Vol. 9 | No. 14 //december 15-21, 2010
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GHOSTS OF FRANK MELTON
LADD, PP 8-9
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YULETIDE
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PP 45-46
HACKETT BLESSINGS JACOME AND ROBINSON, P 24
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jacksonian
VOL.
9 NO. 14
contents
Measure for Measure Public eye looks at performancebased budgeting. Are we measuring the things that matter?
KRISTIN BRENEMEN; BEWEY BOWDEN; SEAN BERRY; MEREDITH NORWOOD
JERRICK SMITH
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Cover photograph of Carolyn Meyers courtesy Jackson State University
30
THIS ISSUE:
The Colors of Bowden 7 ............. Editor’s Note
Bewey Bowden’s artwork pops off the canvas with color and dimension rivaling the masters.
8 .......................... Talk
14 ..................... Stiggers 14 ......................... Zuga 15 .................... Opinion 24 ...................... Hitched 27 .................. Body/Soul 28 ........ Road to Wellness 30 ................. Diversions 31 ........................ Books 32 ...................... 8 Days 33 ................ JFP Events 36 ......................... Music 37 ........... Music Listings 39 ......................... Astro 40 .......................... Food 45 .................... Fly Gifts
pamela nail In between shuffling her 9-year-old son home from school and making lastminute calls to plan a charity event at the Mississippi Children’s Home Services, Pamela Nail stops to reflect about her passion to inspire and motivate others. “It’s tiny steps your whole life that you take in a certain direction,” she says. “As long as you can, you have to see a goal, and you have to keep desiring (to see) that goal happening and not give in to any doubt.” The Crawfordsville, Ind., native grew up in Baton Rouge, La., and at 15, realized she had a gift for helping friends at her gym who asked for fitness tips. In high school, the 5-foot-9-inch teenager got her certification in aerobics and pursued modeling. In 1983, she won the title of Miss Louisiana. After moving to Jackson in 1985 to be with her husband, Steve, she competed and won the title of Mrs. Mississippi, going on to win the title of Mrs. America in 1987. Nail then headed to Brisbane, Australia, where she rose to the top of the national and international pageant world when she became the first American to win the Mrs. World crown in 1988. “I never wanted to be just Mrs. America,” she says. “I wanted to be Mrs. World from the beginning.” Nail, who is in her mid 40s, grew up as the youngest of six children. Her mother was a Holocaust survivor from Poland
who immigrated to the United States at 17 where she met her husband. A battle with bulimia spurred Nail’s desire to help others acquire high self-esteem and good health. She previously operated her own modeling school in Louisiana, and currently runs her fitness training and pageant-consulting business, Transformations. The mother of four is planning a bootcamp program along with former NFL football player Jimmy Smith in January. She says good health goes beyond diets or a one-time workout program: It’s a lifestyle choice. In her free time, Nail leads workshops for young girls at the Mississippi Children’s Home Services, where she teaches life skills and nutrition. “They learn from us what they might not learn anywhere else,” she says. “We have an open window where we can go in and change lives. I tell them about how I grew up, and how it’s important to make the right choices because that will determine exactly who you will be. After living in the city for more than two decades, Nail says she considers Jackson home. “There are so many things I like about Jackson. I love my friends. People in Jackson aren’t transient. They have been here and have roots here. … I love that camaraderie with other people.” —Lauren Collins
36 Moving Up Whiz Khalifa is probably the “Next Big Thing” on the hip-hop scene, and he’s coming to Jackson.
46 For the “Nice” List Everyone, regardless of age, loves their toys. Here are some good ones for your list.
jacksonfreepress.com
14 .................... Editorial
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by Ronni Mott, Managing Editor
Grokking New Beginnings
W
ith Jackson State University naming Carolyn Meyers as its new president within the past week (see Ward Schaefer’s interview beginning on page 16), my thoughts naturally turned to Mississippi’s educational system and the subject of how we learn. For me, I find that the older I get, the harder it becomes to really learn something new. I’m not talking about accumulating new facts; those are easy: As facts become available, I simply add them to my mental “database.” What I find more and more difficult, however, is to come to a familiar subject without also bringing my 50-plus years of experiences and opinions. It can be excruciating, for example, to try to wrap my mind around certain conservative or fundamentalist principles, because I have lots of experience disagreeing with them. I inevitably bring an “I already know” mindset with me to certain subjects, making it really hard to learn something new in those areas. I encounter the phenomena weekly in my yoga classes. I teach mostly beginners but have several students in my level-one classes who have been practicing for years. Some frequent advanced classes along with the basic ones, but many never stray from the lower-level classes. They may have physical limitations, practice infrequently or have no desire to go further. But yoga, like life, is rarely a linear progression: I learn as much, if not more, through deepening the basics as I do by attempting more advanced and difficult poses. A few students always manage to find a challenge exactly where they are. Some, however, come to the basic positions (many of which they’ve done hundreds or thousands of times before) the way I frequently come to a
conversation about conservatives: been there; done that. I can see their minds wander as their bodies harden into the “correct” form. I watch as they anticipate the next step, moving quickly toward the pose apex without attention to breath or listening to what their bodies are telling them, much less my instructions. They have lost what Buddhists call the “beginner’s mind.” In the classic 1961 sci-fi novel, “Stranger in a Strange Land,” author Robert Heinlein coined the word “grok,” which is in (somewhat) common usage among sci-fi aficionados, tech geeks and their significant others. The “Random House Dictionary” defines it “to understand thoroughly and intuitively” and “to communicate sympathetically.” (The original definition is more esoteric, but then, it’s a Martian concept.) The only way to even get close to grokking, though, is with a mind empty of preconceived notions. It’s the same calm, clear mentality that allows for a response of “I don’t know” to a question instead of automatically filling in with thoughtless commentary, or worse, being satisfied with the first response that springs to mind. I have always considered myself a lifelong learner. As such, I think it’s imperative to regain a beginner’s mind in every endeavor. In other words, I frequently need to put aside my knowledge, opinions and logical conclusions, if only for a short period, to grok new information or teaching that comes my way. It’s not as if all of that stuff (with which my brain is, quite literally, “stuffed”) won’t be there later. But adding new information on top of the old—like adding new tschotkes to those already crowding a shelf—just adds to my brain’s clutter instead of allowing for actual
learning to take place. Approaching a familiar yoga pose or a brand new idea with a beginner’s mind—simply absorbing information or following instructions—allows for a brand new experience instead of resisting and hardening against it. It may not make sense and feel absurd, but if I can stick with it, it is worthwhile. But if the phenomenon of an overheated “full” brain happens to those who consider ourselves open-minded, tolerant and accepting, how much harder must it be for a public-school student to actually learn in an atmosphere where the only thing that counts is how well you did on the last standardized test? I’ve had the pleasure of working with a lot of interns at the JFP. They come in all ages, shapes and sizes, and bring with them all manner of experience. One of those experiences is what I recognize as the result of a tyranny of low expectations. In almost every group, individuals stand out as those who have “gotten by” instead of being challenged and pushed. “Getting by” manifests differently in various individuals: Some are excellent students, but too “smart” to grok anything new; some are eternally confused, hiding behind uncertainty; others never learned grammar and spelling, despite 12-plus years of school. In a country that has bemoaned the lack of good, quality education for at least as long as I can remember, Mississippi stands out as underachieving in every standardized category: reading, writing, math and science. In 2006, only 61 percent of our kids overall graduated from high school, according to Education Week, even fewer African Americans (55 percent) and Native Americans (37 percent). Only about 10 percent of our highschool graduates were ready for college in 2009. Granted, our scores are getting better, but so are the national scores, leaving our kids perpetually behind. The theories about why American education isn’t getting the job done are legion, and I don’t have a brilliant theory to add to the morass. But I see the results: kids overwhelmed by a system that seeks little more than to pack their heads with “stuff.” Some of those kids go on to amass piles of debt to get specialized college diplomas, leaving them with few options but to chase their own tails in a never-ending cycle of upward mobility and conspicuous consumption. That, too, is just getting by. Maybe it’s as simple as measuring something else other than how many facts our kids have learned, like the actual ability to learn and think critically. Possibly, part of the equation includes beginning education earlier, and making the arts and physical education more prominent to use different parts of the brain. Perhaps all the experts just need to take a few deep cleansing breaths and adopt a beginner’s mind to find better approaches. Mississippi needs smart, tough, compassionate educators to get at the hard truths and make a real difference. I have high hopes Meyers will be one of them for Jackson and JSU.
Ward Schaefer JFP reporter Ward Schaefer came to Mississippi to teach middle school, and is now a journalist. His hometown of Chevy Chase, Md., was not named for the actor. He is slowly learning to play banjo. He interviewed Carolyn Meyers.
Sarah Senff Sarah Senff is a Belhaven University alumna, exiled to the cold Yankee north of Columbus, Ohio. She is an actor, blogger, photographer and operatic mezzo-soprano who never met a carbohydrate she didn’t like. She wrote a food piece.
Katie Stewart Katie Stewart, a Jackson native, works for Imaginary Company, a local design firm. She is often found wandering around Fondren with her husband, taking pictures with cheap film cameras and is usually accompanied by a cup of strong coffee. She wrote a food piece.
Phyllis Robinson Phyllis Robinson, aka Peaches, has worked in every facet of fashion: writing, styling, designing, and modeling. She is the founder of E & E Models of Jackson, for plus size models. She co-wrote the Hitched piece.
ShaWanda Jacome Assistant to the Editor ShaWanda Jacome is learning to pray without ceasing, to trust in the Lord completley and to have hope and faith in his timing. She co-wrote the Hitched piece.
Katie Bonds Katie Bonds has a master’s from the University of Memphis and a bachelor’s from Rhodes College. She is a Madison native, now living in Belhaven. She enjoys reading everything, writing and running the hills of Belhaven. She wrote the arts feature.
Natalie A. Collier Associate Editor Natalie A. Collier is originally from Starkville and a graduate of Millsaps. She lived in Chicago for a while, but is now back in Jackson. She’s not easy to impress. Try. She wrote a music piece.
Garrad Lee Garrad Lee is working on his master’s in history at Jackson State University. He grew up in south Jackson but now lives in Belhaven with his wife, dog and cat. He wrote a music piece.
jacksonfreepress.com
editor’snote
7
news, culture & irreverence
Thursday, Dec. 9 Figures from an investigative commission show that almost 2,000 people had made complaints of sexual or physical abuse against the Roman Catholic Church in the Netherlands, a country with four million Catholics. … Sen. Bernard Sanders, I-Vt., begins an eight-hour filibuster against the U.S. Senate’s tax cutting measures, estimated to cost $858 billion, more than last year’s economic stimulus. Friday, Dec. 10 The Nixon Presidential Library and Museum releases 265 hours of recordings from the Oval Office, including conversations where former President Richard M. Nixon made disparaging remarks about Jews, blacks, Italian-Americans and IrishAmericans. … Jackson police man “Operation Safeshop” in the city’s retail areas to protect shoppers. Saturday, Dec. 11 Elizabeth Edwards, estranged wife of former U.S. Sen. John Edwards, is laid to rest. Edwards, 61, died of cancer.
Ghosts of Frank Melton
L
eave it to Frank Melton to live among strangeness even, after his death. The latest saga began for us the night we saw a tweet about a WJTV report by Ross Adams breaking the news that the new owners of Melton’s former northeast home at 2 Carter’s Grove were facing a zoning issue for their “activity and conference center.” The city, Adams reported, had said that 2 Carter’s Grove is not zoned to be a conference center, and that the new owner had not applied to rezone it. This is the house, of course, that the late mayor almost lost because he hadn’t paid his property taxes; that he had added a huge addition to without reporting it; where he had built a long pool underneath his bedroom that he claimed was the exact same size as the gargantuan room above; where multiple young male adults and adolescents (and a felon or two) lived with him although he wasn’t a certified foster parent; where he got drunk and showed off his guns to me as young people walked in and out of the room; where he liked to hang out in what he called the “batcave.” It is also the house where I spent quality time in 2006 getting to know some of the young people, observing a bizarre cast of characters and watching then-JPD Police Chief Shirlene Anderson cleaning up the kitchen after dinner. Apparently, the new owner, Joyce
December 15 - 21, 2010
8
Tuesday, Dec. 14 U.S. Census data shows that the communities with the highest poverty are four American Indian reservations in South Dakota. … State Republicans Gov. Haley Barbour, Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant and Sen. Roger Wicker issue statements applauding a court ruling striking down part of the health-care legislation signed into law last March.
by Donna Ladd
Properties LLC—or Joyce Caracci to be more exact—had sent out a press release about a grand opening of the newly renovated Melton mini-mansion for Friday, Dec. 10.
Frank Melton used to hold meetings and entertain guests (including from the JFP) in his massive bedroom at 2 Carter’s Grove. No longer.
In addition, an artist out of New Orleans, Stephan Wanger, had his own press release on PR wires announcing that his
mosaic of the St. Louis Cathedral, “Journey of a Reverie,” would be unveiled at the re-opening of 2 Carter’s Grove. Wander wrote that his studio is next door to Joyce Caracci’s son’s Little Vic’s Gelateria at 1912 Magazine St. in New Orleans. She and her now-deceased husband, Vic Caracci, had spent their 50th wedding anniversary in his native Sicily, at Parcomuseo Jalari, where mosaics are a big deal. Thus, Wanger wrote, Caracci planned to name the new Jackson community center “Jalari” to honor her memories of Sicily. Needless to say, I had to return to Melton’s home. As I drove past the wide-open iron gate (the one I had peered through as Melton showed me his JPD ID one day to prove it was OK, really it was, for him to carry a weapon), I noticed that a new gravel parking lot had been added in front of the house next to where the JPD Mobile Command Center used to sit when not in use. I arrived during the blessing of the home; Caracci had by then revised the “activity center” story, pointing out that the artist had misspoke, and that it is her private residence, or one of them. Looking around I realized that, certainly, a woman’s touch had arrived to Jalari, with elaborate window treatments and lots of floral arrangements, not to mention a guest book. People serving food and helping out GHOSTS, see page 9
Warm and Fuzzy
Sunday, Dec. 12 A bomber detonates a van packed with explosives at a new outpost in southern Afghanistan killing six American soldiers and wounding more than a dozen American and Afghan troops. … Delta State University confers degrees on 393 graduates. Monday, Dec. 13 Embattled Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele announces he will run for re-election. … Richard Holbrooke, President Barack Obama’s special envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan, dies.
Quentin Whitwell wants your vote for City Council. p 11
SOURCE: ALLIANCE FOR EXCELLENT EDUCATION
WILLIAM PATRICK BUTLER
Wednesday, Dec. 8 Hundreds of Internet activists mount retaliatory attacks on the Web sites of multinational companies and other organizations deemed hostile to WikiLeaks and its jailed founder, Julian Assange, including MasterCard, Amazon and PayPal. … The Dream Act, a bill to grant legal status to thousands of undocumented immigrant students, passes the U.S. House of Representatives.
Lack of proficiency in reading underlies (and underscores) Mississippi’s high dropout rate. Eighty percent of the state’s eighth graders were below grade-level readers in 2009. For African American kids, that rate jumps to 93 percent.
Overnight temperatures plunged to 20 degrees in Jackson this week. Here are a few good (and bad) ideas for staying warm.
y e n mo “These guys aren’t interested in energy conservation. They don’t make money from energy conservation. They’re going to drag their feet kicking and screaming to the very end, because they are diametrically opposed to the program.” —Mississippi Sierra Club Director Louie Miller commenting about Mississippi Power Company’s opposition to a program that could save energy and lower electric bills.
Cat blankets. Cuddle up in Natalie’s hair. Simmer over Obama’s capitulations. Continually walk through airport security for your enhanced pat down. Stow away in Josh Hailey’s van headed for L.A. Burn leftover mid-term election signs. Grab a nutria fur coat. Head for a tanning bed. Whip your hair back and forth. Embrace global warming. Spike the eggnog. Add a bit o’ Bailey’s to your morning coffee.
talk
news, culture & irreverence
Donna Ladd
XXXX, from page 8
The basement game room at 2 Carter’s Grove—now also called “Jalari” by some—is dedicated to the memory of the home’s former occupant: Frank Melton.This sign sits just below the liquor cabinet.
were wearing polo shirts with a Sta-Home Health & Hospice logo; it was my first inkling that Caracci and her family had started and own the state’s largest home-health agency, which is now run by her children. Melton’s old basement game room is now renamed “The Bottom Line” with a blood-red pool table, a glass-fronted cabinet filled with liquor bottles and a small shrine to Melton sitting amid Christmas lights. To the left of the shrine shelf sits an undated
United Minority Media Association Inc. “Development Award” presented to “Frank E. Melton, President, TV-3 Inc., Jackson, Mississippi” for “National Youth Management.” To the right is a framed printout of cartoonist Marshall Ramsey’s goodbye cartoon to Melton, along with Melton’s city business card and that JPD ID signed by then-Chief Shirlene Anderson. In the game room, Caracci told me that the house is zoned correctly; that she
intends to have guests (including employees) stay over as she does in her other home (located a block away; her family has several homes in the Riverwood subdivision). When reporter Adam Lynch, who was there officially instead of as a ghost-hunter, interviewed Caracci, she said of Melton: “He was trying to do a good job,” Caracci said of the late mayor. “He had a good heart. A lot of people didn’t like the way he did things, but he was a good neighbor. The children he had here never bothered the neighborhood. I admired him for taking his time with disenfranchised children. Many people wouldn’t have taken that time. I know a lot of people didn’t like him, and he thought rules were made for somebody else, but we all have our quirks.” When Adam asked her about her new parking lot—which Chris Mims of the city had said earlier was a clear zoning problem—Caracci said it was all good. “It’s not a public parking lot. It’s a parking lot for my friends and guests. … The public will not use it,” she said. Walking throughout the house— twice—I saw Meltonian ghosts in every direction. There was the spot where I interviewed the scared teenager at the end of the long pool, who told me about how Melton took him in. Up the stairs was Melton’s huge bedroom where I spent most of my time in the home looking at pictures of his
“kids,” arguing with him at a small table, looking at his gun and badge collection that he showed off to me while smelling like booze. The red phone by his bed—the one he called his “murder hotline”—is gone. So is his dog, Abby, who died just before he did in May 2009. So is the king-size bed. Now the room is a large meeting room; on Friday, it was filled with food buffets. I wandered alone into the video room with its rows of big recliners and large projection screen. It hadn’t changed much. I passed through the “batcave”— Melton’s old office overlooking the backyard where I interviewed him with Christopher Walker lying on the sofa in the living room with his girlfriend. Now it’s just a sitting room with pretty flowers. The kitchen made me smile. It’s more done up—is that new tile?—but it’s not a lot different from when I interviewed the kids as they made dinner, or when I sat at the kitchen table and had dinner next to then-defense attorney Robert Shuler Smith on the event of the Albert “Batman” Donelson murder trial. The Caraccis are a colorful family in their own right—Vic’s brother was the notorious Bourbon Street nightclub owner Frank Caracci—but I’ll tell you one thing: They ain’t got nothing on Frank Melton. Reporter Adam Lynch contributed to this story. Comment at www.jfp.ms.
Public schools do more than educate children. They measure a city’s pride. They reflect community. They predict the social and economic well-being of a city’s future. For 20 years, Parents for Public Schools of Jackson has worked to keep our public schools strong, to empower parents as leaders for positive change, and to engage community support of our public schools.
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9
energytalk
by Adam Lynch
Utility Pushes Back on Power-Saving
M
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you’re talking about a $1 to $3 increase— though the increase could be only 50 cents, depending on what your commission agrees to, but they could see a 10 percent monthly reduction in their electricity bill,” Powell said. “If your bill is $150 a month, you could save $15 bucks by participating in the program.” The collaborative, comprised of the Mississippi Center for Justice, the Mississippi Kristin brenemen
December 15 - 21, 2010
1935 Lakeland Dr. 601.906.2253
ississippi Power Company wants a proposed statewide energy-efficiency plan evaluated based on its cost to ratepayers rather than its long-term savings—a move critics say is a contrast to its desire to have ratepayers fund its own coalplant expansion. The recently formed Mississippi Energy Efficiency Collaborative met Dec. 2 with representatives of Mississippi Power Company, Entergy Mississippi, the attorney general’s office and Mississippi Public Service Commission representatives, to promote a weatherization and efficiency program to reduce electricity costs for Mississippians. More than 30 states already use some form of ratepayer-funded efficiency program. Should the Mississippi PSC agree to create a program here, it could allow homeowners and businesses to partially or entirely fund certain upgrades—such as efficient air-conditioning units, extra insulation and energy-efficient windows—through monthly electric bills, rather than through credit-card charges or bank loans. Customers may not be able to opt out of the program, depending upon how Public Service Commissioners mold it. The owner of an office-supply company might invest in a high-efficiency air-conditioning system costing $100,000, and the program would pay a percentage. Some state programs fund half the investment, so the business owner could receive up to $50,000 to purchase high-efficiency equipment. Energy-efficiency consultant Hale Powell said the investment would probably pay for itself within two years. Similar programs in states like Michigan create additional rate charges that add about one-tenth of one cent to every kilowatt hour. The collaborative argues that one-tenth of a cent per kilowatt hour—or a thousandth of a dollar—amounts to a monthly rate increase of $1.50 per bill for the average homeowner. But the upside is that participants benefit from lower bills over the long term resulting from weatherization and more efficient heating and cooling systems. “From the homeowner’s perspective,
Sierra Club and power-efficiency advocacy group 25x25, hired Washington, D.C.-based business collaborator Kenneth Kearns to compile a report based upon the preferences of utility companies and sustainable-energy proponents. Commissioners will consider the report as only one of many factors—including public hearings and discussion—in their decision to endorse or reject the program. In June, Commissioner Brandon Presley announced $99,000 in federal stimulus money to fund the collaborative and the study. Mississippi Power is one of the more reluctant members of the coalition. The company’s contract attorney, Ricky Cox, and Sales and Marketing Manager Melvin Wilson argued that they want the PSC to grade the idea with a ratepayer-impact-measure test, or RIM test, which could discourage the PSC from taking the effort seriously. Public Utility Service Executive Director Bobby Waites wants to use a “total-resourcecost test” to show savings customers receive by avoiding supply-cost increases—such as the
expense of new power plants—and reductions in transmission and distribution costs. Mississippi Sierra Club Director Louie Miller said it is the expense of new power plants, in particular, that he wants to avoid through the energy-efficiency plan. He added that Mississippi Power’s demand “strangles the efficiency program in the cradle” if the PSC only uses the RIM test. “(RIM) booby traps the whole process, and it’s a ridiculous determiner,” Miller said. “These guys aren’t interested in energy conservation. They don’t make money from energy conservation. They’re going to drag their feet kicking and screaming to the very end, because they are diametrically opposed to the program.” Miller called MPC’s preference for the RIM test inconsistent with their desire to raise rates to fund a $3.88 billion experimental coal-burning power plant in Kemper County. The company successfully lobbied a majority of the PSC to allow them to charge ratepayers for the construction of the plant, although the company has never officially stated the impact the plant will have on its customers’ rates. The downside that Mississippi’s commissioners must consider in mulling the issue is that the rate increases to afford the program could affect all customers, while not every customer will choose to use the funds to upgrade their home or business. Commissioner Brandon Presley said he was mindful of that drawback. He argued that ratepayers would have a difficult time swallowing an initial increase in their monthly rates without any decrease in their actual bill, which could be the reality for non-participants who did not take advantage of the upgrades. Presley said he would prefer an energy-efficiency program that demands no rate increase whatsoever. “If there are other plans out there that don’t draw anything from a ratepayer’s monthly bill, I intend to promote it,” Presley said. “I don’t think the ratepayers want to see their bills go up for anything—not for a new power plant, and not for a new program.” Comment at www.jfp.ms.
by Adam Lynch
FOR SERIOUS BILLIARDS
Lacey McLaughlin
Respect for the City
Quentin Whitwell has announced his candidacy for the Ward 1 City Council seat.
C
ampaign adviser and lobbyist Quentin Whitwell is looking to get his own campaign moving this year. Whitwell, 38, announced to supporters last month that he plans to run for the Ward 1 Jackson City Council seat that Councilman Jeff Weill will vacate in January to take his seat as a judge in Hinds County Circuit Court. Whitwell has already collected quite a following in north Jackson; his campaign team features former Ward 1 Councilman Ben Allen as its treasurer. Republican Whitwell is managing partner with media and political advising company Meadowbrook Strategies; his partner there is former City Councilman Chip Reno. Clients include the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools and Entergy Mississippi Inc. He earned a bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1995 and law degree from the same university in 1998. He and his wife, Ginger, have two children: daughter, Davis, 10, and son, Gordon, 7.
The City Council will call a special election within 45 days of Weill’s resignation, and the election could be as soon as mid-February. Candidates have 20 days of the council’s call for the election to announce their candidacy. Why on earth would you want to serve on the City Council? I’ve worked on political (efforts), and we addressed housing, economic development, tax concerns, the importance of taking pride in your city, and having parks and recreational things that go along with city government. I’ve developed a keen interest in things like that. Quite frankly, in my experience in government relations, I’ve dealt with a lot of issues that people at the local level appreciate, including infrastructure needs, crime reduction and other types of economic-development platforms. These are the kinds of goals that, for better or for worse, I’ve come to enjoy and appreciate, and to have the opportunity to do this as an elected official and to serve—as opposed to doing it on behalf of a client for business reasons—is something I’m excited about. Many “for sale� signs are popping up in Ward 1. What has kept you in the city? What kept me here was the vision of what Jackson is and what it has been over the course of my lifetime. When (my wife and I) first moved here 10 years ago, she told me ... we were going to live in the city. ... She loves Jackson, and as a result, I followed her advice, and we bought a home in the Heatherwood Subdivision and lived there almost five years. I’ve come to love this city. What are your priorities on tax and fee increases? I’m not going to make any campaign statement about any specific vote that I would deal with in the city for a couple of reasons: First of all, the one thing people will learn about me is that I tend to react only once I am fully informed. If I’m given the opportunity to serve, I want to take a strong look at our budget. I want to scrutinize for fraud, waste
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and abuse. I want to look at what incentives need to be in place to keep the city from being a shrinking city, and I want to figure out ways to grow within our borders, attract more businesses and homeowners. What are your views on the suburbs? Can you be for the city without considering the suburbs some kind of enemy? We have to look at what our outlying areas are doing that are successful and unsuccessful. We need to evaluate what our policy is, try to be better than anybody else. But I also think that our metro region has grown to such an extent that we have to be able to work with the leaders outside our borders. What are your thoughts on apartments in Ward 1? Do we have enough of them? I would have to see what’s on the books and what’s there. I know that in recent history there are a number of apartment projects, including the one next to Jackson Academy that (were) recently demolished. There doesn’t seem like there is a high demand for additional apartments in the area. What’s your take on dealing with crime in the city? Is it possible to raise the head count in the city’s police department without raising taxes or fees? This is about sticking to the principals that I’m running on and trying to have as little commitment as to one way or another as possible, so that if I am able to be elected, then I will have the independence to be able to analyze specific facts and issues based on what the right thing is. I’m not trying to be coy with you, or political. I’m doing this because I want to be able to analyze each individual issue on the facts. But what I’m not going to do is end up offering a “no new taxes� quote and be vilified in the future if the facts warrant changes. But don’t think I’m not going to scrutinize every nickel and dime before I entertain discussion of a need for more money.
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electiontalk
11
educationtalk
by Ward Schaefer
JPS’ Special-Education Problem
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December 15 - 21, 2010
File Photo
ackson Public Schools has trouble with cause MDE has not formally announced any special education, but it’s hardly unique. findings, yet and, is still conducting its investiThe district’s failure to provide adequate gation. services to students with emotional and “Only two times this year (including the behavioral disorders came to light earlier this JPS finding) has MDE had a complaint that month with the resulted in a derelease of a Nov. 22 partmental investistate-agency findgation,” Polk said. ing. The Mississip The education pi Department of department’s speEducation found cial-education ofthat JPS violated fice handles thoufederal law dursands of calls from ing the last school parents every year, year by not giving most of which it reappropriate coun- Jackson Public Schools is not the only district solves in mediation seling and special- to have trouble complying with federal special or due process heareducation law, advocates say. ized instruction ings with districts, to students with said Ellen Burnconditions like attention deficit hyperactivity ham, MDE’s bureau director for data and fisdisorder, bipolar disorder or oppositional defi- cal management. A state investigation follows ant disorder. only if mediation fails. Under the federal Individuals with Dis- Hutchinson said that accountability is abilities Education Act, students with emo- the key to ensuring an appropriate education tional disabilities are entitled to individualized for all special-needs students in the state. Parplans for discipline and education, as well as ents of a special-education student are often services related to their disability, such as coun- unfamiliar with their rights under IDEA, but seling or meetings with a social worker. School looking at data such as suspensions and rates must evaluate and update the plans regularly. for referral to alternative schools can shine a JPS did not regularly update these plans, nor light on systemic problems. did it provide adequate psychological and so- MDE compiles data on special-educacial services, MDE found. tion services in school districts on an annual The MDE finding followed an admin- basis with annual reports released by the deistrative complaint filed by two advocacy partment’s Office of Special Education. MDE groups, Disability Rights Mississippi and the will compile the reports for last school year, Mississippi Youth Justice Project. DRM At- 2009-2010, in February. JPS’ most recent torney Wendell Hutchinson said that while report, for the 2008-2009 school year, shows his organization has not brought adminis- that the district meets state targets for its spetrative complaints against other Mississippi cial-education students in some categories, school districts, individual students’ cases sug- while falling short in others. gest that the same inadequacies persist in other Jackson Public Schools failed to meet school systems. its targets for dropout and graduation rates. “We see the same violations throughout Among special-education students in JPS, the state,” Hutchinson said. “I think it’s safe to only 10 percent graduated, below the statesay it’s statewide.” mandated target of 23.4 percent, and 16.7 The Southern Poverty Law Center, which percent dropped out, exceeding the goal of oversees MYJP, has filed similar suits in Louisi- 12.2 percent. ana. In May 2006, it reached a settlement with The district did not suspend or expel spethe school district in East Baton Rouge Parish, cial-education students at a higher rate than requiring the district to comply with IDEA, their regular-education peers, however. The reduce the suspension and expulsion rate for expulsion and suspension rate was 12.6 perstudents with emotional disturbances, and cent for regular-education students but only implement an alternative discipline system 2.6 percent for those with special needs. JPS called Positive Behavioral Interventions and also outperformed state targets for parental Supports. In October of this year, the SPLC involvement and keeping special-education sued the Louisiana Department of Education students in regular classes as much as possible. under the Individuals with Disabilities Educa- Neighboring districts fared only slighttion Act, or IDEA, on behalf of New Orleans ly better with their special-needs students. special-education students. The suit alleges Hinds County Public Schools exceeded the that students with special needs are forced to state target for graduation rate, but failed to attend schools that cannot properly accom- meet the goal for dropout rate. The Rankin modate their disabilities. County School District met neither dropout Despite Hutchinson’s concerns, MDE nor graduation targets. While the Madison has only investigated one other administrative County School District met or exceeded goals complaint regarding IDEA compliance this for graduation and dropout rates among speyear, MDE spokeswoman Wendy Polk said. cial-education students, it fell short of state Polk said that she could not divulge more targets for both participation and proficiency details, such as the district under scrutiny, be- on statewide tests.
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publiceye
by Ward Schaefer
Grading Government
The bill sought to tie agencies’ appropriations to their performance, so that departments that did not produce their required number of widgets would face funding cuts to their budgets in the next year. Bryant’s office did not return calls for comment, but he presented performance budgeting as a way of safeguarding public money, in a Feb. 4 press release. “The key is results,” Bryant said in the statement. “Departments are allocated money with specific goals in mind. Simply, this process is an effort to provide more accountability to the taxpayers’ money.” While Bryant’s skepticism of current
budgeting practices may have something to do with his Republican affiliation and small-government outlook, performancebased budgeting has appeal that transcends partisanship. In 2008, the non-partisan Pew Center on the States placed Mississippi among the lower half of states in the country for government performance. Pew gave Mississippi a C-plus, ranking the state above Arkansas, California and Massachusetts, among others, but below Louisiana, Texas and Georgia. The nationwide average grade was a B-minus. Mississippi lost points for lacking a statewide strategic plan and for not using the data provided by individual agencies to track progress. “Agencies (in Mississippi) regularly submit performance information as part of their budget requests, though officials use this information to gauge efficiency rather than progress toward state goals,” the Pew report found. In a 2008 paper on the practice of performance budgeting, the National Conference of State Legislatures noted that it was uncommon for legislatures to actually link their budget decisions to performance data. “Agency personnel and legislators may have different ideas about what is important about an agency’s work,” the paper noted. As
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managers, agency heads might be interested in data on the productivity of their employees, such as numbers of reports filed or calls answered, while legislators might be more concerned with highway accident rates or unemployment rates. Mississippi’s performance data seem to fall into this rut. Legislators can find that the Department of Corrections farming operations sold 517,477 dozen eggs last year—of a projected 600,000—but cannot find how many released prisoners found jobs. Similarly, the Department of Mental Health provided data showing that the Mississippi State Hospital at Whitfield reported 340,508 patient or resident days last year, or 89 percent of the projected 382,758. But the department’s performance data do not address how well Whitfield actually provided its services, such as how many patients had to be re-admitted, for example. Nevertheless, the lieutenant governor has asked Senate Appropriations Committee chairman Doug Davis, R-Hernando, to submit a “Smart Budget Act” this year. “It is no secret that I am not a fan of the current budgetary system, and I will continue to push for performance-based budgeting in the next legislative session,” Bryant said in a Dec. 13 statement.
PA I D A DV E RT I S E M E N T
t’s the most wonderful time of the year in Jackson: Christmas in the City with Soul. Holiday cheer is happening here, and the Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau is your source for all the holiday fun & frolic. We know all Jingle Bell the fun holiday events filled with everything from Jackson soul-warming Christmas caroling to great holiday shopping, seasonal musical performances to oldfashioned, ethnic-decorated trees. Start a Christmas tradition. Gather your family or friends and explore many events, restaurants, and shopping locations in Jackson, Mississippi, and celebrate Jingle Bell Jackson-style. Visit Mississippi’s Greek Revival Governor’s Mansion, circa 1841, through a hosted holiday tour Dec. 3–21. Make merry memories at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science from hands-on crafts to interactive Creature Features with live animals. The Jackson Zoo has a Christmas Tree Tour around the World December 6– 27. During the entire month of December, the Annual Christmas Tree Festival will take place at the Arts Center in downtown Jackson, a colorful showcase of various civic, social, and religious organizations’ creatively decorated Christmas trees. Or catch the Sounds of the Season at the Old Capitol Museum. For a complete listing of over 45 holiday events, go to www.visitjackson.com and click on Jingle Bell Jackson. Catch the Christmas spirit through a theatrical or performing arts event. From Carols by Candlelight at First Baptist Church Jackson, December 10–12, to Ballet Magnificat’s A Christmas Dream at Thalia Mara Hall, December 17–19, a wide variety of performances is guaranteed to let your soul celebrate the holidays in the Capital City. Want to shop ’til you literally drop? Well, we have a complete Shopping Sampler at www.visitjackson.com with endless shopping venue possibilities. Let us show you the hot retail spots and intimate specialty stores to definitely stop by for that perfect Christmas gift. Buy something made by a local craftsman or a unique Jackson gift available at any of our museums and attractions’ stores. And of course, we all know that holidays are a great reason to feast. Choose from over 200 unique restaurants in Jackson with an available listing in our Jackson Dining Guide, also available at www.visitjackson.com. So, happy shopping, dining, caroling, crafting, ballet watching, Santa visiting, history reliving, and parading, there is something for everyone during the holidays in the City with Soul. Visit www. visitjackson.com, and let the Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau show you how to celebrate Christmas with soul.
jacksonfreepress.com
Mississippi Strategic Planning and Performance Budgeting System Act of 2010, passed the Senate by a 48-1 margin but died in the House Appropriations Committee. KRISTIN BRENEMEN
R
eleased at the same time as Gov. Haley Barbour’s budget recommendation for the upcoming 2012 fiscal year was a report card for state government. Since 1997, state agencies submit performance reports along with their annual budget requests, as required by the Mississippi Performance and Strategic Planning Act. The document offers entertaining facts—the Department of Corrections’ prison farms produced 3.18 million pounds of vegetables in 2010, for example—but what good is it? The “performance measures report,” as the statistics are officially called, lists quantitative goals for individual divisions within state government and the actual numbers produced by each division—a kind of scorecard for measuring the productivity of various agencies. The data, and the act mandating its collection, are part of a broader system called “performance-based budgeting,” which intends to apply private sector-style data collection and decision-making to government agencies and services. Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant, an avowed proponent of performance budgeting, convened a special legislative committee in 2009 to find efficiencies in government and has pushed the state Legislature to pass performance-budgeting laws, to no avail. Last year, a Bryant-supported bill, the
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jfp op/ed
opining, grousing & pontificating
EDITORIAL
Stop the War on the Poor
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uring the winter holiday season, our thoughts frequently turn to those in need: the homeless, the poor, the sick and other needy souls. Folks put their change into Salvation Army buckets, and send their end-ofyear contributions to non-profit organizations. They volunteer at shelters and buy gifts for orphans and foster children. All of this holiday goodness makes us wonder where some people’s priorities hide when they aren’t filled with the spirit of giving and compassion. What is it that makes a person send a check to a group like “Save the Children” to get an anonymous photo from a child in a developing country, or donate to a ministry, yet then support denying Mississippi’s children the chance for decent—or any—medical care through the Health-Care Reform Act? What kind of rationalization process justifies extending Bush-era tax cuts to the ultra rich while holding hostage millions of unemployed Americans who have been unable to find a job in the worst economy since the Great Depression? Or to sacrifice the needs of the majority of Americans while handing out corporate welfare to the companies donating millions to our elected officials? What kind of political sausage-making goes into a decision to cut budgets for education in a state that already boasts a dropout rate of nearly 40 percent (45 percent for African Americans), yet continues steady funding for the Department of Corrections and its numerous prisons? And that continues to push children into an adult correctional system that enriches private prison companies? These are questions that the least among us are asking during this season of blessings. They are questions that those who have watched the disparity between the poor and the wealthy grow ever wider over the past decades are asking. Perhaps they are rhetorical questions to political apparatchiks who will follow their ideological positions without ever stopping to understand what the outcome will be regardless of its cost in human capital. It’s the kind of blind allegiance that has an entire party become obstructionist to its opposition, simply because it can. And it’s not like the other party is responding in an effective way. It is time to stop tiptoeing around the fact that our nation is increasingly waging a war on the poor and jobless. The divisiveness of our current political system, fueled by the partisan infotainment industry that has, for many, replaced legitimate investigative journalism, is tearing out our national soul in an effort to gain our votes. And getting back a soul is a long and laborious process. “A cynical, mercenary, demagogic press will produce in time a people as base as itself,” Joseph Pulitzer said around the turn of the 20th century. His words are as true today as they were 100 years ago. So are these words: “Be in solidarity with the poor.” (Proverbs 14:31) What would Jesus do, indeed.
KEN STIGGERS
Spiteful Weather
December 15 - 21, 2010
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ig Roscoe: “Live from the Clubb Chicken Wing Multi-Purpose Complex, it’s the ‘Clubb Chicken Wing Christmas TV Special.’ On behalf of Lil’ Momma Roscoe and the Clubb Chicken Wing staff, we hope that the Ghetto Science community, financially challenged individuals and the unemployed have a happy and prosperous holiday season. “Even though the economy seems a little frightful—with politicians on both sides being so angry and spiteful—the people know the political climate is really cold. Let it snow. Let it snow. Let it snow. “Indeed, the love of many has waxed cold. But there’s no need to fear. The ‘Clubb Chicken Wing Christmas TV Special’ is on to provide the masses entertainment that will help keep their mind off their worries and troubles during the holiday season. “We have a great line-up for the ‘Christmas TV Special,’ featuring the musical stylings of the Vegetarian Church Tabernacle Choir as they sing ‘Joy to the World; Our Light Bill is Paid.’ “Lil’ Momma Roscoe has become quite a playwright and has teamed up with the Ghetto Science Team Repertory Theatre to present a scene from her first Christmas gospel play titled ‘The Christmas Miracle Rent Party.’ “And the Sausage Sandwich Sisters will perform their new electric slide line-dance routine to the Temptations’ rendition of the popular Christmas song ‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.’ “So relax, sip on your favorite heavily spiked hot toddy and enjoy the diversionary entertainment courtesy of the ‘Clubb Chicken Wing Christmas TV Special.’”
YOUR TURN by Robin O’Bryant
The Santa Situation
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tores have decked the halls, and Christmas music is playing on radio stations. As the holiday approaches, children anticipate the magic of the season and people ask my kids, “Is Santa coming to your house this year?” My 6-year-old and 4-year-old usually glance at me before nodding and smiling politely, because here’s the thing: My kids know Santa isn’t real. There seem to be two schools of thought on the phenomenon of Santa Claus. The Santa fan club believes children deserve to think magically as long as they possibly can. They think children will have to face the harsh realities of life soon enough. Why should we take Santa from them? Christmas purists believe Santa is a myth and should remain that way. They believe by purposefully misleading children to believe in Santa, they may doubt the more important ideas they are taught: namely, the belief in God. I grew up on Santa, and I didn’t feel betrayed when I discovered the fat man in the red suit was actually my parents in their pajamas. But Christmas wasn’t as fun or exciting after my discovery. My husband grew up in a family where Christmas was simply Christmas. His parents never told him Santa was shimmying down the chimney, yet he still has wonderful Christmas memories. When my husband and I had our first child, we decided not to fall into either camp. As Christians, we didn’t see any benefit in promoting Santa to our children. Today’s Santa Claus myth has strayed far from its fourth-century roots. St. Nicholas was a born into a rich family and devoted his life to giving selflessly to those less fortunate. His generosity of spirit is generally credited with the tradition of gift giving at Christmas. St. Nicholas gave with no ulterior motives, and his
altruistic spirit echoed God’s no-strings-attached gift to the world through the birth of Jesus. My husband and I didn’t want to dilute the importance of Jesus’ birth for our kids. At the same time, we didn’t think it was necessary to quash the playfulness of the season that goes hand in hand with the story of Santa. My oldest daughter was 4 before she asked: “Momma, is Santa real?” I answered her without hesitation: “Yes, he was.” She crawled onto my lap, and I told her the story of St. Nicholas, how he embodied the Christmas spirit by giving selflessly and became “Father Christmas.” Children have such vivid imaginations; why not include them in the charade? They understand makebelieve. My daughters know Mickey Mouse isn’t real, either, but that didn’t dampen their enthusiasm when we went to Disney World. Pretending is what they do best. My kids know it’s really their parents putting presents under the tree, but that doesn’t stop us from hanging our stockings and rushing to bed so “Santa” can come, and it certainly doesn’t stop us from celebrating the birth of our Savior. “Christmas memories are among the most cherished of all my childhood reminiscences,” said Dr. James Dobson in the December 2008 issue of Focus on the Family magazine. “The fantasy of Santa Claus coming on Christmas Eve was an important part of the fun. I’m reluctant to deprive today’s kids of an experience that was so exciting for me. … Santa is fun, but Santa could be confusing. What are Christian parents to do? This is a judgment call to be made by a given family.”
E-mail letters to letters@jacksonfreepress.com, fax to 601-510-9019 or mail to P.O. Box 5067, Jackson, Miss., 39296. Include daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.
Scott Dennis
For Goodness Sake
EDITORIAL Managing Editor Ronni Mott News Editor Lacey McLaughlin Associate Editor Natalie A. Collier Senior Reporter Adam Lynch Reporter Ward Schaefer Events Editor Latasha Willis Music Listings Editor Natalie Long Assistant to the Editor ShaWanda Jacome Writers Quita Bride, Lisa Fontaine Bynum, David Dennis Jr., Scott Dennis, Bryan Flynn, Carl Gibson, Garrad Lee, Lance Lomax, Anita Modak-Truran, Larry Morrisey, Chris Nolen, Robin O’Bryant, Brandi Herrera, Casey Purvis, Tom Ramsey, Doctor S, Ken Stiggers, Jackie Warren Tatum, Valerie Wells, Byron Wilkes Editorial Interns Jesse Crow, Julia Hulitt, Holly Perkins Consulting Editor JoAnne Prichard Morris
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Jackson Free Press P.O. Box 5067, Jackson, Miss., 39296 Editorial (601) 362-6121 Sales (601) 362-6121 Fax (601) 510-9019 Daily updates at jacksonfreepress.com The Jackson Free Press is the city’s award-winning, locally owned newsweekly, with 17,000 copies distributed in and around the Jackson metropolitan area every Wednesday. The Jackson Free Press is free for pick-up by readers; one copy per person, please. First-class subscriptions are available for $100 per year for postage and handling. The Jackson Free Press welcomes thoughtful opinions. The views expressed in this newspaper are not necessarily those of the publisher or management of Jackson Free Press Inc. © Copyright 2010 Jackson Free Press Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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had a physics teacher in high school named Mr. Jones. He was a brilliant older man who often solved problems in his head faster than the rest of us could key the numbers into our calculators. Inevitably, his lectures would venture away from the subject and toward some profound nugget of wisdom. Even though I earned the physics award my senior year, I remember none of the formulas he taught us 20 years ago, but I do remember so many of those little life lessons he shared. One story involved his fondness for the Christmas saying, “You’d better be good for goodness sake.” He didn’t understand why people need a reason to be good and liked the simplicity of being good if only for the sake of goodness. It’s a concept that, when practiced, is as beautiful as a symphony orchestra; when ignored, it is as noticeable as an out-of-tune piano. I guess we’ve all been there: experienced free-floating hostility from someone who assumes their prominent status exempts them from tact. I generally overlook such behavior as unavoidable from the “Type-A” crowd, who occasionally trip over themselves in an attempt to direct others, forgetting that leadership is a position of service. However, it seems inexcusable for a medical professional—a doctor, no less—to be rude toward a patient for no apparent reason. One of the eight doctors my wife saw during her recent stay in a local hospital was quick to blame her illnesses, ranging from blood clots to gallbladder disease, on her recent and allegedly irrational pregnancy at 40 years of age. He went on to say that such irresponsible parents (us) do not consider the potential risks or health burdens that will surely plague mother and child for many years to come. I was not present for this consultation, and while that was probably a good thing, I still hate that my wife was alone during the scolding for her seemingly foolish participation in the miracle of life. Her special pregnancy (first discussed by me in “Mimic Registers,” Vol. 9, Issue 4) and childbirth, which was without any complications, resulted in the blessing of our beautiful and healthy baby girl. I’ve tried to rationalize his statements by blaming it on his foreign heritage: He was transplanted from a country where women are still considered lower class than men. But that doesn’t make it right, nor does it satisfy my inquisition of his reasoning. We are well aware of the increasing risk
of birth defects as the mother advances into her late 30s and 40s. Trust me: We heard all about it during the pregnancies of both our kids. But all the other health professionals had managed to offer that message in an informative and preparatory manner rather than as a judgment or assessment of parental wisdom. The fact remains that I wasn’t there at that moment. Perhaps if I had been, I might have interpreted from his tone or gesture that he at least meant well. Meanwhile, I am thrilled to have my loving wife feeling better and back home with our 2-yearold son, our 2-monthold daughter and me. Of course, it wouldn’t be fair to call out the good doctor on his social blunder without scrutinizing my own actions and habits for fault. If you’re going to be critical of others, at least learn the lesson that you’re accusing them of missing. An over-analyzer like me has to choose to use those powers for good rather than for evil. The incident did open my eyes to a small fact that seems obvious, but perhaps, I have never appreciated it before: Whatever I say or do is judged in the context of my cultural background. If I make a statement that has the potential for being misunderstood, my physical attributes, such as my sex and my race, will very possibly play a part in how other people reach their interpretation of my message. The second moral of the story deals with accountability: The higher you are in the social food chain, the fewer people you have to answer to, right? Sometimes it’s hard to remember where your expertise ends and your personal opinion begins. When someone does seek your counsel, at least offer it without judgment. If you thrive on climbing the ladder of some abstract social hierarchy, remember to be accountable to someone other than yourself, because most people will let themselves down. If you are a person of faith, then be good for God. If you are a person with close family or loved ones, then be good for their sake. If for no other reason, simply be good for goodness sake. Scott Dennis is Morton, Miss., native who lives in Pearl. Dennis earned a computer science degree from Mississippi College, and works as an IT Specialist with the U.S. Geological Survey. He is blessed with a wonderful wife and a small but growing family.
If you’re going to be critical of others, at least learn the lesson that you’re accusing them of missing.
CORRECTION: In “Traversing the Merit-Pay Thicket,” (Vol. 9, Issue 13, Dec. 8) reporter Ward Schaefer erroneously Association of Alternative Newsweeklies
referred to Oak Forest Elementary School in Jackson as Oak Park Elementary School. The Jackson Free Press apologizes for the error.
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Editor in Chief Donna Ladd Publisher Todd Stauffer
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courtesy norfolkstate university
21st Century Woman: by Ward Schaefer
On Dec. 1, the Jackson State University Board of Trustees named Dr. Carolyn Meyers, an engineer with three decades of higher education experience, the university’s 10th and first female president.
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December 15 - 21, 2010
arolyn Meyers was born a tinkerer. The worst spanking she can remember was the consequence of her taking apart a clock radio her mother had just bought. That impulse to fiddle with systems may serve Meyers well come January, when she becomes the first female president of Jackson State University, at a time when the university faces a daunting budget situation. The former president of Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Va., Meyers is accustomed to being a pioneer, having spent her career in the male-dominated field of engineering. Meyers’ hard-science background is evident in her reliance on data and her interest in the potential of technology to transform higher education. “I still feel comfortable if I’ve got some data to back (a decision) up—some real, hard evidence,” she told an audience of JSU faculty at a Dec. 1 listening session. “I’m not 16 much on anecdotal evidence.”
Meyers is an adept communicator, however, equally at ease quoting a Langston Hughes poem or dropping a sound bite. “This is not Meyers University; this is Jackson State University,” she said, in response to a faculty question about her vision for JSU over the next five years. “You have given significant parts of your lives to make this university what she is today, so I want to hear your best ideas about ways to develop a shared vision.” Meyers, 64, grew up in Newport News, Va., where she attended public schools. Meyers received her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Howard University. After working for General Electric as a systems and steam generator analyst, she enrolled at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and a doctorate in chemical engineering. She taught engineering and held administrative positions at Georgia Tech and, later, at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University.
Like Norfolk State, North Carolina A&T is a historically black university. In remarks to JSU administrators, Meyers said that teaching there confirmed to her the special nature of HBCUs. “It felt like home, where I belonged,” Meyers said. “But more than that, it was where I wanted to be. The wonderful thing was I understood what teaching at an HBCU was all about. I never worked harder at Georgia Tech than I did teaching a class at North Carolina A&T. Also, I never experienced the kind of enthusiasm that I experienced at A&T and Norfolk State anywhere else.” Meyers eventually rose to the position of provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at North Carolina A&T. She took over the president’s post at Norfolk State in 2006. Early in her tenure at Norfolk State, the university’s faculty approached her with a proposal for pay raises— $10,000 for each full and associate professor and $5,000 for assistant professors. While Meyers agreed that faculty were underpaid, she objected to salary increases based on longevity rather than performance. She also believed that the university could not afford the pay raises, which would take an additional $1.5 million out of the budget. Meyers presented the faculty with a choice: They could forego the pay raise, or they could take it and close one of the university’s schools or colleges to save the required funds. The faculty acquiesced. While at Norfolk State, Meyers boosted enrollment and established an honors college and a school of graduate and professional studies. She also made moves that ruffled some feathers, such as switching administrators from 12month to six-month contracts. In November 2009, Morgan State University—a HBCU in Baltimore, Md.—named Meyers one of three finalists for its presidency. Meyers did not get the job, however, and in December, she announced her resignation from Norfolk State. Meyers comes to Jackson State at a time when competition from online institutions poses a threat to brickand-mortar universities’ student base, and state funding for universities is stagnant. She recognizes the challenge, however. Fundraising must become “everybody’s business,” she told faculty and the university must “rally a sense of urgency” among its supporters. At the same time, JSU needs to develop more confidence in presenting itself as a leading research institution, she said. “I think we have the talent to take some leadership here,” Meyers said. “I think we’ve maybe got to develop the will.” Why did you apply to Howard for your undergraduate education? Were you seeking out HBCUs? No I wasn’t, but at the time, Howard was the only HBCU that was accredited in engineering, and I had decided that I wanted to major in engineering. My father felt that I needed some socialization skills, and that it would be best for me—and he was right, very wise—to go to an HBCU for undergrad. So I went there. What drew you to engineering? The summer before my senior year in high school, NASA and the National Science Foundation had a summer science institute for rising seniors in aerospace engineering.
The JFP Interview with
Carolyn Meyers At that time, the manned spacecraft center was at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Va. So I went to the summer science institute. We got to meet the seven original astronauts. We got to play, if you will, with some of their equipment and testing vehicles. Then, Dr. George Matthews from the University of Virginia took us back to the classroom and showed us the math behind what we had done. That was the first time I had ever realized what you could do with mathematics. That was the start of my love affair with engineering.
The high-school guidance counselor told me she didn’t know any women engineers or even any African American ones, but that didn’t bother me. You know how it is: When you’re in high school and you’re graduating, you’re just so confident about everything. It didn’t bother me at all at the time. What about later? Did you ever experience that gender imbalance? Oh, yes. I realized that in graduate school and in the work force. I experienced it firsthand. I’ve had many experiences with that. But of course, when you think of something that’s new and different, and in many cases, when you’re the first one, you realize that by being the first, you make it easier for others to follow.
Engineering has never been a particularly female-friendly field. How aware were you of that expectation—that women wouldn’t go into engineering?
Why is it important to get women into fields like math, science and engineering? First of all, we live in a world that’s been invaded by high technology, by all the benefits of science and engineering and been enhanced by it. This is just the world we live in, and it’s going to continue changing our lives the way it has at a faster and faster pace. Now to be involved in that change, to use technology and science and engineering to make life better for people, requires that you engage the most talented people available. So it’s important that we seek talent from all sectors of society. On a related point, what about African Americans? What’s the significance to getting more African Americans involved in those fields? If you look at world demographics, the world is increasingly dominated by people of color. It’s important that we have people of color involved in the design and the implementation of new technologies of tomorrow. MEYERS, see page 18
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arolyn Meyers doesn’t look much like her predecessor at best course for the universities involved.” Jackson State University, Ronald Mason, on paper or in While the threat of merger may no longer be imminent, Jackperson. The tall, arguably aloof Mason was not a researcher son State also faces a daunting budget situation in the next few by training, having received his bachelor’s and law degrees years. Barbour has proposed a 3-percent cut in state funding for from Columbia University. A former aduniversities for next school year. In the ministrator at Tulane University in New following school year, 2012-2013, state Orleans, Mason fended off public outcry funding for the Ayers settlement, which over several issues. has supported JSU’s schools of engineer Meyers, by contrast, is compact and ing and public health, and its urban and cordial. She will inherit Mason’s messes regional planning program, will drop by all the same, though; chief among them one-third. a controversial proposal to merge Missis Meyers said that she hopes to redousippi’s two other historically black state ble JSU’s fundraising appeals to alumni, universities, Mississippi Valley State and as well as tap other sources. Alcorn State, into JSU—and renaming “I want to impart to them, a sense the combined institution Jacobs State of urgency—that these are really the times University, after former slave and JSU (and) that we really need their help and founder H.P. Jacobs. their support,” Meyers said at a press conThe former Jackson State president, Mason shopped the proposal around Ronald Mason, left this year under a ference following her Dec.1 confirmation. to black legislators in January, but when a controversial cloud. Even as she contends with a shrinkcopy of the plan leaked, public opposition ing budget, Meyers must also manage quickly doomed the idea. Mason’s propothe university’s increasingly visible role sition followed a call from Gov. Haley Barbour to consolidate the in Jackson’s economic development. Mason infuriated a number state’s three HBCUs as a cost-cutting measure. of residents near the JSU campus in 2008 with an effort to use Both schemes were effectively dead on arrival in the state Leg- “quick-take” eminent-domain proceedings for a development at islature, however, where House Universities and Colleges Com- Dalton and Lynch streets. After failing to secure the assent of area mittee Chairman Kelvin Buck, D-Holly Springs, vowed that no homeowners to sell their land, Mason and the Jackson Redevelopmerger bill would clear his committee. Barbour reiterated his call ment Authority pushed for special legislation authorizing an acfor consolidation this November in his budget recommendation celerated version of eminent domain. for the upcoming fiscal year. The bill failed after community activists swamped the offices Meyers largely steered clear of the merger idea in her remarks of several Jackson legislators, and Mason eventually apologized for to faculty, administrators and students during a Dec. 1 visit to the the affair. JSU campus. The university still has plans to develop the 50-acre residen “I am focusing on the Jackson State University that we have tial project, though hiccups in financing have delayed it. This fall, today and how we can move that entity ahead,” Meyers said. “But JSU’s Center for University-Based Development opened One I certainly would encourage all the stakeholders involved, if and University Place, the largest private development in west Jackson when that time comes, to be involved in (determining) what’s the in 30 years.
17
MEYERS, from page 17
courtesy jackson state university
What did you do at Norfolk State to address athletesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; academic performance? Well, we had honorary coaches from the faculty that actually traveled with the team and reinforced the role of academics. They did academic coaching. We had special, required tutoring sessions. Are there particular institutions or places that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t regularly donate to HBCUs that could be tapped? I think we have to go after those. We have to do a good selling job as to what we do, the outcomes of what we do and the benefits to society in general. I think there are donors out there, that if they knew the contributions that HBCUs make, that Jackson State makes in particular, the learning that goes on there, the investment in society, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be willing to donate.
Dr. Meyers believes historically black colleges and universities, like JSU, serve a role in higher education in the nation predominately white institutions do not.
Do you miss research? Oh, I miss it so much. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing like that thrill you get from doing research and sharing it with people and hearing their responses and learning from themâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and broadening your research with information other people have. I inspected the mechanical properties of structural materials, non-ferrous aluminum alloys. Tell me about your time at Norfolk State. What are you most proud of there? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m very proud of the fact that our athletes were scholarathletes and had the best academic progress rate in the conference. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m very proud of the honors college that we started. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m very proud that we got the largest single gift in the history of Norfolk State, a $3.5 million gift from an anonymous donor. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m very proud that during my time there we did five accreditations, and we were affirmed on all of them. During the campus listening session, a dean brought up the fact that JSU has relatively low NCAA Academic Progress Rate. What kind of things work to make sure that athletes are performing well in the classroom? I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t had the opportunity to review any documentation or discuss this with anyone at Jackson State, so I really canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t speak to what the problems are or how we could solve them at this point with any confidence.
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How did you increase freshmen enrollment and retention? We made recruiting and retention everybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business. We actually shared the responsibility around the whole campus. We evaluated units and programs based on enrollment and retention rate. We made it one of the criteria for receiving funds and being a viable part of the university. Also, we formed a joint enrollment team that met regularly to share ideas and resources. Before, it had mostly been each one working in isolation. After you submitted your resignation to Norfolk State, The Virginian-Pilot ran an article suggesting that you were experiencing some increased tension with the Board of Trustees over admissions standards. You told The Clarion-Ledger that this was basically inaccurate. Why did you decide to leave Norfolk State? We had a rocky relationship from the start. The university is a fine university. As I progressed through my tenure, the tension increased and escalated to a point that I felt it was in the best interests of the university for me to step aside, so that we could focus on growing the university. Could you elaborate on the reason for those tensions? No, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to elaborate on them. What arguments would you present to state leaders who are skeptical or tight-fisted about supporting HBCUs? Let me refer you to an op-ed piece that was written by President William Harvey at Hampton University for The Wall Street Journal. I think he quite eloquently made
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the case for HBCUs. Let me say Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a strong supporter of HBCUs. Even though weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re only 4 percent of the universities across the nation, we educate 20 percent or more of the African American professionals in the country. Our contributions are disproportionate to our number. I would argue that we need all of them, that we serve a role that other universities donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t serveâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;for access, affordability, meeting students where they areâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;working with them so that they can be competitive and contributing members to society. To the lay observer, there might be a tension or a balancing act between meeting students where they are and pushing for a world-class or elite status. How do you balance those two aims? I recognize that tension, but I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more of a problem of getting people to realize and accept that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s part of our history and our legacy that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re serving a need of the citizens of Mississippi. Serving that need is not mutually exclusive to our continued growth and development, and the earning of recognition and respect for the university. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not mutually exclusive. You have to work harder, maybe you have to work longer, but it still can be done. You mentioned during the listening session that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re reliant on data in your decision-making. How have you used data, and are there places where its value is limited? I use data such as enrollment trends, recruitment trends, job placement, external support, scholarly activities, leadership in the disciplines or in the area. But I do realize that there are some areas that are inherent to having a great university, where data do not tell the whole story. We try to balance those, but I am very focused on data. How would you consider the needs of a university to grow in terms of campus development with the needs of the community around it? I think an important part of most HBCUs is the relationship with the community around it. In both cases, universities have been catalysts for community development, for community interaction and sanctuaries, if you will, for intellectual and free expression. So community relations are quite, quite important. They do not limit us broadening that community, now that we have all of this telecommunications capability and video capability. We can take our programs, our professors far beyond the strict geographic boundaries of the university. MEYERS, see page 21
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I noticed you quoted Langston Hughes at the listening session. That’s not how everyone imagines an engineer. Where does that come from—your flair for the poetic? I love to read. That’s something my mother passed on to me. I read a lot, and she exposed me to a lot growing up. I think my exposure may be atypical, perhaps, for some engineers. But on the other hand, when you look at the accrediting requirements for engineering and technology programs, they have a broad liberal-arts requirement, and they’ve always had one.
I’ve also read that you had to deal with a proposed light-rail development while at Norfolk State. What did you learn about development from that? Well, first of all, the main issue there was not that we were opposed to the light rail at all, or the economic development, but the way that the agree-
A couple years ago, a residential project proposed by JSU ended up inflaming some in the community over eminent-domain issues. What’s the best way to elicit community participation on development issues? One of the techniques that seemed to be working before I left Norfolk State was the scheduling of regular meetings with the community to update them on activities and plans for the future, to solicit their input, to keep them aware of our thoughts and where we were going. What’s going to be your first task when you get settled here at Jackson State? My first task is to learn the culture of Jackson State. So I’ll be involved in meeting with a lot of the people on campus and friends of the university on and off campus. A repeat of the listening session. That’s what I want: some listening sessions. The previous meeting that I had, during the interview process, was them asking me questions, and I didn’t learn a whole lot, other than some of the concerns. I want to hear: What are the concerns? What are some of the good ideas? What are the opportunities from the different constituencies? I want to meet with the executive cabinet, the deans, the faculty senate, the staff senate and, of course, the students and the community. So I’ve got a lot of listening to do. Comment at www.jfp.ms.
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So what positions are we talking about? These were the people who report directly to the president: the vice presidents. It did not affect deans, chairs, faculty.
What ensures that a project’s done right? That’s verifying that all state laws and processes have been respected, also a lot of communication, in developing the agreement, with the president and the board. (The light-rail project) had never been brought before Norfolk’s Board of Visitors, even though the agreement had been executed. And it should’ve come through the board, because it involved the exchange of state property.
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I’ve read that at Norfolk State you instituted a different contract for administrators, going from a 12-month contract to a six-month contract. Tell me why you felt that was necessary. One thing was that the evaluation period is in November there, so you’re already into the school year. I wanted it on a six-month basis so that we could have some feedback, improve and make some changes before the next school year started. I wanted an evaluation period before the next school term started so that we could make adjustments and make improvements as a part of that year’s evaluation process, instead of the once a year. I also wanted the flexibility that I was used to in the state of North Carolina—where I’d worked previously—where all at-will employees, those that serve at the pleasure of the chancellor, get shorter than one year’s notice if the change has to be made.
What is your philosophy about economic development around a university? I think, when they’re done right, it’s a win-win for the community as well as the university. They should benefit both.
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Rev. Michael T. Williams, pastor of College Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson, welcomes Dr. Meyers..
ment with Norfolk State was done. It was done outside of the code of the state of Virginia, so it needed to be revisited. Also, there was concern about the impact of the light rail on the campus. There are no sound or sight barriers. It goes right by the honors dormitory. It is within 30 feet of the stadium, which we still had substantial debt service to pay. So we were worried about the structural integrity of our facility.
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MEYERS, from page 18
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Psonya and Timothy Hackett
C.LASH PHOTOGRAPHY
by ShaWanda Jacome and Phyllis Robinson
Timothy and Psonya Hackett married Oct. 9, 2010.
December 15 - 21, 2010
“My first thought was, ‘I know he didn’t buy me M&M’s for Christmas,’” she says. “And the second thought was, if he did, why didn’t he get the peanut (ones).” Looking closer at the candy-coated treats, Psonya saw a message: “Will you marry me?” At that same moment Timothy took a black box out of his pocket, which held a princesscut diamond ring. She said yes. They wanted their wedding to represent their style. Equally important was having family and friends play a significant role in the ceremony, especially their children. Nadia was the maid of honor and Aidan the ring bearer. Psonya and Timothy married Oct. 9, 2010, at Jennings Courtyard and Hall at Mississippi College. The bride’s cousin, Elder Stacey Washington, officiated. “She looked amazing,” Timothy says. “She looked happy. It seemed like a huge pressure (had) lifted from her shoulders. She had waited so long, patiently. I was happy to have the opportunity to get our lives started and moving forward.” Although their personalities differ—Timothy is serious, and Psonya is funny—they are happy to be married. They had an opportunity to commit their lives to one another before God, family and friends. And as they watched the kids and their families and friends meet and have a good time, it was all worth it. “Both of us were grateful,” she says. “… I was humbled by all the people that came.” Currently, Psonya lives in Jackson and Timothy in Memphis. They look forward to living under the same roof in a few months.
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C.LASH PHOTOGRAPHY
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ewlyweds Psonya and Timothy Hackett have different accounts of their first encounter at the Jackson County Courthouse in Pascagoula in 2004. She recalls seeing an attractive man in military dress blues sitting on a nearby bench and staring at her as she waited outside one of the courtrooms. Psonya (the P is silent) is an attorney with the Supreme Court of Mississippi and has been practicing law for 11 years. “Do I know you from somewhere?” she asked, giving him her card. “Nope,” he replied. “I don’t think I know you.” Timothy was amused because she had used the oldest line in the book, but he was interested. The way he tells it, Psonya started their small talk as an excuse to meet him. “Six years later, the dress blues still work on her,” Timothy says of Psonya’s immediate attraction to him, a man in uniform. This playfulness has kept the couple strong as they maintain their long-distance relationship. When Timothy and Psonya first met, they lived on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Three months later, he transferred to Virginia and then stayed at sea for three years. Their son, Aiden, was born in 2004. He says the hardest part about being away from her was not being there to support her decision-making. “When situations—troubles—at home were happening she had to make tough decisions without me, especially when it came to raising our son,” he said. Timothy, 41, is a retired U.S. Navy senior chief. He served in the military 21 years before the couple got engaged. At the time, the Navy gave Tim the choice of reassignment to California or another stint overseas. He retired instead, and works as a high school and college basketball official. 24 “I didn’t want to move all of them so far away from both
of our families,” he said. “… I didn’t want to uproot her and (our) son. … I wanted her to continue her career and all the things she had going in Jackson.” He loved the Navy, but he also knew this was a sacrifice he could make for his family’s sake. His mother, now deceased, raised him near Tulsa, Okla. After two years of college, he joined the Navy in 1989, earning a bachelor’s degree in human resources while in the service. Psonya, 36, grew up in Moss Point. After high-school graduation, she moved to Jackson to attend Tougaloo College, receiving a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1996. She earned her law degree from the University of Mississippi and passed the bar in 1999. Psonya’s original career goal was broadcast journalism, but one of her Tougaloo professors steered her toward law school. “I’m not your typical courtroom lawyer. I did that for a long time,” she says. “I’m more behind the scenes. I love this job because it allows me to practice law. … I read things; I write things; I analyze things; and I still give advice.” Psonya moved back to Jackson in 2005 while Timothy was in Virginia and remained here even after he was transferred to Memphis in 2007. Spending the early years of their relationship apart may have been difficult, but they learned the art of communication. “When he went to Virginia, he was on sea duty. … Whenever the ship was at sea, we couldn’t talk. But we could always e-mail. I had a rule that I would send him a ‘good morning’ e-mail every day, so when he woke up in the morning, no matter where he was, he would always have an e-mail from me,” she says. Moving near enough to see each other often changed the dynamic; they had to learn how to be close. The couple had to re-learn to be friends, make decisions together and co-parent Nadia, 17 (Timothy’s daughter from a previous marriage), and Aidan, 6. “When Timothy was at sea, I had to make all the decisions here at home. Then, upon his return, he had his own ideas, and it was a big adjustment,” she says. Timothy adds: “She had been the mom and dad for so long; it was kind of difficult. The biggest adjustment was not invading her space, giving her the opportunity to relinquish some of the fatherly duties to me.” Psonya and Timothy took time to learn about each other and plan their goals. It might have taken longer and they both had to make sacrifices, but in the end, they did it their way. “The biggest thing I learned about Psonya is how committed she is to family and to me … her commitment to me was amazing and her patience while she allowed me to complete my Navy career,” he says. In December 2009, after six years of dating and co-parenting, Timothy asked Psonya to marry him. On Christmas day, he presented her with one of her favorite snacks: M&M’s.
• The couple chose Jennings Courtyard and Hall at Mississippi College because it was a unique venue—romantic and fun—and a place where everyone could have a front row seat. • The color scheme was black and white with a splash of red. • For the reception, the DJ played ’30s and ’40s music from Sarah Vaughn, Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong, and remakes from that era, because when Aidan was small, Timothy would sing these songs to him. • Instead of lighting the traditional unity candle, the bride and groom opted to take their first communion together as husband and wife.
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ELAANIE’SYULE INCENSE
read more Body&Soul stories and the blog at jacksonfreepress.com
by Elaanie Stormbender
Yuletide Blessings
W
ELAANIE STORMBENDER
e use the word “blessing” a lot during the December proval from a parent will readily boost our sense of self-worth, holidays. We count our blessings, we send greeting while words of disapproval often result in emotions of shame or cards with wishes for blessings, we receive blessings sadness. In either case, the impact is intense and real. after religious services, instead of “goodbye” we say, As many of us know all too well, our parent’s words “Have a blessed day,” and we ask the blessing. We use this carry influence over us throughout our lives, and they can little word in many contexts without ever considering what it continue to affect us even after our parents are gone. Simireally means. After all, a blessing is just words, right? larly, we go to priests or ministers believing that if a person In these modern days, few of us believe words carry with spiritual authority pronounces a blessing on our home power and energy of their own. Despite the sentiments of or on us, then blessed we will be. our holiday cards, “blessing” has too often become a mere We each hold within us this same power. We can build social cliché. others up (or tear them In contrast, our ancestors down) with nothing more understood the significance of than words. Blessings do not a blessing. Throughout hisrequire an intermediary; the tory, many cultures have pracenergy of the Divine lives in ticed the custom of blessing each of us. Most importantly, their children, in routine ways it is imperative to be open to such as those given at bedtime believe in the magic of a blessfor protection or formally for ing. Just like the words of our more special occasions such as parents, this magic can have a birthdays or weddings. profound emotional and tanChildren often coveted gible impact on the recipient. their parents’ blessing. If The definition of “magic” you are familiar with bibliis “an extraordinary power or cal scripture, you know that influence seemingly from a Jacob, the second son of Isaac supernatural source,” accordand Rebekah, so desired his ing to the Merriam-Webster father’s blessing that he was Dictionary. But consider anwilling to bargain with his Traditionally, revelers burn Yule logs on the eve of the other definition: “Magic” is winter solstice to usher in the sun’s “rebirth.” Holly and brother and deceive his father pinecones decorate the oak log. a creative phenomena found to get it. In those days, the within each of us and is as blessing was the birthright of natural as our thoughts, inthe firstborn, but Jacob knew that once Isaac gave him his tentions and will. Magic is a product of clear intention powblessing, his father could not take it back. ered by our own psychic energy. Though science cannot disEven though we have largely forgotten the old tradi- sect these realities, each manifests in our lives and is as real as tions, a blessing still has the power to clear harmful energy, the rhythm of our beating heart. to protect, to heal or to change the course of a life. To bless Yuletide is a season of wonderful, magical change. It is an someone is to spiritually and magically invoke gifts of the ancient celebration of the winter solstice, the shortest day and highest good for another through the purest of intentions. longest night of the year. From that moment on, the hours of Can you imagine a greater gift? sunlight increase daily as life begins anew. It is a celebration of How, then, is a blessing bestowed, and who has the new beginnings for all of creation. In this time of overwhelming right or duty to bestow it? commercialism, what more fitting and magical gift for someStart by recognizing the power within—the power of our one you love at this season than that of a blessing of the heart! thoughts, words and intentions to create change. No clearer exMay you find happiness that comes from within, peace ample of this power exists than that of a parent in relationship in the face of chaos, love without price and the Divine in all to his or her child. Particularly when we are young, words of ap- your days. Blessed be.
2 parts Frankincense 2 parts Myrrh 2 parts mugwort 2 parts juniper berries 1 part cedar 1 part pine resin 1/2 part rosemary
Crush and blend all ingredients together with a mortar and pestle. Label with a date, and store in a tightly sealed glass jar. Sprinkle small amounts over hot incense charcoal in an appropriate burner, or sprinkle it onto a fire in your fireplace. Purchase resins and charcoal at Fair Trade Handicrafts (Rainbow Plaza, 2807 Old Canton Road, 601987-0002) and fresh herbs at Rainbow Whole Foods (601-366-1602).
GRANDMA’S CHRISTMAS BROWNIES 4 ounces German sweet chocolate 5 tablespoons butter 3 ounces cream cheese 1 cup sugar 3 eggs 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, unsifted 1-1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Melt chocolate and three tablespoons butter over very low heat, stirring constantly. Set aside to cool. Blend the remaining butter with the cream cheese until softened. Gradually add a quarter-cup sugar and blend until light and fluffy. Stir in one egg, one-tablespoon flour, and a half-teaspoon vanilla until blended. Beat remaining eggs until fluffy and light in color. Gradually add remaining three-quarter-cup sugar, beating until thickened. Fold in baking powder, salt and remaining half-cup flour. Blend in cooled chocolate mixture. Stir in walnuts, almond extract and remaining teaspoon vanilla. Measure one cup of chocolate batter and set aside. Spread remaining chocolate batter in a greased 9-inch square pan. Pour cream cheese mixture over the top. Drop measured chocolate batter from tablespoon onto the cheese mixture. Swirl the mixtures together with a spatula to marble. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Cool and cut into bars or squares.
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Budgeting this Holiday Focused on my financial and mental wellness this season, I have a plan for holiday shopping this Christmas. It is an actual plan that I will follow to completion so that I can be more relaxed during all of the activities this time of the year brings our way. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m the type who usually waits until the last minute to do all my holiday shopping and then splurges on gifts with no real thought put into them. So the first thing I have to remember this year is that I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t buy a gift for everyone. I would love to; I thoroughly enjoy gift giving and making people happy. But there is always something you can make (just ask Martha Stewart) or something you can write in a card that came from the heart that they will appreciate just as much as something store bought. Step two: Make a list. I let my husband tell me approximately how much weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to spend on everyone. Kids come first, then immediate family. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m also trying to budget all the extras like cards, wrapping paper, postage and shipping. Step three: Stay away from the stores! This one is almost impossible. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m trying to do most of my shopping online. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been somewhat successful. I think it takes more time to shop online because of all of the navigating through poorly organized (or too organized) sites. And, of course, quite a few gifts Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve tried to order were out of stock online but available in the store. So I will have to make at least one or two trips to the toy store. I plan on doing this during the week when the stores arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t as busy, and I will meditate for at least 30 minutes beforehand. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been shopping on a Saturday lately, you know what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m talking about. The traffic is horrible, and I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to walk out of the store ready to scream. Finally, step four: Enjoy the holiday! After the shopping and wrapping and cooking, I will take time to sit down with my family and enjoy the time that we have to spend with each other. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Lydia Chadwick
That Rundown Feeling The past few weeks have been incredibly busy, and I have been losing a lot of sleep. Combined with sinusitis and an iffy diet, I am currently a shell of my former self. I have been concocting all kinds of schemes to get more sleepâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;everything from renting a hotel room and taking the phone off the hook, to parking my car in a remote area just to rest my eyes for a couple of hours. I have scarfed down more coffee than usual, and I even bought an energy drink, which I keep forgetting to put in my purse because sleep deprivation has negatively affected my short-term memory. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve heard that not getting enough sleep can lead to weight gain, car wrecks and so on. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve nodded behind the wheel a couple of times already, so I have got
to get more rest somehow. My best option would be to spend Christmas Eve unconscious, and although I dread waiting until then for sweet slumber, I guess I must do what I have to do to minimally function until that glorious day when I can rest and look forward to seeing the six bags under each eye disappear for good. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Latasha Willis
I Ran! Picture it: November, the day before Thanksgiving. While others were trying on their eating pants and doing jaw exercises to maximize chewing, I was making a list of life changes that would start immediately. I decided to give up meat and booze, hit the gym four times a week and go back to yoga. So far, things have been great. Two weeks ago I ran two miles in one session for the first time since I was 16. Granted I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t able to use the stairs or go without using a walker for a few days, but I did it. Going to yoga (with the magnificent Ronni Mott leading the class) helped with the pain. I swear I was two inches taller and breathing deeper after that class. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve kept up with my previous promises: I take a little time each day to read a few pages, splurged on delicious new hair products, danced with my house mate to Whamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Last Christmasâ&#x20AC;? (my fave song in the world!) and got all Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in both psychology and sociology including 100 percent on all term papers. This road to wellness has proven to be a fantastic journey, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just hope I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t run out of gas before the next stop. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Ashley Jackson
Just Breathe When my 4-year-old niece, who will surely have a career in acting, is on the verge of coming unglued, my sister tells her to â&#x20AC;&#x153;breathe.â&#x20AC;? Everyone laughs as her eyes close in momentary meditation, tiny hands outstretched, but laughter quickly turns to amazement when she opens her eyes to a less chaotic world. The lesson isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t new or groundbreaking, but it is one I too often forget, especially around this time of year. Since Thanksgiving, I have not found the time or energy to exercise, and since I was doing so almost daily, I am seeing and feeling the effects. Holiday treats abound, and oftentimes I give in to the temptation. My natural tendency is to feel overwhelmed at these failings of willpower as they seem to speak on behalf of my being as a whole, but I am taking a cue from my niece and breathing. The hectic holiday season is short, so I am rejoicing in the merriment and deliciousness that abounds. And if dancing wildly with a toddler to music that is probably too loud can be considered exercise, then I have nothing to worry about. If not, then at least Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had funâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and breathed. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Shannon Barbour
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BOOKS p 31 | MUSIC p 36 Bewey Bowden
Adventures with Bewey by Katie Bonds
B
December 15 - 21, 2010
ewey Bowden’s paintings make me feel small. Not in an unimportant or insignificant way, but literally shrunken in size. Though several of this Mississippi native’s paintings are not much bigger than a book, many of the works currently on display at the Mississippi Library Commission create the illusion of enormity. By using layer upon layer of oil on canvas, multitudes of color, and often a valley or path in the middle of her paintings with nature rising on either side, Bowden tips the scales and makes us tiny observers in a sea of color. Bowden’s fascination with paths through wooded landscapes becomes obvious within the first few steps through the current exhibit, “Adventures in Color.” It’s easy to understand why Bowden started painting paths when her mother became ill. She says she was trying to paint a way out, and the winding paths through looming trees do seem like they would eventually lead somewhere. But they also create the sensation of helplessness and sheer wonder at the world’s grandiosity. Gazing at “The Sentinels,” a painting of tall trees standing upright as if by command, one can’t help but feel that you’re Alice, and you’ve just eaten one of those pills that make you grow too small. The trees loom high all around, as if you’re on the forest floor looking up. Even Bowden’s flowers command authority. The “Poppy Lady,” as she’s known, paints sunflowers (take that, Van Gogh) that seem to ooze with color. In “Sunflower Festival,” bursts of sunflowers cover the canvas like a flower explosion. Bowden, who lives in Jackson, claims that she can “feel” and “smell” color, and most exhibit goers will believe her without hesitation; her paintings boast color like a tangible object that you can ball up in your hands. Bowden said in a recent news release that she doesn’t think she has a style, but this writer argues with that. Most of the artist’s work seems distinctly impressionist, with a few exceptions. Most of the paintings are dreamy landscapes and flowers that use multiple brushstrokes thick with layer upon layer of color. Bowden revealed her tendency toward impressionism when she once said, “I guess I express my impressions.” One stand-out exception is “Birds of a Feather,” which is an enormous painting of two parrots perched close together in a jungle filled with reds, blues and deep greens. They seem to be looking out of the painting just as surprised to be there as we are to find a painting of parrots in a Mississippi artist’s repertoire. The Mississippi scenes are this writer’s favorite. Looking at a painting like “Mississippi Roadside,” where a lone tree stands by itself in a long, flat field, will have you recalling a beautiful, isolated tree like that. You’ll find yourself happy someone else found beauty, too, and captured it in a painting. The artist’s sense of humor will not be lost on viewers after reading many of her paintings’ titles. “Through Rose Colored Glasses” depicts several trees with long shadows cast in reddish and pinkish tones. “Fun Fruit” is a painting 30 of various pears whose color, texture, and tone make them
“Adventures in Color,” at the Mississippi Library Commission through the end of the year, features paintings by “Poppy Lady” Bewey Bowden.
come alive and almost giddy. Some of them are depicted on their sides as if they’ve fallen over in their excitement. And finally, consider “There’s No Frigate Like a Book.” The painting’s title is from an Emily Dickenson poem, which goes on: “To take us lands away / Nor any coursers like a page / Of prancing poetry.” Bowden’s painting of a little girl engrossed in a book on a comfy chair is the perfect vision for Dickenson’s poem. The 80-something Bowden’s talent is undeniable. She says she will paint until she can no longer hold a brush.
Mississippi has so many talented artists, but Bowden will always stand out as one of the greats. And though she says she may have helped people other than herself find a way out with her paintings, I think she may also help people get lost in her dreamy landscapes and trails that wind off into forever. See Bewey Bowden’s “Adventures in Color” at the Mississippi Library Commission (3881 Eastwood Drive, 800-6477542) through Dec. 31, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed on state holidays. The exhibit is free.
DIVERSIONS|books
by Tom Head
Confident Men
Courtesy Little Brown
ties, because the C Street community has so strengthened their faith in themselves that they no longer feel the need to question their own decisions—in the halls of Congress, in its nearby bedrooms or anywhere else. This book does not decisively rebut the fundamentalist political agenda, but I don’t think it really intends to. It’s a study of the psychology of American political fundamentalism, and the odd combination of free-market ethics and theocratic social-values legislation—the syncretic worship of God and Mammon—that defines it. It tells us who these people really are, and how they got that way, and, for the most part, it answers these questions by telling human stories that set us in front of a mirror and warn all of us to be very, very careful. It functions as an instructive meditation on how easy self-deception can become when we accept a narrative that feeds our psychological needs. As a secular progressive, I expected to feel more righteous when I finished “C Street” than I did when I started. I am filled, instead, with a real fear that I, too, could become a proud and heartless man. The examples of Bill Clinton and John Edwards remind me that the American fundamentalist right wing has no monopoly on hypocrisy or heartless narcissism, and that we must all, in the words of Philippians 2:12, “work out (our) salvation with fear and trembling.” I think that’s the central message of the book, presented in a subtle and ingenious way. Fighting the American fundamentalist policy agenda is, of course, a completely separate issue—and Sharlet does little to give us any idea of how we can do that, other than remembering that our adversaries in this struggle have human motivations. “C Street” is a solid read, a good history and an excellent meditation on the nature of pride. If you’re just looking for talking points, you probably won’t find them here. My only point of contention with the book’s historical narrative is that I believe it understates the role that the Cold War played in creating American political fundamentalism. The Family emerged in a political climate where the greatest danger to American democracy appeared to be that of communist secular states. It will be interesting to see how C Street changes as younger political leaders who came of age with no fear of the Soviet Union replace veterans of the movement. Freelance writer Tom Head is a lifelong Jacksonian. He has authored or co-authored 24 nonfiction books on a wide range of topics, is a civil liberties writer for About.com and a grassroots progressive activist.
jacksonfreepress.com
I
can’t decide whether Jeff Sharlet’s “C Street: The Fundamentalist Threat to American Democracy” (Little Brown, 2010, $27) is pulp nonfiction about a scholarly topic, or scholarly nonfiction about a pulp topic. It’s hard to write a book that hinges so heavily on three extramarital affairs—those of Mark Sanford, Chip Pickering and John Ensign—without a hint of the tabloid, but Sharlet manages to do it by writing with a generous spirit that lets him find the humanity in these insecure and narcissistic men. That is, in fact, the book’s main accomplishment: Sharlet looks at Washington fundamentalists’ sacred self-image, contrasts it with their profane behavior and meets them at a halfway point of tragicomic human fallibility. This is not to say that the book is just about the affairs. It covers a great deal of territory, with chapters on the history of C Street and the large, clandestine network of conservative D.C. politicians called “the Family” (first documented in Sharlet’s previous book, “The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power”); an account of how American fundamentalism helped create the Ugandan anti-gay, homosexual deathpenalty bill (which the Ugandan Parliament ultimately rejected); and how fundamentalism influences U.S. military culture. But the affairs provide “C Street” with a narrative center of gravity around which all of these stories orbit and to which Sharlet consistently returns. I think the affairs really fascinate him because of the questions they raise about the C Street organization itself. What’s most remarkable about this book is that Sharlet actually answers these seemingly unanswerable questions in a way that speaks to more universal human concerns. Sharlet finds C Street frightening not because it’s so strange, but because it’s so normal. “[A]s a subject of derision,” he writes, “(C Street) reassures us that its excesses were departures from the norm”; however, the philosophy that C Street represents, “the idea that what we want is what God wants,” is “one of the dominant sensibilities of our time.” All of us, in times of self-doubt, want guidance and a sense that we have a place in the world. Politicians tend to be the most desperate and insecure people-pleasers among us, and C Street offers them a toxic kind of selfworth. C Street counters the inner voices that tell these men they’re worthless, and its answer is so loud that it drowns out the human conscience and suppresses human empathy. Politicians who accept the C Street narrative can more easily cheat on their wives or participate in bigotry or ignore collateral civilian casual-
31
BEST BETS Dec. 15 - 22 by Latasha Willis events@jacksonfreepress.com Fax: 601-510-9019 Daily updates at jfpevents.com
Wednesday 12/15
Courtesy Rashad Street
Curtis Wilkie signs copies of “The Fall of the House of Zeus” at 4 p.m. at Lemuria Books (202 Banner Hall, 4465 Interstate 55 N.). $25.99 book; call 601-366-7619. … Percussionist Tatsuyana Katani and the Mississippi Improv Alliance perform at North Midtown Arts Center (121 Millsaps Ave.) at 7 p.m. $10; call 601-497-7454. … Christmas Children’s Benefit for The Salvation Army at Hal & Mal’s features Cary Hudson, Duff Dorough, M.O.S.S. and more. $5; call 662588-2488. … Hot & Lonely, J-Tran, and DJs Scrap Dirty and Young Venom perform at the Ugly Sweater Contest/Birthday Throwdown/Ladies’ Night at Martin’s at 9 p.m. $5; call 415425-9291. ... Eddie Cotton is at Underground 119.
Friday 12/17
Jeanette Jarmon’s art exhibit at Fitness Lady (331 Sunnybrook Road, Ridgeland) opens today and shows through Jan. 25. Free admission; call 601-906-3458. … Ballet Magnificat presents “A Christmas Dream” at Thalia Mara Hall at 7 p.m. with shows through Dec. 19. $10-$30; call 601-977-1001. … The Vernon Brothers play at Hal & Mal’s. Call 601-9480888. … The Esperanza Plantation Holiday Showcase at the Pix-Capri Theatre kicks off at 7 p.m. and includes music by Tommy Bryan Ledford, Wooden Finger, Colour Revolt and more. $15. … See the films “Lovely Still” at 7 p.m. and “Micmacs” at 9 p.m. at Russell C. Davis Planetarium (201 E. Pascagoula St.); encore screenings Dec. 18. $9 per film; visit msfilm.org. … DJ Phingaprint, Poet of Truth and more are at Forever Friday at the Electric Building (308 E. Pearl St.). $10 before 10 p.m.; call 601-454-8313. ... Meagan May from Shades of Green is at C Notes.
Saturday 12/18
Meet Santa and Zany the Zebra at the Jackson Zoo (2918 W. Capitol St.) at noon. $8, $7.20 seniors, $5 children ages 2-12, members/babies free; call 601-352-2580. … Fondren Theatre Workshop’s “A Christmas Memory” at The Commons is at 2 p.m.; encore performance Dec. 19. Free, donations welcome; call 601-982-2217. … The play “What Kind of Christmas Is This?” at Jackson State University’s McCoy Auditorium (1400 John R. Lynch St.) is at 7 p.m. $15; call 601-954-4211. … Shaun Patterson performs at Sam’s Lounge. Call 601-983-2526. … Wiz Khalifa, Big K.R.I.T., Mimosa and B.O.M.B. Squad play at Fire at 7:30 p.m. Call 601-592-1000. ... The Richard Lee Davis Band is at Poets II.
Sunday 12/19
The Skateboard Jam at Swell-O-Phonic (2761 Old Canton Road) is from 1-5 p.m. and includes a skate clinic and music by Astroknautz. Free; call 601-981-3547. … See the opera film “Verdi’s ‘Falstaff’” at the Russell C. Rashad Street performs at the Concert for a Cause Dec. 19 at Dreamz Jxn at 7 p.m.
December 15 - 21, 2010
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Artist Yvette Sturgis signs copies of her self-titled coffeetable book at Jackson Street Gallery (500 Highway 51 N., Suite E, Ridgeland) at 5 p.m. $35 book; call 601-853-1880. … Jazz, Art & Friends at the Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.) starts at 5:30 p.m. $7, $5 members; call 601-960-1515. … Crossroads Film Society presents the film “Home Alone” at Russell C. Davis Planetarium (201 E. Pascagoula St.) at 6:30 p.m. $7; $5 Crossroads members and students with ID; call 601-960-1550. … Writer’s Spotlight at The Commons is at 7 p.m. Free; call 601-454-1286. The “Merry Christmas Jackson (Vol. 3)” CD release party follows at 7:30 p.m. The CD includes music by Cody Cox, Liver Mousse, Scott Albert Johnson and others. $5. … Beth Patterson performs at Fenian’s at 9 p.m. Free.
Monday 12/20
Anna Kline performs during F. Jones Corner’s blues lunch. Free. … The Christmas display at the Governor’s Mansion (300 E. Capitol St.) is up through Dec. 21. Call 601-359-6421 to schedule a free tour. … The Central Mississippi Blues Society Jam at Hal & Mal’s is from 8-11 p.m. $5. … Dueling Pianos performs at Ole Tavern. Call 601-960-2700.
Tuesday 12/21
“Fish Feedings and Creature Features” at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (7148 Riverside Drive) is at 10 a.m. $5, $4 seniors, $3 children ages 5-18, $1 children ages 3-4; call 601-354-7303. … The art reception for Scott Penman and Jesse Stribling at Cups in Fondren is at 7 p.m. Free; call 601-364-7422. … Enjoy karaoke at McB’s at 7 p.m. and at Martin’s at 10 p.m. Free. … M.O.S.S. plays at Ole Tavern. Call 601-960-2700.
Wednesday 12/22
Photographer Ken Murphy signs copies of “Mississippi: State of Blues” at Lemuria Books (202 Banner Hall, 4465 Interstate 55 N.) at 11:30 a.m. $60 book; call 601366-7619. … Robbie Peoples performs at Fenian’s. Free. … Jason Turner is at Char. ... The DJ Brikabrak & Friends Hip Hop Show at Martin’s is at 10 p.m. More events and details at jfpevents.com. The Vernon Brothers perform at Hal & Mal’s Dec. 17. Courtesy Hal Jeanes
Thursday 12/16
Davis Planetarium (201 E. Pascagoula St.) at 2 p.m. $16; call 601-960-2300. … The Champagne and sparkling wine tasting at BRAVO! (4500 Interstate 55 N.) is at 4 p.m. $55; call 601-982-6111 to RSVP. … Bring clothing and toy donations to “Concert for a Cause” at Dreamz Jxn at 7 p.m. The lineup includes Skipp Coon, Rashad Street, Coke Bumaye and more. $10; call 601-317-5444.
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jfpevents Radio JFP on WLEZ ongoing, at WLEZ 100.1 FM and wlezfm.com. Join Donna Ladd and Todd Stauffer every Thursday from noon-1 p.m., where they discuss vital issues and play local music. This week’s guests are members of Ballet Magnificat! and Brad “Kamikaze” Franklin, who will discuss “Concert for a Cause.” Listen to podcasts of all shows at jfpradio.com. Free; call 601-362-6121, ext. 17. Mississippi Happening ongoing. The monthly broadcast is hosted by Guaqueta Productions and features a special musical guest. Download free podcasts at mississippihappening.com. Josh Hailey: “I Love Mississippi” Jackson Retrospective through Jan. 11, at Arts Center of Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St.). This will be Hailey’s final show in Jackson, showcasing his photographic work done in the past six years. Hours are 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Free; call 601-960-1557.
Holiday Events at Jackson Zoo (2918 W. Capitol St.). $8, $7.20 seniors, $5 children ages 2-12, members/ babies free; call 601-352-2580. • Santa at the Zoo Dec. 18, noon. Children can enjoy crafts, animal encounters and a chance to meet Santa and Zany the Zebra. • Global Tree Display through Dec. 31. Take a memorable journey traveling through South America, Asia, Africa and India while embracing each holiday tree’s unique culture. Festival of Christmas Trees through Dec. 31, at Arts Center of Mississippi (201 E. Pascagoula St.). See a showcase of various civic, social and religious organizations’ creatively decorated Christmas trees, which will be judged on creativity. Hours are 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Free; call 601-960-1557. Bright Lights, Fondren Nights through Dec. 25. Fondren residents are asked to decorate their homes and yards for the holidays. Members of the Fondren Neighborhood Association will award prizes for the best decorations. Visit ourfondren.com. “Calls From Home” Radio Broadcast for Prisoners through Dec. 22. Call Thousand Kites’ toll-free line and leave a recorded message for prisoners to listen to during the holiday season. Messages will be accepted through Dec. 22. Poets and singers are welcome to participate. Call 877-410-4863. Christmas at the Governor’s Mansion through Dec. 21, at Governor’s Mansion (300 E. Capitol St.). The historic section of the mansion features holiday decorations using seasonal greenery. Guided tours are offered Tuesday-Friday, 9:30-11 a.m. on the half-hour. Reservations must be made for groups of 10 or more. Free; call 601-359-6421. Sounds of the Season Dec. 17-18, noon, at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). Listen to local choirs in the rotunda. Free; call 601-576-6800. Wonderland of Lights through Dec. 31, at Freedom Ridge Park (235 W. School St., Ridgeland). Celebrate the holiday season by viewing Christmas lights and participating in family-friendly activities. Call 800-468-6078. Winter Holidays Exhibit through Dec. 23, at William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). Enjoy the 1940s train town of Possum Ridge and the historic Christmas trees and vintage toys. Hours are noon–4 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Tuesday–Friday, and 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturdays. Tours for school groups are available by reservation. Free; call 601-576-6800. Holiday Open House Dec. 16, 7 p.m., at The Commons at Eudora Welty’s Birthplace (719 N. Congress St.). At Tattered Pages Bookstore, buy $1$10 books or trade in two hardback books for one book. Congress Street Coffee offers seasonal special
A M A LC O T H E AT R E
drinks. Shop for local handmade gifts from more than 30 local artists. Free; call 601-540-1267.
South of Walmart in Madison
“A Christmas Dream” Dec. 17-19, at Thalia Mara Hall (255 E. Pascagoula St.). Ballet Magnificat! presents its 25th annual production to the music of Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker.” Show times are 7 p.m. Dec. 17, 3 p.m. Dec. 18 and 2 p.m. Dec. 19. $10$30; call 601-977-1001.
ALL STADIUM SEATING Listings for Friday, Dec. 17th - Thursday, Dec. 21st
Blue Bengal Athletic Association Christmas Party Dec. 17, 8 p.m., at E & E House of Jazz and Blues (1028 Pecan Park Circle). The fundraiser for the JSU organization includes food and music by WMPR. BYOB. $10; call 769-251-9079. Treasures on the Trace Dec. 18, 1 p.m., at Brandon Hall Plantation (Mile Marker 8.5, Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez). Local artists will showcase and sell their work. Also enjoy Christmas music on the grand piano and holiday treats such as eggnog and hot chocolate. $15; call 601-304-1040. “What Kind of Christmas Is This?” Dec. 18, 7 p.m., at Jackson State University, Rose E. McCoy Auditorium (1400 John R. Lynch St.). The play is about a close-knit family dealing with tragedy during the holidays. $15; call 601-954-4211. Christmas Musical Dec. 19, 10 a.m., at The Church Triumphant (731 S. Pear Orchard Rd., Ste 43). The annual event includes singing, drama, dance, and Pastor Tonya Ware’s annual rendition of “Mary, Did You Know?” Free; call 601-977-0007. 31st Annual Christmas Cantata Dec. 19, 11 a.m., at Cade Chapel M.B. Church (1000 W. Ridgeway St.). Features a 75-voice choir, a 36 string, wind and percussion orchestra, sign language interpretation, dance and drama. Free; call 601-366-5463. Lessons and Carols Dec. 19, 4 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church (1390 N. State St.). The church choir performs Christmas carols. Free; call 601-973-9139.
3-D Tron Legacy PG Tron Legacy (non 3-D) PG The Fighter
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adults in the Jackson metro read us in print or online.
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Chronicles Of Narnia: Voyage Of The Dawn Treader (non 3-D) PG
For more information, call 601-362-6121 x11 or write ads@jacksonfreepress.com!
The Tourist PG13 Tangled (non 3-D) PG Burlesque
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Love And Other Drugs R Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Pt. 1 PG13 Unstoppable PG13 Megamind (non 3-D) Due Date
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GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE DAILY BARGAINS UNTIL 6PM Online Tickets, Birthday Parties, Group & Corporate Events @ www.malco.com
Movieline: 355-9311
Joy Gift Service Dec. 19, 5 p.m., at Fondren Presbyterian Church (3220 Old Canton Road). Fondren’s children and youth are featured in the program. A reception will follow. Free; call 601-982-3232.
Community Monday Night Football Mixer Dec. 20, at Dreamz Jxn (426 W. Capitol St.). Come to watch football on the big screen television and enjoy burgers, wings and drinks. Wrestling fans can watch WWE matches in VIP Lounge. Free; call 601-979-3994. Restaurant Rave Call for Contestants through Dec. 31, at Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau (111 E. Capitol St., Suite 102). Write a rave review in 100 words or less about your favorite Jackson restaurant and submit it by Dec. 31, and you could win a dinner for four. The winning restaurant review will be featured on visitjackson.com and the Bureau’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. Email your review to info@visitjackson.com with the word “RAVE” in the subject line and include your full name, telephone number, and email address, or submit at visitjackson.com by clicking on the “Want Free Food?” banner on the home page. Call 601-960-1891. “Christmas in Canton” Victorian Christmas Festival through Dec. 23, at Canton Historic Square, Canton. Come celebrate the joy of the season in the glow of sparkling white lights. Free with $3 per museum visit and $1 per ride; call 800-844-3369. Telling Tales Dec. 17, 3:30 p.m., and Dec. 18, 10 a.m., at Old Capitol Museum (100 S. State St.). The series for elementary children features stories and crafts. The Cat in the Hat will make an appearance Dec. 17. Free; call 601-576-6800. Meet & Greet Math Expo Dec. 15, 11 a.m., at Jackson Medical Mall (350 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave.), at center stage. Find out how the Young People’s Project is helping to make math fun and interesting. Refreshments served. Call 601-987-0013.
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JFP-Sponsored Events
More EVENTS, see page 34
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jfpevents
from page 31
A Christmakwanzakah Ugly Sweater Contest/ Birthday Party, Dec. 15, 9 p.m., at Martin’s Restaurant & Lounge (214 S. State St.). Melvin Priester Jr.’s birthday party includes an ugly sweater contest, drink specials for the ladies and music from Hot & Lonely, J-Tran, DJ Scrap Dirty and DJ Young Venom. $5; call 415-425-9291. Fondren Park Call for Volunteers Dec. 16-18, at Fondren Park (corner of Northview Drive and Dunbar St.). Volunteers are needed for morning and afternoon shifts through Dec. 18. Services include unpacking equipment, setting foundations and assembling the playground structures. Visit fondrenpark.org. Mississippi State Kennel Club Magnolia Christmas Classic Dec. 16-19, at Mississippi Trade Mart (1200 Mississippi St.). The Brandon Kennel Club of Mississippi and the Mississippi State Kennel Club join together to hold four all-breed conformation shows, four obedience trials and four rally trials featuring the state’s top dogs. Participants must register by Dec. 1. Donations go to a local charity and a scholarship program. $2 suggested donation, $18$26 dog entry fee; call 601-573-8133. Ridgeland Rendezvous Dec. 16, 5 p.m. View artwork by southern artists and enjoy food, fun and atmosphere at Ridgeland’s galleries, restaurants and shopping centers. Visit visitridgeland.com. Precinct 3 COPS Meeting Dec. 16, 6 p.m., at Jackson Police Department, Precinct 3 (3925 W. Northside Drive). These monthly meetings are designed to help resolve community issues or problems, from crime to potholes. Call 601-960-0003. Forever Friday Dec. 17, 10 p.m., at Electric Building (308 E. Pearl St.). Enjoy music by DJ Phingaprint and performances by Poet of Truth, K.T., Pyinfamous, Zee-Dub and others. $10 before 10 p.m.; call 601-454-8313. Youth Hip-Hop Summit Reconvening Dec. 18, 10 a.m., at Roberts Walthall Hotel (225 E. Capitol St.). The ACLU of Mississippi brings the youth, parents and allies back together to review the 2010 summit, discuss moving forward with a statewide agenda and add youth voices to the planning of the June 2011 summit. The Prevention of Schoolhouse to Jailhouse Coalition will meet after the reconvening. Please RSVP. Call 601-354-3408. Champagne and Sparkling Wine Tasting Dec. 19, 4 p.m., at BRAVO! (4500 Interstate 55 N.). Sommelier Mitchell Earrey and expert Norm Rush offer samples from Europe, Latin America and Australia. Reservations are required. $55; call 601-982-8111.
Farmers’ Markets Farmers’ Market Dec. 16 and Dec. 18, 8 a.m.2 p.m., at Mississippi Farmers Market (929 High St.). Shop for fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables from Mississippi farmers, specialty foods, and crafts from local artisans, including the Greater Belhaven Market. Call 601-354-6573.
December 15 - 21, 2010
Farmers’ Market through Dec. 24, at Old Fannin Road Farmers’ Market (1307 Old Fannin Road, Brandon). Homegrown produce is for sale MondaySaturday from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and noon-6 p.m. Sunday until Christmas Eve. Call 601-919-1690.
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Farmers’ Market through Dec. 19, at Jackson Roadmap to Health Equity Project’s Farmers’ Market (2548 Livingston Road). Buy fresh produce provided by participating local farmers. Market hours are noon-6 p.m. on Fridays, and 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Free admission; call 601-987-6783.
Stage and Screen Events at Russell C. Davis Planetarium (201 E. Pascagoula St.). • “Home Alone” Dec. 16, 6:30 p.m. Crossroads Film Society and Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. sponsor the screening of the 1990 holiday classic. $7,
$5 Crossroads members, students with ID and children; call 601-960-1550. • Art House Cinema Downtown Dec. 17-18, “Lovely Still” will be shown at 7 p.m., and “Micmacs” at 9 p.m. The Mississippi Film Institute is the sponsor. $9 per film; visit msfilm.org. • Verdi’s “Falstaff” Dec. 19, 2 p.m., at Russell C. Davis Planetarium (201 E. Pascagoula St.). The Mississippi Opera and the Mississippi Film Institute present the film from Belgium. $16; call 601-960-2300. “A Christmas Carol” through Dec. 19, at New Stage Theatre (1100 Carlisle St.). New Stage’s holiday tradition continues with this year’s production of the story of Scrooge, directed by Chris Roebuck. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15-18 and 2 p.m. Dec. 19. $18; $15 seniors/students; $10 kids 12 and under; call 601-948-3533. “A Christmas Memory” Dec. 18-19, 2 p.m., at The Commons at Eudora Welty’s Birthplace (719 N. Congress St.). Fondren Theatre Workshop and Chimneyville Readers Theatre present Truman Capote’s holiday story. Free, donations welcome; call 601-982-2217. “The Christmas Peril” Dinner Theatre Dec. 18, 6:30 p.m., at Yogi on the Lake/Jellystone Campground (143 Campground Road, Pelahatchie). The comedy play about havoc at Santa’s workshop is written by Tom Lestrade. A three-course meal is included. $32.50; call 601-668-2214.
Music Tatsuyana Katani Dec. 15, 7 p.m., at North Midtown Arts Center (formerly One to One Studios) (121 Millsaps Ave.). On tour from China, the percussionist Tatsuyana Katani will give a solo percussion performance. The show will also feature improvisitory sets with members of the Mississippi Improv Alliance. $10; call 601-497-7454. Provine High School Band Holiday Concert Dec. 16, 7 p.m., at Provine High School (2400 Robinson St.). The band invites parents and the community to its annual program in the school auditorium. $1; call 601-316-1791. Mississippi Music Foundation Songwriter Showcase Dec. 16, 8 p.m., at Harrah’s Tunica (13615 Old Highway 61 N., Tunica). This showcase will spotlight the musical talents of KC Johns, Stuart Patterson, Driving Eternity, Brother Chuck, Lance Strode, Tori Tollison, Zealous and Mike Tapley. Donations go toward the Mississippi Music Foundation’s Money Match program. Free, donations welcome; call 662-429-2939. Mississippi Community Symphonic Band Christmas Concert Dec. 18, 7 p.m., at Belhaven University Center for the Arts (835 Riverside Drive). The performance includes a special appearance by the Mississippi Swing. Free; call 601-605-2786.
Literary and Signings Events at Lemuria Books (202 Banner Hall, 4465 Interstate 55 North). Call 601-366-7619. • “The Fall of the House of Zeus” Dec. 15, 4 p.m. Curtis Wilkie signs copies of his book. $25.99 book.
• “Gridiron Glory” Dec. 16, 4 p.m. Members of the Frascogna family sign copies of the book. $28.95 book. • “The Longview: Lasting Strategies for Rising Leaders” Dec. 17, 5 p.m. Roger Parrott signs copies of his book. $16.99 book. • “Oxford in the Civil War: Battle for a Vanquished Land” Dec. 18, 1 p.m. Stephen Enzweiler signs copies of his book. $19.99 book. “Yvette Sturgis” Dec. 16, 5 p.m., at Jackson Street Gallery (500 Highway 51, Suite E, Ridgeland). Sturgis signs copies of and takes orders for her coffee table book, which includes images of her paintings and paintings by other artists that have been featured in the gallery. $35; call 601-853-1880. Writer’s Spotlight Dec. 16, 7 p.m., at The Commons at Eudora Welty’s Birthplace (719 N. Congress St.). Local writers Carl Gibson, Natalie A. Collier, Bob Hudson, Katrina Byrd, Bret Kenyon and several others will read short stories and poems. If interested in reading, e-mail laceyemc@yahoo. com or call 601-454-1286. . “The Time of Eddie Noel” Dec. 18, 3 p.m., at Union Street Books (107 N. Union St., Canton). Allie Povall signs her book. Light refreshments will be served. $13.99 book; call 601-427-0703.
Creative Classes Events at Easely Amused, Ridgeland (Trace Harbor Village, 7048 Old Canton Road, Suite 1002, Ridgeland). Call 769-251-5574. • Andy WarHoliday Tree Dec. 16, 7 p.m. Paint a Christmas tree inspired by Pop Art. $26.75. • I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus Dec. 17, 7 p.m. Learn to paint a version of Santa. $32.10. • O Christmas Tree Dec. 18, 10 a.m. Choose your colors and personalize your Christmas tree painting with your family members’ names. $26.75. • O Holy Night Dec. 21, 7 p.m. Learn to paint a modern interpretation of the Nativity. $26.75. Events at Easely Amused, Flowood (2315 Lakeland Dr., Suite C, Flowood). Call 769-251-5574. • Let It Snow, Man Dec. 17, 7 p.m. Paint a snowman with local artist Henry Muse. $32.10. • Angel Dec. 20, 7 p.m. Paint an angel against a moonlit sky with local artist Henry Muse. $32.10. Gingerbread Workshop for Families Dec. 19, 1 p.m., at Viking Cooking School (1107 Highland Colony Parkway (Township at Colony Park), Ridgeland). Decorate pre-constructed gingerbread houses with candies, gumdrops, peppermints, sprinkles, cookies and more. Create royal icing snowmen and holiday trees adorned with premium sprinkles, sparkly decoratifs, and colorful sanding sugars. For ages 7 and up; children must be accompanied by an adult. $59; call 601-898-8345. Jewelry Making Class ongoing, at Dream Beads (605 Duling Ave.). This class is offered every Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. Free; call 601-664-0411. Adult Hip Hop Dance Classes ongoing, at Courthouse Racquet and Fitness Club, Northeast (46 Northtown Drive). Learn authentic hip-hop dance techniques and choreography. Open to all ages 16 and older. Classes are offered Mondays from 7:308:30 p.m. and Fridays from 5:30-6:30 pm. $5; call 601-853-7480.
Album Releases This Week 9th Wonder “9th’s Opus: It’s a Wonderful World Music Group,” Ryan Adams & The Cardinals “III/ IV,” Crystal Bowersox “Farmer’s Daughter,” Ciara “Basic Instinct,” The Damned Things “Ironiclast,” Diddy and Dirty Money “The Last Train to Paris,” Michael Jackson “Michael,” R. Kelly “Love Letter,” Tank “Nor or Never,” Young Jeezy “TM 103”
Tank
Dance Classes ongoing, at Central United Methodist Church Family Life Center (517 N. Farish St.). Classes for children and adults are held on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Visit jfpevents.com for a list of classes and start times. $35 registration fee, $50 per month for ages 2-17; $15 per class or $50 five-class card for ages 18 and up. $35 registration fee, $50 per month for ages 2-17; $15 per class; call 601-238-3303. Adult Modern Dance Class ongoing, at YMCA Northeast Jackson (5062 I-55 N.). Front Porch Dance offers the one-hour class on Fridays. Students will learn dance moves that will help them grow in strength, flexibility and coordination. A YMCA membership is not required. $10 per class; e-mail krista.bower@gmail.com.
EXHIBITS AND OPENINGS The Levi J. Brown Photograph Collection through Dec. 17, at Jackson State University (1400 John R. Lynch St.), in the Margaret Walker Alexander Center. See a collection of photographs depicting individuals, families, groups, office scenes, and special programs and events. Dating to the 1890s, they detail the stories of middleand upper-class African Americans in Mississippi and Louisiana. Hours are 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. weekdays. Free; call 601-979-3935. Events at Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (2148 Riverside Drive). Museum hours are 8 a.m.5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. $5, $4 seniors, $3 children ages 5-18, $1 children ages 3-4; call 601-354-7303. • Fish Feedings and Creature Features Dec. 21, 10 a.m. Watch scuba divers feed the fish, and interact with live animals. • “Megalodon: Largest Shark that Ever Lived” through Jan. 9. The 60-foot, 2-million-year-old Megalodon looms life-size in this mega-exhibit of modern and fossil sharks.
BE THE CHANGE Annual Children’s Christmas Benefit Dec. 15, 7 p.m., at Hal & Mal’s (200 Commerce St.). Performers include M.O.S.S., Cary Hudson and Duff Dorrough. Proceeds benefit The Salvation Army. $5; call 662-588-2488. Concert for a Cause Dec. 19, 7 p.m., at Dreamz Jxn (426 W. Capitol St.). The event brings several area organizations together for the cause of helping the less fortunate during the holiday season. Concertgoers are asked to bring any clothing or toy items, which will be given to Gateway Rescue Mission as well as a portion of the admission charge. Performers include PyInfamous, Skipp Coon and Rashad Street. $10; call 601-317-5444. Christmas Wish List Drive through Dec. 20, at Jackson Street Gallery (500 Highway 51, Suite E, Ridgeland). The gallery is collecting items for The Home Place, a senior citizens home in Madison, Monday-Saturday until Dec. 20. Items to donate include salon products, Kleenex and snacks. Contact the office for the full list. Donations will be wrapped on-site. Call 601-853-1880. James Ivory Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day Observance Dec. 21, 9 a.m., at Galloway United Methodist Church (305 N. Congress St.). Homeless persons, homeless service providers and advocates will gather to remember homeless persons who have died during the year and to call attention to the many issues of homelessness. The event include music, a litany and a presentation by Leslie Bingham on Grace Place, Galloway’s homeless ministry. Free; call 601-351-8262.
“Attention to Detail” Art Reception Dec. 21, 7 p.m., at Cups in Fondren (2757 Old Canton Road). See drawings and paintings by Scott Penman, and graphic designs by Jesse Stribling. Works displayed through Jan. 31. Free; call 601-362-7422. “Adventures In Color” through Dec. 30, at Mississippi Library Commission (3881 Eastwood Drive). See paintings by Bewey Bowden. Hours are 8 a.m.5 p.m. weekdays. Free; call 601-432-4056. Craft Exhibit through Dec. 31, at Mississippi Craft Center (950 Rice Road). See creations by Roselyn Polk. Free admission; call 601-856-7546. “Reflections of Welty’s World” through Dec. 31, at Powell Museum (129 E. Ash St.). See works by Jack Garner and Andrew C. Young, which reflect Eudora Welty’s interaction with the African American community. Exhibit hours are noon-5 p.m. daily and by appointment. Free; call 601-209-4736.
“Welty Snapshots: At Home and Away” through Jan. 17, at Eudora Welty House (1119 Pinehurst Place). See images from New York City and Mississippi during the Great Depression. Hours are Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free; call 601-353-7762. Check jfpevents.com for updates and more listings. To add an event, e-mail all details (phone number, start/end date and time, street address, cost, URL, etc.) to events@jacksonfreepress.com or fax to 601510-9019. The deadline is noon the Thursday prior to the week of publication. Or add the event online yourself; check out jfpevents.com for instructions.
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River and Reverie: Paintings of the Mississippi by Rolland Golden through Jan. 16, at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). Golden’s riverscapes depict the Mississippi River at various times of day and from many vantage points. Museum hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from noon-5 p.m. $3-$5, children under 5 and museum members free; call 601-960-1515.
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The Suite Life aLL sHows 10pm unLess noted
WEDNESDAY
12/15
Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest and Birthday Bash for Melvin P. LADIES PAY $5, DRINK FREE Featuring Music By:
HOT & LONELY, J-TRAN, DJ SCRAP DIRTY, DJ YOUNG VENOM $5 COVER FOR EVERYONE FRIDAY
12/17
GEORGE McCONNELL and the Nonchalants
SATURDAY
12/18
SUNDAY
12/19
Good ENoUGH FoR Good TIMES
KaraoKe MONDAY
by Natalie A. Collier
T
he bass thumps heavily and rhythmically and meets you at the door. The treble dances like a modern dancer who’s in a zone. If your name’s on the list, walk right in. If not, pay the cover, and it’s all access granted for you, too. The space is quaint. The dark colors— black and deep merlot—envelop you. Erykah Badu pushes her ways through the deejay’s speakers as the headphones on his head nod back and forth to the beat. Pockets of people are in every corner, and some stand in the middle of the open space. A few women dance. Others flirt. Jason Thompson, one of the owners of Suite 106, stands behind the bar, pouring a glass of wine. A smile creeps across Thompson’s face as the deejay switches to a Jay-Z classic familiar to most people sitting around. Thompson raps along. Suite 106, off Terry Road on the city’s south side, is the vision of Thompson, his two brothers Ahmad and Saddi, Terry Braxton and George Patterson. The Suite isn’t a club or a bar; it’s not quite a lounge, either. It’s exactly what Thompson and his partners want it to be: an urban hang spot. “The vision for Suite 106 primarily started because me and my close group of friends didn’t really have anywhere to go. … We needed somewhere to go, hang out and relax for people who were over 25,” the 28year-old entrepreneur says. “Also, all of the venues in Jackson are really large, and I just always felt that nightlife in Jackson would thrive more with a series of smaller venues
Sean Berry
LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR
12/20
OPEN MIC JAM TUESDAY
12/21
MATT’S LATE NIGHT KARAOKE
$2 MARGARITAS $1 HIGHLIFE & PBR
December 15 - 21, 2010
WEDNESDAY
36
12/22
HOLIDAY HIP-HOP PARTY
wITH DJ BRIK-A-BRAK & CREw 214 S. State St. • 601.354.9712 downtown jackson www.martinSlounge.net
Wiz Khalifa is an emerging hip-hop artist stopping in Jackson this month.
W
courtesy Jason Thompson
DIVERSIONS|music
iz Khalifa is probably the hottest rapper in hip-hop today. Source magazine recently named him Rookie of the Year, and MTV named him the Hottest Breakthrough MC of 2010. “Black and Yellow,” his current record, has spent time at No. 1 on the iTunes hip-hop chart and in the top 20 on Billboard’s Hot 100 list. The artist’s music resides in that postDrake space of modern hip-hop, where melodic song structures merge with a tough, yet
than a few large ones.” So Thompson and his brothers, who grew up doing free labor for their general-contractor father, set out to make the spot they found similar to places they’d visited in larger cities, like spots on K Street in (Left to right) Jason Thompson and his business partners, Saddi Washington, D.C., and Thompson,Terry Braxton, Ahmad Thompson and George Patterson, started Suite 106 to fill a void in Jackson’s nightlife. the Skybar in Chicago. “We assumed the lease July 1 and opened Aug. 4. We were in “There aren’t enough venues that offer here every day,” he says of the work they put live jazz and R&B on a consistent basis in into reconfiguring Suite’s floor plan. They Jackson.” He adds: “[M]y generation has had stripped the floors, tore down walls and built so much hip-hop that’s been synthesized that others, built benches lining the walls where we don’t appreciate live music. ... [L]ive music customers sit, the stage and bar. is just great. If it’s a cover or an original, if it’s They wanted it to be perfect for the mu- good, it’s the greatest thing you can hear.” sic. Thompson, who’s also well-known hip- The businessman, not the artist, says the hop artist Pyinfamous, says that’s what the partners hope to see a series of suites sprout up Suite 106 experience is all about, anyway. across the city to fill a niche for the young pro “The music is kind of real mellow. It var- fessional crowd in Jackson. But he is quick to ies, depending on the event. Most Thursdays note that he’s unwilling to sacrifice his vision and Fridays, it’s going to be smooth hip-hop for growth. and neo-soul. Maybe some jazz-infused, more “There’s always the intersection of vision modern music,” he says. “But when we do and profit. And when that comes, what’s gohave a bigger event, like for Capital City Clas- ing to take precedence? I always think vision,” sic, we might have some more recent hip-hop, Thompson says. “It’s about creating the vibe, some contemporary stuff. But it’s not top-40 and I would rather die with the vibe I want stuff. It’s going to be the kind of hip-hop ’80s than live with something else.” babies grew up with.” Suite 106 (106 Wilmington St., 601-940 Until the past week, a house band per- 7059) is open Thursdays, 7 p.m. to midnight, formed every week, and Thompson looks for- and Fridays and Saturdays, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. The ward to bringing live music back quickly. venue is also available to rent.
Break Down the Wall endearing exterior. His previous tour this year, “Waken Baken,” sold out 55 venues in 60 days. On Dec. 18, Wiz Khalifa brings his blazed-out rhymes to Club Fire for a special performance. Often, Jackson catches artists when they have passed the peak of their emergence. Tour stops here tend to be an afterthought. Next time Wiz Khalifa stops in Mississippi, it will most likely be in a much larger, less intimate venue. Chris Cajoleas, who is responsible for bringing Wiz Khalifa to Jackson, started Lost Legend Entertainment in 2006 to bring these kinds of shows to the Jackson area. Cajoleas, a 20-year-old international-business major at Mississippi State, has been booking shows across a number of genres coast to coast for the past four years. But being a Jackson-area native, his passion is growing the music scene, especially hip-hop, in the city. “I am going to do my part to keep contributing to this movement in hopes that it continues to grow and blossom,” he says. “The Jackson area has the potential, people and desire to thrive. It’s just a matter of bringing everyone together to make it work.” Part of this, as he sees it, is changing the
by Garrad Lee
attitudes of artists and their representatives when it comes to booking shows in Jackson. “Being from Mississippi,” Cajoleas says, “you already have a wall to break down when approaching an agent about his or her artist due to the stereotypes on entertainment down here. That’s something I know I can’t change alone, but I am hoping to change as much as I can regarding that mindset and stereotype.” Cajoleas sees his work as being akin to the things people like Ron Chane, Josh Hailey and Kamikaze, and clubs like Martin’s, Hal & Mal’s and Freelon’s have done: work hard to change people’s perceptions about the possibility of Jackson as an artistic and music destination for touring musicians. In the midst of Jackson’s renaissance, things are beginning to change as promoters, artists and agents see the potential here, thanks to the work of Cajoleas and his contemporaries. Bringing Wiz Khalifa here at this point in his young career certainly helps that cause. Wiz Khalifa performs at Club Fire Dec. 18. The all-ages show starts at 7:30 p.m. and features MiMOSA, and Mississippi’s Big K.R.I.T. and B.O.M.B. Squad. Advance tickets are $22 at fireclubjackson.com or $25 at the door.
Dec. 15 - Wednesday F. Jones Corner - Jesse “Guitar” Smith (blues lunch) free Shucker’s - DoubleShotz 7:30- 11:30 p.m. free Philip’s on the Rez - DJ Mike/ Karaoke Pop’s Saloon - Karaoke with Mike Mott Martin’s - A Christmakwanzakah Ugly Sweater Contest/Birthday Party for Melvin P.: Hot and Lonely, J-Tran, DJ Scrap Dirty, DJ Young Venom 10 p.m. $5 Ole Tavern - Karaoke w/ DJ Stache Char - Jason Turner Fenian’s - Big Juv 9 p.m. Underground 119 - Eddie Cotton $10 Regency Hotel - Snazz 8:30 p.m. Hal and Mal’s - Chris Gill (rest.); Annual Christmas Benefit: M.O.S.S., Cary Hudson, Duff Dorrough & friends (Red Room) 7 p.m., $5 donation to Salvation Army C Notes - Open Band Jam w/ Chad Wesley Burgers and Blues - Jesse “Guitar” Smith 6:30-9:30 p.m. The Irish Frog - Ralph Miller
Dec. 16 - Thursday F. Jones Corner - Jesse “Guitar” Smith (blues lunch) free; Amazin’ Lazy Boi & Sunset Challenge Blues Band 11:30- 4 a.m. Welty Commons - Merry Christmas Jackson (vol. 3) CD Release Party: Cody Cox, Liver Mousse, Scott Albert Johnson, The Churck Keys, Electric Hamhock, Jason Bruce 7:30 p.m. $5 Regency Hotel - Karaoke 7 p.m. free Philip’s on the Rez - Bubba Wingfield Fenian’s - Beth Patterson 9 p.m. McB’s - Karaoke 7 p.m. free Underground 119 - Swing d’ Paris Burgers and Blues - Jesse Robinson C Notes - Ladies Rock w/ DJ Clay Edwards Ole Tavern - Ladies Night Kathryn’s - Larry Brewer Harrah’s Casino, Tunica - MS Music Foundation Songwriter Showcase 8 p.m. mississippimusicfoundation.org
Dec. 17 - Friday F. Jones Corner - Sherman Lee Dillon (blues/solo) noon; Sherman Lee Dillon & MS Sound 10-4 a.m. $5, $10 after midnight Hal and Mal’s - The Vernon Brothers Fenian’s - Blind Dog Otis 9 p.m. Electric Building, 308 E. Pearl St. - Forever Friday Holiday Edition: Poet of Truth, K.T., MC’s Pyinfamous and Zee-Dub, and DJ Phingaprint Underground 119 - Scott Albert Johnson
Music listings are due noon Monday to be included in print and online listings: music@jacksonfreepress.com. Wired Espresso Cafe - David Hawkins noon Martin’s - George McConnell and the Nonchalants 10 p.m. georgemcconnell.com Queen of Hearts - Kenny Hollywood $5 Burgers and Blues - Joe Bub Duo Ole Tavern - Iron Feathers, Swamp Babies Regency - Snazz Irish Frog - Jason Bruce Reed Pierce’s - Shannon Leaf 9 p.m. free Pix/Capri, Fondren - Esperanza Plantation Holiday Showcase: Tommy Bryan Ledford, Winter Sport, El Obo, Wooden Finger, The Weeks, Bear Colony, Colour Revolt, J-Tran 7 p.m. $15 (all ages show) ToMara’s - Crossin Dixon 9 p.m. C Notes - Meagan May from Shades of Green Soulshine, Old Fannin - Mike and Marty 7 p.m. Soulshine, The Township - Barry Leach 8 p.m. Pop’s Saloon - Trey Hawkins Band
Dec. 18 - Saturday F. Jones Corner - Sherman Lee Dillon (blues/solo) noon; Sherman Lee Dillon & MS Sound 10-4 a.m. $5, $10 after midnight Poet’s II - Richard Lee Davis Band Underground 119 - Cary Hudson and the Piney Woods Playboys Burgers and Blues - Jesse “Guitar” Smith 6:30-9:30 p.m. Martin’s - Good Enough for Good Times (members of Galactic and Charlie Hunter Trio) Fire - Wiz Khalifa, Big K.R.I.T., Mimosa, and B.O.M.B. Squad 7:30 p.m. Suite 106 - Meet and Greet feat. D. Scott Jazz Quartet and Tony “Tiger” Rogers 9 p.m. Time Out - Mark Whittington and Friends 9:30 p.m. Reed Pierce’s - Shannon Leaf 9 p.m. free Pop’s Saloon - Trey Hawkins Band ToMara’s - Owens Brothers Band 9 p.m. Fenian’s - Bailey Brothers’ Canned Food Drive 9 p.m. Sam’s Lounge - Shaun Patterson C Notes - The Blues Man and Roc Belhaven University Center for the Arts - Mississippi Community Symphonic Band’s Christmas Concert 7 p.m. free Lemuria.com Bldg. - Cary Hudson (acoustic set) 4 p.m. Ole Tavern - Big Rock Candy Mountain
Dec. 19 - Sunday King Edward Hotel - Howard Jones Jazz (brunch) 11-2 p.m. Fitzgerald’s - Andy Hardwick (brunch) 11-2 p.m. Sophia’s, Fairview Inn - Knight Bruce 11 a.m. (brunch) ToMara’s - Mike and Marty’s Jam Session 4-9 p.m. free
12/16 Mimosa - Republic, New Orleans 12/21 Jim Brickman - The Orpheum, Memphis 12/23 Lucero - Minglewood Hall, Memphis 12/30-31 Better Than Ezra - House of Blues, New Orleans
Dreamz - Concert for a Cause: Benz, Skipp Coon, Pyinfamous, Soufside, Rashad Street, Lyrik Skillz, Casey Jones, Savvy and Gutta, Coke Bumaye 7 p.m. $10 C Notes - Hot for Hospitality
Dec. 20 - Monday Hal & Mal’s Restaurant - Central Miss. Blues Society Jam 8-11 p.m. $5 F. Jones Corner - Anna Kline (blues lunch) free Fitzgerald’s - Hunter Gibson & Rick Moreira 8-12 a.m. free Martin’s - Open Mic Free Jam 10 p.m. free Fenian’s - Karaoke 8-1 a.m. Ole Tavern - Dueling Pianos
Dec. 21 - Tuesday F. Jones Corner - Nathan Sings the Blues (blues lunch) free Hal & Mal’s Restaurant - Pub Quiz 8 p.m. Fenian’s - Open Mic 9 p.m. Martin’s - Karaoke 10 p.m. free Shucker’s - The Xtremez 7:30- 11:30 p.m. free Time Out - Open Mic 8 p.m. McB’s - Karaoke 7 p.m. free Burgers and Blues - Jesse “Guitar” Smith 6:30-9:30 p.m. Fitzgerald’s - Hunter Gibson and Rick Moreira 8 p.m. Soulshine, The Colony - Adam Hood 7 p.m. Ole Tavern - M.O.S.S. C Notes - Acoustic Jam: Brian C. Jones (Guns of Addiction)
Dec. 22 - Wednesday F. Jones Corner - Anna Kline (blues lunch) free Underground 119 - Eddie Cotton $10 Char - Jason Turner Shucker’s - DoubleShotz 7:30- 11:30 p.m. free Pop’s Saloon - Dreamer Fenian’s - Robbie Peoples Ole Tavern - Karaoke/DJ Stache Philip’s on the Rez - DJ Mike/ Karaoke Regency Hotel - Snazz 8:30 p.m. facebook.com/snazzband2 Pop’s Saloon - Karaoke w/ Mike Mott Hal and Mal’s - Emma Wynters and Mark Whittington Martin’s - DJ Brikabrak & Friends Hip Hop Show 10 p.m. brikabrakthedj.com Burgers and Blues - Jesse “Guitar” Smith 6:30-9:30 p.m. Whistle Stop Corner Cafe, Hazlehurst - Dylan Bass Irish Frog - Ralph Miller Send music listings to Natalie Long at music@jacksonfreepress.com or fax to 601-510-9019 by noon Monday for inclusion in the next issue. Music listings must be received by the Friday before the new issue to be considered for 8 Days picks.
Weekly Lunch Specials Wednesday, December 15th
Open for dinner Sat. 4-10pm thursday
EDDIE COTTON
(Blues) 8-11, $10 Cover
DECEMBER 16
LADIES NIGHT LADIES DRINK FREE
WELLS & PONIES 9PM-2AM
friday
DECEMBER 17
Iron Feathers w/ Swamp Babies friday
DECEMBER 18
BIG ROCK CANDY MOUNTAIN saturday
DECEMBER 20
Dueling Pianos w/ Eric Carlton & JB Wise
tuesday
DECEMBER 21
Dirty Santa
Thursday, December 16th
SWING DE PARIS
(Gypsy Jazz) 8-11, No Cover Friday, December 17th
SCOTT ALBERT JOHNSON (Blues) 9-1 $10 Cover
Saturday, December 18th
CARY HUDSON & THE PINEY WOODS PLAYBOYS (Blues) 9-1, $10 Cover
Christmas Party
feat. M.O.S.S. wednesday
DECEMBER 22
KARAOKE w/ KJ STACHE
thursday
DECEMBER 23
LADIES NIGHT LADIES DRINK FREE
WELLS & PONIES 9PM-2AM
friday
DECEMBER 25
FURROWS w/ Brad Ward FREE WiFi Open Mon-Sat, Kitchen open Mon-Fri 11 am-10 pm & Sat 4-10 pm
Wednesday, December 22nd
EDDIE COTTON
(Blues) 8-11, $10 Cover Thursday, December 23rd
CHRIS DERRICK GROUP (Blues) 8-11, No Cover
Friday, December 24th and Saturday, December 25th
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM UNDERGROUND 119! Closed for the holiday!
119 S. President Street 601.352.2322 www.Underground119.com
jacksonfreepress.com
livemusic
37
venuelist
Team Loyalty Contests and Sports Trivia! All games for the NFL Sunday Ticket, ESPN Game Plan and NFL Channel showing here! 20+ TVs and a Projector Screen!
Daily Lunch Specials - $9
Happy Hour Everyday 4-7
4(523$!9 .)'(4
7ING .IGHT WITH CENT WINGS AND "EER FROM PM PM We have NFL Sunday Ticket & ESPN Gameplan to show all games!
H APPY HOUR
Monday - Saturday, 2-7pm 2-for-1 All Mixed Drinks, $1 Off Draft & Wine and 59 Cent Wings
LATE NIGHT HAPPY HOUR
Sunday - Thursday 10pm - 12am
2-FOR-1, YOU CALL IT!
601.978.1839
6270 Old Canton Rd. Jackson, MS 39211
Reserve our VIP room for your holiday party! 1428 Old Square Road in Jackson 601.713.2700 lastcallsportsgrill.com
BEST SPOT AROUND
TO WATCH FOOTBALL! WE HAVE 20 FLATSCREENS!
HOLIDAY GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE THURSDAY - DECEMBER 16
WED. DEC 15 LADIES NIGHT
LADIES NIGHT
& KARAOKE + JOSE CUERVO PROMO
LADIES DRINK FREE 9-11PM
THURS. DEC 16 NFL FOOTBALL
FRI & SAT - DECEMBER 17 & 18
TREY HAWKINS BAND
BEER BUCKET SPECIAL
FRI. DEC 17
BRIAN JONES 9:30PM - 1:30AM NO COVER CHARGE
SAT. DEC 18
NCAA BASKETBALL
BEER BUCKET SPECIAL
SUN. DEC 19 NFL FOOTBALL
BEER BUCKET SPECIAL + 1/2 OFF BLOODY MARYS
BEER
& DRINK
SPECIALS
DURING FOOTBALL GAMES!
MON. DEC 20 IN-DA-BIZ NITE
SUNDAY - DECEMBER 19
8 BALL TOURNAMENT
2-FOR-1 SPECIAL
TUES. DEC 21
December 15 - 21, 2010
JACKPOT TRIVIA
38
WILL BE OPEN ON CHRISTMAS EVE!
GIFT CERTIFICATES = GREAT STOCKING
STUFFERS
MONDAY - DECEMBER 20 MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
Free wings + $3 pitchers during game
TUESDAY - DECEMBER 21
POOL LEAGUE NIGHT 2636 S. Gallatin Jackson, MS 39204
601-961-4747
www.myspace.com/popsaroundthecorner
88 Keys 3645 Hwy. 80 W in Metrocenter, Jackson, 601-352-7342 930 Blues Cafe 930 N. Congress St., Jackson, 601-948-3344 Alamo Theatre 333 N. Farish St, Jackson, 601-352-3365 Alley Cats 165 W. Peace St., Canton, 601855-2225 Alumni House Sports Grill 574 Hwy. 50, Ridgeland, 601-855-2225 Ameristar Casino, Bottleneck Blues Bar 4146 Washington St., Vicksburg, 800700-7770 Beau Rivage Casino 875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 800-566-7469 Belhaven University Center for the Arts 835 Riverside Dr, Jackson, 601-968-5930 Bennie’s Boom Boom Room 142 Front St., Hattiesburg, 601-408-6040 The Blind Pig Saloon 206 W. Capitol St., Jackson, 601-944-0123 (blues/dance) Borrello’s 1306 Washington St., Vicksburg, 601-638-0169 Buffalo Wild Wings 808 Lake Harbour Dr., Ridgeland, 601-856-0789 Burgers and Blues 1060 E. County Line Rd., Ridgeland, 601-899-0038 C Notes Studio Bar & Grill 6550 Old Canton Rd, Ridgeland, 601-899-8842 Capri-Pix Theatre 3021 N. State St., Jackson, 601-981-9606 Central City Complex 609 Woodrow Wilson Dr., Jackson, 601-352-9075 Cerami’s 5417 Highway 25, Flowood, 601919-2829 Char Restaurant 4500 I-55, Highland Village, Jackson, 601-956-9562 Cherokee Inn 1410 Old Square Rd., Jackson, 601-362-6388 Club 43 Hwy 43, Canton, 601-654-3419, 601-859-0512 Club City Lights 200 N. Mill St., Jackson, 601-353-0059 Club O’Hara 364 Monticello St., Hazlehurst, 601-894-5674 Congress Street Bar & Grill 120 N. Congress St., Jackson, 601-968-0857 The Commons Gallery 719 N. Congress St., 601-352-3399 Couples Entertainment Center 4511 Byrd Drive, Jackson, 601-923-9977 Crawdad Hole 1150 Lakeland Dr., Jackson, 601-982-9299 Crickett’s Lounge 4370 Hwy 80 West, Jackson, 601-922-0500 Crossroads Bar & Lounge 3040 Livingston Rd., Jackson, 601-984-3755 (blues) Cultural Expressions 147 Millsaps Ave., Jackson, 601-665-0815 (neo-soul/hiphop) Cups in Fondren 2757 Old Canton Road, Jackson, 601-362-7422 (acoustic/pop) Cups in the Quarter 1855 Lakeland Dr., Jackson, 601-981-9088 Davidson’s Corner Market 108 W. Center St., Canton, 601-855-2268 (pop/rock) Debo’s 180 Raymond Road, Jackson, 601346-8283 Diamond Jack’s Casino 3990 Washington Street, Vicksburg, 1-877-711-0677 Dixie Diamond 1306 Washington Street, Vicksburg, 601-638-6297 Dollar Bills Dance Saloon 103 A Street, Meridian, 601-693-5300 Dreamz Jxn 426 West Capitol Street, Jackson, 601-979-3994 Electric Cowboy 6107 Ridgewood Rd., Jackson, 601-899-5333 (country/rock/dance) Executive Place 2440 Bailey Ave., Jackson, 601-987-4014 F. Jones Corner 303 N. Farish St. 601983-1148 Fenian’s 901 E. Fortification Street, Jackson, 601-948-0055 (rock/Irish/folk) Fire 209 Commerce St., Jackson, 601-5921000 (rock/dance/dj) Final Destination 5428 Robinson Rd. Ext., Jackson, (pop/rock/blues) Fitzgerald’s Martini Bar 1001 E. County Line Road, Jackson, 601-957-2800 Flood’s Bar and Grill 2460 Bailey Ave., Jackson, 601-713-4094 Footloose Bar and Grill 4661 Hwy 80 West, Jackson, 601-922-9944 Freelon’s Bar And Groove 440 N. Mill St., Jackson, 601-353-5357 (hip-hop) Fusion Coffeehouse Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, 601-856-6001
The JFP music listings are dedicated to founding music listings editor Herman Snell, who passed away in 2010. Gold Strike Casino 1010 Casino Center Drive, Robinsonville, 888-245-7529 Grand Casino Biloxi 280 Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, 228-436-2946 Grand Casino Tunica 13615 Old Highway 61 North, Robinsonville, 800-39-GRAND The Green Room 444 Bounds St., Jackson, 601-713-3444 Ground Zero Blues Club 0 Blues Alley, Clarksdale, 662-621-9009 Grownfolks’s Lounge 4030 Medgar Evers Blvd, Jackson, 601-362-6008 Hal & Mal’s 200 S. Commerce St., Jackson, 601-948-0888 (pop/rock/blues) Hamp’s Place 3028 W. Northside Dr., Jackson, 601-981-4110 (dance/dj) Hard Rock Biloxi 777 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 228-374-ROCK Hat & Cane 1115 E. McDowell Rd., Jackson, 601-352-0411 Hauté Pig 1856 Main St., Madison, 601853-8538 Here We Go Again 3002 Terry Road, Jackson, 601-373-1520 Horizon Casino Mulberry Lounge 1310 Mulberry St., Vicksburg, 800-843-2343 Horseshoe Bar 5049 Hwy 80 West, Jackson, 601-922-6191 Horseshoe Casino Tunica, 800-303-7463 The Hunt Club 1525 Ellis Ave., Jackson, 601-944-1150 Huntington Grille 1001 E. County Line Rd., Jackson, 601-957-1515 The Ice House 515 S. Railroad Blvd., McComb, 601-684-0285 (pop/rock) The Irish Frog 5o7 Springridge Rd., Clinton, 601-448-4185 JC’s 425 North Mart Plaza, Jackson, 601362-3108 Jackson Convention Complex 105 E. Pascagoula St.. Jackson, 601-960-2321 James Meredith Lounge 217 Griffith St. 601-969-3222 Julep Restaurant and Bar 105 Highland Village, Jackson, 601-362-1411 Kathryn’s Steaks and Seafood 6800 Old Canton Road, Ridgeland. 601-956-2803 King Edward Hotel 235 W. Capitol St., Jackson, 601-353-5464 Koinonia Coffee House 136 S. Adams St., Suite C, Jackson, 601-960-3008 Kristos 971 Madison Ave., Madison, 601605-2266 LaRae’s 210 Parcel Dr., Jackson, 601-944-0660 Last Call Sports Grill 1428 Old Square Road, Jackson, 601-713-2700 The Library Bar & Grill 120 S. 11th St., Oxford, 662-234-1411 The Loft 1306 A. Washington St., Vicksburg, 601-629-6188 The Lyric Oxford 1006 Van Buren Ave., Oxford. 662-234-5333 Main Event Sports Bar & Grill 4659 Hwy 80 West, Jackson, 601-922-9987 Manda’s Pub 614 Clay Street, Vicksburg, 601-638-6607 Martin’s Lounge 214 S. State St., Jackson, 601-354-9712 (rock/jam/blues) McB’s Restaurant 815 Lake Harbor Dr., Ridgeland, 601-956-8362 (pop/rock) Mellow Mushroom 275 Dogwood Blvd., Flowood, 601-992-7499 Mississippi Academy of Ancient Music 103 Magnolia, Edwards, 601-977-7736 Mississippi Coliseum 1207 Mississippi St., Jackson, 601-353-0603 Mississippi Opera P.O. Box 1551, Jackson, 877-MSOPERA, 601-960-2300 Mississippi Opry 2420 Old Brandon Rd., Brandon, 601-331-6672 Mississippi Symphony Orchestra 201 East Pascagoula St., Jackson, 800898-5050 Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium 2531 N. State St., Jackson, 601-354-6021 Monte’s Steak and Seafood 1855 Lakeland Dr., Jackson, 601-362-8182 Mugshots 1855 Lakeland Dr., Jackson, 601-713-0383 North Midtown Arts Center 121 Millsaps Ave., Jackson, 601-497-7454 Okasions 1766 Ellis Avenue, Jackson, 601373-4037 Old Venice Pizza Co. 1428 Old Square Rd., Jackson, 601-366-6872 Ole Tavern on George Street 416 George St., Jackson, 601-960-2700
Olga’s 4760 I-55 North, Jackson, 601-366-1366 (piano) One Blu Wall 2906 N State St., Jackson, 601-713-1224 The Parker House 104 S.E. Madison Drive, (Olde Towne) Ridgeland, 601-856-0043 Peaches Restaurant 327 N. Farish St., Jackson, 601-354-9267 Pelican Cove 3999A Harborwalk Dr., Ridgeland, 601-605-1865 Philip’s on the Rez 135 Madison Landing Cir., Ridgeland, 601-856-1680 Pig Ear Saloon 160 Weisenberger Rd., Gluckstadt, 601-898-8090 Pig Willies 1416 Washington St., Vicksburg, 601-634-6872 Poet’s II 1855 Lakeland Dr., 601- 364-9411 Pool Hall 3716 I-55 North Frontage Rd., Jackson, 601-713-2708 Pop’s Saloon 2636 Gallatin St., Jackson, 601-961-4747 (country) Proud Larry’s 211 S. Lamar Blvd., Oxford, 662-236-0050 The Pub Hwy. 51, Ridgeland, 601-898-2225 The Quarter Bistro & Piano Bar 1855 Lakeland Dr., Jackson, 601-362-4900 Que Sera Sera 2801 N. State St., Jackson, 601-981-2520 Queen of Hearts 2243 Martin Luther King Dr., Jackson, 601-454-9401 Red Room 200 S. Commerce St., Jackson (Hal & Mal’s), 601-948-0888 (rock/alt.) Reed Pierce’s 6791 Siwell Rd., Byram, 601376-0777, 601-376-4677 Regency Hotel Restaurant & Bar 420 Greymont Ave., Jackson, 601-969-2141 RJ Barrel 111 N. Union 601-667-3518 Roberts Walthall Hotel 225 E. Capitol St., Jackson, 601-948-6161 Sal and Mookie’s 565 Taylor St. 601368-1919 Sam’s Lounge 5035 I-55 N. Frontage Rd., Jackson, 601-983-2526 Sam’s Town Casino 1477 Casino Strip Blvd., Robinsonville, 800-456-0711 Scrooge’s 5829 Ridgewood Rd., Jackson, 601-206-1211 Shuckers on the Reservoir 116 Conestoga Rd., Ridgeland, 601-853-0105 Silver Star Casino Hwy. 16 West, Choctaw, 800-557-0711 Sneaky Beans 2914 N. State St., Jackson, 601-487-6349 Soop’s The Ultimate 1205 Country Club Dr., Jackson, 601-922-1402 (blues) Soulshine Pizza 1139 Old Fannin Rd., Brandon, 601-919-2000 Soulshine Pizza 1111 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, 601-856-8646 Sportsman’s Lodge 1220 E. Northside Dr. at I-55, Jackson, 601-366-5441 Stone Pony Oyster Bar 116 Commercial Parkway, Canton, 601-859-0801 Suite 106 106 Wilmington St., Jackson, 601-371-8003 Super Chikan’s Place 235 Yazoo Ave., Clarksdale, 662-627-7008 Thalia Mara Hall 255 E. Pascagoula St., Jackson, 601-960-1535 Thirsty Hippo 211 Main St., Hattiesburg, 601-583-9188 Time Out Sports Bar 6270 Old Canton Rd., 601-978-1839 ToMara’s 9347 Hwy 18 West, Jackson, 601502-8580 (pop/rock) Top Notch Sports Bar 109 Culley Dr., Jackson, 601- 362-0706 Two Rivers Restaurant 1537 W. Peace St., Canton, 601-859-9979 (blues) Two Sisters Kitchen 707 N. Congress St. 601-353-1180 Two Stick 1107 Jackson Ave., Oxford, 662236-6639 Under the Boardwalk 2560 Terry Rd., Jackson, 601-371-7332 Underground 119 119 S. President St. 601-352-2322 VFW Post 9832 4610 Sunray Drive, Jackson, 601-982-9925 Vicksburg Convention Center 1600 Mulberry Street, Vicksburg, 866-822-6338 Walker’s Drive-In 3016 N. State St., Jackson, 601-982-2633 (jazz/pop/folk) Whistle Stop Corner Cafe 133 N. Ragsdale Ave., Hazlehurst, 601-894-9901 Wired Expresso Cafe 115 N. State St., 601-500-7800
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
My favorite news source, The Onion, reported on a proposed law that would prohibit marriage between any two people who don’t actually love each other (Onion. com/LoveLaw). Couples whose unions are rooted in mutual antipathy or indifference are, of course, protesting the plan, insisting that they have as much of a right to wed as those who care for each other deeply and treat each other tenderly. Whether or not this proposal becomes a formal part of the legal system, Sagittarius, I urge you to embrace it. In fact, I’ll go so far as to ask you not to do anything at all unless you are at least somewhat motivated by love. The coming months will be a time when your success will depend on your ability to rise to new heights of compassion, romance, eros, tenderness, empathy and affection.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Let’s imagine we’re fifth-century monks living in the land that today is known as the south of France. And let’s say we decide we’re going to build a chapel in a place that has long been a pagan shrine dedicated to the moon goddess Selene. Shouldn’t we consider the possibility that our new house of worship may be imbued with the vibes of the previous sanctuary? Won’t our own spiritual aspirations be colored by those of the people who for hundreds of years poured forth their devotions? Now shift your attention to the present day, and apply our little thought experiment to what’s going on in your life. Tune in to the influences that may be conditioning the new thing you’d like to create.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
I would like to steal your angst, Aquarius. I fantasize about sneaking into your room tonight, plucking your nightmares right out of the heavy air and spiriting them away. I imagine sidling up to you on a crowded street and pick pocketing your bitterness and frustration—maybe even pilfering your doubts, too. I wouldn’t keep any of these ill-gotten goods for myself, of course. I wouldn’t try to profit from them in any way. Instead, I would donate them to the yawning abyss, offer them up to the stormy ocean, or feed them to a bonfire on a primal beach. P.S. Even though I can’t personally accomplish these things, there is now a force loose in your life that can. Are you willing to be robbed of things you don’t need?
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)
In 2011, I bet that memory won’t play as big a role in your life as it has up until now. I don’t mean to say that you will neglect or forget about the past. Rather, I expect that you will be less hemmed in by the consequences of what happened way back then. You’ll be able to work around and maybe even transcend the limitations that the old days and the old ways used to impose on you. Your free will? It will be freer than maybe it has ever been. Your creative powers will override the inertia of how things have always been done.
ARIES (March 21-April 19)
I vividly remember seeing singer Diamanda Galas in concert. Though classically trained, she didn’t confine herself to mellifluous melodies and elegant tones. She was a whirlwind of elemental sound, veering from animalistic bellows to otherworldly chants to operatic glossolalia. It was all very entertaining and often enjoyable. The skill with which she shaped the sound as it escaped her body was prodigious. My companion and I agreed that “she made your ears convulse and your eyes writhe and your skin prickle—but in a good way.” How would you feel about inviting some similar experiences into your life, Aries? The astrological omens suggest this would be an excellent time to seek the rowdy healing that only disciplined wildness can provide.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20)
Here’s a haiku-like poem by Cor van den Heuvel: “The
little girl / hangs all the ornaments / on the nearest branch.” My comment: It’s cute that the girl crams all the decorations onto one small section of the tree, and maybe her parents will keep them that way. But I recommend that you take a different approach as you work to beautify and enliven your environment. Spread out your offerings; distribute your blessings equally; make sure that everything in need of invigoration gets what it requires.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
This is a good time to go in search of any secrets you’ve been hiding from yourself. I suggest you also try to track down the “missing links” that aren’t really missing but rather are neglected. My advice is similar for the supposedly “lost treasure” you’re wondering about: Clues about its whereabouts are lying around in full view for anyone who is innocent enough to see them. P.S. Being uncomplicated isn’t normally your strong suit, but this is one of those rare times when you’ll have an aptitude for it.
CANCER (June 21-July 22)
In the TV comedy series “Arrested Development,” Buster Bluth was an adult character who was a bit over-attached to his mother. It seemed to have to do with the fact that he lingered in her womb for 11 months before agreeing to be born. The obstetrician claimed “there were claw marks on her uterus.” I want to be sure you don’t make a comparable misstep in the coming weeks, Cancerian. It really is time for you to come out and play. Ready or not, leave your protective sanctuary and leap into the jangly, enchanting tumult.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)
I have imaginary friends who help me. And yes, they sometimes even give me ideas for your horoscopes. Are you OK with that? Among the many other perks my secret buddies provide, they show me where my cell phone and car keys are when I’ve misplaced them—a prime sign of their practical value. What’s your current status in regards to imaginary friends, Leo? Do you even have any? This would be an excellent time to seek them out and put them to work. In fact, I encourage you to do anything that
might attract the input of undiscovered allies, behindthe-scenes collaborators, mysterious guidance and divine assistance.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Might there be a message for you in the mist on the window? Can you find a clue to the next phase of your destiny by scanning a newspaper that the wind blows against your leg as you’re walking? Be alert for the undertones, Virgo. Tune in to the subtexts. Scan the peripheries for the future as it reveals itself a little early. You never know when the hidden world might be trying to slip you a tip. You should be alert for the deeper storylines weaving themselves just below the level where the supposedly main plot is unfolding.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
A musician who records under the name of Shamantis took Justin Bieber’s silly pop tune “U Smile,” and slowed it down 800 percent. The new work was a 35-minutelong epic masterpiece of ambient electronica that The New York Times praised as “ghostly” and “oceanic.” More than two million people tuned in to hear it on the Internet. Might there be a comparable transformation in your future, Libra? From an astrological perspective, it’s prime time for you to transform a pedestrian exercise into a transcendent excursion, or a trivial diversion into an elegant inspiration, or a meaningless entertainment into a sublime learning opportunity.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
More than a few wildlife films use deception to fool the audiences into thinking they’re watching animals in the wild. So says Chris Palmer, a producer of many such films. “One classic trick involves hiding jellybeans in carcasses,” he told New Scientist. “If you see a bear feeding on a dead elk in a film, you can be pretty sure that the bear was hired from a game farm and is looking for sweets hidden in the carcass by the film-makers.” I suspect you will encounter a metaphorically comparable ruse or switcheroo sometime soon, Scorpio. It’ll be your job to be an enforcer of authenticity. Be on the lookout for the jellybeans.
What do you foresee happening in the world in 2011? What do you predict for your own life? Write Truthrooster@gmail.com.
Last Week’s Answers
BY MATT JONES
Down
1 “Very sexy!” (hidden in HALF A POUND) 2 “___ you nuts?” 3 Stage actress Hagen 4 California bodybuilding area, after the deer took over? 5 “___ To You” (Lady Antebellum song) 6 “Jersey Shore” guy, slangily 7 Artwork made of tiles 8 University e-mail address suffix 9 Mover in some central air conditioning 10 Delaware’s capital, after the deer take over? 11 Composer in a “Switched-On” record series 12 Cookie in some pie crusts “If Deer Took Over the U.S.”--not even headlights could stop them. 13 Some 18 Georgia metropolis, after the deer 36 Directional ending took over? Across 37 Alternative to a gallop 22 Utah metropolis, after the deer 1 Henri Matisse’s art movement 38 It takes up time when taken up take over? 8 Former “Tonight Show” announcer 39 Word after sports or training 23 Led Zeppelin drummer John Hall 40 Elevator selection 24 Blackbird relative 11 Constricting snake 41 “That’s ___ and you know it!” 25 Lottery come-on 14 Prefix before sclerosis 42 Actor Penn 29 Yankees, on the scoreboard 15 Penn & Teller, e.g. 43 Deaf “Sesame Street” character 31 Pitcher’s stat 16 Sound from a kennel 44 Unit of electrical capacity 32 Like some T-shirt decals 17 Thai cuisine feature 47 “It’ll be ___ day in hell...” 33 Lasagna divider 19 Gnarls Barkley’s ___ Lo 48 Mercury or Saturn, but not Jupiter 34 Financial company with an asterisk 20 Like the god Apocatequil 49 “It Was Written” rapper in its name 21 “Weeds” or “Scrubs” 51 Place for a brace 39 Word after sports or wet 23 Gift wrapping supplies 52 Old school “Rubbish!” 40 Tampa’s st. 26 Chart topper 55 Late rapper Shakur 42 Pastime with a mike 27 “Betty La ___” 57 Bart’s grandpa 45 Arizona’s capital, after being taken 28 Constellation with a belt 58 “Hey wait, that just might work” over by deer? 30 It’s drawn to explain differences 63 Tierra ___ Fuego 46 Did some finger painting 35 Damfool
50 “SNL” alum David 52 Singer Erykah 53 Prefix for geek or mensch 54 It’s yelled on Wall Street 56 Score after deuce, in tennis 59 Newsman Koppel 60 Half of MIV 61 Long time
62 “Brokeback Mountain” director Lee ©2010 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@ jonesincrosswords.com) For answers to this puzzle, call: 1900-226-2800, 99 cents per minute. Must be 18+. Or to bill to your credit card, call: 1-800-655-6548. Reference puzzle #0491.
BY MATT JONES
Last Week’s Answers
“Greater-Than Sudoku”
For this “Greater-Than Sudoku,” I’m not givin’ you ANY numbers to start off with! Adjoining squares in the grid’s 3x3 boxes have a greater-than sign (>) telling you which of the two numbers in those squares is larger. Fill in every square with a number from 1-9 using the greater-than signs as a guide. When you’re done, as in a normal Sudoku, every row, column, and 3x3 box will contain the numbers 1-9 exactly one time. (Solving hint: try to look for the 1’s and 9’s in each box first, then move on to the 2’s and 8’s, and so on). psychosudoku@hotmail.com
jacksonfreepress.com
64 Presidential nickname after Harry 65 Print (or reprint) of a book 66 It usually starts with www. 67 Signed, in a way 68 Saying it’s not so
39
Vegan Delights
dining
Festive Nights
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by Susan Voisin
mouth-watering drink recipe is the perfect excuse for a night in. With hot chocolate or spice tea to tempt your palate and keep you warm, it’s easy to forgo a trip to the mall or to a fast-food joint. Not only are these drinks delicious, they can help you remain frugal this holiday season. Whether it’s a romantic evening or movie night with the kids, there’s nothing better than hot chocolate to inspire the holiday spirit. This recipe is a variation on traditional hot chocolate, with cinnamon and instant coffee giving it a flavorful kick. Its lack of powdered ingredients (with the exception of the coffee) results in a richer, smoother taste than most hot-chocolate recipes. For any holiday occasion, spice tea is the perfect drink. It satisfies those who prefer to skip rich hot chocolate and eggnog, and it’s good for colds and runny noses. This recipe is simple and easy, and can be refrigerated for later use. It can also be left to simmer on the stove for a while, filling the house with fragrant spice aromas.
HOT CHOCOLATE
Over medium heat, whisk together condensed milk and cocoa in a large pot. After the cocoa dissolves, add vanilla and salt. Slowly pour in milk and whisk to combine. (You can use less milk for stronger flavor; I prefer about 5 cups.) Heat through, but do not allow the milk to boil. Once the mixture is hot, add cinnamon and instant coffee and whisk until dissolved. Add as much or as little coffee as you like. Serve the hot chocolate with marshmallows on top, or make fresh, homemade whipped cream, which will add to the rich flavor of the chocolate.
WHIPPED CREAM TOPPING 1 cup heavy whipping cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon sugar
Fresh whipped cream works best when the cream and the bowl used for whipping are extremely cold. Combine the ingredients. Using a hand mixer (or for an arm workout, a whisk) and whip until cream holds stiff peaks.
December 15 - 21, 2010
SPICE TEA
40
2 cinnamon sticks 4 whole cloves Orange slices
Steep tea bags in hot water for about 5 minutes. Add sugar, lemon juice, cloves and cinnamon sticks, and bring to a simmer. Add more or less sugar, depending on your taste. (A half-cup achieves a medium level of sweetness.) Add several orange slices for flavor. Serve hot.
KATIE STEWART
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/8 teaspoon salt 5 to 6 cups milk 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 2 tablespoons instant coffee, or to taste
4 bags black tea 4 cups hot water 1/2 cup sugar, or to taste 1/4 cup lemon juice
SWEET DUMPLING SQUASH STUFFEDWITH LEMON-HERB RICE
by Katie Stewart
3 sweet dumpling or other small winter squash 1 onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cups cooked brown rice 1/4 cup water Juice of 1/2 Meyer lemon (or about 2 tablespoons regular lemon juice) 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1/8 cup fresh parsley, minced 1/8 cup fresh sage, minced 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh, minced) 2 tablespoons pine nuts, lightly toasted salt and freshly ground black pepper
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut the squash in half and remove seeds and strings. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and place face down on an oiled baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes or until tender. (Different types of squash will take different lengths of time. Test by piercing with a fork in thickest areas.) Remove from oven but keep oven
Holiday Cheer(s!)
S
turned on. While the squash are cooking, prepare the lemon-herbed rice. Spray a non-stick pan with olive oil, and sauté the onion over medium-high heat until it begins to brown, about five minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the rice, a quarter-cup water, lemon juice and zest, soy sauce and herbs. Stir well, cover and cook on low heat just until warm. Add the toasted pine nuts, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stuff the rice into the cavities of the squash. Place them upright in a baking dish and drizzle about a teaspoon of water over each. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for about 20 minutes, until hot throughout. Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired. TIP: If you want to make the rice look lemonier, add a little turmeric with the lemon juice. Susan Voisin is a writer, photographer, recipe developer and vegan. Follow her on her website, Fatfree Vegan Kitchen, at blog.fatfreevegan.com.
by Sarah Senff
ome holiday get-togethers are light-hearted and festive, and booze flows freely among friends. Other gatherings are a bit more begrudging, and alcohol becomes the lubricant for surviving hours of enforced frivolity without stabbing Uncle Charlie with a meat fork when he makes the fatal mistake of bringing up politics at the dinner table. Whatever your need, here are a couple of my family’s favorite holiday libations, along with non-alcoholic versions for that designated driver you’ll be sure to include. My grandmother’s Sneaky Pete is a Christmas imperative. It’s like a grown-up slushie. Tart and delicious, it earns its “sneaky” name because the punch from the alcohol sneaks up on you, so drink it slowly. Be sure to plan ahead for this one; it takes a day to freeze because of the high alcohol content. Be sure to choose vodka of 80 proof or higher, or you could end up with a solid Sneaky Pete-sicle instead of crystallized slush. Kids love a Not-So-Sneaky Pete, too. Just substitute the vodka with equal amounts of additional soda for a kid-friendly version. Another family favorite is hot mulled cider; it’s spicy and sweet, and warms you from the inside out. The aroma that fills your home while it mulls is absolutely heavenly. A crock-pot is perfect for this recipe, but a large pot on your stove top works equally well.
HOT MULLED CIDER
1 gallon apple cider 2 medium oranges 1/2 lemon whole cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed 1-1/2 cup brandy or rum (optional) stick cinnamon
To begin, stud the outside of one whole orange with whole cloves. Add it to the cider in a large pot. (You could add the cloves directly, but studding the orange means you don’t have to fish cloves out of your mug.) Thinly slice the remaining orange and half of a lemon and add to the cider along with the brown sugar, cinnamon and allspice. Allow the cider to mull for two to four hours on low, stirring once warm to be sure the sugar dissolves properly. Add the alcohol of your choice just before serving, or leave the bottle next to the pot for guests to add as desired. Garnish each serving with a cinnamon stick.
SNEAKY PETE
12 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed 12 ounces frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed 6-ounce can frozen mixed-fruit juice concentrate, thawed 2 cups cranberry juice 1/2 cup powdered sugar 12 ounces ginger ale 1 quart Fresca Vodka to taste
In a large container, mix thawed concentrates with cranberry juice and sugar until no lumps remain. Add soda and then vodka to taste. (My family generally uses the whole bottle, but we’re a daring lot.) Freeze, stirring occasionally, for 24 hours or until slushy.
Eslava’s Grille Seafood, Steaks and Pasta
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The Holidays
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Hal and Mal’s (200 S. Commerce St. 601-948-0888) Pub favorites meet Gulf Coast and Cajun specialties like red beans and rice, the Oyster Platter or each day’s blackboard special. Plus sandwiches, burgers, nachos and other staples. Repeat winner of Best of Jackson’s “Best Place for Live Music.” Last Call (3716 I-55 N. Frontage Road 601-713-2700) Burgers, sandwiches and po-boys, plus sports-bar appetizers and specialities. Try chili cheese fries, chicken nachos or the shrimp & pork eggrolls. Pay-per-view sporting events, live bands. Martin’s Restaurant and Lounge (214 South State Street 601-354-9712) Lunch specials, pub appetizers (jalapeno poppers, cheezsticks, fried pickles) or order from the full menu of po-boys and entrees. Full bar, massive beer selection and live music most nights. Time Out Sports Café (6720 Old Canton Road 601-978-1839) 14 TVs, 1 projector and two big-screens. Daily $9 lunch specials, pub-style appetizers, burgers, seafood and catfish po-boys, salads, and hot entrees including fish, steak and pasta. Ole Tavern on George Street (416 George St. 601-960-2700) Pub food with a southern flair: beer-battered onion rings, chicken & sausage gumbo, salads, sandwiches and weekly lunch specials. Plus, happy hour 4-7pm Monday through Friday. Poets Two (1855 Lakeland Drive, Suite H-10, 601-364-9411) Pub fare at its finest. Crabcake minis, fried dills, wings, poppers, ultimate fries, sandwiches, po-boys, pasta entrees and steak. The signature burgers come in bison, kobe, beef or turkey! Happy hour everyday til 7 p.m. Sportsman’s Lodge (1120 E Northside Dr. in Maywood Mart) 601-366-5441 Voted Best Sports Bar in 2010, Sportman’s doesn’t disappoint with plenty of gut-pleasing sandwiches, fried seafood baskets, sandwiches and specialty appetizers. Try the award-winning wings in Buffalo, Thai or Jerk sauces! Underground 119 (119 South President St. 601-352-2322) Jumbo lump crabcakes, crab quesadillas, beef tenderloin parfaits, orange-garlic shrimp, even “lollipop” lamb chops. Add a full bar and mix in great music. Opens 4 p.m.-until, Wed-Sat. Wing Stop (952 North State Street, 601-969-6400) Saucing and tossing wings in a choice of nine flavors, Wingstop wings are made with care and served up piping hot. Every order is made fresh to order; check out the fresh cut seasoned fries!
ItalIan BRAVO! (4500 Interstate 55 N., Jackson, 601-982-8111) Wood-fired pizzas, vegetarian fare, plus creative pastas, beef, and seafood specials. Wonderful atmosphere, service and award-winning wine list. Bravo! walks away with tons of Best of Jackson awards every year. Cerami’s (5417 Lakeland Drive, Flowood, 601-919-28298) Southern-style Italian cuisine features their signature Shrimp Cerami (white wine sauce, capers artichokes) along with veal, tilapia, crawfish, chicken and pasta dishes. Now with liquor license! Fratesi’s (910 Lake Harbour, Ridgeland, 601-956-2929) “Authentic, homey, unpretentious” that’s how the regulars describe Fratesi’s, a staple in Jackson for years, offering great Italian favorites with loving care. The tiramisu is a must-have!
southern cuIsIne Mimi’s Family and Friends (3139 North State Street, Fondren) 601-366-6111 Funky local art decorates this new offering in Fondren, where the cheese grits, red beans & rice, pork tacos and pimento cheese are signature offerings. Breakfast and lunch, new days are Tuesday-Sunday. Sugar’s Place (168 W Griffith St 601-352-2364) Hot breakfast and week-day lunch: catfish, pantrout, fried chicken wings, blue plates, red beans & rice, pork chops, chicken & dumplings, burgers, po-boys...does your grandma cook like this? Located downtown near MC Law School. The Strawberry Café (107 Depot Drive, Madison, 601-856-3822) Full table service, lunch and dinner. Crab and crawfish appetizers, salads, fresh seafood, pastas, “surf and turf” and more. Veggie options. Desserts: cheesecake, Madison Mud and strawberry shortcake. Two Sisters Kitchen (707 N. Congress St. 601-353-1180) 2010 Best of Jackson winner for fried chicken offers a sumptious buffet of your choice of veggies, a salad bar, iced tea & one of three homemade desserts. Lunch only. Mon-Friday 11-2, Sun. 10:30-2.
steak, seafood & fIne dInInG Eslava’s Grille (2481 Lakeland Drive, 601-932-4070) Danny Eslava’s namesake feature Latin-influenced dishes like ceviche in addition to pastas, steaks, salads and other signature seafood dishes.
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Rockyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (1046 Warrington Road, Vicksburg 601-634-0100) Enjoy choice steaks, fresh seafood, great salads, hearty sandwiches and much more in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;polished casualâ&#x20AC;? dining room. Open 24/7 in the Riverwalk Casino. Parker House (104 South East Madison Drive, Ridgeland 601-856-0043) European and Creole take on traditional Southern ingredients in Olde Town Ridgeland. Crawfish, oysters, crab and steaks dominate, with creative option like Crab Mac â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;n Cheese, Oysters Rockefeller and Duck Jezebel. Or enjoy lighter fare (and a plate lunch special) during lunch hours! Huntingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grille (1001 East County Line Road, 601-957-3191) Huntington Grille has received Wine Spectators Award of Excellence and Americas Top Restaurant Award from Wine Enthusiast magazine for four years. Menu offers fine Southern food and Gulf Coast choices with a â&#x20AC;&#x153;big gameâ&#x20AC;? twist.
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medIterrANeAN/GreeK/INdIAN Aladdin Mediterranean Grill (730 Lakeland Drive 601-366-6033) Delicious authentic dishes including lamb dishes, hummus, falafel, kababs, shwarma and much more. Consistent award winner, great for takeout or for long evenings with friends. Kristos (971 Madison Ave @ Hwy 51, Madison, 601-605-2266) Home of the famous Greek meatball! Hummus, falafel, dolmas, pita sandwiches, salads, plus seasoned curly fries (or sweet potato fries) and amazing desserts. Mezza (1896 Main St., Suite A, Madison 601-853-0876) Mediterranean cuisine and wood fired brick oven pizzas. Come experience the beautiful patio, Hookahs, and delicious food. Beer is offered and you are welcome to bring your own wine.
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ASIAN STIX (109 Marketplace Lane off Lakeland Dr Flowood 601-420-4058) Enjoy the quick-handed, knife-wielding chefs at the flaming teppanyaki grill; artful presentations of sushi; the pungent seasonings and spicy flavors of regional Chinese cuisines. Nagoya (6351 I-55 North #131 @ Target Shopping Ctr. 601-977-8881) Nagoya gets high marks for its delicious-and-affordable sushi offerings, tasty lunch specials and high-flying hibachi room with satisfying flavors for the whole family. Ichiban (153 Ridge Drive, Ste 105F 601-919-0097 & 359 Ridgeway 601-919-8879) Voted â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best Chineseâ&#x20AC;? in 2010, cuisine styles at Ichiban actually range from Chinese to Japanese, including hibachi, sushi made fresh with seafood, and a crowd-pleasing buffet. Pan Asia (720 Harbor Pines Dr, Ridgeland 601-956-2958) Beautiful ambiance in this popular Ridgeland eatery accompanies signature asian fusion dishes and build-your-own stir-frys using fresh ingredients and great sauces.
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PIzzA Mellow Mushroom (275 Dogwood Blvd, Flowood, 601-992-7499) Pizzas of all kinds, munchies, calzones, grilled hoagies, salads and more make up the extensive and â&#x20AC;&#x153;eclecticâ&#x20AC;? menu at Mellow Mushroom. Award-winning beer selection. Dine in or carry out. The Pizza Shack (1220 N State St. 601-352-2001) 2009 and 2010â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winner of Best Pizza offers the perfect pizza-and-a-beer joint. Creative pizza options abound (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cajun Joe, anyone?â&#x20AC;?), along with sandwiches, wings, salads and even BBQ. Great beer specials! Sal & Mookieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (565 Taylor St. 601-368-1919) Pizzas of all kinds plus pasta, eggplant parmesan and the local favorite: fried ravioli. Voted Best Chef, Best Dessert, Best Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Menu and Best Ice Cream in the 2010 Best of Jackson reader poll.
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mexIcAN/LAtIN AmerIcAN Fuego Mexican Cantina (318 South State Street,601-592-1000) Next to Club Fire in downtown, Fuego is Jacksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all-new Mexican restaurantâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;complete with the monster menu! Nachos, fajitas, tacos, enchiladas, chimichangas, combo plates, even veggie options,are offered right alongside the margarita pitchers you expect. Arriba! King Tortas International Deli (1290 E. County Line Rd, Ridgeland, 601-983-1253) Bakery and taqueria; try the fried plantains!
VeGetArIAN High Noon CafĂŠ (2807 Old Canton Road in Rainbow Plaza 601-366-1513) Fresh, gourmet, tasty and healthy defines the lunch options at Jacksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own strict vegetarian (and very-vegan-friendly) restaurant. Daily lunch specials -- like Mexican day and the seaside cakes on Fridays -- push the envelope on creative and healthy; wonderful desserts!
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www.thepizzashackjackson.com
VOTED BEST PIZZA - BEST OF JACKSON 2010 AND 2009 -
2 NEW PIZZAS & NEW BEERS! Stop in and try our Pizza Margherita and our Cordon Blue Pizza Now Serving Tall Grass Ale and Diamond Bear Pale Ale
December 15 - 21, 2010
Dine-In / Carry-Out
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Mon - Thur: 11am-10pm Fri - Sat: 11am-11pm Sun: 11am - 9pm
601-352-2001 1220 N. State St.
(across from Baptist Medical Center)
CATERING AVAILABLE
At the Market
S
top by the Mississippi Farmer’s Market (929 High St.) this Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a “last hurrah” before they close up shop for the winter. See all your favorite vendors from the Belhaven Market who have found a new home on High Street. Pick up a unique gift or two for someone special on your holiday list.
Handcrafted soaps, $4 and up, watercolor art, $25, April Showers
Baby bib, $18, Coverings for Baby
Handmade rocking chair, $125, Papaw’s Woodwork
Hand-knitted shawl, $35, Hats by Connie Stained-glass mermaid, $35, Moozart Sicilian tomato sauce with fennel, $6 and up, Betty’s Gourmet Delights
Birdhouse (plain), $10, birdhouse condo, $25, Birdhouse Man
Handsewn pillows, $20 and up, Ineke_Roger Pearson
Loofahs, $3 and up, Levee Run Farm
Small beeswax candles, $6, Mississippi Bees
Blue flower earring and pendant set, $22, Nice Glass by Lizz
Handmade soap, washcloth and lip balm set, $20, Bk2NatR 2-pound bag of grits, $5-$7, Delta Grind Fresh cilantro, $1 a bunch, BobKat Farm
Handsewn baby quilt, $40, Carol Thrasher
Mandala art, $25, Magic Mom & Her Mandalas
Sparkly headbands, $7-$12, Melisa Handcrafted Jewelry
Jean purses $10 and up, Rachel Matthews
Necklace, $30, Suzanna McMahan
Salad bowls (set of 4), $80, Windham’s Woodworks Framed doublesided painting, $350, Charles Smith Baked goods, $5, Tiller Biscotti & Cookie Pecan pie, $15, Claude Jones
Goat’s milk soap, $3 and up, Rosemary Garden
Soap dishes, $5, Pendants & More by Amy
Abbott Jewelry (abbottjewelry@gmail.com, 601-3628119 or 769-798-3496); April Showers (jeanetteferg2002@ hotmail.com, 601-421-0223); Betty’s Gourmet Delights (girling2@bellsouth.net, 601-267-9391, 228-326-8649); Birdhouse Man (morrison_billy@bellsouth.net, 601-9395754); Bk2NatR (janis@designbyjanis.com, 601-454-8116); BobKat Farm (bobkatfarms@windstream.net); Carol Thrasher Quilts (662-674-5902); Cathy Parisi (capparisi@aol.com); Charles Smith (601-845-8455); Coverings for Baby (coverings@bellsouth.net, 601-919-0593); Deaf Mama Designs (deafmamadesigns@gmail.com, 662-
607-7017); Dolly Farms (601-638-8540); Hats by Connie (hatsbyconnie@windstream.net, 601-845-8017 or 601-2591598); Ineke_Roger Pearson (pearsonceramics@bellsouth.net); Levee Run Farm (kenleann@bellsouth.net, 662-392-4189; Magic Mom & Her Mandalas (stacywills@ comcast.net, 601-856-3066 or 601-316-0986); Melisa Handcrafted Jewelry (melisakaelee@msn.com); Moozart (moozart1@yahoo.com, 601-957-2601); Mississippi Bees (midas@tecinfo.com or tammieg@tecinfo.net, 601-942-2362); Nice Glass by Lizz (discgolfher1@hotmail.com or discgolfher1@gmail.com); Papaw’s Woodwork (601-845-
0767); Pendants & More by Amy (amy.hayes@rcsd.ms, 601-613-7710); Rosemary Garden (troberts601@aol.com, 601-622-1728); Specialty foods by Claude Jones (601-4975895); Tiller Biscotti & Cookie (tillerco@comcast.net); Vickie Gilbert (Vicgilbert@aol.com, 601-825-9025); Windham’s Woodworks (steve@windhamswoodworks. com, 601-854-5579 or 601-862-8615); Delta Grinds (www. deltagrind.com, 662-202-6822); Pure Honey by Bill and Mary Averitt (601-857-3154 or 601-260-2066); Purses by Rachel Matthews (601-939-7315 or 601-566-8780); Jewelry by Suzanna McMahan (601-260-3098)
jacksonfreepress.com
WHERE2SHOP * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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Toys for You and Me 1
2
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by ShaWanda Jacome and Pamela Hosey Photos by Meredith Norwood
W
ho doesn’t like toys! Whether it’s a bike, train, power tool or some killer stilettos—young and old, we love our toys. Find these cool toys at all your favorite local shopping spots.
1 SunnyBrook RV Bristol Bay 3425 HB, $54,444 msrp, S&S Apache Camping Center 2 LG 42” LCD TV (model 42LD450), $574.99, Cowboy Maloney’s Electric City 3 Makita 7-1/4 in. magnesium circular saw, $149.99, Montgomery Ace Hardware Co. 4 Paintball “player package” gift certificate, $35*, Action Pursuit Games 5 Dartworld Shot Saver, $69.99, The Gameroom Gallery 6 Trek Mystic 20 for girls, $240, Indian Cycle 7 Prince Hybrid 110, $99, Parham Bridges Tennis Center Pro Shop 8 Melissa and Doug rooster puppet, $17.99, Olde Tyme Commissary 9 Melissa and Doug train, $13.99, Olde Tyme Commissary 10 Skateboard, $99, Swell-O-Phonic 11 CHI Ladies Flatiron gift set with croc clutch (available in red, green or blue), $179.99, Brock’s Gift Center and Beauty Salon 12 Collegiate monopoly, $24.99, Brock’s Gift Center and Beauty Salon 13 Science Time fingerprint analysis kit, $13.99, Mississippi Museum of Natural Science 14 Green Earth butterfly kit, $20, Mississippi Museum of Natural Science 15 Corrugated play lands (available in medieval castle, space shuttle and princess carriage), $35, Mississippi Museum of Art 16 JLA trophy room Batman utility belt, $350, Heroes and Dreams 17 Sideshow Collectables Star Wars 12” figures, $69.99-119.99, Heroes and Dreams 18 Estée Lauder Lipstick Luxuries set, $37.50, Belk 19 Tarina Chandelier Favorites earrings, $54.95, Material Girls
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December 15 - 21, 2010
WHERE2SHOP * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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Action Pursuit Games of Brandon (214 Clark Creek Road, Brandon, 601825-1052) *Package includes field fee, all equipment, free nitro/CO2, 500 PB’s and lunch for one person.; Belk (Northpark Mall, 1200 E. County Line Road, Ridgeland, 601-991-2017; Brock’s Gift Center and Beauty Salon (1220 E Northside Drive, Suite 300, 601-366-9343); Cowboy Maloney’s Electric City (Main Location, 1313 Harding St., 601-948-5600); The Gameroom Gallery (660 Ridgewood Road, Ridgeland, 601-853-7777); Heroes and Dreams (5352 Highway 25, Suite 1650, Flowood, 601-992-3100); Indian Cycle Fitness and Outdoor (677 S. Pear Orchard Road, Ridgeland, 601-956-8383); Material Girls (locations in Flowood and Ridgeland, www.shopmaterialgirls.com); Mississipi Musuem of Art (380 S. Lamar St., 601-965-9939); Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (2148 Riverside Drive, 601-354-7303); Montgomery Ace Hardware Co. (2801 Old Canton Road, 601-366-4441); Olde Tyme Commissary (Highland Village, 4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 122, 601-366-0993); Parham Bridges Tennis Center Pro Shop (Parham Bridges Park, 5055 Old Canton Road, 601-956-1105); S&S Apache Camping Center (1820 Terry Road, 601-372-6426); Swell-O-Phonic (Fondren Corner Building, 2761 Old Canton Road, Suite 103, 601-981-3547)
BEEMON DRUGS
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PRESCRIPTIONS
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Buy a party dressďż˝ get 40% oďŹ&#x20AC; accessoriesďż˝
Lamborghini
Buy 1 Outfit, get 15% off Accessories! Free gift wrapping with $50 purchase
310 Mitchell Ave Jackson, MS 601.366.6403
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<0HF>>3 <0AC Hours of Operation: 8am -7pm Monday - Friday 8am -6pm Saturday | Closed on Sunday
A full-service hair salon dedicated to providing great customer service. We offer excellent services using products of the highest quality. Our mission is to promote healthy hair at an affordable price!
Call and schedule an appointment. 1775 Lelia Drive, Ste F | 601-982-7772
Timeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Running out... GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE FOR CHRISTMAS!
16
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210 E Capitol St., Ste 100 â&#x20AC;˘ Jackson
601.944.1188 â&#x20AC;˘ clarkejewelersdowntown.com
Holiday Hours: M-F 9a-6p, Sat. 10a-2p
jacksonfreepress.com
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47
File Ch. 7 & 13 Bankruptcy for $900 + Federal Filing Fee! Invest in your education. ď&#x201A;ˇ Small conversational classes ď&#x201A;ˇ Professional teachers ď&#x201A;ˇ Friendly environment. ď&#x201A;ˇ 601-500-7700 LINGOFEST.COM or find us on
Just $400 Down Flexible Payment Plans Available
Neil B. Snead
Aď?´ď?´ď?Żď?˛ď?Žď?Ľď?š ď&#x153;Ś Cď?Żď?ľď?Žď?łď?Ľď?Źď?Żď?˛ Aď?´ Lď?Ąď?ˇ Jackson â&#x20AC;˘ (601) 316-7147 FREE BACKGROUND INFO. AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Security Cameras â&#x20AC;˘ Attendant On Duty Drop Off Service â&#x20AC;˘ Free Wi-Fi
1046 Greymont Ave. (behind La Cazuela) CALL US AT 601-397-6223!
WE BUY
GOLD Trade your old
Affordable Drug, STD and Paternity Testing
Christmas
Without a physician visit No insurance needed No appointment necessary Confidential
gold for new
presents
Clarke Jewelers Downtown in Regions Bank building
601-944-1188
(offer good at downtown location only)
For as little as $18/wk
Call 601-487-6670 "QQFUJUF 4VQQSFTTBOUT BSF BWBJMBCMF "T MJUUMF BT XL GPS XFFLT
1551 East County Line Rd. Jackson | 601-206-9326
XXX 8FJHIUMPTT+BDLTPO DPN Divorce may be painful But it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be expensive. When you agree to agree, call me. Save thousands of dollars. No Fault Divorce, Flat Fee
Arin Clark Adkins, Attorney, LCSW Jackson - 601.981.1568 Hattiesburg - 601.582.1977