.com

ANNUAL

THank You!

To everyone who made the Best of Jackson 2016 Party great!

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Missed the party?

“Could we all study this a little bit better before we jump off that cliff?” — Rep. David Baria, D-Bay St. Louis, on the rush to push changes to the state’s education-funding formula through this legislative session

Wednesday, February 1 Gov. Phil Bryant terminates his campaign-finance account, disbursing most of his funds to the Imagine Mississippi PAC. … Donald Trump nominates conservative judge Neil Gorsuch as his pick for the U.S. Supreme Court.

Gutting State Government? The Move to Free Up State Agencies

Thursday, February 2 Stephanie L. Coleman files a suit against the City of Jackson, Mayor Tony Yarber, and several unknown men, alleging that she “has been subjected to sex discrimination, sexual harassment” … Hundreds of people gather at Millsaps College for a peaceful vigil in support of immigrants, refugees and Muslims.

Saturday, February 4 Trump calls U.S. District Judge James Robart a “so-called judge” whose “ridiculous” ruling “will be overturned” as the White House files an appeal seeking to allow the ban to go through.

February 8 - 14, 2017 • jfp.ms

Sunday, February 5 A federal appeals court denies the Justice Department’s request for an immediate reinstatement of Donald Trump’s ban on accepting certain travelers and all refugees. ... The New England Patriots defeat the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in Super Bowl LI. Monday, February 6 The defense rests in the trial of Downtown Jackson Partners President Ben Allen for allegedly embezzling and mishandling public resources. … The Mississippi House passes House Bill 1224, which allows “A” or “B” school districts to use teacher incentives Tuesday, February 7 The U.S. Senate confirms school choice advocate Betsy DeVos as Education secretary after Mike Pence breaks a 50-50 tie. Get breaking news at jfpdaily.com.

by Arielle Dreher

he majority of state employees could lose access to their employee appeals board and other human resources for the next three years if a bill to move most state agencies out from under the Mississippi State Personnel Board’s purview becomes law. Rep. Angela Cockerham, D-Magnolia, presented House Bill 974 on the floor last week, saying it was a result of lawmakers’ meetings with state agency heads throughout summer 2016. “The major benefit to the state … is to allow the state agency heads to be able to run their agencies a little more efficiently, and it would also allow them to reorganize,” Cockerham told House members last week. The House passed the bill by a slim margin on Thursday, Feb. 2, and was held on a motion to reconsider. House Bill 974 had not passed to the Senate by press time. Throughout the summer, state agency working groups met with department leaders to find “efficiencies” in their budgets. Then in November, the Joint Legislative Budget Committee presented fiscal-year 2018 plans to cut funds for new cars and out-of-state travel. In those summer hearings, some state agency heads indicated that moving out from under the state personnel

Imani Khayyam File Photo

Friday, February 3 U.S. District Judge James Robart temporarily blocks Donald Trump’s ban on travelers and immigrants from seven predominantly Muslim countries. … Robert Gibbs, the attorney for Downtown Jackson Partners, takes the stand in the trial of DJP President Ben Allen.

Catch up on the trial of Ben Allen, president of Downtown Jackson Partners p8

Rep. Angela Cockerham, D-Magnolia, presented House Bill 974 last week, which would move almost all state agencies out from under the State Personnel Board’s purview.

board might help them find cost savings, after the lieutenant governor or speaker asked them directly. Rep. Tyrone Ellis, D-Starkville, asked Cockerham if the bill was a step toward privatization of services. Cockerham said it was not. “I think at some particular point the House and the Senate (are) going to have to decide how big we want our footprint for the government to be and how we’re

ng Jackson i v o L by JFP Staff

t times, loving the city you live in is hard. But in honor of Valentine’s Day, let’s share some of what makes Jackson great.

Micah Smith: There’s an overall spirit of creativity, whether its in the arts or in local business. People just work to do something new and interesting with all their endeavors.

Amber Helsel: Even if the city is fairly small, it always seems like there’s something new to discover. Donna Ladd: The spirit of becoming greater than we’ve ever been in the past, damn it.

going to attract businesses to our state for our state employees and for the private economy as well,” Cockerham said. “It’s not a step toward privatization—we give the department head the authority to say this is how I want my (agency to run).” Losing the Appeals Board Under the legislation, state agency heads could still increase salaries of any worker in their department, a prob-

Tim Summers Jr.: That it hasn’t killed me yet; potholes prevent hiccups; the lack of downtown traffic makes getting around easy; Jackson is opportunity right now. The question is who will take advantage of it. Arielle Dreher: F. Jones Corner because long live the modern albeit janky juke joint; Brunch options in honor of the best meal out there (try Saltine Oyster Bar, Brent’s Drugs or The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen); solid local music scene such as

Jackson Indie Music Week, live shows every weekend, etc. Todd Stauffer: - Lucky Town Pub Ale; that you can pretty much leave for a meeting when it’s supposed to start, and you’ll only be 10 minutes late; when the server asks you which dessert you want at Two Sisters’ Kitchen; basically every band you ever hear playing live is pretty good Add yours at jfp.ms/jxnlove.

“It is absolutely pre-destined and preordained that the majority in this Legislature wants to give all the power in this state to the governor.”

“You’ve used it incorrectly several times because the statute says assessment, but you keep calling it a tax. So we are going to use the correct language.”

— Rep. Steve Holland, D-Plantersville, speaking against a bill to remove State Personnel Board protections for state workers

— DJP attorney Robert Gibbs scolding District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith over a pivotal word in Ben Allen’s trial

Lawmakers Take on Capitol Complexity, ‘Amazon’ Sales Tax and Craft Breweries by Arielle Dreher

Rep. Jeff Smith, R-Columbus, was able to garner enough votes in the House on his second try to pass the Internet sales-tax bill on Feb. 6.

Administration would enforce all laws in the district including “arrests for any violation of any law in the state of Mississippi.” The bill says DFA can appoint any “person or persons” to enforce the laws, but be “concurrent with the jurisdiction of the City of Jackson.” Rep. Adrienne Wooten, D-Jackson, questioned the legislation, insisting that not all the representatives from

The attorney general’s office released a statement about the legislation.“The current version of the bill requires agencies to consult with our office before taking personnel action. When it comes to a person’s employment, any action could have life-altering consequences. Our office will make every effort to ensure that any action taken complies with state and federal law; however, our office is also dealing with budget cuts that may result in fewer attorneys to sufficiently advise these agencies,” Attorney General Jim Hood said. Rep. Steve Holland, D-Plantersville, spoke vehemently against the bill, and his amendment to make the bill take effect in 2018—not July 2017—was the only one that failed. “It is absolutely pre-destined and preordained that the majority in this Legislature wants to give all the power in this state to the governor. Now if you like that, and you feel good about that for the 26,000

Jackson were approached about the proposal. Rep. Mark Formby, R-Picayune, said he was the most concerned about fixing the infrastructure and the crime, or what he called the “perceived crime” in the district, specifically citing break-ins into lawmakers’ cars. He said his car had been broken into four times in his time as a lawmaker. Wooten called leaving Jackson lawmakers out of its infrastructure conversation a “disrespectful move.” The legislation passed by a vote of 98-23, with some Jackson lawmakers voting in its favor, and Wooten held it on a motion to reconsider. The bill had not passed to the Senate by press time. Internet Tax Still Alive The rumored online sales-tax bill caused an uproar last week in the House of Representatives. Rep. Trey Lamar, RSenatobia, who voiced his support for enforcing the state’s use tax last summer, says Mississippi is following the leads of Colorado, Alabama and other states. Mississippi’s brickand-mortar stores charge use taxes, but the State does not collect the funds on out-of-state or online retailers for the same sales. That means a Mississippian can potentially go online and buy a coat from an online retailer at a seemingly cheaper price than in a store.

people you were elected to represent, then continue onward, brothers and sisters, and answer to the music,” Holland said. ‘More Cuts Coming’? After an hour of debate, lawmakers offered amendments to keep some state employers under the state personnel board, including law enforcement officers in the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, school attendance officers and the Department of Mental Health. Rep. David Baria, D-Bay St. Louis, offered an amendment to keep the Department of Mental Health under SPB, largely because it has more than 7,000 employees. “Those who work in state agencies are paid less than they are paid in the public sector,” Baria said on the floor. “They’ve got a good health insurance plan and a good retirement plan and the protections of the state personnel board; we gave them that

more CAPITOL, see page 8

promise when we gave them that job, and I think it’s wrong to pull the rug out from under them.” The chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. John Read, RGautier, asked the House to vote against Baria’s amendment, saying agencies need the flexibility outside the personnel board’s purview due to tight budgets. In January, what Read called the state’s typically busiest month, revenue was down $18 million. “When cuts come, and revenue is down, somebody has to go, that’s reality,” Read told the House. “We’ve tried to give agencies flexibility … the reality is there could be more cuts coming. Give them a chance to move people without cutting folks.” Baria’s amendment passed despite Read’s plea by a vote of 61-59. The bill itself passed by four votes but was held on a motion to reconsider and had not passed to the Senate by press time.

February 8 - 14, 2017 • jfp.ms

lem that Cockerham said lawmakers could deal with in each agency’s appropriations bill. State agencies would have to report salary increases to chairmen of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees and the Legislative Budget Office if the bill becomes law. Lawmakers concerned about the legislation asked what legal recourse state employees would have without the employee appeals process that is part of the state personnel board. Cockerham explained that state agency officers would have to go to the attorney general’s office before making any terminations to ensure that they follow state and federal law. Mississippi is an at-will state, meaning employers can hire or fire someone for any reason except those prohibited in federal laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination. Federal complaints can still be filed at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Imani Khayyam File Photo

he City of Jackson could receive financial support for its infrastructure this year, but how that will work varies on both ends of the statehouse. The Senate and House versions of Jackson infrastructure bills look different this year. Sen. John Horhn, D-Jackson, authored Senate Bill 2893, which would give the Department of Finance and Administration the authority to create a committee of local leaders to develop a plan to administer funds to the capital city for infrastructure improvement projects. The Senate has not taken that bill up for a vote as of press time—which it must do by Feb. 9 for it to stay alive. The House took an entirely different approach to the bill. On Feb. 1, Rep. Mark Baker, R-Brandon, took up House Bill 1226, which defines the Capitol Complex District and provides additional funding for infrastructure improvements in the set area. The southernmost part of the district begins on South Street, expanding west only far enough to include Jackson State University. The district spreads north into Fondren, stopping at Mitchell Avenue and spreads east across Interstate 55 to Ridgewood Road. Baker explained that the bill would add an additional 12.5-percent sales-tax revenue collected on business activities inside the city in order to fund the infrastructure. HB 1226 omits the special judge last year’s legislation included, Baker said, but it does say the Department of Finance and

TALK | city/state

Jury Pondering Allen’s Fate, Brune Trial Ahead by Tim Summers Jr. and Donna Ladd

he trial against Downtown Jackson Partners President Ben Allen wound up on Feb. 7, even as the woman who landed him there remained conspicuously absent from the courtroom. A Hinds County grand jury indicted Allen in early 2016, alleging that he subverted funds from a public organization for his own personal use for expenditures such as cell-phone and credit-card bills. The indictment also accuses Allen of using DJP to funnel political funds to Mayor Tony Yarber’s inaugural gala in 2015. To fight the charges against Allen in the final days of the trial, his defense team brought in Robert Gibbs, DJP’s board attorney, to discuss his own investigation into the allegations. The former Hinds County Circuit Court judge and assistant attorney general presented his opinion that the conclusions of the

February 8 - 14, 2017 • jfp.ms

CAPITOL from page 7

Technically, consumers are supposed to report online purchases on their state tax forms, but few do. House Bill 480 allows the state to force out-of-state businesses that don’t have a physical location or store in the state who make “retail sales of tangible personal property into this state and has a substantial economic presence in this state by such seller’s retail sales of tangible personal property sold into this state exceeding $250,000” to collect the tax. Most consumers do not report the lack of taxation on online purchases, however, and states lose potential revenue from online retailers as a consequence. A study from the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning found that the State could have obtained between $105 million to $122 million if it forced online retailers to collect the tax in 2016. Amazon has already agreed to collect the tax in the state, set to start on Feb. 1. The Department of Revenue announced the news on its Facebook page last month, but this bill would force other retailers to follow suit. HB 480 would divert revenue from the use tax “to use on the repair, maintenance and reconstruction of roads, streets and bridges,” a measure representatives vocally supported. The House passed the legislation 77-40, but not without an outcry from the conservative side of the Republican aisle. Rep. Joel Bomgar, R-Madison, lambasted the House for “raising taxes,”

State Auditor’s Office were fundamentally incorrect. The funds Allen allegedly mishandled, he insisted, were not public and, thus, it was up to DJP to decide whether his actions were appropriate or not, not the State of Mississippi and its lawyers.

‘The government has absolutely nothing to do with the assessment ‘

Gibbs vs. Patterson Gibbs has served on retainer as the board attorney for DJP since 2011, he said, when he transferred from public work to private. In this position, Gibbs conducted his own version of the state auditor’s investigation, finding that he disagreed greatly with Melissa Patterson, the assistant attorney general assigned to the original investigation. Patterson had testified for the prosecution early in the trial that DJP, a business improvement district with 501(c)(4) nonprofit status, assesses “taxes” on property owners within the BID’s footprint,

despite Lamar’s insistence that the tax is already on the books, but not all retailers are paying it. “I believe the states should have the power to enforce their own taxes,” Lamar told the House lawmakers. The Americans for Prosperity Mississippi affiliate released a statement opposing the bill. “The House’s passage of the internet salestax bill, HB 480, will increase the amount of taxes Mississippians pay. It is an unfortunate and unconstitutional self-inflicted wound that goes against the advice the Legislature received from their own invited tax experts this summer,” AFP Mississippi Director Russ Latino said. “The quest to find more government revenue ‘without raising taxes’ is a bandaid that doesn’t solve anything. The more we take from working families, the worse off our economy will be. We understand the desire to address the changing economy and level the playing field, but this bill doesn’t get us there, and instead risks stunting our state’s economic growth even further.” After HB 480 passed, some lawmakers held it on a motion to reconsider. When Rep. Jeff Smith, R-Columbus, tried to bring the bill up in order to pass it to the Senate late last week, a loud cry from mainly Republicans foiled that plan and sent it to the bottom of the House’s calendar. By Monday, however, lawmakers either had a change of heart or lost interest because the House voted to send it to the Senate. Email state reporter Arielle Dreher at arielle@ jacksonfreepress.com.

and the county tax collector can punish them if they do not pay. The two attorneys exchanged letters over the “tax” question, Gibbs said in court, although he failed to convince her that Allen was not handling public funds. Gibbs maintains that the money is an “assessment” that goes to DJP after the county collects it and pays it to the City of Jackson. “The statute itself says that this is an assessment,” Gibbs told the jury, adding that unlike a tax, the property owners within the 66-block downtown DJP footprint decided themselves as a group how much and whether to assess their own property. “A tax is something that a government levies on its citizens, and it is for betterment of the entire citizenry,” Gibbs said in his testimony. “The government had absolutely nothing to do with the assessment besides collecting,” Gibbs added. “In my opinion, this is not a tax.” more ALLEN see page 10

Other Bills to Watch House Bill 1322: Craft Breweries Score Victory The legislation to allow craft breweries to sell product on their premises passed the House last week and now will have to pass through committee in the Senate to stay alive. Rep. Henry Zuber, R-Ocean Springs, presented the bill on the floor and said lawmakers worked with several craft breweries around the state to come to a consensus on the bill and its limitations. House Bill 1322 would allow any craft brewery that produces 60,000 barrels of light beer or wine to sell products on-site—within limits. Breweries cannot sell more than 576 ounces, or around two cases, Zuber said, of beer on the premises and cannot sell more than 10 percent of their product there. Local brewery Lucky Town Brewery has lobbied for this bill in the past. It passed the House easily last week. House Bill 228: Early Voting The legislation to allow Mississippians to vote 14 days before Election Day passed the House last week after lively discussion. The bill tightens absentee-voting laws, in favor of permanent voting before Election

Day. Current state law allows a Mississippian to vote absentee and then cast a vote on Election Day to cancel out their initial absentee vote. HB 228 would help streamline and tighten up the state’s early voting laws. Rep. Andy Gipson, R-Braxton, held the bill on a motion to reconsider. The House had not acted on it by press time. Senate Bill 2567: Shifting Health to Governor Control The state health, mental-health and rehabilitation services departments would move under the governor’s governance if this bill becomes law. Currently, boards govern all three of these state agencies, which would shift to advisory boards if this bill becomes law. Board members have sounded the alarm on Senate Bill 2567, and the Senate had not considered the bill on the floor by press time. Thursday, Feb. 9, is the deadline for original floor action on bills, and Monday, Feb. 13, is the deadline for bills held on motions to reconsider to get out of the House or the Senate. Email state reporter Arielle Dreher at arielle@ jacksonfreepress.com and follow her on Twitter at @arielle_amara.

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TALK | city

ALLEN from page 8

February 8 - 14, 2017 • jfp.ms

in a comment on the Jackson Free Press website that the DJP allegations against her are “bogus.” She also had strong words for DJP’s board of directors, posting: “As for the Board who sprinkles their holy water on the shenanigans on Ben’s little Faux Pas, they are in it up to their hair follicles so they HAVE to back him ... more trials to come on that one!” Madison County Court Judge Staci O’Neal ruled in January that because Brune was likely to be a “star witness” in the Hinds trial of Allen, she would delay her case until after his concludes, and scheduled a hearing for Feb. 8, 2017. Still, DA Smith never called Brune. Imani Khayyam

Patterson had testified earlier in the week that the “tax” funds are public money because they pass through public entities and that co-mingling of DJP’s other private funds and the assessment dollars cause the whole lot to become public. If the prosecution can prove that the money Allen is accused of moving is public, then he would fall under the laws punishing embezzlement by a public official. Gibbs, the last witness to testify for the defense, told DA Smith to stop calling the assessment a “tax” during proceedings. “You’ve used it incorrectly several times because the statute says assessment, but you keep calling it a tax,” Gibbs said to the district attorney during his cross-examination. “So we are going to use the correct language. You need to stop calling it a tax because that’s not what is in the statute; what’s in the statute is ‘assessment.’” Brune’s Trial Looms Hovering over these proceedings, like a specter, is DJP’s case against Linda Brune in Madison County Chancery Court. There, DJP filed a civil suit in 2014 alleging that the former long-time executive assistant to Ben Allen and registered “whistleblower” with the state auditor’s office methodically forged and falsified 38 checks on DJP’s accounts for a total of $40,439.43. “(Brune) further concealed her embezzlement scheme by altering the images of the checks found on the monthly bank statements for the DJP and Marketing Accounts,” the complaint DJP filed in December 2014 states. “Specifically, the Defendant ‘whited out’ her name on the payee line of the image of the forged checks appearing on the bank statements and in turn falsely and fraudulently wrote on the payee lines the names of various venders of DJP.” Downtown Jackson Partners says it found those altered checks after learning that Brune removed boxes of files from its offices, handing them over to both the state auditor’s office and a Clarion-Ledger reporter who published a story about the allegations against Allen on July 26, 2014. The day before that story appeared, Ben Allen says he had terminated Brune. “On July 25, 2014, after a(n) internal company investigation, I terminated my executive assistant named Linda Brune, for leaking company business secrets to the local media,” he wrote in a statement presented to Jackson police and included in a packet requesting a Hinds County indictment of Brune for embezzlement. “From the termination of Linda Brune information began to reveal itself through bank audits of accounts belonging to the Downtown Jackson Partners at Trustmark National Bank,” Allen added. That investigation, Allen wrote, found that “Brune had written several checks payable to her between the 10 years of 2009 through 2014 in which she forged my sig-

nature on the endorsement line without my permission or knowledge.” When the original checks returned from the bank, he wrote, “she would white out her name on the payable to line and replace it with the name of a venders (sic) in which the Downtown Jackson Partners does business with.” His statement ended by requesting that “a bench warrant be issued for the arrest of Linda Brune on the charge of Embezzlement.” DJP presented dozens of pages of cancelled checks, lists of vendors and other documentation to support its allegations against Brune. The district attorney’s office, however, passed on

The trial of Downtown Jackson Partners President Ben Allen (pictured) drew to a close without the prosecution’s “whistleblower,” his former assistant Linda Brune, ever entering the courtroom.

the recommendation to charge Brune, issuing a “no-bill recommendation” to the grand jury on May 29, 2015, with a handwritten description of the perceived “problems with evidence” being that the Brune allegations were “retaliation for whistleblowing.” The district attorney’s refusal to prosecute Brune on the allegations against her relied in part on a letter from the state auditor’s office dated May 13, 2015, stating that Brune was a “confirmed whistleblower” as of March 20, 2014, because she had come to the auditor to report “alleged improper governmental action” on the part of Allen. That characterization, of course, was at the heart of the trial against Allen for both the prosecution and defense. As this goes to press, the jury is deciding if Allen’s handling of resources is correctly characterized as “governmental action.” Eyes on Madison County After the Hinds County district attorney refused to pursue against Brune, Downtown Jackson Partners filed a civil lawsuit against Brune in Madison County Chancery Court in December 2014, stating that she used 38 forged checks “representing a total sum of $40,439.43,” the complaint states. Brune has not consented to an interview, but wrote

Assistant District Attorney Randy Harris had asked Judge Kidd to prohibit Allen’s defense from mentioning Brune during his trial because the effect “would certainly be more prejudicial than probative.” Yet, the Brune embezzlement allegation was attached to a DJP resolution package that the judge allowed the jury to see. The court also issued a subpoena for Dr. Daniel Quon, a Jackson oral surgeon, to appear and produce business records to show why Brune allegedly wrote him checks on DJP’s account in 2009. The motion attached copies of the checks to Quon totaling over $2,500. The Clarion-Ledger, which quashed a subpoena for reporter Jerry Mitchell to testify in the trial, has not reported on DJP’s allegations against Brune, its source on the initial story about Allen. Brune did attend most days of DA Smith’s trial, taking notes from the upper or lower galley. When a reporter asked her if the reason for her attendance was related to the criminal charges against Allen, she said she was simply “interested” and refused the opportunity to make further comment. Email city reporter Tim Summers Jr. at tim@jacksonfreepress.com and follow him on Twitter @tims_alive. Read more about DJP and Ben Allen’s trial at jfp.ms/djp.

ThE WoRlD’S LaRgEsT SnAkE

MDWFP’s Museum of Natural Science’s newest exhibit, Titanoboa, features a 17-foot replica and two vertebrae casts made from the original fossils of the world’s largest snake. Known as Titanoboa, the world’s largest snake slithered in at 48 feet long and weighed an estimated one-and-a-half tons. Titanoboa: Monster Snake is a collaboration of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, the Florida Museum of Natural History, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and the Smithsonian Channel.

February 8 - 14, 2017 • jfp.ms

OpEn NoW ThRoUgH ApRiL 23

TALK | city

Yarber, Garrett Address Contracting Dispute by Tim Summers Jr. and Donna Ladd

February 8 - 14, 2017 • jfp.ms

Fighting Over Sludge Hauling The scuffle over what is commonly known as the “sludge hauling” contract is key part of Coleman’s lawsuit, and caused a split between Yarber and Garrett, the mayor told the Jackson Free Press just days before Coleman’s lawsuit went public. Garrett wanted that contract for his company, working with Russellville, Ark.based Denali Water Solutions. (Out-ofstate companies often pair with local minority contractors to increase their chances at lucrative municipal contracts.) Yarber said then that Garrett’s proposal should have won, but politics derailed it. “Their proposal was the best proposal,” he said of Denali-Garrett. “So we put them in front of the council. It wasn’t that we shunned them or didn’t do, but it was the council that rejected that. It was plain and simple that it was rejected because he supported me. That’s all that was.” Yarber said rumors that he influenced the sludge-contract decision ultimately killed Garrett’s proposal. He said he did not allow Garrett or others to meet with the committee, and said he received backlash for that from the contractor’s team. In her lawsuit, Coleman paints a picture of a mayoral administration doing everything it can to get Garrett the contract. She served on the $15-million Bio-solids Disposal Evaluation Committee, the body 12 that deliberated over the bids.

“The scoring criteria was changed and scoring sheets were altered to justify awarding the contract to the Denali-Garrett Team, which included the Mayor’s campaign finance chairman (Garrett) although the competing proposal from SynagroFisher was more than $1,000,000 less and received a superior rating from the Evaluation Committee,” the complaint states. Coleman’s attorney is Wilson Carroll, who also represents Synagro-Fisher.

Neither Synagro-Fisher or DenaliGarrett ultimately won the contract. In an interview this week, Garrett blamed media coverage for the controversy that led to the council voting against the contract. “You guys have created an environment that portrays any individual or business person that supports a candidate is negative or wrong or illegal or immoral until I don’t know exactly how we as a community are supposed to operate,” he said. Imani Khayyam

ayor Tony Yarber and his administration recently became defendants in another sexualharassment lawsuit, this time saddled with charges of steering city contracts to campaign supporters. Former Equal Business Opportunity Manager Stephanie L. Coleman claims she was pushed out of her role in 2015 when she became aware she was “unwittingly” caught up in a pay-to-play scheme to steer contracts, including to Socrates Garrett, a well-known supporter of Yarber’s first mayoral campaign in 2014. Coleman filed a lawsuit against the City of Jackson, Yarber, and several unknown “John Does 1-3” on Feb. 2, alleging that she “has been subjected to sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and a sexuallyhostile work place” and “unlawfully retaliated against” for the pay-to-play scheme. Both Yarber and Garrett deny illegal steering, and have gone separate ways after public contract battles of the last two years.

Mayor Tony Yarber says he has taken a hands-off approach to the awarding of contracts in Jackson, a statement that a lawsuit disputes.

‘Nothing to Lose’ Coleman alleges that former City of Jackson Public Works Director Kishia Powell, consent-decree attorney Terry Williamson and consultant CDM Smith “made disparaging remarks about the Synagro-Fisher Team in order to discredit the strength of their proposal.” She accuses her superiors, including Powell, of altering scoring sheets on Denali-Garrett’s behalf during the selection process, which Powell denied to the Jackson Free Press last summer. “I don’t steer,” Powell said then. “I have specifically told our staff that our evaluations are to be our own, they are to be done based on the information in the RFP.” As a professional engineer, she has to adhere to ethics requirements, she said. “No one tells me how to evaluate and assess. And I expect my staff to do the same thing.” Coleman’s complaint alleges that Yarber told her to publicly state that she had altered the scoring sheets, “because she had nothing to lose” and that Powell could lose her engineering license if she altered the sheets herself. Coleman refused.

Reached after the lawsuit went public, Yarber declined to comment. But in January, he said it was vital for his administration to create distance between their donors and the contract-awarding process. “For me, wrongdoing isn’t simply steering contracts. For me, wrongdoing is creating a situation that could be taken advantage of by a contractor or putting my department heads in situations where they have to make political decisions that they shouldn’t have to make,” Yarber said. “So I never would allow Socrates or any others for that matter to have meetings with Kishia,” Yarber said of Powell.

Most viral stories at jfp.ms:

1. “Sen. McDaniel, Meet the Real ‘Liberal Women’” by Donna Ladd 2. “Woman Sues City of Jackson, Alleges Pay-to-Play Scheme, Sexual Harassment” by Tim Summers Jr. 3. “Protesting Trump’s Travel Ban With Prayer at Millsaps College” by Arielle Dreher 4. “‘Never in This Courtoom’: Allen Trial Twists, Turns with Accuser Absent” by Tim Summers Jr. 5. “Reforming Criminal Justice” by Arielle Dreher

‘I Don’t Know What to Do’ In the Jan. 20 interview, Yarber confirmed rumors that Garrett is not supporting his re-election campaign, indicating its due to ugly contracting controversies. “There are several people who will not be a part of my campaign who were a part of it last time because the competition scene did not work for them,” Yarber said. Yarber said contractors might not appreciate the hands-off approach he says he has taken to the contracting process. “I think that Socrates is a good man. I think that he has done well and shown that entrepreneurship with an African American man is not only possible but can also be extremely lucrative and put your family in a great situation,” Yarber said, adding that Garrett got other city contracts. “But as mayor, when this job is over, I go back to doing whatever is next for me, and I need to be able to do that without having to do it with any residue of wrongdoing.” Garrett, though, said that there is no ill will between him and the mayor. He said he does not know who to support in the upcoming election, citing the hard-learned fact that a contractor in Jackson invites criticism when donating to a candidate. “Is it that I cannot support a candidate if you are a contractor?” Garrett said. “You support them. You declare publicly that you support and then because you made the contribution, it’s negative or wrong. I don’t know what we are supposed to do. I don’t know what to do.” “If I wanted to support a candidate, is that going to hurt me and the candidate?” Garrett added. “It would be better to just not do anything.” Garrett said if steering happens, the minority contractors aren’t benefitting. “If the City of Jackson is steering contracts to minority firms, they are doing a real lousy job, because I don’t know any minority firms that have any contracts,” he said. Read more about this and other lawsuits against Jackson at jfp.ms/citylawsuits.

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Mississippians Deserve Therapeutic Alternatives

cupuncture, a traditional Chinese therapy that involves the insertion of thin needles through the skin at strategic points, is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world. Practitioners use it to treat various types of pain, such as back pain, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and migraines. It can help prevent hot flashes and sleep disturbances, alleviate joint pain and stiffness that aromatase inhibitor therapy (to stop the production of estrogen) causes in breast-cancer patients; and manage chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (damage to or a disease affecting peripheral nerves) and nausea. Obtaining acupuncture therapy in Mississippi is difficult due to state regulations. Patients must get a written referral or prescription; acupuncturists must practice under the supervision of the referring or prescribing physician; and a patient must live within 60 miles of the acupuncturist. The law isn’t predicated on public health or safety, and provides no justification for subjecting acupuncturists and patients to such over-reaching regulations. The Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure, which helps enforce state health laws and has taken no stance on acupuncture laws, licenses and regulates both doctors and acupuncturists. It makes no sense to keep the physician in the process to appease the Mississippi State Medical Association, a private special-interest group for physicians. Seven bills have attempted to remove these legal hurdles; all but one has died in the public-health subcommittees. This year, SB 2214 survived the Senate. It was amended to remove the physician referral clause only for acupuncturists who have been practicing for five years or more. This means that patients will need to identify acupuncturists who do not require a referral. However, acupuncturists with less than five years may lose clients, and others are less likely to practice in Mississippi. It also means that the Board of Medical Licensure will need additional staff to police this regulation. Many legislators may believe physicians know best, even though acupuncture is outside their scope of education and training. But I suspect some are protecting MSMA interests because physicians finance political campaigns. One of the opponents of SB 2214 is Sen. David Blount, D-Jackson, whose father is a physician and campaign donor. Blount has received an estimated $14,500 from physicians. Blount’s Hinds County district includes Fondren, which has Rainbow Co-op, a local retailer in alternative health care and organic food. Another opponent is Sam Mims, R-McComb, chairman of the House Public Health and Human Services Committee, and a marketing representative with a health-care company. Campaign-finance reports or receipts and disbursements show that he has received approximately $65,000 from physicians. Given the role that physicians play in his professional life, it is fair to question the influence the MSMA has on his stance on acupuncture. An article on MSMA’s website says “having Chairman Mims at the helm with an open door to his office has proven to be an asset to MSMA.” Dr. Lee Voulters, MSMA president, told Mississippi Public Broadcasting that removing a physician from the process “sets a dangerous precedent.” However, Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers have estimated that medical errors have caused more than 250,000 deaths per year over the last eight years in the U.S. Mississippians deserve therapeutic alternatives to recurring doctors’ visits, drugs and surgeries; they should not be denied easy access because of opposed special-interest groups. Getty Israel, who has a master’s degree in public health, is a health consultant and author. This column is not meant to be medical advice. 14 February 8 - 14, 2017 • jfp.ms

They should not be denied easy access.

Trump’s Travel Ban is Also a Mississippi Problem

f you think President Donald Trump’s executive orders on immigration and refugee programs had no consequences for Mississippians, think again. Families will have to wait to be reunited. and if the courts do not block all of Trump’s immigration order, the ban could directly affect the state’s refugee minor program. A few weeks ago, Trump cashed in on his hysterical campaign rhetoric about border walls and “threatening” immigrants by signing two executive orders that were immediately challenged nationally in courts in several states. Trump’s orders had real, immediate consequences until the judicial branch put it on hold, including stopping people in airports, and further lengthening visa processes for those seeking to be reunited with their families. One elderly woman died because she couldn’t get back to her doctor on time. Trump’s executive order on immigration, which includes the ban of seven predominantly Muslim countries, cites the 9/11 terrorist attacks more than once as a catalyst for the new administration’s anti-terror approach. The problem is that there is little factual evidence that such policies fend off the threat of foreign-born terrorism, let alone an actual viable threat in the first place. A recent Business Insider analysis of National Safety Council data estimates that the odds of death by terrorism as a whole, including foreign-born or homegrown terrorists, is one in 45,808. Americans have higher odds of dying bicycling, at the hands

of police, in an airplane accident or in a heat wave than dying from what we classify as “terror.” Former government counterterrorism officials spoke out against the ban and told The New York Times that it doesn’t make sense in terms of the U.S. involvement in countries overseas, like Iraq, and actually called the ban counterproductive to anti-terror efforts. So if the ban is meant to spread an irrational fear that politicians typically don’t fan—ever seen a bill to reduce unlikely death by bicycling or at the hands of police?— and if it’s counterproductive to preventing terrorism, what is the ban’s purpose or real goal? That’s a question that the American people, and yes, Mississippians, need to mull as we watch the courts unfold precedents over the 45th president’s attempt to control our republic’s borders. If a travel ban doesn’t enhance public safety, why do we need one in the first place? Government needs to be held accountable for its actions, and if irrational fear isn’t good enough a reason to support a policy, turn your attention to the Mississippians around you that such policies affect. Immigrant families are creating safety emergency plans in case of deportations. One family told a vigil crowd last week at Millsaps College of their two sons, both under age 15, stuck in Yemen waiting for visa interviews and trying to stay alive in the meantime in the war-torn country. These men and women and families are Mississippians, and it’s time to stand up for them and love our neighbors.

Email letters and opinion to letters@jacksonfreepress.com, fax to 601-510-9019 or mail to 125 South Congress St., Suite 1324, Jackson, Mississippi 39201. Include daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for length and clarity, as well as factchecked.

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The Jackson Free Press is the city’s awardwinning, locally owned newsweekly, reaching over 35,000 readers per week via more than 600 distribution locations in the Jackson metro area—and an average of over 35,000 visitors per week at www.jacksonfreepress.com. The Jackson Free Press is free for pick-up by readers; one copy per person, please. First-class subscriptions are available for $100 per year for postage and handling. The Jackson Free Press welcomes thoughtful opinions. The views expressed in this newspaper are not necessarily those of the publisher or management of Jackson Free Press Inc. © Copyright 2017 Jackson Free Press Inc. All Rights Reserved

nce again, a leading Mississippi McDaniel has said he does not believe in politician has managed to anger federal funding for education. and alienate women, attracting at- “The word ‘education’ is not in the tention to a state with a huge edu- Constitution,” McDaniel said in a speech cation crisis, for all the wrong reasons. in Jackson on his education policy, where Republican State Sen. Chris McDan- he noted that the federal government iel, who represents District 42 and opposes should play no role in education funding. federal funding for education, is facing Republican Rep. Tom Weathersby pushback for calling thousands of women has even introduced a bill that would make who marched in Washington, D.C., re- it unlawful to wear pants or shorts in a way cently “unhappy liberals.” “that exposes underwear or body parts in “If they can afford all those piercings, an indecent or vulgar manner.” tattoos, body paintings, Rather than spending signs, and plane tickets, time on inconsequential then why do they want us legislation and alienating to pay for their birth conwomen and children, they trol?” he wrote on his Facecould instead prioritize book page. finding ways to make their McDaniel’s post reconstituents’ lives better. ceived more than 30,000 In education, test comments. He offered no scores are always among apology, insisting: “I’m on the lowest in the U.S. Some the right side of history,’’ two-thirds of kindergartenand posting a photo of Sen. Chris McDaniel ers were unprepared for an ultrasound on his page school in 2014, the most with the caption: “Gender equality starts recently available data, while 38 percent of here. Let’s fight for her.” children under the age of 6 live in poverty. Mississippi often draws negative at- I know Mississippi can do better. In tention for its consistent ranking at the recent weeks, the state agreed to double bottom of education measures. Naturally, the number of times it inspects some of while McDaniel was taking aim at women its child-care centers, which will go a long in the state, emotions have been running way toward improving the care of its littlest high around education in the state and learners. nation. Betsy DeVos, the new secretary of Close to 3,000—or 8 percent—of all education, has faced criticism for her lack third-graders were retained for the 2015 of public-education credentials and her school year because they weren’t reading on pro-voucher, school choice agenda. grade level, data compiled by Mississippi In Mississippi, a recent school-choice KIDS COUNT, a resource for informarally drew huge support. Hundreds of tion the state’s children, show. students, parents and teachers held aloft There’s also a bill proposed for the “School Choice Now!” signs in honor of upcoming session that would require National School Choice Week, pushing for 5-year-old children in the state to attend options including more charter and mag- kindergarten, something required by only net schools, home schooling and vouch- 15 states and Washington, D.C. ers for private schools. At the same time, If he listens, McDaniel will hear more than 2,000 public-school teachers heartfelt pleas for better resources and opresponded to survey questions from the portunities for the children of Mississippi. state education department, complaining He might also want to take a close look at of overcrowding, crumbling buildings, the thousands of comments women have workplace stresses and a lack of money for posted on his Facebook page in response to supplies, among other things. his remarks. At The Hechinger Report, where Mississippi need only look toward we’ve spent more than five years examining Nebraska, where Republican State Sen. and reporting on education in Mississippi, Bill Kintner resigned his seat after pushit’s difficult to fathom why Republican back from women; they were enraged by politicians find ways around supporting his re-tweet of a conservative radio host’s public education. In 2015, Gov. Bryant post mocking women who marched opposed a ballot initiative that would have against Trump as too unattractive to be brought more long-sought-after resources sexually assaulted. to schools in a state that spends as much as This column originally appeared on 30 percent less per pupil than its neighbors. hechingerreport.org. File Photo

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Death by Broken Heart by Dr. Timothy Quinn

ebruary is the month of love, and we profess our commitment to our significant others in many forms during this time. We buy expensive gifts, write poems, cook dinners and perform many other traditional rituals. With all the anticipation of love, this month can also consist some of the greatest disappointments. Many issues come to light if some relationships are not going as expected. The question I ask is, do we really understand how dangerous breaking a heart can be? One of my patients was a 62year-old school teacher who went through a nasty breakup during Valentines Day after her boyfriend chose to spend the evening with his other girlfriend, whom the patient did not know about. Prior to the patient’s discharge from the hospital, I interviewed her when I was in medical school. This was a while ago, but I remember her case well. She arrived to the emergency room in an ambulance two nights prior

to discharge with chest pain and shortness of breath. In the emergency room, doctors ruled out a heart attack, but she was admitted for further tests to check for coronary artery disease. After extensive testing, doctors determined that she had an acute anxiety episode with resultant symptoms that resembled a heart attack. I remember my attending physician telling us that it was “all in her head.” Later in my training I learned of a medical diagnosis termed, Broken Heart Syndrome. This is a real medical condition that involves a person going through a traumatic event. This syndrome results from a surge of stress hormones that something emotionally stressful can cause. It could be the death of a loved one, a divorce, a breakup, a physical separation from a person, betrayal or a romantic rejection. It can even happen after a good shock such as winning the lottery. The person experiences symptoms

of someone having a heart attack, but does not have the characteristic heart-vessel blockage present in heart attacks; however, tests may show the ballooning and unusual movement of the lower left heart chamber (left ventricle). There is no standard treatment for this diagnosis, though it is similar to the treatment for a heart attack until the diagnosis is clear. Most people stay in the hospital while they recover. Doctors prescribe medications used to treat a heart attack to help reduce the workload on the heart, but the prescriptions usually taper off after discharge once the patient recovers. Most patients have a full recovery within a month, but may be kept on the medications for three to six months for precaution of having further attacks. The most important lesson for readers is to remember to not ignore chest pain, and not delay seeking emergency treatment. Until a full workup in the hospital has been done, it is not wise to assume it is “all in our heads.” By getting emergency treatment for any cardiac event, a life can potentially be saved. Even though most have a full recovery with the diagnosis of Broken Heart Syndrome, it’s possible that a person with this condition can suffer cardiac shock, which can be fatal. During this month of love, be kind and don’t break a heart. flickr/carbonnyc

flickr/Git

Mayan Chocolate Cupcakes Ingredients

Treats with a touch of spice are the perfect way to say “I love you” for Valentine’s Day.

February 8 - 14, 2017 • jfp.ms

Happiness in

Cupcake Form by Amber Helsel

reats are my personal favorite part of Valentine’s Day. It’s one of the only days of the year where it’s acceptable to eat tons of candy and chocolate. This year, I decided to spice up some easy-to-make cupcakes for the holiday.

1 box Devil’s Food cake mix + ingredients the directions indicate 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, ground 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon 24 parchment or foil cupcake liners 24 decorative cupcake liners

To frost cupcakes

1 tub cream-cheese frosting 1 tube white food coloring (it’s in the bakers’ aisle) Pink and/or red sanding sugar Valentine’s Day sprinkles Black and red gel icing

Directions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line two 12-count muffin pans with the parchment or foil cupcake liners (this keeps the batter from staining the decorative liners when baking). Combine the cake mix with ingredients the box designates into a medium-sized bowl. Mix on low to medium speed, or combine the ingredients by hand. Don’t overmix. Remember that lumps are OK. Add in the spices and mix with a spoon until they’re just combined. Fill the cupcake liners 1/4 to a little less than 1/2 of the way full. Bake them for 10-15 minutes. To tell if they’re done, stick a toothpick in the middle of one or two. If the pick comes out clean, the cupcakes are done. Let them cool. A good trick is to stick them in the fridge to help them cool quicker. You can also put them in the freezer, but don’t leave them in there for too long. Once they’re completely cool, frost them using an icing spatula or butter knife. I picked a cream-cheese frosting, but this is up to you. When you’re done frosting them, decorate the cupcakes with sprinkles and the gel icing. To make them more festive, write out phrases such as “Be Mine” or “XO.” Make sure you practice on another surface first, though.

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MEDITERRANEAN/GREEK

Our family of restaurants has everything you need to celebrate your love all weekend long. celeb

ondering what to do this Valentine’s Day? The Jackson Free Press has compiled a listing of restaurants and other businesses that can help out with your celebration is a lovely one. Anjou Restaurant (361 Township Ave., 601707-0587, anjourestaurant.com) Anjou will serve a special Valentine’s dinner featuring redfish with lump crab meat in a parsley butter sauce or a surf-and-turf option with a 6-ounce beef filet and redfish with crab cakes. Anjou will not take dinner reservations.

February 8 -14, 2017 • jfp.ms

The Strawberry Cafe (107 Depot Drive, Madison, 601-856-3822) Strawberry Café is offering a five-course dinner for $99 per couple, featuring one starter,

Saltine Oyster Bar (622 Duling Ave.) For Valentine’s Day, Saltine will have a Valentine’s Day Shell-abration. The full menu will be available, along with chef specials. The restaurant has limited reservations. Amerigo (6592 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland, 601-977-0563; 155 Market St., Flowood, 601-992-1550; amerigo.net) For its Valentine’s Day menu, Amerigo will have a pasta dinner for two. The regular menu will also be available along with chef specials such as panko-crusted blackfish with goat cheese and spinach polenta, and green beans with a lemon Worcestershire butter; and a blackened ribeye with Asiago-cheese and leek mashed potatoes, and asparagus with a sweet garlic shrimp sauce. Reservations for lunch are accepted, but dinner is walk-in only.

Eat, Love and

Get Local by Dustin Cardon

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BRAVO! Italian Restaurant & Bar (4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 244, 601-982-8111, bravobuzz.com) Over Valentine’s weekend, BRAVO! will serve a special three-course menu with a choice of two special cocktails. The menu will have dishes such as an oyster bisque with lemon-tarragon oil; a hand-cut ribeye with lobster hollandaise sauce, paddlefish caviar, Lyonnaise potatoes and braised Brussels sprouts; and a red velvet cheesecake.

upside-down cake. Taste Bistro and Desserts (5419 Highway 25 Suite L, Flowood, 769-235-6232) Taste Bistro and Desserts will be selling heart “conversation cakes,” with customizable icing messages for $12 each, as well as chocolatedipped strawberries.

Crazy Cat Eat Up (1491 Canton Mart Road, Suite 12, 601957-1441, crazycatbakers.com) For its Valentine’s Day menu, Crazy Cat’s menu will include an amuse bouche of black-eyed pea hummus; and appetizers such as a Gulf crab cake with remoulade and an apple-fennel salad, a butterChar Restaurant (4500 nut-squash bisque with counInterstate 55 N., Suite 142, 956try ham, nutmeg and chive oil, 9562, charrestaurant.com) and chicken-fried tuna with Char will have its regular a green-tomato chutney and menu available, in addition to Napa cabbage slaw. chef specials in celebration Entree options include of Valentine’s Day. At press Scottish salmon with golden time, the restaurant had not quinoa, baby bok choy and revealed its special menu. a soy-molasses glaze, and a pork Porterhouse with Table 100 (100 Ridge Way, This Valentine’s Day, celebrate with your loved one with special smoked tomato and brie grits, Flowood, 601-420-4202, table- holiday items from a local restaurant or eatery. bourbon and a mustard pan onehundred.com) sauce; and desserts such as Table 100 will have a a chocolate-mousse martini. three-course menu for $49 per Reservations are required, and the dinner is person. The menu will have dishes such as Gulf soup or salad each, two entrees and one dessert. oyster chowder; black Angus filet or pan-seared Individual courses will also be available, along bring-your-own-beer. It is $69 for four courses and is from 6 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 14. gulf snapper with crawfish etouffee, Delta Blue with wine pairings for $19 per person. rice jambalaya and sautéed shitake mushrooms Starters include a meat-and-cheese plate or CAET Wine Bar (3100 N. State St., Suite with spinach; strawberry tiramisu trifles for des- broiled oysters with parmesan cheese, garlic but102, 601-321-9169, caetwinebar.com) sert; and a choice of Ruffino prosecco or pinot ter and spinach, followed by a choice of Cham For Valentine’s Day, CAET Wine Bar will noir wine. pagne and lobster bisque or pomegranate salad. For the main course, customers can choose have a four-course menu for $65 per person 1908 Provisions (734 Fairview St., 601-948- between sautéed grouper with lump crab meat, with optional wine pairings for $50. The dishes 3429, fairviewinn.com) wilted spinach, gouda grits and bouillabaisse; or include oysters on the half shelf with a Champagne mignonette and crostini; cold roast duck 1908 Provisions will have a four-course meal a six-ounce steak filet with grilled shrimp with for $59 per person, with options for each course. red-wine demiglace and herb-roasted baby pota- with a dark red beet puree, goat cheese mouse, field greens and a maple raspberry vinaigrette; First-course options include a dish called Sweet toes and carrots. Dessert is peach cobbler with steamed mussels with chorizo, tomato, yellow Cheeks, which is braised pork cheeks with polen- vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. tomato parmesan broth and country bread; ta and Jezebel sauce; chipotle and chevre fritters; and redfish Anna with lump crab meat with thin or oysters on the half shell. The second course includes choices such as a smoked-tomato basil Sombra Mexican Kitchen (140 Township Ave., beans, garlic mashed potatoes and a charredtomato butter; and lemon cake with lavendarsalad with whipped ricotta. The main courses inSuite 100, Ridgeland, 601-707-7950; 111 Market honey ice cream. cludes a grilled lamb chop with a root-vegetable St., Flowood, 601-215-5445, sombramexicanpuree, wilted rainbow chard and honey-cider kitchen.com) glaze and the vegetarian quinoa cakes with wilt- Sombra will have a Valentine’s Day special of There are plenty of other great restaued spinach, mushrooms and cherry-tomato rafajitas for two. The regular menu will be available, rants in the Jackson area offering Valentine’s specials. Know of any we missed? Add more at gout. For desert, visitors can choose dishes such along with chef specials. The restaurants are takjfp.ms/valentinesday2017. as dark chocolate tarts or peaches-and-cream ing walk-ins only.

Treats for Your Sweetie by Amber Helsel La Brioche Patisserie (2906 N. State St., 601-988-2299, labriochems.com) For Valentine’s Day, La Brioche has treats such as a raspberry mocha, themed petits gateaux, striped cherry-flavored croissants, strawberry and vanilla marshmallows, macarons alfajores and more. Nandy’s Candy (1220 E. Northside Drive, 362-9553, nandyscandy.com) This year, Nandy’s will have Valentine’s Day treats such as chocolatedipped strawberries by the pound in milk, white or dark chocolate; edible chocolate baskets with a dozen chocolate strawberries; heart-shaped boxes filled with handmade assorted chocolates; boxes of chocolate pecans with caramel; assorted nut clusters; chocolate hearts and lips; chocolatedipped strawberries; cotton candy; chocolate-coated caramel apples drizzled in white chocolate; and more. Meme’s Brick Street Bakery (104 W. Leake St., Clinton, 601-278-0635) For Valentine’s Day, Meme’s will have chocolate-covered strawberries; petit fours; truffles; themed iced cookies; Valentine’s Day packages for one or two people; a Sweetheart package with a mini chocolate-chip or sugar-cookie cake, four personalized heart-shaped sugar cookies, four petit fours, four chocolate-covered strawberries or four heart-shaped Rice Krispies treats; and more. Broad Street Baking Company (4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 101, 601-3622900, broadstbakery.com) This year, Broad Street will have a chocolate-covered-strawberry king cake for two; decorated sugar cookies, chocolate-covered strawberries, and more. Campbell’s Bakery (3013 N. State St., 601-362-4628; 123 Jones St., Madison, 769-300-2790; campbellsbakery.ms) For Valentine’s Day, Campbell’s will have heart-shaped teacakes, heart petit fours and chocolatedipped strawberries by order only. Primos Café (515 Lake Harbour Drive, Ridgeland, 601-898-3600; 2323 Lakeland Drive, Suite A, Flowood, 601-9363398; primoscafe.com) For Valentine’s Day, Primos will have treats such as cakes, including strawberry and caramel ones, and fudge squares. Add more treats at jfp.ms/ valentinestreats2017.

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THURSDAY 2/9

FRIDAY 2/10

SATURDAY 2/11

Runaway June performs at Duling Hall.

The Mississippi Arbor Day Celebration is at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science.

Paint Nite is at Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano.

BEST BETS Feb. 8 - 15, 2017 Daniel Topete

WEDNESDAY 2/8

The 15th annual Mississippi Child Welfare Institute Conference is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Jackson Marriott Hotel (200 E. Amite St.). Features exhibitors and presentations from scholars in child welfare. Speakers include Kristi Plotner, Wanda Reives, Dean Anna McPhatter and Mildred Muhammad. $45 for students, $175 for professionals; call 601-979-8899; jsums.edu. Portland, Ore.-based singer-songwriter Esmé Patterson performs with Lucero on Thursday, Feb. 9, at Martin’s Restaurant & Bar.

THURSDAY 2/9

Chris Hawkins

HRC Connect Happy Hour is from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at The Iron Horse Grill (320 W. Pearl St.). Meet members of Human Rights Campaign staff, volunteers, representatives from Jackson-based LGBT groups, and members of the local LGBT and ally community. Free; call 601-398-0151; hrc.org. … Lucero performs at 8 p.m. at Martin’s Restaurant & Bar (214 S. State St.). The Memphis-based rock band performs. Esmé Patterson also performs. $20; call 601-354-9712; martinslounge.net.

read excerpts from her book, “Citizen.” Free; email pickawn@millsaps.edu; millsaps.edu. … Southern Avenue performs at 8 p.m. at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.). Waker also performs. $5 in advance, $10 at the door, $3 surcharge for under 21; call 877-987-6487; ardenland.net.

wine and cheese tastings, a wine class and live music from the 601 LIVE Band. Proceeds benefit the Cure Sickle Cell Foundation. $25; curesicklecell.org.

SATURDAY 2/11

Improv for Teens is from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at New Stage Theatre (1100 Carlisle St.). Resident Teaching Artist Chris Roebuck teaches students ways to grow as actors and improv artists as they create characters for improv scenes. The class culminates in a showcase for family and friends. For grades 7-12. $150; call 601-948-3533 ext. 232; email ksanders@newstagetheatre.com; newstagetheatre.com.

“Ignite the Night: London Calling” is from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Mississippi Children’s Museum (2145 Museum Blvd.). Includes posh cocktails, pints, British nibblers, by TYLER EDWARDS pub games, DJ Austin Powers and a silent auction. $100; call mschildrensmuseum.org. … “Legends jacksonfreepress.com of Southern Hip-Hop” is at Fax: 601-510-9019 8 p.m. at Thalia Mara Hall (255 Daily updates at E. Pascagoula St.). Mystikal, Juvejfpevents.com nile, 8 Ball & MJG, Trick Daddy, Bun B and Pastor Troy perform. $45-$75; call 601-960-1537; ticketmaster.com. February 8 - 14, 2017 • jfp.ms

events@

Mystikal performs for the “Legends of Southern Hip-Hop” concert on Saturday, Feb. 11.

FRIDAY 2/10

“Citizen: Reflections on the Humanities and Civic Life” is at noon at Millsaps College (1701 N. State St.). In the Recital Hall. 2016 McArthur Fellow and Frederick Ise22 man Professor of Poetry at Yale University Claudia Rankine

SUNDAY 2/12

“The Dance of the Princess and the Frog” is at 3 p.m. at Thalia Mara Hall (255 E. Pascagoula St.). The City of Jackson, the Department of Parks and Recreation Champion Dance Program and the Montage Theatre of Dance present the musical and dance performance based on the fairytale. $11, free for ages 3 and under; ticketmaster.com. … Cheese & Wine for Valentine’s is at 7 p.m. at the Cure Sickle Cell Foundation (234 E. Capitol St.). Features

MONDAY 2/13

TUESDAY 2/14

Disability Awareness Day is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mississippi State Capitol (400 High St.). People with disabilities, family members and advocates learn about current disability issues, network with others in the disability community and speak with lawmakers. Includes lunch with registration. Free; call 969-0601; msccd.org.

WEDNESDAY 2/15

Lee Brice performs for the Dixie National Rodeo Livestock Show and Rodeo at 7:30 p.m. at the Mississippi Coliseum (1207 Mississippi St.). The Tennessee-native country musician is known for hit songs such as “Love Like Crazy,” “Hard to Love” and “I Drive Your Truck.” The rodeo runs Feb. 9-15, concerts run Feb. 11-17, and livestock shows run through Feb. 19. $16-$25; mdac.ms.gov.

FOOD & DRINK

Jackson 2000 Luncheon Feb. 8, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at Mississippi Arts Center (201 E. Pascagoula St.). The annual member meeting includes discussions of plans for the upcoming year, including the 2017 marketing focus, the successes of 2016 and plans for 2017 dialogue circles and dialogue events. Open to the public. $12 per person, $10 members; jackson2000.org.

Sippin’ Saturday Feb. 11, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at Lucky Town Brewing Company (1710 N. Mill St.). The monthly event includes live music, food vendors, brewery tours and more. Free admission; luckytownbrewing.com.

Junior League Jumble Feb. 9, 7-10 p.m., Feb. 10, 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Feb. 11, 7 a.m.-noon, at Taylor Power Systems Inc. (415 Highway 49 S., Richland). Includes a reveal party on Thursday and a peek-and-purchase preview from 7 a.m. to noon on Friday. Benefits the Junior League of Jackson. $3 admission, $10 peek-and-purchase, $40 reveal party; juniorleaguejumble.com. Ignite the Night: London Calling Feb. 11, 7-11 p.m., at Mississippi Children’s Museum (2145 Museum Blvd.). Includes posh cocktails, pints, British nibblers, pub games, DJ Austin Powers and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit Mississippi Children’s Museum. $100; call 601-981-5469; mschildrensmuseum.org.

COMMUNITY Parents & Kids Special Needs Symposium Feb. 9, 6-9 p.m., at New Summit School (1417 Lelia Drive). Parents of special needs kids connect with support to navigate day-to-day challenges. Free, registration required; parents-kids.com. Back in the Day: A Celebration of Black History Feb. 9, 6 p.m., at New Hope Baptist Church (5202 Watkins Drive). Speakers include retired General Augustus L. Collins, Sebronette Barnes-Aborom and Carl B. Mack. The New Hope Youth Choir, the Jackson Metro Retired Community Choir, the Mississippi School for the Deaf Choir, Paul Porter and Cynthia Palmer perform. Free; newhope-baptist.org. Mississippi Arbor Day Celebration Feb. 10, 10 a.m., at Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (2148 Riverside Drive). Features displays and crafts focused on Mississippi trees and their past and present roles in our environment. $6 adult, $4 youth; call 601-576-6000; mdwfp.com. Dixie National Rodeo Feb. 11-17, 7:30 p.m., at Mississippi Coliseum (1207 Mississippi St.). The rodeo competition includes performances from artists such as Easton Corbin, Maddie & Tae, John Anderson, Joe Diffie, Frankie Ballard, .38 Special and Lee Brice perform. $16-$25; call 601-353-0603; mdac.ms.gov. 2017 Disability Awareness Day Feb. 14, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., at Mississippi State Capitol (400 High St.). People with disabilities, family members and advocates learn about current disability issues, network with others in the disability community and speak with lawmakers. Includes lunch with registration. Free; msccd.org.

KIDS Improv for Teens Feb. 13, 5:30-7 p.m., at New Stage Theatre (1100 Carlisle St.). Resident Teaching Artist Chris Roebuck teaches students ways to grow as actors and improv artists as they create characters for improv scenes. The class culminates in a showcase for family and friends. For grades 7-12. $150; newstagetheatre.com.

Cheese & Wine for Valentine’s Feb. 12, 7-10 p.m., at Cure Sickle Cell Foundation (234 E. Capitol St.). Features wine and cheese tastings, a wine class and live music from the 601 LIVE Band. $25; call 601-853-3402; curesicklecell.org.

SLATE

Events at Thalia Mara Hall (255 E. Pascagoula St.) • The Illusionists—Live From Broadway Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m. The magic show includes multiple illusionists performing acts such as levitation, disappearance and escape. $32-$72; call 855-985-4357; jacksonbroadway.com. • The Dance of the Princess and the Frog Feb. 12, 3 p.m. The Champion Dance Program and Montage Theatre of Dance present the musical and dance performance. $11, free for ages 3 and under; ticketmaster.com.

the best in sports over the next seven days by Bryan Flynn

Super Bowl LI looked like a rout but ended up turning into an instant classic. Viewers will certainly remember the game for a long time, but it might haunt Atlanta Falcons fans forever. Thursday, Feb. 9

College basketball (6-8 p.m., SECN+): The UM Rebels women try to climb the standings against LSU. … College basketball (8-10 p.m., SECN): The MSU women look to keep running through the SEC against Vanderbilt. Friday, Feb. 10

College softball (3-9 p.m., SECN+): MSU begins the 2017 softball season at home with a double header with Georgia State and then Stephen F. Austin. Saturday, Feb. 11

College basketball (5-7 p.m., SECN): The Rebels men try stay in the postseason hunt as they host Auburn. … College basketball (7-9 p.m., ESPN2): MSU’s men try to make a statement against No. 19 South Carolina. Sunday, Feb. 12

College basketball (3-5 p.m., SECN): Witness another in-state rival battle as the Rebels women host the MSU women in one of the final regularseason matchups.

SPORTS & WELLNESS If You Love Me, You’ll Get Tested Feb. 14, 10 a.m.-noon, at Hinds Behavioral Health Services (3450 Highway 80 W.). Features HIV and sexual-health discussions from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and free HIV screenings 10 a.m. to noon. Free; call 601-321-2400; hbhs9.com.

STAGE & SCREEN “Mind/Game: The Unquiet Journey of Chamique Holdsclaw” Film Screening Feb. 8, 6 p.m., at Millsaps College (1701 N. State St.). The film tells the story of basketball phenom Chamique Holdsclaw, from her rise to WNBA stardom to her struggle with mental illness, and the strength she called on to speak out about it. Free; call 974-1019; millsaps.edu.

Monday, Feb. 13

College basketball (8-10 p.m., ESPN2): Tune in for a top-five showdown in women’s basketball as No. 4 South Carolina looks to stop undefeated and top-ranked Connecticut. Tuesday, Feb. 14

College basketball (8-10 p.m., ESPNU): The MSU men look to down Georgia. … College basketball (8-10 p.m., SECN): The Rebels men look for a home win against LSU. Wednesday, Feb. 15

College basketball (8-10 p.m., ESPN2): Check out this top-25 showdown in men’s basketball between Duke and Virginia on a slow sports night. Now that football is over, basketball takes over the nation’s sports attention. College baseball and softball start this month and will help replace the loss of gridiron goodness. Follow Bryan Flynn at jfpsports.com, @jfpsports

Independent Black Film Collective Programming Meetup Feb. 9, 6:30-8 p.m., at Offbeat (151 Wesley Ave.). Filmmakers and enthusiasts meet to discuss the collective’s film and conversation series. Free; find it on Facebook. Events at New Stage Theatre (1100 Carlisle St.) • Story Theatre—Charlotte’s Web Feb. 11, 9-10:30 a.m. Resident Teaching Artist Chris Roebuck teaches students basic theatre techniques within the framework of “Charlotte’s Web,” culminating in a performance. For grades 1-3. $150; newstagetheatre.com. • Script from Scratch—The Potterverse! Feb. 11, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Resident Teaching Artist Chris Roebuck uses characters from the world of Harry Potter to teach brainstorming skills and improvisation, culminating in the creation of an original short play. For grades 4-6. $150; newstagetheatre.com.

CONCERTS & FESTIVALS Events at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.) • Runaway June Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m. The allfemale country group performs. Michigan Rattlers also performs. $20 in advance, $25 at the door; ardenland.net. • Southern Avenue Feb. 10, 8 p.m. The Memphis-based blues, soul and funk quintet performs. Waker also performs. $5 in advance, $10 at the door; ardenland.net. • Big Sandy & His-Fly Rite Boys Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m. The western-swing and country band performs. Barry Leach Trio also performs. $10 in advance, $14 at the door; ardenland.net. Events at Martin’s Restaurant & Bar (214 S. State St.) • Lucero Feb. 9, 8 p.m. The Memphis-based rock band performs. Esmé Patterson also performs. $20; call 354-9712; martinslounge.net. • Andrew Duhon Feb. 10, 10 p.m. The New Orleans songwriter performs. For ages 21 and up. Admission TBA; martinslounge.net. • Cedric Burnside Feb. 11, 10 p.m. The Grammy Award-nominated blues artist performs. Trenton Ayers also performs. For ages 21 and up. Admission TBA; martinslounge.net. Legends of Southern Hip-Hop Feb. 11, 8 p.m., at Thalia Mara Hall (255 E. Pascagoula St.). Mystikal, Juvenile, 8 Ball & MJG, Trick Daddy, Bun B and Pastor Troy perform. $45-$75; call 601-960-1537; ticketmaster.com.

LITERARY & SIGNINGS Events at Lemuria Books (Banner Hall, 4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 202) • “Desperation Road” Feb. 8, 5 p.m. Michael Farris Smith signs copies. Reading at 5:30 p.m. $26 book; lemuriabooks.com • “A Gentleman in Moscow” Feb. 9, 5 p.m. Amor Towles signs copies. Reading at 5:30 p.m. $27 book; lemuriabooks.com. “Citizen: Reflections on the Humanities and Civic Life” Feb. 10, noon, at Millsaps College (1701 N. State St.). In the Recital Hall. 2016 McArthur Fellow and Frederick Iseman Professor of Poetry at Yale University Claudia Rankine read excerpts from her book. Free; millsaps.edu.

CREATIVE CLASSES Paint Nite at Biaggi’s Feb. 11, 1-3 p.m., at Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano (970 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland). Local artist Meredith Gonzalez leads the class. All supplies provided, drinks available for purchase. $45; call 703-727-0929; email meredith.gf@gmail.com; paintnite.com.

EXHIBIT OPENINGS Art Lovers’ Soiree Feb. 9, 5-8 p.m., at Fischer Galleries (736 S. President St.). The pop-up art exhibit features works from Mississippi artists such as Jerrod Partridge, Megan Hitt and Jaime Erin Johnson. Free; find it on Facebook. Check jfpevents.com for updates and more listings, or to add your own events online. You can also email event details to events@jacksonfreepress.com to be added to the calendar. The deadline is noon the Wednesday prior to the week of publication.

February 8 - 14, 2017 • jfp.ms

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DIVERSIONS | books

Writing ‘Desperation’ by Micah Smith

LUISA PORTER / CATFISH ALLEY

Columbus, Miss.-based author Michael Farris Smith signs copies of his latest novel, “Desperation Road,” on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at Lemuria Books.

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any great books start from a small idea. Columbus, Miss., author Michael Farris Smith’s latest novel began with a single image: a woman and her child walking down the side of the road on a hot day, everything that they own in tow. “I just couldn’t get that picture out of my mind,” Smith says. “I think it’s something you see—not necessarily a woman and child, but anytime I see someone just alone on the side of the road walking, I just wonder. I began following (the characters) to see why they were there, what they were doing and what kind of danger they’d be in.” That image became the inspiration for his new thriller, “Desperation Road” (Lee Boudreaux Books, 2017, $26). Set in Mississippi, the novel follows ex-convict Russell Gaines, a woman named Maben and her daughter, Annalee, all of whose lives become intertwined after a chance encounter—though it’s tough to say much about the plot without spoiling the many twists that Smith subjects his characters to. The book has received plenty of praise for its winding tension, even before its Feb. 7 release, with a Gold Dagger Award nomination from the Crime Writers’ Association, and inclusion on Barnes & Nobles’ Discover Great New Writers list for the spring, the Indie Next List for February and Amazon’s “Best Books of the Month.” “I’m helped in the process by the fact that I get bored easily,” Smith says with a laugh. “If I feel like I’m getting bored, I make something happen. I’m also of the opinion that I don’t want my characters to have one problem. I want them to have several things they’re dealing with because that’s how it is in life. I mean, none of us have just one thing that’s bothering us.” While he says that he agrees with peo-

ple who refer to the novel as dark or noir, he also sees “Desperation Road” as a story of courage, redemption and love for humanity. Even for those who wouldn’t normally read a thriller or crime novel, Smith says the book is a worthwhile read for those interested in his home state. “You know, it’s a Mississippi novel,” Smith says. “I’ve had a couple people say to me already, ‘If I wanted someone to know what Mississippi was like, this is the book I would tell them to read.’ So I guess it doesn’t matter what genre you’re into. If you’re looking for a Mississippi novel, crack it open.” “Desperation Road” is the follow-up to Smith’s first novel, “Rivers” (Simon & Schuster, 2013, $25), which also received an Indie Next List selection, appeared on several national lists of 2013’s best books, and earned Smith the 2014 Mississippi Author Award for Fiction. The novel was also covered and reviewed in major publications such as The New York Times, The Paris Review and The Washington Post. With that type of attention on his work, one might expect Smith to be somewhat nervous at the anticipation for “Desperation Road,” but he says that he felt more comfortable with the writing process now after his experience on “Rivers” and his debut novella, “Hands of Strangers” (Main Street Rag Publishing Company, 2011, $9.95). It’s just about going into his workspace each day and writing the best story that he can—and living up to a high standard that you’ve already set for yourself is a pretty great problem to have, he says. Michael Farris Smith signs copies of “Desperation Road” at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 8, at Lemuria Books (Banner Hall, 4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 202). For more information, visit michaelfarrissmith.com.

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DIVERSIONS | music

From Mississippi Blues to Grammy Gold By Brinda Fuller Willis 2/9

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hen the 59th annual Grammy Awards air Sunday, Feb. 12, Mississippians will have more reason to watch than just the performances and celebrities at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. This year, three prominent bluesmen from our state, Bobby Rush, Vasti Jackson and Luther Dickinson, are nominated for the Best Traditional Blues Album. Rush, 83, is a Jackson-based blues icon celebrating his fourth Grammy nod, this time for his latest offering, “Porcupine Meat,” released in September 2016. Jackson, 57, is a McComb-native blues guitarist and vocalist, receiving his first individual Grammy

courtesy Vasti Jackson

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nomination for his sixth album, “The Soul of Jimmie Rodgers,” released in May 2016; he also played guitar and served as the musical director on “Porcupine Meat.” Dickinson, 44, is a Tennessee-born blues guitarist who grew up in north Mississippi, also known for his work with the North Mississippi Allstars and The Black Crowes. He is nominated for his solo double-album, “Blues & Ballads: A Folksinger’s Songbook, Vol. I & II,” released in February 2016. The Jackson Free Press spoke with the Mississippi musicians to learn more about their Grammy-nominated albums. Tune into the 59th annual Grammy Awards at 7 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 12, on CBS.

Jackson: “I am surprised by the nomination. ‘The Soul of Jimmie Rodgers’ is a labor born out of love and the spiritual immersion into a music that I interpreted via first person, with African influences that Rodgers encountered due to his intimate cultural exchanges with African Americans early on from a second-person perspective. These songs resonated with me because I let my cultural life experiences bring forth the interpretations. “The blues comes out of the messages of truths that are revealed to a man at different stages in his life. Thus, each artist will deliver

that message to the world in very different ways, i.e. Rodgers yodeled his truths, and I put the beat of the African drums and the nuances of jazz into mine. This CD chronicles my life, with the memories of train whistles that I heard because we lived near the tracks and to the point of where I am now, still moving on my life path. In May 2016, I did the play, ‘Jimmie Rodgers: America’s Blue Yodeler,’ and it brought me closer to my culture as a Mississippian that is experienced by every man, woman or child born of the loamy soil—a man, his voice and his guitar.”

Dickinson: “Music has always been a part of my life, starting with my parents. Mom played piano at the Poplar Avenue Baptist Church (in Memphis, Tenn.), and Dad played guitar and piano, so it was easy for me to learn to play music. But when I heard the blues, I was hooked, and I couldn’t leave it alone. About 12 years old, all I remember is hearing the blues of Junior Kimbrough and R.L. Burnside, and it infected me—that’s all I know. “It’s something that gets down in your soul because it’s the life we experience put into songs that tell the stories of what we go through in this life. That’s why it will never go away. Every

generation has the blues in their lives, and that’s why guys like Mr. Sipp, (Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram), Jamell Richardson, Homemade Jamz (Blues Band) and Jarekus Singleton are giving blues their modern touch—not trying to sound like the old-school masters, but tell their stories with the same passion and grit that is ingrained in the souls of blues people. “I’m honored and humbled to be nominated for a Grammy, but I really feel Bobby Rush should win it because he is a master, legend and purveyor of this blues music. Bobby has lived his blues; it’s obvious when you hear him play the (harmonica) or sing his blues.”

Rush: “I am humbled to just be in the race at this time in my career. It’s another step on the ladder of my blues journey that I’ve been on for so long, I never thought I’d be here as a black man, who has crossed over on both sides of the street. People from all walks of life now understand that the blues comes into everybody’s life, and this blues music is used to celebrate good and get you through bad times. “How blessed is a man be to be recognized for the work that he has done? I’m thankful to all of my fans who have stuck with me over the years and for their votes. I feel real good that God

has blessed me to be on fire at 83 years old and still relevant in the game. I think at least six of the songs on the ‘Porcupine Meat’ CD could stand on (their) own as a hit single, and that’s a good feeling to have— especially with all of the work that goes into producing even one song that you feel could be hit out of 10 or 12 songs on a CD. I’d love to bring home the prize, but if I don’t, I feel like a winner just by being nominated among the best in the business, especially among the likes of my fellow Mississippi man, Vasti Jackson.”

Music listings are due noon Monday to be included in print and online listings: music@jacksonfreepress.com.

Alumni House - Doug Bishop 5:30-7:30 p.m. Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Fitzgerald’s - Sonny Brooks & Chris Houchin 7:30 p.m. Hal & Mal’s - New Bourbon Street Jazz (rest.) Kathryn’s - Gator Trio 6:30 p.m. free Pelican Cove - Open Mic w/ Stace Shucker’s - Sofa Kings 7:30 p.m. free

FEB. 9 - THURSDAY Burgers & Blues - Johnnie B. & Ireta Sanders 6 p.m. Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Duling Hall - Runaway June w/ Michigan Rattlers 7:30 p.m. $10 advance $15 door F. Jones Corner - Blues Challenge w/ Dexter Allen 10 p.m. Fitzgerald’s - Hunter Gibson 7:30 p.m. Georgia Blue, Flowood - Jason Turner Georgia Blue, Madison - Chad Wesley Hal & Mal’s - D’Lo Trio (rest.) free Kathryn’s - Bill & Temperance 6:30 p.m. free Martin’s - Lucero w/ Esme Patterson 8 p.m. $20 advance $25 door MS Coliseum - Tyler Farr 7:30 p.m. $20-$35 Pelican Cove - Andy Tanas 6 p.m. Shucker’s - Road Hogs 7:30 p.m. free Soulshine, Flowood - Daniel & George 7 p.m. Sylvia’s - Thursday Night Live feat. The Blues Man & Sunshine McGhee 9 p.m. free

FEB. 10 - FRIDAY Burgers & Blues - Robin, Kern & Denise 6 p.m. Cerami’s - Linda Blackwell & James Bailey 6:30 p.m. free Char - Ronnie Brown 6 p.m. Duling Hall - Southern Avenue w/ Waker 8 p.m. $5 advance $10 door F. Jones Corner - The Blues Man 10 p.m. $1; Sherman Lee Dillon midnight $10 Fitzgerald’s - Ronnie McGee, Roberto Moreira & TJ Hall 7:30 p.m. Georgia Blue, Flowood - Shaun Patterson Georgia Blue, Madison - Brian Jones Hal & Mal’s - Barry Leach (rest.) free; Burt Byler & the Bearded Souls Release Party 8 p.m. $8 Hops & Habanas, Fondren Stonewalls 7 p.m.

Iron Horse Grill - Sherman Lee Dillon 9 p.m. Kathryn’s - Sole Shakers 7 p.m. Liquid Light Cafe - Mac Music & Poetry 9 p.m. Martin’s - Andrew Duhon 10 p.m. McB’s - Fannin Landin’ 8 p.m. free MS Coliseum - Chris Janson 7:30 p.m. $20-$35 Pelican Cove - Stace & Cassie 6 p.m. Reed Pierce’s, Byram - Chasin’ Dixie 9 p.m. free Shucker’s - Acoustic Crossroads 5:30 p.m. free; Hunter & the Gators 8 p.m. $5; Chad Perry 10 p.m. free Soulshine, Ridgeland - Andy Tanas 7 p.m. WonderLust - DJ Taboo 8 p.m.2 a.m.

FEB. 11 - SATURDAY Burgers & Blues - Acoustic Crossroads 6 p.m. F. Jones Corner - Big Money Mel & Small Change Wayne 10 p.m. $1; Sherman Lee Dillon midnight $10 Fenian’s - Jason Daniels w/ John Teal 10 p.m.

Southern Avenue Fondren Corner - Alexis & the Samurai w/ Cody Cox 7 p.m. Georgia Blue, Flowood - Brian Jones Georgia Blue, Madison - Jason Turner Hal & Mal’s - Sunday Drivers (rest.) free The Hideaway - My Funny Valentine Comedy Show feat. Kita, Big Moe Dixon, Toya Free & Merc B. 9 p.m. $15 advance $20 door; Jason Miller Band 10 p.m. Iron Horse Grill - King Edwards Blues 9 p.m. Kathryn’s - Jay & the Roundup Band 7 p.m. free Martin’s - Cedric Burnside w/ Trenton Ayers 10 p.m. MS Coliseum - Mark Chesnutt 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. $20-$35 Ole Tavern - Eddie Cotton Jr. 9 p.m. Pelican Cove - Chris Gill 6 p.m. Shucker’s - The Axe-identals 3:30 p.m. free; Hunter & the Gators 8 p.m. $5; Todd Smith 10 p.m. free Soulshine, Flowood - Elle Carpenter 7 p.m.

Soulshine, Ridgeland - Brian Smith 7 p.m. Thalia Mara Hall - Scarface, 8Ball & MJG, Bun B, Mystikal, Trick Daddy & Juvenile 8-11 p.m. $35-$75 WonderLust - Drag Performance & Dance Party feat. DJ Taboo 8 p.m.-3 a.m. free before 10 p.m.

FEB. 12 - SUNDAY Anjou - David Keary 11:30 a.m. Char - Big Easy Three 11 a.m.; Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Kathryn’s - Owens Brothers 6 p.m. free MS Coliseum - Diamond Rio 3 p.m. $20-$35 Pelican Cove - Andrew Pates 11 a.m.; Rockin’ the Keys 4 p.m. Shucker’s - Acoustic Crossroads 3:30 p.m. free Table 100 - Jazz Brunch feat. Raphael Semmes Trio 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wellington’s - Andy Hardwick 11 a.m.

FEB. 13 - MONDAY Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Fitzgerald’s - Johnny Crocker 7:30 p.m. Hal & Mal’s - Central MS Blues Society (rest) 7 p.m. Kathryn’s - Stevie Cain 6:30 p.m. free MS Coliseum - Michael Ray 7:30 p.m. $20-$35

FEB. 14 - TUESDAY Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. CS’s - David Dondero 8-11 p.m. Duling Hall - Big Sandy & His FlyRite Boys w/ Barry Leach Trio 7:30 p.m. $10 advance $14 door Fenian’s - Open Mic Fitzgerald’s - Doug Hurd & Chris Link 7:30 p.m. Hal & Mal’s - Mike & the Moonpies (rest.) free Kathryn’s - Andrew Pates 6:30 p.m. free MS Coliseum - Granger Smith 7:30 p.m. $20-$35 MS Museum of Art - James Martin & John Paul 5:45 p.m. free

FEB. 15 - WEDNESDAY Alumni House - Acoustic Crossroads 5:30-7:30 p.m. Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m. Fitzgerald’s - Skip Macdonald & Mike Mathis 7:30 p.m. Kathryn’s - Larry Brewer & Doug Hurd 6:30 p.m. free MS Coliseum - Dustin Lynch 7:30 p.m. $20-$35 Pelican Cove - Open Mic w/ Stace Shucker’s - Silverado 7:30 p.m.

2/10 - Elephante - The Lyric, Oxford 2/11 - R. Kelly - Mississippi Coast Coliseum, Biloxi 2/13 - Dashboard Confessional w/ This Wild Life - House of Blues, New Orleans 2/14 - Keke Wyatt - Iron City, Birmingham

COMING UP

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WEDNESDAY 2/8

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Thursday, February 9

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THURSDAY 2/9

D’LO TRIO

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FRIDAY 2/10

BARRY LEACH

michigan rattlers

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Friday, February 10

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SATURDAY 2/11

SUNDAY DRIVERS

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waker

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Tuesday, February 14

MONDAY 2/13 CENTRAL MS BLUES SOCIETY PRESENTS:

BLUE MONDAY

Restaurant - 7 - 10pm $3 Members $5 Non-Members _________________________

TUESDAY 2/14

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UPCOMING _________________________ 2/17 Captain Midnight Band _________________________ OFFICIAL

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BIG SANDY & HIS FLY-RITE BOYS the barry leach trio

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Sunday, February 19

ISAIAH RASHAD

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February 8 - 14, 2017 • jfp.ms

FEB. 8 - WEDNESDAY

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MUSIC | live

Last Week’s Answers

BY MATT JONES

39 “Nature ___ a vacuum” 41 Put under a spell 44 “Star Trek: TNG” counselor Deanna 45 South African playwright Fugard 46 Potential Snapchat debut of 2017 48 Track on a compilation album, maybe 52 “___ More” (Backstreet Boys song) 53 Broadcast 55 Chronicler of Don Juan 56 Exploiting, in England 57 Orange Free State colonizers 58 Cheapen 59 Chimichanga ingredient 60 Protectors of the orbs?

fermentation tanks 31 Ride, perhaps 35 Tropics definer 36 2016 NBC family drama full of surprise moments 40 Original host of “This Old House” 42 What some ribbons denote 43 Spanish Formula One racer Fernando 44 “I Want ___!” (1958 Susan Hayward film)

47 “Freek-A-Leek” rapper ___ Pablo 49 Basketball Hall-of-Famer Thomas 50 Al ___ (pasta request) 51 Neatens a lawn 54 Transportation to Tel Aviv ©2016 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@ jonesincrosswords.com)

For answers to this puzzle, call: 1-900-226-2800, 99 cents per minute. Must be 18+. Or to bill to your credit card, call: 1-800 655-6548. Reference puzzle #810.

Down

“Make It Work”—a freestyle puzzle full of style. Across

1 Divisions of “The Hunger Games” series 10 One-named R&B singer with the hit “1, 2 Step” 15 Unaware 16 Historic account 17 1990 Warrant hit that was overplayed on MTV, but banned by Canada’s MuchMusic 18 Urban Dictionary fodder 19 Need to unwind 20 So last week 21 Strong quality

22 Home to part of Lake Tahoe, for short 23 Essence from rose petals 24 “Guarding ___” (1994 Nicolas Cage movie) 26 Nearby 28 Put the ___ on (squelch) 31 Bezos or Buffett, e.g. 32 Enjoy Mt. Hood, say 33 Eerie sign 34 Phone setting 36 Accessories often gifted in June 37 Bait shop purchase 38 1958-61 polit. alliance

1 Obiter ___ 2 “___ Life: The John Lennon Story” (2000 TV biopic) 3 Mushroom features 4 Like some cranes 5 Bumps an R down to a PG-13, perhaps 6 Peaceful poem 7 Barnyard fowls 8 Troika 9 More questionable, maybe 10 1980s defense secretary Weinberger 11 Tardy 12 Phish lead vocalist Trey 13 Rifle-man? 14 Suspected Soviet spy of the McCarthy era 25 Title sheep in a wordless Aardman movie 27 Fenway star Garciaparra 28 Bulgogi or galbi, e.g. 29 “Can’t fool me!” 30 Source for wood used in Budweiser

BY MATT JONES Last Week’s Answers

“Greater-Than Sudoku”

For this ‘Greater-Than Sudoku,’ I’m not giving you ANY numbers to start off with! Adjoining squares in the grid’s 3x3 boxes have a greater-than sign (>) telling you which of the two numbers in those squares is larger. Fill in every square with a number from 1-9 using the greater-than signs as a guide. When you’re done, as in a normal Sudoku, every row, column and 3x3 box will contain the numbers 1-9 exactly one time. (Solving hint: try to look for the 1s and 9s in each box first, then move on to the 2s and 8s, and so on). psychosudoku@hotmail.com

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AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):

The time is now, Brave Aquarius. Be audacious about improving the big little things in your life. (Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a typo. I did indeed use the term â&#x20AC;&#x153;big little things.â&#x20AC;?) For example: Seek out or demand more engaging responsibilities. Bring your penetrating questions to sphinx-like authorities. Go in search of more useful riddles. Redesign the daily rhythm to better meet your unique needs. Refuse â&#x20AC;&#x153;necessaryâ&#x20AC;? boredom thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not truly necessary. Trust what actually works, not whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s merely attractive. Does all that seem too bold and brazen for you to pull off? I assure you that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not. You have more clout than you imagine. You also have a growing faith in your own power to make subtle fundamental shifts. (Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a typo. I did indeed use the term â&#x20AC;&#x153;subtle fundamental shifts.â&#x20AC;?) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Love does not at ďŹ rst mean merging, surrendering, and uniting with another person,â&#x20AC;? wrote the poet Rilke, â&#x20AC;&#x153;for what would a union be of two people who are unclariďŹ ed, unďŹ nished, and still incoherent?â&#x20AC;? Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an excellent meditation for you to entertain during the Valentine season, Pisces. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in the right frame of mind to think about how you could change and educate yourself so as to get the most out of your intimate alliances. Love â&#x20AC;&#x153;is a high inducement for the individual to ripen,â&#x20AC;? Rilke said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;to become something, to become a world for the sake of another person.â&#x20AC;? (Thanks to Stephen Mitchell for much of this translation.)

ARIES (March 21-April 19):

Your reputation is in a state of fermentation. Will this process ultimately produce the metaphorical equivalent of ďŹ ne wine, or else something more like pungent cheese? The answer to that question will depend on how much integrity you express as you wield your clout. Be as charismatic as you dare, yes, but always in service to the greater good rather than to self-aggrandizement. You can accomplish wonders if you are saucy and classy, but youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll spawn blunders if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re saucy and bossy.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20):

Using a blend of warfare and diplomacy, Napoleon extended French control over much of Western Europe. In 1804, he decided to formalize his growing sovereignty with a coronation ceremony. He departed from tradition, however. For many centuries, French kings had been crowned by the Pope. But on this occasion, Napoleon took the imperial crown from Pope Pius VII and placed it on his own head. Historian David J. Markham writes that he â&#x20AC;&#x153;was simply symbolizing that he was becoming emperor based on his own merits and the will of the people, not because of some religious consecration.â&#x20AC;? According to my reading of the astrological omens, Taurus, you have the right to perform a comparable gesture. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait for some authority to crown you. Crown yourself.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20):

Have you heard the fable about the four blind men who come upon an elephant for the ďŹ rst time? The ďŹ rst man feels the tail and declares that the thing theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve encountered must be a rope. The second touches one of the elephantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legs and says that they are in the presence of a tree. The third strokes the trunk and assumes itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a snake. Putting his hand on a tusk, the fourth man asserts that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a spear. I predict that this fable will NOT apply to you in the coming weeks, Gemini. You wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t focus on just one aspect of the whole and think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the whole. Other people in your sphere may get fooled by shortsightedness, but you will see the big picture.

CANCER (June 21-July 22):

For now, at least, your brain is your primary erogenous zone. I suspect it will be generating some of your sexiest thoughts ever. To be clear, not all of these erupting streams of bliss will directly involve the sweet, snaky mysteries of wrapping your physical body around anotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Some of the erotic pleasure will come in the form of epiphanies that awaken sleeping parts of your soul. Others might arrive as revelations that chase away monthsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; worth of confusion. Still others could be creative breakthroughs that liberate you from a form of bondage youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve wrongly accepted as necessary.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22):

Human beings upload 300 hours of videos to YouTube every minute of every day. Among that swirling ďŹ&#x201A;ow is a

hefty amount of footage devoted exclusively to the amusing behavior of cats. Researchers estimate there are now more than two million clips of feline shenanigans. Despite the stiff competition, I suspect thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a much better chance than usual that your cat video will go viral if you upload it in the coming weeks. Why? In general, you Leos now have a sixth sense about how to get noticed. You know what you need to do to express yourself conďŹ dently and attract attentionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;not just in regards to your cats, but anything thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):

I know you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t literally been wrestling and wrangling with a sweaty angel. But if I were going to tell a fairy tale about your life lately, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be tempted to say this: Your rumble with the sweaty angel is not ďŹ nished. In fact, the best and holiest part is still to come. But right now you have cosmic permission to take a short break and rest a while. During the lull, ratchet up your determination to learn all you can from your friendly â&#x20AC;&#x153;struggle.â&#x20AC;? Try to ďŹ gure out what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been missing about the true nature of the sweaty angel. Vow to become a stronger advocate for yourself and a more rigorous revealer of the wild truth.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):

Even if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not an occult wizard or pagan priestess, I suspect you now have the power to conjure benevolent love spells. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a caveat, however: They will only work if you cast them on yourself. Flinging them at other people would backďŹ re. But if you do accept that limitation, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to invoke a big dose of romantic mojo from both your lower depths and your higher self. Inspiration will be abundantly available as you work to reinvigorate your approach to intimacy and togetherness.

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SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s some advice from Scorpio writer Norman Rush: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The main effort of arranging your life should be to progressively reduce the amount of time required to decently maintain yourself so that you can have all the time you want for reading.â&#x20AC;? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s understandable that a language specialist like Rush would make the ďŹ nal word of the previous sentence â&#x20AC;&#x153;reading.â&#x20AC;? But you might choose a different word. And I invite you to do just that. The coming weeks will be an excellent time to devotedly carve out more time to do The Most Important Thing in Your Life.

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

Sixteenth-century Italian painter Titian was renowned for his brilliant use of color. He was also proliďŹ c, versatile and inďŹ&#x201A;uential. In 2011, one of his paintings sold for $16.9 million. But one of his contemporaries, the incomparable Michelangelo, said that Titian could have been an even greater artist if he had ever mastered the art of drawing. It seems that Titian skipped a step in his early development. Is there any way that your path resembles Titianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Sagittarius? Did you neglect to cultivate a basic skill that has subtly (or not so subtly) handicapped your growth ever since? If so, the coming weeks and months will be an excellent time to ďŹ x the glitch.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):

Our obsessive use of digital devices has diminished our power to focus. According to a study by Microsoft, the average human attention span has shrunk to eight secondsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;one second less than that of a typical goldďŹ sh. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m guessing, though, that you Capricorns will buck this trend in the coming weeks. Your ability to concentrate may be exceptional even by pre-Internet standards. I hope youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll take opportunity of this fortunate anomaly to get a lot of important work and play done.

Homework: Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get back to where you once belonged. Go forward to where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to belong in the future. Testify at Freewillastrology.com.

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PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20):

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4800 N Hwy 55 #35, Jackson, (601)665-4642 With over 20 years experience Beckham Jewelry, manufactures, repairs and services all types of jewelry. Many repairs can be done the same day! They also offer full-service watch and clock repair.

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633 Duling Ave, Jackson, (769)216-2323 Quality wines and spirits in a relaxed environment. Voted Best Wine and Liquor store by Jackson Free Press readers.

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Maywood Mart, 1220 E Northside Dr #380, Jackson, (601)362-9553 Small batch confections do more than satisfy a sweet tooth, they foster fond traditions and strong relationships. Plus, enjoy sno-balls, gifts for any occasion and more!

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Maywood Mart, 1220 E Northside Dr #320, Jackson, (601)366-5676 McDade’s Wine and Spirits offers Northeast Jackson’s largest showroom of fine wine and spirits. Visit to learn about the latest offerings and get professional tips from the friendly staff!

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-------------------- TOURISM/ARTS ----------------------Mississippi Museum of Art

380 South Lamar St. Jackson, (601) 960-1515 MMA strives to be a fountainhead attracting people from all walks to discuss the issues and glories of the past and present, while continuing to inspire progress in the future.

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2906 North State St. Suite 207, Jackson, (601) 292-7121 Jackson’s premiere music promoter with concerts around the Metro including at Duling Hall in Fondren. www.ardenland.net

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2145 Museum Boulevard, Jackson, (601) 981-5469 The Mississippi Children’s Museum provides unparalleled experiences that ignite a thirst for discovery, knowledge and learning in all children through hands-on and engaging exhibits and programs focusing on literacy, the arts, science, health and nutrition.

---------------- BEAUTY SHOP/SALON ------------------Barnette’s Highland Bluff

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