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Shen Yun in JXN

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JACKSONIAN Chris Myers Stephen Wilson

A

rchitect Chris Myers, who is a principal at the Cooke Douglass Farr Lemons architectural firm, has worked on a number of major projects in Jackson. But one of the most recent and significant, he says, was his work on the recently opened Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and Museum of Mississippi History, which CDFL designed with Eley Guild Hardy Architects and Dale Partners Architects.

“Working on the Two Museums these last three years has been the highlight of my career,” Myers says. “It’s been so fulfilling to work on something that represents such a big moment for our state, and my wife, Rachel, being hired as the museum’s director last year made it even more special.”

Myers, 39, grew up in Batesville, Miss., and attended South Panola High School. He graduated from Mississippi State University with a bachelor’s degree in architecture in 2001. The last year of his architecture program took place in Jackson, which is what he says led to him move to the city and taking a job as an intern architect with CDFL after graduating.

He became one of nine principals, or part owners, of the firm in spring 2017.

Besides the city’s high concentration of architecture firms, Myers decided to stay here for another reason: “... [W]hat really

got me after being here was the art and creative scene in Jackson. I met so many artistic people doing so many things here, and I felt an energy I’d never experienced before that made me feel like this was the place I needed to be,” the Fondren resident says.

In 2005 he began volunteering with the annual Crossroads Film Festival, helping coordinate events, and also helped both the event and local artists with art direction and film selection. Myers served as co-director of the Crossroads Film Festival with Nina Parikh from 2011 to 2012.

Myers met his wife, Rachel Jarman Myers, in 2008 at a Shelby Sifers concert at the now-closed 121 Studios in midtown. In 2009, the couple moved to Dallas, Texas. The couple returned to Jackson in 2010 and later married in 2012. They have a 2-and-a-half-yearold son, Eli.

Myers said that the most important thing Jackson residents can do to improve their community is to be willing to take matters into their own hands whenever they can. “If you see a problem in your city, it’s your job to make things happen,” Myers says. “If you see an organization that needs help, use your talents to help and make your city a better place.”

—Dustin Cardon

contents 6 ............................ Talks 12 ................... editorial 13 ...................... opinion 14 ............ Cover Story 17 .................. Wellness 20 ........... food & Drink 22 ......................... 8 Days 23 ........................ Events 23 ....................... sports 24 ............................ Arts 25 ........ music listings 26 ...................... Puzzles 27 ......................... astro 27 ............... Classifieds

8 The End of a Debtor Prison?

The Corinth Municipal Court released any men or women incarcerated for failing to pay fines, fees or restitution before Christmas, due to a joint agreement with the Southern Poverty Law Center and the MacArthur Justice Center.

20 Pasta Connoisseur

“It’s a really beautiful thing when you have fresh pasta, and being able to share that with people was important for me.”

24 Chinese History Through Dance Read about “Shen Yun” before the dancers perform at Thalia Mara Hall on Jan. 11.

January 10 - 16, 2018 • jfp.ms

4 ............ Editor’s Note

courtesy Shen Yun; Paul Wolf / Find it in fondren; Zeakky File Photo

January 10 - 16, 2018 | Vol. 16 No. 19

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editor’s note

by Amber Helsel, Managing Editor

#TIMESUP for Sexual Harassment

R

ecently, I had a self-care moment and went shopping for new clothes.

I bought more clothes than I ever have at one time. Thanks to that trip, I now have a sequin jacket that everyone, including me, loves, a jacket with a dragon and flowers on the back, some nice skirts and pants, a couple of sequined and beaded skirts, and some new boots.

Among my new wardrobe is a long black skirt with a floral pattern and tulle-ish material underneath to make it flair. In my daily life, I don’t normally dress super nice.

I may wear a nice shirt, a pair of pants and a nice pair of shoes, but I rarely dress up more than that, except for special occasions.

One day last December, I decided that I wanted to wear that skirt to work, so I paired it with a nice black boat-neck top with cap sleeves. It felt weird to be wearing that, but it was a good kind of weird. I knew I’d probably get some attention, and let’s be honest—I kind of wanted people to notice my effort. For most of the day, I got some stares, and a lot of people told me I looked nice, but nothing particularly crazy happened. That is, until that afternoon, when a disturbing reaction made me briefly consider not wearing that skirt again.

I stopped at a gas station on my way back from gathering items for a gift guide, and a man held the door open for me. I heard him say something under his breath.

Thinking nothing of it, I smiled politely and went about my business. I encountered him again while leaving the gas station. Again, he held the door open and said something fairly inaudible. As I turned to look at him while walking away, I saw him making kissy faces at me. In that moment, I felt so uncomfortable, and I wished briefly that I had chosen to wear something else.

Something more conservative than I was already wearing, or at least less eye-catching.

My clothing, including my shoes, was mostly black that day. I tend to wear a lot of black clothing. It’s not really a statement against bright colors (in fact, I love bright colors, hence the flowers on the skirt), or a way to hide my weight or myself. I just like the color and think I look best in it.

During my shopping trip, I had a realization: Fashion is powerful. It’s one of those

time, though, it wasn’t just because of my affinity for the color black. It was also because Golden Globe attendees wore it to stand in solidarity with the victims of sexual harassment. And, oh, man, those dresses.

Dakota Johnson’s was my favorite.

#MeToo seemed to dominate most of that night, including a lot of the speeches.

While I and many others found most of Seth Meyers’ opening speech to be tonedeaf, he did say one thing that sticks out to

Maybe we won’t have to use a hashtag to make people believe us. things in life that can make someone feel really good or really bad about themselves.

Think about it: Buying those clothes made me feel amazing, and one of the popular questions some people tend to ask when dealing with cases of rape and sexual assault is, “What was she wearing?” People can use the power of fashion against you, especially in cases of sexual assault. Back when Tumblr was my social-media platform of choice, I followed a blog called “But What Was She Wearing” that documents street harassment (stopthecatcall.tumblr.com).

But fashion is even more powerful when it’s used for good. I don’t watch awards shows, so suffice it to say, I didn’t watch the Golden Globes on Sunday, Jan. 8. But in the social-media posts I saw, I was very excited to see all the black. This

me: “There’s a new era under way, and I can tell because it’s been years since a white man has been nervous in Hollywood.”

I think he’s right about this being a new era. A lot of women are stepping forward and finally saying, “Enough is enough,” and #TIMESUP.

Most women have had their own #MeToo moments, whether or not we want to admit it. Not every single moment is the worst thing that ever happened to us, but all the small moments add up to something larger. And when added up, small micro-aggressions can do a lot of psychological damage to a person. Trust me on this one.

The women who wore black at the Golden Globes and called men out are right. It’s time we stopped being OK with gender inequality and sexual harassment,

and those micro-aggressions toward women. I hope we stop asking the question, “What was she wearing?” and instead ask, “Why did he rape her? And how do we stop it from happening?”

During Oprah’s Golden Globes speech, she said, “I’ve interviewed and portrayed people who’ve withstood some of the ugliest things life can throw at you, but the one quality all of them seem to share is an ability to maintain hope for a brighter morning, even during our darkest nights.

So I want all the girls watching here, now, to know that a new day is on the horizon!

And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight, and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say ‘Me too’ again.”

I was taught from a young age to stand up for my beliefs, to stand up for myself as a woman, to work my ass off so no one has to take care of me, to follow my own path. I grew up believing in my value as a woman, and I think that’s one of the things that gave me the confidence to follow my career path so far, and to do things like buy a house.

I hope Oprah’s prediction happens.

And you know what? I hope Seth Meyers is right when he said that we’re in a new era.

Maybe one day I can wear my flowery skirt without getting sexually harassed. And just maybe we won’t have to use a hashtag to make people believe us.

Managing Editor Amber Helsel is a Gemini, feminist, writer and artist. She loves travelling, hoarding art supplies and more. Email story ideas to amber@ jacksonfreepress.com.

January 10 - 16, 2018 • jfp.ms

contributors

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Donna Ladd

Timothy Quinn

Ko Bragg

Arielle Dreher

Dustin Cardon

Andrea Wright Dilworth

Stephen Wilson

Meghan Garner

JFP Editor, CEO and co-founder Donna Ladd is a graduate of Mississippi State and the Columbia j-school. With Dak out of the playoffs, she is now back rooting for the Saints to win it all. She wrote “Most Intriguing” blurbs.

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 wellness package.

City Reporter Ko Bragg is a Philadelphia, Miss., transplant who recently completed her master’s in journalism. She loves traveling and has been to 25 countries to date. She wrote about Housing and Urban Development debt.

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 legislative news.

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 wrote the Jacksonian story about Chris Myers.

Andrea Wright Dilworth is a journalism professor with at least five novels floating around in her head, waiting to be set free. She lives in Jackson with her husband and three children. She wrote about Shen Yun.

Staff Photographer Stephen Wilson is always on the scene, bringing you views from the six. He took photos for the issue.

Digital Marketing Strategist Meghan Garner avoids crowds and is most often spotted hiding behind a dry martini. She works to help local businesses thrive through JFP’s website building, content marketing, SEO and digital creative services.

AFTER H 3

RS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 18TH

3 mix it up

5:30 - 8:30 PM cash bar 6 - 7:30 PM program and concert Until 8:30 PM galleries open late

3

This month, the Center for Art & Public Exchange takes over Museum After Hours with Re:frame, a new, experimental programming format that brings together combinations of art, music, and a diversity of voices to facilitate public dialogue about issues of contemporary significance. Re:frame is designed encourage audiences to confront complex and weighty topics in ways that are empowering and memorable.

3

The program is inspired by the photographs of Kim Rushing, who documented inmates at the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman and their correspondence made inside prison walls. Participants will explore the intersections of humanity and the land at Mississippi’s infamous farm prison.

Re:frame relies on public participation. Sharing is brave.

We give prizes. Parental guidance is suggested.

3

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January 10 - 16, 2018 • jfp.ms

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5

@jxnfreepress

@jacksonfreepress

@jxnfreepress

Thursday, January 4

Mississippi House members take a training course against sexual harassment, and Senate President Pro Tempore Terry Burton issues a memo saying the Rules Committee is requiring all Senate employees to also take an anti-harassment course. … Rep. Gregg Harper, chairman of the Mississippi House Administration Committee, announces that he will not seek re-election this year.

Friday, January 5

Mississippi House Speaker Philip Gunn names Republican Richard Bennett as House Education chairman.

Saturday, January 6

Donald Trump tweets defending his mental fitness and boasting that he is “like, really smart” and “a very stable genius” following the release of Michael Wolff’s book “Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House,” which portrays Trump as an incompetent leader who does not understand the weight of his office, causing a Twitter uproar.

January 10 - 16, 2018 • jfp.ms

Sunday, January 7

Oprah Winfrey receives the Cecil B. DeMille lifetime achievement award at the Golden Globes, becoming the first black woman to win the award, and delivers a speech about civil rights and the #MeToo movement, declaring that the reign of abusive men is coming to an end. “Their time is up!” she warned.

6

Monday, January 8

The U.S. Supreme Court announces it will not consider an appeal of the anti-LGBT House Bill 1523.

Tuesday, January 9

Representatives from EdChoice and the Heritage Foundation discuss school choice and vouchers with the Senate Education Committee.

Get breaking news at jfpdaily.com.

House Speaker Philip Gunn jumps ahead on transportation legislation p 10

Fixing the $7 Million HUD Debt

by Ko Bragg

A

$7-million debt to the Department of Housing and Urban Development caused contention at the first Jackson City Council meeting of the new year, bringing recurring HUD headaches back to the forefront.

Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba sought permission from the council to execute a contract for a Chicago-based firm to conduct a market feasibility analysis of the city’s downtown central business district. The study satisfies renegotiated terms for the City to repay its $7-million debt to HUD.

The council’s deliberation underscored a desperate and seemingly unanimous desire to not only put Jackson first, but also to develop the capital city beyond downtown and Ward 7, which covers Belhaven and parts of Fondren.

‘Baptized in the Fire’

In 2008, the City entered an agreement with HUD to receive a loan up to $10 million to develop two hotels, parking facilities, office space and a mixeduse residential/retail component next to the then-new Jackson Convention Complex. The City drew $7 million, and principal payments on the loan were set to begin this August to HUD.

However, through a “workout plan” between the City and HUD, the City is now required to conduct a feasibility and market analysis of the downtown area,

Stephen Wilson

Wednesday, January 3

The Mississippi House Transportation Committee, House Ways and Means Committee and House Appropriations Committee meet and pass five transportation-funding related bills.

“Every city has got those neighborhoods ... where the pipes have gotten so old that they’re more like peanut brittle than they are like cast iron.”

— Bob Miller, the city public works director, on Jackson’s water main breaks.

After almost an hour of deliberation, the Jackson City Council voted to conduct a market feasibility analysis of the city’s downtown central business district to satisfy re-negotiated terms with the City’s $7-million debt to HUD.

develop a concept plan, hire a private developer, and construct the selected project by April 2022. “Once the project is completed, the City will continue repaying the loan by using revenue generated from rents and increased tax collections from the developed project,” Director of Planning and Development Mukesh Kumar wrote in the workout plan.

The mayor alluded to a rocky relationship between HUD and the City that Ward 4 Councilman De’Keither

Intriguing Ways to Get Fit

by JFP Staff

G

etting fit and losing weight are among the most common new year’s resolutions. But face it: Exercise is only fun when you’re doing it. Getting your body to move is the hard part; however, it doesn’t have to be hard if you have something interesting to do. Here are some intriguing ways to get fit this year.

Play tag with the statues in downtown Jackson. Run through downtown, touch each statue you find, and shout “You’re it!”

Stamps refers to as being “baptized in the fire.” The mayor believes that through talks last year, HUD left pleased enough with Kumar to enter this workout plan.

In November 2017, the City put out two request-for-proposals for that study and received four in early December. Kumar said he and a review committee selected Chicago-based Hunden Strategic Partners as its first choice.

Kumar said the committee liked the Hunden plan’s clarity. Hunden

Run to the capitol, give it the bird and then haul butt the other way. It’ll get you in a lot less trouble than slapping a legislator. We don’t recommend that. Really.

Do stretches on the railing at the pedestrian bridge in midtown. You’ll also get a workout from going up that spiral.

Do 20 crunches every time Donald Trump says something absurd on Twitter. It may not sound like a lot, but those sets will add up fast. You’ll be ripped in no time.

When you benchpress, pretend you’re benchpressing your enemies. It works.

“The bottom line is these individuals are coming back into society, and we want them to become productive members of society, get a job, become taxpayers.”

“So what we’re doing here sounds good and looks good, and puts lipstick on a pig, so to speak, and we’re the pigs.”

— Rep. Andy Gipson, R-Braxton, on the importance of reviving the criminal-justice reform bill that the governor vetoed.

— Rep. Robert Johnson, D-Natchez, on the transportation legislation the House Transportation Committee passed last week.

The Council’s Qualms

The proposed market study item barely made it onto the floor at the Jan. 3 meeting. No one initially seconded it for it even to be discussed, so it died

until the mayor petitioned the council to revisit it. Council members had concerns about paying a contractor from Chicago, as well as supporting more downtown development instead of projects in south or west Jackson.

“What are they going to tell us about

of conducting the study.

Ward 6 Councilman Aaron Banks voted against the study and consistently opposes any project that hires companies outside Jackson. He also expressed concern with the fact that this would only help downtown. “It’s problematic for

We majored in convention-center building; we still have convention-center loans.

Jackson that we don’t already know?”

Ward 1 Councilman Ashby Foote asked early in the meeting. He voted against the item because he believes business schools in Jackson could enjoy the opportunity to do the market analysis and also because nobody was there from Hunden Strategic Partners to speak on the company’s behalf.

Ward 7 Councilwoman Virgi Lindsay suggested tabling the item so they could find a local provider, but she also said the council should “pause and do this right and find out what we need to do (downtown) and stop throwing money at it.” Lindsay voted in support

me to keep supporting things just to be downtown and feasibility stuff downtown, when we’ve asked for consideration of doing a study in south and west Jackson,” Banks said.

The Ward 6 representative wanted to know if those areas could be included in this market study, but Kumar said it would not be possible, although he too wants to see development in “historically forgotten” areas of Jackson, as the mayor characterized them, he said.

Kumar told the council that in his 13 years as a Jackson resident, he has never seen a feasibility study done for the downtown area, meaning this one would

be long overdue so that they could make decisions based on facts.

“So it’s really important that we do understand what is happening in our downtown,” Kumar said. “It is good for us to have a study that is publicly available and everyone can make better decisions with it.”

The mayor “cautioned” the council against using this particular item as a springboard for other issues because the City has to fix its relationship with HUD so it can continue to receive money in the future—and HUD wants an effective study of downtown.

Ward 2 Councilman Melvin Priester Jr. offered a student-debt analogy that brought the debate full circle and encouraged some laughs.

“I majored in social studies, I’ve got $40,000 worth of student-loan debt still,” Priester said. “I sure wish I could go back and major in computer science, but I majored in social studies, and I still have those student loans.

“We majored in convention-center building; we still have convention-center loans.”

Comment on this story at jfp.ms/city.

Email story ideas to city reporter Ko Bragg at ko@ jacksonfreepress.com

Jackson Repairs ‘Peanut Brittle’ Pipes

by Ko Bragg Stephen Wilson

J

ackson has suffered a staggering 119 watermain breaks in the last week, but Director of Public Works Bob Miller assures citizens that the number of new breaks has fallen off, as pressures return to normal in some areas.

In a statement Tuesday, the City said it anticipates that the system-wide advisory may be lifted by late Thursday. However, the emergency will continue in areas currently experiencing low or no pressure.

The City declared a state of emergency to bring in additional crews to supplement the workload. On Tuesday, the City

Jackson Public Works Director Bob Miller says many of the capital city’s pipes break like peanut brittle rather than cast iron.

added an additional contractor crew, bringing the total to three city crews and eight contractor crews working 12-hour shifts to repair the breaks.

As of Tuesday’s update, the City had completed 62 repairs, with 20 others underway, leaving 37 confirmed breaks that have not yet been assigned, but should be by Wednesday.

Only one city crew worked over the weekend because, as Miller pointed out, many of those employees work two jobs to support their families.

Contracted crews continued to work throughout the weekend, however.

Jackson Public Schools closed Monday and Tuesday. Monday night JPS said 70 percent of schools still had low or no water pressure,

though they have seen some slight improvement. Little or no water pressure affects their ability to heat the schools.

Jackson State University and Millsaps College cancelled on-campus classes this week, the Associated Press reported.

The City said in a statement that several of the new breaks are adjacent to repairs that crews recently completed on aging pipes.

“Every city has got those neighborhoods—and this is parts of Fondren and parts of Belhaven, where the pipes have gotten so old that they’re more like peanut brittle than they are

like cast iron,” Miller told the Jackson Free Press.

Citizens have reported 10 unconfirmed leaks via 311.

Miller said the mayor’s executive staff stepped in to man the call center and water distribution centers. Despite the emergency situation, Miller said Jacksonians’ kindness throughout the ordeal has stunned him.

“Emergencies don’t define people, they kind of expose people,” Miller said. “The thing that I did not know before I moved here is, frankly, how nice the people in Jackson are… We’re not getting a sense of panic from folks; they just want to understand.”

Email city reporter Ko Bragg at ko@jacksonfreepress.com.

January 10 - 16, 2018 • jfp.ms

would help the City host public “kickoff” meetings with the Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce and other entities for people to voice concerns and desires about the downtown area.

Documents show that the City would pay up to $72,000 to Hunden Strategic Partners from Community Development Block Grant funds. To meet the CDBG’s funding requirements, the City promises to benefit low to moderate income persons through job creation, the workout plan reads.

Before the year ends, the City must conduct the market analysis, develop the concept plan of a project, and select a master developer. The mayor pointed out that if the council voted against this item, the city would have to repay the debt anyway, perhaps without getting much out of it.

“If we don’t do this agreement, we’re faced with having to pay the piper with HUD,” Lumumba said. “Which we may be faced with doing anyway, but at the sacrifice of our development ideas.”

7

TALK | state

Dismantling the Last Debtors’ Prisons

by Arielle Dreher

C

January 10 - 16, 2018 • jfp.ms

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Home for Christmas

The City of Corinth and attorneys representing the plaintiffs came to a joint interim agreement three days before Christmas Eve. The agreement says that the Alcorn County Correctional Facility, where Corinth Municipal Court sends men and women to be incarcerated, would release all people who are jailed for the failure to pay fines and fees before Christmas. Brown and Howell were released on Dec. 6, the day after SPLC and MacArthur attorneys filed the lawsuit.

The municipal court cannot incarcerate any more individuals who are not able to pay their fees, and under the agreement, it must offer a payment program to those with outstanding fines and fees or allow them to perform community service instead of sitting in jail.

The agreement also says the Corinth Municipal Court will not arrest any person who has an outstanding warrant. The joint interim agreement lasts for two months.

The court has stayed proceedings in the case, and the parties are discussing the possibility of a settlement agreement instead

of further litigation. The interim agreement does not mean that the Corinth Municipal Court or Judge Ross have admitted liability in the case, however.

Howell, one of the lead plaintiffs in the case, sat in jail for about a month, and without the lawsuit would have missed Christmas, New Year’s Day and several of his kids’ birthdays. Corinth police officers pulled Howell over for not having a taillight, then arrested him for having no driver’s license or insurance. Howell was at Walmart buy-

asking why a person did not pay the fees or fines.

“(We had) decided to file a lawsuit about it, but we sat down and talked to the Department of Public Safety and the attorney general’s office, and that led to a very positive conversation that resulted in them making changes in policy,” Brooke told the Jackson Free Press.

All other reasons that DPS can suspend licenses, from non-compliance with a child-support order to multiple DUIs Zeakky/File illustration

orinth police officers arrested Sammy Brown on Dec. 1, 2017, and charged him with public drunkenness. Brown sat in jail for several days because he could not afford the $600 bond the Corinth Municipal Court required. Brown does not have a job; in fact, his only source of income is his disability checks he has received since he was a kid.

The Southern Poverty Law Center and the MacArthur Justice Center filed a class-action lawsuit to get Brown and fellow inmate Brian Keith Howell out from behind bars. They sued the Corinth Municipal Court and Municipal Court Judge John Ross for operating a “debtors’ prison” that violates the state’s new rules of criminal procedure, the complaint says.

Jail officials and Judge Ross told both men that they had to pay the court fees or else sit in jail until they could, even as the fee would build each day they were there, the complaint says.

The Corinth Municipal Court forces those charged with crimes (even before they receive a hearing) to pay their bond fees or else sit in jail at a rate of $25 per day until they pay the fine in full, the complaint filed in federal court on Dec. 5 says.

Other Corinth residents with fines have also received notices that say, “100 Today or Jail,” the complaint shows.

The Corinth Municipal Court and attorneys with the Southern Poverty Law Center and the MacArthur Justice Center came to an agreement right before Christmas to release men and women from jail who were serving time because they cannot afford their fines or fees.

ing bread and peanut butter for his family, the lawsuit says.

A week later, Howell pleaded guilty to the three traffic tickets, and Judge Ross assessed his fees at more than $1,000. Howell, who does not have steady employment, was in a terrible motorcycle accident two years ago. His leg had to be amputated, and he was in the process of applying for disability insurance when he was arrested.

Howell could not afford his tickets, so he had to sit in jail and would still be there without the joint agreement.

Changing Licensing Rules

The State of Mississippi will stop suspending Mississippians’ driver licenses due to the nonpayment of fines and fees this year. Sam Brooke, the deputy legal director of SPLC, said when a person fails to pay court fines or fees in Mississippi the court sends a note to the Department of Public Safety and then DPS suspends a person’s license. There is no process in place for

or reckless-driving charges will remain in place. DPS hired staff to restore the licenses affected by the new rule change, however, and letters will go out early this year. There are approximately 100,000 drivers whose licenses are suspended in part or in whole because they could not afford their fees, Brooke said. The reinstatement does not relieve Mississippians of their obligation to pay back the fees, however.

Mississippians with suspended licenses due to unpaid court fines or fees can expect one of three letters. Some will have their licenses reinstated outright. Others will be

Most viral stories at jfp.ms:

1. “Top Jackson, Hinds Officials Fight Charges, Settle Lawsuits for Harassment, More” by Ko Bragg 2. “Constance Hare Shelby” by Rebecca Hester 3. “Medicaid, Education, Gang Debates Loom in 2018” by Arielle Dreher 4. “‘Winter Wonderland’ Ice Skating Coming to Jackson Dec. 22” by Ko Bragg 5. “Victims’ Family Speak to Man Sentenced for 2013 Triple Homicide” by Ko Bragg

reinstated, but if their license is expired, they will have to go in to get a new one.

DPS will waive the $100 reinstatement fee for those drivers whose licenses are expired under the new rule. Others, whose licenses are suspended for multiple reasons, will still have to clear the other charges before their licenses are reinstated.

“The process of discontinuing suspension of licenses due solely to the nonpayment of fines, fees or assessments will remain in place until future significant developments occur,” DPS Commissioner Marshall Fisher said in a press release announcing the rule change.

Reform This Session?

Both Brown and Howell might have avoided jail if Gov. Phil Bryant had not vetoed bipartisan criminal-justice reform legislation in 2017. House Bill 1033 would have made incarceration not automatic following the nonpayment of a fine, restitution or court costs.

House Judiciary B Committee Chairman Andy Gipson, R-Braxton, has already revived the bill, which Bryant vetoed due to the measure that would have allowed certain habitual offenders early release.

Gipson changed that part of the bill and brought it to his committee early on Friday, Jan. 5. The committee passed House Bill 387, which will become effective on passage, if it makes it out of the Legislature and clears the governor’s scrutiny.

“The bottom line is these individuals are coming back into society, and we want them to become productive members of society, get a job, become taxpayers, and it’s important for them to be able to take care of their families,” Gipson said.

The bill will force courts to consider a person’s financial ability to pay fines or court costs before throwing them in jail as well as allow parole earlier for certain nonviolent offenders.

House Bill 387 also creates the Sentencing Disparity Taskforce.

Email state reporter Arielle Dreher at arielle@jacksonfreepress.com.

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Legislature: Week 1

Crises in the Capital: Infrastructure, Crime Lab, Not Enough Money to Cover Needs

by Arielle Dreher

I

January 10 - 16, 2018 • jfp.ms

said. Wiggins pointed out that this also means victim’s families are waiting months or years to know the cause of death of their loved one.

Howell requested about $11 million for the crime lab this year, but the Joint Legislative Budget Committee has recommended a cut to the agency in the upcoming fiscal year instead, proposing an $8.6 million budget instead of the little over $9 million budget the lab received this year.

“We want you to remember that; we want you to preach that,” Snowden said.

The State’s projected budget outlook is slim, and the majority of agencies are looking at budget cuts again in the coming fiscal year, as Republicans designed. The Taxpayer Pay Raise Act will divert more than $33 million from the general fund in

House Bill 359, was heavily debated in the House Transportation Committee.

The legislation would create a moratorium on any new construction projects, essentially stopping the Mississippi Department of Transportation from starting construction on any projects for which it has not purchased the right-of-way.

The group had to wait 20 minutes for the 100-page bill to be printed, and then Transportation Chairman Rep. Charles Busby, RPascagoula, and Vice ChairSupporting Tax Cuts? man Rep. Steve Massengill,

On Thursday, Jan. 4, R-Hickory Flat, asked the the Mississippi Economic committee to support the Council held its annual measure. Busby said he was “Capital Day” event to not expecting the meeting outline priorities. The state and was also not wearing a chamber of commerce’s top tie. He let Massengill take two legislative priorities are the lead in the meeting. infrastructure and work Members of the comforce development. mittee were concerned

“If we can’t get the right about the bill, and they workforce, our businesses made several amendments. will die, so it’s a survival sort

“If there was a desire of position,” William Yates, to build new roads, they CEO of Yates Construction (MDOT) don’t have the House Speaker Philip Gunn, R-Clinton, pushed a package of transportation funding bills through committees and onto the and the chairman of MEC, money to do it,” Rep. RobHouse floor in the first week of the 2018 legislative session. said. “We have to figure out ert Johnson, D-Natchez, how to be innovative.” said. “So what we’re do Top Republican lawing here sounds good and makers asked MEC to support them in the fiscal-year 2019. That number will nearly looks good, and puts lipstick on a pig, so upcoming session on not only their infra- triple in 2020 and grow to $416 million to speak, and we’re the pigs. So it makes us structure funding initiatives but also on an annually in a decade. Lawmakers will have look good, but as a matter of fact, we don’t to make difficult budget choices with less have any money to build roads—it’s a red education formula funding re-write.

House Speaker Pro Tempore Greg revenue this session as a result, and even the herring.”

Snowden, R-Meridian, also asked MEC to governor acknowledged that last week.

Even Chairman Busby agreed, saying drum up support for the tax cuts lawmak- “The challenges that the Mississippi that all five of the measures the committees ers have taken since 2012.

Legislature has now are large,” Gov. Phil passed on Wednesday do not fix Missis “(I want to talk about this) accusation, Bryant told business leaders after discussing sippi’s infrastructure problem. if you will, that Republicans are bankrupt- the Division of Medicaid’s budget deficit “Is it going to fix our roads and bridging this state because of the corporate tax and public education funding. es? Is it going to provide additional funding cuts, corporate giveaways to cronies and fat for our roads and bridges that is desperately cats, and that sort of thing,” Snowden told Infrastructure Crisis needed? It’s not,” Busby told reporters afDespite questions of the legislation’s ter the meeting. “But does that mean that Mississippi business leaders at the Capitol last week. “And I want to remind you that actual impact, the House passed three of this is the only swing at the ball that we’re MEC was very much engaged on these is- five transportation-funding bills in the going to get? Absolutely not. The session is sues and properly so. We didn’t do this be- first week of the session. The legislation brand new; we’ve got lots of things in the cause MEC asked us to; we did it because included one bill to set aside 50 percent of hopper.” general-fund revenue that exceeds 2 percent we’re convinced that it’s good policy.”

By press time, two of the five transpor MEC supported the Legislature’s big- growth for the state’s roads and bridges. tation bills had passed to the Senate.

Another bill would enable the state gest efforts to re-write state tax policy to benefit businesses, including the Taxpayer and localities to issue bonds to help fund Comment at jfp.ms/state. Email tips Pay Raise Act, passed in 2016 only after infrastructure in cities, counties and state- to state reporter Arielle Dreher at arielle@ Republicans had a supermajority in the wide. The third of the three bills that jacksonfreepress.com and follow her on Twitter survived its first vote on the House floor, @arielle_amara for #msleg updates. statehouse.

Stephen Wilson

t’s hard to prosecute someone for a violent crime if you do not know how the victim died. The Mississippi Legislature is grappling over that question in the new session; the Mississippi crime lab is in crisis.

Crime Lab Director Sam Howell told senators last week that he will be down to just one medical examiner in a few months.

The state would need seven to meet national standards. In the most recent fiscal year, the medical examiner’s office performed just over 1,400 autopsies with just three doctors. In 2018, the lead medical examiner might face that caseload alone.

Sen. Hob Bryan, D-Amory, invited Howell to speak with senators about the lab at a Judiciary B Committee meeting last week. Medical examiners are leaving the crime lab, Howell said, because of the workload.

“They all could make more money and do less work somewhere else,” Howell told senators.

The result is delayed trials, prosecutions and closure in cases across the state.

Sen. Brice Wiggins, R-Pascagoula, reminded the committee that lawmakers voted to build a crime-lab facility on the Gulf Coast that is sitting empty.

For now, every autopsy needed in the state, for car accidents, homicides or suicides, is done at the Pearl facility.

“Instead, the bodies are shipped up here—I can only imagine how that is—instead of going to this state-of-the-art facility that the State has already paid money for,” Wiggins said.

Howell said three of the four candidates who interviewed for a Gulf Coast coroner job decided to look for jobs elsewhere with lighter caseloads. The majority of backlogged autopsies run between six months to a year old, Howell told senators, although coroners can finish limited autopsies—and get the bodies back out— within 24 hours. Medical examiners conduct autopsies all day, so they often do not have enough time to finish reports, Howell said. On more complicated cases, they are forced to send material out-of-state to Texas for additional study and opinion. The delay on autopsy reports can mean a delay in issuing a death certificate—and a delay in paid life insurance as a consequence. It can also mean delayed prosecutions and trials.

“They (prosecutors) usually can’t get an indictment, much less prosecution, until 10 they get that final autopsy report,” Howell

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11

Support Other Women

I

remember how excited I was to get cast in my first big feature film as a strong-minded character. Then I found out that I would have to be nude for a brutal kill scene. In the script, two other actresses and the leading male also had to be nude. I was promised that the scene would have low lighting and that I would be filmed mostly in shadows. When the film premiered in Hollywood the next year, I saw myself on full display very well lit, and no other actors had been filmed nude. I felt mortified, exploited, fooled and very angry. But still … I posed on the red carpet with the director and the rest of the cast with a big smile.

I hardly slept at all on the night of this year’s Golden Globes. I didn’t get to see the event, but I later saw some moments. I saw beautiful, accomplished actresses linking arms together, all dressed in black, praising one another in solidarity for the #TIMESUP movement. Some were aspiring actresses, and some were veterans who have been on film and television for decades. I saw Oprah’s amazing speech and right afterward, a well-pointed jab from Natalie Portman calling out the “all-male nominees” for director.

I don’t think I fell asleep until almost 3 a.m. reading coverage of the show, and getting wrapped up in my thoughts and reflecting on past experiences. I thought about all of the things I’ve been able to accomplish on my own in the entertainment industry, and also with a man’s help. But I thought, too, about how I never felt like anything was enough. I felt like a hungry wolf desperate for any scrap that people would throw at me. Eventually, the wolf started to feed on the wrong things: envy, competition, desperation and the feeling that there were rivals all around me.

#TIMESUP for that way of thinking. It is time to support other women and their efforts. Don’t look at other women as rivals. Look at them as allies. Stop a man from manipulating and influencing you into complying with what he wants and then dangling what you have to lose or gain in front of you. Men like this are selling more sizzle than steak. You might find yourself surprised to find out the potential power the woman in your midst has in a much bigger picture—and you’d better believe she’s more his rival than yours, especially if he seeks to isolate her or devalue her in any way. Use critical thinking and analyze what could be below the surface. Don’t be misled or manipulated. Do have courage and integrity. Others are likely thinking the same thing as you and need some encouragement and solidarity to find their voices and speak out and stand up. Talk to them. Don’t fear being shunned or excluded. You won’t be if you stand together.

I know what it’s like to smile and beam next to a man who has physically and verbally abused me. I know what it’s like to be manipulated into performing certain scenes for a feature film that turned out to be very different from what was promised. I know what it’s like to go through abuse and to feel exploited in order to see what will come out on the other side. And I know what it’s like to feel like another woman could possibly be my rival, because we were both dependent on the same man to help us with the next level of our careers.

But that woman has not only become my friend; she is now my creative collaborator and production partner. In the spirit of this movement, my female friend and I have not only cultivated our bond with each other, but we encourage each other’s professional aspirations as well. To show my gratitude for the opportunities other women presented to me, I forwarded her information to a television show runner so that she could be considered for directing episodes of his television shows. We have plans to produce a film together, and as of this morning, we have agreed to form a production company together under the tentative name, Little Water Bear Productions. The water bear is resilient. It is adaptable. And it is a survivor.

Just like a lot of women.

12 Hannah Bryan is an actress, writer, aspiring filmmaker, and licensed pilot.

January 10 - 16, 2018 • jfp.ms

Look at them as allies.

Water Successes, Public Information Losses

T

he new year ushered in a freezing cold front that put our pipes and infrastructure to the test. Seeing that we’re in the second week of the year and also week two of a system-wide boil-water notice, Jackson didn’t quite pass. However, Public Works Director Bob Miller has been hard at work, adding as many as eight contractor crews to supplement the workload alongside three city crews to fix 119 confirmed breaks as of Tuesday. Jackson Public Schools remained closed Monday and Tuesday, and some colleges and universities had to adjust their move-in dates because of low water pressure.

Every day since the City declared a state of emergency on Jan. 2, it has sent out detailed press briefings on the cold weather, how to conserve water and the steps the City of Jackson has taken to stay on top of the main water breaks. It added staff to the 311 call center. Miller says that under the direction of Keyshia Sanders, the City prioritized answering the phones by opening its backup call center and recruiting people to work overtime, and even the mayor’s executive staff stepped in to man the call center and hand out water at distribution points.

This hands-on attitude is exactly the momentum Jackson needs to make the comeback those living, working and investing in the City desperately want to see. However, it has also highlighted areas in which Jackson has room to improve.

Per the update on Sunday, Jan. 7, over the weekend the City only had one city crew among the seven contractor crews working. Miller said

that happened because many of those employees work two jobs to support their families. We need more city manpower or perhaps better incentives so that public-works crews don’t have to hold multiple jobs.

The city clerk’s office could also learn a thing or two about the transparency of the public-works office. While the fact that Mississippi’s capital city can’t even open schools because of poor water conditions is devastating, the communication we’ve received about the matter and Miller’s willingness to explain any unclear detail begin to make up for the fact that our infrastructure won’t improve overnight. This transparency made all the difference, as Miller himself said people calling on the phones don’t seem to be panicked—they just want information.

This newsroom has constantly been hit with “research fees” from the clerk’s office when filing public-records requests—even for digital documents that are merely a click away. Seeing that our job is to hold officials and entities that receive taxpayer dollars accountable, we can’t be as calm as the citizens calling 311 who get the information they need and are able to go on with their days. A lack of transparency and unfettered access to public documents infringes on our rights as citizens and reporters to have unfettered access to documents our officials exchange and approve. Transparency cannot only be for the wealthy who can afford these fees.

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.

Adofo Minka

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A

s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day approaches, I am reminded of his timeless speech, “Why I Oppose the War in Vietnam.” King understood that at a certain point, silence becomes betrayal. Nearly 50 years later, too many individuals are still unwilling to break away from the shackles of political expediency, personal allegiances and popular opinion. Only a few brave men and women oppose the status quo.

Unfortunately, this political timidity is not relegated to the halls of Congress or the Mississippi Legislature. It is present in today’s Jackson municipal government on Project Empowering Jackson Eliminating Crime Together (EJECT).

On Dec. 7, 2017, U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst announced Project EJECT. Hurst made an open declaration that his office would unconstitutionally use the denial of bond as a punitive measure and refuse to entertain plea negotiations in cases where individuals are merely accused of certain crimes. And if jettisoning the constitutional bedrock principle of presumption of innocence was not bad enough, Hurst promised to “eject” individuals convicted of certain crimes out of Jackson to serve federal mandatory sentences in other states away from family and friends, effectively denying the offenders the type of support research shows can reduce recidivism and aid in rehabilitation.

It has been five weeks since Hurst announced this sinister law-and-order initiative aimed at criminalizing, victimizing and ethnically cleansing poor black people from Jackson while using violence and crime reduction as a way to cover its nefarious intent. The Lumumba administration’s silence has been deafening and disappointing to say the least. Even when engaged with criticisms of Project EJECT, Lumumba would not state clearly where his administration stands on the initiative. What is clear is that for the project to move forward, local law enforcements agencies, including the Jackson Police Department, must participate for the program to have any teeth.

Will the JPD play an active role in Project EJECT? This seems to be a simple question that the Lumumba administration is unwilling or unable to answer.

It is clear that an initiative like Project

EJECT is irreconcilable with a desire for Jackson to be “the most radical city on the planet.” Mayor Lumumba’s silence cannot be reconciled with his advancement of the idea of “human rights for human beings.”

You cannot remain neutral on a moving train. Project EJECT is set to leave the station. Will the Lumumba administration hop on board, or will it stand in opposition to this initiative that emanates from the office of U.S. Attorney General Jefferson Sessions? Time will tell.

This is a critical question and crucial test for the Lumumba administration because history shows that although these types of militaristic tough-on-crime initiatives claim to only target the “criminal element,” many times entire communities are criminalized and occupied. This increases the likelihood of potentially violent confrontations with law enforcement and the possibility that many innocent people will be pulled into Project EJECT’s dragnet.

Lumumba has professed a commitment to holistic solutions to crime. It is my hope that his administration can find the political courage and will to push back against an initiative that is not holistic in scope, or a solution to crime and violence.

If the Lumumba administration does not take a stance on Project EJECT, it is imperative that all people of conscience raise their voices in opposition. This will not be an easy task in a climate where people accuse those who speak out against such initiatives of making excuses for violence and criminality.

Following King’s example on the Vietnam War, we must speak out against Project EJECT and organize to take effective political action against it and those who support it. I don’t want anyone to be victimized by crime or violence. However, I also don’t want poor black communities to be victimized and criminalized any further.

If we are serious about reducing crime and violence in Jackson, we must attack the social, political and economic maladies that result in many people engaging in anti-social behavior.

To do that, we must fund mental-health services, alcohol and drug treatment, and establish a new type of economy in which economic democracy is at its core.

Adofo Minka is a human defense lawyer who lives in West Jackson.

You cannot remain neutral on a moving train.

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January 10 - 16, 2018 • jfp.ms

Editor-in-Chief and CEO Donna Ladd Publisher Todd Stauffer Associate Publisher Kimberly Griffin

Why The Silence on Project EJECT?

13

2017T

Better Together Commission

January 10 - 16, 2018 • jfp.ms

Jackson Public Schools received an “F” grade in 2017, and after a massive investigative audit, the Mississippi Board of Education voted to take over the district for violating multiple state accreditation standards. However, Gov. Phil Bryant decided not to sign that order, and the school district maintained local control. This is the first time in recent state history that the governor did not send a district into a conservatorship, opting for an unconventional plan. Due to the collaboration between the governor’s office, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the City of Jackson, JPS avoided a 14 state takeover. The result was the Better To-

David Dzielak

The Division of Medicaid is a favorite target of Republicans in state government, mainly due to its large budget and President Barack Obama’s attempt to expand the program, which Mississippi opted not to take. The former Medicaid director retired late last year amid heated discussion about the technical amendments legislation that lawmakers will have to pass this session to authorize the Division of Medicaid. Dzielak led the Division of Medicaid for all of Gov. Phil Bryant’s tenure starting in 2012, and rumors that his retirement was more resignation than retirement circulated quickly after news broke of his departure. In what would be his last legislative hearings, lawmakers asked Dzielak about the possibility of moving eligibility determination and enrollment from the Division of Medicaid to the Mississippi Department of Human Services, a move that could spark hot debate in the Capitol this year. Bryant selected his deputy chief of staff, Drew Snyder, to be the interim executive director of the agency just before the holidays. The future of the Division of Medicaid could look very different in 2018, depending on its new leader and what the Legislature decides to do.

—Arielle Dreher

gether Commission, a 15-member group from private and public sectors. The group will hire an independent contractor to do a needs analysis of JPS in 2018. Additionally, the commission will conduct listening sessions, survey residents and get input on how the second-largest school district in the state can improve. JPS continues to work to clear accreditation standards as the commission works on its independent analysis.

The commission represents the crossing of political party and sector lines. Gov. Bryant’s education and workforce development policy adviser, Laurie Smith, sits on the board alongside Mayor Chokwe A. Lu-

he last year was a crazy one, to say the least, but crazy often means that intriguing people came out of the woodwork. Here are some of the local people who we found the most interesting over the last year, for better or worse.

MArshall Fisher

After a brief stint at the Department of Corrections, Marshall Fisher took the reins as commissioner of the Department of Public Safety in 2017. The longtime law enforcement official is pushing for the State to change its thinking on arrests, recividism, re-entry and drug-war strategies.

He advocates for treatment for first-time offenders with mental-health issues or drug-abuse disorders. Fisher is also pushing for funding increases for his agency’s trooper school and crime lab. Under his leadership, DPS is working to combat the state’s opioid crisis by equipping law enforcement and officials with NARCAN, or naloxone, which can save the life of a person who overdoses. He says the opioid crisis is a publicsafety and health issue, and also recognizes lessons law-enforcement officials learned in the past.

The commissioner has been outspoken about the crackdown on cocaine, often called the “War on Drugs,” noting that severe penalties imposed back then did not curb the epidemic.

Fisher has emphasized that, similar to the crackdown on cocaine, throwing money at the state’s opioid epidemic wouldn’t fix the problem—and that getting to the root of the problem through collaboration is important.

—Arielle Dreher

Imani Khayyam / file Photo

When Jackson author Angie Thomas published her first book, “The Hate U Give,” on Feb. 28, 2017, the young-adult novel made an impact far beyond her hometown. The story follows the journey of a 16-year-old African American girl, Starr Carter, whose life is turned upside-down when she witnesses a police officer kill her best friend, Khalil. Thomas, who grew in Jackson’s Georgetown neighborhood, was compelled to write the book after learning about police killing of Oscar Grant in California in 2009, along with the other cases of police brutality against African Americans that have happened in recent years. The novel debuted at the top of The New York Times best-seller list and stayed there for weeks. In summer 2017, national media announced that director Charles Tillman Jr. would be adapting the book for a film, which is set for release later this year. (Common is Uncle Carlos!) Meanwhile, the book continued earning accolades, landing a spot on the 2017 National Book Award longlist and receiving two 2017 Goodreads Choice Awards. In December 2017, Bustle reported that “The Hate U Give” was the most-search-for book on Goodreads.com. Read Thomas’ often-spicy tweets at @angiecthomas.

—Amber Helsel

Imani Khayyam / file Photo

Angie Thomas

Arielle Dreher

Anissa Photography

The Most Intriguing OF

mumba’s Chief Administrative Officer Robert Blaine. The commission also includes leaders of philanthropic organizations such as the president of the Foundation for the Mid South, Ivye Allen, and Yumeka Rushing with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (which funds the commission’s work); and business leaders such as real-estate developer Leland Speed alongside Ed Sivak, executive vice president of the Hope Enterprise Corporation. JPS is well-represented on the board. Assistant Superintendent Laketia Marshall-Thomas, principals Kathleen Grigsby and Shauna Nicholson-Johnson, and math teacher Cheryl Coleman are

commissioners. The commission also includes community members such as pediatrician Geraldine Chaney, and bishop and senior pastor Ronnie Crudup Sr., as well as Paheadra Robinson with the U.S. Census Bureau.

State education leaders, including Claiborne Barksdale, who runs the Barksdale Reading Institute, and Charles McClelland, who sits on the Mississippi Board of Education, also have a seat at the table.

McClelland voted against the Mississippi board’s decision to take over JPS, making him a friendly addition to the Better Together Commission.

—Arielle Dreher

In early December 2017, House Education Committee Chairman and longtime legislator Rep. John Moore, R-Brandon, announced his retirement. Days later, House Speaker Philip Gunn confirmed that at the time of Moore’s resignation, he was under investigation for sexual harassment. In a letter, Moore cited health issues as the reason for his resignation, and said he knew of no complaints against him when news of the investigation broke. Moore’s resignation was the first sexual-harassment case in 2017 in the Mississippi Legislature but followed a long list of U.S. Congress members, news and entertainment executives, and other men in power who resigned or lost their jobs as a result of sexual harassment or abuse allegations—in part because of the national #MeToo movement, which empowered women to speak out about abuse in the workplace on social media.

—Arielle Dreher

Many of us knew, or knew of Ronnie Crudup Jr.’s father, but many Jacksonians didn’t know who Ronnie Crudup Jr. was when he announced he was running for mayor last year.

He did not win, but the younger Crudup, 41, has turned out to be a soft-spoken, determined Jacksonian who is full-speed-ahead on turning around south Jackson. He lives and works in the neighborhood not far from his father’s church, New Horizon Church International, and runs New Horizon Ministries in south Jackson.

In his ministries work, Crudup does not sit still, from painting swimming pools to turning old baseball fields into football fields for kids.

He regularly buys homes that are either rundown or have lost their value due to the cycle of white and economic flight, fixes them up and helps people buy them for bargain prices. He supports businesses, either with direct investment or by encouraging people to trade with locally owned south Jackson businesses, such as the Trophy Shoppe (2460 Terry Road). His wife, Andrea, is equally delightful and a vital part of his work. The South Jackson Movement has a worthy, and quite intriguing, leader.

—Donna Ladd

Rita Brent

The Jackson stand-up comedy scene is still relatively uncharted waters compared to other parts of country, but a handful of people are seeing impressive success. Rita Brent is one of them.

Some Jacksonians will first think of her as a drummer—her other entertainment career since age 18. However, she has performed comedy for four years and already has two stand-up specials under her belt, “Rita B. Is the New Black” and “All Laughs Matter.”

Brent quit her job in 2017 to pursue comedy full-time, performed as part of the Rickey Smiley & Friends Tour, opened for major comedy icons across the country and appeared on Kevin Hart’s “Hart of City on Comedy Central.

Jackson audiences can catch her on Jan. 20 at the Alamo Theatre (333 N. Farish St.).

—Micah Smith

Bobby Rush

Mississippi has long touted itself as the birthplace of Mississippi music, but Jackson bluesman Bobby Rush’s 2017 Grammy Award was a reminder that our state is still a presence in the international music market.

After Grammy nominations in 2001, 2014 and 2015, Rush took the “Best Traditional Blues Album” award for his most recent record, 2016’s “Porcupine Meat.”

Fellow Mississippi-native bluesmen Vasti Jackson and Luther Dickinson also received nominations last year.

While Rush won’t be a contender in this year’s Grammy Awards on Jan. 28, the “Best Traditional Blues Album” category will have another of his peers, Como, Miss.-native R.L. Boyce, in the running.

—Micah Smith

Rep. Karl Oliver, R-Winona

The year 2017 was the year that included a horrifying national media moment thanks to Rep. Karl Oliver, R-Winona. Oliver decided to take to Facebook in anger after the City of New Orleans announced it would take down Confederate monuments, including a statue of General Robert E. Lee. He wrote in a Facebook post that Louisiana leaders who want to “destroy monuments of OUR HISTORY, they should be LYNCHED!”

House Speaker Philip Gunn, R-Clinton, stripped Oliver of his vice-chairmanship as a result. Despite calls for his resignation, Oliver stayed in the House. He did issue an apology and deleted the post saying, “I deeply regret that I chose this word.” Republicans criticized Oliver in statements, condemning the Facebook post, but little else changed in the House of Representatives. As for the monuments Oliver wants to keep standing, they could have a new home. The museum Beauvoir, Jefferson Davis’ Mississippi home on the Gulf Coast, would happily accept the old Confederate statues, the museum director told the Jackson Free Press last year.

—Arielle Dreher

Imani Khayyam / file Photo

Rick Olivier

Imani Khayyam / file Photo

January 10 - 16, 2018 • jfp.ms

Rep. John Moore, R-Brandon

Ronnie Crudup Jr. Imani Khayyam / file Photo

Maisie Brown has been one of Jackson’s most publicly intriguing people for a couple years now, since she was 14 at least. That’s when the self-confident highschool freshman submitted an column to the Jackson Free Press calling for the Mississippi flag to change because it “represents hatred toward me.” She was soon asked to read the column at an anti-flag rally at the state Capitol and then another at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Brown, a classical pianist, also played a vital role in the Mississippi Youth Media Project’s first two summers, following by a powerful TEDx Jackson Women talk about her experiences there and with social media. She is a dedicated member of Murrah High School’s debate team, believes strongly in African American and women’s rights and equity, and seems to always be on stage—from being the only young person on a Mississippi Humanities Council panel about “school choice,” to moderating the city’s first Youth Mayoral Forum in April 2017. Now still only 16 and a sophomore at Murrah, she is a confident leader in Jackson, inspiring other young people to follow in her footsteps. And her photo and voice are in the new Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.

—Donna Ladd

courtesy rita brent

Sterling Photography

Maisie Brown

more INTRIGUING, see page 17 15

“Radical” Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba has been in office for nearly half a year. So far, he has negotiated an alternative plan to a Jackson Public School takeover and made national news when he boycotted President Donald Trump’s appearance at the opening of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and Museum of Mississippi History and hosted a separate event to honor civil-rights veterans at the Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center. The mayor’s father, the late Chokwe Lumumba, chose their last name to honor Patrice Lumumba, the first legally elected prime minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo who was assassinated nearly seven months after his nation received its independence. Chokwe A. Lumumba has been intriguing to watch as he navigates a “people’s democracy” that aims to make Jackson the most radical city in the world, while dealing with pressing issues on the ground such as broken water mains, potholes and a shrinking budget. We will be keeping track of the administration’s promises and goals, especially pertaining to crime and policing strategies and transparency, as Lumumba’s term continues.

—Ko Bragg

Imani Khayyam / file Photo

Ebony Lumumba

Ever since Chokwe A. Lumumba’s election in July 2017, his wife, Ebony Lumumba, has been busy. She was the media chairwoman during his campaign, and she has also made appearances around the city, including speaking to students at Provine High School in August 2017. Ebony is the chairperson of the English department at Tougaloo College and an English literature doctoral candidate at the University of Mississippi. Her dissertation work focuses on postcolonial literatures of the Global South and Africana mothering and foodways. She received her bachelor’s degree from Spelman College in Atlanta and her master’s degree in English from Georgia State University.

—Ko Bragg

Robert Shuler Smith

January 10 - 16, 2018 • jfp.ms Imani Khayyam / file Photo

Robert Shuler Smith will face his third trial in two years, but this time for two counts of domestic violence, and aggravated stalking and robbery. In an altercation that took place on Aug. 13, 2015, in Rankin County, the Hinds County district attorney allegedly stalked and physically abused his former girlfriend, Christie Edwards, and brandished a gun at her.

It has been intriguing to watch Smith beat State charges of avoiding prosecution of accused men, with even Mayor Lumumba sitting on the front row during jury instructions last year before he was acquitted. Rankin County Circuit Court Judge John Emfinger disclosed in late November that his daughter had interned in the attorney general’s office and that she sat in on a meeting between 2014 and 2016 involving Christopher 16 Butler. Judge William Chapman will now preside over Smith’s trial. —Ko Bragg

In the #MeToo era, local public officials facing sexual harassment and sexually hostile work environment allegations, such as Hinds County Sheriff Victor Mason, are particularly intriguing, especially since Mason remains in his post untouched. He faces two explosive and pending lawsuits. Belendia Jones, a former reserve deputy for the Hinds County Sheriff’s department, filed a complaint against Mason on Feb. 21, 2017, alleging sex discrimination, a sexually hostile work environment, sexual harassment and intentional emotional harm. Mason allegedly texted Jones posed as a fictional character, “Mrs. Wilson,” often asking Jones to repeat what they referred to as the “third question”: “Mrs. Wilson wanted to know if I wanted to f*ck you!”

In many texts included in the legal filing, Jones responds “no,” calling the advances “yucky,” or laughing them off. Jones said Mason demoted her, transferred her and ultimately cut her pay over a period of time. Mason denies all charges.

In a different suit, Cheryl Matory and Tomeca Barnes accuse Mason of a sexually hostile work environment, sex discrimination and race discrimination in a joint complaint from January 2017. Court documents allege that Mason began frequently texting Matory about Barnes in attempts to try to have sex with her. Barnes became so uncomfortable being left alone with Mason, even at work, that she asked Matory to accompany her during briefings. In July 2016, Matory and Barnes were demoted and replaced with a white man and a black man, respectively. Mason also denies these charges, which represent one side of a legal dispute.

—Ko Bragg

Imani Khayyam / file Photo

Chokwe A. Lumumba

Victor Mason

Wayne Parish

Wayne Parish, the man a Hinds County grand jury indicted for the killing of 17-year-old Charles McDonald Jr. in 2016, will face trial on Jan. 29, in front of Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Winston Kidd. Parish’s trial will be intriguing to follow, as a Hinds County Jury will decide what unfolded when the troubled teen died as a result of an altercation with Parish. In summer 2016, Yvette Mason-Sherman was taking her son to the Henley-Young Juvenile Justice Center when he jumped out of the car and ran down the hill and into the parking lot of Performance Oil Equipment, she told the Jackson Free Press. Parish came out with a loaded gun because he believed the teen was breaking into a car. On Dec. 28, Parish filed court documents requesting McDonald’s HenleyYoung files in efforts to use alleged drug use to link aggressive behavior to McDonald to justify Parish’s self-defense claims. Mason-Sherman also filed a wrongful death suit against Parish in March 2017.

—Ko Bragg

courtesy Hinds County Sheriff Dept

Stephen Wilson

from page 15

Bob Miller

Bob Miller is the Lumumba administration’s director of public works. The Kentucky native moved to Jackson from New Orleans, where he served as that city’s director of its Sewerage and Water Board for eight years. Miller is off to a busy start in what he calls the “fourth quarter of his career.” He told the Jackson Free Press in November that he plans to replace 1 to 2 percent of the city’s infrastructure system so the city will have a brand-new system in the next 50 to 100 years. He has begun tackling infrastructure and so far, has done so transparently. After starting his position in October, Miller has halted legal action against West Rankin Utility Authority, paved the streets downtown and around the two new museums, saved the City $5 million after re-evaluating a sludge-hauling contract, and he is currently dealing with a system-wide emergency water situation stemming from the freezing cold temperatures Jackson experienced the first week of the year. And he’s very available to the media.

—Ko Bragg

Stephen Wilson

2017

The Most Intriguing OF

WELLNESS

Making Healthy Changes

by Dr. Timothy Quinn

For those who are trying to live a healthier lifestyle or lose weight, oatmeal is a good, healthy breakfast.

Sample Diet

Mindfulness Playlist

by Amber Helsel

P

laylists can help people focus while exercising. Most people probably think of playlists for cardio and weight-lifting, but music is also helpful during activities that require mindfulness such as yoga or meditation. Here are a few tracks to help you focus.

“Disappeared Town,” RADWIMPS (“Your Name” soundtrack) “Sadame,” DJ Okawari “Chihiro,” Yoste “Fjogur Píanó” by Sigur Rós “Beautiful Creatures,” Illenium featuring MAX (Julien Marchal remix) “Avril 14th,” Aphex Twin “New Beginnings,” daydreamer “Time for Reflection,” Izumi Tanaka “Sea of Voices,” Porter Robinson

January 10 - 16, 2018 • jfp.ms

I

had a patient who desperately wanted to lose weight to attend look a certain way, and can easily be discouraged when we don’t her 20-year high-school reunion and impress a classmate who reach our goals overnight. I encourage my patients to strive to had never acknowledged her. The classmate was recently di- be healthier, and not to base their motivation for a healthier lifevorced, and after 20 years, she now had her chance. She initially style on impressing others. I remind them that we did not get to wore a size-20 dress and successfully got down to size 16 over six our current weight overnight, and our journey toward a healthier months. During that time, she had a dedicated diet and exercise weight must be a lifestyle change. regimen. After the reunion, she returned to the office and told me I then tell of my personal “Q Diet” dietary regimen which that the guy did not even remember her and did not show any consists of five small frequent daily meals. This program works interest in her. with your body’s natural systems to speed

Though she focused on what happened up your metabolism and decrease your at the reunion, I focused on her success. She hunger, and results in you storing less fat. had set a goal to become healthier and was

A lot of people who are unsuccessful 7:30 a.m.: a breakfast of oatmeal successful. All her hard work and dedication with weight loss may eat dinner at 7 p.m., and a veggie link, or eggs and grits were not in vain. Initially, she had been on and not eat again until lunch at noon the insulin and oral medications for her unconfollowing day—that’s a total 17 hours with 10:30 a.m.: a pre-lunch snack such trolled diabetes, and three different bloodno food. as a protein shake or a cereal bar pressure medications and a cholesterol

Our bodies have survival systems medication. We had been able to stop the such as the autonomic nervous system, 1:30 p.m.: a lunch of half a insulin and take only pills for the diabetes, which does things such as dilating a persandwich, i or a bowl of veggies which was now well controlled. And for the son’s pupils so he or she can see better in with a small chicken breast first time, her blood pressure and cholesterthe dark. For a person that has gone 17 ol were now controlled. She was able to achours without food, this system will acti4:30 p.m.: a second snack of the complish this control with only one pill for vate and cause effects such as releasing horother half of the sandwich from blood pressure and one pill for cholesterol. mones that makes the person very hungry, lunch, and a protein bar or shake

I told her that she might be able to get leading to a better chance of overeating. A 7:30 p.m.: a light dinner such as a off more or all of her medications in time long-term effect of an individual who goes salad with chicken breast or veggies if she maintained this persistent diet and long periods without eating is that person’s with fish exercise regimen. Even though she did not metabolism becomes slower, and the perget the big date with the man from her high son stores more fat, which both can lead to Before bed: fruit to avoid late-night school, she set a goal and stuck with it to being overweight. hunger achieve better health.

Visit askdrquinn.com or find Dr.

We often get caught up in wanting to Timothy Quinn on Facebook.

17

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JFPmenus.com Eddie & Rubyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Snack Bar 7BMMFZ 4U +BDLTPO t

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AMERICAN/SOUTHERN CUISINE

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Gumbo Girl )XZ 8 +BDLTPO t The best Gumbo and Cajun specialties in town for your events, special occasions or just lunch and dinner.

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The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen / 4UBUF 4U +BDLTPO t The Manship transforms the essence of Mediterranean food while maintaining a southern flair.

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haz Lindsay is making his favorite Lindsay, who recently became the exdish, amatriciana. Lindsay crushes ecutive chef at the Parlor Market in downtomatoes until they have the con- town Jackson, says that at the restaurant, sistency of a sauce. Then, he heats you can find his favorite dish, just under a olive oil over medium-high heat in a large different name: pasta Romano. skillet. Once the pan is hot, he adds pan- Lindsay credits the Belhaven Pasta cetta and sautĂŠs the meat for about five to Company for part of his success as a chef seven minutes, or until it is golden brown. in the Jackson metro area and for the reHe then adds red pepper flakes and sautĂŠs lationships he has been able to form with it for one minute. From there, he adds the individuals in his community. now-crushed tomatoes, basil, and salt and pepper to taste. He reduces the heat and stirs the dish well. He cooks it uncovered for 15 minutes until the sauce is dark and thick. Then, he tosses it with pasta and adds cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.

Lindsay was born and raised in Jackson. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., in 2011, he continued to work in New York for a few years before moving to Italy. After spending about six months there, he decided to move back home, bringing his passion for pasta with him.

In February 2017, Lindsay began a business he thought was much needed in his hometown: the Belhaven Pasta Company.

Belhaven Pasta Company owner Chaz

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I saw it as filling a void Lindsay says his company was a key to his for Jackson,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I found success as a chef in the Jackson metro area. that not a lot of people really know what fresh pasta is because there arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a lot of people really making it in town. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a really beau- â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important now is tiful thing when you have fresh pasta, that Belhaven Pasta Company has been a and being able to share that with people stepping stone for me,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Ś What was important for me.â&#x20AC;? it was able to do is get me involved with

In his company, he worked part- Derek Emerson and everyone with Parlor time to supply pasta to local restaurants Market downtown.â&#x20AC;? such as Barrelhouse and customers, Lindsay has now shifted most of his and also did pop-ups at events such as focus to creating a fresh pasta menu for the Fondren After 5.

Parlor Market, where he will also be mak Basing the company in the Belhaven ing all pasta in-house. area was important for Lindsay because no â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Belhaven Pasta Company has matter where he lived, he says he has al- always been something I love to do on the ways considered the area his home. side, but it has been very well received in

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was born and raised in Belhaven,â&#x20AC;? the Jackson area,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People defihe says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I moved back to Jackson nitely enjoy my pasta when they can get after being gone for eight years, I decided their hands on it.â&#x20AC;? that I wanted to be back in the neighbor- For more information on the hood I grew up in. My family has been Belhaven Pasta Company, find the business heavily involved with Belhaven, so it has on Instagram at @belhavenpastaco. For more always held a special place in my heart.â&#x20AC;? food coverage, visit jfp.ms/food.

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FRIDAY 1/12

SATURDAY 1/13

TUESDAY 1/16

The Indie Music Week Podcast Roundtable is at Podastery Studios.

“Mozart by Candlelight” is at the Belhaven University Center for the Arts.

Rhonda Fetcko signs “Planning from the Inside Out” at Lemuria Books

BEST BETS Jan. 10 - 17, 2018

The Jackson Indie Music Week Blender is from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Hal & Mal’s (200 Commerce St.), from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Martin’s Restaurant & Bar (214 S. State St.), and from

by Rebecca Hester 9 p.m. to midnight at One Block East (642 Tombigbee St.). The multi-genre concert takes place jacksonfreepress.com across three venues and features Fax: 601-510-9019 performers such as Clouds & Crayons, Spacewolf, DevMaccc, Daily updates at Dream Cult, Yung Jewelz, Bad jfpevents.com Magic, Jason Daniels and more. $10 per venue, $25 single-day pass, $50 all-event pass; email info@jxnindiemusic.com; jxnindiemusic.com.

events@

THURSDAY 1/11

January 10 - 16, 2018 • jfp.ms

“Be Counted: A Public Forum on Expanding Voter Access” is at 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mississippi College School of Law (151 E. Griffith St.). Panelists including representatives from the NAACP and Mississippi secretary of state’s office discuss how Mississippi can expand access to the ballot box for residents. RSVP for lunch. Free admission; email mail@womenforprogress.net; find it on Facebook. ... Shen Yun performs at 7:30 p.m. at Thalia Mara Hall (255 E. Pascagoula St.). The performing-arts program celebrates traditional Chinese culture through dance, music and storytelling. $80-$120; call 601-96022 1535; shenyunperformingarts.org.

FRIDAY 1/12

“Beauty & the Beast” is at 7 p.m. at New Stage Theatre (1100 Carlisle St.). The musical adaptation of Disney’s popular animated film tells the classic story of Belle and the Beast.

Appropriate for all ages. Additional dates: Jan. 12-13, 7 p.m., Jan. 14, 2 p.m. $35 admission, $28 for seniors, students and military; call 601-948-3533; newstagetheatre.com.

“Down the Drain” Dinner Theater is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Char Restaurant (4500 Interstate 55 N.). The Detectives present the comedic whodunit with a threecourse dinner. Cocktail hour at 6 p.m., and show at 7 p.m. $49 per person; call 601-291-7444; thedetectives.biz.

TUESDAY 1/16

“Mississippi Mavericks—Innovative Musicians of Mississippi” is at 7 p.m. at Millsaps College (1701 N. State St.) in the Gertrude C. Ford Academic Complex Recital Hall. James Martin and guest musicians presents a program celebrating the lives and work of internationally known musical innovators such as Howard Johnson, Milton Babbitt, Lehman Engel and William Grant Still. This event is part of the Millsaps Arts & Lecture Series. $10, $5 for students with ID; call 601-974-1130; millsaps.edu. courtesy James C. Martin

WEDNESDAY 1/10

FLICKR / BILL MCCHESNEY

Jeanne Robertson, a humorist, motivational speaker and radio personality from North Carolina, performs for City Hall Live in Brandon.

MONDAY 1/15

SATURDAY 1/13

The “Do the Knowledge” panel is from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kundi Compound (256 E. Fortification St.).

The Jackson Indie Music Week industry panel features a discussion of topics such as contracts, touring, recording, music promotion, starting a record label and more. Panelists include DJ Finesse, DJ Scrap Dirty, And The Echo, Ron Carbo, Kamel King and Jeffrey Graves. $5 admission, $50 all-event pass;.com. ... Jeanne Robertson performs at 8 p.m. at City Hall Live (1000 Municipal Drive, Brandon).

The humorist and radio personality from North Carolina performs as part of “The Rocking Chair Tour.” $33-$63; call 601-825-5021; ardenland.net.

SUNDAY 1/14

Andrew Finn Magill performs at 7:30 p.m. at the Fairview Inn (734 Fairview St.). The Celtic Heritage Society hosts a performance from the traditional Irish and Celtic fiddler with accompaniment from Alan Murray.

Cocktail hour at 6 p.m. in the Library Lounge. $20 admission, $15 for CHS members; celticfestms.org.

Baritone James Martin and guest musicians perform for “Mississippi Mavericks­—Innovative Musicians of Mississippi” at the Millsaps College Ford Academic Complex on Tuesday, Jan. 16.

WEDNESDAY 1/17

Tap Takeover is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at LD’s BeerRun (5006 Parkway Drive). Blackwater Cider and Lucky Town Brewing Company present a special selection of beers and ciders. Includes giveaways. Free admission; call 769-208-8686; find it on Facebook.

FOOD & DRINK

Educator Open House Jan. 11, 4:30-6:30 p.m., at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.).

Educators network with their peers, museum education staff and teaching fellows, take a tour of the museum, and learn more about upcoming workshops for CEU credits. Includes refreshments. RSVP. Free; call 601-965-9909; email igray@msmuseumart.org; find it on Facebook.

Jackson Indie Music Week: Gospel Brunch Jan. 14, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at The Iron Horse Grill (320 W. Pearl St.). Includes food and drink for sale, and music from Robert James Starr. Free admission, food prices vary; jxnindiemusic.com.

Jackson Indie Music Week: ICON Awards Jan. 11, 7-9 p.m. The awards ceremony features live music, a cash bar and more. Honorees include Stan Branson, Dorothy Moore, The Windbreakers, Tommy Couch and the late Ryan Montgomery. $10 single event, $25 single-day pass, $50 all-event pass; jxnindiemusic.com.

Events at Jackson State University (1400 J.R. Lynch St.) • 50th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation Jan. 12, 10 a.m. In Rose E. McCoy Auditorium. The keynote speaker is Joyce Ladner, a civil-rights activist and former president of Howard University. Free; jsums.edu.

• “For My People” Awards Luncheon Jan. 12, 11:30 a.m. In the JSU Student Center Ballroom. The awards luncheon honors Joyce Ladner, Maryemma Graham, Airea D. Matthews and Wilma Mosley Clopton for their contributions in the fields of African American history and culture. $20; call 601-979-3935; email mwa@jsums.edu; jsums.edu.

Jackson Indie Music Week: Podcast Roundtable Jan. 12, 5-8 p.m., at Podastery Studios (121 N. State St.). The live recording session features the hosts of several local podcasts and includes music from Jason Mathena with Skratchin’ Jackson and 5th Child. Free; jxnindiemusic.com.

Jackson Indie Music Week: “Do the Knowledge” Jan. 13, 3-5 p.m., at Kundi Compound (256 E. Fortification St.). The music industry panel features a discussion of topics such as contracts, touring, recording, music promotion and more. Panelists include DJ Finesse, DJ Scrap Dirty, And The Echo, Ron Carbo, Kamel King and Jeffrey Graves. $5; jxnindiemusic.com.

“Mississippi Mavericks—Innovative Musicians of Mississippi” Jan. 16, 7 p.m., at Millsaps College (1701 N. State St.). In the Gertrude C. Ford Academic Complex. James Martin presents the lecture celebrating the work of musical innovators. $10, $5 for students with ID; millsaps.edu.

Tap Takeover Jan. 17, 6-9 p.m., at LD’s BeerRun (5006 Parkway Drive). Blackwater Cider and Lucky Town Brewing Company present a special selection of beers and ciders. Includes giveaways.

Free admission; find it on Facebook.

SLATE

Story Time Wednesday Jan. 17, 10 a.m., at Margaret W. Alexander Library (300 N. State St.). The story time includes a reading of the children’s book “The First Sign of Winter” and a discussion of winter. Free; find it on Facebook.

Jackson Indie Music Week: Music Video & Short Film Showcase Jan. 13, 2:30-3:30 p.m., at The Reclaimed Miles (140 Wesley Ave.). The showcase features video entries from local and regional filmmakers. $5 single event, $25 singleday pass, $50 all-event pass; jxnindiemusic.com.

the best in sports over the next seven days

by Bryan Flynn, follow at jfpsports.com, @jfpsports This week, New Orleans will try to keep the season from ending where it began—with a loss to the Vikings. Of course, the Saints are hoping to be back in Minnesota soon, closing out the season at Super Bowl LII. THURSDAY, JAN. 11

College basketball (8-10 p.m., SECN): UM Rebels women’s basketball hopes to pull off an upset against its host and in-state rival, the MSU Bulldogs, now ranked No. 4 in the nation by AP. FRIDAY, JAN. 12

College basketball (5:30-7:30 p.m., FOX Sports 1): This slow sports day does include Butler hosting Marquette, two teams that could be in the men’s tournament in March.

SATURDAY, JAN. 13

NFL (3:30-6:30 p.m., NBC): Atlanta will try to continue its return march to the Super Bowl by toppling NFC top seed Philadelphia. … NFL (7:1510:45 p.m., CBS): The New England Patriots begins their title defense hosting the upstart Tennessee Titans.

SUNDAY, JAN. 14

NFL (noon-3:30 p.m., CBS): Pittsburgh gets a rematch after losing to Jacksonville in the regular season, with both teams now at vastly different levels on offense. … NFL (3:30-7 p.m.,

KIDS Events at Mississippi Children’s Museum (2145 Museum Blvd.)

• Question It? Discover It!—Cooking Safety Jan. 13, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Children learn tips to stay safe in the kitchen, learn to identify healthy food choices, and experiment with recipes. $10; mschildrensmuseum.org.

• Visiting Artist: Kathryn Wilson Jan. 13, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Kathryn Gurtler Wilson hosts the ballet workshop to expand children’s knowledge of classical dance vocabulary, coordination, musicality, strength and more. $10; mschildrensmuseum.org

“Beauty & the Beast” Jan. 12-13, 7 p.m., Jan. 14, 2 p.m., at New Stage Theatre (1100 Carlisle St.). The musical adaptation of Disney’s popular animated film tells the classic story of Belle and the Beast. $35 admission, $28 for seniors, students and military; newstagetheatre.com.

SPORTS & WELLNESS New Year’s Gladiator Fitness Neon Expo 2018 Tour Jan. 13, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at King Edward Hotel (235 W. Capitol St.). Group-fitness instructors lead exercises in boot camp, jump rope, Zumba and more. Includes a deejay, health vendors, representatives from local gyms and more. $20 per person; eventbrite.com.

FOX): The Saints take on the Vikings again, albeit this time with a muchimproved defense.

MONDAY, JAN. 15

College basketball (6-8 p.m., ESPN2): An undefeated UConn women’s team takes on Texas in a battle of teams that MSU could face in March.

TUESDAY, JAN. 16

College basketball (6-8 p.m., SECN): The MSU men look to get on track in SEC play at home against Vanderbilt. … College basketball (8-10 p.m., SECN): The UM men’s team hits the road to take on Texas A&M. WEDNESDAY, JAN. 17

Tennis (8-11 p.m., ESPN2): Settle in to watch some of the world’s best tennis players as the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open, continues.

The Saints faced Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford in game one but will face back-up Case Keenum in the playoffs.

Thanks to New Orleans’ defensive turnaround, this game will feature two tough defenses.

Praise Dance Explosion Jan. 13, 6:30 p.m., at Thalia Mara Hall (255 E. Pascagoula St.). The City of Jackson Department of Parks and Recreation hosts the event featuring solo and group performances from praise dance organizations from around Mississippi. Free; jacksonms.gov.

Jeanne Robertson Jan. 13, 8 p.m., at City Hall Live (1000 Municipal Drive, Brandon).

The humorist and radio personality performs. $33-$63; call 601-825-5021; ardenland.net.

STAGE & SCREEN

CONCERTS & FESTIVALS

Shen Yun Jan. 11, 7:30 p.m., at Thalia Mara Hall (255 E. Pascagoula St.). The arts organization presents a program celebrating traditional Chinese culture through dance, music and storytelling. $80-$120; shenyunperformingarts.org.

Jackson Indie Music Week: Sneaky Showcase Jan. 11, 6-8 p.m., at Sneaky Beans (2914 N. State St.). Includes music from Ben Ricketts, Betsy Berryhill and Brynn Corbello. Free admission; jxnindiemusic.com.

Events at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.) • Jackson Indie Music Week: R&B Live Jan. 11, 9-11 p.m. The R&B showcase features performances from Taurean La’del, Stephanie Luckett, Cooper Deniro, Y’Marii and Compozitionz. $10 single event, $25 single-day pass, $50 all-event pass; jxnindiemusic.com.

• Cabaret at Duling Hall—The King of Rock & Roll Jan. 12, 7:30 p.m. The Mississippi Opera presents an evening with music from Elvis tribute artist Victor Trevino Jr. $30; msopera.org.

• Marbin Jan. 14, 8 p.m., The Chicago jazz-rock band performs. Doors open at 7 p.m. $10 in advance, $15 at the door; ardenland.net.

Jackson Indie Music Week: The Culture Concert Jan. 12, 8-11 p.m., at Hal & Mal’s (200 Commerce St.). The hip-hop showcase features James Crow, Marcel P. Black, Coke Bumaye and Alfred Banks. $10 single event, $25 single-day pass, $50 all-event pass; jxnindiemusic.com.

Chamber II: Mozart by Candlelight Jan. 13, 7:30-9 p.m., at Belhaven University Center for the Arts (835 Riverside Drive). The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra presents a candlelit concert-featuring bassoonist Jon Wenberg performing the music from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. $19 admission, $5 for children and students with ID; call 601-960-1565; msotickets.com.

Jackson Indie Music Week: EDM Party Jan. 13, 10 p.m.-3 a.m., at Russell C. Davis Planetarium (201 E. Pascagoula St.). The showcase features drum & bass and house-music deejays including DJ Scrap Dirty, DJ URI, DJ Cadillac, DJ Tam and more. $10 single event, $25 single-day pass, $50 all-event pass; jxnindiemusic.com.

Andrew Finn Magill with Alan Murray Jan. 14, 7:30 p.m., at Fairview Inn (734 Fairview St.).

The Celtic Heritage Society hosts a performance from the traditional Irish fiddler. $20, $15 for CHS members; celticfestms.org.

Jackson Indie Music Week Wrap Party Jan. 14, 8-11 p.m., at The Flamingo (3011 N. State St.). The festival wrap party features music from Empty Atlas and more. Free admission with allevent pass ($50); jxnindiemusic.com.

LITERARY SIGNINGS Events at Lemuria Books (Banner Hall, 4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 202) • “Mississippi and the Great Depression” Jan. 13, 1 p.m. Richelle Putnam sign copies. $21.99 book; lemuriabooks.com.

• “Planning from the Inside Out” Jan. 16, 4 p.m. Rhonda Fetcko signs copies. $37.95 book; call 601-366-7619; lemuriabooks.com.

CREATIVE CLASSES New Moon—Dream Big Jan. 16, 6:30-9 p.m., at Jax-Zen Studio (155 Wesley Ave.). Participants discuss their goals and intentions for 2018 and paint them into dream catchers that they will make throughout the class. $35 includes supplies; call 601-691-1697; 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.

January 10 - 16, 2018 • jfp.ms

COMMUNITY

23

arts Shen Yun Performing Arts

Keeping Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Traditions Alive

by Andrea Wright Dilworth

T

heater-goers who attend a Shen Yun performance will experience the marriage of classical Chinese dance and original orchestra works, but what people may not anticipate is a deeply embedded and elaborate history lesson of an almost-extinct Chinese culture that spans 5,000 years.

The Shen Yun website says that China was once known as Shen Zhou, or The Divine Land. For thousands of years, disciplines such as Buddhism and Taoism were at the heart of Chinese society. However, much of that culture has been lost during Communist rule in the country.

A group of Chinese artists formed the company in 2006 with a shared vision of reviving â&#x20AC;&#x153;the true, divinely inspired culture of China and share it with the world,â&#x20AC;? and to keep traditional Chinese culture alive.

City of Jackson Deputy Director of Cultural Services and Thalia Mara Hall Manager Michael Raff says that when Shen Yun performed in 2015, the show almost sold out, and 1,700 people filled the audience.

Theater-goers who saw the last performance at Thalia Mara, or at another venue, will see a different show this time around because though the message remains the same, the choreography, music, songs, costumes, backdrops and stories change every year.

The two-hour performance features 15 short dance pieces

Shen Yun performs at Thalia Mara Hall in downtown Jackson on Thursday, Jan. 11, at 7:30 p.m.

that tell stories from Chinese history, including the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contemporary history, mythology and more. The live orchestra, which will accompany each dance, combines Western instruments such as strings, percussion, woodwinds and brass with traditional Chinese instruments such as the two-stringed erhu and the fourstring pipa. The show also includes vocal and instrumental solos.

All of Shen Yunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s singers use the bel canton vocal technique to sing in the upper register.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shen Yun exposes you in stories reaching far back to the past,â&#x20AC;? Raff says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;(Audience members) will explore fields even beyond our visible world.â&#x20AC;?

Shen Yun will perform at Thalia Mara Hall (255 E. Pascagoula St., 800-380-8165) on Jan. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are currently $95. For more information, visit shenyun.com or find the event on Facebook.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beauty and the Beastâ&#x20AC;? (New Stage Theatre, 1100 Carlisle St., 601-948-3533)

Thanks to the popularity of New Stage Theatreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s production of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beauty and the Beast: The Broadway Musicalâ&#x20AC;? in December 2017, the company is holding the production over into January. Catch the classic story of Belle and the Beast Jan. 12-13 at 7 p.m., and Jan. 14 at 2 p.m. at New Stage Theatre. Tickets are $35 for general admission, and $28 for seniors, students and military. For more information, visit newstagetheatre.com.

New Moonâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Dream Big (Jax-Zen Float, 155 Wesley Ave., 601-691-1697)

Have goals or intentions for 2018 and want to do something concrete with them?

Jax-Zen will host â&#x20AC;&#x153;New Moonâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Dream Bigâ&#x20AC;? on Tuesday, Jan. 16. During the event, participants will discuss their goals and intentions for 2018 and paint them on dreamcatchers. The event is $35,which includes supplies, and will go from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, find Jax-Zen Float on Facebook.

Storytelling Festival (Mississippi Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum, 2145 Museum Blvd.)

Southerners are nothing if not great storytellers. Celebrate that culture at the Mississippi Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Storytelling Festival on Saturday, Jan. 20. The event will feature special guests including artist Rick Anderson, musician Dexter Allen and Peter Zapletal, artistic director of Mississippi Puppetry Guildâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Puppet Arts Theatre. The activities and performances are including with entry to the museum. General admission is $10, and children under 1 year old and museum members get in for free. For more information, visit mschildrensmuseum.org.

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

Alumni House - Pearl Jamz 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Drago’s - Johnny Barranco 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Fitzgerald’s - Larry Brewer 7-11 p.m.

Hal & Mal’s - JIM Week feat. Jason Daniels, El.i.be, Yung Jewelz & Stonewalls 7-9:30 p.m. $10 or free w/ pass Kathryn’s - Gator Trio 6:30 p.m.

Martin’s - JIM Week feat. Bad Magic, Dev Maccc, Dream Cult & Big Zay Mack 8-11 p.m. $10 or free w/ pass One Block East - JIM Week feat.

Clouds & Crayons, Flywalker & James Hoya 9 p.m.-midnight $10 or free w/ pass Pelican Cove - Johnnie B. & Miss Iretta 6-9 p.m.

Shucker’s - Sonny Brooks 7:30 p.m. free Table 100 - Andy Henderson 6 p.m.

JAN. 11 - THURSDAY Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Drago’s - Johnny Barranco 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Duling Hall - JIM Week feat.

Taurean La’del, Cooper Deniro, Stephanie Luckett, Y’Marii & Compozitionz 9-11 p.m. $10 or free w/ pass F. Jones - Raul Valinti & the F. Jones Challenge Band 10 p.m. $5 Georgia Blue, Flowood - Phil & Trace Georgia Blue, Madison - Aaron Coker Hops & Habanas - JIM Week: “Bass & Beer” 8 p.m. free Iron Horse Grill - McKinney Williams 6 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Scott Turner Trio 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Hunter Gibson 6 p.m.

Shucker’s - Acoustic Crossroads 7:30 p.m. free Sneaky Beans - JIM Week feat.

Ben Ricketts, Betsy Berryhill & Brynn Corbello 6-8 p.m. free Soulshine, Flowood - Casey Phillips 7 p.m.

Table 100 - Andrew Pates 6 p.m.

Thalia Mara Hall - Shen Yun 7:30 p.m. $80-$120 Underground 119 - Chris Gill 7-10:30 p.m.

JAN. 12 - FRIDAY Cerami’s - Doug Bishop & James Bailey 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Char - Ronnie Brown 6 p.m.

Drago’s - Travelin’ Jane 6-9 p.m.

Duling Hall - “Cabaret at Duling Hall” feat. Victor Trevino Jr. (Elvis tribute) 7:30 p.m. $30 F. Jones - Stevie J midnight $10 Fenian’s - JIM Week feat. Cody Rogers, CalligraphyX, Dazz & Brie and BARK. 9 p.m.-midnight free Georgia Blue, Flowood - Andy Tanas

Georgia Blue, Madison - Shaun Patterson Hal & Mal’s - JIM Week feat.

James Crow, Marcel P. Black, Coke Bumaye & Alfred Banks 8-11 p.m. $10 or free w/ pass Iron Horse - Chris Derrick & the Psychedelic Blues Experience 9 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Rhythm Masters 7-10:30 p.m.

Martin’s - Sabotage (Beastie Boys tribute) 10 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Acoustic Crossroads 6 p.m.

Podastery Studios - JIM Week: “Podcast Roundtable” feat.

Jason Mathena w/ Skratchin’ Jackson & 5th Child 5-8 p.m. free Pop’s Saloon - Shameless 9 p.m.

Shucker’s - Chad Perry 5:30 p.m.; Snazz 8 p.m. $5; Billy Mandlia 10 p.m.

Soulshine, Flowood - Heath Rosemont 7 p.m.

Soulshine, Ridgeland - Thomas Jackson 7 p.m.

Table 100 - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Underground 119 - Anessa Hampton 8:30 p.m.

Wasabi - DJ Kujho & the Nasty Sho 9 p.m.

Pop’s Saloon - Trademark 9 p.m.

Shucker’s - The Axe-identals 3:30 p.m.; Snazz 8 p.m. $5; Heath Ransonnet 10 p.m.

Table 100 - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Underground 119 - Stevie J 9 p.m.

JAN. 14 - SUNDAY 1908 Provisions - Knight Bruce 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Char - Big Easy Three 11 a.m.; Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Cups, Fondren - JIM Week feat.

Codetta South, Koolkid Ridge, D.AS.F & Lisbon Deaths 2-5 p.m. free Duling Hall - Marbin 8 p.m. $10 advance $15 door Fairview Inn - Andrew Finn Magill w/ Alan Murray 7:30 p.m. $20 $15 Celtic Heritage Society members The Flamingo - JIM Week Wrap Party feat. Empty Atlas 8-10 p.m. free w/ pass Iron Horse - JIM Week feat. Robert James Starr 11 a.m.-2 p.m. free Kathryn’s - MS Boogie Krewe 6-9 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Robin Blakeney noon-4 p.m.; Larry Brewer & Doug Hurd 5-9 p.m.

Shucker’s - Acoustic Crossroads 3:30 p.m.

Table 100 - Raphael Semmes Trio 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Ronnie Brown 6-9 p.m.

Wellington’s - Andy Hardwick 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

JAN. 15 - MONDAY Andrew Finn Magill

JAN. 13 - SATURDAY Belhaven Center for the Arts - MS Symphony Orchestra’s “Mozart

by Candlelight” feat. Jon Wenberg 7:30 p.m. $19 Bonny Blair’s - Larry Brewer & Doug Hurd 7:30-11:30 p.m.

Char - Bill Clark 6 p.m.

Davis Planetarium - JIM Week feat. DJ Scrap Dirty, DJ URI, DJ Cadillac & more 10 p.m.-3 a.m. $10 or free w/ pass Drago’s - Ronnie McGee 6-9 p.m.

F. Jones - Big Money Mel & Small Change Wayne 10 p.m. $1; Sorrento Ussery midnight $10 Georgia Blue, Flowood - Aaron Coker Georgia Blue, Madison - Brandon Greer Hal & Mal’s - Wolftrap Trio feat.

Shelley High 6:30 p.m. free Iron Horse - Ms. Pleschette 9 p.m.

Johnny T’s - Lari Johnson & DJ Unpredictable 601 8 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Acoustic Crossroads 7-10:30 p.m.

Lucky Town - Shady Dirt 2-5 p.m.

Martin’s - A New Kind of Hero w/ Drew DeFrance 10 p.m.

Offbeat - JIM Week: “The Beat Sale” noon-2 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Andrew Pates 6 p.m.

Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Hal & Mal’s - Central MS Blues Society (rest) 7 p.m. $5 Kathryn’s - Stevie Cain 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Table 100 - Andrew Pates 6 p.m.

JAN. 16 - TUESDAY Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Drago’s - Johnny Barranco 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Fenian’s - Open Mic 9 p.m. free Fitzgerald’s - Joseph LaSalla 7-11 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Andrew Pates, Jay Wadsworth & Jenkins 6:30 p.m.

Millsaps Ford Academic Complex “MS Mavericks” feat. James Martin & Friends 7 p.m. $10 Table 100 - Chalmers Davis 6 p.m.

JAN. 17 - WEDNESDAY Alumni House - Brian Jones 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Char - Tommie Vaughn 6 p.m.

Drago’s - Johnny Barranco 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Fitzgerald’s - Jason Turner 7-11 p.m.

Johnny T’s - Akami Graham 6:30 p.m.

Kathryn’s - Larry Brewer & Doug Hurd 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Pelican Cove - Josh Journeay 6 p.m.

Shucker’s - Sonny Brooks 7:30 p.m. free Table 100 - Andy Henderson 6 p.m.

COMING UP

_________________________

WEDNESDAY 1/10

Elegant Trainwreck / Homework Town Present:

BLENDER Featuring: Jason Daniels, EL. I. BE, Yung Jewelz, Stonewalls _________________________ THURSDAY 1/11

D’LO TRIO

Dining Room - Free _________________________

FRIDAY 1/12

JASON TURNER

Dining Room - Free _________________________

Sunday, January 14

MARBIN

sunday evening jam with the coolest cats around

Saturday, January 20

BISHOP GUNN

straight outta natchez, these rockstars are the next big thing. don’t miss them.

Wednesday, January 24

FRED EAGLESMITH all hail the legend in our own venue. wow!

Friday, January 26

STOOP KIDS + LITTLE STRANGER this is gonna be a VERY funky good time

SATURDAY 1/13

Saturday, January 27

FEATURING SHELLEY HIGH

amazing singer-songwriter we can't wait to return

MONDAY 1/15

Saturday, February 3

BLUE MONDAY Dining Room - 7 - 11pm

THE DISCO STRANGLERS

WOLFTRAP TRIO Dining Room - Free _________________________

CENTRAL MS BLUES SOCIETY PRESENTS:

$3 Members $5 Non-Members _________________________

TUESDAY 1/16

DINNER, DRINKS & JAZZ W/ RAPHAEL SEMMES Dining Room - 6-9pm - Free

_________________________

UPCOMING: _________________________ MARTIN SEXTON 1/18 - Thomas Lovett Of Young Valley 1/19 - Kevin Griffin of Better Than Ezra _________________________

if you missed out on martin’s show in march, don’t make the same mistake twice

OFFICIAL

HOUSE VODKA

Visit HalandMals.com for a full menu and event schedule

601.948.0888 200 S. Commerce St. Downtown Jackson, MS

ELIZABETH COOK

do you want to see the best eagles cover band out there? here's your chance.

Monday, February 5

JAY FARRAR DUO

son volt lead singer in the house! woop woop!

Saturday, February 10 SHOVELS & ROPE husband and wife folk rock duo are comin’ to bring the house down

Tuesday, February 13 ANDERSON EAST singer-songwriter returns to duling hall for another killer show

JX//RX COMPLETE SHOW LISTINGS & TICKETS

dulinghall.com

January 10 - 16, 2018 • jfp.ms

JAN. 10 - WEDNESDAY

COURTESY FACEBOOK

MUSIC | live

25

44 Emulated 45 Do a marathon 46 Go off ___ tangent 47 Banner team?

48 Stashed away 49 Loudly lament 52 Overdue 54 Tom Hiddlestonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thorâ&#x20AC;?

55 Suit accessory 56 Cereal with a rabbit mascot 58 Implements first used in the Paleolithic age 61 Abundant 62 Word before bay, day, or pay 63 Little night flyer 64 Quits hedging 65 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Benevolentâ&#x20AC;? fraternal order 66 Oboistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s supply

BY MATT JONES

32 In conclusion, in Paris 33 Question for the stranded 34 Coatroom hangers, maybe 35 Prefix for sphere 36 Fiber source in cereals 40 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Can ___ you in on a little secret?â&#x20AC;?

41 Savoir-faire 42 Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wheels 43 IRS employee 48 Driversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; warnings 49 Took illegally 50 De-squeaked 51 Conquers

53 Forest hackers 54 Place for tumblers 56 â&#x20AC;&#x153;The ___ La La Songâ&#x20AC;? (theme from â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Banana Splitsâ&#x20AC;?)

57 Ocasek once of the Cars 59 ___ Tuesday (Aimee Mannâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s old band) 60 Be behind Š2017 Jonesinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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 #859.

Down

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Back-Billedâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D;all the smaller examples.

Across

1 Sedate 6 Any of the Bee Gees brothers 10 Chicago-based clown 14 Hashtag inspired by the Harvey Weinstein allegations 15 â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Joy of Cookingâ&#x20AC;? author Rombauer 16 Mess up completely 17 â&#x20AC;&#x153;No further detail is neededâ&#x20AC;?

19 Statesman von Bismarck 20 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Man of a Thousand Facesâ&#x20AC;? Chaney 21 Play backgrounds 22 Forms morning moisture

24 Green Day drummer ___ Cool 25 That dudeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 26 Krypton, e.g.

27 Three, on some clocks 30 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Help!â&#x20AC;? at sea 31 Sold out, in a way 33 Statement after reporting something pleasant, maybe 35 Genesis brother 37 Ab ___ (from the beginning) 38 Italian carmaker that partnered with Chrysler 39 Water-based tourist attraction in Rome

1 Put through a refinery 2 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Danny Boyâ&#x20AC;? voice, usually 3 Make reparations 4 Letters before a monetary amount 5 Where to see corgis compete 6 Core concepts 7 Bank offerings, for short 8 Songwriterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s publishing gp.

9 Statisticianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s numbers problem, sometimes 10 Furrowed body part 11 Reversed, like some shirts or jackets 12 Acne spot 13 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be My Yoko ___â&#x20AC;? (Barenaked Ladies single) 18 Bank robbery 23 Abbr. before a cornerstone date 26 Cameroonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s neighbor 28 Birth state of Elijah Wood 29 Part of MIT, for short 30 Do what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing right now 31 Broadway musical without a storyline

BY MATT JONES Last Weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Answers

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Song Sudokuâ&#x20AC;?

Solve this as you would a regular sudoku, except using the nine given letters instead of numbers. When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re done, each row, column and 3x3 box will contain each of the nine given letters exactly one time. In addition, one row or column will reveal, either backward or forward, the name of a famous song. psychosudoku@gmail.com

MUST

BE

THE

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CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):

Three centuries ago, Capricorn genius Isaac Newton formulated principles that have ever since been fundamental to scientists’ understanding of the physical universe. He was also a pioneer in mathematics, optics and astronomy. And yet he also expended huge amounts of time and energy on the fruitless attempt to employ alchemy to transform base metals into solid gold. Those efforts may have been interesting to him, but they yielded no lasting benefits. You Capricorns face a comparable split. In 2018, you could bless us with extraordinary gifts or else you could get consumed in projects that aren’t the most productive use of your energy. The coming weeks may be crucial in determining which way you’ll go.

A rite of passage lies ahead. It could and should usher you into a more soulful way of living. I’m pleased to report that this transition won’t require you to endure torment, confusion or passive-aggressive manipulation. In fact, I suspect it could turn out to be among the most graceful ordeals you’ve ever experienced—and a prototype for the type of breakthrough that I hope will become standard in the months and years to come. Imagine being able to learn valuable lessons and make crucial transitions without the prod of woe and gloom. Imagine being able to say, as musician P.J. Harvey said about herself, “When I’m contented, I’m more open to receiving inspiration. I’m most creative when I feel safe and happy.”

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20):

“The Kalevala” is a 19th-century book of poetry that conveys the important mythology and folklore of the Finnish people. It was a wellspring of inspiration for English writer J. R. R. Tolkien as he composed his epic fantasy novel, “The Lord of the Rings.” To enhance his ability to steal ideas from “The Kalevala,” Tolkien even studied the Finnish language. He said it was like “entering a complete wine cellar filled with bottles of an amazing wine of a kind and flavor never tasted before.” According to my reading of the astrological omens, Pisces, in 2018 you will have the potential of discovering a source that’s as rich for you as Finnish and “The Kalevala” were for Tolkien.

ARIES (March 21-April 19):

I’m happy to inform you that life is giving you permission to be extra demanding in the coming weeks—as long as you’re not petty, brusque or unreasonable. Here are a few examples that will pass the test: “I demand that you join me in getting drunk on the truth”; “I demand to receive rewards commensurate with my contributions”; “I demand that we collaborate to outsmart and escape the karmic conundrums we’ve gotten ourselves mixed up in.”

On the other hand, Aries, ultimatums like these are not admissible: “I demand treasure and tribute, you fools”; “I demand the right to cheat in order to get my way”; “I demand that the river flow backwards.”

TAURUS (April 20-May 20):

Are you familiar with the phrase “Open Sesame?” In the old folk tale, “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves,” it’s a magical command that the hero uses to open a blocked cave where treasure is hidden. I invite you to try it out.

It just may work to give you entrance to an off-limits or previously inaccessible place where you want and need to go. At the very least, speaking those words will put you in a playful, experimental frame of mind as you contemplate the strategies you could use to gain entrance. And that alone may provide just the leverage you need.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20):

While thumping around the Internet, I came across pointed counsel from an anonymous source. “Don’t enter into a long-term connection with someone until you’ve seen them stuck in traffic,” it declared. “Don’t get too deeply involved with them until you’ve witnessed them drunk, waiting for food in a restaurant for entirely too long, or searching for their phone or car keys in a panic. Before you say yes to a deeper bond, make sure you see them angry, stressed or scared.” I recommend that you take this advice in the coming weeks. It’ll be a good time to deepen your commitment to people who express their challenging emotions in non-abusive, non-psychotic ways.

CANCER (June 21-July 22):

My high school history teacher Marjorie Margolies is now

Chelsea Clinton’s mother-in law. She shares two grandchildren with Hillary Clinton. Is that something I should brag about? Does it add to my cachet or my happiness? Will it influence you to love me more? No, nah and nope. In the big scheme of things, it’s mildly interesting but utterly irrelevant. The coming weeks will be a good time for Cancerians like you and me to renounce any desire we might have to capitalize on fake ego points like this. We Crabs should be honing our identity and self-image so they’re free of superficial measures of worth. What’s authentically valuable about you?

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22):

If I were your mentor or your guide, I’d declare this the Leo Makeover Season. First I’d hire a masseuse or masseur to knead you firmly and tenderly. I’d send you to the nutritionist, stylist, dream interpreter, trainer and life coach. I’d brainstorm with the people who know you best to come up with suggestions for how to help free you from your illusions and infuse your daily rhythm with 20 percent more happiness. I’d try to talk you out of continuing your association with anyone or anything that’s no damn good for you. In conclusion, I’d be thorough as I worked to get you unlocked, debugged and retooled.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):

“It takes an extraordinary person to carry themselves as if they do not live in hell,” says writer D. Bunyavong. In accordance with the astrological omens, I nominate you Virgos to fit that description in the coming weeks. You are, in my estimation, as far away from hell as you’ve been in a long time. If anyone can seduce, coax or compel heaven to come all the way down to earth for a while, it’s you. Here’s a good way to get the party started: Gaze into the mirror until you spy the eternal part of yourself.

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LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):

In accordance with the astrological omens, I encourage you to move the furniture around. If you feel inspired, you might even want to move some of that old stuff right out the door and haul it to the dump or the thrift store. Hopefully, this will get you in the mood to launch a sweeping purge of anything else that lowers the morale and élan around the house: dusty mementoes, unflattering mirrors, threadbare rugs, chipped dishes and numbing symbols. The time is ripe, my dear homies, to free your home of deadweight.

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SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):

When he was 16 years old and living in New York, Ralph Lifshitz changed his name to Ralph Lauren. That was probably an important factor in his success. Would he have eventually become a famous fashion designer worth $5.8 billion dollars if he had retained a name with “shitz” in it?

The rebranding made it easier for clients and customers to take him seriously. With Ralph’s foresight as your inspiration, Scorpio, consider making a change in yourself that will enhance your ability to get what you want.

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

In 1956, the prolific Spanish poet Juan Ramón Jiménez was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. The award committee praised his “high spirit and artistic purity.” The honor was based on his last 13 books, however, and not on his first two. “Waterlilies” and “Souls of Violet” were works he wrote while young and still ripening. As he aged, he grew so embarrassed by their sentimentality that he ultimately tried to track down and eradicate every copy. I bring this to your attention, Sagittarius, because I think it’s a favorable time for you to purge or renounce or atone for anything from your past that you no longer want to be defined by.

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